10 Best Mini Projectors to Upgrade Your Next Movie Night
When you’re not quite in the mood to head out to the theater and streaming the latest release from your laptop (check out our favorites) or iPhone just won’t do, we have a solution: mini projectors.
While they may not offer the same experience as going to the cinema IRL, a great portable projector (that comes equipped with built-in speakers and surround sound effects) is the next best thing – plus, you don’t have to leave your bedroom. When used properly, nearly every option on the market can transform your viewing experience from ordinary to completely immersive thanks to vibrant picture quality and projections in screen sizes that rival the real thing. While the cheaper mini projectors on this list (most here are under $100), might not be as bright as their bigger brethren, you can’t beat the fact that you can easily bring them with you wherever you go, whether you’re camping, or staying put in a small room.
We’ve rounded up the best mini projectors that’ll will help elevate your Netflix binge-watching session, no matter your budget. As long as you have a light-colored wall or projection screen handy, the projectors on this list can be used both indoors and outdoors.
The greatest part? All of our picks are easy to use and don’t take up a lot of space, making mini projectors an ultimate dorm room essential. So toss on your cute pajamas, dim the lights, and get ready for a professional-level movie night from the comfort of your home.
The Best Mini Projectors
Best Overall: Vamvo L4200 Portable Mini Projector
Best Budget Mini Projector: Tontion 3400 Lux Video Projector
Best Sound: Anker Nebula Capsule
Best for Travel: Miroir Micro Projector
Best Mini Projector for Gaming: Funcilit Mini Video Projector
Which portable mini projector should I buy?
Deciding which mini projector to purchase comes down to a matter of taste, your needs, and of course, your budget. Consider what device you’ll be streaming the content from, the size you’d like the picture to show up, and how much you’re willing to spend. Stick with the mini projectors on this list and you can’t go wrong!
Highest Reviewed Mini Projector: Vamvo L4200 Portable Mini Projector
With over 2,600 five-star reviews, the Vamvo L4200 definitely wins the award for the most-loved mini projector on Amazon. Equipped with multiple ports to support any device of your choosing, it boasts a 49- to 200-inch projection size with a projection distance of 4.9 to 15 feet. Its built-in dual stereo speakers will save you the trouble of connecting the projector to an external speaker, and it even comes with a sleek carrying case for ultimate portability. Thanks to a two-year money-back guarantee, you can be sure this mini projector is a safe investment to make.
Best Value Mini Projector: Tontion 3400 Lux Video Projector
Clocking in at just $60, the Tontion 3400 is one of the most affordable mini projectors on our list. Its budget-friendly price point doesn’t compromise quality. According to reviewers, it can project onto a wall or screen from up to 12 feet away with stellar image quality. The projector’s display sizes range from 37 to 50 inches, but it’s still small and light enough to be taken from place to place. A note: Though portable, this pico projector needs to be plugged into an outlet, so if you’re using it outside, be sure to have an extension cord at the ready.
Best Mini Projector Under $100: 3Stone Mini Projector
If you’re looking for a professional-grade mini projector for under $100, this might be the one for you. The 3Stone mini projector can project images from 32 to 176 inches with a projection distance from 4.9 to 16.4 feet, and it features built-in high magnetic speakers for surround-sound effects that will make anywhere feel like the movie theater. In case you’re not sold yet, take it from one of the pico projector’s many rave reviews.
Best 360-Degree Sound Projector: Anker Nebula Capsule
This highly rated Amazon find features a 360-degree Bluetooth speaker that projects sound in every direction while also, of course, projecting your favorite show or movie. It can project up to 100 inches and has two rear ports to connect via USB or HDMI input. Want to ditch the wires? You can connect your device wirelessly and watch a whole movie without being plugged into an outlet since each charge powers the device for four hours of movie play (or 30 hours of music play). The tiny projector weighs just over a pound and is just under five inches tall (with a 2.6″ diameter). The portable projector is available in black and red.
Best High-Quality Mini Projector: Miroir Micro Projector
The Miroir M75 Micro Projector is another one of the most affordable high-quality pico projectors in the game, and it has great reviews. “You will not believe how such a tiny projector that fits in the palm of your hand can pack a powerful punch in bright colors on your wall or screen,” wrote one Amazon customer. Just have your AV adapter handy and you’ll have everything you need to project crystal clear movies, shows, and video games at a screen size of up to 50 inches.
Best Lightweight Portable Mini Projector: Artsea Portable Projector
This small projector from Artsea is an Amazon’s Choice product for mini projectors, and it’s no secret why. At 5.7 inches long and 3.2 inches wide, it weighs less than a pound and is super easy to transport on the go. It allows you to project the screen of your smartphone, laptop, tablet, or gaming console at a size of up to 130 inches wide. For the clearest, brightest resolution possible, the brand recommends using a projector screen, but you’ll also get great results projecting onto a light-colored wall, especially if you turn off the lights or use it outside when it’s dark.
Best Wireless Mini Projector: PVO Portable Projector
The PVO Portable Projector is one powerful pocket projector. It can project a maximum of 170 inches. The wireless mini projector also comes with a USB port, so you can even use it to play media from a flash drive! With integrated speakers, a detachable tripod, and a carrying case, this could be your one-stop purchase for all your at-home movie screening needs.
Best Multi-Screen Mini Projector: Funcilit Mini Video Projector
Funcilit’s portable projector could be yours for less than $100. Though it only has a few reviews, each one raves that it’s an amazing value for the price. Connect your device via AV or HDMI port to view your favorite shows, movies, and games at sizes up to 150 inches. The portable movie projector even supports TV stick devices like Roku, Chromecast, and Amazon Fire. This baby has everything it takes to turn your bedroom into a home theater.
Best Ultra Mini Projector: Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector
Also from KODAK, this powerful palm-sized projector is even smaller and lighter. It weighs exactly 1 pound (nearly half the weight of the 1.81-lb KODAK Luma). It’s a great-quality mini projector, as well, but its display size is smaller (it projects up to a 100″ screen size). It also comes with a less expensive price tag. Reviewers gave this projector high praise: “I am so glad I found this projector. It’s way more affordable than the other ones out there … I love the look and design of this projector. It’s super cute, seems well made, and is definitely compact enough to travel with.
Best Short Throw Lens: ViewSonic M1 Portable WVGA LED Home Projector
Another one of the best portable projectors is this pick from ViewSonic with Harman/Kardon speakers and remote control. The short-throw lens lets you display a huge picture even from a short distance. As for connectivity, you can connect just about every device in every way you can imaging, including media players, PCs, Macs, iOS, and Android mobile devices. It weighs a scant 1.5 pounds, which makes it oh-so-easy to toss in your backpack and take on the go. For a more affordable option, you can also shop the smaller resolution version, available at Staples.
