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Best portable pico projectors for business, including the Anker Nebula Mars II, the Optoma ML750ST, and the ViewSonic M1 Credit: Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar

The Best Portable Projectors of 2023

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Best portable pico projectors for business, including the Anker Nebula Mars II, the Optoma ML750ST, and the ViewSonic M1 Credit: Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar

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Editor's Choice Product image of Anker Nebula Mars II
Best Overall

Anker Nebula Mars II

Although the Anker Nebula Mars II is heavy for a mini projector, it is still portable, offers HD quality, has a large speaker, and uses Android OS. Read More

Pros

  • HD Picture
  • 10-Watt speakers
  • Android OS

Cons

  • Heavy
Product image of AAXA P400

AAXA P400

At just 5.25 feet from the wall, this projector covers 100 inches, meaning it works great in small spaces. Read More

Pros

  • 100-inch projection
  • 1080p native resolution
  • Long-lasting battery

Cons

  • Performs best in full darkness
Product image of Optoma ML750ST

Optoma ML750ST

The Optoma ML750 ST weighs less than a pound, making it ideal for travel. That said, it requires a power cord, and its sound quality isn't great. Read More

Pros

  • HD Picture
  • Portable

Cons

  • No battery
  • Small speaker
Product image of Asus ZenBeam E1

Asus ZenBeam E1

The Asus ZenBeam E1 doesn't offer the best performance, but it's small enough to fit into a purse pocket, which makes it ideal for travel. Read More

Pros

  • Portable

Cons

  • Low quality picture
Product image of ViewSonic M1

ViewSonic M1

Although the ViewSonic M1's design is aesthetically pleasing, it only projects at 854 x 480 resolution, and its remote doesn't work as expected. Read More

Pros

  • Automatically corrects angles

Cons

  • Remote doesn't work well
  • Low quality picture

Unlike standard projectors built to stay in place, portable projectors—also known as pocket projectors or pico projectors—are small, lightweight, and essentially built for the road. They can be particularly useful for traveling professionals who might need a portable projector for on-the-go presentations. Competitive gamers might see them as a way to set up more screens at a tournament without lugging around armfuls of heavy hardware. Basically, if you’re planning to hit the road with a projector, this is the type you want. Many are battery powered or come with useful features like an HDMI port, bluetooth speaker, an ambient light, Wi-Fi functionality, built-in speakers, and 1080p resolution, but basic picture quality is more important than a handful of bells and whistles.

We’ve tested several of the best-reviewed and most popular portable projectors with the business traveler and home theater lover in mind, dutifully sizing up their strengths, weaknesses, and idiosyncrasies. In the end, the Anker Nebula Mars II (available at Amazon) outshone the competition, thanks to its stellar picture quality, its robust battery life, and its easy-to-use Android TV platform. It’s important to remember that portable projectors are known for their simplicity and convenience—if you’re looking for an ultra-bright, better-performing display, you should either shop for a multimedia projector or take a look at the best TVs under $500.

Editor's Note:
The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.
Best Portable Mini Projectors: Anker Nebula Mars II
Credit: Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar

The Anker Nebula Mars II is the best portable projector for most people.

Best Overall
Anker Nebula Mars II

Our pick for the best overall portable projector is the Anker Nebula Mars II, a battery-powered DLP projector (1280 x 720) that offers both hardware and software flexibility, respectable picture quality, and a friendly, practical design. Whether you're taking it on a business trip or setting up a private screening at home, the Nebula Mars II offers the best mix of quality performance and overall flexibility.

The Mars II clocks in at approximately four pounds, so it’s not exactly the lightest projector in our round-up. Still, the Mars II’s compact, lunchbox-like design leaves a small footprint, and the handle on top of the device makes transport a cinch.

Here’s what the Mars II offers from a connectivity standpoint:

  • HDMI
  • USB
  • Bluetooth
  • Wi-Fi enabled with Android 7.1
  • 3.5mm audio jack

The Mars II is equipped with a 12,500mAh-sized battery and uses a proprietary cable for charging or for using the Mars II while the battery’s dead (you can expect roughly four hours of battery life). The Mars II’s back-facing ventilation system makes a gentle whirring noise while the projector’s in use, but it’s quiet enough to fade into the background, especially when the volume’s cranked (did I mention that the Mars II’s 10-watt speakers get really, really loud?)

Crucially, the Mars II is a top-notch performer—at least when it comes to the realm of mini projectors. You’re not going to see great results in a well-lit setting, but screenings in dimly-lit rooms and nighttime viewings will look great—there’s enough luminance that colors pop and shadows don’t appear as washed-out as they do on some of the other projectors we’ve tested.

My favorite aspect of the Nebula Mars II is its Android 7.1 operating system, which comes with popular streaming apps like Netflix, Youtube, and Amazon Video right out of the box—simply connect the Mars II to a WiFi network and you’re ready to go. The Mars II also comes with a small remote control so that you can navigate the software from a distance.

The Anker Nebula Mars II isn’t the most affordable projector we’ve tested, but thanks to its sleek design and its Android functionality, it’s the only one that feels like it belongs in our current technological landscape.

Pros

  • HD Picture

  • 10-Watt speakers

  • Android OS

Cons

  • Heavy

Product image of AAXA P400
AAXA P400

This compact, yet powerful projector fits easily in a bag, whether you want to bring it to your cabin to watch movies or your office to present a video in a work meeting. At just 5.25 feet from the wall, this projector covers 100 inches, meaning it works great in small spaces. It offers full 1080p full native resolution and a clear, vivid picture. It comes with a 39W lithium-ion battery, runs for up to two hours unplugged, and includes a long-lasting LED light source that allows you to use this projector for long periods of time. Reviewers say that it’ll run a lot brighter while plugged in, but a lot of movies run longer than two hours, so that’s a great idea most of the time anyway.

Here’s what the AAXA P400 includes:

  • USB-A and TransFlash ports
  • HDMI and 3.5 mm audio jack
  • 30,000-hour LED lights
  • 39W lithium-ion battery
  • Tripod mounting option

Pros

  • 100-inch projection

  • 1080p native resolution

  • Long-lasting battery

Cons

  • Performs best in full darkness

Product image of Optoma ML750ST
Optoma ML750ST

The Optoma ML750ST is a sleek, 14-ounce projector with a decent amount of upside, provided you’re willing to pay a little extra for it. The "ST" in its name stands for "short throw"—there's a more affordable version of this projector that requires more distance for a comparable image.

The ML750ST isn’t equipped with an on-board battery—it runs on an AC power cord. This shouldn’t be an issue for most people, but if you were hoping to do some spontaneous screenings in venues without a nearby wall outlet, you might want to consider a portable projector with an on-board battery.

Here are the ML750ST’s connectivity options:

  • HDMI/MHL
  • USB
  • Bluetooth
  • 3.5 mm audio jack

The ML750ST’s small stature and light weight make it perfect for short- and long-distance travel—it weighs less than a pound and comes with a zippered carrying case that can easily be stowed in a briefcase or carry-on bag.

From a performance standpoint, this mini projector from Optoma isn’t as impressive as the Anker Nebula Mars II, but it’s 1280 × 800 WXGA resolution looks sharp from a distance of around ten feet. In a dark or dimly-lit room, the ML750T is bright enough to produce a picture with decent contrast, but as is the case with most mini projectors, the picture will appear flat and washed-out if there’s too much ambient light.

One of the ML750T’s bigger weaknesses is the projector’s tinny, 1-watt speaker—there just isn’t enough volume, even for the most modest of business presentations. And, compared to the Nebula Mars II’s 10-watt audio drivers, it’s downright quiet.

The Optoma ML750ST is a solid portable projector, but its online sale price is typically higher than the Anker Mars II. For reference, the Optoma ML750ST is currently listed on Amazon at $564 and the Anker Mars II is currently listed at $469.99. Unless you like the fit and finish of the Optoma more than the Anker projector, we think most people would be better off with the Mars II.

Pros

  • HD Picture

  • Portable

Cons

  • No battery

  • Small speaker

Product image of Asus ZenBeam E1
Asus ZenBeam E1

This sleek, metallic pocket projector from Asus is small enough to tuck into the pocket of a purse, weighs less than a pound, and comes with a thin, faux-leather carrying case. It's also equipped with a 6,000mAh-sized battery—no power cables required. From a portability standpoint, it's one of the most travel-friendly projectors we've tested.

Here's what the Asus ZenBeam E1 offers for connectivity options:

  • HDMI/MHL
  • USB
  • 3.5 mm audio jack

The ZenBeam E1 isn't the most flexible device, but we do love how much thought went into the design. From top to bottom, the ZenBeam E1 seems built for travel—the carrying case even has a cut-out so you can keep charging it while it's stowed away. Asus was even kind enough to include an HDMI cable.

That said, its portability and low price tag ($269 on Amazon) are the best things about the ZenBeam E1—its performance is another story. The picture quality isn't terrible, but it's far dimmer than most of its chief competitors; the ZenBeam E1 really needs a dark room in order for the picture to pop.

Still, we love how easy it is to take the ZenBeam E1 on the go, and professionals who need a no-frills, easy projector for business trips will appreciate the emphasis on portability.

Pros

  • Portable

Cons

  • Low quality picture

Product image of ViewSonic M1
ViewSonic M1

Of all the portable projectors we tested, the ViewSonic M1 had the most interesting design: It’s a small, book-shaped device with rounded corners, and its swiveling lens cover also doubles as a stand that holds the projector up when it’s engaged. The M1 features a lithium-ion battery for cordless operation.

Here’s what the M1 offers for connectivity options:

  • HDMI
  • USB (Type C)
  • USB (Type A)
  • microSD
  • 3.5 mm audio jack

The M1's innovative stand is easily my favorite thing about this projector; it's one of those rare, sensible design flourishes that's both aesthetically interesting and functionally appropriate. When the M1 is in use, the projector's auto-keystone software does a fine job correcting for off-angles—it might take a few seconds, but the M1 fixes the proportions of picture when projecting from a tilted position.

Unfortunately, the M1's lackluster performance doesn't quite live up to its ingenious design. The M1's total resolution (854 x 480) is vastly lower than most of the projectors we've tested to date,

We also weren't terribly impressed with the remote control included in the box. In a vacuum, I'd prefer having a remote control over not having one at all, but the M1's remote is so dysfunctional that I almost wish I didn't have it to begin with. You'll need a clear sightline from the remote to the projector's receiver in order for it to work, and even then, there's a good chance it won't.

Ultimately, the M1 is a decent option for people who aren't looking to spend a whole lot (you can get the ViewSonic M1 on Amazon right now for about $300), but if you're even the slightest bit concerned about picture quality, I'd recommend spending more on a better-performing projector.

Pros

  • Automatically corrects angles

Cons

  • Remote doesn't work well

  • Low quality picture

Product image of Nebula Capsule 3 Laser
Nebula Capsule 3 Laser

The Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser Projector is designed for movie lovers who travel a lot. At a light two pounds, this Nebula projector can easily pack in your bag, yet it still offers similar brightness to other projectors. It has 300 ANSI lumens of brightness in 1080p HD, which reviewers say is decent, but could be better.

Here’s what the Nebula Capsule 3 offers for connectivity options:

  • HDMI
  • USB (Type C)
  • Aux out
  • Bluetooth
  • Wi-Fi

With this projector, you’ll get 2.5 hours of play time and a strong 52Wh built-in battery that’s reliable for those long films. What’s more, you can download Netflix with Nebula play and control it using the Nebula Connect app. It even comes with an 8W Dolby Digital speaker that offers realistic sound.

Pros

  • Portable

  • Google Assistant and Chromecast compatible

Cons

  • Not the brightest choice

How to Choose a Portable Projector

Are Portable Projectors Any Good?

First thing’s first: make sure that an ultra-portable projector is the right fit for you. These projectors are designed primarily for small, personal spaces, and it’s important to understand the limitations of each. Pay close attention to the projector’s reported throw distance (the amount of distance between the device and a full-resolution image) and consider the size and layout of the rooms you see yourself using a projector.

How Do Portable Projectors Work?

Next, consider the type of content you’ll be watching and the hardware you’ll need to get the job done. Some projectors are equipped with nothing but USB and microSD ports, whereas others offer HDMI and VGA inputs, too. Additionally, are there any specific features that you absolutely need, like a headphone jack or WiFi streaming?

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, ask yourself how much money you’re willing to spend. Most portable projectors settle into the $200-$400 range, though higher-end models can climb upwards of $600.

Meet the testers

Michael Desjardin

Michael Desjardin

Senior Staff Writer

@Reviewed

Michael Desjardin graduated from Emerson College after having studied media production and screenwriting. He specializes in tech for Reviewed, but also loves film criticism, weird ambient music, cooking, and food in general.

See all of Michael Desjardin's reviews
Lily Hartman

Lily Hartman

Staff Writer, Search

Lily Hartman is a staff writer who also enjoys writing magazine articles about health and outdoor recreation. In her free time, she likes to hike, camp, run, and lift weights.

See all of Lily Hartman's reviews

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