Do you want to enjoy a big screen anywhere? Whether it’s watching a game or a movie on vacation, we’ve compared the best pico projectors on the market for you.
The best pico projectors in 2023
In addition to the classic video projectors, which can be quite heavy and bulky, there is a range of small portable projectors, the pico projectors. Its embedded operating systems are becoming more complete, sometimes reaching Android TV: then you have in your hands the perfect devices to watch a movie or a game in large format wherever you want. Anker, Philips and BenQ are trusted and have a strong presence in this market.
Contrary to what one might imagine, these pico projectors are not only useful on vacation: they may also appeal to those who do not want to carry a television, but like to watch a series or a movie on a larger screen than that. from your PC or smartphone. It is even possible to increase your multimedia quality by finding a TV box to take with you everywhere.
If you are interested in a more powerful solution, but less nomadic, you will find what you are looking for in our comparison of the best home projectors. Do you want a model that requires almost no recoil? Head over to our short throw projector comparison. For classic TVs, read our comparison of the best 4K TVs.
here right now The best pico projectors of the moment.
- High brightness
- powerful speakers
- integrated battery
Available in €579 on Amazon Marketplace
The Nebula Mars II Pro represents the most advanced model in the Anker line of projectors. On the menu: a fairly heavy (1.8kg) and imposing device, but easily transportable with its faux leather handle.
To set itself apart from the competition, it has an impressive battery, powerful speakers and, above all, a maximum brightness of 500 lumens. That, in theory, enjoy a good diagonal without losing too much sharpness. In practice, all of this is still usable up to 80 inches. However, unlike other models, you will have to settle for a definition of 720p.
On the software side, there is a home version of Android. It gets the job done, but it’s significantly less versatile than an actual Android TV, especially when it comes to long-term upgrades. We especially appreciate the dual 10W speakers that can be used as a Bluetooth speaker for 30 hours.
If it does not offer the highest definition on the market, the Anker Mars II Pro seduces with its high brightness and its integrated battery. This is our pico projector recommendation.
Where to buy
Anker Nebula Mars II Pro at the best price?
- compact format
- super easy to use
- android tv
Available in €699 at Fnac Marketplace
With the first Capsule of the name, Anker had surprised his world with a projector barely bigger than a soda can. However, this second version is overweight…now we are closer to a pint. Add to that a weight that increases to 680 ge immediately becomes less easy to carry with you every day.
The use is, on the other hand, very simple with a scroll wheel and an effective autofocus. As for the display quality, there is no miracle: we have to settle for 720p and a brightness of 200 lumens. However, it is enough for mobile use if the room is dark.
With 2h30 of charge, the autonomy is not fantastic. On the other hand, charging is done via USB-C, which allows it to be connected to any charger or external battery. Nothing to say about the software either, it is Android TV 9.0 and its large catalog of applications that is present here.
A very nomadic device, versatile and relatively affordable premium.
Where to buy
Anker Nebula Capsule II at the best price?
- Good image quality
- android tv
- does not work with battery
Available in €599 in baker
A true techie, Xiaomi obviously offers a portable projector. The latter is also relatively bulky with all the same 1.3kg on the scale. Unlike other models in this selection, it does without the battery. Therefore, the power supply will be mandatory and we regret that Xiaomi did not choose USB-C. One less charger on the go is always a plus.
However, these compromises allow you to incorporate a Full HD matrix and offer much higher brightness than a 100% independent model. Thus, we reach a diagonal of 2.5 m while maintaining good readability. Audio is pleasantly surprising, with built-in speakers doing a very decent job.
At the software level, we find Android TV and therefore the vast majority of streaming services. To play files locally, going through VLC works great.
Xiaomi is trading mobility here for better image quality and we have to admit that it works quite well. This is a good candidate for home use.
where to buy the
Xiaomi Mi Smart Compact projector at the best price?
- relatively compact
- android tv
- Full HD image
Available in €499 at Fnac
Relatively anonymous in our regions, though, Xgimi offers products that would benefit from being better known like this Mogo Pro. Standing around six inches tall, this projector weighs 900 grams and delivers a Full HD image.
The latter is correct for its format, but it should not exceed 1.5 m behind if you want to maintain sufficient brightness. We also appreciate the development and automatic keystone correction every time the camera is moved. A battery is built in, but it barely lasts more than two hours, so it’s best to keep your proprietary charger close by if you plan on spending more time on this pico projector.
One of the great strengths of the Mogo Pro is the presence of Android TV that opens the door to a large number of services. A USB connector and input are also included.
In short, a good model, versatile despite a slightly low brightness.
where to buy the
Xgimi Mogo Pro at the best price?
- solid construction
- A good sound system
- Android TV device
Available in €749 on Amazon
The BenQ brand offers with the GS50 a projector that is as comfortable at home as it is on the go. Despite its somewhat imposing appearance, the projector’s construction incorporates a reinforced casing, handle, and carrying bag.
With this ruggedness deployed, the BenQ GS50 is a true self-sufficient adventurer. In fact, the 2.1 sound system built into it is one of the best on the market with a built-in subwoofer. The brightness is good, but be careful, however. The projector system offers quite a few colorimetric settings. It offers a 4 K resolution. However, it will be necessary to avoid aiming for diagonals that are too large to take advantage of it.
The manufacturer shows a total autonomy of 2 hours and 30 minutes and above all we appreciate the autofocus on the dedicated screen. Finally, the BenQ GS50 comes with an Android TV dongle to connect to HDMI. As you will have understood, it is a reliable and versatile product.
where to buy the
BenQ GS50 at the best price?
Philips PicoPix Max: the easiest to carry
The Philips projector is quite unique. The PicoPix Max is one of the most compact devices in our selection with a total weight of 850 grams. You won’t have any difficulty transporting it through the transport bag that comes with it.
In the component of the services offered, the projector integrates an internal battery that is advertised with an autonomy of three hours. The light source is based on LEDs with a maximum brightness of 850 lumens. It accepts 4K sources and offers simulated Full HD resolution. On the connectivity side, there’s Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay. The integrated Android TV allows you to access most streaming applications.
With the standard tripod, you will be able to choose the right angle. For an optimal image, it is recommended to place your projector 3 meters from the desired surface. With its pocket size, the Philips PicoMax is the most portable device in our selection.
Philips NeoPix Ultra 2+: the very low price
Again at Philips there is a very interesting model at a low price, the Philips NeoPix Ultra 2+ with Android TV. This projector, smaller than a classic model, uses LED technology. It is capable of displaying Full HD definition, with an image size of up to 1.65 meters diagonally.
The Philips NeoPix Ultra 2+ projector has Wi-Fi connectivity as well as an Android TV dongle. Thus, you will have direct access to Youtube, Netflix, Disney+ and many other applications. You can also use the wireless screen mirroring feature of an iOS or Android smartphone or tablet using the Chromecast feature.
As for the size, it is not a pocket projector, but it is very compact, with a weight of 1.2 kg and a length of only 22 cm.
Above all, this video projector is within the reach of all budgets since it is the cheapest product of the entire selection. Sold at 249 euros, it is an additional solution at a really affordable price.
How to choose the best pico projector?
On what to project the image?
If you’re using a pico projector, you probably won’t have a projection screen available. Therefore, the easiest way will be to use a white wall, as smooth as possible. If you don’t really have anything on hand, hanging a white sheet on the wall can produce decent results.
Do you need a support for your pico projector?
Unlike a conventional projector, a pico projector is not designed to be permanently installed on a wall or ceiling. However, this can cause problems, because it must be at the height of the wall used, which can quickly get complicated depending on the desired height.
If the D system based on a chair and a stack of books is still possible, a more comfortable and elegant solution is a tripod. Most projectors have a screw thread. Depending on your needs, we will recommend a compact model or a larger one.
Can a Bluetooth speaker be connected to the projector?
Connecting a portable Bluetooth speaker isn’t ideal for watching a movie or TV show, simply because Bluetooth latency creates a slight lag between sound and picture. If your speaker has a Jack input, the latter will be preferred.
Can my projector be used in broad daylight?
Let’s say it right away: even the most powerful pico projectors do not have a powerful enough lamp to deliver a visible image. In general, we recommend that you create the fullest black possible to enjoy your movies in good condition.
What content for my projector?
Most of the available models are equipped with Android TV. This gives them access to various streaming services, but also to video file players. These should not be forgotten, especially if you are going on vacation away from Internet access.
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