Projector Reviews

Reviews of Portable Projectors

The portable projectors category includes the latest in portable projectors that are ideal in terms of portability and convenience. Scroll down  for a list of our most recent portable projector reviews and more.

Portable projectors typically weigh under 10 lbs.
Portable projectors typically weigh under 10 lbs.

Portable projectors are convenient on-the-go solution and are becoming more advanced every day. Practical uses include classic presentations such as PowerPoint and multimedia presentations including videos and sound. Enjoy pictures, videos, and browing the internet from a large projection rather than a small display screen. Portable projectors are now exploring the realm beyond presentation, including gaming, 3D and mobile device integration.

If it is more than 10 lbs., it is not really a portable projector by today’s standards. Granted, this doesn’t mean that you won’t choose a projector weighing 13 lbs., but it does mean that most portable projectors currently weigh 3-8 lbs.

The lightest portable projectors are Pico projectors – they typically weigh less than one pound and are about the size (give or take) of a pack of cigarettes.  They are definitely the least bright projectors almost all with less than 100 lumens.  They are limited in use, need a really dark room to do a good job on a small screen – say 40 inches, but are the ultimate in portability.

Pocket projectors are the next size up, and like Pico Projectors tend to have LED light sources. These weigh from roughly 1 lb. to about 4 pounds and are mostly 300 – 700 lumens with the brightest hitting 1000 lumens (2015).  These are becoming more and more practical each year.

The vast majority of portable projectors, though, are lamp based projectors weighing in from about 3 pounds to 10 pounds and offering from 2000 to 5000 lumens!

A few Portable projector brands: 3MLG,  InFocus, and Epson.

Portable Projector Reviews

Portable Projector Reviews REVIEWS

Image Review

JMGO N1 Ultra 4K Triple Laser Projector Review

JMGO N1 Ultra 4K Triple Laser Projector Review

  • Review Date: March 26, 2023
  • MSRP:$2,299 MSRP
  • Technology: Triple Laser DLP

Nebula Capsule 3 Laser Portable Projector Review

Nebula Capsule 3 Laser Portable Projector Review

  • Review Date: February 27, 2023
  • MSRP:799.00
  • Technology: DLP (0.23″ DMD)

Formovie P1 Pocket Laser Projector Review

Formovie P1 Pocket Laser Projector Review

  • Review Date: February 25, 2023
  • MSRP:$399 MSRP
  • Technology: Laser DLP

Samsung The Freestyle Portable LED Projector Review

Samsung The Freestyle Portable LED Projector Review

  • Review Date: February 2, 2023
  • MSRP:$799
  • Technology: DLP LED

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

LG CineBeam PF510Q Portable Smart Projector Review

LG CineBeam PF510Q Portable Smart Projector Review

  • Review Date: December 19, 2022
  • MSRP:$599.99 MSRP
  • Technology: DLP

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

Wemax Go Advanced Full HD DLP Business Laser Projector Review

Wemax Go Advanced Full HD DLP Business Laser Projector Review

  • Review Date: June 24, 2022
  • MSRP:$1,198 MSRP
  • Technology: DLP Laser

LG PF610P CineBeam Portable LED DLP Projector Review

LG PF610P CineBeam Portable LED DLP Projector Review

  • Review Date: December 7, 2021
  • MSRP:$849 MSRP
  • Technology: DLP (0.33" DMD)

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

BenQ GS50 Ruggedized Portable 1080P Projector Review

BenQ GS50 Ruggedized Portable 1080P Projector Review

  • Review Date: September 14, 2021
  • MSRP:799
  • Technology: DLP with LED light source

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 Horizon Pro 4K Smart LED Projector Review

XGIMI Horizon Pro 4K Smart LED Projector Review

  • Review Date: May 27, 2021
  • MSRP:$1,699.00
  • Technology: Texas Instruments™ 0.47” DMD

XGIMI Introduces the Horizon and Horizon Pro Home Entertainment Projectors First Look Review

XGIMI Introduces the Horizon and Horizon Pro Home Entertainment Projectors First Look Review

  • Review Date: May 10, 2021
  • MSRP:
  • Technology:

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

VIEWSONIC M2 SMART LED PROJECTOR REVIEW

VIEWSONIC M2 SMART LED PROJECTOR REVIEW

  • Review Date: March 17, 2021
  • MSRP:$549.99
  • Technology: DLP LED

EPSON EF12 SMART LASER PROJECTOR REVIEW

EPSON EF12 SMART LASER PROJECTOR REVIEW

  • Review Date: January 31, 2021
  • MSRP:$999.99
  • Technology: 3LCD laser

Elite MosicGO 360 Portable Cinema System Review

Elite MosicGO 360 Portable Cinema System Review

  • Review Date: December 15, 2020
  • MSRP:$1299
  • Technology: DLP

Philips PicoPix Max Projector Review

Philips PicoPix Max Projector Review

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

Epson PowerLite U50 Business and Education Projector Review

Epson PowerLite U50 Business and Education Projector Review

  • Review Date: July 27, 2020
  • MSRP:$1,149.99
  • Technology: 3LCD

Casio XJ-F211WN Laser/LED Hybrid Business and Education Projector Review

Casio XJ-F211WN Laser/LED Hybrid Business and Education Projector Review

  • Review Date: June 16, 2020
  • MSRP:$1,049.99
  • Technology: DLP

BenQ EW800ST Smart Classroom Projector Review

BenQ EW800ST Smart Classroom Projector Review

  • Review Date: April 1, 2020
  • MSRP:$999
  • Technology: DLP

ViewSonic X10-4KE Home Entertainment Projector Review

ViewSonic X10-4KE Home Entertainment Projector Review

  • Review Date: February 28, 2020
  • MSRP:$1,499
  • Technology: 3 Chip DLP

Look Out Competition: It’s Fun Time! Epson Is Shipping Their First, Smart, Under $1000  Home Entertainment Laser Projector – HD Res, and 2000 lumens!

Look Out Competition: It’s Fun Time! Epson Is Shipping Their First, Smart, Under $1000 Home Entertainment Laser Projector – HD Res, and 2000 lumens!

  • Review Date: January 6, 2020
  • MSRP:
  • Technology:

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:

Casio Laser/LED Projectors Simply Provide a Better Value Proposition Than The Competition

Casio Laser/LED Projectors Simply Provide a Better Value Proposition Than The Competition

  • Review Date: October 2, 2019
  • MSRP:
  • Technology:

Panasonic PT-VMZ50 Laser Projector Review

Panasonic PT-VMZ50 Laser Projector Review

  • Review Date: September 24, 2019
  • MSRP:$2499
  • Technology: 3LCD

Vankyo Leisure 3 Mini Projector: Our First-Look Review of Key Features and Capabilities

Vankyo Leisure 3 Mini Projector: Our First-Look Review of Key Features and Capabilities

  • Review Date: August 12, 2019
  • MSRP:$99.00
  • Technology: single-chip LCD

Optoma HD243X Home-Entertainment Projector: Our First-Look Review of Key Features and Capabilities

Optoma HD243X Home-Entertainment Projector: Our First-Look Review of Key Features and Capabilities

  • Review Date: July 30, 2019
  • MSRP:$499
  • Technology: DLP

BenQ TK800M Projector First Look Review — 4K UHD HDR Optimized for Sports Fans

BenQ TK800M Projector First Look Review — 4K UHD HDR Optimized for Sports Fans

  • Review Date: July 5, 2019
  • MSRP:$1,299
  • Technology: DLP

NEC NP-MC382W Business/Education Projector Review

NEC NP-MC382W Business/Education Projector Review

  • Review Date: July 1, 2019
  • MSRP:$999
  • Technology: LCD

AAXA 4K1 – 4K LED Projector – A First Look Review

AAXA 4K1 – 4K LED Projector – A First Look Review

  • Review Date: May 20, 2019
  • MSRP:$999
  • Technology: DLP

ViewSonic PX706HD Gaming Projector Review

ViewSonic PX706HD Gaming Projector Review

  • Review Date: October 22, 2018
  • MSRP:$785
  • Technology: DLP

BenQ MW535A WXGA Business Projector Review

BenQ MW535A WXGA Business Projector Review

  • Review Date: September 27, 2018
  • MSRP:$550
  • Technology: DLP

Optoma UHL55 First Look Review – Compact, 4K and Full of Smarts

Optoma UHL55 First Look Review – Compact, 4K and Full of Smarts

  • Review Date: September 27, 2018
  • MSRP:$2,999
  • Technology: DLP with LED light source

Casio XJ-A257 Portable LED/Laser Projector Review

Casio XJ-A257 Portable LED/Laser Projector Review

  • Review Date: September 17, 2018
  • MSRP:$1509.99
  • 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

BenQ MH733 Business and Education Projector Review

BenQ MH733 Business and Education Projector Review

  • Review Date: July 19, 2018
  • MSRP:$799
  • Technology: DLP

The LG CineBeam HU80K – A 4K Laser Projector That Gets It

The LG CineBeam HU80K – A 4K Laser Projector That Gets It

  • Review Date: June 29, 2018
  • MSRP:$2999
  • Technology: DLP

First Look Review of BenQ TK800 4K UHD Projector – Is Better For You Than The BenQ HT2550?

First Look Review of BenQ TK800 4K UHD Projector – Is Better For You Than The BenQ HT2550?

  • Review Date: April 27, 2018
  • MSRP:$1,499
  • Technology: DLP

Optoma W460 Business and Education Projector Review

Optoma W460 Business and Education Projector Review

  • Review Date: April 11, 2018
  • MSRP:$849
  • Technology: DLP

Epson PowerLite 108 Projector Review

Epson PowerLite 108 Projector Review

  • Review Date: April 9, 2018
  • MSRP:$599
  • Technology: 3LCD

InFocus IN2128HDx Business and Classroom Projector Review

InFocus IN2128HDx Business and Classroom Projector Review

  • Review Date: April 6, 2018
  • MSRP:$1847
  • Technology: DLP

Sony VPL-EW435 Business and Education Projector Review

Sony VPL-EW435 Business and Education Projector Review

  • Review Date: April 2, 2018
  • MSRP:$749
  • Technology: 3LCD

Epson PowerLite 990U Projector Review

Epson PowerLite 990U Projector Review

  • Review Date: March 28, 2018
  • MSRP:$1079
  • Technology: 3LCD

InFocus IN116xa Portable Projector Review

InFocus IN116xa Portable Projector Review

  • Review Date: March 16, 2018
  • MSRP:$425
  • Technology: DLP

BenQ HT2550 – At $1499, The Most Affordable 4K UHD Projector Yet – First Look

BenQ HT2550 – At $1499, The Most Affordable 4K UHD Projector Yet – First Look

  • Review Date: January 10, 2018
  • MSRP:
  • Technology:

ViewSonic PJD7828HDL Home Theater Projector Review

ViewSonic PJD7828HDL Home Theater Projector Review

  • Review Date: January 7, 2018
  • MSRP:$679
  • Technology: DLP (1)

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 M5 Pocket Projector Review – 720p and LED!

AAXA M5 Pocket Projector Review – 720p and LED!

  • Review Date: November 29, 2017
  • MSRP:$499
  • Technology: DLP

Two Holiday Guides, Ten Great Home Projectors

Two Holiday Guides, Ten Great Home Projectors

  • Review Date: November 28, 2017
  • MSRP:
  • Technology: 0

Epson Home Cinema 760HD First Look Review

Epson Home Cinema 760HD First Look Review

  • Review Date: September 18, 2017
  • MSRP:$549
  • Technology: 3LCD

Epson Home Cinema 1060 First Look Review

Epson Home Cinema 1060 First Look Review

  • Review Date: August 30, 2017
  • MSRP:$649
  • Technology: 3LCD

Epson Home Cinema 660 First Look Review

Epson Home Cinema 660 First Look Review

  • Review Date: August 29, 2017
  • MSRP:
  • Technology: 0

Epson Home Cinema 2150 First Look Review

Epson Home Cinema 2150 First Look Review

  • Review Date: August 28, 2017
  • MSRP:
  • Technology: 0

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

Epson Home Cinema 2100 First Look Review

Epson Home Cinema 2100 First Look Review

  • Review Date: August 13, 2017
  • MSRP:
  • Technology: 0

NEC NP-ME331W Portable Projector Review

NEC NP-ME331W Portable Projector Review

  • Review Date: March 24, 2017
  • MSRP:$699
  • Technology: 3LCD

Epson PowerLite 2265U Projector Review

Epson PowerLite 2265U Projector Review

  • Review Date: February 8, 2017
  • MSRP:$2299
  • Technology: 3LCD

NEC NP-V332W Projector Review

NEC NP-V332W Projector Review

  • Review Date: December 16, 2016
  • MSRP:$579
  • Technology: DLP

Sony VPL-DW240 Projector – A Review

Sony VPL-DW240 Projector – A Review

  • Review Date: December 1, 2016
  • MSRP:$970
  • Technology: 3LCD

Casio XJ-F210WN Projector Review

Casio XJ-F210WN Projector Review

  • Review Date: November 14, 2016
  • MSRP:$1049.99
  • Technology: DLP

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

InFocus IN1118HD Mobile Projector Review

InFocus IN1118HD Mobile Projector Review

  • Review Date: September 13, 2016
  • MSRP:$1149
  • Technology: DLP

LG MiniBeam PF1000U Projector Review

LG MiniBeam PF1000U Projector Review

  • Review Date: August 16, 2016
  • MSRP:$1,399
  • Technology: DLP

Millennials and Projectors: Optoma ML750 LED Projector Review: Part 2

Millennials and Projectors: Optoma ML750 LED Projector Review: Part 2

  • Review Date: May 15, 2016
  • MSRP:
  • Technology: 0

ViewSonic PJD7835HD Projector Review

ViewSonic PJD7835HD Projector Review

  • Review Date: May 12, 2016
  • MSRP:899
  • Technology: DLP

Epson EX7240 Pro Portable Projector Review

Epson EX7240 Pro Portable Projector Review

  • Review Date: December 7, 2015
  • MSRP:649.99
  • Technology: 3LCD

AAXA P700 HD Pocket LED Projector Review

AAXA P700 HD Pocket LED Projector Review

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

BenQ MX631ST Short Throw Projector Review

BenQ MX631ST Short Throw Projector Review

  • Review Date: November 24, 2015
  • MSRP:$529 (street price)
  • Technology: DLP

NEC M363W Projector Review

NEC M363W Projector Review

  • Review Date: November 16, 2015
  • MSRP:1599
  • 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

Casio EcoLite XJ-V1 Projector Review

Casio EcoLite XJ-V1 Projector Review

  • Review Date: April 21, 2015
  • MSRP:$699.99
  • Technology: DLP

Viewsonic PJD5555w DLP Multimedia Projector Review

Viewsonic PJD5555w DLP Multimedia Projector Review

  • Review Date: April 10, 2015
  • MSRP:$519.99 (Street price - $449.99)
  • Technology: DLP

InFocus IN126STa Short Throw Projector Review

InFocus IN126STa Short Throw Projector Review

  • Review Date: April 1, 2015
  • MSRP:$779
  • Technology: DLP

About Portable Projectors

The sweet spot from a value stand point on portable projectors, in terms of weight, would be 5-7 lbs. We say this because projectors in that size class will usually provide higher performance than the lighter 3-4 lb. models, and at a nice price. Therefore, if you don’t need the absolute lightest portable projector, this is the range where you will get the most bang for your buck!

Truth is, projectors have gotten small enough and light enough that the full-feature sets normally found in projectors for fixed installation are now often available in low cost, 6-8 lb. portable projectors.  A lot of portable projectors, therefore, end up in conference rooms, classrooms, training rooms, permanently mounted despite their small size. The slightly larger models that can still move from room to room, however, dominate the industry.

In many cases, current portable projector models offer as much connectivity as projectors many times their size and price. Portable projectors can offer advanced networking, wireless capabilities, and can, as of recently, even stream directly from the internet without a computer.

Yet not all uses for portable projectors are business anymore. Portable projectors are now coming 3D ready and can be integrated iPad, iPod, Android, or other mobile device technology. Portable projectors also integrate with gaming systems, hand gesture recognition, and webcam technology… The possibilities are endless.

There is something out there for everyone. For example, there are approximately 250 active portable business projectors on the market at any given time. And that doesn’t even include smaller pico and pockets projectors.

For portable business projectors, there are often many variations of a single basic model, with each varying in anything from resolution and brightness to extra features and networking capabilities.

Portable projectors cover vast size range, from as low as a few ounces to roughly 10 lbs. Within portable projectors are pico projectorsmini projectorspocket projectors, and the standard portable projectors we’ve been discussing here.

Let’s take a look at the variety of portable projectors available on the market today.

Optoma PK320
Optoma PK320

 

 

 

 

 

Above, the Optoma PK320 of the smallest class of portable projector – the pico projector.

1080p resolution, networking, and just over 3 pounds
1080p resolution, networking, and just over 3 pounds

The LG PF85U Pocket projector, (one of the brightest, and highest resolution of its type) the second smallest portable projector class:

The Casio XJ-S57 Super Slim is one of the thinnest projectors available, and can fit conveniently into your briefcase or carry-on luggage.

casio XJ-A250v front view
Casio XJ-A250v – an ultra-slim portable with solid state light engine

The 7 lb. Epson Powerlite 99W portable won our Best In Classroom award last year:

Epson Powerlite 99W - a top winner from last year's report, is still current product with education discounts.
Epson Powerlite 99W – a top winner from last year’s report, is still current portable projector with education discounts.

Basically, there are plenty of slightly smaller projectors out there between 2.5-5 lbs. for the hardcore road warrior who is always on the go. If you are constantly traveling – bringing your work life in the car or on the airplane with you – chances are you’re taking your portable projector everywhere. This size portable projector is a great compromise between portability and image quality – these models are the smallest and lightest but still have high performance.

But if you’re not the type who needs your projector to fit in your briefcase or carry-on luggage, you might not care if your projector is 3 or 13 lbs. Some portable projectors are rarely taken off site or are moved only from room to room, so being the most lightweight is not necessary.

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