Imagine taking a break from a hectic work schedule and staying at home to watch something your favorite movie?! It’s all about those moments of solace at home that a projector gives. Be it alone or with a family, opening up a treasure of old memories on projectors has only made you happy. Well, it’s not only about home happiness, projectors have proven to be the most useful man-made discovery in schools, institutions, or offices. There are so many consumer products on the market today that choosing a projector is easy with the right information. It’s now the era of digitization, so we will be talking about digital projectors in this blog.
Projectors are a popular, quick, and convenient way to show presentations, meetings, and videos. With so many options available on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is the best for you. To help guide you in your search for the perfect projector, it is important to familiarize yourself with these prerequisites:
- Width of the screen size
- Throw distance is the distance between screen and the projector
- Ambient light present in the room for the projector to display
List of Top 15 Portable Projectors
Benefits of a Projector
- Bigger image size
- Better portability
- Flexible installation
- Eye Comfort with less eye-straining due to reflected light
- Excellent cost-benefit ratio
- Compact size
- Customizable screen size
- Display on any surface
- Cost Lower than a TV
- Theater-like experience
- Easy Storage when not in use
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Ideal for indoor or outdoor viewing
Categories of Digital Projectors
1) Multimedia
Multimedia projectors constitute the most important and largest category and are the most extensive. Multimedia projectors are a one-stop shop solution for display needs – from creating PowerPoint presentations to projecting videos and slideshows at churches or weddings. They’re commonly taken into consideration for their portability and weight begins from three pounds for the ultra-slim models. The range of their brightness is from 2500 to 4500 lumens. They usually have zoom lenses but the zoom range is generally shorter than that in their domestic theater counterparts: 1.2x to at least one.5x (in comparison to 2x within the home theater realm). This means unique care needs to be taken while choosing, to ensure the display size is compatible with the projector’s throw ratio. Multimedia projectors provide a number of inputs. VGA continues to be the staple however virtual inputs consisting of HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort, and even SDI are available. Other additional features are user-friendly, WiFi functionality, and display capability without a PC.
2) Pocket also called “pico”
One of the best features of pocket projectors is its miniature size not larger than a smartphone, and its ease in transporting. They offer high-quality screening as compared to a computer or small TV. On account that they usually use LED lamps to avoid high power intake and bulky cooling systems, what they provide you with in portability is a compromise in photograph size. Brightness might be mentioned in element underneath, however, for the sake of evaluation; these projectors usually range from 25 to 1500 ANSI lumens, whereas first-rate multimedia projectors begin at 2500 lumens. Additionally, they tend to lack optical zoom, which means you will need to be bendy along with your projector placement to acquire the preferred photo size.
3) Home theater
Home theater projectors run on low brightness—say 1800 lumens average—and offer maximum zoom any projector has ever offered with built-in lenses. These projectors have their own low voltage control (LVC). So when you turn the projector on and off, you can move the screen up and down, or open and close the screen if the curtain is obscuring a hard, fast-moving object. To gain the quietest possible operation, they have got extra green—or extra intricate—cooling systems, making them exceedingly bulky making it difficult to install in an inverted position. They may be also the best type of projector for eye comfort. Most of these are full HD and a handful are 4K (authentic DCI 4096 x 2160 4K, in fact). In case you need a larger picture, can block out all ambient light, and operate it using a screen length of up to one hundred inches or so.
4) Larger venue projectors and fixed installation projectors (a subset of multimedia)
With a brightness ranging from 4500 to 20,000 lumens, these projectors are the brightest type on the market. Their best feature is that they have interchangeable-lens systems, making them the maximum adaptable in terms of throw distance. They may be commonly used in lecture halls, movie theaters, houses of worship, stadiums, and other comparable settings that require screening for large agencies. In addition to huge display sizes, they may be used in settings where ambient mild can’t be managed. It offers other additional feature benefits like “stacking,” which means the output from one or more projectors can be combined and aggregated to grow the brightness beyond what a single projector can manage. Instead, “edge blending”—the projection equivalent of a video wall—may be used to increase the resolution or create custom factor ratios for larger views.
Top 15 Portable Projectors
1. Egate K9 Android LED Projector
- Linux-based operating system with Full HD quality -Long lamp life of 30,000 hours or more-Perfect for personal use, education, and small to medium-sized offices
- Built-in Wi-Fi with pre-installed YouTube and Netflix
- It works with Bluetooth speakers
- It comes with a simple focus mechanism and a keystone correction of 40 degrees
- Installation is hassle-free and straightforward, with a one-year warranty and 1GB of RAM to back it up
- Slightly heavier
- Not appropriate for large offices
- Unsatisfactory customer service
2. BenQ TH585 Full HD DLP Projector
Features:
- Resolution:1920 * 1080 pixels
- Maximum Operating Distance: 10 feet
- Weight:8 kg
- Full HD Resolution 1080p
- Extra Boost Speakers
- Digital Lens Shift
- faultless alignment calculation
- It may also be readily connected to various devices, including gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox), laptops, desktops, mobile phones, streaming devices, and sticks
- The lamp has a long shelf life, making it an excellent choice for long periods of use
BenQ is known for producing high-quality computer peripherals. The BenQ RH585 Full HD DLP Projector is excellent for classrooms, boardrooms, auditoriums, and professional and home use. The 3500-lumen bulb, combined with full HD resolution, makes this a fantastic starter kit for any projector. The projector’s minimal lag input-output makes it an excellent choice for all types of business presentations and live seminars. The simple installation, the 1.1x zoom for closer distances, the digital shift of the lens and automated adjustability are all excellent characteristics.
- This projector is ideal for gaming, home use, movie screening, and entertainment
- The light boasts a brightness of 3500 lumens and the greatest lens technology
- It is compatible with the Firestick and does not require the use of any other devices
- Overuse of this projector will almost certainly result in heating concerns
- This is one of the most expensive projectors ever made, but others are more affordable
- The input lag is relatively low, which makes live streaming less annoying
3. Epson EB-E01 XGA Projector
Features:
- Resolution:1024 * 768
- Maximum Operating Distance:21 feet
- Weight: 2.4 kg
- Low-Noise, Bright Lamp
- Easy Compatibility with all devices
- This projector is built to last, with a light life of up to 12,000 hours when used in ECO mode
- The ultra-bright, 3,300-lumen projector uses superior 3LCD technology to offer rich, true-to-life images
You can easily get outstanding classroom projection at an inexpensive price point with the Epson EB-E01 XGA Projector. This one has a wall-mount option, ideal for classroom use. You can use the same device in your office and at home for gaming and movie streaming.
With HDMI connectivity and beautiful speakers that add value to presentations, the EB-E01 is designed specifically for educational contexts, boosts participation, and enriches lesson planning. Most users consider it a complete projector because of its ease of installation and placement versatility, which allows for easy projection from any location in the classroom. It was also declared as the best projector of all time thanks to user ratings, and it is expected to remain there.
- This is one of the most excellent projectors available, with a 3300-lumen lamp
- This projector is long-lasting, with a lifespan of about 18 years
- It does not require any batteries and is entirely powered by electricity
- The bright light eliminates the need for a screen, making it excellent for home and workplace use
- It needs a safe installation location due to heating up
- It’s an expensive projector, and other projectors are more affordable
4. EGate i9 Pro-Max Full HD LED Projector
Features:
- Resolution: 1280 * 720 pixels
- Maximum Operating Distance:16 feet
- Weight:9 kg
- Compatible with all kinds of devices
- Brighter Display (2600 Lumens)
- Due to its maximum operating distance of 16 feet, this projector’s display is HD-ready and capable of 150 inches of screen length
- The lamp is bright with 2,600 lumens, and there is close to 30,000 hours of lamp life
- Because the maximum operating distance is 16 feet, you can enjoy a screen as large as 150 inches
- It can work with a wide range of gaming consoles, laptops, and other devices
- It’s one of the smallest projectors on the market, making it ideal for use in the office
- The built-in sound speakers could have been louder and more potent than 3W
- Although it supports 1080p, the projector’s resolution can be much higher
5. BORSSO® Moon 7.1 HD Wi-Fi YouTube, LED Projector
The Borsso HD Wi-Fi LED HD Projector has a brightness of 3,000 Lumens, making it perfect for use in homes, small offices, and classrooms. This projector is intelligent and portable, and it creates realistic images. It also has a manual keystone adjustment mechanism, LED projection technology, and fast networking to ensure that your movie nights and official presentations go out without a hitch.
- Wi-Fi enabled
- There will be no overheating.
- Connection ports in multiple locations
- Mountable on the ceiling or the wall
- Projection is bright and clear
- Quick access to the internet
- Not compatible with Android
- There are no manual keystone correction options
- The quality of material used could have been better
6. Play Ultra HD 4K 3D Smart Android Laser Projector
With its high-quality visuals, quick connectivity, and simple operation, this laser projector improves your production productivity and cinematic experience. It’s a high-end projector that’ll give you an experience that’ll blow your mind. This laser projector is one of the best and most affordable on our list, and it’s ideal for residential, business, and educational use.
- The light has a 50,000-hour lifespan
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and HDMI are all supported
- Easy to use, cost-effective, and wall/ceiling/tripod mountable
- It can be used for both personal and professional purposes
- Extremely heavy
7. Mi Laser 150 Ultra-Short Throw Projector
- It contains a 16 GB ROM and 2 GB RAM
- Keystone correction is simple, and wireless support is available
- Supports DOLBY atmos and produces high-quality images
- The lamp has a 25,000-hour lifespan
- It is really heavy
8. LG HF80LG Full HD (1920 x 1080) 2000 Lumen Compact Laser Projector
- High contrast ratio
- Striking visuals
- Portable design
- USB plug and play
- Easily wired mirroring with various iOS/smart Android devices; 20,000 hours of usage
- Allows stream sound wirelessly using Bluetooth technology
- No smart features
- Low 2,000 lumens colour brightness
9. ViewSonic M1 Mini Portable Projector
Features:
- Has a WVGA (854x480p) resolution and 1080p capability measures only 4×4 inches and provides convenient entertainment in almost any location
- HDMI and USB connectivity
- Plugin and play videos from computers, tablets, mobile phones, media players and dongles, and more.
- The smart stand allows for easy positioning in a range of positions and angles, as well as serving as a lens cover.
- Comes with JBL Speaker and HDMI wire
- Built-in battery with power bank compatibility
- Swappable projector panels are included, letting you change the colour of the projector to match your style or your mood. Choose from grey, yellow, or teal
- Portable pocket-fit
- Not compatible with Apple devices
- Doesn’t have a 3.5mm auxiliary output for sound or Bluetooth to connect external audio
- Doesn’t work well in daylight
10. WZATCO W2 Pro Android
Features:
- 1920x1080P resolution and US standard 570ANSI Lumens
- Supports up to 200″ display
- W2 Pro boosts 5000:1 contrast ratio
- It’s the first 1080P projector from an Indian brand to use the official Google Android 9.0 system, making it the first 1080P projector from an Indian brand to use the official Google ATV.
- Features a 45° 4D (vertical and horizontal) keystone correction mechanism, ensuring that the projected image is always a conventional rectangle.
- 50000+ Hours Lamp Life
- 1-year warranty
- Wirelessly connect to your phone and can be used as a bluetooth speaker
- New Advanced Brightening Technology with LCD brightness and LED lamp for clear to strong vibrant colours
- KEYSTONE CORRECTION for crystal clear images
- Equipped with HDMI ports, USB ports, 3.5mm port to connect with TV Box, Amazon Fire Stick TV, Chromecast, PC, laptop, tablet, external speakers, Xbox, DVD player, USB stick, media players, etc.
- No wireless support
11. BORSSO® Moon 7.2 Smart Android
- Android LED Projector
- Bluetooth and WiFi Inbuilt
- Electric Zoom
- Use for Home, Small Office, Small Classroom
- No bad reviews from customers
12. XElectron C9 HD | LED Projector
- Advanced Brightening Technology
- Multimedia Projector
- Has multiple digital connection port options
- Ceiling and Tripod Mount
- Low Noise and Long Lamp lif
- Picture quality reduces after 3800 lumens
- No Android or Bluetooth support
13. Boss S12 Full HD Home Theatre Projector
- Indian Warranty: Nationwide 1 Year Warranty
- Offers high brightness or contrast, Interface Technology, Image Correction Frees your Viewing Position
- Can’t mirror the screen from any from any cast device or chrome cast devices
- Heats up within an hour of projection
- No WiFi Support
14. EGate i9 Pro LED Projector
Features:
- 1080p Full HD Support
- Native Resolution: 1280 x 720
- High contrast Ratio: 1000 : 1
- Screen Size: 3.04 m (120 inch)
- Lumens: 2400 Lumen , 210 ANSI Lumen
- LED- Life Long Lamp + 30000 Hours Life
- Connectivity: HDMI , 2 X USB , VGA , AV , SD Card Slot , Audio Out
- Sound: In-Built Speakers
- Compatibility: TV (Set Top Box), Fire TV Stick, PC/ Laptop, DVD, Play Station etc
- 2 Year Warranty
- Compact and light-weighted
- Digital zoom
- It lacks the contrast and brightness
15. Visitek V6 Miracast Large Display LED Projector
- Mulit-screen Mirroring
- Large size screening
- Its a global brand, so servicing or additional support is at your service
- Zero noise while working
- With its 3300Lumens and 2000:1 contrast ratio, the picture is stunningly brighter with which i can watch movies with a tubelight lit on a well spaced room during the day itself
- WiFi for Casting only
- No x-axis y-axis adjustment to shrink the projected image on the screen to our desired length and height
- Weak Bluetooth Connectivity
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Why do display screen size and throw distance matter? Or what is the throw ratio?
Projectors have a completely important specification known as "throw ratio." Throw Ratio tells us what image size we can project from a certain distance away. It also tells us about the distance of the projector from the display screen (throw distance) and how extensive is the display.
2) How a good deal of brightness do I want?
Even as the throw ratio is very crucial, brightness is the maximum essential specification to get it right. If the image isn’t brilliant enough to be visible without a doubt, all other issues fly out the window. One of the biggest challenges for the projectors is to get enough light out of it. If a projector is ever “too bright,” you may continually just turn the brightness down. But choosing a projector with a dim light is not recommendable. The measurement of projector brightness is in ANSI lumens. This brightness can be calculated depending upon various factors like the throw distance, image width, how much ambient light is present in the room, and the content that will be shown through the projector. Here’s some guidance to choose the projector having good brightness:
- Living room: 1500 to 2000 lumens
- School classroom or boardroom: 3000 lumens
- Lecture hall, church, or larger venues: 4500 lumens
- Stadium or movie theater: 20,000 lumens
3) What resolution do I need?
Maximum projectors nowadays are atleast XGA (1024 x 768) resolution, a 4:3 ratio format has been the longtime staple for giving PowerPoint presentations. Pocket projectors now and again have funky, low native resolutions. Because of high-definition video, increasingly widescreen formats starting at WXGA (1280 x 800) and 720p are supplanting the legacy 4:3 requirements. Though, we don’t recommend going lower than XGA. At SVGA or lower resolutions, pixilation within the photograph could be very obvious.
4) Are projector’s built-in speakers sufficient?
Projectors, just like TVs, aren’t built to deliver fantastic sound; often restricted to at least one-watt or 3-watt speakers, which might be less in most situations. Investing in a separate sound system even a transportable audio system is usually recommended. In case you do want the benefit of an all-in-one answer, choose a projector that has at least a ten-watt built-in speaker.