Portable projectors are a great option if you want something compact that you can easily carry with you anywhere. They also tend to offer plenty of smart features and a comprehensive suite of image correction tools, and some even have integrated batteries, emphasizing their set-up-and-go nature. However, portability often comes at the cost of image quality, as smaller projectors tend to be dimmer and many lack vibrancy even in dark rooms. While most small, portable projectors can't match larger units in image quality, some models still offer a decent viewing experience. Ultimately, the best easy-to-carry projectors strike a balance between portability and image quality in a compact, attractive package. If you're unsure how big an image you'll get in different rooms or setups, you can use our projector throw calculator to see how each model behaves at various distances before you buy.
We've purchased and tested over 95 projectors, and below, you'll find our top recommendations for the best small projectors. We only cover consumer models, not high-end products meant for enthusiasts. If you're buying on a budget, check out the best projectors under $1,000 and the best projectors under $500. Or, if you're specifically looking for projectors to take outside, look at our list of the best outdoor projectors. You can also vote on which ones you want us to purchase and test.
We've independently bought and tested over 80 projectors and published detailed results for each, so you can decide which one to buy. These have all been tested under the same standardized methodology, allowing you to compare them side by side. We still have all these projects in our lab, so we can continually go back and compare them to ensure our reviews are still accurate. All our test methodologies are also public on our website, so you can validate the results yourself.
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Best Portable Projector
Home TheaterOutdoorsBedroomGamingBrightnessContrastPortabilityColorGaming ResponsivenessProjector Type:Short ThrowNative Resolution:Pixel Shift 4kSee all our test resultsLight Source:LaserThe XGIMI Elfin Flip 4K is the best portable projector. It's a small and lightweight 4k (via pixel shift) projector that can easily be carried around in a backpack. Although it doesn't have lens shift to help center the image, it has a motorized zoom lens to easily adjust the size of the image. On top of that, it has a huge selection of screen adaptation tools like autofocus, automatic keystone correction, and obstacle avoidance, so you can quickly set it up. You can even mount it on a tripod for easy placement, and its one-axis gimbal gives you some vertical setup flexibility. The one downside is that it doesn't have a built-in battery, so you need access to a power outlet. It runs the Google TV OS and has a built-in 7W speaker, so it offers an all-in-one solution for watching movies and shows.
What really sets this projector apart from other portable models is its solid image quality. It has decent contrast that looks consistent across all scenes, so the image has good enough depth to avoid looking flat and washed out. It's not bright enough to use in well-lit spaces, but it's bright enough to look punchy in a dark room, especially when paired with its incredibly vibrant colors. Not only is this the best small projector you can buy, but it's also the best portable gaming projector. It supports 4k @ 60Hz and 1080p @ 120Hz, giving you the option of a sharper image or better motion clarity. It also has incredibly low input lag that rivals good gaming TVs and monitors, and it supports VRR to reduce screen tearing.
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Best Mid-Range Portable Projector
Home TheaterOutdoorsBedroomGamingBrightnessContrastPortabilityColorGaming ResponsivenessProjector Type:Standard ThrowNative Resolution:1080pSee all our test resultsLight Source:LaserIf you like the design of the XGIMI Elfin Flip 4K and like the solid image quality that it offers, but you need something more affordable, you can step down to the XGIMI Elfin Flip Laser. Unlike the Flip 4K, it's a 1080p projector, so the image isn't as sharp. Fortunately, colors are just as vibrant as they are on the 4k model, and it's a bit brighter, so the image looks a bit punchier in a dark room. It also has a slight edge in contrast, so the image has good depth across all scenes. Unlike the Flip 4K, this model doesn't have a motorized zoom lens, so you need to physically move the projector to adjust the size of the image. Fortunately, you can still mount it on a tripod, and it almost has the same set of screen adaptation tools, so you still get autofocus and automatic keystone correction. However, it's missing an obstacle avoidance feature, so you need to make sure there's nothing in front of your screen.
Like the Flip 4K, it utilizes the Google TV OS and has a built-in 7W speaker. The biggest concession you have to make with this model compared with the Flip 4K is gaming performance. It's limited to 1080p @ 60Hz, so you don't have the option to increase the refresh rate. Input lag is also a lot higher on this model. It's low enough for turn-based games, but any games that require quick inputs feel sluggish, and you're at a pretty big disadvantage in competitive titles. It also lacks VRR to reduce screen tearing, so it really can't take advantage of the gaming features offered by modern consoles.
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Best Budget Portable Projector
Home TheaterOutdoorsBedroomGamingBrightnessContrastPortabilityColorGaming ResponsivenessProjector Type:Standard ThrowNative Resolution:1080pSee all our test resultsLight Source:LEDIf you just need something cheap that gets the job done, or you need a portable projector with a built-in battery, consider the XGIMI Vibe One. It's significantly dimmer than the XGIMI Elfin Flip Laser, so you really need to use it in the darkest space possible, and even then, some people will find that it still looks too dim. It also has significantly duller colors, so the image looks muted and really lacks vibrancy. Fortunately, its contrast is about the same as the Flip Laser, so the image doesn't look washed out. Like the Flip Laser, it doesn't offer very good gaming performance, since it's limited to 1080p @ 60Hz and doesn't support VRR. Input lag is a bit lower than it is on the Flip Laser, but it's still too high for a snappy feel.
Fortunately, this is a highly portable projector that easily fits into a backpack thanks to its small and lightweight design. It doesn't have a motorized zoom or lens shift, but it still has screen-adaptation features like automatic keystone, autofocus, and a one-axis gimbal for added vertical flexibility, so setting it up is still pretty quick. You can also mount it on a tripod. The key advantage of this model is its built-in battery, so you can use it in situations where you don't have access to a power outlet. However, the battery only lasts 103 minutes on a full charge, so you might find yourself charging it before the movie you're watching is even finished. It runs the popular Google TV OS and has built-in 6W speakers.
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Best Portable Projector For Camping
Home TheaterOutdoorsBedroomGamingBrightnessContrastPortabilityColorGaming ResponsivenessProjector Type:Standard ThrowNative Resolution:1080pSee all our test resultsLight Source:LEDIf you want the best battery-powered portable projector for camping and rougher outdoor use, get the Anker Nebula Mars 3. Like the XGIMI Vibe One, it has an integrated battery, but here it's bigger: it has a 185Wh battery rated for up to five hours of video playback in Eco mode, and we've measured it at 132 minutes when playing content at max brightness, which is enough for most movies. Its sturdy carry handle makes it easy to grab and carry with you, and it has a rugged build with IPX3 water resistance, 0.5 m drop resistance, and 0.7 mm dust resistance, so it's the kind of projector you can bring camping or to the beach without babying it.
Image quality isn't the main reason to buy it, however. It's brighter than the Vibe One, but you still need to use it at night to avoid having the image look washed out. Unfortunately, its contrast is poor, so the image lacks depth and looks flat. Colors are more vibrant than they are on the Vibe One, but they still look a bit dull. Still, the 1080p image is perfectly fine for casual movie nights, and the built-in 40W speaker system is loud enough to truly immerse you. It runs Android TV 11 with Chromecast built in, and it can even double as a power bank for charging devices. For gaming, it's capped at 60Hz, and input lag is on the high side, so it's best for slower, casual single-player sessions. Overall, if your priority is maximum battery life and true outdoor durability, this is the best projector for camping.
Notable Mentions
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XGIMI MoGo 4 Laser:
The XGIMI MoGo 4 Laser is a good alternative to the XGIMI Elfin Flip Laser if you need a similarly priced projector with a built-in battery. Both models offer similar color vibrancy and have similar setup features, but the Flip Laser has better image quality since it's brighter and has a higher contrast ratio, making it the better option for most people.
See our review -
Anker Nebula P1i:
If you'd rather have better sound over a built-in battery, the Anker Nebula P1i is a budget model sold for around the same price as the XGIMI Vibe One. The Anker has two 10W Dolby speakers that flip outward to create a wide soundstage, leading to a more immersive sound experience. It's also brighter than the XGIMI. However, the XGIMI has better image quality overall and is more portable.
See our review -
Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air:
If you like the Anker Nebula Mars 3 but don't care about its dust, water, and drop resistance, or you'd just like it to be smaller, consider the Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air instead. It isn't as bright as the regular Mars 3, but its contrast is a bit better. Still, the Mars 3's main appeal is ruggedness and its loud speakers, so you're losing a lot by going down in price.
See our review
Recent Updates
Sep 04, 2026:
We replaced the LG CineBeam Q with the XGIMI Elfin Flip 4K as our top pick and the BenQ GV50 with the XGIMI Elfin Flip Laser in the 'Mid-Range' section. Both changes were made because the XGIMI models are better options. We also removed the 'Best Gaming' and 'Best Bright' categories, since the Flip 4K is also the best portable gaming projector and the Flip Laser is the brightest portable projector, making those sections redundant. Finally, we removed the LG CineBeam S from the Notable Mentions section since it's no longer a good alternative to any of our picks.
Jul 06, 2026:
Ongoing availability issues have pushed the XGIMI Halo+ out of the list, and it has been replaced by the very versatile BenQ GV50. The Notable Mentions were updated to offer some alternatives to the BenQ.
May 19, 2026:
The XGIMI Vibe One replaced the XGIMI MoGo 2 as the 'Best Budget Portable Projector' due to its better portability features and excellent contrast; the MoGo 2 is now in the Notable Mentions. The Anker Nebula P1 is the new 'Best Gaming Portable Projector' pick, giving gamers looking to game on the go an option. Finally, the Notable Mentions were revamped to provide better alternatives.
Feb 10, 2026:
We removed the Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 and the NexiGo PJ40 (Gen 3) from the picks, as they're not truly small and light portable units. Instead, we added the Dangbei Atom, which is bright for its small size, and the Anker Nebula Mars 3, which has a best-in-class battery life and durability.
Nov 19, 2025:
The LG CineBeam Q replaced the XGIMI Halo+ as the 'Best Portable Projector' due to its superior image quality, but the XGIMI Halo+ is still a great option at a lower price point, pushing it to the 'Best Budget Portable Projector.' All other picks stay the same, but have been rewritten.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best small and mini projectors for most people to buy. We factor in the price (a cheaper projector wins over a pricier one if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no projectors that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
If you'd like to do the work of choosing yourself, here's the list of the best projectors that are easy to carry. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. While no projector is perfect, many are good enough for most uses; however, avoid the worst models to ensure adequate quality.