Are you looking for the world’s smallest projector?
Techies call it a pico projector, which is compact and lightweight.
Let me guess, maybe you give regular presentations or share a movie with your friends and family while travelling. So you need a portable media device that can easily fit into your backpack and quickly display an image in unconventional places, like outdoors.
Smart portable projectors are quickly revolutionizing how digital media is consumed on the go. Today’s mini projectors can produce vivid and sharp pictures on any surface you need.
A miniature projector combines the convenience of a smartphone with the screen appeal of a TV. But there’s a catch; these projectors have two significant limitations,
- Their low power consumption limits their brightness value and resolution
- They can only project to small screen sizes up to 100 inches.
These limitations can be ignored by the people who needs a highly portable projector. A major benefit offered by these pico projectors is that they feature smart interconnectivity with smartphones, laptops, and other media devices for a completely wireless setup that you can set up in no time.
List of 11 Best Miniature Projectors
- Anker Nebula Capsule – Best Overall
- Apeman M4 – Pocket Projector
- BenQ GV1 – Editor’s Choice
- PIQO – World’s Smallest Projector
- ViewSonic M1 Mini – Best Design
- Kodak Ultra Mini
- XGIMI MoGo Pro
- Magnasonic PP60
- AAXA P7
- Optoma LV130 – Brand Choice
- AAXA BP1 – Best Bluetooth Speaker + Projector
- Asus ZenBeam E1 – Robust Design
Now without any further ado, let’s take a look at the above best portable miniature projectors that offer an excellent bargain for an ideal picture with the best resolution and brightness value.
#1 – Anker Nebula Capsule
Nebula has become a trending projector brand on Amazon. The Anker Nebula Capsule mini projector has gained popularity with thousands of reviews on the online store.
The Anker Nebula Capsule is a soda can-sized mini projector featuring a powerful 360° omnidirectional speaker that pumps out clear sound for a completely immersive experience.
Following are two more variations of this mini projector,
- Nebula Capsule Max – Price $399
- Nebula Capsule II – Price $579
Both of them boast upgraded features over the basic Anker Nebula Capsule mini projector. Some of them are as below,
- Higher brightness of 200 ANSI Lumens
- 720p resolution
- 8W powerful speakers
- Chromecast and screen mirroring
- Autofocus
It offers to supersize immersive graphics that allows you to enjoy content on a screen measuring up to 100 inches. Anker relies on advanced intelliBright algorithms to clarify and contest the 100 ANSI-lumen images.
Specifications
- Brightness: 100 ANSI Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 400:1
- Resolution: 854×480 pixels
- Screen Size: 40 to 100 inches
- Throw distance: 4 to 10 feet
- Lamp Lifespan: 30,000 hours
- Dimensions: 4.7×2.6×2.6 inches
- Weight: 1.03 lbs
This projector comes with an HDMI and USB port. It is a WiFi and Bluetooth enabled device, so connecting this projector to other devices is a breeze.
The built-in 5200 mAh battery can provide up to 4 hours of movie playtime and up to 30 hours of Bluetooth audio playtime on a single charge. This portable capsule still pulls off an admirable performance with a 400:1 contrast ratio and a 480p native resolution.
One more mini projector from Nebula, Anker Nebula Apollo, has a rectangular design and nearly identical features to Nebula Capsule. It costs $349.
#2 – Apeman M4
Apeman M4 is a palm-top projector that can easily fit into your backpack. It is famous as an affordable alternative to the previously discussed Nebula Anker Capsule.
It is a lightweight projector that has a square design.
This projector has a native resolution of 480p, but it supports 1080p projection. For sharp and vivid picture quality, place this projector at a distance of 6 feet and project onto a screen of 72-inches.
It comes with a built-in rechargeable battery that offers 2 hours of battery backup.
Specifications
- Brightness: 50 ANSI Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 400:1
- Native Resolution: 854×480 pixels
- Supported Resolution: 1920×1080 pixels
- Screen Size: 30 to 100 inches
- Throw distance: 3 to 13 feet
- Lamp Lifespan: 20,000 hours
- Dimensions: 3.86×3.86×0.85 inches
- Weight: 0.44 lbs
It equips an HDMI and USB port to connect it to a Laptop, TV Box, DVD, Tablet, Camera, PS3/4, Smartphone, etc.
Also, a 3.5mm audio jack will help you connect this projector to headphones or external speakers. The built-in dual 1W speakers offer decent sound quality.
#3 – BenQ GV1
BenQ GV1 is a stylish mini projector that comes with various excellent features.
In contrast to most of its counterparts, BenQ GV1 produces accurate colours with a brightness of 200 Lumens and a contrast ratio of 100,00:1. For better image quality, keep this projector plugged into the power supply.
This pico projector looks more like a Bluetooth speaker. It comes with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth.
The 3600 mAh battery of GV1 has a battery backup of 3 hours.
Specifications
- Brightness: 200 ANSI Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 400:1
- Native Resolution: 854×480 pixels
- Supported Resolution: 1920×1080 pixels
- Screen Size: 30 to 100 inches
- Throw distance: 3 to 13 feet
- Lamp Lifespan: 30,000 hours
- Dimensions: 3.1×3.1×6.1 inches
- Weight: 1.56 lbs
It has a USB Type-C port which you can use to power up the projector or connect an external device. BenQ GV1 is shipped with HDMI to USB-C dongle.
Built-in 5W speakers boast impressive stereo quality sound. They are the best fit for small rooms.
#4 – PIQO
PIQO is the best miniature projector with a native resolution of 1080p. This projector has the smallest form factor.
It is a cube of 2.25-inch that weighs only 0.46 lbs.
The battery will last up to 5 hours. It supports fast charging; after 15 minutes of charging, you will enjoy movies for a straight 1 hour.
It comes with built-in WiFi, Bluetooth and Airplay for wireless connection. Moreover, to reduce the hassle of carrying a USB thumb drive or micro SD card, PIQO offers 16 GB of built-in memory to store images and movies.
Specifications
- Brightness: 200 ANSI Lumens
- Native Resolution: 1920×1080 pixels
- Dimensions: 2.25×2.25×2.25 inches
- Weight: 0.46 lbs
The availability of an HDMI and USB port along with the 3.5mm audio jack and DC power port may surprise you.
Hi-Fi speakers by Harman Kardon and Bose Engineers perform well within 5 to 6 feet of the projector.
#5 – ViewSonic M1 Mini
ViewSonic M1 is the best pocket-friendly miniature projector on this list. It costs only $139.
There are two upgraded versions of ViewSonic M1 Mini,
- ViewSonic M1 Mini Plus – Price $169
- ViewSonic M1+ – Price $254
They have the following added features over M1 Mini,
- High brightness between 250-300 Lumens
- The internal storage of 16GB
- WiFi connectivity
- Battery backup of 6 hours
All of the M1 series projectors offer a changeable top panel that comes in 3 colours to suit your choice of colour preference. The integrated stand makes for an easy and fast setup and doubles up as cover.
The in-built battery can be used with an external power bank. M1 Mini has a battery backup of 1.5 hours.
Specifications
- Brightness: 120 LED Lumens
- Resolution: 640×480 pixels
- Screen size: 40 to 80 inches
- Lamp Lifespan: 30,000 hours
- Dimensions: 5.7×1.6×5.0 inches
- Weight: 1.65 lbs
It comes with an HDMI, micro USB, and USB Type-A port.
It is shipped with a tiny remote. Just make sure to carry it with utmost attention while travelling as you can easily lose it.
The JBL speakers deliver high-quality sound.
#6 – Kodak Ultra Mini
Carry a world of entertainment in your pocket with a Kodak Ultra Mini projector. The price of this projector is $179.
This is another nice-looking mini projector on this list. It has a brightness of 25 ANSI lumens and a contrast ratio of 1300:1, which are enough to project a crystal clear image on a small screen of 60-80 inches.
There are two more variants available,
- Kodak Luma 150 – Price 219
- Kodak Luma 350 – Price 299
The design of all of the three projectors is very similar. Luma 150 and Luma 350 are upgraded versions of Luma 75 with the following features,
- Brightness up to 200 Lumens
- Improved contrast ratio of 3500:1
- Supports higher resolution 480p and 720p
- Improved battery backup
- And more…
Kodak mini projector comes with an onboard control panel. It lacks WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity options on Luma 75 and Luma 150, which is disappointing at its price. Luma 350 has both WiFi and Bluetooth.
Specifications
- Brightness: 25 ANSI Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 1300:1
- Native Resolution: 640×360 pixels
- Screen Size: up to 100 inches
- Lamp Lifespan: 30,000 hours
- Dimensions: 3.1×3.1×0.79 inches
- Weight: 2.2 lbs
The built-in battery of Kodak Luma 75 allows you 2-hours of video playback in one charge. Note that this battery capacity and backup is improved in Luma 150 and Luma 350.
This projector equips an HDMI and USB port. It also comes with a micro SD card slot and 3.5 mm audio jack that lets you connect this projector to external speakers.
#7 – XGIMI MoGo Pro
XGIMI MoGo Pro comes with a compact and rectangular design. It is available at the price of $499.
The built-in WiFi and Bluetooth will help you quickly get started with this projector.
It packs a big punch of features at its price. With the native resolution of 1080p, it produces crystal clear images. The MoGo Pro has built-in Android TV and Chromecast, so streaming media is a breeze.
An upgraded version of this projector, MoGo Pro+, boasts a battery backup of 3.5 hours using a 12,400 mAh built-in battery.
Specifications
- Brightness: 300 ANSI Lumens
- Native Resolution: 1920×1080 pixels
- Supported Resolution: 3840×2160 pixels
- Screen Size: up to 100 inches
- Throw distance: 8 feet
- Lamp Lifespan: 30,000 hours
- Dimensions: 5.7×4.1×3.7 inches
- Weight: 1.87 lbs
At the back of the projector, you will find an HDMI and USB port along with the availability of a 3.5mm audio connector.
It comes with 3W Harman Kardon speakers, which are pretty loud and enough for a small family.
#8 – Magnasonic PP60
The Magnasonic PP60 is a budget-friendly mini projector available for $149. It is our second pick for the world’s smallest projector.
The PP60 is your perfect companion for outdoor trips with its size of 3.9×3.0x0.5 inches and weight of 0.28 pounds. It can easily fit into your pocket. The built-in 2,100 mAh rechargeable battery will last for up to 2 hours.
Compared to its size and features, the picture quality offered by this projector is excellent. It produces sharp and vivid quality images.
Specifications
- Brightness: 32 ANSI Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 1,100:1
- Native Resolution: 640×360 pixel
- Screen Size: 10 to 60 inch
- Throw distance: 2 to 10 feet
- Lamp Lifespan: 20,000 hours
- Dimensions: 3.9×3.0x0.5 inches
- Weight: 0.28 lbs
Equips an HDMI and USB port for connecting it to a smartphone, tablet or laptop. You can connect it to external speakers or earphones using an onboard 3.5mm audio jack.
The 1W speakers are not that impressive. But they are enough for people sitting very close to the projector.
#9 – AAXA P7
AAXA P7 mini projector has a native resolution of 1080p and a brightness of 600 LED Lumens.
There are multiple connectivity options available with this projector compared to others on this list. It equips an HDMI, USB, AV and VGA port along with a micro SD card slot and 3.5mm audio jack.
The price of this projector is $379.
Specifications
- Brightness: 600 LEDLumens
- Native Resolution: 1920×1080 pixels
- Screen Size: 16 to 120 inch
- Throw distance: 2 to 10 feet
- Lamp Lifespan: 30,000 hours
- Dimensions: 4.7×4.4×2.7 inches
- Weight: 1.48 lbs
It comes with an in-built rechargeable battery with only 1.5 hours of battery backup, which is disappointing at this price range.
The 2W speakers could be better in this projector. They are good to go, but we suggest you use external speakers.
#10 – Optoma LV130
Optoma is one of the best brands offering fantastic high-end projectors. The LV130 is Optoma’s mini projector made for on-the-go entertainment.
This palm-sized projector is available at an affordable price of $189.
The native resolution of 480p and brightness of 300 lumens offers decent image quality. It comes with an incredible contrast ratio of 100,00:1 compared to others on this list to ensure colour accuracy and deeper black levels.
The battery of 6,700 mAh allows you to watch movies for straight 4.5 hours.
Specifications
- Brightness: 300 LED Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 100,000:1
- Native Resolution: 854×480 pixels
- Screen Size: up to 80 inch
- Throw distance: 2 to 10 feet
- Lamp Lifespan: 30,000 hours
- Dimensions: 4.7×4.1×1.4 inches
- Weight: 0.88 lbs
Using onboard HDMI and USB ports, you can connect this projector to your laptop, smartphone or tablet. It also has a 3.5mm audio jack for earphones or external speakers.
Built-in speakers are enough for 2-3 people sitting near the projector. We recommend using external speakers for the best experience.
#11 – AAXA BP1
The AAXA BP1 is a Bluetooth speaker that comes with a pico projector. It is one of the affordable devices on this list, with a price of $149 only.
This projector has a robust audio system. It equips powerful 6W dual speakers enough for mid-sized rooms. The sound quality is clear and loud.
Built-in 12,000 mAh rechargeable battery gives you the battery backup of 6 hours in projection mode and 24 hours in music mode.
The AAXA BP1 performs very well in dark rooms. The brightness and picture quality offered by this projector is decent. It is recommended to lower the sound from the speakers to enjoy the best quality image projection from this projector.
Specifications
- Brightness: 100 LED Lumens
- Native Resolution: 640×360 pixels
- Screen Size: up to 60 inch
- Throw distance: 1.5 to 8 feet
- Lamp Lifespan: 15,000 hours
- Dimensions: 6.8×2.6×2.4 inches
- Weight: 1.23 lbs
At the back of the projector, you will find a handful of connectivity options, including an HDMI and USB port, along with the provision for a micro SD card slot and 3.5mm audio jack.
Overall this device is an excellent Bluetooth speaker with a built-in pico projector.
#12 – Asus ZenBeam E1
ZenBeam E1 is an ultra-portable projector by Asus that has the size of 4.3×3.3×1.1 inches and a weight of 0.68 pounds. It can easily fit into your backpack. So taking this projector to the campsite is a breeze.
The aluminium body of this projector quips a sliding lid to protect the projector lens. Overall the design of ZenBeam E1 is robust and durable.
At its price of $250, the image quality offered by this projector is decent with 480p native resolution and 150 Lumens of brightness.
Specifications
- Brightness: 150 LED Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 3500:1
- Resolution: 854×480 pixels
- Screen Size: 16 to 120 inch
- Throw distance: 10 feet
- Lamp Lifespan: 30,000 hours
- Dimensions: 4.3×3.3×1.1 inches
- Weight: 0.68 lbs
The built-in rechargeable battery will last up to 5 hours in one charge. It also works as a 6,000 mAh power bank with 5V/1A output.
Asus ZenBeam E1 offers limited connectivity options. It comes with an HDMI port to connect this projector to a laptop, computer or game console. You might need an HDMI to micro USB cable to connect this projector to your smartphone.
The Asus-exclusive SonicMaster enhanced speakers are small but deliver surprisingly loud and clear sound.
Conclusion
The PIQO is the world’s smallest projector to this date. It makes a perfect gift for your loved ones.
Our top picks for the best miniature projector are Anker Nebula Capsule and BenQ GV1.
Note that the mini portable projector comes with low brightness and native resolution. The picture quality offered by such a projector is decent. They are the best fit for people on the go.
We constantly update the list/article of miniature and the world’s smallest projectors. If you think we are missing any fantastic projector worth adding to this list, comment below. We will love to add it to this list.
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