Best Portable Projectors for Outdoor Movie Night

A projector can be a fantastic investment. There’s nothing quite as immersive as watching movies and TV shows on a massive 100-inch or larger screen. In addition to home theatre use, projectors can be dragged outside for a backyard movie party. Check out the best portable projectors for hosting an outdoor movie night!

What to Look for in a Portable Projector

When you’re buying a projector, there’s a lot to consider. Brightness, inputs, features such as keystone and focus, as well as lag are all important. But for a portable projector, additional qualities such as size, weight, and portability matter.

Price: Projectors vary in price from under $200 to tens of thousands of dollars. As such, you’ll want to set a budget and decide whether you want a cheap, mid-range, or high-end projector.

Resolution: Think about resolution. high-resolution 4K and 1080p projectors are widely available, though many non-high definition projectors can be had for a low cost. Generally, 720p, 1080p, or 4K is best although other factors such as brightness impact picture quality.

Throw Ratio: Unlike a television with a fixed screen, projectors can generate images of varying sizes. The further a projector sits from the screen, the larger the resulting picture. The average projector has a longer throw, requiring about 8 to 10 feet to cast a 100-inch image. Short throw projectors need only around four to six feet to fill a 100-inch or bigger screen. And ultra-short throw projectors need a mere few inches to achieve an over 100-inch picture.

Brightness: How bright a projector can get impacts the on-screen image, and how it will hold up with ambient lighting. As a universal rule, every projector will look better under dark conditions. But a high brightness projector can withstand some ambient lighting. If you want to use a portable projector during the early evening before the sun goes down, get a brighter projector. Brightness is measured in ANSI lumens, so don’t be fooled by cheap projectors claiming a high lux rating which is meaningless. Around 3000 ANSI lumens is considered bright enough for remaining clear even under some ambient light.

Smart features: For a self-contained movie night, onboard smart features let you power on a projector and begin streaming straight from built-in apps. A lot of projectors feature Android baked in. Look for an official version of Android rather than a mobile-optimized version of Android. Alternatively, you can simply connect external sources such as streaming devices. If you want to stream from your projector, Wi-Fi is a must-have. Bluetooth is useful for connecting peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and gamepads as well as Bluetooth speakers.

Portability: When selecting a portable projector, having a projector that’s actually portable is key. You’ll need to think about size, weight, and a battery. Find a small, lightweight unit if possible. A built-in battery may be useful since you won’t need to rely on access to a power outlet. However, a portable power station or extension cord can overcome electrical outlet obstacles.

Connectivity: Inputs and outputs are important. HDMI is the most common, although depending on what you want to hook up you may wish to have other ports such as VGA, composite, component, S-Video, or DisplayPort. USB ports let you read files off of flash drives and hard drives, while some USB-C ports can even deliver a video signal.

Audio: While televisions often suffer from tinny audio, sound quality is arguably worse with most projectors. If you want a huge picture, you’ll want equally as robust sound to match. Therefore, an external audio device is recommended. For projectors that have Bluetooth, you can easily connect a wireless speaker. Otherwise, you’ll need a Bluetooth transmitter or a cable such as a 3.5mm AUX cord or TOSLINK optical cable. Still, some projectors with decent onboard audio may be had. Should you desire to use your projector’s built-in speakers, look for audio by JBL, Harman Kardon, or another renowned brand.

Input lag: Gaming on a projector can be notoriously difficult because of input lag. Whereas many computer monitors offer an under 1ms input lag, it’s often a lot higher on projectors. For casual gaming, 50ms or less is acceptable. Under 30ms is even better. And less than 16ms is fantastic for gaming.

Best Portable Projector Overall – Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K

The Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K is an exceptional projector that produces a big, bright, beautiful image. At its core, the aptly-named Cosmos Laser 4K sports a laser light source with a whopping 2400 ISO lumens. There’s Android TV 10.0 thanks to an included streaming dongle, letting you access apps like Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and Disney+. Unlike most smart streaming projectors, the Netflix app works flawlessly.

Image adjustments like auto keystone correction and autofocus ensure speedy setup. You’ll enjoy 3D support for watching 3D Blu-rays. Game Mode and Game Mode Extreme drop input lag down to just under 70ms which is fine for casual gaming, but too high for serious play. The dual speakers, one at 10 Watts and another at 5W, are quite capable at filling up a small- or medium-sized room. At under 10 pounds and with a nifty handle, the Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K is easy to tote around.

Sadly, there’s no battery, though that would certainly drive up its weight. Input lag is fairly high, even in game mode, so the Cosmos Laser 4K isn’t suitable for serious gamers. It’s also pretty pricey with a typical retail price just under $2,500. As a cheaper but still fantastic alternative, check out Anker’s 1080p Nebula Cosmos Laser. All-in-all, the Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K is a phenomenal projector for backyard movie nights.

Pros:

• Extremely bright 2400 ISO lumens
• 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution with pixel shifting
• Laser light source with DLP technology
• Lots of image adjustments including auto-focus and auto-keystone
• Convenient carrying handle
• Android TV 10.0 via included dongle
• Many inputs including HDMI, USB, and Chromecast
• 3D support

Cons:

• Expensive
• No built-in battery
• High input lag

Best 4K Portable Projector – Xgimi Horizon 4K

The Xgimi Horizon Pro 4K is an outstanding portable projector that delivers excellent audio and video. There’s a 3840 x 2160 4K resolution with pixel-shifting. You’ll find Android TV 10.0 onboard for streaming from apps like Disney+, HBO Max, and Plex. Its super bright 2200 ANSI lumens hold up well even with a modest amount of ambient lighting.

Features like auto-focus and auto-keystone make setup a breeze. Intelligent obstacle avoidance adjusts the on-screen image by scaling it when something’s blocking the image view. 3D support lets you pair a set of 3D glasses and watch movies come to life. A low 35ms of input lag in Game Mode is perfectly playable for casual or even moderate gaming.

There’s HDR10 and HLG high dynamic range (HDR) compatibility for a rich, vibrant image. Out of the box, the Xgimi Horizon Pro 4K provides terrific color accuracy and brightness. While its ultra-high-definition (UHD) image looks great, a set of dual 8 Watt Harman Kardon speakers provide best-in-class audio.

Disappointingly, Netflix won’t install on the Xgimi Horizon Pro 4K, although this is true of most smart projectors. Although picture quality is solid, contrast and black levels aren’t cinephile caliber. Despite its portable form factor and light weight, the Horizon Pro lacks an onboard battery, so you’ll need a portable power station or an outlet nearby. Nevertheless, with its 4K resolution, high brightness, and smart streaming features, the Xgimi Horizon Pro 4K is a versatile mobile projector. You may also consider the cheaper but still great 1080p Xgimi Horizon.

Pros:

• 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution with pixel-shifting
• Bright 2200 ANSI lumens
• LED light source
• Auto-focus, auto-keystone (±40 degree), obstacle avoidance
• Supports HDR10 and HLG high dynamic range formats
• Android TV 10.0 onboard
• Built-in Harman Kardon dual 8W speakers
• Low 35ms input lag in game mode
• 3D support

Cons:

• No built-in battery
• Pricey

Best Mid-range Portable Projector – Anker Nebula Solar Portable

The Anker Nebula Solar Portable is a value-packed portable projector. It’s a native 1080p projector with a built-in 3-hour battery. Android TV 9.0 Pie comes standard complete with access to the Google Play store for compatibility with thousands of Android apps. Since the Neubla Solar Portable features an Android OS, there’s Chromecast support.

HDR10 makes colors really pop, and the 400 ANSI lumens are good enough for low light situations. There’s Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, USB-C, and HDMI for great connectivity. Autofocus and quadrilateral keystone make for straightforward setup, and the ability to quickly achieve a perfectly-rectangular image on any surface. A built-in kickstand, as well as a tripod, mount both provide simple installation options.

Unfortunately, despite its Google Play Store functionality, Netflix doesn’t work properly though you can sideload it using Nebula Manager. Only one Bluetooth connection works at a time, so you can’t pair two sets of headphones for simultaneous listening. The dual 3W Dolby Digital Plus-compatible speakers are perfectly adequate but nothing to write home about. Its 400 ANSI lumens can’t handle much ambient light, however low-light situations allow for a bright, crisp image.

A case isn’t included but is available separately. If you don’t need a battery, the Nebula Solar non-portable offers the same specs minus the battery for a slight savings. Anker’s Nebula Mars II Pro ups the lumens to 500 while dropping the resolution to 720P. The Anker Nebula Cosmos and Cosmos Max are brighter at 900 and 1000 ANSI lumens respectively but lose the battery.

Pros:

• Native 1080p
• HDR10
• 400 ANSI lumens
• Built-in 3-hour battery
• Good I/O: HDMI, USB-C, USB Type-A, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
• Kickstand
• Tripod mount
• Autofocus
• Quadrilateral keystone
• Android TV 9.0 Pie with Chromecast support

Cons:

• Not the loudest speakers
• 400 ANSI lumens isn’t the brightest
• Netflix needs to be sideloaded
• Only one Bluetooth connection allowed at a time
• Carrying case sold separately

Best-sounding Mini Portable Projector – Xgimi Halo

The Xgimi Halo (our review) ticks a lot of boxes. It’s respectably bright at 800 ANSI lumens, and the full HD true 1080p resolution shines crisp. Android TV 9.0 Pie comes built-in for access to thousands of streaming apps. In addition to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, there’s an HDMI input for connecting streaming devices, game consoles, PCs, and other devices. A pair of 5W Harman Kardon speakers provide excellent audio quality. 40-degree auto vertical keystone, manual horizontal keystone, and autofocus ensure a perfect picture from any angle. With its 3D capabilities, you can use a pair of 3D glasses for watching 3D movies. A 2-hour battery lets you watch videos wirelessly. In game mode, the Xgimi Halo features an impressive 35-40ms of input lag which is more than suitable for casual gaming.

Despite its portability, the Xgimi Halo doesn’t come with a carrying case. While a USB port is onboard, it’s USB 2.0 not USB 3.1, and no USB-C port is to be found. The contrast ratio could be a bit better, granted only cinephiles will notice. Overall, the Xgimi Halo is the best-sounding mini portable projector for backyard movie nights. Alternatively, the slightly cheaper Xgimi MoGo Pro and MoGo Pro Plus are worthy choices. Both include a native 1080p resolution, Android 9.0 Pie, and 300 ANSI lumens with the MoGo Pro+ adding automatic vertical and horizontal keystone, laser autofocus, an integrated stand, and a larger battery than the vanilla MoGo Pro.

Pros:

• 800 ANSI lumens
• 2-hour battery life
• Great connectivity: HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
• Excellent 2 x 5W Harman Kardon speakers
• 3D support
• Tripod mount
• Autofocus
• 40-degree horizontal/vertical keystone
• Android TV 9.0 Pie

Cons:

• Could be brighter
• No kickstand or tripod included
• Lacks a carrying case
• Only USB 2.0, no USB 3.0 or USB-C

Best Value Portable Laser Projector for Outdoor Movies – Epson EpiqVision EF12

Laser projectors deliver many benefits including high brightness and long, maintenance-free operation. With its onboard Android TV operating system, the Epson EpiqVision EF12 is a solid mini portable projector. Boasting a full 1080p native resolution, HDR, and 1000 lumens, the EpiqVision EF12 can output a big, bright image. At 4.6 pounds and 6.9 x 6.9 x 5.0 inches, the EF12 is fairly lightweight and compact. The built-in Android streaming ecosystem makes the EpiqVision into a self-contained media streaming device, complete with a good set of stereo Yahama speakers.

Attractive and cube-shaped, there’s a lot to like about the EpiqVIsion EF12. Its stereo Yahama speakers sound excellent, especially for the size, Android TV comes baked in, and amenities such as autofocus as well as auto vertical and horizontal keystone let you achieve a perfectly rectangular image with minimal setup.

Unfortunately, the 1000 lumens aren’t terribly bright. Strangely despite its onus on portability, the EF12 forgoes a battery, so you’ll need a nearby power socket, extension cord, or portable power station. The 1080p resolution and HDR combine for great image quality, although its middling contrast ratio will disappoint cinephiles. Nevertheless, The EpiqVision EF12 is a fantastic Android TV-powered mini projector that’s perfect for outdoor movie nights.

Pros:

• Android TV built-in
• Native 1080p resolution
• Laser projector
• Up to 150-inch image
• Yahama speakers
• 1000 lumens
• Autofocus
• Auto vertical and horizontal keystone
• 4.6 lbs.

Cons:

• No battery
• Middling contrast ratio
• Not the brightest at 1000 lumens

Best Budget Portable Projector – ViewSonic M2

ViewSonic’s M2 is a good mini projector for watching movies. It features a baked-in streaming ecosystem plus USB-C connectivity lets you run the M2 off of a power bank. Despite its tiny form factor, the ViewSonic M2 produces big results with the capability to cast an over 100-inch image, native 1080p resolution, and 1200 lumens. At under 3 pounds, the M2 is light enough to easily tote around. Autofocus as well as auto vertical and horizontal keystone let you quickly get a perfectly-rectangular image. Bluetooth connectivity allows you to pipe audio into an external speaker, while the dual Harman/Kardon stereo speakers pump surprisingly decent sound from the projector itself.

12GB of storage space is more than ample for app installations. Aside from the built-in streaming ecosystem, the ViewSonic M2 includes HDMI 2.0, USB 3.1 Type-C, USB 2.0 Type-A, and micro USB. You’ll find 125% Rec.709 color coverage for accurate, punchy colors. Oddly considering its portability, the M2 doesn’t include a battery. Instead, it’s compatible with USB-C battery packs. Operating on battery power drops the brightness down to 50% in full mode and 30% in eco mode. Image quality is great, though for the price you can get a better picture, albeit at the expense of portability. With an excellent all-around feature set and a tiny footprint, the ViewSonic M2 is the best value portable projector that money can buy.

Pros:

• Native 1080p resolution
• 1125% Rec.709 color coverage
• Great I/O: HDMI 2.0, USB-C, USB 3.1, micro USB, AUX output, microSD card
• Harman/Kardon stereo speakers
• Less than 3 lbs.
• Built-in streaming platform
• Autofocus
• Auto horizontal and vertical keystone
• 8.8″x2.9″x8.8″
• 1200 lumens
• Capable of being powered by an external battery pack

Cons:

• No built-in battery
• Not the brightest
• Running off battery power drops the brightness down to 50% in full mode and 30% in eco

Best Budget Mini Projector – BenQ GV1

The soda can-sized BenQ GV1 (our review) is tiny but mighty. At 200 ANSI lumens and an 854 x 480 (480p) resolution, you wouldn’t expect much. However, the GV1 manages to produce a crisp, bright image that far surpasses many higher-resolution projectors. It’s powered by 1GB of LPDDR3 RAM with 8GB of eMMC. Android 7.1.2 comes baked for streaming from native Android apps, or you can cast from phones, tablets, and PCs. Additionally, the BenQ GV1 includes a USB-C input for USB-C to USB-C or HDMI to USB-C connectivity.

There’s a battery built-in and a surprisingly loudspeaker. What’s more, the BenQ GV1 may be used as a Bluetooth speaker for streaming from devices such as phones and MP3 players. Auto vertical keystone makes it simple to make sure your picture is perfectly straight. Sadly, the GV1 opts for a manual focus wheel, although it’s easy enough to focus the projector manually. A great contrast ratio and LED light source to compensate for the low resolution and lumens, so real-world performance lends a bright-looking, crisp image.

The 200 ANSI lumens are pretty low, however, and 720p at least would have been nice. The version of Android onboard is tablet-optimized so it can be tough to navigate. What’s more, the GV1 doesn’t have Google Play access, instead relying on the Aptiode app store. As such installing Android apps can be cumbersome. There’s no traditional full-size HDMI, although the USB-C port lets you hook up HDMI sources using an HDMI to USB-C adapter. Nevertheless, the BenQ GV1 boasts incredibly impressive picture quality,

Pros:

• 200 ANSI lumens
• Auto vertical keystone
• 480p
• 16.7 million colors
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
• Android built-in
• 5W speaker, can be used as a portable speaker

Cons:

• Not the brightest
• Non-HD resolution
• Lacks auto-focus
• No full-size HDMI input
• Runs a tablet-optimized version of Android

Best Portable 4K Projector – Optoma UHL55

Sporting a 4K resolution, HDR10, and 1500 lumens, the Optoma UHL55 is an ultra-high definition portable projector. There’s a 250,000:1 contrast ratio for spectacular image quality. A pair of 8W stereo speakers provide enough power to fill a small to medium-sized room, while Bluetooth lets you send wireless audio signals to external speakers. The LED light source benefits from a long 15,000-hour life span. In addition to its streaming ecosystem with access to apps like Netflix and Hulu, the UHL55 boasts Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility. With 4K UHD HDR, the Optoma UHL55 delivers lifelike images with little to no tweaks out-of-the-box.

Unfortunately for gamers, its input lag hovers around 60ms which is fine for casual gaming, but too high for more serious video games. Moreover, its HDR performance can’t match that of dedicated home cinema projectors. Nevertheless, the Optoma UHL55 is extremely portable touting 4K UHD with HDR, a strong set of speakers, smart features, and the ability to double as a Bluetooth speaker.

Pros:

• 4K UHD with HDR
• Android – Smart streaming apps (i.e. Netflix)
• Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa onboard
• Great out-of-the-box image quality
• LED light source with 15,000-hour life span
• Portable – comes with a handle
• Doubles as a Bluetooth speaker
• Great connectivity: HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2, USB, VGA, SPDIF optical audio out
• WI-Fi, Bluetooth
• 1500 lumens
• 250,000:1 contrast ratio

Cons:

• Average HDR performance
• High input lag (around 60ms)
• No built-in battery

Best Portable Short-throw Projector – ViewSonic X10-4KE

Whereas many portable projectors require around 10 feet to cast a 100-inch or larger image, the ViewSonic X10-4KE requires just over 5 feet. A short-throw 4K projector, the X10-4KE delivers a bright, crisp image with a 3840 x 2160 resolution and 2400 lumens. An Android OS comes built-in for streaming from apps such as Netflix and YouTube as well as access to Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Its LED light source yields a 30,000-hour lamp life, while Rec.709 and HDR combine for lush visuals. Dual Harman Kardon speakers provide room-filling audio, or you can connect an external speaker with Bluetooth.

Its handle, leather lens cover, and sleek metal body make the ViewSonic X10-4KE highly portable. Auto keystone and autofocus let you easily achieve a straight image within minutes. 2GB of RAM and 16GB of onboard storage mean that streaming from built-in apps is smooth, or you can connect devices to its HDMI port. There’s also USB Type-C, USB Type-A, Ethernet, audio input and output jacks, microSD, and an optical SPDIF audio output. Out-of-the-box color accuracy is top-notch.

Disappointingly, its baked-in Android OS is limited to the Aptiode app store, and as such many apps such as Netflix don’t work properly. Still, you can connect dedicated streaming boxes or game consoles as a workaround. At around 70ms, input lag is too high for serious gamers, though casual gaming should be fine. The ViewSonic X10-4KE is hands-down the portable short-throw projector available.

Pros:

• 2400 lumens
• 4K UHD with HDR10 and HLG
• LED light source
• 30,000-hour lamp life
• 3D
• Harman Kardon speakers
• Autofocus and auto keystone
• 2GB RAM, 16GB storage
• Android smart features
• Great connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, USB, USB-C, SPDIF optical
• Highly portable – includes handle and lens cover
• Excellent color accuracy out-of-the-box
• Short-throw – 100 inches at 5.9 feet

Cons:

• No official Google Play Store access
• High input lag (70ms)
• No built-in battery

Best Portable UST Projector – EliteProjector MosicGO Ultra-Short Throw Projector

The EliteProjector MosicGO (our review) is the best portable UST projector on the planet. While short-throw projectors need only around four or five feet to cast an over 100-inch image, an ultra-short throw (UST) projector needs a mere few inches. As such, placement options are super simple. Unlike the average standard or short-throw projector, a UST projector sits directly in front of the screen so you don’t have to worry about running wires and cables around, or someone walking in front of the light source.

There’s an integrated 37200mAh power bank for operating on battery power or juicing up other devices using its power deliver feature. IPX2 ruggedization means you won’t have to worry about the elements when using the MosicGO outside. An LED light source with 25,000 lamp hours provides a bright 1000 lumen image. The native 1080p resolution and 20,000:1 contrast ratio offer a gorgeous picture. At under 1 pound, the EliteProjector MosicGO is extremely portable. What’s more, its low 17ms input lag is superb for gaming.

Admittedly, the 1000 lumens are fairly low. And 4K would be nice. But the mini EliteProjector MosicGO packs quite a punch, hitting well above its weight class as a good UST projector that’s portable and excellent for gaming.

Pros:

• 1000 ANSI lumens
• Native 1080p resolution
• 20,000:1 contrast ratio
• Ultra-short throw – over 100-inch image from a few inches away from the screen
• 1 pound
• Portable – includes 372000mAh battery with power bank capabilities
• 17ms input lag – excellent for gaming
• IPX2 water and dust resistance

Cons:

• Only 1000 lumens
• Not 4K

Best Portable Projector for Business – AAXA 4K1

AAXA’s 4K1 (our review) is an impressive, ultra-portable LED projector. The 30,000 hour LED light source is bright with up to 1500 lumens. Dual HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2 let you hook up tons of devices including streaming boxes, game consoles, Blu-ray players, and PCs. Its remote electric focus works well for maintaining a crisp image, while the dual 2W speakers provide solid audio. A host of inputs including USB and microSD let you connect flash drives and other peripherals. Small and battery-powered, the AAXA 4K1 handles business and home theatre use with equal grace.

Though there is a built-in battery, the AAXA 4K1 drops down its brightness on battery power, a commonality among almost all projectors with batteries. While the 4K UHD resolution and 1500 lumens are vivid, especially in a dark room, the color accuracy isn’t as on point as a dedicated home theatre projector. Still, the AAXA 4K1 delivers a 4K resolution in a small, versatile package that’s as comfortable in the board room as it is the basement.

Pros:

• 4K UHD resolution
• LED light source with 30,000-hour lamp life
• 1500 lumens
• 2000:1 contrast ratio
• Excellent connectivity: HDMI, USB, microSD

Cons:

• Lacks 3D capabilities
• Middling color accuracy
• Not the brightest

Best Portable Projector With Power Bank – WeMax Dice

Not only is the WeMax Dice a high-quality portable projector, but the Dice doubles as a power bank for charging up other devices. There’s a native 1080p resolution and 700 ANSI lumens. You’ll find keystone correction and a three-hour battery. Its built-in streaming platform lets you install thousands of apps, while a handle contributes to portability. The cube-shaped WeMax Dice (hence the name “Dice”) is easily portable. And the ability to use the Dice as a 5V1A power bank means you can connect a streaming stick, laptop, or game console to the WeMax while powering it, all from the same device. Therefore, the WeMax Dice makes an awesome tailgate companion.

Unfortunately, the built-in streaming ecosystem does have Google Play access but some apps like Netflix don’t work properly, so you’ll want an external streaming device. While the 700 ANSI lumens is more than fine for dark rooms, it’s not suitable for ambient lighting. Alternatively, you may also consider the similarly specced AAXA M7 (our review) which also sports power bank functionality. Overall, the WeMax Dice is a unique portable projector with power delivery in a convenient package.

Pros:

• Native 1080p resolution
• 700 ANSI lumens
• 3-hour battery with power delivery (16000mAh battery)
• Autofocus and auto keystone
• Android onboard with Google Play
• Great connectivity: HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Chromecast

Cons:

• Low lumens
• Not 4K
• No 3D

Best Budget Smart Portable Projector – Xiaomi Mi Smart Projector

The Xiaomi DLP Mi Smart Projector is an outstanding unit. Connectivity is respectively with an HDMI, USB 3.0, 3.5mm audio jack, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Its Android TV 9.0 interface lets you download Android apps straight to the Mi DLP projector. Alternatively, you can hook up streaming boxes, Blu-ray players, and game consoles. In addition to the ability to download apps such as Netflix, Hulu, and Plex, you can connect to SMB and DLNA servers for in-home streaming from your home server.

At around $500 USD, the Mi Smart projector remains reasonably-priced. The 500 ANSI lumens are a bit low, so you’ll want a dark room for viewing. Additionally, there is some latency meaning competitive gaming is out. But for casual gaming, the Xiaomi DLP smart projector is more than up to the challenge. Not Enough Tech appreciated the self-contained streaming platform that the Xiaomi provides with good onboard audio, impressive picture quality, and a great streaming ecosystem. For an all-in-one smart projector, the Xiaomi DLP Mi Smart Projector is a fantastic portable projector that won’t break the bank.

Pros:

• Native 1080p
• Android TV 9.0 Pie
• 10W speakers
• LED light source with 30,000-hour lifespan
• 500 ANSI lumens
• Good connectivity: HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm AUX jack
• Autofocus
• HDR10 decoding
• Google Assistant onboard

Cons:

• Low lumens
• High input lag
• Lacks a built-in battery

Best Portable Projectors for All Budgets – Final Thoughts

Ultimately, there are loads of portable projectors that fit a variety of needs. Xgimi’s Horizon Pro 4K and the Anker Nebula Laser are the best portable projectors overall. For shorter throws, the EliteProjectors MosicGO and ViewSonic X10-4KE are excellent options. The Xiaomi Mi DLP Smart Projector, BenQ GV1, WeMax Dice, and Anker Nebula Solar Portable deliver a big picture on a modest budget. Optoma’s UHL55 is a complete home cinema in a box complete with 4K HDR visuals and surprisingly loud speakers. The Epson EpiqVision EF12 and ViewSonic M2 meanwhile feature onboard streaming ecosystems and good visual quality for well-rounded packages, and the AAXA 4K1 is a versatile projector that’s great for work and play.

Your turn: What portable projectors do YOU recommend for backyard movie nights?