The Best Pico Projector for 2023
These delightful picks for the best Best Pico Projector guarantee you the best view from just about anywhere - why not treat yourself?
No longer do you have to leave the house and make long trips to the theatre to enjoy a cinematic experience. You can create a personal theater wherever you’d like, including inside your home, thanks to pico projectors! You can also stream your favorite blockbusters and classics right from the comfort of your bedroom.
To achieve this, you don’t necessarily need a high-tech projector model. With improved technology, it is now possible to get high-quality images and videos even with the smallest projector.
In this article, we’ve put together a detailed guide to help you find a dependable pico projector.
Everything We Recommend
1. Best Product
Anker Nebula Solar Portable
2. Runner Up
AAXA M7 Mini Projector
3. Cost Effective
Kodak Luma 350
4. Almost Made the Cut
XGIMI Halo+
1. Best Product
1. Best Product
Anker Nebula Solar Portable
This feature-rich projector has a long battery life that will last through a full-length movie.
Specifications
- Weight
- 3.09 pounds
- Dimensions
- 7.6 x 7.6 x 2.3 inches
- Projection Size
- 40 to 120 Inches
- Display resolution
- 1920 x 1080
- Memory
- 2 GB RAM
- Storage
- 8GB
- Operating System
- Android TV 9.0
- Speakers
- 2 x 3W with Dolby Digital Plus
- Playtime
- Up to 3 hours
- Connectivity
- HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast
Pros
Breathtaking Visuals- Cinematic Sound
- Built-In Stand and Wi-Fi
- Ultra-fast Autofocus
- 3-Hour Runtime in Battery Mode
Cons
Image Quality Remains Unchanged with HDR Content- The Remote Could Have Been Backlit
Previous Customer Experience
| Easy to use |   | 4.4 |
| Portability | | 4.3 |
| Picture quality | | 4.2 |
| Autofocus | | 4 |
| Brightness | | 3.8 |
| Value for money | | 3.7 |
Who It's For
If you consider yourself a "big picture thinker," the Anker Solar Portable from Nebula can turn those thoughts into a reality. With this smart pico projector, you get all the right features needed to turn any room in your home into a theater.
Why It's Great
The Nebula Solar Portable is a small device packed with big features. From 1080p minimum resolution to in-built WiFi and Android TV, this mini projector seems to have everything. Step your entertainment up a notch and customize your viewing preferences with this small but mighty device.
Potential Flaws
Although offering very bright visuals, the Nebula Solar Portable is unfortunately not the brightest device you can find in its price range. It also doesn’t have picture-perfect color accuracy but is enjoyably detailed enough for you to not notice. A few users have also stated that its imagery doesn’t improve much when switched to HDR. Plus, the audio quality could be better.
Other Features
With this option for the best pico projector, you get a theater-worthy projection with countless entertainment methods. This Nebula-made pico projector shines bright with 400 ANSI lumens, which is bumped up to 1100 when plugged in.
The Nebula Solar Portable projects at 1080p HD quality and supports 4K resolution and HDR10, which produces radiant colors and enhances details. All these are captured on a lens that has quick autofocus capabilities and the ability to adjust up to a 120-inch wide frame.
The audio system on this projector is pretty solid too. Powered by Dolby Digital Plus and dual 3W speakers, this device also doubles as a Bluetooth speaker. Connect easily to your smartphone or laptop with multiple connectivity options — HDMI, Bluetooth, USB, and Type-C — and in-built WiFi.
With the Nebula Solar Portable, you get access to more than 5,000 apps, brought to you by Android TV 9 and Google Play. That includes our all-time faves like YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu. This projector also has a unique feature called "quadrilateral keystone" that ensures that you get a perfectly-squared image from almost any angle.
It even comes with a built-in stand and a 20,000 mAh rechargeable battery that lasts up to three hours on a full charge, which is coincidentally the same amount of time it takes to charge. Enjoy a one-year warranty when you purchase this pick, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Runner Up
2. Runner Up
AAXA M7 Mini Projector
This pick provides impressive portability, with a built-in 15,000 mAh battery that functions as a power bank.
Specifications
- Weight
- 2.99 pounds
- Dimensions
- 7.3 x 6.4 x 1.85 inches
- Display resolution
- 1920 x 1080
- Projection Size
- Up to 200 inches
- Connectivity
- HDMI; Composite A/V (3.5mm Jack), USB, Micro SD / TF Card; USB-C Mirroring
Pros
- Impressive 1200 Lumens Brightness
- 1080p Native Resolution
- Electric Focus System
- Onboard Media Player
- Multiple Inputs
Cons
- No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Connectivity
- No Auto-Focus
- Sound Distortion at Higher Volume
Previous Customer Experience
| Brightness | | 4.7 |
| Picture quality | | 4.5 |
| Value for money | | 4.3 |
| Remote Control | | 4.1 |
Who It's For
Sick and tired of dull projector images? Are you looking for the best pico projector that produces cinema-worthy pictures right from your nightstand? Then allow us to introduce our closely-running runner-up, the AAXA M7 Mini Projector!
Why It's Great
The award-winning AAXA M7 Mini Projector is coming in hot at a whopping 650 Lumens, which goes up to 1200 plugged in, making it the brightest projector on our list. What’s more, This bright light stays with you for a guaranteed 30,000 hours! This mini projector produces the best image quality on our list and does so with ease thanks to several worthwhile features.
Potential Flaws
This device does not offer any smart options and has no WiFi capabilities. It also lacks nice-to-have additions such as autofocus, in-built apps, and Bluetooth connectivity, with some users claiming difficulty with adjusting the default picture settings as well as being bothered by its really noisy fan.
Other Features
With the AAXA M7 Mini Projector, we no longer have to wish for brighter days as they are already here. This small device is capable of producing cinema-worthy pictures and imagery thanks to 650 LED quad-cast lumens. It can go up to 1200 when directly plugged in or in ‘boost’ mode, as well as 1080p HD resolution that can support up to 4K. This means that the color quality and enhanced detailing on this projector are remarkable.
With DLP display technology, which is used by nine out of ten cinemas worldwide, you get the highest picture quality and brightness there.
Turn your projector into a speaker by plugging it directly into the 4-watt premium dual speaker. Speaking of, this device also boasts the most ‘connected’ device on our list, giving you multiple input options — HDMI, USB, DC power, headphones (3.5mm), Composite AV, USB C and A, and a TF Card Reader. No power, no problem. The M7 Mini Projector’s rechargeable 15,000 mAh battery is built to last up to three hours while charging your phone. Direct screen mirroring allows you to enlarge the smaller screens of your phones, tablets, and laptops.
3. Cost Effective
3. Cost Effective
Kodak Luma 350
For its price and size, this option boasts multiple cool features only found in premium models.
Specifications
- Weight
- 1.81 pounds
- Dimensions
- 4.4 x 4.4 x 1.0 inches
- Connectivity Technology
- USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI
- Display resolution
- 854 x 480
- Connectivity
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, USB
Pros
- Advanced Android 6.0 and iOS Interface
- Compatibility Across All Smart Devices
- Projects Up to 150 Inches
Cons
- Brightness Maxes Out at 200 ANSI Lumens
- Underwhelming Battery Life
Previous Customer Experience
| Value for money | | 4.8 |
| Portability | | 4.7 |
| Picture quality | | 4.2 |
| Brightness | | 4.2 |
| Remote Control | | 3.7 |
Who It's For
If you’re looking for a pocket-sized projector that packs most of the smart features you desire at a budget-friendly price, look no further than the Kodak Luma 350. This device displays great quality and also features a number of worthwhile smart features.
Why It's Great
The Kodak Luma 350 features most of the smart options highlighted in our top pick — Bluetooth and in-built WiFi connectivity. Its picture quality is also better than average, producing imagery of up to 4K resolution. This budget pick from Kodak gives you all you would require in a projector at a cost-effective price.
Potential Flaws
Although the Luma 350 has smart features, its operating system doesn’t offer a lot of apps, including some popular streaming platforms like HULU, Amazon Video, Disney Plus, and HBO Max. This pick also isn’t as bright as you’d expect, coming in at a mere 200 ANSI Lumens, and also has limited input ports. Its battery life is also considered weak, with its power measuring just 7,500 mAh, half the amount of our runner-up.
Other Features
This pocket-friendly pick of the best pico projector from Kodak is constructed using DLP technology, which is known for crisp colors and sharp details. It is supported by 4k resolution and 200 ANSI lumens and serves on a screen display of up to 150 inches. Auto vertical keystone correction ensures your screen always shows correctly regardless of the display surface. Turn the sound on and enjoy clear audio brought to you by its dual 1.5-Watt speakers.
Although this projector is very compact and portable, it features Bluetooth connectivity, Miracast to mirror the screens of compatible devices, and WiFi powered by Android 6.0. This means that you get access to your favorite apps, as well as the ability to stream shows directly without needing an external device. Speaking of external devices, the Kodak Luma 350 has USB and HDMI inputs, as well as a 3.5mm audio jack, so you can plug and play with ease.
4. Almost Made the Cut
4. Almost Made the Cut
XGIMI Halo+
With all its bells and whistles, this pick sits at the top of the list of premium pico projectors.
Specifications
- Weight
- 3.5 pounds
- Dimensions
- 4.6 x 5.7 x 6.75 inches
- Display Resolution
- 1920 x 1080
- Aspect Ratio
- 16:9
- Battery Runtime
- 2.5 hours
Pros
- Dual 5W Harman Kardon Speakers
- Exceptional Brightness
- 59.454Wh Built-in Battery
Cons
- Expensive
- For maximum usage, this pick needs a Google Sign-in
Previous Customer Experience
| Portability | | 4.5 |
| Picture quality | | 4.5 |
| Easy to use | | 4.4 |
| Brightness | | 4.4 |
| Value for money | | 3.5 |
Who It's For
The XGIMI Halo+ is one of the best high-end pico projectors on the market, offering quality brightness and room-filling audio. It boasts the same tower design as the XGIMI Halo but with improved features for a better viewing experience. This projector has a 1920 x 1080 resolution and a brightness rating of 900 ANSI lumens, which is quite impressive for a Pico projector. However, we observed that this maximum brightness dimmed when the projector was unplugged, most likely to conserve battery life. Even with the reduced light, we were delighted that the image quality remains far superior to that of most Pico projectors.
Why It's Great
The Xgimi Halo+ has a built-in 59.454 Wh battery that offers 2.5 hours of playtime, but this can change depending on image settings. You can also use it while plugged in (power supply and cable included) in case the battery dies or to optimize image brightness.
This portable projector comes with in-built Android TV 10, and we found the menu pretty fluid and fast. This speed, coupled with Google Play, will give you access to thousands of apps, such as HBO Max, Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. Given that this is a 1080p projector, 4K content from these platforms may not appear quite as sharp, but the image quality is still good. While you can adjust the brightness by going into the settings menu, we found that the standard brightness setting offered similar quality to the performance setting.
As for audio, the XGIMI Halo+ comes with two internal 5W Harman Kardon speakers that put out high-quality sound, enough to fill our family room. The speakers are a valuable addition to a portable projector, as they eliminate the need for external speakers in most situations. However, for a richer and more immersive listening experience, you can connect the projector to a sound bar or home theater via the HDMI port, 3.5mm jack, or Bluetooth.
Potential Flaws
The Xgimi Halo+ is a premium portable projector and billed us a few hundred dollars. Given its intelligent features and impressive brightness, it is worth it. You’ll also need an internet connection and a Google account sign-in to use Android TV or stream content from several apps.
Other Features
This pick comes with a kickstand which helps prop it up and a threaded mount for use on a tripod. This mini powerhouse can project images ranging from 50 to 200 inches diagonally, depending on the distance between the screen and the projector. It also packs features like auto keystone correction, autofocus, intelligent obstacle avoidance, and high-tech screen alignment, to ensure you get the best possible image quality every time. At 4.46 x 5.7 x 6.75 inches and 3.5 pounds, this is not the smallest pico projector on our list, but it remains portable.
Who This Is For
If you love the cinematic thrill and want to bring that feeling right to your home, these projectors are the best way to go. They offer the perfect device for a group movie night or a cozy night with your significant other. Whatever your entertainment needs, these compact devices are guaranteed to fulfill them and offer more.
What does a pico projector do?
If you aren’t familiar with the best pico projectors, it’s easy to hear this term and feel a little lost or confused. However, you don’t have to worry because we are always here to break it down. A pico projector is simply a handheld projector or a mini projector. These devices are the more portable versions of larger projectors, like those used at the movies. They are often small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and light enough to carry around easily.
Is the size of a pico projector’s light smaller than a standard projector?
Standard projectors generally use two kinds of technology – Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and Digital Light Processing (DLP). These technologies aim to project the highest quality images at the largest possible size.
In contrast, Pico projectors are constructed using LED and DLP technologies. These technologies make them more cost-effective, power-conscious, size-restricting, convenient, and portable. However, this also means that the light and imagery produced by these devices cannot be exactly compared to that of standard projectors.
Nevertheless, the best Pico projectors on the market boast the crème de la crème of the aforementioned technologies and produce far better quality than television and other digital screens. These images are on a close par with those of cinematic production.
Why You Should Trust Us
Everyone loves a good movie night! These intimate events bring loved ones together and create quality bonding time. In addition to movies, the best pico projectors offer a great outlet for many forms of entertainment. We understand that you need a premium device that meets these needs and provides incredible purchasing value.
How We Picked
We considered some important factors when selecting the best pico projectors on the market.
Portability
We selected pico projectors that have dimensions of no more than 6 x 6 x 4 inches and weigh less than two pounds for easy portability.
Picture quality
The quality of imagery produced by a pico projector depends on the device’s resolution, which ranges from 320p or 420p to 720p or 1080p HD resolution, with some even supporting HDR and 4K lens resolutions.
Audio quality
What’s the point of seeing clearly if you can’t hear as clearly? Higher grade pico projectors come with in-built sound systems, sometimes in collaboration with audio companies like Dolby, that produce excellently clear audio and eliminate the need for an external speaker. Some pico projectors also have audio jack allowances so that you can plug and play without any surrounding noise interruptions. The loudest pico projectors may also double as speakers.
Battery life
Gone are the days when you had to have your video device directly plugged into a power source for functionality. Imagine you’re planning an outdoor watching experience or a drive-thru movie night, and you have to be concerned about carrying multiple power extensions and adaptors to make this a reality. With built-in rechargeable batteries, all you need to do is pick up your device and go.
That’s why we have selected pico projectors that boast quick charging speeds and long battery lives so that all you need to do is recharge, unplug, and sit back. The average charging time for any decent pico projector should be between three and five hours, while the average battery life should be at least two hours. If you’re lucky, you can get a device with such a powerful battery that it can also serve as a power bank.
Connecting ports
The utmost priority of a mini projector is the ability to convert small-screen pictures to big-screen imagery. How does this happen, you may ask? Well, these devices use different types of connection ports and connectivity methods as input mechanisms for whatever you intend on projecting.
While some only have one or more of the basics — USB (Type A or C), HDMI, Composite AV, and Card Readers — others take it up a notch to include systems like Type C connection, Bluetooth, and even WiFi, to give you more connectivity options.
Some projectors also have something known as a “screen mirroring” feature, which projects whatever is on your screen or screens (if you have multiple devices). This serves as a nice-to-have feature for users looking to use them as gaming devices.
Price vs. quality
As always, we strive to suggest products that will undoubtedly offer the best investment value for a long time to come. Our chosen pico projectors are powerful devices that offer top-notch imagery and multipurpose functionality, giving you more than your money’s worth within their various price ranges.
Easy to set up
With our picks, the last hassle on your mind will be how to set them up. With detailed user instructions and easy-to-understand features, your device will be up and running in no time.
How We Picked
Size, Weight, and Portability
The whole point of this article is to find the best portable projectors. So if you can’t hold it in your hand and carry it around easily, it won’t be on this list.
Picture Quality and Resolution
Standard pico projectors offer a screen resolution of 720p. However, HD options provide better picture quality. We’ve lined up projectors that give the best picture quality.
Power and Battery Life
No one wants to be cut off right in the middle of their favorite show. That’s why we found projectors that have incredible battery lives.
Cost-Effectiveness
Trust us, you don’t have to break the bank to own one of these bad boys. With our picks, you get the best value for your money and the best returns within the price range.
Care and Maintenance
Like most video and audio devices, or most tech devices, the best pico projector does not require a laundry list of aftercare instructions once it’s been set up. The major cause for concern lies in properly installing your device. When you purchase a projector, each one comes with a detailed instruction manual on how to set it up. Once you carefully follow these instructions, you should have your device ready to go in no time.
If you ever hit a hard patch, there are also numerous resources online provided by manufacturers and other users that give guided tutorials.
How to set-up
- You may need a stand. For a more balanced and secure set-up, you can purchase a tripod stand or a ceiling stand where you can place your projector. Some manufacturers sell these stands while others include them in your order. However, this isn’t a necessity for most pico projectors, as they can be easily balanced on a table and elevated to your preferred viewing angle.
- Don’t forget to remove your lens covering. Manufacturers usually use a small translucent film to protect the device’s lens.
- Do not cover the fans or ports as you want an easy ventilation exit for all that heat produced when your device is functioning.
- Ensure that your projector is secure and well-balanced before use. The last thing you would want is it toppling over and breaking or damaging.
- Make sure it’s the right side up. Follow the guided installation instructions. Also, make sure your device is sitting the right way to avoid upside-down production and distorted imagery.
How you can clean your projector from time to time to ensure top functionality
- Unplug the device and let it cool off before proceeding.
- Use a handheld vacuum device on low power to remove surface dust from the body of the device as well as its fans, ports, and other ventilation systems.
- If your device is still a bit dusty after that, slightly dampen a microfiber cloth and wipe down gently. Ensure that water does not directly touch the projector.
- Use a dry rag to wipe down again to absorb any excess dampness.
- Apply a lens cleaner to a microfiber cloth and use it to wipe the lens in a circular motion. Do not use abrasives or solvents.
- Store in a carrying case when not in use. Most manufacturers sell the device with a case, but in the rare case that they don’t, you can always purchase one.
Sources and Research
Further Reading and Similar Topics
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