If you're looking for the best portable projectors that are compact and can be truly carried with you anywhere, many options are available; however, most offer inadequate image quality. The smaller the projector, the dimmer it tends to be, with many portable models lacking vibrancy even in the darkest rooms. While no small, portable projector can match larger units in image quality, some models do offer a decent viewing experience. Portable projectors also tend to be fully featured in terms of smart features and offer a comprehensive suite of image correction tools, as well as often having integrated batteries, emphasizing their set-up-and-go nature. 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 90 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
MoviesGamingSizeBrightnessContrastAdditional Carrying FeaturesBatteryScreen AdaptationSee all our test resultsNative ResolutionPixel Shift 4kThe best portable projector we've tested is the LG CineBeam Q. It's an ultra-compact 4k (pixel-shift) RGB laser projector that weighs about 3.3 pounds, and the rotating metal handle doubles as both a carry handle and a stand, so it's genuinely easy to toss in a bag and set up anywhere. There's no integrated battery, but it can run from USB-C Power Delivery (65W or higher), so a compatible power bank is enough to use it away from an outlet. It also has quick autofocus, auto-keystone, and Auto Screen Adjustment, so you can drop it on a table, tilt the handle, and get a squared-up image in seconds. It runs webOS with full app support (including Netflix), plus AirPlay 2/Screen Share, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, making it easy to cast from your phone or pair a wireless speaker.
Like most ultra-portables, it's not very bright overall, but it's reasonably bright for its size and looks good in a fully dark room. Its biggest strengths are deep contrast for this class and a very wide color gamut, so movies and shows look rich once the lights are off. Out-of-the-box accuracy is sub-par, but it calibrates extremely well. Gaming support is limited to 60Hz with high input lag, so it's fine only for slow, turn-based single-player titles. Its speaker is also rather weak, and its fan noise is quite loud under load, so this is one unit that you should pair with a more powerful Bluetooth speaker. Overall, if you want the best combination of portability, smart features, and image quality, the CineBeam Q is our top pick.
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Best Mid-Range Portable Projector
MoviesGamingSizeBrightnessContrastAdditional Carrying FeaturesBatteryScreen AdaptationSee all our test resultsNative Resolution1080pThe BenQ GV50 is the best mid-range portable projector if you want something genuinely easy to move around and set up. The LG CineBeam Q is still the better choice for dark-room movie watching: it has a sharper pixel-shifted 4k image, much better contrast, and a wider color gamut, so movies look deeper and more impressive with the lights off. The BenQ is more modest on that front. It's only 1080p, and it doesn't look as colorful as the LG does. Still, its contrast is decent, and it performs quite well in brighter scenes. It's also more practical as a portable projector, since it has a built-in battery, while the LG needs external power.
The GV50 is built around convenience. Its stand makes it easy to aim at a wall or ceiling, and its automatic setup tools help focus and square the image quickly when you move it around. Google TV is built in for streaming, and its 2.1-channel 18W speaker system is strong enough for casual use without immediately needing external audio. It's also a better gaming option than the LG, with lower input lag, though it's still limited to 1080p @ 60Hz and isn't ideal for fast competitive play. Overall, the GV50 is the better portable pick if you value battery-powered flexibility, easy placement, and all-in-one convenience more than the LG's better image quality.
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Best Budget Portable Projector
MoviesGamingSizeBrightnessContrastAdditional Carrying FeaturesBatteryScreen AdaptationSee all our test resultsNative Resolution1080pThe XGIMI Vibe One is the budget portable pick if the BenQ GV50 is too expensive and you want something smaller and simpler for occasional use. The GV50 is the better projector in most ways: it's brighter, offers better gaming responsiveness, and has stronger built-in audio, and its automatic setup tools are more complete. The Vibe One is much more limited. It's extremely dim, so it really needs a fully dark room, a small screen, or a nighttime outdoor setup to look watchable. Its color gamut is also narrow, so movies and shows don't look especially rich or vibrant.
Where the Vibe One still makes sense is portability and price. It has a built-in battery, a stand that doubles as a carry handle, and built-in lens protection, so it's easy to grab and move around without worrying as much about the lens. Its stand also makes it easy to aim the image without propping it up, and its autofocus, auto-keystone, and post-movement correction help with quick setup. However, it doesn't have the BenQ's more complete auto-setup tools, like obstacle avoidance or auto screen fit, and it isn't a good gaming pick due to its high input lag. Still, if you just want a very cheap battery-powered projector for casual streaming or occasional movie nights after dark, the Vibe One is worth considering.
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Best Gaming Portable Projector
MoviesGamingSizeBrightnessContrastAdditional Carrying FeaturesBatteryScreen AdaptationSee all our test resultsNative Resolution1080pIf you want a portable projector primarily for gaming, the Anker Nebula P1 is one of the best options in this range. Its main advantage is its extremely low 1080p @ 60Hz input lag, which makes games feel much more responsive than they do on any other projector on this list. It also accepts a 4k @ 60Hz signal and downscales it to 1080p, so it's easy to use with modern consoles and streaming devices. It doesn't support high-refresh-rate gaming, though, so this is only for gamers willing to game at 60Hz. As for its portability features, its integrated handle makes it very easy to carry, and its detachable wireless speakers can be placed around your room for more flexible sound. Unfortunately, it doesn't have a built-in battery, so you'll need one of Anker's battery bundles or a compatible power bank if you want to use it away from an outlet.
Picture quality is more limited. The Anker is best used in a dark room on a small screen, since it doesn't get very bright and its contrast isn't strong enough to give dark scenes much depth. Still, it's very easy to live with: it runs Google TV, supports Google Cast, and has automatic focus, keystone correction, and post-movement image correction, so setup is quick. Overall, the Anker Nebula P1 is one of the best choices in this range if gaming responsiveness matters most.
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Best Bright Portable Projector
MoviesGamingSizeBrightnessContrastAdditional Carrying FeaturesBatteryScreen AdaptationSee all our test resultsNative Resolution1080pIf you want the brightest portable-style projector, or if you're specifically looking for the best mini projector, the Dangbei Atom is the one to get. It's noticeably brighter than compact lifestyle models like the LG CineBeam Q, so it holds up better for backyard movie nights at dusk or in rooms where you can't fully block out light. It's a compact 1080p laser DLP with Google TV built in, including officially licensed Netflix and Chromecast, and it has autofocus and auto-keystone to make quick setups painless. For gaming, it's a casual option: it'll take a 4k @ 60Hz signal (scaled to 1080p) and feels responsive enough in Game Mode for slower, single-player titles, but it's not really a gaming pick like the Anker Nebula P1.
Even with the Atom's extra brightness, it still looks best with the lights low, since it washes out quickly in brighter conditions. Portability is excellent at about 2.8 pounds, but there's no internal battery and no direct USB-C charging, so you normally need an outlet. If you want to run it from a power bank, you can use a USB-C PD to DC adapter and pair it with a high-output 120W power bank. Otherwise, connectivity is simple: one HDMI 2.0 port with ARC, a USB port, and a 3.5 mm audio out, plus Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless audio. Overall, if you want a small projector that's meaningfully brighter than the other picks and still easy to move around, the Atom is the best bright portable choice.
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Best Portable Projector For Camping
MoviesGamingSizeBrightnessContrastAdditional Carrying FeaturesBatteryScreen AdaptationSee all our test resultsNative Resolution1080pIf you want the best battery portable projector for camping and rougher outdoor use, get the Anker Nebula Mars 3. Like a few other picks on this list, it has an integrated battery, but here it's bigger: it has a 185 Wh 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. Its brightness is mediocre, but its biggest weakness is its limited contrast. Still, the 1080p image is perfectly fine for casual movie nights, and the built-in 40W speaker system is loud enough that you don't have to pack extra audio gear. 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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LG CineBeam S:
If you're interested in the LG CineBeam Q but would prefer an ultra-short-throw projector, the LG CineBeam S is a very solid alternative. Aside from their throw ratios both units perform almost identically, but they differ on portability: the S doesn't have a carrying handle, and is a bit bigger, making it harder to take with you.
See our review -
XGIMI MoGo 4 Laser:
The XGIMI MoGo 4 Laser is a solid alternative to the BenQ GV50 if you don't care about gaming performance. While the BenQ's input lag is much lower, the XGIMI is more colorful in most content, and has slightly better contrast. Still the BenQ has more physical setup features, and its gaming performance makes it more well-rounded overall.
See our review -
Anker Nebula P1i:
If you're looking for the cheapest possible portable gaming projector, the Anker Nebula P1i is cheaper than the Anker Nebula P1 while being slightly more responsive. Unfortunately its image quality isn't nearly as good as the P1, so only consider it if you're looking to save as much money as possible.
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, and it's more accurate out of the box. Still, the Mars 3's main appeal is ruggedness, so you're losing a lot by going down in price.
See our review
Recent Updates
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.
Apr 09, 2025:
We made sure that our recommendations are still accurate and available for purchase. The XGIMI MoGo 2 is a bit hard to find now, but we'll monitor its availability.
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.