What is more fun than going to see a movie? What about turning your home or backyard into a personal movie theater without having to move your TV around? Over the last few years, something that has grown in popularity is a thing called a mini projector, which allows you to watch professionally recorded movies and shows, or even home videos, as if you were at a movie theater. They can even be used to display decorations around holidays!
But how do you know which mini projector to buy when there are so many available to pick from? A good mini projector should have high-quality pictures and sounds without any additional help, be easy to set up, lightweight but durable, and allow you to stream all your favorite shows or movies, whether wired or wireless. You can find all these traits and so much more on the following list of our favorite mini projectors.
PVO Portable Mini Projector
Best Overall
Extremely Bright Mini Projector
This lightweight yet durable mini projector is the perfect size to travel with but does not compromise on its ability to produce a high-quality and bright picture. It also produces plenty of sounds.
Why We Love It:
- Small and lightweight to travel with
- Brightness is excellent when plugged in
- Loudspeaker in the back
Something to Consider:
- Battery may die quickly
- May be difficult to set up
Projector Outdoor Mini Projector
Clearest Video
Easy-to-Setup and Use
This mini project provides the user with a high-quality, clear video for everyone to enjoy, especially when viewing outside at night, and it’s easy to set up and use, no matter if you’ve used it before.
Why We Love It:
- Super clear images
- Works well in dark places
- Easy to use and set up
Something to Consider:
- Screen may be brighter than expected
- Must move projector to increase or decrease size
NEBULA Smart WiFi Mini Projector
Longest Lasting Battery
Crispest Image Projection
Summary: You can enjoy your favorite streaming services on this wifi-connectible mini projector that provides a clear, crisp image for all videos. You’ll be able to see it all on a long-lasting battery.
Why We Love It:
- Battery is long-lasting
- Crisp and bright image
- WiFi allows you to connect all your streaming services
Something to Consider:
- May only stream from other devices
- USB port isn’t included
ELEPHAS Mini WiFi Projector
Most Diverse
Mini Projector with Great Audio
Summary: You can plug your Firestick, Roku, Chromecast, or other streaming devices into this mini projector, or use it wired or wirelessly with your phone and computer to enjoy great sound quality.
Why We Love It:
- High-quality sound
- Can work wirelessly and wired
- Can directly plug in any streaming device
Something to Consider:
- May not work with iOS devices
- Resolution may be different than expected
CiBest Outdoor Mini Projector
Easiest to Use
Notably Long LED Lifespan
Summary: This mini projector gives all its viewers the highest quality videos no matter where it’s coming from, thanks to its easy setup and controls while providing a long LED life to enjoy for a long time.
Why We Love It:
- High-definition videos
- LED bulb has a long life
- Easy setup and controls
Something to Consider:
- May not be compatible with Apple products
- Video may glitch and freeze
AuKing Portable Mini Projector
Longest LED Life
Plenty of Ports
Summary: This mini projector comes with its own easy-to-use tripod to alleviate the stress of setup, and the projector has numerous ports on the sides to use multiple devices on its long-lasting LED light.
Why We Love It:
- Long life of LED bulb
- Plenty of ports for different ways to watch
- Easy to mount on included tripod
Something to Consider:
- May not work well with phones
- Instructions may be difficult to follow
Mini Projector FAQs
What should I do if the picture quality of my mini projector isn’t good?
Like cameras and phones, mini projectors have settings that may affect the video quality it outputs no matter what it looks like coming into it. Messing with those settings until you get a good-quality video should help, and your manual should make it a straightforward process. If that doesn’t help, try cleaning off the projector light to make sure that isn’t interfering.
Which size of mini projector is best?
All the ones on our list come in various sizes and shapes, which may affect the video and audio quality. If you want a better picture and sound, a bigger projector may help you accomplish that goal. However, if you want one that is easy to travel with, a smaller one may be more suited to your needs.
Buying Guide
Since mini projectors have grown in popularity, many new and different projectors have joined the market, which makes finding the right one a difficult task without seeing it work first. Here are some tips for finding the right mini projector for you:
- Video Quality: The main job of a mini projector is to show a video you want in bigger and better quality, so it should be able to produce high-quality video for your viewing enjoyment. Look for ones that say they have high-definition video or ones that are in 1080p.
- Audio Quality: While you can always add wired or wireless speakers to your mini projector to amplify sound, decent sound quality with your projector’s speaker is better. Look for ones with high-quality sound or bigger speakers.
- Easy of Use: It shouldn’t take multiple hours to set up your mini projector or figure out how to stream videos on it. Look for ones that have an easy setup and/or simple controls.
- Size: If you are someone who wants to take this camping or on vacation with you, a smaller yet durable design will be better suited for your travels.
- Durability: Whether you want to travel with your mini projector or use it as a decoration around the holidays, it should be able to withstand minor dings or weather conditions. Look for ones that have some weather resistance or are just made of durable material.
