Best Mobile Projectors in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 6, 2024
Searching for a new projector for your classroom or office? Experience a big screen with a pocket-sized pico projector. We picked ...Read more
PROS

Capable of projecting images with an incredibly high-quality and brightness of 500 ANSI lumen, this model also boasts Dual 10W audio drivers that won't let you miss anything. Thanks to the Nebula Connect app, you can control it with your smartphone.

CONS

The software needs to be upgraded.

OUR VERDICT

Compatible with Android 7.1 devices, this projector can become a real entertainment centre since it offers access to the most popular sources such as Netflix, YouTube and more. A powerful battery with 12,500 mAh capacity provides up to 3 hours of the delightful non-stop cinematic experience.

detailed parameters
SCREEN SIZE

Up to 150"

Resolution

1280 x 720

Light Output

500 lumens

PROJECTOR TYPE

DLP

LAMP OPERATIONAL LIFE

30,000 hours

Power Source

Built-in rechargeable battery

INTERFACES

HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Screen Mirroring

Extras

Built-in control panel, Built-in dual speakers (2 x 10 W), Horizontal and vertical keystoning, Extensive connectivity, Android 7.1, Nebula Connect app, Top handle

DIMENSIONS

17.8 x 12.2 x 13.8 cm

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

The stunning image quality is complemented by a 5-watt omnidirectional speaker to deliver you high-quality sound wherever you sit. Also, the projector can be used with other speakers or used in a speaker-only mode. 

CONS

The housing gets pretty hot during prolonged use.

OUR VERDICT

The Nebula Capsule is one of the most portable options you can find on the market. Actually, it's not bigger than a can of Cola and can easily fit in an average pocket. The image will be bright and vibrant owing to the advanced DLP technology that utilises IntelliBright algorithms.

detailed parameters
SCREEN SIZE

Up to 100"

Resolution

854 x 480

Light Output

100 lumens

PROJECTOR TYPE

DLP

LAMP OPERATIONAL LIFE

30,000 hours

Power Source

Built-in rechargeable battery

INTERFACES

HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (Screen mirroring)

Extras

Built-in control panel, Compatible with Capsule Control app, Built-in speaker (5 W), Android 7.1 OS 

DIMENSIONS

6.8 x 6.8 x 12 cm

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

This unit has an updated Hi-Fi and SRS stereo system that provides powerful and crystal-clear sound even without connecting any external speaker. The built-in dust sponge is very easy to remove for cleaning. Now your projector will always be clean and serviceable.

CONS

The included HDMI cable is too short for use.

OUR VERDICT

The ELEPHAS BL108 is a practical home and office mobile projector that delivers high-quality images in Full HD. It has high brightness, contrast, and the 16.77 million colour gamut. During operation, it emits at least 30-40% less noise than the competitors.

detailed parameters
SCREEN SIZE

30" - 200"

Resolution

1920 x 1080

Light Output

8500 lumens

PROJECTOR TYPE

LCD

LAMP OPERATIONAL LIFE

60,000 hours

Power Source

AC or USB port

INTERFACES

HDMI, 2 x USB, VGA, AV, 3.5mm Audio out

Extras

Efficient cooling system, Build-in Hi-Fi speaker, Built-in dust-proof sponge, Manual keystone correction ± 15°, 8000:1 Contrast ratio, Remote control

DIMENSIONS

21 x 18 x 8 cm

WARRANTY

2 years

PROS

Two IR receivers can completely cover all sorts of blind spots that may interfere with the remote control of the projector. It features the latest SmarEco technology to minimize lamp power consumption and extend lamp life to the astounding 100,000 hours.

CONS

The fan produces some noise, but when you're watching a film, it doesn't affect your experience.

OUR VERDICT

The YABER V5 mini projector can freely connect with any headsets, speakers, stereo systems, etc. The dual-band 5G/2.4G Wi-Fi connection and Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connection make image or video transmission smoother and clearer. This model differs in mobility and comes complete with a set of accessories.

detailed parameters
SCREEN SIZE

45" - 200"

Resolution

1280 x 720 (supports 1080p video)

Light Output

7500 lumens

PROJECTOR TYPE

LCD

LAMP OPERATIONAL LIFE

100,000 hours

Power Source

AC or USB port

INTERFACES

2.4G&5G dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, HDMI, USB, AV, VGA, 3.5mm Audio out

Extras

Built-in Hi-Fi speaker, 100%-50% Zoom function, 8000:1 Contrast, Built-in front and rear dual infrared receivers, Remote control, Stand tripod, Carrying bag, Cleaning set included

DIMENSIONS

20.8 x 16.83 x 7.8 cm

WARRANTY

6-month return policy, 3 years warranty

PROS
Putting the controls on top, this device lets you fiddle with the settings and manage playback without turning it or reaching behind its back. The included remote features a pretty spacious layout with ergonomic button distribution. 
CONS

The lamps do not last. 

OUR VERDICT

Assuming you're fine with this device not being the best at projecting movies, the Vamvo YG300 is a pretty good budget option. With its help, you can conduct presentations, watch old cartoons, and more. Plus, the model weighs just 360 grammes.

detailed parameters
SCREEN SIZE

Up to 152"

Resolution

640 x 360

Light Output

~100 lumens

PROJECTOR TYPE

DLP

LAMP OPERATIONAL LIFE

~25,000 hours

Power Source

AC or USB port

INTERFACES

HDMI, 1 x USB, 1 x MicroUSB, AV-in, 3.5mm Audio out, Slot for MicroSD cards

Extras

Built-in control panel, Built-in speaker (3 W), Remote control included

DIMENSIONS

14.2 x 9.4 x 5.2 cm

WARRANTY

2 years

Sharp Image and Dimensional Sound

Do you want to get a full-on cinema experience without leaving your house? If so, the Anker Nebula Mars Projector may come to your rescue. Boasting top-notch performance, this mighty portable tool has all the chances to quickly become the main source of entertainment in your household.

First and foremost, the major selling point of this device is that it can project a high-resolution video (1280 x 720 PPI). Add to that the light output of 500 lumens and you'll be able to enjoy a bright and sharp image regardless of the ambient light in the room. The lamp lifespan makes 30,000 hours, meaning you will be able to play videos with the projector for long years to come, even if you use it daily.

To make watching films and videos even more enjoyable, the manufacturer has equipped this projector with a pair of 10-watt audio drivers. Capable of providing dimensional high-quality sound, they ensure that you won’t miss even the quietest sounds, letting you enjoy the film you’re watching to the fullest.

Moving on to the interface, the unit features HDMI and USB ports, and a screen mirroring feature is available as well. The model is also suitable for wireless connectivity thanks to built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules. Speaking of which, thanks to the Bluetooth module, you will be able to connect this portable projector to your smartphone and control it via the Nebula Connect app. Yet, if you don’t want to use your phone as a remote, a built-in control panel is situated on top of the unit.

Stream Your Favourite Content

Tired of watching videos on small screens of your tablet or smartphone? Well, since this unit is compatible with all the devices that work on Android 7.1 (and later versions), you can stream your favourite content from such apps as YouTube and Netflix, and enjoy high-resolution videos on a bigger screen.

In terms of autonomous work, the projector offers very nice results. With the capacious 12,500 mAh battery, it is able to provide up to 3 hours of non-stop watch-time. This should be enough to finish a lengthy film or a few episodes of your favourite show. And since you don’t have to stay close to the power socket, you can enjoy films even outdoors. The other convenient thing that adds to the unit’s portability is a carry handle on top of the machine.

Lastly, the great advantage of this model is that it comes with a horizontal and vertical keystone. Therefore, you will be able to enjoy a stable picture at pretty much any angle.

Overall, if you want to watch some films, educational programs, music videos or any other type of content with sharp resolution and HD sound, consider getting the Anker Nebula Mars Projector. Hands down, it is one of the best models for home entertainment.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £549.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B07WC1GCP3

Super Mini

Anker is one of those rare Chinese brands that are praised all across the globe for innovations, affordable prices, and high-quality computer and mobile peripherals. And its NEBULA lineup represents a new class of smart, portable entertainment devices. The Nebula Capsule is one of them. It's the world’s first portable cinema that deftly combines smart capabilities and extra compact dimensions with immersive audio and visuals.

For sure, it's the tiny size that grabs your attention at once. Actually, the Capsule is no bigger than a soda can. For this reason, it's extremely portable and can be carried just anywhere you go (a pouch is included for safe transportation).

Thanks to exceptional portability, this gadget is easy to just place on any tabletop and start watching your favorite movies. And despite its tiny size, the throw range of this projector is great. You'll get an 80-100 inch screen from a coffee table. In a relatively dark room, you can back up to about 10-11 feet away and get a large screen with good clarity and brightness ( a radiant 100 ANSI lm picture).

And if the sun hasn’t gone down yet, you can get a pretty bright picture from about 3-8 feet from the wall. The image will be bright and vibrant owing to the advanced DLP technology that utilises IntelliBright algorithms. The fabulous image quality is complemented by a 5W 360° speaker to deliver high-quality sound wherever you sit. Also, it's worth emphasizing that ht projector can be used in speaker-only mode.

Easy Connection

The unit offers two video settings: standard and battery. We assume the latter will make it dimmer but work for longer. The battery life is amazing - the Nebula Capsule delivers up to 4 hours of continuous video playback on a single charge. And the Quick Charge 3.0. technology enables it to recharge faster. As a nice touch, you can use the projector while charging (as long as you're not watching a video from USB flash drive).

Speaking about compatibility, the projector runs Android 7.1 and therefore works as a portable smart TV on its own. It can house lots of native apps, ridding you of the need to always lug another device around with the projector.

You can operate Capsule directly from your phone after downloading the Capsule Control app available on both Google Play and the App Store. Your phone will literally become a touchpad for the projector control, though the remote is also included with the purchase.

All these things make the Nebula Capsule a very usable portable projector. And because of the fact it's no bigger than a can of Cola, it's surely one of the most portable options you can find on the market.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £339.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B079NZXRWR

Impressive Picture Quality

A mobile projector doesn’t have to be bulky and non-portable. Enjoy all the perks of a big screen for work or fun with the ELEPHAS mini-projector. Quality image, boosted sound, and versatile connection are only some of its obvious perks.

Let’s start with the fact that this projector boasts the 1080p Full HD resolution with 8500L high brightness. In other words, you’ll be downright impressed with the picture quality – and will be able to enjoy your favourite films or TV shows without any compromises. Yes, the brightness could be actually lower when not in a dark room, but otherwise, there isn’t a single reason to complain.

What you also get is the high contrast ratio plus an amazing 16.77 million colour gamut. Simply imagine watching a modern film with all the natural colours while using an extra-portable mobile projector. You can also manage the colour and brightness if you need to tweak them a bit.

Does this projector make a lot of noise? Actually, not at all, thanks to the bigger cooling fan and upscale noise cancellation. In fact, you’ll get around 30-40% less noise than with direct competitors.

No Speakers Required

A mini-projector may be great and all, but the sound is where some of them, unfortunately, fail. No such thing with the ELEPHAS: the boosted Hi-Fi stereo plus the SRS sound system will give you the fantastic, powerful, and crispy audio for all your needs. Now you don’t have to carry around a portable external speaker, which is an added plus for active lifestyle users. Watch films, listen to music, or conduct office presentations, all on the level.

Widely connectible, the ELEPHAS supports such formats as USB/ HDMI/ VGA/ AV/ Audio Out (3.5 mm). In other words, you can connect your laptop, console, or Blu-ray player with no issues. The only gripe with this projector is that the included HDMI cable is rather short, so you may want to find a better replacement.

Is this projector easy to clean? Absolutely. The built-in sponge takes in the annoying dust and can be removed in a flash for easy cleaning. Now the air dust won’t be invading the projector, and you’ll have one less chore on your hands during the weekend.

Overall, the mobile projector by ELEPHAS gives you the boosted picture/sound quality while being compatible with your favourite devices.

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B0B2P2F15H

Stays Connected

Need a mobile projector with a really strong connection? Don’t look further than the YABER V5 model. It’s highly connectable, fully reliable, and works with multiple devices thanks to its versatile ports. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this projector so amazing.

First off, the dual band 5G/2.4G Wi-Fi connection plus the Bluetooth 5.0 make the picture/video transmission smoother and cleaner. Give your weekend binge-watching – or office presentations – a huge boost with this smart device. No more annoying lags or freezes that spoil your experience; the YABER V5 will take good care of it all.

As for the picture quality, it’s actually quite impressive. You wouldn’t believe an item with this price tag could deliver such bright and crisp 1080p Full HD picture. Travelling or vacationing, this mobile projector can substitute for a TV if you haven’t got one. Immerse yourself in your favourite entertainment with the YABER V5.

Active lifestyle customers will also appreciate that this unit comes with a free carry bag and tripod. All you need for a film night out – or a fun-filled summer trip.

Sustainable & Versatile

The front/rear infrared receivers of this projector eliminate the blind spots and give you full control over the device. Feel free to place the unit anywhere you want – and not be worried about the remote control failure. If you’re conducting a presentation, you can step away without the remote going out on you. User-centric and practical, the YABER V5 is fit for a variety of uses.

Sustainable households will benefit from this mobile projector. The latest SmarEco tech helps you save up on the lamp power – and boost its life up to a whooping 100,000 hours. With the YABER V5, you won’t be searching for a replacement any time soon, which is a big plus of this model.

Is the projector quiet? The correct answer would be, yes and no. On the one hand, it’s not too loud and won’t spoil your viewing experience. But on the other hand, the fan does emit some noise, although it’s nothing deal-breaking.

The YABER V5 is fully compatible with such systems as PC/laptop, TV box, Fire Stick TV, iOS/Android smartphones, and more.

Summing up, this powerful mobile projector is a real find if you’re planning to work or have fun on the go.

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B09FY2478D

A Little More Mobile

The Vamvo YG300 is a funny-looking device, which is appropriate considering that its specs are also not that serious. They're alright relative to the price tag but, without making that 'relation', this is not the most fantastic package we've reviewed yet.

As always (as far as projectors are concerned), everything starts with the unit's specs, which are middling. Its native resolution, peaking at 640 x 360p, covers presentations without breaking a proverbial sweat but even less visual-intensive movies will look pretty bad on a resolution like that (unless you make the screen as small as possible but, even at 25 inches, the distance between separate pixels will be noticeable).

On the upside, this model can push the screen size 152 inches, something that its weight class buddies can seldom do. The issue here is that, even within that modest weight class, most mobile projectors can give you more than 100 lumens. Needless to say, 100 lumens is not a lot. Unless you make the room pitch-black, the projected image will look subdued and even the brightest colours will not pop.

But, aside from the price, what justifies these below-average specs is the unit's size. At 14.2 x 9.4 x 5.2 centimetres, the model puts 'mobile' in 'mobile projectors', letting you carry this device in a backpack without emptying it beforehand. To add more, weighing 360 grammes, the unit will sit inside that backpack without putting a noticeable strain on the carrier's back.

Sound Controls

The biggest problem we have with this device is its lamp life. Normally dying out at ~25,000 hours, the lamps are not durable at all. On the opposite side, the model's biggest win is its controls. First, you have the control panel, integrated on the top. Using this panel, you can switch between settings or manage playback without reaching or turning this device around, which is not something that you can say about most projectors.

What you also cannot say about these projectors is that they come with an equally convenient remote. Despite its compact form factor, the remote has an ergonomic layout and well-thought-out button distribution, so you can adjust volume, switch between multiple image sources, or fiddle with the projector's settings with one hand and without studying the instructions.

Bottom line, as long as you're not looking for a mobile projector to watch films with, the Vamvo YG300 should prove more or less up your alley.

Last updated price £69.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B08CDBC5LK

Infographics


What Is a Mobile Projector?

Most well-known application of projectors is at the cinemas. Those are huge, industrial-like stationary machines that cast an image projection on a flat surface, such as a large screen or a wall. Modern technologies render it possible to make them so small, you can even put them in your pocket. Such mini projectors can be mounted on a tripod or a simple table in school classrooms, lecture halls, or sleeping rooms. And lately, pocket projector became an essential companion of teachers and lecturers. They can be used almost anywhere, have different ports to connect them to a laptop or other digital devices. However, these micro-projectors, also called pico projectors, can display a crisp picture on the screen with a diagonal up to 120 inches and lighting lux at up to 100 lm. This is enough to get a distinct picture in a darkened room with closed drapes.

Note that you will need some kind of white wall or screen to throw the image onto with your projector. If you don't have any, take a quick glance at the best-selling projector screens of this year. If you are a lecturer or a speaker, you will also appreciate our review of the best presentation remotes. They come with a built-in laser pointer and other useful features to make your job easier. Just check them out and see for yourself.

What Features to Compare

Projection Specifications

As we've mentioned above, it may project an image at a diagonal of up to 120 inches without losing its crispness. Such width may be necessary for university auditoriums so that even from the back rows people could see a presentation. The image quality is affected by many factors.

  • Resolution directly influences the quality of the picture. It shows a number of pixels in a projector matrix. Resolution is given as a value, that looks like 1280x720, where 1280 is the number of pixels horizontally, and 720 – vertically. It’s not the width of the picture, however, the bigger this value is, the more detailed image you get.
  • Brightness is also important. As it comes from the name, it’s how bright your projection will be. The brightness value is given in Lumens (lm) and similar to light bulbs - the bigger it is, the lighter your image will be. Go for bigger value if you are going to do presentations in light rooms.
  • Contrast defines the ratio between light and dark parts of a picture. You can use a pocket projector with high contrast in lighter rooms to get a more distinct picture. Please note, that the main parameter for lighting is still the brightness.

Another few things worth mentioning are aspect ratio and projector technology. The former shows a ratio between horizontal and vertical lines. In simple words, photos usually have a 4:3 aspect ratio, while most movies and videos are 16:9 nowadays. Projector technology is the type of mechanism that’s used for producing a projection. For instance, DLP has a high contrast while LED has great brightness.

Data Interfaces

The USB port is used to connect a projector to a notebook, memory stick, or even to a mobile phone. With HDMI you can transfer a video of high quality from a PC or Blu-ray player. 3.5mm audio output allows you to enhance the sound by adding external speakers or plugging headphones in. That’s an essential feature for large rooms, where built-in speakers are just not enough. Some models can work with Wi-Fi hotspots. You can connect them to the same network as your laptop or mobile phone and transfer a video directly from them. Neat, isn’t it?

Dimensions and Extra Features

Your mobile projector should be lightweight and compact. Most of them can be carried in a pocket of a jacket or in a case. Tripod stand is great for adjusting the projector at the right angle to get the best view. Some mini projectors will not only receive a signal via USB but even charge other devices, like mobile phones or portable speakers. As for power efficiency, mini projectors are powered with batteries, that are usually enough for at least one hour of work. That means that you can even take them on a trip to show your kids a movie in the evening. Projectors are recharged via cable and most of them can work and be recharged at the same time Overall, pocket projectors are great for indoors and outdoors activities. So let’s take a closer look at some of them.

Sources:

1. LARRY GEISZ Magnasonic LED Pocket Pico Video Projector (PP60) review, The Gadgeteer. April 16, 2016.

2. TechGuru Best Pico Projector Reviews 2016, Nerd Techy. February 7, 2016.

3. Kate Kliner How to Choose a Projector for Business Travel, B&H Photo Video. 2015.

4. Michael Antonoff Pico Projectors, B&H Photo Video. 2013.

5. Ionut Nedelcu The 9 Best Pico Projectors and How to Choose Them [Guide], TechPP. April 3, 2013.

6. Rob Cote Contrast Ratio of TVs, Rtings.com. February 25, 2016.

7. Geoffrey Morrison DLP vs LCD vs LCoS, CNET. May 6, 2016.

8. Projector Buying Guide, Epson.

9. Handheld Projectors, Wikipedia. February 16, 2016.

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