Portable Projectors Are Light Enough to Take Anywhere
Whether you’re a business traveler making presentations on the go or a homeowner planning an occasional movie night, these portable projectors are light enough to take anywhere. They range widely in size, weight, brightness, and resolution.
The brightest, most rugged portables—like the BenQ GS50 and Nebula Mars 3 Air—can transform a hotel room into an instant cinema. Their high brightness lets you show photos and videos in almost any ambient light and preserve dark movie scenes with fine detail.
1. Brightness
Not too long ago, even the best portable projectors struggled to throw up a decent image in any environment. The problem is brightness—or more specifically, how bright the projected image can be before ambient light becomes too much to see.
If you’re a business traveler who needs to present in different rooms, a family who likes to throw movie nights in the backyard or a video gamer who wants to play on a bigger screen, the right portable projector can make your life easier. But with so many options in terms of size, weight, brightness, resolution and more, deciding which one is the best for your needs can be a bit daunting.
The smallest, lightest models are called pico projectors and can Smart Projector fit in your pocket for on-the-go entertainment. But their low brightness means they’re not suitable for use in bright environments or for any type of content that demands high contrast. They also tend to have short battery lives, especially if they’re run on the brightest setting. (They often switch to a lower, dimmer mode to extend their playtimes.)
2. Contrast
Whether you’re in a conference room or your own personal movie theater, a high-quality picture is essential for engaging presentations and immersive viewing experiences. A projector with a higher contrast ratio can display brighter whites and darker blacks, which helps to create a more vibrant image that is more detailed and lifelike.
A high-quality screen is recommended for best results, but many portable projectors can work with a blank wall or a screen that can be rolled up. However, it’s important to note that the color of the wall can affect the colors seen on the image, so you may want to choose a wall with a neutral tone.
It’s also important to keep in mind that manufacturers often report full on/off contrast ratios that are misleading, as they measure the brightest white and darkest setting on their device. To avoid being fooled by these numbers, it’s best to read reviews from knowledgeable customers and trusted industry publications, which will use reputable hardware and software to perform real-world contrast measurements. Also, be sure to look for side-by-side comparisons where possible.
3. Size
The size of a portable projector varies widely, but they all share a similar ability to project a big image in any environment. To qualify as “portable,” a projector must be small and light enough to carry from room to room or even tote outside for movie nights.
Pico projectors, also called pocket projectors, are the smallest and lightest in the bunch. They’re tiny enough to fit in your shirt pocket and typically cost less than $200. They don’t have HD resolution and boast only a few hundred ANSI lumens, so they’re best for darkened rooms or outdoor use.
Room-to-room portables add to the functionality of pico and micro projectors by packing in a robust audio system. This lets you watch movies and TV without needing to lug an external speaker system.
A few of these models run a full version of Android TV, and we like the LG CineBeam PF510Q for its excellent picture quality, easy setup, and a range of ports and connections. It also runs Google Assistant, which is a huge bonus for smart home theater users.
4. Weight
The best portable projectors are light enough to stow away in a bag, briefcase, or backpack when you’re not using them. That means they can be carried from room to room or to and from a picnic table, campsite, or friend’s house.
One thing that separates good portable projectors from the rest is powerful built-in speakers that deliver a satisfying audio experience. Portable projectors with mediocre audio will require you to use external speakers, which is inconvenient and defeats the purpose of having a portable projector.
Some very light and small projectors are called “pocket projectors,” “pico projectors,” or “palmtop projectors.” They are the size of a smartphone and weigh almost nothing, but they lack a key element of projection—they can’t display an image that’s bright enough.
A good pocket projector, like the Xgimi MoGo 2 or Nebula Mars 3 Air, is the size of a large tablet and offers superior brightness and Full HD resolution. Other smaller models, such as the Samsung The Freestyle and the Miroir M1, are designed to look more like a traditional home theater projector while offering a range of extra features for family movie nights and impromptu videos.
5. Audio
A high-quality portable projector’s audio capabilities can make or break your presentation. This is particularly true when your presentations include sound effects, music, lcd projector wholesale or videos. Look for built-in speakers that are powerful and clear, free of distortion, and capable of filling a small room with sound.
For informal or impromptu meetings, when setting up external audio solutions may be challenging, a portable projector’s built-in speakers are a convenient solution. However, the quality of those speakers varies significantly, so be sure to test them before making your final purchase.
Modern portable projectors are designed for ease of use and feature features like quick focus, automatic keystone correction, and intuitive interfaces. These conveniences allow presenters to start their presentations more quickly and get right to business. In addition, many portable projectors have a longer battery life than standard projectors, allowing them to be used for extended periods of time without recharging. This flexibility is a huge benefit for busy professionals and business owners. It also demonstrates a level of preparedness and professionalism that impresses clients and colleagues alike.