Tired of streaming movies through your tablet but you cannot afford a 4K TV? Do you want to stream high-quality videos on the go, especially during camping? If so, then getting yourself one of the best mini projectors could well be the solution to your current predicament.

Projectors today are not bulky, heavily wired, and loud as they once used to be. As with everything else in the consumer electronics realm, they have evolved too. They are smaller, highly streamlined, and their performance has significantly improved. Now they can fit into the palm of your hand and seem to have found their way to corporate, entertainment, and even business spaces. Now you can have a large screen anywhere that you go.

However, selecting one from the plethora of mini projectors available can feel quite overwhelming. That is why we took the liberty to scour the internet for you and put together a list of the best mini projectors below. We also highlighted some of the things you should consider while buying one, so you can make an informed decision. Once you've finished reading through this guide, you'll be able to find the best mini projector for you! COVID-19 has completely changed the world’s dynamics. One can’t even go to the movie theaters without feeling insecure. If you’ve missed the movie theater experience, then you should get yourself the best mini projector and enjoy it right from the comfort of your home.

Now, you can stop worrying about going out if you want a large-screen, movie-going experience. You could even invite some friends, make some popcorns, and it automatically becomes movie night. But before you do, keep in mind that mini projectors may be better than what the old, bulky projectors were, but they aren’t a one-size-fits-all.

As for its sound quality, it isn't as great as we expected. It might be enough to play or watch games, but you probably need to connect to an external speaker if watching a film or listen to music.

As for its connectivity, the PVO Portable Projector boasts multiple interfaces. It has TF and AV interfaces, HDMI, Micro SD, USB, and audio ports. This means you can connect laptops, TV boxes, digital cameras, desktop computers, and other media devices.

The projector broadcasts videos at 1080p resolution with clarity and brightness that is unmatched in the market to give you an excellent viewing experience at a reasonable price tag. In regards to sound, the Vamvo L4200 Portable Video Projector has in-built speakers to supply you with audio but also gives you an option to use additional speakers. As a result, you are sure to get a fantastic sound quality that is clear and well-balanced.

The Homopow Portable video projector also has upgraded noise reduction technology that allows you to concentrate on the movie or video you are watching. Furthermore, it comes with a 50-176 inches HD screen that is suitable for watching videos or playing games. Thanks to its keystone correction feature, the picture and video quality are enhanced further.

As for its compatibility, this mini projector is the true meaning of a multi-functional device. It is equipped with SD Card, HDMI, VGA, and AV ports allowing you to use it with PCs, Chromebooks, Laptops, Media Players, SD Card, TV Box, USB Flash Drive, among other devices.

What’s more, it has a HiFi stereo built-in, so you don’t need to use an external speaker to amplify the sound. The speakers deliver all the sound effects of different scenes so you won’t miss out on that authentic cinematic viewing experience. Moreover, the fan cooling system has been designed to muffle all the cooling noise during projection.

This is quite a big screen, and if you are in optimal lighting conditions, it provides quite the movie theatre experience. However, the recommended screen size is 90inches, at a throw distance of about 6.5 inches. Note: Vankyo Leisure 3 is a plug-in projector, which means although highly portable, you’ll always need a source of power.

The projector also features an advanced fan cooling system, which means it operates silently and does not overheat. Besides, the customer care team from DR-J is highly responsive and supportive. So, if you ever run into a problem, you can always contact them for assistance.

The Nebula Capsule also comes with a remote control that assists you in navigating and operating the projector right from your seat.

What To Look For In The Best Mini Projectors

To get only the best, start by reviewing the throw distance. Usually, the further the throw distance, the larger and better the image projected will be. However, modern mini projectors have been calibrated to project a larger image even when near the wall.

Throw distance aside; you also have to consider the brightness. This is particularly crucial because images produced by projectors are usually subject to light pollution. That is why in the past, you could only use a projector in a dark or dimly lit room. Even though they are much better now, they remain susceptible to light pollution.

The rule of the thumb is to get a brighter projector for better image quality. But remember, there’s a downside. The brighter the projector, the shorter the battery life will be. Also note, most projectors are usually compatible with high definition content, but only a few can project in HD. What this means is you may come across an HD-compatible projector, but the native resolution of images produced is incredibly grainy.

Another vital factor to consider while buying the best mini projector for you is the number of ports. If you’re going to use it to transform your wall into a movie theater during movie nights or for gaming, you want enough ports so you can connect other devices. But unfortunately, due to their small size, here’s where mini projectors fall short because their small size means they cannot accommodate many ports. However, some manufacturers will outdo themselves and include a few extra ports. While shopping for one, be on the lookout for such if you want the best mini projectors. Other essential factors to consider while shopping for the best mini projector include the quality of the built-in speakers, as well as the battery runtime. We ran through the various options in the market using these considerations. With our top picks for the best mini projectors, you will likely make the perfect choice.

FAQ

Q: Can you watch Netflix on a mini projector?

Yes. Watching Netflix on the best mini projector is actually a fun and immersive experience since it offers a cinema-like viewing experience. To watch Netflix on the best mini projector, you can either install the app directly (this only works for smart projectors), use your laptop/PC, smartphone, gaming console, or home theatre. To watch via your laptop or PC, you will need to set the projector as the display device through the display settings on the device. To stream Netflix on your projector via your smartphone, install the app first, and then connect your phone to your projector via an HDMI adapter. 

Q: What is the difference between the best mini projector and a regular projector?

The primary difference between the two is size. Mini projectors as the name implies are smaller than regular projectors. That means unlike their variants, they ship with a built-in battery and a speaker, and they also feature fewer inputs. This makes them incredibly convenient to use on the fly since they are easy to carry, and do not require additional audio sources. Besides size, another difference between regular and the best mini projectors is price. Mini projectors are typically cheaper than regular projectors. So, which is better? If you’re looking for convenience and portability, the best mini projectors are the way to go.

Q: How many lumens do I need?

The answer to this largely depends on the application in question. If you will be using your projector for personal viewing, for instance while at home, you will probably keep ambient light at minimum. If this is the case, then you need to opt for a mini projector with at least 1500 lumens. But if you plan on using your mini projector for a professional project presentation in a conference room, or a room with a window, a mini projector with 2500 lumens will work. The rule of the thumb when it comes to all projectors is the higher the lumen rating, the brighter the projection. 

Q: Which is better: DLP, LED, or LCD mini projector?

This depends on your preferences and budget. DLP mini projectors utilize a chip made of microscopic mirrors, and a spinning color wheel to form images. They deliver sharp, crystal-clear images at all times, and do not require any filters. They have a long lamp life, and a better response time. They however feature quite an expensive price tag and use a lot of power. LCD projectors run on a liquid crystal display, have no moving parts, and are pretty affordable. LED projectors have a longer lamp life than all others, deliver color-rich images, low power consumption, and zero-maintenance. They’re however quite expensive, and compared to the alternatives, have limited brightness. 

Q: What should I look for when buying the best mini projector?

Start by considering the type of mini projector you want. There are three major types, DLP, LCD, and LED projectors. As highlighted above, each has advantages and a few disadvantages and whether it works for you depends on your preferences and budget. You will also need to consider the light output and brightness. Projector brightness is usually measured in lumens. As noted, the higher the lumen rating, the higher the brightness. Resolution is equally as important as lumens when shopping for the best mini projector. Again here, the higher the resolution, the better the image. But note, mini projectors with a high resolution often come with a high price tag. Other important aspects to look for include the inputs, contrast ratio, throw ratio, and the lamp life. 

Q: Can you use a mini projector for everyday TV watching?

Absolutely yes. Not only can you use a mini projector for everyday TV watching, but also to stream your favorite programs from platforms like Netflix and Hulu, as well as gaming. When you select the best mini projector, it will offer an immersive, and a better overall viewing experience because it will feel more like a cinema than regular TV. What’s more, you will have saved money because buying a mini projector with a 65-inch projection is much cheaper than buying a 65-inch TV. However, note that using a mini-projector for everyday TV-viewing may wear out your projector’s bulb life faster.