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The best portable projectors you can buy in 2023 1. Viewsonic M1 Mini Plus: Best ultraportable projector And this projector’s talents don’t end there. It has built-in Android TV 11.0 streaming, plus a built-on 2 x 12W Harmon/Kardon speaker system that does a surprisingly good job of dishing out immersive sound. What’s more, XGIMI’s ISA 3.0 auto-setup system can get you a good, well-focused, correctly aligned image in seconds; all you need to do is point the projector at the screen. There are other projectors such as the Sony VPL-XW5000ES above that can give you even better, true 4K video in a custom-built setup, but you won’t find anything else that delivers this kind of image quality, this easily, and for such a comparatively reasonable price. To the untrained eye, one projector usually looks much like another. However, there’s a whole world of technology inside these often plain-looking boxes. Nearly all projectors have some form of correction to sort this out. The best portable projectors do it automatically, so you can spend less time setting up your screen and projector and more time enjoying what you want to watch. The same goes for auto-focus features, although most models have a manual slider or wheel. What about sound? The NZ8 is undoubtedly expensive, but the pricing of JVC’s new line-up is intended to reflect the comparative cost of 4K laser projectors from Sony. Interestingly the NZ8 currently has no direct competitor, so if you want uncompromising performance, peerless HDR tone mapping, comprehensive features and a high degree of future-proofing performance, this remarkable projector is in a class of its own.
Yes, with some important caveats. The biggest one is that projectors are not usually as bright as TVs, and as a result most really struggle in brightly lit rooms: the more light there is, the less vivid your projected images will be. Projectors are best suited to home theater setups rather than sun-drenched living rooms, though some ultra short throw projectors like the Epson EpiQVision Ultra LS800 included in our list provides an exception to that rule. When viewed from a normal viewing distance, it is difficult to differentiate between a 4K pixel shift image and an image projected on a native 4K projector. It is only when you do a side-by-side comparison between a true 4K projector versus a pixel-shifting projector using test patterns that the resolution difference is truly noticeable. We test using a wide range of content from 4K Blu-rays, to streaming services, video games and standard definition DVDs to make sure all kinds of content are put through these projectors. This helps us find the strengths and weaknesses of each projector. What’s more, the auto-focus and auto-keystone correction features mean you don’t need to spend hours tinkering to get a high-quality image; a real plus with a projector that might not be set-up permanently. Meanwhile, the built-in 15W audio system gives you sound that’s good enough for casual entertainment, if a little brash and shouty if you turn the volume up too high. Many new 4K projectors these days come with ultra short throw technology, which vastly reduces the distance needed between the projector and the wall or screen surface it's projecting onto.You’ll need a screen for your projected image, and there are hundreds of different options available. If you have room for a projector screen, buy one that can be pulled down from the ceiling. If you don’t have room for a dedicated screen, consider using projector paint on a bare wall. Projector paint creates a reflective surface that’s ideal for a minimalist setup. Extra bulbs Prices valid in stores (all including VAT) until close of business on 28th November 2023. (Some of these web prices are cheaper than in-store, so please mention that you've seen these offers online.) The VPL-XW5000ES combines Sony’s 4K SXRD panel and a 2000 Lumens laser phosphor light source, which, along with wide dynamic range optics and its Triluminos Pro colour processing, gives a 4K image so crisp and colour-rich that you could soon forget about the price tag. Throw in the X1 Ultimate Processor, with HDR Remaster and Dynamic HDR Enhancer processing, and you get the kind of picture quality that wouldn’t disgrace your local cinema. That said, if you're looking for a big picture then the price differences start to disappear. 4K TVs become very expensive at their largest sizes, and projectors effortlessly deliver bigger images than even the biggest mainstream TVs. Another thing to consider is refresh rate, and again that's something TVs tend to be better at –so if you're buying for gaming, you'll get a smoother performance from one of the best 120Hz TVs with a fast response time than you'll get from a similarly priced projector. And you're more likely to find HDMI 2.1 ports with gaming-friendly features in a TV than in a projector. Will a projector play Netflix, Disney Plus and the rest?
The Mars 3 is arguably the most practical portable projector ever made. Thanks to a chunky form factor that makes it look a little like an old-fashioned, high-powered torch, a massive 185Wh built-in battery and weatherproofing, it’s good for movie shows both indoors and outdoors. Smart auto-adjusted features can get you a sharp, well-focused image in just about any situation, and it even has integrated streaming and impressive, meaty sound. You can head off-grid and still watch movies for a little over five hours.Grab one that’s longer than you think you’ll need. It never hurts to have the extra flexibility in case your placement plans change. Audio solution
The next feature is light output, and how that light is created. Brightness is typically measured in lumens, and the bigger the number the brighter the output. Under 3,000 is fine for darker rooms or night viewing but for bright environments you'll want high output. The EH-TW6150 is Epson’s answer to the budget 4K DLP projectors from Viewsonic, Optoma and BenQ, combining three LCD panels and pixel-shifting techniques to create 4K pictures from a 1080p optical system. Anker Nebula Solar Portable: We didn't like the Solar Portable as much as the BenQ GS50, Xgimi Halo Plus or even its sibling, the Mars II Pro. Its main disadvantage compared to others on this list is its relatively dim image, which means it can't project as large a picture and still look good. If you want a sleek, budget-friendly portable with 1080p and plan on keeping the image on the small side, however, this is a solid choice. Read our Anker Nebula Solar Portable review. In terms of picture quality, the Anker falls a little behind the ViewSonic. While very crisp, it’s not as bright and the colours aren’t quite as rich. In isolation, though, it’s very watchable in dark conditions, and there’s no easier projector to lug around and pull out whenever you can find time and space to set up a screen. Is it the best projector? No, but it’s a fantastic gadget for games, TV and movies. Things aren’t quite as rosy when it comes to upscaling from low-res sources, though. HD sources will often come with a layer of grain – and which comes and goes pretty inconsistently, proving more distracting than if it was there all of the time. The upscaling from SDR fares similarly, often adding a harsh reddish tinge, especially in low-lit scenes or those showing the light of a campfire.If you're looking for the best 4K projector possible for a dedicated home theater, and have a budget that lets you reach for the stars, the JVC DLA-NZ8 should be at the top of your list. One thing that most 4K projector marketing materials leave out is that the projector speakers are usually terrible. That’s by design. Most projectors are made to be positioned far from the viewer, so they’re built on the assumption that you’ll be providing your own audio solution. It’s a flexible projector, too, with excellent manual and automatic keystone correction features plus a manual vertical shift, which helps you get a good, distortion-free image even if you have your projector sitting on a coffee table beaming a picture higher up on your wall. You might have to spend a little while tuning to get the best possible image, but the upside is that you’ve got plenty of control.
It certainly doesn’t have the bells, whistles or crispness of other, more expensive projectors on this list, but the Yaber V7 Pro is a good budget option. The free carry bag is a nice bonus too. Bear in mind that it’s not the quietest model around, though, and produces a noticeable fan whirr. Higher-end long throw projectors are generally “dumb” displays, with no built-in smart TV interface or ability to stream video directly. That’s because they’re usually the main video component in an AV system that uses a receiver and separate speakers for audio, with the receiver sending video directly to the projector, and audio to the speakers. The specified 2,200 lumens brightness might not be as high as some other models in our best projectors guide, but the exceptional brightness control of the Horizon Pro mitigates this, ensuring that light lands where it needs to, and that even daytime viewing affords decent visibility. For the best experience, of course, you’ll want to close the curtains or save your movie plans for the evening, and bright, direct sunlight will banish portions of the image, but the Horizon Pro still fares better than most. Make sure your 4K projector is plugged into a power outlet with surge protection. Projector bulbs are incredibly expensive, so you want to make sure that yours never burn out when a power surge strikes. Buy a robust power strip that includes surge protection. And if you’re particularly worried about protecting your investment, find one that ensures damage to connected devices in the event of a problem. LG CineBeam PH30N: The LG PH30N is tiny even compared to other portable projectors, even smaller than the AAXA. It's not particularly bright, however, nor does it have built-in apps. The battery doesn't last as long as the AAXA either although it is a bit cheaper. Read our LG CineBeam PH30N review.If space is really tight, you might want to consider a short throw or ultra-short throw projector, which can create big images on your screen or wall from incredibly short distances – as little as 10cm for a 50in image in some cases. The downside is the projected image tends to suffer more from geometric distortion. Other things to consider: Hannah Tralys - Full-time researcher and tester at Trustmyreview - Written on July 13, 2023 Even if you have one or two good televisions, you can take your entertainment room to the next level with a home theater projector.With a home theater projector, you can get a large screen for a fraction of the price of a large TV, which is perhaps the best part.In this case, we're focusing more on the "go-to" projectors. Mini projectors can be installed permanently or semi-permanently, but for the most part, they're not designed to be.Basically, they go where they are needed.The best mini projectors of 2023 are super bright, super sharp and can give you a crisp, clear image wherever you need it.
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