In the ever-evolving world of technology, portable smart projectors have emerged as a game-changer for those seeking entertainment on the go. These compact devices combine the power of projection with smart features, allowing you to transform any space into a cinema, gaming hub, or presentation room. As we step into 2024, if you are planning to get a portable smart projector, here are the top five worth considering. They either have good sales or high user ratings.
| #1. 360° Free Rotation Portable Smart Projector | $195.11 |
| #2. XGIMI MoGo 2 Pro 1080P Portable Projector | $478.99 |
| #3. LG CineBeam PF510Q Smart Portable Projector | $576.35 |
| #4. Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen with Gaming Hub | $797.99 |
| #5. EpiqVision Mini EF12 Smart Portable Laser Projector | $999.99 |
360° Free Rotation Portable Smart Projector
#1. 360° Free Rotation Portable Smart Projector
This is a compact yet feature-packed projector. One of its standout features is the 360° Free Rotation capability, thanks to the built-in desktop stand. This innovation provides stable hovering and allows for a flexible viewing posture, ensuring that you can project your content exactly where you want it. Say goodbye to rigid projection angles and hello to a world of adaptability.
This portable smart projector runs on Android 9.0. You can install your favorite apps, stream media, play games, browse the web, wirelessly mirror screens, use voice control, and seamlessly connect with other smart devices.
When it comes to image quality, the projector’s physical resolution of 720p provides clear and sharp images. A brightness of 200 ANSI lumens meets the requirements for use in darker environments, but may not deliver optimal viewing results in well-lit settings. The square pixel architecture offers a larger pixel space, thereby enhancing image clarity and detail.
The portable movie projector comes with two built-in Hi-Fi speakers. These speakers deliver immersive 3D sound quality that matches the stunning visuals, creating a truly immersive experience.
Connectivity is a breeze with HDMI high-definition, USB, headphone jack interfaces, and wireless Bluetooth options. Whether you want to connect Bluetooth speakers, headphones, laptops, USB drives, external hard drives, keyboards, mice, or other devices, this projector has you covered.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design for easy portability.
- 360° free rotation capability.
- Square pixel architecture enhances image clarity and detail.
- Comprehensive Peripheral Interfaces.
Cons:
- Manual trapezoid correction and focusing, not automatic.
- The edges of the screen cannot be focused clearly.
#2. XGIMI MoGo 2 Pro 1080P Portable Projector
The XGIMI MoGo 2 Pro weighs in at just around 1.1kg (2.42lb) and with dimensions of 161 × 119 × 108mm (6.33 × 4.68 × 4.25 Inch). It is incredibly easy to carry around. XGIMI's self-developed ISA 2.0 technology can automatically adjust the projection based on the environment, including image focus, keystone correction, brightness/contrast/color saturation adjustment, and more. Even if the projector is moved or experiences vibration, the image remains consistently clear and sharp.
Boasting 400 ISO lumens, this projector delivers brilliant, lifelike colors that adhere to the integrated D65 color temperature standard used by Hollywood. With a remarkable 90% DCI-P3 color gamut, every hue comes to life with breathtaking clarity and detail. In terms of sound, the MoGo 2 Pro is equipped with dual 8W speakers and supports Dolby audio.
With the upgraded Android TV 11.0, you gain access to thousands of apps via the Google Play Store, including favorites like HBO, Showtime, and YouTube. Plus, Chromecast integration lets you effortlessly cast your content from your favorite devices, and the built-in Google Assistant makes controlling your entertainment a breeze.
Pros:
- Solid hardware with outstanding picture quality.
- Bright enough for clear text display even in daylight.
- Auto-focus and auto-keystone features work well.
- Built-in Harman Kardon speakers provide adequate sound.
- Bluetooth remote control is user-friendly and responsive.
Cons:
- Software issues with Netflix and Hulu compatibility, requiring third-party workarounds.
- Netflix cursors may randomly stop responding when scrolling through menus.
- Hulu video frequently freezes for a few seconds while audio continues.
#3. LG CineBeam PF510Q Smart Portable Projector
The CineBeam PF510Q is compact and portable, allowing you to turn any space into a private cinema anytime. The portable projector automatically performs keystone correction, so no matter where you place it, the projection image will always be square and clear.
The smart projector runs on the webOS 22 operating system and comes with built-in streaming APPs like Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, and Apple TV+, and you can access these APPs easily and smoothly. The CineBeam PF510Q supports Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit, allowing you to wirelessly mirror content from your iOS or MacOS devices, and control the projector using Siri voice commands. You can even integrate the CineBeam PF510Q into your HomeKit smart home system. Android device users can use LG's Screenshare to wirelessly mirror their Android devices.
The CineBeam PF510Q movie projector has a physical resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and can project images up to 120 inches in size. It supports Bluetooth audio dual output, meaning you can output audio to two speakers or headphones simultaneously, enhancing the overall volume. Additionally, dual output can reduce noise in the audio signal, thereby improving sound quality.
Pros:
- Highly portable and easy to handle.
- A wide range of connectivity options, including HDMI, USB, LAN, Bluetooth, AirPlay, and more.
- Delivers a clear and well-defined picture with good resolution and contrast, especially in bright or HDR content.
- It has low input lag in game mode.
- The projector runs quietly and stays cool.
Cons:
- The black levels are not impressive, and adjusting settings does not significantly improve them.
- The remote control is poorly laid out, lacking backlighting, which can be inconvenient in dark environments.
#4. Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen with Gaming Hub
Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen features a compact design, high portability, and comes equipped with a 180-degree rotatable stand, allowing users to project content on any surface, whether it's a wall or a ceiling.
The Freestyle 2nd Gen runs on Tizen™ OS and has direct access to video streaming services, and Its integration with the Gaming Hub is a standout feature, allowing you to stream Xbox games directly without the need for a console. Additionally, the smart projector supports multiple voice assistants, offering hands-free control over various functions and connected devices.
Samsung doesn't compromise on visual and audio quality. The mobile movie projector offers Full HD resolution (1920x1080), providing sharp, clear images, and has a maximum brightness of 230 ANSI Lumens. For indoor use, it performs best in rooms with lower lighting conditions, while for outdoor use, it is suitable for projecting during dusk or at night. In terms of audio, The Freestyle boasts 360° sound, ensuring immersive audio from any angle.
An essential feature of The Freestyle is its compatibility with external batteries. This adds to its portability, allowing users to enjoy entertainment without worrying about power outlets.
Pros:
- Good image quality, even at larger sizes, and offers a bright display when used in a controlled lighting environment.
- Excellent audio quality and operates quietly.
- Automatic keystone adjustment and auto focus, simplifying setup.
- USB-C power enhances the portability.
- The remote control is comfortable to use, rechargeable via USB-C, and has a solar cell for recharging.
Cons:
- Lacks an optical zoom lens, relying solely on digital zoom.
- The brightness, while decent, may struggle in rooms with a lot of natural daylight.
- It has only one video input (Micro HDMI) and does not accept 4K input signals.
- In case of a lost remote, there are no on-projector controls for menu navigation.
- There are limited wired output options, and Bluetooth speakers may introduce audio lag for gaming.
#5. EpiqVision Mini EF12 Smart Portable Laser Projector
The Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 features a sleek and compact design. With built-in Android TV, the EF12 grants you convenient access to popular streaming services, although Netflix is not supported. Moreover, Chromecast Built-In enables wireless casting of content directly from your Apple, Windows, or Android devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or computers.
The portable movie projector utilizes a 3-Chip 3LCD Laser engine, and also supports HDR, delivering higher brightness and contrast for more vibrant and realistic images. Each LCD is dedicated to displaying one color, ensuring color accuracy. The portable laser projector has a white and color brightness of 1,000 lumens. The physical resolution of 1920x1080p provides clear and detailed images.
Automatic scene-based color correction ensures a clear and natural picture, regardless of the content being played. Additionally, automatic picture skew correction analyzes the projected image's orientation and corrects the vertical geometry for an aesthetically pleasing and distortion-free viewing experience.
Epson has partnered with Yamaha to deliver a unique audio experience that sets it apart from the competition. Yamaha's leading acoustic engineers have crafted a bespoke sound system exclusively for the Epson EpiqVision EF12 Streaming Laser Projector, ensuring a true audiophile performance.
Pros:
- Excellent picture quality with a large and clear image.
- Good sound quality.
- Portable and easy to set up, making it ideal for various locations.
- Auto keystone feature for screen optimization.
- Brightness is suitable for low-light conditions.
Cons:
- Some users experienced issues with the auto keystone feature, finding it inaccurate.
- Netflix is not available as a built-in app.
- Lack of lens protection.
Things to Consider When Choosing A Portable Smart Projector
Choosing the right portable smart projector requires some careful consideration. Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting the perfect one for your needs.
Brightness Matters: One of the most critical factors in a projector's performance is its brightness, measured in lumens. For indoor use or low-light environments, a projector with 200 to 500 ANSI lumens should suffice. Still, if you plan to use it outdoors or in well-lit spaces, consider a higher brightness level to ensure clear and vibrant images.
Resolution: The projector's resolution determines the image quality. Full HD (1920x1080 pixels) is an excellent choice for sharp and detailed visuals. However, if you're on a budget or don't require ultra-high definition, a 720p resolution can still deliver a satisfying viewing experience.
Portability: Since you're looking for a portable projector, size and weight matter. The dimensions of typical portable projectors range from 200mm to 300mm (7.9 - 11.8 inches), with weights falling between 1kg to 2kg (2.2 - 4.4lbs). Opt for a compact and lightweight model that's easy to carry around. Look for features like built-in handles or carrying cases for added convenience.
Keystone Correction: Keystone correction is very useful for portable projectors. Portable projectors are often used in various environments, and their lens position may change frequently, resulting in a trapezoidal projection image. Keystone correction can adjust the four corners of the projected image to make it rectangular. This can eliminate trapezoidal distortion, making the projected image clearer and more aesthetically pleasing. Some projectors offer automatic keystone correction, while others may require manual adjustments. Choose one that suits your preferences.
Built-in Operating System: Smart projectors often come with built-in operating systems like Android, Android TV, WebOS, tvOS, etc. This enables you to install apps and stream content directly from the projector without needing external devices. Ensure the projector's OS aligns with your preferred streaming services and apps.
Connectivity Options: Check the projector's connectivity options to ensure it suits your needs. Most portable projectors come with HDMI ports for connecting to various devices like laptops, gaming consoles, or streaming sticks. Additionally, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support can enhance your connectivity options, allowing for wireless screen mirroring and streaming.
Sound Quality: While most portable projectors have built-in speakers, the audio quality may not always meet your expectations. Consider models with enhanced sound systems or audio output options for connecting external speakers or headphones.
Battery Life: If you intend to use the projector on the go, pay attention to battery life. A longer-lasting battery allows for extended use without needing constant recharging. Look for projectors with at least 2-3 hours of battery life for added flexibility. However, it seems that more and more portable projectors, especially those with high-end configurations such as high brightness and high resolution, have removed the built-in battery and can only be powered through an external power source to reduce the weight and cost of the projector.
In conclusion, selecting the right portable smart projector involves evaluating factors like brightness, resolution, portability, keystone correction, connectivity options, sound quality, battery life, and your budget. Hope you find your perfect portable smart projector by taking these factors into account and enjoy movies and gaming sessions like never before.