Top 5 Best Mini Projectors From China 2022

1. 720p, 300ANSI Lumen Mini Projector with 175*145*31mm Dimension and 600g Net Weight, 344.85 USD
2. 480p, 120ANSI Lumen Mini Projector with 157*120*62mm Dimension and 1,000g Weight, 79.00 USD
3. 480p, 280ANSI Lumen Smart Mini Projector with 140*78*78mm Dimension, 302.38 USD
4. 1080p, 600ANSI Lumen Mini Projector with 214*115*24mm Dimension and 780g Weight, 959.99 USD
5. 480p Mini Smart Projector with 145*78*18mm Dimension and 250g Weight, 248.99 USD

The best mini projectors of 2022 have gotten significantly better as compared to their counterparts from previous years. Many devices in the segment have received significant upgrades, like 720p or even 1080p native resolution, better ANSI lumens brightness rating, and the newer Android 9.0 operating system. Most mini projectors have compact designs and integrated batteries, making them excellent for mobility and portability. Users can give presentations and watch movies on the go. A wide variety of such models are being sold on the market today. Here are the top five best mini projectors available on Taobao, Chinese version of Amazon.

1. 720p, 300ANSI Lumen Mini Projector with 175*145*31mm Dimension and 600g Net Weight

A suitable option for people prioritizing picture quality

This Wi-Fi portable mini projector is a suitable option for buyers prioritizing picture quality. It is based on DLP technology and utilizes an LED lamp. The main highlight of the device is its 720p native resolution, allowing it to project imagery with more than twice as many pixels as a 480p portable projector. Users will find the picture to have better quality, especially when using the pocket projector with 100-inch screens. This mini projector has a decent brightness rating of 300ANSI lumen, which is better than most models in this segment. The effect of ambient light on the picture won’t be as pronounced. For travelers, the 8,400mAh battery will be quite enticing as it easily provides a runtime of two hours. It has implemented auto keystone correction and 1.2x digital zoom in the mini projector and provided a manual focus feature for image correction. Screen sharing is also supported for Miracast devices through Wi-Fi, enabling users to share content on their compatible devices to a large screen.

2. 480p, 120ANSI Lumen Mini Projector with 157*120*62mm Dimension and 1,000g Weight

An entry-level option for buyers

This mini projector is an entry-level option for buyers. It is an LCD projector with an LED light source. The model has been designed for portability with a compact build having dimensions 160*120*55mm, making it easy to carry. Among features, its 480 resolution, 120ANSI lumens brightness, and dual-band Wi-Fi stand out. Although its specifications are not the best in the segment, they are acceptable considering the low price of the pocket projector. It even supports screen sharing through AirPlay and Miracast. A remote control and power adaptor are provided in the package. Its I/O interface is pretty decent, with one each of USB, HDMI, 3.5mm audio, and memory card ports. The mini projector features an integrated battery with a 90-minute runtime, allowing it to be used anywhere. It does lack an Android OS, and the built-in 3W speaker is not that good either. For its price, the A30C Pro Battery model is a value-packed offering.

3. 480p, 280ANSI Lumen Smart Mini Projector with 140*78*78mm Dimension

A model designed for portability

This smart mini projector measures 78*78*140mm and is slightly larger than a soda can. It uses DLP technology for image projection and a 3LED light source. Its native resolution is pretty standard at 480p, but the brightness rating of 280ANSI lumens is good for the segment. The model features the Android 9.0 operating system found in many smart devices, including newer mini projectors. Users can accomplish various tasks in addition to watching movies and videos. It supports screen sharing through the Eshare app that works with AirPlay and Miracast technologies. BYINTEK P20 Mini Portable Pico Projector has a pair of 5W speakers, outputting 10W of stereo sound, which is pretty good for the handheld category. It comes with a 5,200mAh battery and can even run on a 12V DC port of an automobile. The image correction features present further enhance its suitability as an outdoor option.

4. 1080p, 600ANSI Lumen Mini Projector with 214*115*24mm Dimension and 780g Weight

An expensive mini projector which can project high-quality imagery on a large screen

This Projector is one of the best mini projectors of 2022 as it has a 1080p native resolution. It is supplemented by the 600ANSI lumens brightness rating, which is one of the best in the segment, if not the best. The device can project high-quality imagery on a large screen and can be used in areas with some ambient light. This mini projector uses an ALPD® light engine, resulting in good colors and contrast. Features like screen sharing through Miracast/Airplay and auto keystone correction and autofocus further enhance its value. The integrated battery of the pocket projector makes it versatile outdoors and allows it to be used for a couple of hours without requiring a power socket. This handheld projector employs a USB Type-C port instead of a DC jack. Users can use a power bank designed for laptops to extend the runtime further. On the flip side, it is quite expensive and does not feature an Android OS.

5. 480p Mini Smart Projector with 145*78*18mm Dimension and 250g Weight

Comes with a unique touch keypad on its top for media controls

This mini projector is a compact device that uses DLP technology along with an LED light source. The device has pretty standard features for the segment with a 480p resolution and a generic brightness rating of 2,000 (not ANSI) lumens. This mini projector supports many functions compared to a regular projector, thanks to its Android OS. Its dual-band Wi-Fi provides the right mix of compatibility and speed, while Bluetooth enables direct connection to devices. As it has an integrated battery, the pocket projector can be used on the road and outdoors. It does come with an intuitive touch screen that enhances its aesthetics while improving its functionality. The auto keystone correction ensures proportionate imagery and makes installation flexible without necessarily requiring manual intervention. There is a slot provided for a memory card as well as two USB ports for attaching an external storage drive.

What is a Mini Projector?

As the name suggests, mini projectors refer to compact, small-sized projectors. These devices are primarily designed for portability and have a minimal footprint. They are so small that it is possible to hold them in the palm of a hand or fit them in a pocket of a bag or clothing. Despite their compact size, they are capable of producing large-sized imagery. Many mobile projectors come with an integrated battery that yields a runtime of 90 to 120 minutes, allowing them to be used on the go. A smart operating system, generally Android OS, may also be present on quite a few models.

A mini projector may often be referred to as a handheld projector, pocket projector, mobile projector, pico projector, or mini beamer. The term used may depend on the model and the nomenclature employed by the manufacturer.

Differences Between a Mini Projector and a Regular Projector

Many people may not be aware of the differences between a mini projector and a regular projector and get confused by the terms. It may become hard to make a buying decision in such a situation unless they are knowledgeable about the two categories. The primary distinguishing factor between a mini projector and a regular projector is size. Buyers will find the design of the former to be significantly smaller as compared to the latter. Mini projectors can easily fit in a pocket of a bag or even clothing, just like a laptop. Home theater projectors require more space because of their comparatively large form factor.

Due to their compact design, pocket projectors are also lightweight and super portable. They can be carried anywhere with ease, be it from one room to another, on an outdoor trip, or on vacation. Many mobile projectors have integrated batteries which allows them to be used without requiring a power socket. A regular projector is not designed for portability. On the specifications front, mini projectors are limited by their compact design as there is not adequate space for powerful hardware. Their resolution, brightness rating, and image quality will always be inferior to home theater projectors.

Is a Mini Projector Worth Buying?

A mini projector may be worth buying if it meets the user’s requirements. The primary reasons to purchase it are compactness and portability. Individuals who often travel and want to take their projection device from one place to another will find it suitable. It may not be possible to carry a regular-sized model everywhere easily, and most of them require a power outlet to function. However, a regular projector may be the better option for someone who will keep a projector in the same place most of the time. It is because a similarly priced home theater projector will have much better specifications (like resolution and brightness) and image quality, leading to a better viewing experience. Buyers must consider whether they want portability or image quality to determine if a mini projector is worth buying to them.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mini Projector

Choosing a mini projector can be confusing for buyers. Here are some important things to consider when shopping for a mini projector.

Native Resolution

The primary specification to look for in a mini projector (or even a regular projector) is its native resolution. It will determine the picture quality and the viewing experience. A few years ago, most mobile projectors featured 480p resolution, but today, 720p and 1080p models are available. Buyers should ideally opt for a device that has 720p or 1080p native resolution. It will yield optimum picture quality, especially when used with large screens.

Brightness Rating

An essential factor to consider when choosing a mini projector is its brightness rating. Its light engine must have sufficient ANSI lumens output to provide decent picture quality. The offerings in this segment have a significantly lower brightness rating as compared to regular projectors, which makes the factor even more critical. Mini projectors have a brightness ranging from 50ANSI lumens to around 300ANSI lumens. Shoppers must ideally consider a pico projector that is rated for 200-300ANSI lumens. It will ensure that the image is visible when some ambient light is present, which will be the case in most situations. Owners should avoid using mini projectors in moderate ambient light, considering their size-limited brightness rating.

Image Correction Capability

A handheld projector must have some form of image correction capability. As lens shift is almost non-existent in this segment due to size limitations, it makes keystone correction essential. It will enable users to adjust the image to make it proportional (rectangular) while also allowing some installation flexibility. Along with keystone correction, autozoom is also appreciated in a pico projector. Users won’t have to tinker with the controls to get a sharp image.

Integrated Battery Runtime

One of the crucial factors to check in a mini projector is the presence of an integrated battery with sufficient runtime. It ensures that the device can be used anywhere, anytime, without having to be plugged in. The battery must have enough capacity to yield a runtime adequate for watching a movie (ideally around 90 to 120 minutes). A pico projector that lacks a battery is severely limited when it comes to portability. It will require a power outlet, limiting its usability. Therefore, mini projectors with an integrated battery are preferable.

Operating System

Buyers may want to consider the operating system featured on mini projectors. The primary motivation for buying a small form-factor projection device is portability. They may want to select a model with a smart operating system, like Android OS. Such mobile projectors function like smartphones or tablets, allowing the installation of apps and streaming of movies by connecting to a Wi-Fi network. They may also support screencasting, enabling users to play content from their mobile devices on a large screen. Non-smart mobile projectors may have to be connected to a device like a laptop, forcing the user to carry an additional gadget. Having a mini projector with a smart operating system, preferably Android 9.0 OS, will increase the entertainment options available for its users.

Integrated Speakers

Another feature to consider when choosing a mini projector is the quality of integrated speakers. Most of them have weak speakers, which are pretty useless. However, some models do come with decent stereo speakers. While their volume will be limited, it will still be adequate for listening in enclosed spaces or at close range. Otherwise, using headphones or external speakers may be the only option. Buyers should choose a mobile projector appropriately.

Throw Distance

When selecting a pocket projector, buyers may want to check its throw distance. A majority of models in this segment either have a short throw ratio or an ultra-short throw ratio. Short throw ratio mini projectors produce a large image at a distance of 3 to 8 feet from the screen. Ultra-short throw ratio projectors can be placed even closer to the screen, 0 to 4 feet, and still produce a large image. Buyers must consider a mini projector that has the optimum throw distance according to their requirements.

Price

Price is another thing buyers may want to factor into their buying decision for a mini beamer. The device should provide a valuable feature set for its asking price. Spending more than a few hundred dollars on a generic brand is not advisable. Even reputed brand offerings costing more than $500 to $700 may not be worth it unless they have something that a buyer really requires.

These were the main things to consider when choosing a mini projector. Ultimately, the right model for a buyer is the one that fits their requirements. They should consider which features they want and what compromises they are willing to make when considering a mobile projector.