In this video we’re going to be checking out the five best mini projectors available in 2021. I made this list based on image quality, features, price, and more. I’ve included options for every type of consumer, so if you’re looking for a budget mini projector that delivers good video and audio or a more premium projector with more accurate color and a great sound system, will have the product for you.
The fifth product on our list is the VANKYO LEISURE 3 Mini Projector. This is our best budget mini projector. At around 100 the VANKYO LEISURE 3 is one of the best budget priced mini projectors around. it’s super compact and even comes with its own carrying case for better portability and is ideal for anyone who wants to take their projector with them to events.
At only 2.4 pounds the VANKYO LEISURE 3 is surprisingly tiny but supports up to 1080p resolution even though its native resolution is only 480p, while the leisure 3 does what it’s supposed to do you just can’t expect too much from the viewing experience. It’s serviceable but it takes a few hits for not being able to process Dolby digital sound or function as a digital presentation projector.
What it does have is a pretty decent fan design and runs cooler and quieter than expected. The speaker is located on the back but it’s very small and not very powerful. For better results you can output audio from the projector to an external speaker. The included remote proved useful at times but since the leisure 3 works best in absolute darkness, a backlighting feature would have been a welcome addition.
The key features are:
Resolution. Supports up to 1080p but its native resolution is only 480p.
Connectivity options. VGA, USB, HDMI, SD card, AV and headphones.
Screen size. Projects an image between 32 and 170 inches depending on throw.
Carrying case. Keeps your Leisure 3 and accessories safe for travel.
The VANKYO LEISURE 3 gives you a good budget option, it’s cheap and fun to take on camping trips or maybe to play the occasional movie outside after a barbecue or family gathering but it doesn’t have the overall quality that will make you want to use it on a regular basis. The Leisure 3 can’t compete on any level with higher end projectors and the build quality included features and picture quality are all pretty mediocre, so you get what you pay for.
If you want actual native 720p resolution with support up to 1080p and far better image quality brightness and features, you may be better off with the Verratek Lumavision coming up next for just an extra 30 dollars more.
The fourth product on our list is the Verratek Lumavision. This is our best value mini projector. If you’re shopping for a mini projector or anything else for that matter, it’s always important to try to get the best value for the money you spend.
With useful features like screen mirroring and a low retail price of around 130 dollars the Verratek Lumavision doesn’t disappoint. The Verratek Lumavision’s native 720p gives you a much more detailed and sharper image when compared to the native 480p resolution of the Venkyo Leisure 3.
It also gives you full HD support and a whopping 5000 lumens of brightness that can even cut through some ambient lighting. You’ll love the clear bright image that this led projector puts out. And its high contrast ratio produces a vibrant picture.
The Lumavision is easily portable, and you can instantly transform your living room, bedroom, basement, patio, backyard or garage into a movie theater with an amazing screen size of up to 200 inches with only 3 to 15 feet of throw needed. The built-in stereo speakers will give you balanced audio to enhance your overall cinematic experience.
The Lumavision’s integrated Wi-Fi enables screen mirroring, giving you a simple way to share images and videos for parties, meetings, weddings, or even small get-togethers from your phone or other wireless devices using apple Airplay or Android Miracast. You can also connect a media player or streaming stick through the HDMI port, and you’ll instantly have your own supersized tv.
The key features are:
HD image. Native 720p resolution with 1080p support.
Adjustable keystone. Helps correct angled viewing surfaces.
Screen mirroring. Share your screen using apple airplay, android Miracast, or DLNA.
Built-in stereo sound. Clear balanced audio to enhance your cinematic experience.
Giant screen. Projects up to 200-inch image with only three to 15 feet of throw.
The Verratek Lumavision mini projector is a smart choice if you’re looking for a versatile easy to use portable projector that gives you all the home cinematic features you want. Like high brightness HD resolution and screen mirroring and gives you an excellent balance between price and performance.
If you don’t want to spend more for a native 1080p projector and you want something that’s going to work great in almost every situation at an affordable price point the Lumavision is likely going to be what you’re looking towards.
The third product on our list is the ViewSonic M1+. This is our most versatile mini projector. The ViewSonic M1+ is one of the most versatile mini projectors available and lists for under 300. The M1+ has a bunch of useful features that include screen mirroring, Bluetooth and wi-fi connectivity, a pretty robust battery and some features that are pretty unique.
A smart stand swings out the front almost making the projector seem like it’s hovering off the table. And allows for 360-degree positioning. When the projector is stowed, the stand serves double duty as a lens protector. And speaking of the lens if it’s obstructed when in use the lamp is automatically disabled saving on battery life. The native resolution of this projector is 480p with an image size up to 100 inches from an 8 to 9-foot throw, plus has automatic key stoning.
Unfortunately, at only 300 lumens it’s best suited only for darker rooms. The M1+ features built-in dual Harman Kardon speakers. The overall sound is pretty impressive for its size and the speaker can be used as a standalone wireless speaker.
The key features are:
Screen mirroring. Share your screen on the big screen easily.
Large screen projection. Up to 100-inch projected image from an 8 to 9-foot throw and an automatic keystone adjustment.
Inputs. HDMI, USB type C, USB-A and micro-SD cards.
Battery. Up to six hours of play time on a single charge.
Built-in speaker. Dual driver Harman Kardon speakers integrated into the design that can also act as an independent Bluetooth speaker.
Remote. Included remote lets you control the projector.
If finding a mini projector with a lot of versatility is what you’re after, the ViewSonic M1+ definitely fits the bill. The addition of the integrated Harman Kardon wireless speaker is an unexpected feature that you’re sure to really like as well.
But the low brightness output may not appeal to you so much. In any case this is a good quality projector that works and travels quite well. If you’re looking for a mini projector that will give you native 1080p resolution with 4k support and is bright enough to use every day for home entertainment, check out the Verratek VividBeam 550 coming up next.
The second product on our list is the Verratek VividBeam 550. This is our best overall mini projector. Verratek’s VividBeam 550 is a native 1080p portable projector with 4k support those retails for less than 300 dollars and is one of the best overall many projectors on the market. This mini projector will put out an incredible 6500 lumens and can hold its own under ambient lighting conditions. You can transform any room in your home or even your backyard into a movie theater with a projected image of up to 300 inches rendered in non-upscaled native 1080p resolution.
This projector also gives you manual and digital vertical as well as horizontal keystone adjustment. Which will keep things in perfect aspect and all you need is a throw of between 3 and 18 feet to make it happen. The built-in hi-fi speakers with dolby support will enhance the overall experience with clear stereo sound.
The VividBeam 550 also includes the convenience of screen mirroring letting you use your iPhone, IOS or Android devices, PC or Mac to wirelessly share your screen to stream movies, videos, photos, presentations, games and streaming content with everyone. And you can also connect a media player or streaming stick through the HDMI port and you’ll instantly have your own super-sized TV.
The key features are:
Full HD resolution. Native 1080p resolution with 4k support.
Amazing brightness. 6500 lumens gives you great performance even under ambient lighting conditions. Huge projected image. Up to 300 inches rendered in non-upscaled native 1080p.
Screen mirroring. Use your wireless devices to share movies, photos, games, presentations and more.
Built-in speakers. HI-FI speakers with Dolby support deliver clear stereo sound.
Keystone adjustment. Manual and digital, vertical and horizontal, keystone keeps your projected image square with no skewing.
Between the features and the price the Verratek VividBeam 550 stands as one of the best overall mini projectors you can get for the money and performs above and beyond its class giving you features that you generally only find on much pricier mini projectors. It is the largest on our list but with that increase in size comes all the increases in performance.
It is still small enough to fit into a backpack or easily move around your house. If you want something smaller, you’ll want to look towards the ViewSonic M1+, but if you’re thinking you don’t mind the increase in size and you want some of the best picture quality and user experience on a projector under 300 this might be the product for you.
The first product on our list is the Epson Home Cinema 1080. This is our best premium mini projector. The Epson Home Cinema 1080 will enhance your home theater with an astounding 1080p picture with three lcd technology and retails for around 750 making it one of the best premium mini projectors currently available.
Whether you’re binge watching your favorite TV show or watching the big game this dynamic versatile projector gives you a stunning larger than life viewing experience with true three chip 3 LCD technology best in class color brightness and fast data processing. The color is especially impressive with a consistent brightness across the screen and hues that display the way they were intended.
It also has the resolution and contrast for a true HD picture with the processing power to keep that picture smooth even when things on the screen are moving quickly. It also comes with an integrated speaker system, but you can also connect a soundbar and control the volume using the remote control.
The key features are:
Amazing picture quality. 1080p images and fast data processing that’s optimized for fast action sports, gaming and more, plus dynamic contrast ratio with up to 16 000 to 1 for rich detail in dark scenes.
Ports. Dual HDMI 2.0 ports, VGA, USB, AV and audio out.
Advanced to 3 LCD technology. Displays 100 of the RGB color signal for outstanding color accuracy, brightness and clarity up to 200 inches.
True 3400 lumens. Delivers outstanding image quality in a variety of lighting conditions.
Picture skew sensor. Automatically analyzes and corrects the keystone to maintain a square image and proper aspect ratio.
Built-in wi-fi. Let’s you cast or mirror from your phone with Miracast.
If a mini projector that gives you premium quality and performance is what you’re looking for, the Epson Home Cinema 1080 should be at the top of your list. This mini projector gives you a sharp, bright picture, with true to life color. It’s also very easy to set up and versatile across more room sizes and light levels. The build quality is excellent, and the form factor is relatively compact making it extremely portable.
