Top 5 Best Mini Projectors in 2025

The best mini projector provides large-screen performance in a compact design that is easy to transport. Ideal for presentations, film screenings, and gaming, we tested a variety of models to suit different screen sizes and budgets, and these are our top recommendations.

When it comes to short-throw models, my team and I tested everything from the best business projector to the best 4K projectors. So we know what sets a unit apart from the competition. I’m looking for the best mini projectors that offer high resolutions, sharp detail, vivid colors, an excellent contrast ratio and brightness, and the ultimate in portability.

For most people, I recommend the Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen. This 1080p mini projector is incredibly small, but don’t let that fool you; during our testing, we discovered that the picture quality was excellent overall, and it’s reasonably priced. Along with the Freestyle 2nd Gen, I’ve compiled a list of our favorite portable projectors for gaming, handheld projectors for business and smaller rooms, and larger devices for streaming movies when you want a big-screen experience both indoors and outdoors.

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Last update on 2025-03-08 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Top 5 Best Mini Projectors in 2025

1.Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen

Last update on 2025-03-08 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

We were already big fans of the original Samsung Freestyle mini projector and named it our top pick. And it remained that way until we tested the second-generation model.

Samsung’s The Freestyle 2nd Generation isn’t a radical departure from the previous iteration, but it does include a Gaming Hub, which allows you to connect a wireless controller and access cloud-based gaming apps like Xbox and Nvidia GeForce Now. The Freestyle’s appeal stems in large part from its ease of setup, and its subtle, compact design makes it ideal for transporting in a backpack.

The picture quality is good in use, with deep blacks and accurate colors, and it supports HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG. The projector also has what Samsung calls ‘360 Degree’ sound. And, in our tests, we were pleasantly surprised to discover that it did indeed provide spacious audio, albeit with limited bass.

However, we discovered a few drawbacks. In our multiple luminance tests, this was not the brightest portable projector in the world, and the contrast is low for daytime use outside. We’d have liked to see more than just one micro-HDMI port here. It may not be a low-cost model, but it is an excellent, user-friendly mini projector with a strong emphasis on portability.

Samsung’s first The Freestyle projector caused quite a stir with its compact, cylindrical design and superior streaming capabilities when compared to other portable projectors. Notably, it used the same Tizen smart TV interface as the company’s TVs, allowing viewers to easily stream from a variety of apps while also providing voice control via Samsung’s Bixby or Amazon Alexa voice assistants. Aside from that, the original The Freestyle could project images as large as 100 inches and offered auto focus and keystone adjustments to quickly align images on any surface you pointed it at. We liked it so much when we tested it that it quickly rose to the top of our list of the best portable projectors.

The Freestyle 2nd Gen doesn’t deviate much from the original, but it does receive a significant update with Samsung’s Gaming Hub, a section of the smart interface that houses a variety of cloud-based gaming services such as Xbox, Nvidia GeForce Now, Utomik, and others. This new feature allows you to pair the projector with wireless gaming controllers and play premium games without needing to connect a physical console, which the Freestyle 2nd Gen’s single micro-HDMI connection does not make easy.

Samsung provides a variety of accessories to go with its portable, including a rechargeable battery base that provides approximately 3 hours of playback time and an adaptor to plug it into a standard ceiling light socket for power. While most users will not require images to be projected from the ceiling onto a table or floor, the ability to do so is just one of the features that distinguishes the Freestyle 2nd Gen from traditional projectors.

Because of the limited brightness of the Freestyle 2nd Gen’s LED light source, you’ll get the best image when watching in a dimly lit room or outside at night. Even under those circumstances, the projector’s image is devoid of the sharp contrast and detail that you would anticipate from the best 4K projectors, making it more of a practical way to project a large image than a high-quality one. However, the Freestyle Gen 2 is still a fantastic portable projector that fits neatly in your backpack thanks to its small size and superb feature set.

2.LG CineBeam Q

Last update on 2025-03-08 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

With a swinging stand that doubles as a handle for added portability, the sleek design resembles a hi-fi speaker. The device is lightweight because it lacks a built-in battery and requires the mains cable.

We were pleasantly surprised by the 4K’s performance in the tests. Additionally, this unit supports HDR10 and HLG high dynamic range, unlike competitors. The CineBeam Q has exceptional color performance in other areas. Skin tones were natural, bright images were vivid, and darks were deep. At this price, there are some compromises, though. This portable DLP projector has an average contrast ratio of 500:1 and a maximum brightness of 500 ANSI lumens.

Like Samsung’s wildly popular Freestyle, the LG CineBeam Q is a very small portable projector that runs WebOS, the same streaming platform used in the company’s TVs. Although it costs more than Samsung’s portable projector, it has 4K resolution and an RGB laser light engine for better brightness and color. Although the lack of a battery power option makes it best suited for indoor use, the picture quality is surprisingly good for such a small projector, and it can beam images large enough to light up the side of a garage.

Among the top portable projectors, the LG CineBeam Q is distinguished by its 4K resolution. The majority are low-cost HD-resolution models with an integrated rechargeable battery that run Android TV and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. One such model is the fantastic Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen, an incredibly portable projector with an innovative design that offers a top-notch streaming and gaming platform. A distinct proposition, the top 4K projectors have always been expensive, large, and designed for indoor use. This is altered by the LG.

Even when not in use, the LG CineBeam Q’s retro-industrial design and all-aluminum case and carrying handle look good. There are numerous manual adjustments to fine-tune picture geometry and focus, and when activated, an auto screen adjustment feature with autofocus enables speedy setup. The projector’s 22-point white balance adjustment also replicates the picture calibration controls on LG’s OLED TVs, though its default settings for the Filmmaker Mode picture mode also offer a high degree of accuracy.

The most well-known streaming apps, including Netflix and Disney Plus, are available on WebOS; however, Hulu and Max are not. In addition to USB type-C and HDMI inputs for connecting external sources like a game console or one of the top 4K Blu-ray players, AirPlay 2 and Android Screen Share enable wireless streaming from a phone or tablet.

Audio is an afterthought on the LG CineBeam Q, which has a 3-watt mono speaker that produces tinny, anemic sound. Most portable projectors have built-in speakers out of necessity. Thankfully, it has Dual Audio Output and Bluetooth pairing capabilities, which enable wireless audio streaming to a soundbar or multiple Bluetooth speakers and headphones.

The LG CineBeam Q is one of the most stylish portable projectors available. LG seems to have made the LG CineBeam Q as much of a conversation starter as a projector. Its small aluminum body and 360-degree rotating aluminum stand give it a cool, industrial look reminiscent of Braun.

The LG CineBeam Q weighs 3.3 pounds and measures 5.3 x 3.1 x 5.3 inches (H x W x D). It is lightweight and portable, but it requires an external power brick to plug in because it does not have a built-in rechargeable battery. Though it’s a standard version rather than the “Magic Remote” that comes with LG TVs, LG does include an infrared remote control that allows you to point at anything on the screen.

3.Anker Nebula Capsule II / III

Last update on 2025-03-08 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Our choice for the best mini projector is the Anker Nebula Capsule, a powerful and reasonably priced handheld Bluetooth projector that fits in your pocket. Even better, for the complete on-the-go viewing experience, you can use a USB-C to HDMI cable to connect your iPhone or Android device to the projector.

We thought the design of the second edition Nebula Capsule was fantastic. The Nebula Capsule, a black, incredibly portable device with speaker grilles pocketing the casing, is shaped like a beer can. Our own tests showed that a single charge could last up to 2.5 hours of video playback.

Even though it has trouble in direct sunlight, we thought the performance was very watchable when projected onto a 100-inch screen. The best pocket projector has a 720p output and can reach up to 200 ANSI lumens. These specifications are significantly improved by the third generation devices, which increase them to 300 lumens and 1080p output. However, we would still like to see a higher luminance for camping and outdoor environments.

One of the greatest portable projectors we’ve ever tested, particularly for those searching for a small Android or iPhone projector.For the past few years, Anker has been the top brand to choose if you’re looking for a portable projector. Thanks to their small sizes and compatibility with Android apps, its Nebula line of Mars and Capsule projectors has continued to grow.

The incredibly portable Anker Nebula Capsule II, which is powered by Google’s Android TV platform and can project images up to 100 inches onto your wall, may be the best portable projector the company has ever produced, even though it may not soon replace home theater projectors.

If portability is your top priority, it’s difficult to suggest anything else but the Anker Nebula Capsule II, despite some compromises in brightness, resolution, and battery life. It’s difficult to find a portable projector with as many features as the Anker Nebula Capsule II. It weighs less than a kilogram (680g), is about the size of a can of coke, and comes with everything you need to project movies and videos onto your wall.

It has wraparound speaker grilles and measures 3.15 x 3.15 x 5.9 inches. It is entirely black, with the exception of a few buttons and a tiny red Anker logo on the front. A tiny circular porthole around the front houses its projection lens.

In addition to being extremely portable, it also has a built-in battery. Three hours of video playback (or thirty hours if you only use it as a speaker) can be obtained from a 2.5-hour charge via the USB-C port on the lower back. In reality, we discovered that watching videos for more than two or three hours.Given that the brightness rating here is 200 ANSI lumens as opposed to the original’s 100, it makes sense that this is significantly less than the four hours of the original capsule. This makes it much easier to watch during the day, but it also means you’ll need to have a charger on hand for longer viewing sessions.

In addition to the USB-C power input, the device has a full-sized USB port, a 3.5mm audio-out port for connecting larger speakers than the integrated 8W speaker, and a standard full-sized USB port. This USB and HDMI combination is especially helpful because it allows you to power and connect a dongle, such as an Amazon Fire TV Stick, while you’re on the go.

4.Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K

Last update on 2025-03-08 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K from Anker is not your typical small projector. The laser lamp produces a high-quality image, and it packs in a lot of brightness, reaching a peak of 2,400 Lumens, which we found to be enough bright for a semi-light-controlled environment during our testing.

It looks fantastic and is more than capable of serving as your go-to projector while remaining stationary in your living room. However, when we were reviewing it, we had no trouble packing it up and moving it from room to room because of its form factor of 26.4 x 22 x 15.5 cm and weight of 4.8 kg.

However, the lack of an on-board battery poses a significant obstacle to the portability of the Cosmos Laser 4K. “The Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K isn’t exactly portable without battery power,” we wrote in the review. It is portable, but in order to use it, AC power is still required. If you’re searching for a projector to use outside or far from home, keep that in mind. If you prefer an on-board battery, check out our review of the Anker Nebula Solar Portable. If you’re looking for another good home projector option, check out our review of the XGIMI Horizon Ultra.

The Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K from Anker is not your typical small projector. With a laser lamp and a significant amount of brightness, it produces a high-quality image in a portable form factor that you can move from room to room. It can even power the entire entertainment setup for any space you bring it into, thanks to built-in speakers and a streaming stick that comes with it and hides behind a cover.

For many situations, including a dark backyard, a living room with some ambient light, or even a well-lit room—as long as you’re watching bright media like sitcoms and cartoons—2,400 lumens is more than enough. You can get a great image from the Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K if you manage your ambient lighting well. It does a remarkable job of striking a balance between contrast and brightness while producing that vibrant HDR color that we’ve been growing accustomed to. Although it can’t match the color of the triple-lasered Hisense L9G or match the theater-level performance of the Epson LS12000, it’s not far behind for a projector that costs significantly less than half of those rivals.

Some projectors with a brighter 4K image can be purchased in the same area, but it will be difficult to find one with the versatility of the Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K, which costs. Some might be less expensive, but they frequently use a conventional projection lamp rather than the much more durable laser light source that Anker has here. The Optoma CinemaX P2, which we recently saw costing and offering an even brighter, laser-based picture, is a significant competitor of Anker. It is an ultra-short-throw model that is less portable and flexible in setup, but it would make a better dedicated home theater display.

There are a few peculiarities with the Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K. For fans of action movies, this is not the best choice because action is poorly handled when there is camera movement. Another problem for gamers is latency. Although it’s too slow for competitive or serious gaming, it’s not so bad that casual gaming is out of the question. Additionally, we observe some odd HDR behavior that is sporadic and could be fixed by a hardware update.

Although the Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K has many rivals, few projectors can perform as well and effortlessly as this one if you want one that will be used frequently in many different locations throughout your house.

5.JMGO N1S Ultra 4K

Last update on 2025-03-08 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Speaking of which, the N1S Ultra 4K boasts a bright 3,000 ANSI lumens and supports screens up to 150 inches. The performance was superb indoors, with sound and images crystal clear. A gimbal can tilt 135 degrees and rotate 360 degrees.

This is where the 4K mini projector truly shines, according to our reviewer, a lecturer, who used the device on location in a lecture hall, studio, and village hall. With color adjustments for a variety of walls and screens, it’s simple to set up—just plug it in and go.

Port selection is what it truly lacks. There are just two HDMI ports, a USB port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. We would like some additional options regarding the price. If you don’t mind, we discovered that this small projector works well for presentations and other talks.

It’s difficult to discern any significant physical design differences between the JMGO N1S Ultra and the original JMGO N1 Ultra at first glance. With the main projection unit perched atop the solid gimbal, they both have a strikingly similar appearance. Despite its simplicity, this gimbal design is very helpful for projector setup and positioning, allowing for quick adjustments to fit a screen or wall space. Additionally, like the N1, the N1S has excellent keystone adjustment and instantaneous autofocus, which guarantee that the projection matches the projection surface precisely.

One of the features that makes the N1, and now the N1S, a great choice is its size, weight, and design. Like many of the best portable projectors, it is small enough to make it easily transportable, especially with the foam hard case that it ships with. This means that this is one of the few projectors with brightness, colour accuracy,making it a great solution for both home and business.

When it comes to the all-important updates to the projector, most hinge on the brightness, with the beam jumping from 2200 CVIA lumens to 3000 ANSI lumens. This essentially makes it a better choice than the majority of other projectors for use in daylit rooms and if you need a portable projector for presentations.

Most of the crucial projector updates depend on brightness, with the beam changing from 2200 CVIA lumens to 3000 ANSI lumens. For use in brightly lit spaces and when a portable projector is required for presentations, this basically makes it a better option than most other projectors.

Do more lumens mean a better projector?

Lumens for projectors is like horsepower in a car – it’s important but only a part of how well the projector is suited for the task. In the past lumens were the most important element. Now things are different, as most projectors today are far more advanced than projectors sold five years ago. So – what makes for a better projector?

Color accuracy – While commercial cinema projectors have strict color standards, there are still many classroom and conference room projectors that are not very color accurate. For newer home theater and commercial projectors, Rec. 709 is the standard for color accuracy and measurement to look for in the specifications.

Can I watch Netflix on my mini projector?

For a portable projector, it should be easy to have Netflix running on your phone and then pair your phone with the projector so that you get Netflix (or other streaming apps) shown in the big screen format afforded by the projector. However, many paid streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney Plus have copy protection that prevents mirroring from mobile devices due to policies enacted and enforced by content owners. So, if you are casting from a notebook, Netflix content can be cast wirelessly via your laptop’s Google Chrome browser that is connected to an HDMI cable. You can also use Chromecast or Apple TV wireless devices to stream content as well. The best models of mini projectors also have phone apps to enable you to control your streams right from your phone or device to make it easy to use.

What’s the difference between a projector and a mini projector?

The main difference between a standard projector and a mini projector is that traditional projectors are designed to produce the highest possible quality at the most significant possible size, and if that means more giant bulbs or LED assemblies and louder fans, then so be it. Mini projectors also deliver good quality, but their priorities are different: they’re also designed with portability and price in mind, so they’re often more portable and affordable than their bigger siblings and often include built-in speakers and easy Bluetooth speaker connectivity.

Standard projectors are mainly powered, but many mini projectors are also designed to run on battery power. Like any battery-powered device, they have limited running times compared to when they’re plugged in, but most models have more than enough power to show multiple movies without requiring a recharge halfway through. It can also mean that the projector is dimmer than a wired one to get more life out of the battery.