If you want to create a home cinema or deliver a memorable presentation, a good-quality projector is essential – and micro projectors are fantastic, as their size makes them easy to set up, transport, and store when not in use.
Unfortunately, however, there are hundreds of different micro projectors on the market, with a range of capabilities and prices – so choosing the best one for you and your requirements can be challenging.
If you just have basic projecting needs, a basic model might suffice; however, other people may require a more advanced model that utilizes the latest technology and features built-in Wi-Fi capabilities.
This projector is extremely small and light, plus has a 2.5-hour battery life, but it doesn’t compromise on picture or sound quality – plus, built-in wireless capabilities increase its versatility.
That’s why I searched the internet for the best micro projectors available at a range of prices, then read hundreds of reviews to check that they actually match up to customers’ expectations. Here’s the result: a list of the 10 best micro projectors on the market.
Things to Consider
There are hundreds of different micro projectors available on the market, so trying to pick the best one for you can be difficult at the best of times. While people’s requirements will vary, there are a few specific points that you should bear in mind to ensure that you spend your hard-earned cash on the right one for your requirements.
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, here are a few things that you should consider before buying a micro projector.
1. Picture Quality
This may seem obvious, but the first thing you should consider when buying a micro projector is the picture quality that it will produce – and that includes both still images and videos. The resolution is extremely important – the higher it is, the sharper, clearer, and more defined the image will be.
However, for the best quality possible, you should also consider other features such as the auto focus, auto keystone correction, and LED lumens.
2. Sound Quality
Obviously, sound quality is important too – and the better the speakers are, the higher the sound quality will be. Of course, if you only need a micro projector for visual presentations, this will be of little interest to you, but if you’re planning on watching movies or streaming videos, you’ll want to ensure the speakers are sufficient.
3. Capabilities
Of course, the capabilities are also important. Cheaper options tend to have fairly basic functionalities, with relatively low projection sizes and projection distances.
Other micro projectors, however, have much larger projection sizes and distances, and are full of tricks – for example, WiFi-capabilities, built-in stands, and sometimes even voice activation. Again, you’ll have to ascertain what you want to do with your micro projector before making a decision about which model to purchase.
4. Battery
If you’re planning on using your micro projector to watch movies or stream videos while you’re at home – and are, therefore, likely to always be around a plug point – then it’s unlikely that you’ll need to give too much consideration to the battery.
However, if you’re planning on transporting it to use on the go, you’ll want a model with a built-in battery. It’s also worth considering how long this will last for – for some models, it will be just over an hour, while for others, it will be much longer.
5. Warranty
As with any product, there’s a chance that something will go wrong with a micro projector, so you need to make sure that the model you’re buying comes with a warranty of at least one year. You should also double-check what the warranty covers – for example, sometimes, the LED bulb is covered for less time than the body.
QUICK OVERVIEW
The Best Portable Micro Projectors
- Projection size is 60” to 100”, with a projection distance of 1.6 meters to 2.6 meters
- Has a safety auto-off feature, smart stand/lens protector, and swappable colored covers; can connect to smart phones and other devices
- PRICE RANGE: Under $200
- Projection size is 60” to 100”, with a projection distance of 1.6 meters to 2.6 meters
- Has a safety auto-off feature, smart stand/lens protector, and swappable colored covers; can connect to smart phones and other devices
- PRICE RANGE: Under $200
- Supports 1920 x 1080 resolution and has a contrast ratio of 2,000:1, with an upgraded LED lighting system that delivers a 60% improved brightness (bulb lasts 40,000 hours)
- Projection size is 32” to 170”, with a projection distance of 4.9’ to 16.4’; image is clear and stable due to focus and keystone correction adjusting
- PRICE RANGE: Under $100
- Supports 1920 x 1080 resolution and has a contrast ratio of 2,000:1, with an upgraded LED lighting system that delivers a 60% improved brightness (bulb lasts 40,000 hours)
- Projection size is 32” to 170”, with a projection distance of 4.9’ to 16.4’; image is clear and stable due to focus and keystone correction adjusting
- PRICE RANGE: Under $100
- Features integrated Wi-Fi and voice-activation capabilities, and you can turn your smart device into the remote control Features built-in dual
- Harman-Kardon Bluetooth speakers, comprehensive H/V keystone, 4 corner adjustment capabilities, and a small pull-down stand
- PRICE RANGE: Under $700
- Features integrated Wi-Fi and voice-activation capabilities, and you can turn your smart device into the remote control Features built-in dual
- Harman-Kardon Bluetooth speakers, comprehensive H/V keystone, 4 corner adjustment capabilities, and a small pull-down stand
- PRICE RANGE: Under $700
- Measures 5.3” (length) x 3.9” (width) x 2.4”(height) and weighs just 0.59 pounds
- Offers a projection size of 24” to 60” and a projection distance of 0.8 meters to 2 meters, and supports 1920 x 1080 resolution
- PRICE RANGE: Under $50
- Measures 5.3” (length) x 3.9” (width) x 2.4”(height) and weighs just 0.59 pounds
- Offers a projection size of 24” to 60” and a projection distance of 0.8 meters to 2 meters, and supports 1920 x 1080 resolution
- PRICE RANGE: Under $50
- Projection size is 50” to 176”, with a projection distance of 1.5 meters to 5.2 meters
- Supports 1920 x 1080 resolution, and has a contrast ratio of 2000:1 and an aspect ratio of 16:10; picture is clear and stable thanks to the 3600lux LED bulb, 15 keystone correction, focus ring, and the tempered glass lens
- PRICE RANGE: Under $100
- Projection size is 50” to 176”, with a projection distance of 1.5 meters to 5.2 meters
- Supports 1920 x 1080 resolution, and has a contrast ratio of 2000:1 and an aspect ratio of 16:10; picture is clear and stable thanks to the 3600lux LED bulb, 15 keystone correction, focus ring, and the tempered glass lens
- PRICE RANGE: Under $100
This projector is extremely small and light, plus has a 2.5-hour battery life, but it doesn’t compromise on picture or sound quality – plus, built-in wireless capabilities increase its versatility.
Best Micro Projectors Under $50
GooDee Mini Projector
Features
- Measures 5.3” (length) x 3.9” (width) x 2.4”(height) and weighs just 0.59 pounds
- Offers a projection size of 24” to 60” and a projection distance of 0.8 meters to 2 meters, and supports 1920 x 1080 resolution
- Energy-saving LED light bulb has an extended lamp life of 30,000 hours; bridgelux LED light is non-damaging to eyes (even children’s)
- Has multiple ports for ease of use (USB, HDMI, micro SD card, AV, and audio) and can be connected to a smart phone
This is a great budget option from GooDee, measuring 5.3 inches (length) x 3.9 inches (width) x 2.4 inches (height) and weighing just 0.59 pounds. This means it can easily be transported and stored as required. It offers a projection size of 24 inches to 60 inches and a projection distance of 0.8 meters to 2 meters, and has a resolution of 1920 x 1080.
It uses an energy-saving LED light bulb that has an extended lamp life of 30,000 hours, meaning it could be used for 4 hours a day for an impressive 20 years. Plus, the bridgelux LED light is specifically recommended by the company for use with children, as it is not too harsh for young eyes. It’s also extremely simple to use, which is ideal for children.
The GooDee Mini Projector has multiple ports for ease of use, including USB, HDMI, micro SD card, AV, and audio. Moreover, it can be connected to a smart phone – although it’s worth noting that you’ll need an HDMI adaptor, which isn’t included.
Lastly, this projector is extremely quiet while it’s running, making it ideal for study purposes and use with children, although the company does state that it’s not recommended for PowerPoint or other Office presentations.
Best Micro Projectors Under $100
VANKYO LEISURE 3 Mini Projector
Features
- Measures 7.9” (length) x 5.9” (width) x 3.1” (height) and weighs 2.1 pounds
- Supports 1920 x 1080 resolution and has a contrast ratio of 2,000:1, with an upgraded LED lighting system that delivers a 60% improved brightness (bulb lasts 40,000 hours)
- Projection size is 32” to 170”, with a projection distance of 4.9’ to 16.4’; image is clear and stable due to focus and keystone correction adjusting
- Can easily be connected to a smart phone or other devices
This projector from VANKYO is a fantastic option for high-quality viewing at an extremely reasonable price. It measures 7.9 inches (length) x 5.9 inches (width) x 3.1 inches (height) and weighs 2.1 pounds, meaning it’s easy to store when not in use or slip into a bag when you want to transport it. Plus, it also comes with a storage/travel bag.
It has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and a contrast ratio of 2,000:1, with an upgraded LED lighting system that delivers a brightness that’s improved by 60%. Moreover, the light bulb has an impressive extended life of 40,000 hours. An innovative cooling system that contains noise suppression and heat dispersion technology halves the fan sound during operation.
The projection size is a decent 32 inches to 170 inches, with a projection distance of 4.9 feet to 16.4 feet (the company recommended 6.5 feet as the recommended viewing distance). The image is clear and stable due to focus and keystone correction adjusting.
Lastly, the VANKYO LEISURE 3 Mini Projector features multiple ports for ease of use and can easily be connected to a smart phone or other devices – although the appropriate cables are not included.
TOPVISION Projector
Features
- Measures 7.4” (length) x 5.9” (width) x 3.1” (height) and weighs 2.76 pounds
- Projection size is 50” to 176”, with a projection distance of 1.5 meters to 5.2 meters
- Supports 1920 x 1080 resolution, and has a contrast ratio of 2000:1 and an aspect ratio of 16:10; picture is clear and stable thanks to the 3600lux LED bulb, 15 keystone correction, focus ring, and the tempered glass lens
- Can easily be connected to a smart phone or other devices
The TOPVISION Projector is another great budget option, with a projection size of 50 inches to 176 inches and a projection distance of 1.5 meters to 5.2 meters (although the recommended viewing distance is 2 meters to three meters).
Thanks to the 15 keystone correction, focus ring, and the tempered glass lens (which has more thermal stability than resin lenses), the picture is clear and stable. Measuring 7.4 inches (length) x 5.9 inches (width) x 3.1 inches (height) and weighing only 2.76 pounds, this model can be transported and stored easily as required.
It supports 1920 x 1080 resolution, and has a contrast ratio of 2000:1 and an aspect ratio of 16:10. The LED bulb is 3600lux, which delivers a bright picture even in dim light. The extended lifetime of the bulb is an impressive 50,000 hours, meaning this model is guaranteed to last a long time – up to 30 years of using it for 4 hours a day, according to the company.
This model can connect to a smartphone or laptop with a USB cable, meaning there’s no need for an HDMI adaptor, as is often the case with other similarly priced projectors on the market. It also features built-in stereo surround-sound speakers, which provide a great-quality sound, but you can also add an external speaker if you wish (although this is not included).
Lastly, dual-fan cooling technology means this projector runs quietly.
Best Micro Projectors Under $150
AAXA Technologies KP-101-01 AAXA LED Micro Projector
Features
- Measures just 4.25” (length) x 2.36” (width) x 0.7” (height) and 3.68 ounces, making it one of the smallest options available on the market
- Projection size is 60”; projection distance is not specified by the company
- Features HDMI and USB docks, as well as a headphone jack, and a small, adjustable tripod
- Provides HD resolution (1920 x 1080); liquid crystal on silicon technology provides sharper, more detailed images
This projector from AAXA really is micro, measuring just 4.25 inches (length) x 2.36 inches (width) x 0.7 inches (height) and weighing only 3.68 ounces – as a result, it can easily fit into a jacket pocket or a small purse when being transported, or slid into a small drawer or space when being stored.
Moreover, it can be used while it’s not plugged in and lasts for around 80 minutes before needing to be charged.
The projection size is 60 inches, which is smaller than that provided by other similarly priced models on the market, but it’s still pretty impressive considering the tiny size of the projector. It makes up for the lack of size with additional features, including all the usual HDMI and USB docks, as well as a headphone jack, and a small, adjustable tripod. The LED bulb has an extended life of 15,000 hours.
This projector provides HD resolution (1920 x 1080), and liquid crystal on silicon technology provides sharper, more detailed images – and AAXA specifies that it’s suitable for use for PowerPoint or other Office presentations, as well as movies and home videos.
If you need a truly micro projector for on-the-go use and don’t mind a shorter bulb life and smaller projection size, this could be the ideal model.
Best Micro Projectors Under $200
ViewSonic M1 Mini Portable LED Projector
Features
- Measures 4” (length) x 4” (width) x 1.1” (height) and weighs 0.6 pounds, making it one of the smallest options available on the market
- Projection size is 60” to 100”, with a projection distance of 1.6 meters to 2.6 meters
- Built-in battery provides 2.5 hours of power at one time, while power bank compatibility offers the potential to extend this; LED bulb has a life of 30,000 hours
- Has a safety auto-off feature, smart stand/lens protector, and swappable colored covers; can connect to smart phones and other devices
The ViewSonic M1 Mini Portable LED Projector is a great option for on-the-go-use, as it’s extremely compact, measuring just 4 inches (length) x 4 inches (width) x 1.1 inch (height) and weighing just 0.66 pounds. This makes it incredibly easy to transport and store.
Moreover, the built-in battery provides 2.5 hours of power at one time, while power bank compatibility offers the potential to extend this when necessary.
It features WVGA resolution (854p x 480p), with HD 1080 support to deliver high-quality images wherever you are – plus, automatic keystone correction helps to keep the picture clear and stable. As such, it’s suitable for PowerPoint presentations, as well as movies and home videos.
Additionally, the premium integrated JBL speaker delivers an impressive sound considering the projector’s size, and the LED bulb has a life of 30,000 hours.
This model has a projection size of 60 inches to 100 inches, with a projection distance of 1.6 meters to 2.6 meters – plus, it features a smart stand that eliminates the need for tripods. When not in use, this smart stand doubles as a lens protector.
Furthermore, it features a safety auto-off feature that powers down the projector when objects are detected too close to the lens. It has the usual HDMI and USB ports that offer connectivity with smart phones and other devices, and it also comes with swappable covers (gray, teal, and yellow), meaning you can customize it according to your mood.
Anker Nebula Capsule, Smart Wi-Fi Mini Projector
Features
- Measures 4.72” (length) x 2.67” (diameter) and weighs 14.8 ounces; cylical, aluminum design improves durability and eliminates need for tripod or stand
- Projection size is 20” to 100”, but Anker does not specify the projection distance; features 360-degree speakers
- 854 x 480 resolution; advanced IntelliBright algorithms deliver a bright, vivid picture (100 ANSI lumens)
- Features Android and smart Wi-Fi connectivity; battery life is 4 hours
This projector from Anker has a cyclical design with the lens on top, thereby eliminating the need for a tripod or stand. Measuring just 4.72 inches (height) x 2.67 inches (diameter) and weighing only 14.8 ounces, it’s extremely small and lightweight, and, therefore, easy to transport and store. However, its shape makes it harder to slip into a pocket than some other models on the market.
It’s resolution is 854 x 480, which is slightly less than other micro projectors on the market; however, the advanced IntelliBright algorithms deliver a bright, vivid picture (100 ANSI lumens). The projection size is 20 inches to 100 inches, but unfortunately, Anker doesn’t specify the projection distance. Due to its cyclical design, this model has 360-degree speakers that provide high-quality sound.
Thanks to the addition of Android and smart Wi-Fi connectivity, this projector is also able to stream directly from apps such as Netflix and YouTube, as well as your smart phone or other device.
Moreover, the battery life is 4 hours, which you’ll struggle to match at this price point. Lastly, it’s worth noting that the aluminium body ensures greater durability without weighing a lot.
Best Micro Projectors Under $400
ViewSonic 3600 Lumens WXGA High Brightness Projector (PA503W)
Features
- Measures 11.6” (length) x 8.6” (width) x 4.3” (height) and weighs 4.89 pounds
- Projection size is 30” to 300”, with a projection distance of 3.28’ to 36.02’
- Resolution is 1280 x 800; LED bulb is 3600 lumens with a 15,000 hour life; dynamic contrast ratio is 22,000:1; utilizes vertical keystone correction
- Can easily be connected to smart phones and other devices
The ViewSonic projector produces a clear, bright picture that is, according to the company, suitable for PowerPoint and other Office presentations, as well as movies and home videos.
The resolution is 1280 x 800, which is slightly lower than some other projectors on this list, but it’s incredibly bright, at 3600 lumens. Plus, the dynamic contrast ratio is 22,000:1, and vertical keystone correction helps to keep the picture clear and stable.
The projection size of this model is an impressive 30 inches to 300 inches, and the projection distance is equally good, at 3.28 feet to 36.02 feet – making this an extremely versatile model. Measuring 11.6 inches (length) x 8.6 inches (width) x 4.3 inches (height), it’s not the smallest on this list, but it’s still easy to transport and store – plus, it’s pretty lightweight too, at 4.89 pounds.
The LED light has a life of 15,000 hours; however, by using the SuperEco Mode, you can extend this by 100% to 30,000, which is a significant improvement. There are also five different modes to choose from, including ‘Presentation Mode’ and ‘Movie Mode’.
Unfortunately, the company doesn’t say much about the speakers, just that they’re 2W. Lastly, using HDMI and USB connections, this projector can easily be connected to smart phones and other devices.
Best Micro Projectors Under $500
Acer H5382BD 720P 3D DLP Home Theater Projector
Features
- Measures 12.4” (length) x 8.4” (width) x 3.8” (height) and weighs 5.3 pounds
- Projection size is 30” to 300”, with a projection distance of 1 meter to 10.3 meters; resolution is 1280 x 720, with 3300 lumens and contrast ratio of 20,000:1
- Can easily be connected to smart phones and other devices
- Features LumiSense+ (an optimizing light sensor); LED bulb has life of 5,000 hours
This projector from Acer has great clarity, with a resolution of 1280 x 720, a high brightness of 3300 lumens, and a contrast ratio of 20,000:1, which all work together to provide a high-quality picture that’s suitable for PowerPoint and other Office presentations, as well as movies and home videos.
It also features LumiSense+ – a light sensor that optimizes brightness levels and color saturation according to the lighting – and content-aware technology that analyzes projected content frame by frame and dynamically adjusts the image visibility to the optimum level.
The projection size is 30 inches to 300 inches, and the projection distance is 1 meter to 10.3 meters. It has the usual HDMI and USB ports, but it also comes with wireless HD that allows you to stream HD content wirelessly (although, unfortunately, you’ll need to buy a WirelessHD Kit, which is sold separately).
The standard lamp life is short, at just 5,000 hours, but it features two different energy-saving modes – Eco and Extreme Eco. The former increases it to 6,000 hours and the latter to 10,000.
Last, but by no means least, although it’s not the smallest projector on this list, measuring 12.4 inches (length) x 8.4 inches (width) x 3.8 inches (height), and weighing 5.3 pounds, it’s pretty easy to transport and store.
Best Micro Projectors Under $600
Epson EX5260 XGA Projector
Features
- Measures 11.9” (length) x 9.8” (width) x 3.4” (height) and weighs 6.2 pounds
- Projection size is 30” to 300”; however, Epson doesn’t specify the projection distance
- Resolution of 1024 x 768, 3600 lumens, 3600 white brightness, contrast ratio of 15,000:1, and keystone correction produces a bright, detailed image even in well-lit rooms
- Features HDMI and USB ports, plus wireless connectivity; LED bulb life is 10,000 hours
According to Epson, the Epson EX5260 XGA provides such a bright, detailed, vivid picture that it works well even in well-lit rooms, making it perfect for use in academic or professional situations where the content is text-heavy.
The XGA resolution is 1024 x 768, it has 3600 lumens, 3600 white brightness, and a contrast ratio of 15,000:1. It also features keystone correction for a clearer and more stable image.
Measuring 11.9 inches (length) x 9.8 inches (width) x 3.4 inches (height), it’s pretty easy to transport and store – and although it’s slightly heavier than most of the micro projectors on this list, at 6.2 pounds, it’s not exactly heavy, so shouldn’t be a problem for most people.
The projection size is 30 inches to 300 inches; however, unfortunately, Epson doesn’t actually specify the projection distance. Nor does it mention the speakers at all. Although it features the usual HDMI and USB ports, this model has wireless connectivity to all smart devices. Lastly, the LED bulb life is 10,000 hours.
Best Micro Projectors Under $700
ViewSonic M2 Portable Smart 1080p Wi-Fi Projector
Features
- Measures 10.7” (length) x 10.3” (width) x 6.5” (height) and weighs 2.9 pounds; projection size is 60” to 100”, with a projection distance of 1.6 meters to 2.7 meters
- Features integrated Wi-Fi and voice-activation capabilities, and you can turn your smart device into the remote control
- Features full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution, 1200 LED lumens (with a bulb life of 30,000 hours), auto focus, auto keystone correction, 125% rec. 709 color accuracy, and HDR10 content support
- Features built-in dual Harman-Kardon Bluetooth speakers, comprehensive H/V keystone, 4 corner adjustment capabilities, and a small pull-down stand
The ViewSonic M2 Portable Smart Projector has everything required to fulfil your presentation, movie, or home video projecting needs. It features full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution, 1200 LED lumens (with a bulb life of 30,000 hours), auto focus, and auto keystone correction to produce a bright, vivid, and detailed picture that’s enhanced by 125% rec. 709 color accuracy and HDR10 content support.
It measures 10.7 inches (length) x 10.3 inches (width) x 6.5 inches (height) so it’s one of the larger models on this list, but still small enough to transport and store easily. Furthermore, it weighs just 2.9 pounds. The projection size is 60” to 100”, and the projection distance is 1.6 meters to 2.7 meters.
As well as having the usual HDMI and USB ports, integrated Wi-Fi allows you to connect to smart devices and stream from apps such as YouTube; plus, you can even turn your smart device into the remote control and control the projector using voice-activation services such as Amazon Alexa.
Utilizing reflective light, this projector is virtually blue light-free, which is kinder to your eyes, and the built-in ultrasonic sensor automatically cuts power to the projection beam when objects are too close to the lens.
Moreover, built-in dual Harman-Kardon Bluetooth speakers deliver room-filling audio, and comprehensive H/V keystone and 4 corner adjustment capabilities allow you to project from any location in the room. There is also a small, pull-down stand that can be used to prop the projector up slightly.
Conclusion
So, there you have it: the 10 best micro projectors available online for a range of prices. There should be something here to suit everyone – whether you want to view movies and home videos or present your work using top-of-the-range equipment.
When it came to the Editor’s Pick, I had to choose the ViewSonic M1 Mini Portable LED Projector. Perfect for on-the-go use, providing clear, high-quality video and sound, this model will suit a variety of needs. However, if you’re looking for a budget option, the GooDee Mini Projector and the TOPVISION Projector are both great picks.
Although a lot of research and consideration has been put into this article, it’s still always important to read product specifications and reviews before making a purchase, just to ensure it’s the right model for you.
After all, you don’t want to waste your hard-earned cash on a product that doesn’t fit your requirements. Lastly, if you found this article useful, please share it for others to see!
*All prices mentioned above are at the time of publishing.
