Best Pico Projector: Pocket-Sized Fun

Anker Nebula Capsule Pico Projector

The Anker Nebula projector is a great option if you’re looking for something that has long battery life. You can get four hours of video from this projector, which is really great – you’d be able to stream the entirety of The Irishman, as well as the behind-the-scenes chat. But you’d have to download the Netflix app to the Nebula Capsule first since you can’t mirror copyrighted content from your phone.

You can also use this as a Bluetooth speaker if you want. It features a 360 speaker that guarantees great and immersive sound, and its battery can last for up to 30 hours in this mode. And that is absolutely insane, especially considering that the device doesn’t even have a big battery capacity.

The Nebula projector features a max resolution of 1080p, but the native resolution is 480p. This means you can stream higher quality stuff from your phone or laptop, but when you’re streaming directly from the projector you’ll get slightly lower quality.

In addition to that, The Nebula Capsule projector is also incredibly portable. In fact, one of the main selling points for this device is that it’s the same size as a can – if there’s room for a beer, there’s definitely enough room for this pico projector.

The Nebula Capsule is easily the portable projector I would recommend to people who want something they can use off-grid. Whether you want to watch movies in your backyard or just be able to dance for 30 hours on a camping trip, the Nebula pico projector is up to the task.

XGIMI MoGo Smart Mini Portable Projector

If you won’t settle for anything other than premium features then the Xgimi mini projector is the best option for you. It’s one of the priciest pico projectors featured in this review, but it also has features that the cheaper devices can only dream of having.

This features a native resolution 1080p, with support for 2K and 4K. That’s right – this tiny device that will fit into your backpack’s pocket lets you play 4K videos whenever and wherever you want. And with the autofocus that boasts more than 1000 focus points, every single pixel of that image will be ultra-sharp.

The Mogo portable projector also features a built-in Android system, which lets you choose from over 500 different apps to download. And that means that you don’t even have to connect your phone or laptop to the projector for the fun to begin.

Also, since this is an Android system, that also means you will have access to Google Assistant. You can use it to download apps from the Play Store, or just to cast stuff from your phone without lifting a finger. And if you download a file manager to the projector, you can also just plug in a USB to view files.

The Mogo is so much more than a pico projector, and that’s exactly why it’s worth every single penny. Keep in mind that this is also a virtual assistant, and you can use it to control smart home devices, update shopping lists, check emails, watch movies and videos, and do lots of other stuff.

Meer YG220 Pico LCD Video Projector

If you’re on a really tight budget, the Meer projector is one of the best options for you. It retails for some $80, which makes it one of the most affordable pico projectors you can get. But there is a catch – the low price tag reflects the fact that the projector does not have a built-in battery, and therefore cannot be used wirelessly.

The Meer pico projectors feature a max resolution of 1080p, while the native resolution sits at 480p. It can be used with screen sizes that range from 24” to 60”, while the max distance from the screen is 2.5 feet.

This has a contrast ratio of 800:1, which is okay. You won’t experience any truly deep colors, but it’s a totally fine contrast for just watching movies or playing some video games. And at least you can play them in Full HD!

Also, this can be a bit tricky to use, due to lots of compatibility issues. If you want to connect this to your phone with a cable, you will need an HDMI adapter. For iPhones, you need a lightning to HDMI adapter, and for Androids, you’ll need a USB C/Micro USB to HDMI adapter. None of those are included in the purchase of the projector.

But, at least you don’t have to worry about setting up the Meer portable projector since it comes with detachable tripod legs. Secure them in place to use the projector however you want, and take them off if you want to pack the Meer to carry it places. Just keep in mind that this is a bit bulky due to the egg shape, and it’s definitely not the most portable option out of the bunch.

AKASO WT50 Mini Projector

The Akaso mini projector is one of my favorite mid-range options. This mini projector has a built-in Android system, so it’s a very versatile pico projector with all sorts of different features. You can download apps onto it and use the device without connecting it to anything else.

Or you can connect it to your laptop with an HDMI cable and mirror the entire screen. Apart from the HDMI port, this also features a USB port, a micro SD card slot, and a headphone jack. The Akaso projector also supports WiFi connectivity, allowing you to easily use it with your phone or tablet without any additional cables.

What I like the most about this portable projector are the touch-sensitive controls. They take some getting used to, but once you’ve gotten the hang of the controls,  you will be able to operate the projector in your sleep. It’s very intuitive to use, and there are icons to let you know what the different controls are. If you’re proficient with smartphones, you’ll master the Akaso projector in no time.

Additionally, this pico projector also has the advantage of being ultra-portable. It is only slightly bigger than the average smartphone, so you can easily take it anywhere. And thanks to the built-in rechargeable battery, you can also use this projector wherever you want.

The capacity of the battery is some 5000 mAh, which equals about 2-3 hours of playing videos. Considering that the capacity of the device is average at best, three hours of playtime is pretty impressive if you ask me.

AODIN AirGo Pico Projector

The AirGo pico projector is a great option if you want a device that can literally fit in your pocket. This is about the same size as an iPhone X, so it is easily one of the most portable projectors out of the bunch.

And you’re getting some really good specs in a really tiny body. The AirGo features a contrast ratio of 1000:1, which is pretty good. It allows for a projection size of 30-120”, but works best at 80”. At least, that’s the size that looks best with the 480p native resolution.

You’ll also be happy to know that the AirGo projector has lots of different input ports. It obviously has an HDMI and USB port, but it also features a micro SD card slot and a headphone jack – something your phone most likely lacks.

What’s even better is that you can use this pico projector wirelessly if you want. It uses WiFi to connect to other devices, but there are some limitations in terms of what you can do over WiFi.

The most important one is that you can’t mirror or screencast copyrighted content from HBOGO, Netflix, or similar services. But you can stream whatever you want if you’re connected to the projector with an HDMI cable.

Obviously, you will need an adapter to use the HDMI cable with your phone, and the downside is that you won’t get one with the portable projector. You’ll have to buy the adapter separately, so don’t forget about that if you wind up getting this pico projector.

AKASO Portable Pico Projector

The Akaso projector is one of the smallest portable projectors with a built-in battery. It is about the size of an external hard drive, and it weighs less than half a pound. If you’re prioritizing portability over everything else, this is the projector to get.

It has a 4000 mAh battery, which has an average life of some 2 hours. And with a contrast ratio of 2000:1, you can expect some truly stunning images and video.

The thing I love the most about the Akaso pico projector is the wide variety of input ports. This features a USB port as well as HDMI, AV, and Micro SD ports, so you can really use the device with anything you want. Connect it to your phone wirelessly to use your smartphone with a massive screen, or connect it to a console to play AAA games anywhere – it’s entirely up to you.

One thing to note is that there are some limits when you’re using the portable projector to mirror your phone. It can’t play copyrighted content (Netflix, Hulu, etc.) wirelessly, so I’m sorry if you just wanted to watch movies out of your bed. You can stream Netflix (or other services) if you connect the projector to your laptop or console with a cable though.

We also need to talk about the resolution and screen sizes. This pico projector has a max resolution of 854 x 400, which means it’s best to use it with smaller screens. Sure, it supports an image projection size of up to 120”, but that wouldn’t be the crispest image.

KODAK Luma 150 Ultra Mini Pocket Pico Projector

The Kodak pico projector is a great option if you want something that has decent battery life. With a built-in battery, the Kodak mini projector can last for up to 2.5 hours of continuous use – about three times longer than the average pico projector.

And it supports  Wi-Fi connectivity, so it is possible to use it entirely wirelessly. This allows you to use it with your phone, tablet, laptop, and pretty much any device that supports WiFi, which is pretty cool. Plus, the projector does have USB and HDMI input ports, and you can always use cables if you want a more stable viewing experience. And it has a micro SD card slot

This is particularly useful if you want the projector for use at home – especially for those just wanting something simple. It is not the easiest device to set up, and there are limitations (like the 10 increments of volume, and the fiddly connection in some cases). If you have time though, it is decent enough

On top of that, the Kodak projector features a max resolution of 1080p. It comes with a tripod mount so that you can set it up anywhere you want, but bring your own tripod (or buy a small one).

All in all, not a bad buy if you are not a high end user or want to use this a lot. If tweaking all the settings, having all the options and streaming, as well as super high resolution is your bag, then try one of our higher rated pico projecters.

Sony MP-CD1 Portable Pico Projector

The Sony projector is a good choice if you’re looking for a high-quality mini projector. It’s more expensive than most others, and it doesn’t really offer any extra features. In fact, this projector doesn’t even support HD – the max resolution is 480p. So, why get this projector, when you could buy something that’s a lot more functional for less cash?

Well, for one because this is made by Sony, and you already know that their products are very high quality. If you want a projector that’s ultra-tough, durable, and which you can be certain won’t malfunction, this is the one to get.

Another reason is the excellent portability of this projector. It is only 2” thick, so you’ll be able to fit it into every backpack. And it comes with a carry case, which will protect the projector lens and all the different input ports from the elements.

It has a built-in battery with a capacity of 5000 mAh, so you can use it for about two hours without plugging it into a power source. That’s great for watching movies and playing some quick games. The Sony pico projector supports a max image size of 120”, but it works best at 80”. Especially if you’re distanced at least 8 feet from the screen, for the 80” image size.

Additionally, this has several different input ports, so you can use it with a wide variety of devices. Of course, it features the standard USB and HDMI ports, as well as a 3.5mm output for audio. And you will get two extra cables and an adapter with the projector, so you will really be able to use it with many different devices.

AAXA Technologies P300 Pico Projector

The P300 pico projector is an excellent option if you’re looking for something that supports Full HD. With a max resolution of 1080p, this projector guarantees great image quality at nearly any size. And it support sizes up to 120”, but works best at around 80”.

The contrast ratio is 2000:1, so you’re going to experience some really deep and vibrant colors. That’s actually why I like this projector so much – if your priority is image quality, the Aaxa Technologies projector is one of the best options for you. But before you go out and buy it, let me tell you about its main upsides and downsides first.

One thing to note is that the battery capacity is not specified. The manufacturer states that the mini projector does have a rechargeable battery, with a runtime of about 60 minutes. Even though that’s pretty short, it’s still a lot better than not having an internal battery at all.

In addition to that, the P300 projector features several different input ports – HDMI, AV, Mini-VGA, USB, and micro SD. You can really use it with pretty much any device you want, but only if you have the appropriate cable. This brings me to the P300’s largest downside – it doesn’t have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, so it does not support wireless use.

On top of that, it’s also disappointing that it doesn’t come with a carry case. It does come with a tripod though, so at least you are getting some accessories included in the hefty price of the projector.

Aucary Mini Pico Projector

The Aucary pico projector is another great option for people who want a versatile pocket-sized gadget. It has a built-in Android system, so you can use the projector without connecting any device to it. You will just have to download the apps you want to use first.

And you can also connect this to a phone or a laptop wirelessly or with a cable. The Aucary projector features several different input ports, including multiple USB ports, an HDMI port, a headphone jack, and a micro SD card slot.

The native resolution of this projector is 480p, but it supports 1080p and 4K video streaming. On top of that, the Aucary features a max screen size of 300”, which is absolutely astonishing. If you need something that’s capable of projecting massive images, this is without a doubt for the projector to get.

Just keep in mind that you’re not going to get breathtaking image quality on a 300” screen. In terms of image quality, it’s best to use the projector for an image size of 80-120”.

This projector features a pretty big battery with a capacity of 8400 mAh. However, the massive rechargeable battery capacity doesn’t actually mean great battery life; you can get up to two hours of video from the device, which isn’t really impressive.

One way you can make use of the large battery capacity is to use the projector as a power bank. Modern smartphones have an average battery capacity of 4000-5000 mAh, so you might even get two full charges out of the projector, depending on your phone’s battery!