Do you travel a lot? Whether you take lots of business trips or family vacations, there are certain things you'll want to pack with you. One such item is a projector. While projectors used to be large and bulky long ago, these days, projectors are lightweight and compact. Portable projectors are easy to travel with, as well as easy to set up. If you are shopping for the best portable projectors, you have come to the right place. Today, we'll take a look at the best portable projectors, as well as a complete guide on how to choose the best portable projector. I hope this article helps answer all of your questions. Let's get started!
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Things To Consider When Shopping For the Best Portable Projector
Photo by Alex Litvin on Unsplash
There are many important considerations you must ask yourself when shopping for the best portable projector. All projectors are made differently, so it is important to consider what kind you are looking for. As you will see later in this article, there are many different types of projectors. There are also many unique features that some portable projectors have. By going over these considerations, you will be able to decide which portable projector will fit your needs best. Let's take a look at some considerations to ask yourself when shopping for the best portable projector. Remember to keep these considerations in mind as you scroll through the top ten best portable projectors later in this article.
1. How Bright Is It?
The first consideration to ask yourself is how bright the projector is. In order to determine if a projector has enough light to produce bright images, check the ANSI Lumens rating. The ANSI Lumens rating will tell you how much light that a projector can put out. For example, projectors with 1,000 ANSI Lumens or greater have enough brightness for home theater use. You must consider how large the room is and how far away the screen is to decide how many lumens your projector will need to have.
2. How Can It Be Plugged In?
Another important consideration is how the projector plugs in. Projectors can plug in many different ways. Most portable projectors will have HDMI, a port that lets you plug almost any device into it. Some may have a mini HDMI port, which means you'll need a special cable. Some may have a USB, while others are wireless. Wireless projectors are nice because you can broadcast from your smartphone or tablet. Another option is to buy a portable projector that has batteries. Decide how you want your portable projector to be connected.
3. Does It Have Built-In Speakers?
Consider if your portable projector has built-in speakers. It may be a good investment to buy a projector that has built-in speakers because you won't have to worry about buying separate speakers. This will save you space too, as you won't have to bring speakers with you.
4. Is A Projector Right For You?
Before we go much further, consider if a projector is for you. Many people choose to use a projector because the experience is even better than a TV. Also, some people need to use a projector for their business. That said, using a projector requires more considerations and steps than buying a TV. You must consider if there is enough distance in the room between your projector and the screen.
You'll also need to buy a screen and install it. There are multiple ways to install a screen. One way is to mount a manual or motorized drop-down screen from your ceiling. Another option is to mount a fixed screen to your wall. You can also paint your wall with a projection-screen paint. If none of these options will work for you, you can try using a projector on a plain wall. While it helps to have a screen, a wall will work as a screen.
Types Of Portable Projectors
There are two main types of projectors: DLP (Digital Light Processing) and LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). However, there are also many options available, such as what the lights are made of and what the coloring is like. Here is a quick guide to the differences between DPL and LCD projectors.
What Is a DLP Projector?
DLP stands for Digital Light Processing. It has been used for many different video display platforms, but it is most commonly used with projectors. So, how do DLP projectors work? First, a lamp passes light through a spinning color wheel. Next, that light bounces off of a single chip (referred to as a DMD chip) that has a surface covered with microscopic-sized tilting mirrors. The reflected light patterns then pass through the lens. As a result, they then go onto the screen.
What Are LCD Projectors?
LCD stands for “Liquid Crystal Display”. Unlike DLP, LCD is most commonly used for TVs. However, it is also commonly used with projectors. The video projector utilizes 3 specially designed LCD Chips to create and project images on an external screen. The three LCD chips contain the same number of pixels that equals the display resolution of the projector.
What About Lamp, LED, and Laser Projectors?
In addition to DPL and LCD projectors, there are also different light sources that projectors can be made from. These light sources include lamp, LED, and Laser. Video projectors that use lamps need to be changed after about 3,000 to 4,000 hours of viewing. That said, there are projectors that have upwards of 5,000 hours. As for using LEDs and/or Lasers as light sources, they have a much longer life. They can sometimes have 20,000 hours or more. Therefore, if you want a projector that lasts a long time before needing changing, it is recommended to get an LED or Laser projector.
Why Do I Need A Portable Projector?
Photo by Franck V. on Unsplash
You may be wondering why you need a portable projector. Well, there are many reasons why a portable projector may be useful for you. While buying a projector requires a lot more considerations than buying a TV, a projector is definitely worth purchasing. Let's take a look at some reasons why you may want to buy a portable projector.
1. Portable Projectors Are Compact
The first reason why a portable projector is a good investment is that it is compact and portable. Over the years, projectors have become more and more compact. Not only are portable projectors smaller than other projector options, but they are also smaller than the average TV. This makes them a great option even if you don't plan on traveling with your projector.
2. Larger Screen Than A TV
While you can buy large TVs these days, you may not be able to afford such a large TV. Or perhaps you don't have enough room in your home to install a large-screened TV. What's nice about a portable projector is that it is compact, yet it can provide a larger screen than most TVs. This allows you to comfortably watch a movie without trying to strain your eyes to see what's going on.
3. Projectors Are Healthier For Your Eyes
As you may already know, too much screen time can damage your eyes. Looking at a screen can cause dry eyes, red eyes, and nearsightedness. With projectors, though, your eyes are more comfortable due to the effect that reflected light has on the eyes. Television, unlike projectors, use emitted light, which can hurt your eyes. Another reason why your eyes are more comfortable with a projector is that you don't have to strain your eyes to see the screen. Since projectors have larger screens, eyestrain is less common when you're watching a movie on a projector screen.
4. Portable Projectors Are Inexpensive
Compared to TVs, portable projectors are inexpensive. Portable projectors often cost under $50, which is fairly cheap. Even though some projectors cost over $100, most portable projectors are inexpensive. All in all, portable projectors are worth investing in, as you'll have it for years to come.
Best Portable Projector Options
Now that we've taken a look at tips for choosing the best portable projector, it is time to start shopping! Let's take a look at the top ten best portable projector options on the market. Be sure to keep in mind the considerations that I went over earlier as you scroll through these portable projectors. With that being said, let's dive in!
1. APEMAN Mini Portable Projector
This portable projector is small enough to fit inside your pocket, as it measures under 4 inches. It is also extremely lightweight, weighing only 0.44 pounds. The advanced DLP technology provides 70% brighter image and 50% sharper image. It can achieve 30″ to 100″ big display screen size. This portable projector has a good sound level, as it comes with built-in speakers. It will also last a long time. The lens is estimated to last 45000 hours. This portable projector can connect to your laptop, DVD, tablet, camera, PS3/4, smartphone, and many other devices via HDMI port. The 360° rotation tripod gives it a firm stand. Overall, this is a great projector to consider purchasing. While it is more expensive than other products, it is definitely high-quality and durable.
2. Wsiiroon LED Projector
Looking for a projector that is up to date with the newest technology. Check out this LED projector, which is one of the newest models and is designed with the newest technology. It uses 3000 lumens, has an aspect ratio of 4:3/16:9, and a contrast ratio of 2000:1, which provides a clearer and more vivid viewing. The 45,000-hour lamp life allows you to use this projector for many years to come. It features built-in speakers so that you don't have to worry about buying separate speakers. You also don't have to worry about the fan on this projector being loud either. The dual fan design features an innovative cooling system with heat dispersion, as well as a noise suppression technology, which cuts the fan sound in half.
This LED projector can be connected to almost any device, including iPhones, iPads, Android devices, laptops, PCs, MacBook, XBOX, PS3/PS4, DVDs, Headphones, TV, TV boxes, and more devices with multiple built-in ports. There is no need to buy extra adapters. Keep in mind that this model is not recommended for PPT or office presentation. It comes with remote control, which is a nice feature. Some customers mentioned that the buttons on the remote control glow in the dark, which makes it easier to see what you are pressing. All in all, this is a great product to consider buying.
3. Pico Mini Portable Projector
The Pico Mini Portable Projector is compact and lightweight, measuring 0.8 by 3.2 by 5.7 inches. It weighs just 0.51 pounds, making it easy to carry. It is small enough to fit in your pocket. Featuring a 4500mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery this product will last about two hours on a charge. It has about 20000 hours of lifespan and 100 ANSI lumens for brightness. You can connect it with your iOS devices via Airplay, Android devices via Miracast, and Laptop/PS5/Xbox via HDMI input port.
If you're interested in having a night of entertainment as you watch movies, this product is what you're looking for. It will provide up to 120″ projection in a dark environment. However, it is not recommended for business presentations. This portable projector includes remote and mini tripod for easy setup. All in all, this is a great portable projector to consider buying.
4. QKK Mini Projector Full HD LED Projector 1080P Supported
This next portable projector can be used both indoors and outdoors. It is not recommended for PPT presentations but instead is recommended for movie nights and video games. It supports 1920*1080 resolution with 50,000 hours of lamp life. A unique feature on this portable projector is that you can use two USB thumb drives at the same time. Not many portable projectors have this feature, so it is nice that this one does. In addition to this, it also has a HDMI, AV, VGA, SD Card port, which allows you to use it with a Laptop, PCs, TV Box, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Chromebook, Tablets, Blue-ray DVD player, SD Card, USB Flash Drive, Media players, iPad, iPhone, and Android Smartphones.
5. DBPOWER Mini Projector, 176″ Display 1080P Full HD LED Movie Projector
This next portable projector is one of the best portable projector options on the market. It is a high-resolution 1080p projector. It allows you to use it on a screen size of between 32 to 176 inches with a projection distance of 1.5-5m. This projector can support connections with laptops, smartphones, tablets, USB drives, DVD players, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Xbox. Keep in mind that when it is connected with smartphones, a Wi-Fi display dongle or HDMI adapter is required. The HDMI adapter is not included, so you'll need to purchase your own. This portable projector is less noisy and more durable than previous models due to the advanced fan cooling technology. In addition to this, the advanced bulb design is highly energy efficient and therefore uses less energy.
6. Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector
The Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector is another great projector to consider buying. Once again, it can easily fit into your pocket, making it easy to transport. With up to 2 hours of playback on a full charge, this device offers vibrant LED performance for a long period of time. It is designed to accommodate a wide range of popular electronics. It features integrated inputs for HDMI, USB, MicroUSB, and 3.5mm auxiliary. There are no complicated buttons or menu screens that you must go through. Simply hook up your projector and enjoy watching a movie. Overall, this is a high-quality portable projector that is durable and easy to use.
7. VANKYO Leisure 410 LED Projector with 2500 Lux
The VANKYO Leisure 410 LED projector is a full HD professional video projector that is ideal for home entertainment. It provides accurate colors and great contrast for images. Keep in mind that this product is not recommended for PPT or office presentations. This projector is equipped with a variety of inputs, including HDMI, VGA, AV, USB, and Micro SD. Therefore, you can connect a wide variety of HD devices to easily display your content. The built-in speaker saves you money from having to buy external speakers, as well as saves you space from having to store speakers.
This portable projector is equipped with an innovative cooling system with heat dispersion, as well as a noise suppression technology which cuts the fan sound in half. Another nice feature is that this product comes with a customized bag that is designed for you to carry and store the projector easily. The price of this product is great for what you get. All in all, it doesn't get much better than this product.
8. DR. J Professional HI-04 1080P Supported 4Inch Mini Projector
This next portable projector is compatible with TV Box, Chromebook, PCs, Laptops, Tablets, Blue-ray DVD player, SD Card, USB Flash Drive, Media players, and Smartphones. It is great for home theater, movies, and video games. However, it is not recommended for PPT presentations. This product comes with a 3-year warranty. Overall, this is a great product to consider buying.
9. ViewSonic M1 Portable Projector
This portable projector delivers convenient entertainment in nearly any room. It can project up to 100-inches from 8-feet 9-inches away. A built-in battery provides up to 6 hours of power and can charge mobile devices via USB Type C when the power adapter is plugged in. This product supports most media players, PCs, Macs, and mobile devices with input options such as HDMI, USB, and more. Weighing less than 2 pounds, this portable projector is lightweight and easy to travel with.
10. Mini Projector WOWOTO A5 Pro
This portable projector is about the size of your palm (131x82x24mm) and lightweight (250G). The lamps have 30000 hours of lifespan and are 50% brighter than previous models. You can use it for Netflix, YouTube, and much more. It can be operated by a mouse and keyboard. Despite its miniature size, this 2.1-inch portable projector is capable of bringing up to 150 inches projection screen with a projection distance of 0.3-2m. All in all, this is a great portable projector to purchase.
Best Portable Projector Conclusion
I hope this article has helped you choose the best portable projector for you. As you can see, there are many portable projectors available. What's nice about portable projectors is that they are compact and lightweight. Long ago, projectors used to be heavy and bulky. But these days, many projectors can fit inside a pocket. Make sure you choose a projector that will fit your needs. Earlier in this article, I went over some considerations to ask yourself when shopping for a projector. One consideration to ask yourself is whether or not you need a projector. Projectors are nicer than TVs because they have large screens and are safer for your eyes. That said, you'll have to spend time planning out where you want the screen to be and how you want to set up the projector.
Projectors are also fairly inexpensive. Because projectors have large screens, they are often thought to be better than TVs. Many TVs cause you to strain your eyes since the screen is small, but with projectors, your eyes are more comfortable. That is why many people choose to use projectors instead of TVs. In addition to this, portable projectors can be traveled with, unlike most TVs. Whether you travel for business meetings or family vacations, a portable projector can easily be packed into your luggage bag or even your pocket. These days, projectors have many unique features and can be connected to a variety of devices, including iPhones, iPads, and laptops.
In this article, I went over the top ten best portable projectors to choose from. All projectors are different, so it is important that you take your time when choosing one. Some projectors can last for 45,000 hours, while others don't last quite as long. Whatever you choose to buy, I'm sure you'll enjoy having a portable projector. Once you have a portable projector, you can use it for family gatherings, parties, vacations, business meetings, movie nights, and much more. I hope this article today has helped you choose the best portable projector for your needs. Happy shopping!
