Top 6 Portable Projectors for 2025 Revealed

The best projectors bring the cinematic experience right into your home. However, traditional projectors often come with challenges due to their size and the need for mounting, which can limit their mobility. Thankfully, the market is rich with portable projectors that are perfect for a movie night under the stars during a camping trip or for binge-watching in a cramped dorm room.

These portable options often feature built-in streaming apps and Wi-Fi for easy setup. Even without an internet connection, you can still enjoy content through Bluetooth and HDMI support, which is common in most projectors. This allows you to stream from your phone, tablet, or laptop. Additionally, many top portable projectors come with a battery that can last through an entire movie, or they can be powered by the best power banks, eliminating the need for a wall outlet.

TL;DR – The Best Portable Projectors:

Our Top Pick### Xgimi Halo+

1See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at Xgimi### ViewSonic M1X

0See it at Amazon### Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser

0See it at Amazon### Nebula Mars 3 Air

0See it at Amazon### Xgimi Horizon S Max

0See it at Amazon### Optoma ML1080

1See it at Amazon

While portable projectors offer great convenience, they do come with some trade-offs. Smaller projectors typically have lower brightness and picture quality compared to their larger counterparts, making them best suited for dark environments with minimal ambient light. Features like high refresh rates, low input lag, and specialized gaming modes found in the best gaming projectors are often absent. Nevertheless, when space is at a premium and you crave that big-screen experience, portable projectors are unbeatable.

Explore our top picks below, ranging from compact and budget-friendly models to slightly larger units that deliver rich details and accurate colors.

1. Xgimi Halo+

Best Portable Projector Overall

Our Top Pick### Xgimi Halo+

1

The Xgimi Halo+ is a stellar choice for a portable projector, offering a full HD picture with up to 900 ANSI lumens of brightness. It also features two 5W Harman Kardon stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience. With a battery life of up to two hours, this projector is perfect for outdoor movie nights. The built-in Android interface with Chromecast, along with 2GB of memory and 16GB of flash storage, adds versatility to your viewing options. Automatic keystone adjustment, autofocus, and Intelligent Obstacle Avoidance make setup a breeze, while a low-latency gaming mode caters to gaming enthusiasts.

Product Specifications:

• Resolution: 1920x1080 pixels (DLP, HDR 10)
• Brightness: 900 ANSI lumens
• Throw range: 1.2:1 (5.21 ~ 10.46 feet)
• Max image size: 120 inches
• Battery: Yes – 2 hours
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5, 1x HDMI, 1x USB, 3.5mm audio jack, DC power
• Weight: 3.53 lbs
• Dimensions: 4.47” x 5.71” x 6.75”

PROS:

• Sharp picture
• Includes Android interface

CONS:

• Color accuracy could be better

2. ViewSonic M1X

Best Budget Portable Projector

### ViewSonic M1X

0

The ViewSonic M1X stands out as a budget-friendly portable projector with a built-in stand and solid Harman Kardon speakers. Weighing under 2lbs and boasting up to four hours of battery life, it's ideal for camping or work trips. The projector offers a convenient setup with horizontal and vertical keystone adjustments and automated four-corner correction. The built-in stand doubles as a lens cover for added protection during transport.

While its resolution and brightness are limited, making it less suitable for gaming or as a TV replacement, it excels as a presentation aid or for movie nights. With Wi-Fi support and various ports including HDMI, USB-A, and USB-C, connectivity is seamless. The dual 3W Harman Kardon speakers also make it a great Bluetooth speaker when not projecting.

Product Specifications:

• Resolution: 854x480 pixels (LED)
• Brightness: 360 LED lumens
• Throw range: 2 feet ~ 8 feet, 8 inches
• Max image size: 100 inches
• Battery: Yes – up to 4 hours
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 1x USB-A, 1x USB-C, 1x HDMI
• Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Dimensions: 2.1" x 6.5" x 5.4"

PROS:

• Convenient stand
• Four-hour battery life

CONS:

• Limited resolutions and brightness

3. Nebula Capsule 3 Laser

Best 1080p Portable Projector

### Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser

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The Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser offers a crisp 1080p resolution with 300 ANSI lumens, delivering excellent color accuracy and contrast. While best used in low light due to its brightness level, its compact size—slightly larger than a can of Coke and weighing just 2.1lbs—makes it highly portable. It includes a battery that lasts up to 2.5 hours and 8W speakers with Dolby Digital Plus, which can also function as Bluetooth speakers.

Android TV 11 is built-in, allowing for easy streaming and light gaming over Wi-Fi. Despite its premium features, the Nebula Capsule 3 Laser comes with a higher price tag, aligning it with the Xgimi Halo+.

Product Specifications:

• Resolution: 1920×1080 pixels (DLP, HDR10)
• Brightness: 300 ANSI lumens
• Throw range: 2.2 ~ 10.5 feet
• Max image size: 120 inches
• Battery: Yes – 2.5 hours
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 1x HDMI, 1x USB-C, 1x Aux out
• Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Dimensions: 3.3” x 3.3” x 6.7”

PROS:

• Excellent color accuracy
• 8W speakers with Dolby Digital Plus

CONS:

• Low brightness

4. Nebula Mars 3 Air

Best Portable Projector for Sound

### Nebula Mars 3 Air

0

The Nebula Mars 3 Air is renowned for its audio quality, featuring dual 8W speakers that deliver rich, well-rounded sound. This makes it an ideal choice for road trips or outdoor movie nights, where sound quality is crucial. The projector also boasts a sleek and durable design, complete with a carrying strap for easy transport. With Google TV built-in and Wi-Fi support, streaming is straightforward, and additional connectivity options include HDMI and USB ports.

The Full HD picture is crisp and detailed, though HDR performance is not its strongest suit. The battery life extends up to eight hours when used solely as a Bluetooth speaker, and 2.5 hours when projecting.

Product Specifications:

• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels (DLP)
• Brightness: 400 ANSI lumens
• Throw range: Not listed
• Max image size: 150 inches
• Battery: Yes – up to 2.5 hours
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 1x USB-A, 1x HDMI
• Weight: 3.7 pounds
• Dimensions: 5.2" x 4.8" x 7"

PROS:

• Excellent sounding dual 8W speakers
• Sleek, durable design

CONS:

• Poor HDR performance

5. Xgimi Horizon S Max

Best Portable Projector for Brightness

### Xgimi Horizon S Max

0

With a staggering 3,100 ISO lumens, the Xgimi Horizon S Max is exceptionally bright, making it suitable for viewing in various environments. Its picture quality remains vibrant even in ambient light, thanks to solid contrast, accurate colors, and sharp resolution. Multiple HDR modes and a dual light source of laser and LEDs enhance the viewing experience.

While not as compact as other models, its gimbal mount and built-in stand, along with autofocus, auto keystone adjustments, screen fit, and obstacle avoidance features, ensure easy setup. However, it lacks a built-in battery, requiring a wall outlet or a high-powered power bank. Android 11 and Wi-Fi support facilitate seamless streaming, while dual 12W Harman Kardon speakers provide excellent audio.

Product Specifications:

• Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels (DLP)
• Brightness: 3100 ISO lumens
• Throw range: 1 feet, 8 inches ~ 15 feet
• Max image size: 200 inches
• Battery: No
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 2x USB, 1x HDMI (eARC), 1x DC
• Weight: 10.6 pounds
• Dimensions: 9.2" x 10.7" x 6.9"

PROS:

• Bright for easy viewing
• Loaded with features for a simple setup

CONS:

• No battery

6. Optoma ML1080

Best Laser Portable Projector

### Optoma ML1080

1

The Optoma ML1080 utilizes RGB laser technology to deliver accurate colors and rich details, resulting in stunning picture quality. Its energy efficiency is a plus, and with 1,200 ANSI lumens, it performs well in environments with some ambient light. Full HD resolution, along with Time-of-Flight (ToF) and four-corner correction, ensures a perfectly projected image.

Portability is a key feature, though it lacks a built-in battery, it can be powered via a USB-C input with a portable charger. This makes it a versatile choice for on-the-go use.

Product Specifications:

• Resolution: 1280x800 pixels (VGA; Full HD)
• Brightness: 1,200 ANSI lumens
• Throw range: 5.2 feet ~ 8.7 feet
• Max image size: 100 inches
• Battery: None
• Connectivity: 1 x USB-C power, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x USB-A power 1.5A, 1 x USB-A power 0.5A, 1 x Audio 3.5mm
• Weight: 2.3 lbs
• Dimensions: 6.18" x 5.31" x 2.68"

PROS:

• Stunning picture
• Time-of-Flight (ToF) and four-corner correction

CONS:

• No battery

What to Look for in a Portable Projector:

Space: Before purchasing, consider your typical viewing spaces. Check the throw range of the projector to ensure it fits your space for the desired image size. For outdoor use, assess whether your environment is level enough, though automatic keystone correction can help.

Brightness and Resolution: Brightness is crucial, especially for outdoor viewing. For nighttime use outdoors, aim for at least 800 ANSI lumens. Resolution ranges from 720p to 4K; choose based on your intended image size. A 60-inch image at 1080p resolution is generally sufficient.

Battery: If you plan to use the projector in locations without easy access to power outlets, consider a model with a battery. Many batteries last at least 90 minutes, with some offering longer durations.