First, let’s talk about “moveable” projectors. If you feel comfortable taking your projector outside and it’s bright enough to overcome outdoor ambient light, well, you have a movable projector. In this section of our buyer’s guide, we are going to concentrate on bright, cost-effective models that can be conveniently carried…at least short distances.
For a projector to be considered movable at Projector Reviews, it must have the following features:
Substantial brightness
Affordability
Relatively compact size
If you are interested in purchasing the projector mentioned in this article, we always appreciate it if you use one of the links in the article because Projector Reviews earns a small commission on the sale at no cost to you.
Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-W01
Price
$429 MSRP
Brightness
3000 Lumens
Displayed Resolution
1280 x 800
Imager
Lamp
Light Source
Laser
Portability – size
11.5 lbs
Built-in Battery
No
Smart Features
Yes
Sound
15x2 Watt Dolby Audio/DTS-X
EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 is a lamp-based portable projector that is designed to cater to the evolving hybrid work culture, where employees split their workweek between home and the office. The projector can deliver 3000 lumens of brightness from a compact package. Unlike its DLP counterparts, it can provide more vibrant colors under ambient light conditions due to its equal number of color and white lumens. EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 offers WXGA (1280 × 800) native resolution but supports video display formats up to Full HD (1920 x 1080).
EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 is not a smart projector, so if you want to stream from Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, and more, users will need to plug in a streaming device into the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01’s HDMI port or upgrade to the $629 EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02 Full HD 1080p Smart Portable Projector, which comes with integrated Android TV for seamless streaming.
Epson proposes that the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 projector model strikes a perfect balance between the needs of professional presentations and the pleasure of an immersive home movie experience. If you are looking for a bright image with great color reproduction for under $500, the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 is a great option.
AAXA M8 UST
Price
$529 MSRP
Brightness
1110 Lumens
Displayed Resolution
1920 x 10800
Imager
DLP
Light Source
RGB Laser
Portability – size
11.5 lbs
Built-in Battery
No
Smart Features
Yes
Sound
15x2 Watt Dolby Audio/DTS-X
The AAXA M8 UST is a compact, ultra-short-throw (UST) portable RGB laser-powered DLP projector. Depending on the size of the projected image, due to the M8UST’s ultra-short-throw design, the projector can be placed just inches from the screen. It boasts a manufacturer's rated 1,100 lumens of brightness and a dynamic contrast ratio of 2000:1.
Like most AAXA projectors, the M8 UST is a projector whose value lies somewhere between its portability and functionality. However, it also has the added benefit of an ultra-short throw design.
For the kids, first-time projector buyers, students, or road warriors seeking a budget-friendly, highly portable projector that can deliver a large image in tight spaces, the M8 UST is a compelling option. Despite its imperfections, the M8USTST ($529.99 MSRP) represents a remarkable value, offering a taste of ultra-short-throw convenience at a fraction of the cost of higher-end alternatives. It's a smart choice if you value portability and space-saving design, and its UST functionality alone makes it a worthwhile investment.
Optoma ML1080
Price
$800 Street Price
Brightness
550 Lumens
Displayed Resolution
Full HD (1920 x 1080)
Imager
DLP
Light Source
Tri-Laser
Portability – size
2.2 lbs
Built-in Battery
No
Smart Features
No
Sound
3 watt mono
The Optoma ML1080 is an ultra-compact RGB laser full HD 1080p projector that retails for $999.00. While it is one of Optoma’s most compact and portable projectors, the ML1080 includes several notable features that make it an excellent solution for consumer and professional applications.
While most projectors its size utilize LED light sources, the ML1080 is equipped with an RGB triple laser light source that can deliver 1200 lumens of brightness (550 ANSI Lumens), and it can reproduce a vast range of colors. It had been several months since I saw the ML1080 at InfoComm 2023, so I had forgotten how lightweight and compact it is. The projector weighs just 2.3 lbs and is the most compact RGB laser projector I have ever reviewed.
The projector’s compact form factor brightness, picture quality, and feature set make the ML1080 flexible enough to use at home, on the go, and in various professional applications. Optoma also offers a short-throw version of the projector called ML1080ST ($1149 SRP) to provide more placement flexibility.
The Epson EpiqVision Mini EF11 is a compact and portable laser projector, which retails for $699 and delivers stunning image quality in a variety of settings. With its 1000 ANSI lumens of brightness and Full HD resolution, the EF11 is a good portable solution for both home entertainment use, as well as for business presentations and classrooms. Despite the lack of 4K or HDR features, this projector manages to deliver impressive brightness and image quality.
The EF11 features a sleek, modern compact design that makes it easy to transport and set up. It also has a built-in speaker system, so you can take advantage of an all-in-one setup without having to connect to external speakers. A simple Chromecast device is the only thing you need to begin streaming.
One of the best things about the EF11 is its throw ratio. You can get up to a 150” screen at only 14 feet away. The projector is much smaller than you’d think it would be, with the length and height being smaller than many smartphones. It’s an all-around lightweight and versatile projector that punches far above its size.
In the next section, we discussed movable projectors which are easy to carry and bright enough to be used in outdoor applications. In this section, we explore projectors that add built-in sound and smart features to a small and compact chassis, greatly enhancing portability.
NexiGO TriVision Ultra
Price
$1,599 Street Price
Brightness
2600 Lumens
Displayed Resolution
3840 x 2160
Imager
DLP
Light Source
Tri-LED Laser Hybrid
Portability – size
11.5 lbs
Built-in Battery
No
Smart Features
Yes
Sound
15x2 Watt Dolby Audio/DTS-X
The NexiGo TriVision Ultra is a compact 4K DLP Projector whose performance and features rival many home entertainment projectors, but it is compact and light enough to be easily moved from location to location. It features a native 4K UHD resolution, and it supports a wide variety of HDR formats, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
The projector utilizes a Tri-LED laser light source that can reproduce 100% of the BT.2020 color space while producing 2600 lumens of brightness. The TriVision Ultra is factory calibrated to ensure accurate out-of-the-box color reproduction.
The NexiGo TriVision runs on the Android TV 11 platform, providing access to a variety of streaming apps, including Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video. It has built-in 30W speakers with Dolby Audio and DTS-X support. Connectivity options include HDMI, USB, and wireless casting via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing users to stream content from multiple sources.
Designed for portability, the projector has a compact form factor with an integrated carrying handle, making it easy to transport. To simplify setup, the projector includes autofocus and automatic keystone correction, which help optimize image clarity and alignment without requiring manual adjustments. Overall, the NexiGo TriVision Ultra combines 4K resolution, smart TV functionality, and a portable design.
BenQ X300G
Price
$1029 Street Price
Brightness
2000 Lumens
Displayed Resolution
3840 x 2160
Imager
DLP
Light Source
4LED
Portability – size
6.6 lbs
Built-in Battery
No
Smart Features
Yes
Sound
8 Watt x 2 Watt with passive bass radiator
The BenQ X300G is a cutting-edge, portable, 4K gaming projector that also appeals to home entertainment enthusiasts. The X300G offers a blend of advanced features and robust performance that makes it a compelling choice for those seeking an immersive gaming and entertainment experience.
Even though the X300G is compact, it can deliver 2,000 ANSI lumens of brightness, which ensures that images remain vivid and clear even in moderately lit environments. The projector’s 4K resolution ensures that every detail is sharp and clear while providing an immersive viewing experience that cannot be matched by most flat-panel television sets.
Gamers looking for a large, high-quality display will appreciate the projector's ultra-low input lag and dedicate gaming picture/sound modes. While the BenQ X300G's target customers are gaming enthusiasts, users will find the X300G’s high brightness and 4K resolution deliver an immersive cinematic experience as well.
The Nebula Cosmos 4K SE is a transportable 4K UHD projector (3,840 x 2,160p) that uses a new hybrid blue laser phosphor/LED light source to produce up to 1,800 ANSI lumens of brightness. For a portable projector, the Cosmos 4K SE’s color reproduction is quite good. Nebula Cosmos 4K SE is equipped with Dynamic HDR Tone mapping, and it is one of the few portable projectors that supports Dolby Vision.
The Cosmo 4K SE utilizes the latest Google TV OS, which provides access to over 10,000 apps and more than 400,000 movies and TV episodes from streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Max, Apple TV+, and others. The Capsule 4K SE also features a big-sounding 30-watt sound system that supports Dolby Audio.
The projector has a large handle permanently affixed to its top to easily transport the Capsule 4K SE from place to place. Nebula projectors are a popular choice for consumers looking for a portable and convenient way to enjoy various entertainment content, such as movies, TV shows, capsule games, and even productivity applications, from room to room.
BenQ GP100A
Price
$749 Street Price
Brightness
1000 Lumens
Displayed Resolution
Full HD (1920 x 1080)
Imager
DLP
Light Source
LED
Portability – size
6.4 lbs
Built-in Battery
No
Smart Features
Yes
Sound
5W x2 + 10W
The BenQ GP100A is a Full HD (1920x1080) 4LED portable projector that retails for $899 MSRP. The GP100A is BenQ's best portable smart projector which is designed to transform any space into a personal cinema or gaming hub. The GP500 comes with a smart HDMI media stick, allowing users to enjoy Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and access all the latest compatible Android TV apps.
The projector’s high-quality sound system can be utilized as a Bluetooth music speaker. The GP100A’s blend of portability, impressive image quality, and user-friendly design, coupled with its connectivity options, makes it a standout choice for anyone looking to enjoy big-screen entertainment anywhere.
The Yaber V12 is a RGB LED light source-based LCD projector that uses a single TFT LCD as its imager to produce a Full HD (1,920 x 1,080p) resolution image. Yaber has loaded the V12 with a smart Linux-based operating system with premium native streaming applications like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube, along with a range of other entertainment and informational-based applications via a dedicated app store.
Yaber has included a big-sounding 20-watt Dolby Digital sound system with Bluetooth 5.2 bi-directional connectivity that allows the projector to be wirelessly connected to an external Bluetooth sound source or lets the projector function as a Bluetooth speaker for a smartphone or tablet.
The Yaber V12 is designed to be moved from the living room to the bedroom, to any other destination via a soft carrying strap attached to the projector. The detachable tilting stand provides a gimbal-like experience and allows the V12 to be easily positioned. The projector's autofocus and auto or manual digital horizontal and vertical keystone make setup a breeze.
The Dangbei Atom is an ultra-compact, portable, smart Full HD laser projector. The projector's slim 1.87-inch profile and lightweight design (2.82 pounds) make it ultra-portable. While it lacks an internal battery, you can easily move it from room-to-room or toss it in a backpack to take with you.
The Atom is Dangbei's first Google TV™ equipped laser projector, so you can access a wide range of streaming platforms like Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney+. Dangbei Atom can transform any backyard or campsite into an outdoor cinema. Professionals can use the Atom to display presentations or promotional videos at trade shows and conferences. The projector’s brightness ensures the image remains clear and vibrant, even in a room with moderate ambient light.
The LG CineBeam PF510Q is a Full HD, $599.99 portable, 4Ch (RGBB) LED smart projector with 450 ANSI lumens. LG projectors, such as the PF510Q, combine the smart capabilities of their current flat panel TVs with the long lifespan of an LED light engine, producing vivid images to create a great portable projector solution.
The PF510Q could be perfect for military members constantly on the move, road warriors, RVers (recreational vehicle users), or students living in a dormitory. If you're a homeowner, a parent, or anybody else who could use a portable smart projector for a quick movie night setup or an after-dark street party in the cul-de-sac, then the LG PF510Q projector could also be for you.
The JMGO N1 is one of two new Full HD additions to the company N1 projector lineup, offering 1100 lumens, a triple laser light source, and JMGO gimbal-like design. We were very impressed with the video quality of the JMGO N1. With the exception or brightness, the N1's image looks similar to its bigger HD and 4K brothers. If you are interested in reading my full review of the JMGO N1 Ultra, click on the model number link.
JMGO has created a projector that is a worthy addition to their ever-growing N1 projector lineup. The N1 provides enough brightness to get the job done with fantastic color and black levels and shadow detail that is more than competitive with other projectors in its class. And the N1 is one of the best-looking and sounding projectors I've reviewed in its price point.
The LG HU710PB, also known as the CineBeam Q, is a 4K portable smart projector that retails for $999. It offers an impressive blend of advanced technology, user-friendly features, and class-leading picture quality. It employs a 3-channel RGB laser light source, offering a wide color gamut coverage of 154% DCI-P3, and it is rated to last up to 20,000 hours.
Combining wide color reproduction with a dynamic contrast ratio of 450,000:1 and effective Dynamic HDR Tonemapping results in class-leading HDR picture quality. Weighing just 3 pounds and featuring a 360-degree rotating handle, the CineBeam Q is designed for easy transport. The handle also doubles as a stand, which can be adjusted to project images at different angles, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
The LG PF610P is an $849 MSRP, Full HD LED portable smart home theater projector. The LG PF610P utilizes a 4-channel LED light source rated to produce 1,000 ANSI lumens of brightness, and LG claims that this new LED CineBeam projector delivers more vibrant images than conventional projectors.
The LG610P is a smart projector running LG’s most recent webOS 5.0 platform. LG webOS 5.0 provides access to popular streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, YouTube, and many more. It is compatible with Apple AirPlay 2 and MiraCast for Android users, allowing viewers to share content from smartphones. LG designed the PF610P to be transportable while delivering a high-quality image, allowing users to easily show movies and other entertainment anywhere with access to power.
The Formovie Xming Page One is a portable LCD-powered, Full HD (1,920 x 1,080p) projector listed as producing 300 ANSI lumens of brightness with a 2,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. Formovie lists the Xming Page One as the world's first Google TV LCD projector with a fully certified Netflix application.
The projector offers excellent sound quality, producing sound that rivals larger and more expensive projectors. The Formovie Xming Page One is a compact, portable projector offering a compelling blend of features and value. The projector displays a sharp 1080p image that is perfect for the kid's room, your bedroom, or for use on the go at a friend's house for movies and gaming.
