A portable projector is a must-have for anyone who wants to host movie nights anywhere or keep an important presentation at their fingertips. These devices combine comfort and flexibility, as they can easily turn any wall into a screen for movies, games, or work. In this article, we’ll help you figure out which projector to choose, what to look for, and how to find a balanced model.
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In most cases, a portable projector is a compact device that does everything the same as a conventional stationary solution – it projects an image or video onto a wall. The only caveat is that portable models are mobile, so they help you create a large screen anywhere, even in small spaces. The main advantages of portable models are small size, autonomy (battery, built-in speakers), ease of use, and wide functionality.
Such projectors are ideal for:
What projector parameters are important and what to look for? There are several types of projectors:
To choose a portable projector, there are several technical characteristics to consider:
One of the most popular models on the market is The Freestyle 2 by Samsung. The second generation was introduced in 2023 and retained its inherent aesthetic design and good technical parameters.
The manufacturer calls Samsung The Freestyle 2 the whole movie theater — indeed, the projector is quite small in size, but it gives you a big screen experience. It easily adapts to any use case: from home movie watching to outdoor camping.
Thanks to the adjustable 180° tilt stand Samsung The Freestyle 2 can be directed at the wall, ceiling, or even the floor. This makes it easy to organize a movie show or presentation in the office. Other useful features include autofocus, auto-leveling, and keystone correction. Together, they provide a clear and correct picture, even if the surface is uneven. For example, you can project a movie onto a tent wall or a rock if you want to make a movie theater in the summer at a campsite — and still have a high-quality viewing experience.
Thanks to Full HD, HDR and PurColor support, the image is quite vivid and detailed. And the built-in speaker adds surround sound to maximize your enjoyment of both the movie premiere and the Champions League match. In addition, the device supports Smart TV functions that allow you to stream your favorite TV shows from Netflix or YouTube without additional devices.
Samsung The Freestyle 2 is powered by the mains, but supports the ability to connect an external battery that is not included in the package (it must be purchased separately). The cost of the projector starts at UAH 24 thousand.
Anker Nebula Apollo is an interesting alternative on the market. It is also suitable for home use as well as for on-the-go entertainment or work. Compact and easy to use, this model is autonomous thanks to its 9750 mAh battery. The projector works for up to 4 hours without being connected to the mains, which is exactly enough time to watch a full movie even in the extended version. It is the perfect choice for a picnic or a cozy evening on the terrace.
The model is versatile in terms of connectivity, as it allows you to connect a smartphone, laptop or even a flash drive — the device has HDMI, USB and supports Chromecast, Airplay and Miracast wireless technologies. The touch panel provides intuitive touch control, and for complete comfort, you should download the Nebula Connect app to control the projector from your smartphone.
The DLP lamp provides 200 ANSI lumens of brightness, which is enough for comfortable viewing in darkened rooms. With a screen size of up to 100 inches, you can turn any wall into a movie theater, whether at home or camping.
The device has speakers, but for even more surround sound, you can pair the projector with a Bluetooth speaker. The price of the model is approximately 33 thousand hryvnias.
Thanks to the patented stand ViewSonic M1X can be positioned at any angle to project the movie on both the ceiling and wall. Horizontal and vertical keystone correction and the ability to adjust the projection angle ensure a smooth and clear image even on uneven surfaces.
Built-in Harman Kardon speakers provide surround sound without the need to connect external audio systems. The projector can operate for up to 4 hours on a single charge and also supports power from external batteries. Weighing less than 1 kg, this model can be taken anywhere.
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity is available, so the projector allows you to mirror content from your phone or laptop. It also supports popular streaming platforms such as Chromecast or Apple TV. Price ViewSonic M1X varies from UAH 20 to 22 thousand.
With a brightness of 300 lumens and 720p resolution, ASUS ZenBeam Latte L1 is ideal for watching movies at home or partying with friends. Thanks to its short throw projection, it delivers a 40-inch image from a distance of 1 m or allows you to expand the screen up to 120 inches by 3.2 m.
The fabric upholstery adds to the charm of the device, and the 10W Harman Kardon speakers have three audio modes for different content (movies, music, and games).
With a built-in 6000 mAh battery, the device provides up to three hours of video playback or 12 hours of Bluetooth speaker time. Wireless screen mirroring is supported for streaming content directly from a smartphone or tablet. Wired connections (HDMI and USB Type-A) make the projector universally compatible. Price ASUS ZenBeam Latte L1 starts at UAH 17 thousand.
Halo Plus is equipped with a DLP matrix, providing full Full HD. HDR10+ technology guarantees sharp details and rich colors. The model automatically focuses, aligns the image and corrects keystone distortion. Even when projected on a wall with protrusions or irregularities, the picture will always be perfect. Android TV smart system is supported, and Google Assistant adds voice control.
With a brightness of up to 900 ANSI lumens (700 in standalone mode), the projector delivers high-quality images, even in low-light environments. The built-in 10W Harman Kardon stereo speakers provide clear and rich sound without the need for additional speakers.
Weighing only 1.6 kg, Halo Plus is easy to carry in a backpack or move between rooms. The low latency of 26.5 ms makes it a great choice for gamers as well. Price XGIMI Halo Plus from UAH 26 to 44.