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Reviews of Portable Projectors

The portable projectors category includes the latest in portable projectors that are ideal in terms of portability and convenience. Scroll down  for a list of our most recent portable projector reviews and more.
Portable projectors typically weigh under 10 lbs.
Portable projectors typically weigh under 10 lbs.
Portable projectors are convenient on-the-go solution and are becoming more advanced every day. Practical uses include classic presentations such as PowerPoint and multimedia presentations including videos and sound. Enjoy pictures, videos, and browing the internet from a large projection rather than a small display screen. Portable projectors are now exploring the realm beyond presentation, including gaming, 3D and mobile device integration.If it is more than 10 lbs., it is not really a portable projector by today’s standards. Granted, this doesn’t mean that you won’t choose a projector weighing 13 lbs., but it does mean that most portable projectors currently weigh 3-8 lbs.

The lightest portable projectors are Pico projectors – they typically weigh less than one pound and are about the size (give or take) of a pack of cigarettes.  They are definitely the least bright projectors almost all with less than 100 lumens.  They are limited in use, need a really dark room to do a good job on a small screen – say 40 inches, but are the ultimate in portability.

Pocket projectors are the next size up, and like Pico Projectors tend to have LED light sources. These weigh from roughly 1 lb. to about 4 pounds and are mostly 300 – 700 lumens with the brightest hitting 1000 lumens (2015).  These are becoming more and more practical each year.

The vast majority of portable projectors, though, are lamp based projectors weighing in from about 3 pounds to 10 pounds and offering from 2000 to 5000 lumens!

A few Portable projector brands: 3M, LG,  InFocus, and Epson.

Portable Projector Reviews

Portable Projector Reviews REVIEWS

ImageReview
ViewSonic PX706HD Gaming Projector Review ViewSonic PX706HD Gaming Projector Review
  • Review Date: October 22, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
BenQ MW535A WXGA Business Projector Review BenQ MW535A WXGA Business Projector Review
  • Review Date: September 27, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Casio XJ-A257 Portable Laser Projector Review Casio XJ-A257 Portable Laser Projector Review
  • Review Date: September 17, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Acer C200 Pico Projector Review – Travel-Sized and LED Acer C200 Pico Projector Review – Travel-Sized and LED
  • Review Date: August 20, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
AAXA P300 NEO Pico Projector Review – Pocket Sized Fun AAXA P300 NEO Pico Projector Review – Pocket Sized Fun
  • Review Date: August 16, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
BenQ MH733 Business and Education Projector Review BenQ MH733 Business and Education Projector Review
  • Review Date: July 19, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
First Look Review of BenQ TK800 4K UHD Projector – Is Better For You Than The BenQ HT2550? First Look Review of BenQ TK800 4K UHD Projector – Is Better For You Than The BenQ HT2550?
  • Review Date: April 27, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Optoma W460 Business and Education Projector Review Optoma W460 Business and Education Projector Review
  • Review Date: April 11, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Epson PowerLite 108 Projector Review Epson PowerLite 108 Projector Review
  • Review Date: April 9, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3LCD
InFocus IN2128HDx Business and Classroom Projector Review InFocus IN2128HDx Business and Classroom Projector Review
  • Review Date: April 6, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Sony VPL-EW435 Business and Education Projector Review Sony VPL-EW435 Business and Education Projector Review
  • Review Date: April 2, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3LCD
Epson PowerLite 990U Projector Review Epson PowerLite 990U Projector Review
  • Review Date: March 28, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3LCD
InFocus IN116xa Portable Projector Review InFocus IN116xa Portable Projector Review
  • Review Date: March 16, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
BenQ HT2550 – At $1499, The Most Affordable 4K UHD Projector Yet – First Look BenQ HT2550 – At $1499, The Most Affordable 4K UHD Projector Yet – First Look
  • Review Date: January 10, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology:
ViewSonic PJD7828HDL Home Theater Projector Review ViewSonic PJD7828HDL Home Theater Projector Review
  • Review Date: January 7, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP (1)
Acer K138ST Projector Review – A Pocket Sized Gaming Machine Acer K138ST Projector Review – A Pocket Sized Gaming Machine
  • Review Date: December 15, 2017
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
AAXA M5 Pocket Projector Review – 720p and LED! AAXA M5 Pocket Projector Review – 720p and LED!
  • Review Date: November 29, 2017
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Two Holiday Guides, Ten Great Home Projectors Two Holiday Guides, Ten Great Home Projectors
  • Review Date: November 28, 2017
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 0
Epson Home Cinema 2150 First Look Review Epson Home Cinema 2150 First Look Review
  • Review Date: August 28, 2017
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 0
AAXA M6 Projector Review – 1080p Pocket Sized and LED! AAXA M6 Projector Review – 1080p Pocket Sized and LED!
  • Review Date: August 16, 2017
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: LED
NEC NP-ME331W Portable Projector Review NEC NP-ME331W Portable Projector Review
  • Review Date: March 24, 2017
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3LCD
Epson PowerLite 2265U Projector Review Epson PowerLite 2265U Projector Review
  • Review Date: February 8, 2017
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3LCD
NEC NP-V332W Projector Review NEC NP-V332W Projector Review
  • Review Date: December 16, 2016
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Sony VPL-DW240 Projector – A Review Sony VPL-DW240 Projector – A Review
  • Review Date: December 1, 2016
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3LCD
Casio XJ-F210WN Projector Review Casio XJ-F210WN Projector Review
  • Review Date: November 14, 2016
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
The Optoma ML750ST LED Projector Review – Part 1 The Optoma ML750ST LED Projector Review – Part 1
  • Review Date: September 26, 2016
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
InFocus IN1118HD Mobile Projector Review InFocus IN1118HD Mobile Projector Review
  • Review Date: September 13, 2016
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
LG MiniBeam PF1000U Projector Review LG MiniBeam PF1000U Projector Review
  • Review Date: August 16, 2016
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Millennials and Projectors: Optoma ML750 LED Projector Review: Part 2 Millennials and Projectors: Optoma ML750 LED Projector Review: Part 2
  • Review Date: May 15, 2016
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 0
ViewSonic PJD7835HD Projector Review ViewSonic PJD7835HD Projector Review
  • Review Date: May 12, 2016
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Epson EX7240 Pro Portable Projector Review Epson EX7240 Pro Portable Projector Review
  • Review Date: December 7, 2015
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3LCD
AAXA P700 HD Pocket LED Projector Review AAXA P700 HD Pocket LED Projector Review
  • Review Date: December 4, 2015
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
BenQ MX631ST Short Throw Projector Review BenQ MX631ST Short Throw Projector Review
  • Review Date: November 24, 2015
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
NEC M363W Projector Review NEC M363W Projector Review
  • Review Date: November 16, 2015
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Millennials and Projectors: The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 730HD Millennials and Projectors: The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 730HD
  • Review Date: November 8, 2015
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3LCD
The Optoma ML750 LED Projector – Review Part 1 The Optoma ML750 LED Projector – Review Part 1
  • Review Date: November 6, 2015
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Casio EcoLite XJ-V1 Projector Review Casio EcoLite XJ-V1 Projector Review
  • Review Date: April 21, 2015
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Viewsonic PJD5555w DLP Multimedia Projector Review Viewsonic PJD5555w DLP Multimedia Projector Review
  • Review Date: April 10, 2015
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
InFocus IN126STa Short Throw Projector Review InFocus IN126STa Short Throw Projector Review
  • Review Date: April 1, 2015
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
ViewSonic PJD7822HDL Home Entertainment Projector Review ViewSonic PJD7822HDL Home Entertainment Projector Review
  • Review Date: March 19, 2015
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Epson PowerLite 1985WU Projector Review Epson PowerLite 1985WU Projector Review
  • Review Date: January 4, 2015
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3LCD
ViewSonic PLED-W800 LED Projector Review ViewSonic PLED-W800 LED Projector Review
  • Review Date: December 12, 2014
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
NEC NP-L102W Projector Review NEC NP-L102W Projector Review
  • Review Date: September 5, 2014
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
LG PF85U LED Projector – Review LG PF85U LED Projector – Review
  • Review Date: August 28, 2014
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Ask Proxima C3327W-A LCD Projector Review Ask Proxima C3327W-A LCD Projector Review
  • Review Date: May 16, 2014
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3LCD
ViewSonic PJD6544w Projector Review ViewSonic PJD6544w Projector Review
  • Review Date: April 16, 2014
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Epson VS335W Projector Review Epson VS335W Projector Review
  • Review Date: April 16, 2014
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3LCD
Epson EX5230 Portable Projector Review Epson EX5230 Portable Projector Review
  • Review Date: March 30, 2014
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3LCD
Epson PowerLite 99W 3LCD Projector Review Epson PowerLite 99W 3LCD Projector Review
  • Review Date: March 20, 2014
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3LCD
Vivitek Qumi Q7 LED Projector – Review Vivitek Qumi Q7 LED Projector – Review
  • Review Date: March 1, 2014
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Acer K335 LED Portable Projector Review Acer K335 LED Portable Projector Review
  • Review Date: February 3, 2014
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP (1)
Optoma GT760 Projector Review Optoma GT760 Projector Review
  • Review Date: December 27, 2013
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Epson Home Cinema 2000 Projector Quick Look Review Epson Home Cinema 2000 Projector Quick Look Review
  • Review Date: December 16, 2013
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3LCD
Viewsonic PJD7820HD Projector Review Viewsonic PJD7820HD Projector Review
  • Review Date: August 5, 2013
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Acer H5360 LED DLP Mini Projector Review Acer H5360 LED DLP Mini Projector Review
  • Review Date: July 26, 2013
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Optoma ML550 LED Projector Review Optoma ML550 LED Projector Review
  • Review Date: July 16, 2013
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Acer H6510BD Home Theater Projector Review Acer H6510BD Home Theater Projector Review
  • Review Date: July 2, 2013
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
BenQ MS517 DLP Multimedia Projector Review BenQ MS517 DLP Multimedia Projector Review
  • Review Date: May 3, 2013
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Viewsonic PJD5533w DLP Multimedia Projector Review Viewsonic PJD5533w DLP Multimedia Projector Review
  • Review Date: March 21, 2013
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Viewsonic PJD6383S Short Throw DLP Multimedia Projector Review Viewsonic PJD6383S Short Throw DLP Multimedia Projector Review
  • Review Date: February 15, 2013
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Optoma GT750 3D Game Projector Review Optoma GT750 3D Game Projector Review
  • Review Date: October 5, 2011
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Acer K11 DLP Pico Projector Review Acer K11 DLP Pico Projector Review
  • Review Date: July 22, 2011
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Casio XJ-A250V WXGA DLP Projector Review Casio XJ-A250V WXGA DLP Projector Review
  • Review Date: May 5, 2011
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Acer X1261P XGA Portable Projector Review Acer X1261P XGA Portable Projector Review
  • Review Date: April 5, 2011
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Pico Projector Review – Optoma Neo-i DV20a Projector Pico Projector Review – Optoma Neo-i DV20a Projector
  • Review Date: March 1, 2011
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Optoma PK201 LED Pico Projector Review Optoma PK201 LED Pico Projector Review
  • Review Date: September 28, 2010
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Optoma PK301 LED Projector Review Optoma PK301 LED Projector Review
  • Review Date: September 2, 2010
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
AAXA L1 Pico Projector Review AAXA L1 Pico Projector Review
  • Review Date: August 23, 2010
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Casio XJ-A140 XGA DLP Multimedia Projector Review Casio XJ-A140 XGA DLP Multimedia Projector Review
  • Review Date: May 11, 2010
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Casio XJ-S57 DLP Data Projector Review Casio XJ-S57 DLP Data Projector Review
  • Review Date: June 1, 2009
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Optoma ML300 Projector Review Optoma ML300 Projector Review
  • Review Date: January 1, 2007
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Optoma TX700 Digital Projector Review Optoma TX700 Digital Projector Review
  • Review Date: July 24, 2006
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP

About Portable Projectors

The sweet spot from a value stand point on portable projectors, in terms of weight, would be 5-7 lbs. We say this because projectors in that size class will usually provide higher performance than the lighter 3-4 lb. models, and at a nice price. Therefore, if you don’t need the absolute lightest portable projector, this is the range where you will get the most bang for your buck!

Truth is, projectors have gotten small enough and light enough that the full-feature sets normally found in projectors for fixed installation are now often available in low cost, 6-8 lb. portable projectors.  A lot of portable projectors, therefore, end up in conference rooms, classrooms, training rooms, permanently mounted despite their small size. The slightly larger models that can still move from room to room, however, dominate the industry.

In many cases, current portable projector models offer as much connectivity as projectors many times their size and price. Portable projectors can offer advanced networking, wireless capabilities, and can, as of recently, even stream directly from the internet without a computer.

Yet not all uses for portable projectors are business anymore. Portable projectors are now coming 3D ready and can be integrated iPad, iPod, Android, or other mobile device technology. Portable projectors also integrate with gaming systems, hand gesture recognition, and webcam technology… The possibilities are endless.

There is something out there for everyone. For example, there are approximately 250 active portable business projectors on the market at any given time. And that doesn’t even include smaller pico and pockets projectors.

For portable business projectors, there are often many variations of a single basic model, with each varying in anything from resolution and brightness to extra features and networking capabilities.

Portable projectors cover vast size range, from as low as a few ounces to roughly 10 lbs. Within portable projectors are pico projectors, mini projectors, pocket projectors, and the standard portable projectors we’ve been discussing here.

Let’s take a look at the variety of portable projectors available on the market today.

Optoma PK320
Optoma PK320

 

 

 

 

 

Above, the Optoma PK320 of the smallest class of portable projector – the pico projector.

1080p resolution, networking, and just over 3 pounds
1080p resolution, networking, and just over 3 pounds

The LG PF85U Pocket projector, (one of the brightest, and highest resolution of its type) the second smallest portable projector class:

The Casio XJ-S57 Super Slim is one of the thinnest projectors available, and can fit conveniently into your briefcase or carry-on luggage.

casio XJ-A250v front view
Casio XJ-A250v – an ultra-slim portable with solid state light engine

The 7 lb. Epson Powerlite 99W portable won our Best In Classroom award last year:

Epson Powerlite 99W - a top winner from last year's report, is still current product with education discounts.
Epson Powerlite 99W – a top winner from last year’s report, is still current portable projector with education discounts.

Basically, there are plenty of slightly smaller projectors out there between 2.5-5 lbs. for the hardcore road warrior who is always on the go. If you are constantly traveling – bringing your work life in the car or on the airplane with you – chances are you’re taking your portable projector everywhere. This size portable projector is a great compromise between portability and image quality – these models are the smallest and lightest but still have high performance.

But if you’re not the type who needs your projector to fit in your briefcase or carry-on luggage, you might not care if your projector is 3 or 13 lbs. Some portable projectors are rarely taken off site or are moved only from room to room, so being the most lightweight is not necessary.

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