Projector Reviews

Pico Projectors

The pico projectors category includes the latest in ultra-portable projectors, micro projectors, and pocket projectors for laptops and other convenient device integration. See below for a list of pico projector reviews and information pages.

Pico projectors, are hand-held portable devices that use a solid state light source such as LED instead of a conventional lamp.

Loosely defined as under 0.75 lbs., they are considerably smaller than similar “pocket projectors” or “mini projectors,” which are therefore over 0.75-1 lbs. Thus, these pico projectors are no larger than the size of a pack of cigarettes.

Since the first pico projectors emerged on the market a few years ago, each subsequent generation’s performance, on average, has exceeded its predecessors. Each year, picture quality, resolution, brightness and even inputs have become more advanced and are expected to continue to improve in the future.

Pico projector brands: 3MLGOptoma, SamsungAAXA.

Pico Projector Reviews

Pico Projector Reviews REVIEWS

Image Review

ASUS ZenBeam Latte L1 Portable LED Projector Review

ASUS ZenBeam Latte L1 Portable LED Projector Review

  • Review Date: January 3, 2023
  • MSRP:$449
  • Technology: Single chip DLP, LED light source

AAXA P400 Portable Short Throw LED Projector Review

AAXA P400 Portable Short Throw LED Projector Review

  • Review Date: November 14, 2022
  • MSRP:$269
  • Technology: DLP

XGIMI Halo+ Portable Smart LED Projector Review

XGIMI Halo+ Portable Smart LED Projector Review

  • Review Date: October 5, 2021
  • MSRP:$849
  • Technology: DLP (0.33" DMD)

BenQ GV30 Portable LED Smart Projector Review

BenQ GV30 Portable LED Smart Projector Review

  • Review Date: September 22, 2021
  • MSRP:$599
  • Technology: DLP LED

AAXA M7 Portable LED Projector Review

AAXA M7 Portable LED Projector Review

  • Review Date: September 7, 2021
  • MSRP:$488.00
  • Technology: DLP (0.33" DMD)

XGIMI Elfin Smart 1080P LED Projector Review

XGIMI Elfin Smart 1080P LED Projector Review

  • Review Date: August 19, 2021
  • MSRP:$659
  • Technology: DLP (0.33" DMD)

XGIMI Halo Portable 1080P Android TV Projector Review

XGIMI Halo Portable 1080P Android TV Projector Review

  • Review Date: May 5, 2021
  • MSRP:$799.00
  • Technology: DLP (0.33" DMD)

AAXA P6X PORTABLE PICO PROJECTOR REVIEW

AAXA P6X PORTABLE PICO PROJECTOR REVIEW

  • Review Date: May 2, 2021
  • MSRP:$359
  • Technology: DLP

Philips PicoPix Max Projector Review

Philips PicoPix Max Projector Review

  • Review Date: November 6, 2020
  • MSRP:$899
  • Technology: DLP

2019 Holiday Guide To Seven Great Home Theater Projectors Under $2000

2019 Holiday Guide To Seven Great Home Theater Projectors Under $2000

  • Review Date: November 22, 2019
  • MSRP:
  • Technology:

Aaxa 4k1 Home Entertainment Projector Review

Aaxa 4k1 Home Entertainment Projector Review

  • Review Date: August 15, 2019
  • MSRP:$999
  • Technology: DLP

Acer C200 Pico Projector Review  – Travel-Sized and LED

Acer C200 Pico Projector Review – Travel-Sized and LED

  • Review Date: August 20, 2018
  • MSRP:$199.99
  • Technology: DLP

AAXA P300 NEO Pico Projector Review – Pocket Sized Fun

AAXA P300 NEO Pico Projector Review – Pocket Sized Fun

  • Review Date: August 16, 2018
  • MSRP:294.99
  • Technology: DLP

Acer K138ST Projector Review – A Pocket Sized Gaming Machine

Acer K138ST Projector Review – A Pocket Sized Gaming Machine

  • Review Date: December 15, 2017
  • MSRP:$599
  • Technology: DLP

AAXA M6 Projector Review – 1080p Pocket Sized and LED!

AAXA M6 Projector Review – 1080p Pocket Sized and LED!

  • Review Date: August 16, 2017
  • MSRP:$599
  • Technology: LED

The Optoma ML750ST LED Projector Review – Part 1

The Optoma ML750ST LED Projector Review – Part 1

  • Review Date: September 26, 2016
  • MSRP:549
  • Technology: DLP

AAXA P700 HD Pocket LED Projector Review

AAXA P700 HD Pocket LED Projector Review

  • Review Date: December 4, 2015
  • MSRP:449
  • Technology: DLP

Millennials and Projectors: The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 730HD

Millennials and Projectors: The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 730HD

  • Review Date: November 8, 2015
  • MSRP:649
  • Technology: 3LCD

The Optoma ML750  LED Projector – Review Part 1

The Optoma ML750 LED Projector – Review Part 1

  • Review Date: November 6, 2015
  • MSRP:1099
  • Technology: DLP

LG Minibeam PH300 Projector Review

LG Minibeam PH300 Projector Review

  • Review Date: July 23, 2015
  • MSRP:$449.99
  • Technology: DLP

NEC NP-L102W Projector Review

NEC NP-L102W Projector Review

  • Review Date: September 5, 2014
  • MSRP:1099
  • Technology: DLP

HB Opto HBP503D Pocket Projector Review

HB Opto HBP503D Pocket Projector Review

  • Review Date: June 2, 2013
  • MSRP:600
  • Technology: DLP

AAXA P4X Projector Review

AAXA P4X Projector Review

  • Review Date: September 18, 2012
  • MSRP:349
  • Technology: DLP

Acer K11 DLP Pico Projector Review

Acer K11 DLP Pico Projector Review

  • Review Date: July 22, 2011
  • MSRP:379
  • Technology: DLP

Pico Projector Review – Optoma Neo-i DV20a Projector

Pico Projector Review – Optoma Neo-i DV20a Projector

  • Review Date: March 1, 2011
  • MSRP:449
  • Technology: DLP

Pico Projector Review – AAXA P1 Jr. Pico Projector with LED Lightsource

Pico Projector Review – AAXA P1 Jr. Pico Projector with LED Lightsource

  • Review Date: October 22, 2010
  • MSRP:119
  • Technology: DLP

Optoma PK201 LED Pico Projector Review

Optoma PK201 LED Pico Projector Review

  • Review Date: September 28, 2010
  • MSRP:299
  • Technology: DLP

LED Projector Review – 3M MPro150 Pico Projector

LED Projector Review – 3M MPro150 Pico Projector

  • Review Date: September 23, 2010
  • MSRP:350
  • Technology: DLP

Optoma PK301 LED Projector Review

Optoma PK301 LED Projector Review

  • Review Date: September 2, 2010
  • MSRP:399
  • Technology: DLP

AAXA L1 Pico Projector Review

AAXA L1 Pico Projector Review

  • Review Date: August 23, 2010
  • MSRP:599
  • Technology: DLP

LED Projector Review – Aiptek V10 PLUS Pico Projector

LED Projector Review – Aiptek V10 PLUS Pico Projector

  • Review Date: July 19, 2009
  • MSRP:349
  • Technology: LCoS

LED Projector Review – 3M MPro110 Pico Projector

LED Projector Review – 3M MPro110 Pico Projector

  • Review Date: July 11, 2009
  • MSRP:359
  • Technology: LCoS Projector

BenQ GP1 Joybee LED Projector Review

BenQ GP1 Joybee LED Projector Review

  • Review Date: July 2, 2009
  • MSRP:499
  • Technology: DLP

LED Projector Review – Optoma PK101 Pico Projector

LED Projector Review – Optoma PK101 Pico Projector

  • Review Date: May 8, 2009
  • MSRP:399
  • Technology: DLP

Boxlight BumbleBee LED/DLP, Palm Portable, Pocket Projector Review – Overview

Boxlight BumbleBee LED/DLP, Palm Portable, Pocket Projector Review – Overview

  • Review Date: July 8, 2007
  • MSRP:899
  • Technology: DLP

Mitsubishi PK20 LED, Palm-Sized. Portable, Pocket Projector Review – Overview

Mitsubishi PK20 LED, Palm-Sized. Portable, Pocket Projector Review – Overview

  • Review Date: June 6, 2007
  • MSRP:899
  • Technology: DLP

Dell 3400MP DLP Micro Portable Projector Review – Overview

Dell 3400MP DLP Micro Portable Projector Review – Overview

  • Review Date: May 26, 2007
  • MSRP:1099
  • Technology: DLP

Optoma ML300 Projector Review

Optoma ML300 Projector Review

  • Review Date: January 1, 2007
  • MSRP:899
  • Technology: DLP

About Pico Projectors

Pico projectors are less than 1 lb., fit comfortably in the pants or even shirt pocket, and are extremely convenient for portable uses. They typically use DLP or LCoS technology with an LED solid state light source. They are one size class smaller than pocket and mini projectors.

True, pico projector resolution remains significantly lower than typical business or home theater projectors, and brightness is not likely to reach the levels of standard size projectors.

However, the picture quality, color, and brighness of recent pico projectors is an improvement upon even the previous year’s models. We presume pico projector imaging will continue to be made better with new technological advances. For example, the brightest of 2009’s pico projectors was only 12 lumens, whereas some of today’s pico projectors measure up to 50 lumens and are more versatile than ever before (as of the end of 2010).

Without a doubt, pico projectors are a lot of fun. Their incredibly small size and excellent portablility make them great for video gaming, movie watching, or mobile presentations (so long as they’re bright enough for your environment).

 

Mini projectors.

Above, the pico projectors reviewed in 2010. From left, clockwise: Optoma PK201, LG HX-300G, 3M MP150, Optoma PK301, and the AAXA L1. Not shown: the AAXA P1 Jr.

Let’s take a look at some of the significant features of pico projectors.

Price

Pricing for Pico Projectors is usually around anywhere from $100 to $799 retail price; but most are available for $200-$400.

Notable specifications

  • Brightness: 8-60 lumens
  • Native resolution: VGA to XGA, also wide screen models
  • Contrast: 1000:1 to 2000+:1
  • Light source life: 20,000+ hours, most rated 10,000-30,000 hours
  • Warranty: typically 90 days to 1 year, parts and labor (varies from brand to brand)
  • Inputs: Composite video is standard, and some offer VGA input, USB input and/or a card reader, and HDMI (typically a mini-HDMI jack)

Highlights

  • Extremely small – around the size of a wallet, some less than 1/2 inch thick, weigh around a half a pound or less
  • Most have more than one type of input in addition to standard composite video source
  • Increased compatibility as memory cards and USB slots are becoming more common
  • Some offer built-in multimedia players
  • Battery life around or just over 1 hour
  • Relatively quick recharge (3-5 hours)
  • Most have audio – 1 or 2 speakers, and some have audio out for external speakers/headphones
  • One year warranty is most common so far (though some have 90 day)
  • Long life LED light source

Check out our 2010 pico projector report for more in-depth analysis, comparisons and reviews of specific models: A Guide To Pico Projectors