The 6 Best Portable Projectors in 2025

Experience the magic of cinema anywhere with the best portable projectors. Unlike their bulky, hard-to-move counterparts, these compact powerhouses bring big-screen entertainment to your backyard, dorm room, or even a camping trip under the stars. Many models boast built-in streaming apps and Wi-Fi for effortless setup, while Bluetooth and HDMI support ensure seamless connectivity with your phone, tablet, or laptop. And forget about hunting for wall outlets – top portable projectors often include long-lasting batteries or can be powered by portable power banks.

TL;DR – The Best Portable Projectors:

Xgimi Halo+

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ViewSonic M1X

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Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser

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Nebula Mars 3 Air

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Xgimi Horizon S Max

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Optoma ML1080

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While portable projectors offer incredible convenience, it's important to acknowledge some limitations. Smaller projectors generally sacrifice brightness and picture quality compared to their larger counterparts, performing best in dark environments. Features like high refresh rates and low input lag found in gaming projectors are also typically absent. However, for space-conscious movie lovers, a portable projector is unbeatable.

Explore our top picks below. Whether you need a tiny, budget-friendly option or a slightly larger model delivering rich detail and accurate color, we've curated a selection of top-tier portable projectors to suit your needs.

1. Xgimi Halo+

Best Portable Projector Overall

The Xgimi Halo+ delivers a stunning Full HD picture (1920x1080 pixels) with up to 900 ANSI lumens of brightness, perfect for outdoor movie nights. Dual 5W Harman Kardon stereo speakers provide immersive audio, while its Android interface with Chromecast and ample storage makes streaming a breeze. Automatic keystone adjustment, auto focus, and intelligent obstacle avoidance simplify setup. It even boasts a low-latency gaming mode.

Pros: Sharp picture, Android interface. Cons: Color accuracy could be better.

2. ViewSonic M1X

Best Budget Portable Projector

The ViewSonic M1X offers exceptional value in an ultra-compact form factor. Weighing under 2 lbs and boasting up to four hours of battery life, it's ideal for travel. A built-in stand ensures easy setup, while horizontal and vertical keystoning simplifies image adjustment. The dual 3W Harman Kardon speakers deliver surprisingly good sound, making it a versatile device.

Pros: Convenient stand, long battery life. Cons: Limited resolution and brightness.

3. Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser

Best 1080p Portable Projector

Despite its compact size, the Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser delivers a crisp 1080p (1920x1080 pixels) resolution with surprisingly accurate colors and excellent contrast. While its 300 ANSI lumens brightness is best suited for darker environments, its 8W speakers with Dolby Digital Plus enhance the viewing experience. Android TV 11 simplifies streaming and light gaming.

Pros: Excellent color accuracy, good speakers. Cons: Low brightness.

4. Nebula Mars 3 Air

Best Portable Projector for Sound

The Nebula Mars 3 Air prioritizes audio quality with its dual 8W speakers delivering rich, well-rounded sound. Its Full HD (1920x1080 pixels) picture is crisp and detailed, and Google TV integration simplifies streaming. The sleek design and durable build make it a reliable travel companion.

Pros: Excellent speakers, sleek design. Cons: Poor HDR performance.

5. Xgimi Horizon S Max

Best Portable Projector for Brightness

With a dazzling 3100 ISO lumens, the Xgimi Horizon S Max delivers vibrant images even in brightly lit rooms. Its 4K (3840x2160 pixels) resolution, accurate colors, and solid contrast ensure a stunning viewing experience. While larger and heavier than other options, its features like auto focus and keystone correction simplify setup.

Pros: High brightness, feature-rich. Cons: No battery.

6. Optoma ML1080

Best Laser Portable Projector

The Optoma ML1080 utilizes RGB laser technology for accurate colors and rich details, producing a stunning picture for its size. Its 1200 ANSI lumens brightness ensures visibility in various environments, while features like Time-of-Flight (ToF) and four-corner correction ensure perfect image projection. While lacking a battery, its USB-C power input allows for portable charging.

Pros: Stunning picture, advanced correction features. Cons: No battery.

What to Look for in a Portable Projector

Space: Consider your viewing space and the projector's throw range to ensure it fits your needs. Brightness and Resolution: For outdoor use, aim for at least 800 ANSI lumens. Resolution depends on image size; 1080p is sufficient for a 60-inch image. Battery: Choose a battery-powered model for portability.