This category contains portable projectors for travel and small rooms, smart projectors with built-in apps for home cinema, and a few business models. Brands in our range include Philips, Magcubic, JMGO, Optoma and Anker Nebula. It suits anyone who wants a large picture without a fixed TV or a ceiling installation.
How to choose a portable or smart projector
Brightness. Brightness decides whether you can use the projector with the lights on or only in a dark room. Our range runs from about 100 ANSI lumens up to 4000 ANSI lumens, so check the figure carefully. LED lumens are measured differently and are not directly comparable with ANSI lumens.
Resolution. Native resolution in our range includes 720p, WXGA (1280x800) and 1080p (1920x1080). 720p is acceptable for casual video on a small screen, but 1080p gives noticeably sharper text and film detail on larger images. Check the native resolution, not just the maximum supported input.
Projection technology and lamp life. Models in our range use DLP, LCD or LED. DLP is known for smooth motion, while LCD often gives good colour at a given brightness. Light source life ranges from 6000 hours to 30000 hours, and a long-life LED or laser source means you are unlikely to replace anything during normal home use.
Smart features and portability. Look for built-in streaming apps if you do not want to connect a stick or laptop, and check which ports the projector has. For use away from a socket, a built-in battery matters more than any other feature. Also check how the picture is set up, since autofocus and keystone correction save time when you move the projector often.
Brands we carry
- Philips: a well-known electronics brand with home projectors aimed at living-room and bedroom use, and the largest brand group in this category.
- Optoma: a projector specialist, known for DLP models for home cinema, business and education.
- Anker Nebula: known for battery-powered portable projectors with built-in smart platforms, such as the Capsule series.
- JMGO: a brand focused on smart home projectors with LED and laser light sources.
Also in our range: Magcubic, BlitzWolf, Kiano, Kodak, Lenco, Blow, Šilelis and Manta.
Portable and smart projector FAQ
What is a smart projector?
A smart projector has an operating system and apps built in, so it can play streaming services and local files without a separate device. You usually connect it to Wi-Fi and control it with a remote. Many also still offer HDMI and USB for consoles, laptops and drives.
How many lumens do I need for a home projector?
For a dark room, a few hundred ANSI lumens can be enough for a small image. If you want to watch with some daylight or room lighting, look for 1000 ANSI lumens or more. Models around 4000 ANSI lumens suit meeting rooms and bright spaces.
Is DLP better than LCD for a projector?
Neither is better in every case. DLP projectors tend to be smaller and handle motion smoothly, while LCD projectors often reproduce colour well. Resolution, brightness and room lighting usually affect the picture more than the technology alone.
Can a portable projector replace a TV?
A portable projector can replace a TV if you watch mainly in a dimmed room and want a screen of 80 inches or more. It needs a plain light wall or a screen and some distance from the surface. For daytime viewing in a bright living room, a TV is usually the easier choice.
