The Best Portable Projectors of 2016

The Best Portable Projectors of 2016

If you need to do presentations on the road, you need a projector that's light enough to carry easily. Here are the top portable projectors we've tested under five pounds.

The Best Portable Projectors of 2016

Only a few years ago, the concept of having a projector small enough to take with you in your bag, let alone in your pocket, was just wishful thinking. But as projectors have come down in size, portable models have certainly come into their own, making it possible for people to project their data and video anywhere they go. Not only that, they encompass a surprisingly wide range in size, brightness, and features. Here, we will help you sort out their differences, as well as highlight our 10 favorite models.

Projectors for Pocket or Palmtop
Pico or pocket projectors are little larger than cell phones. Because they can accommodate videos and photos for on-the-go entertainment, in addition to slides and charts for business or classroom presentations, these models can essentially be thought of as multimedia display systems. Though convenient and snazzy, they tend to be of low brightness and relatively expensive for their performance.

So-called palmtop projectors are larger (and brighter) than pico projectors, generally a bit too large to comfortably fit in the palm of your hand, even with one's fingers outstretched. Still, they are lightweight enough that you wouldn't think twice about packing one in a bag or backpack. They're usually brighter, and generally have more connection options, than pico models.

Most pico and palmtop projectors can run files from a USB thumb drive and/or SD card, so you don't need to lug your laptop with them. Some even have one or more gigabytes of internal memory for storing media files. Many can project content from a smartphone or tablet, either wirelessly or via a Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL)-enabled HDMI port. Several models come with built-in rechargeable batteries so you can use them away from a power outlet.

 

See How We Test Projectors

Larger, Brighter, but Still Portable
Many manufacturers have introduced LED-based mini projectors that are generally a bit larger than palmtops, but considerably brighter. They pack relatively high (WXGA, or 1,280-by-800) resolution, and their larger frames let them include more connection ports than their smaller brethren. Although a few have internal rechargeable batteries, most run solely off of AC power.

Thin-and-light projectors are as wide, deep, and bright as standard models but barely an inch thick, and weigh in at about 4 pounds. They are highly portable, but you pay a premium at the cash register for their svelteness, and they usually have a limited set of connection choices.

Finally, some standard projectors are still small and light enough to be easily portable, whether you're moving them between classrooms or taking them on a cross-country flight. Many come with soft carrying cases, but they could just as easily be slipped into a travel bag or backpack.

The projectors we highlight here are relatively lightweight, with the heaviest weighing just over 3 pounds and the lightest less than a pound. They vary considerably in size, brightness, features, and performance. Any one of these could be your favorite travel companion. Be sure to also check out our roundup of the best projectors overall, as well as our favorites for home use.

FEATURED IN THIS ROUNDUP

 

Celluon PicoPro
$379.99
%displayPrice% at %seller% The Celluon PicoPro projector is easy to use, an excellent companion for a cell phone, and fits in a shirt pocket. Read the full review ""

 

LG Portable LED Projector With Smart TV and Magic Remote PF1500

$899.99
%displayPrice% at %seller% The LG Portable LED Projector with Smart TV and Magic Remote PF1500, which is essentially a portable 1080p smart TV that uses a projector for its display, is unusually small and light, and offers near-excellent image quality. Read the full review ""

 

Philips Pocket Projector PPX4010

$299.99
%displayPrice% at %seller% Hardly larger than a Tic Tac case, and rated at 100 lumens, the 3-ounce Philips Pocket Projector PPX4010 is an excellent laptop companion for deskside presentations. Read the full review ""

 

AAXA P700

$549.00
%displayPrice% at %seller% The AAXA P700 is a very portable DLP-based LED projector that does a better job at displaying text than video, making it a good choice for presentations to small groups. Read the full review ""

 

Lenovo Pocket Projector

$249.99
%displayPrice% at %seller% Lenovo's first projector is palmtop-size and can project wirelessly or from a microSD card. And an unusual swiveling lens system lets you project at an angle. Read the full review ""

 

Magnasonic LED Pocket Pico Video Projector

$169.99
%displayPrice% at %seller% The Magnasonic LED Pocket Pico Video Projector performs surprisingly well considering its low brightness, resolution, and price. Read the full review ""

 

Philips Pocket Projector PPX4350 Wireless

$399.99
%displayPrice% at %seller% The Philips Pocket Projector PPX4350 Wireless delivers watchable video and lots of connectivity options. But at $400 it should come with the AC charger required to run it when the battery dies. Read the full review ""

 

Sony MP-CL1 Projector

$349.00
%displayPrice% at %seller% The Sony MP-CL1, a pico projector powered by lasers, works wirelessly and never needs focusing. Read the full review ""

 

Vivitek Qumi Q6-BU

$599.99
%displayPrice% at %seller% The Vivitek Qumi Q6 is a stylish LED-based palmtop projector with built-in Wi-Fi that can display multimedia content, but it's best for showing business presentations to small groups. Read the full review ""

 

ZTE Spro 2 Smart Projector (AT&T)

$499.99
%displayPrice% at %seller% The ZTE Spro 2 is part projector, part Android device, and part Wi-Fi hotspot, designed to project content like business presentations and YouTube videos over its 4G LTE connection. Read the full review ""

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