If you want to have a cinema-at-home experience while you’re snuggled in your cozy bed, then you should consider getting a mini projector.
Mini projectors are usually compatible with smartphones and USBs, so you can watch any TV show or movie you’d like.
The truth is that all mini-projectors don’t have the same specifications.
We’ve first-hand tested over 32 different mini projectors and looked for something with HD image, adjustable brightness and size, remote control, device compatibility, and a lot of other important factors.
Here are the top 5 picks:
Penny M - Research Specialist
With over 15 years of experience researching and inspecting most recent technology tools and TV gadgets, Penny dived deep into world of technology. Check out her world-class knowledge in our Top 5 series.
Overall Grade
A+
Rating
9.8/10
OVERALL ANALYSIS
Osmo Mini Projector is by far our favorite choice on the market.
What separates Osmo from any other projector is their high resolution visuals which can easily be compared to some of the most expensive projectors on the market.
What you’ll find interesting is the surround sound technology which improves audio quality and gives you the cinema experience while at home.
No matter if you use iOS, Android, or Laptop – you’ll get crystal clear image every time.
There are no delays and you get a real-time FPS display.
An interesting thing is that you can also connect an external speaker or headphones – this is useful when you’re watching a movie all by yourself.
Another great thing about Osmo Mini Projector is that you can carry it with you everywhere you go – no matter if you’re going to your friend’s house or camping in the nature.
You can watch Netflix and Youtube without delays, as it mirrors everything from your device with real-time display.
Osmo offers a 14-day money-back guarantee, so you’ll receive a full refund if you’re not satisfied with their projector.
Pros
Full HD resolution
Adjustable image size and brightness
Compatible with all smartphones
Multi-media connection
Watch Netflix and Youtube
Surround sound technology
Portable
Comes with a user manual
Additional remote control
Can be used outdoors
Free shipping in US
14-day money back guarantee
Cons
Often runs out of stock due to high demand
Often runs out of stock due to high demand
WRAP-UP
Osmo Mini Projector is competitively priced for a market-leading projector with adjustable image settings and improved sound technology. Take advantage of this limited-time discount while supplies last.
Osmo offers a 14-day money-back guarantee and free shipping. Osmo Mini Projector was unanimously voted the best at-home projector of 2023.
Overall Grade
B+
Rating
8.8/10
OVERALL ANALYSIS
It’s neither the lightest nor thinnest machine, and it’s not battery-powered, but if you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful portable projector to watch the occasional movie, sport or TV show with family or friends, the Yaber V7 Pro is an excellent choice . It’s bright with a claimed 380 ANSI lumens and provides a decent 1080p image that you can adjust via the menu. The image correction function is also useful for households with children: if the projector is moved or slightly knocked, it will automatically adjust the image.
It certainly doesn’t have the bells, whistles or sharpness of other, more expensive portable projectors on this list, but the Yaber Pro V7 is a good budget option. The free carrying case is also a nice bonus. Just remember that it’s not the quietest model out there and produces a noticeable fan noise.
Pros
Portable
Affordable
Solid visual quality
Additional remote control
Nice design
Free shipping
Compatible with any device
Cons
Audio isn't very good
Projection is only up to 4 ft
Overall Grade
B
Rating
8.3/10
OVERALL ANALYSIS
Viewsonic’s pint-sized projector has a particularly ingenious design. The integrated handle swings to the front to cover the lens, or below to act as a tripod. This makes it much easier to tilt the beam upwards if you have the projector below the level of the screen and there is no need to find a prop if you are using it on a coffee table or on the floor.
Connectivity is excellent, with HDMI 1.4, USB-A and USB-C, which you can use to connect an Android smartphone or simply connect to a power stick. The biggest drawback is the lack of Bluetooth audio output, although you can connect a pair of headphones.
In terms of image, the M1 is a big step up compared to the audience in the basement. While limited by the 480p resolution, the picture is surprisingly vivid with deep blacks and rich colors when used in a darkened room.
Pros
Solid video quality
Easy to use
Good projection
Adjustable brightness
Free shipping
Good audio
Compatible with smartphones
Cons
No USB port
Could be a lot cheaper
No money-back guarantee
Overall Grade
B
Ratings
7.8/10
OVERALL ANALYSIS
Home theater doesn’t get more portable than the Anker Nebula Capsule. Sure, you can buy a smartphone-sized projector, but this one gives you a relatively bright 480p image, despite its 100 ANSI lumen output, and you get great built-in audio to boot. Anker makes its own mini Bluetooth speakers, and we suspect the same drivers and technology are used here. As a result, you get a fairly convincing 360˚ sound with a bit more space and a spot of boom and rumble – although distortion creeps in when you push the volume up.
You can connect a streaming stick through the HDMI port, but the Nebula Capsule has its own built-in media player running on Android 7.1. This isn’t as much of a plus as you might expect – there’s no Google Play Store and no official apps for Amazon Prime or Netflix, so you can navigate the browser-based apps using a virtual trackpad on Anker’s connected smartphone app.
Pros
Good video quality
Advanced sound system
Portable
Free shipping in the US
Positive reviews
30-day money back guarantee
Cons
No remote control
Not enough ports
Could be cheaper
Overall Grade
c+
Rating
7.5/10
OVERALL ANALYSIS
Keeping in line with the portability comes the Apeman M4 DLP projector. This projector is about the size of three CD cases stacked on top of each other and speaking of CDs, comes with very decent sound for its size. The compact size also results in a fairly dim picture though, so you’ll want to set this projector up in as dark a room as possible.
The projector comes with a 3,400 mAh battery built-in which is good, but it’ll barely get you through a 2-hour movie which is not. You can also charge your phone off the battery but that obviously leaves even less power for the projector. Still, we like to see that kind of versatility in devices.
You can connect your devices using the HDMI input or plug in a USB drive to display photos and movies. The included tripod lets you point the projector anywhere you need it to go. Overall, this projector is small enough to fit into a jacket pocket or a small bag making it ideal for campers, hikers, or really anyone who wants to tote their own projector around.
Pros
Great video quality
Solid audio
Portable
Has USB port
Free shipping
Cons
Too expensive
Not durable
It has delays sometimes
Mixed reviews
WHAT IS MINI PROJECTOR
Benefits of Mini Projectors
- Cinema-at-home experience
- Good video resolution
- You can watch Netflix, Youtube, or any other platform.
- Great sound technology
- Portable
- Adjustable brightness for outdoors
- Compatible with any smartphone or laptop
- Affordable
Things To Consider WHEN CHOOSING THE BEST Mini Projector
HD Visual
A lot of mini projectors that claimed they have HD image have failed on our test, so be careful to choose only the projectors that really have full HD resolution.
Compatibility
Always check if mini projector is compatible with smartphone, laptop, or if it has USB and HDMI port. A good projector will have multiple ports and it will be compatible with almost any device.
Surround Sound System
This system is used in cinemas and in high-grade TVs, and even some of the mini projectors have it. If you're looking for a quality experience while watching your favorite show - this is a must-have.
Adjustability
You will sometimes need to adjust the image or brightness depending on your location. This all needs to be adjustable instead of being fixed, so pay attention to it.
Warranty
If the brand doesn't offer a money-back guarantee or warranty on their projector, you should stay away from it. Always look for something you can try out and receive a full refund if you don't find it useful.
What To Avoid When Choosing Mini Projector
No Remote
When there's no remote control, you'll have to stand up everytime you want to change or adjust something. Always look to receive a remote control because it will make everything a lot easier for you.
Long-lasting lamp life
Lamp life has a lot to do with quality of the visuals, so if it lasts only 5 months - you won't have the same experience. Our top choice has the longest lamp life around 10 years.
Cheap knockoffs
There are a ton of cheap products (even on Amazon) that are just pure garbage. They aren’t even tested and they’ll just waste your time and money. In my opinion, anything below $100 can’t be functional.
Penny M - Research Specialist
With over 15 years of researching and inspecting helpful gadgets and tech devices, Penny gained an admirable knowledge. Check out her world-class knowledge and expertise in our Top 5 Reviews series.
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