The thought of getting a highly portable projection device like a Pico projector is always fascinating. Whether you need it for movie sessions in a friend’s backyard or require it in your office for presentation, you can safely carry them in your backpack.
Neither does it add any weight to your backpack, nor does it create any uneasiness when you put it in your pocket. On top of everything, you get the same visual performance and facilities as any regular projector. Well, it sounds good, but the main hassle arrives when you will have to find the best Pico projector from the market.
We understand it is not easy to select the best one when you have a plethora of options lying in front of you. So we decided to shortlist some top Pico projectors that can stand the test of performance and productivity.
So sit back and relax as we bring in-depth Pico projectors review of all our selection.
Here we present you with a detailed comparison table of all the portable mini projectors that will give a clear overview of all the units. Plus, you can understand which product will be ideal for your price and requirement.
Table of Contents
Best Pico Projector: Our Top Picks
| IMAGE | NAME | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Anker Nebula Capsule |
| |
 | Vamvo S1 |
| |
 | Apeman NM4 |
| |
 | AAXA P300 |
| |
 | Kodak Luma 75 |
| |
 | Magnasonic PP60 |
| |
 | WOWOTO M5 |
| |
 | GooDee YG200 |
| |
 | Meer YG300 |
| |
 | PTVDISPLAY |
| |
The 10 Best Pico Projectors of 2024
1. Anker Nebula Capsule Pico Projector
This top-of-the-line Pico projector from Anker is a complete entertainment package that would give you a fluidic viewing experience wherever you go. Coupling 854 x 480 native resolution and 100 ANSI lumens, the bright and sharp visual quality it projects will be a feast to your eye.
The DLP projection technology with 400:1 ensures a good black depth and shadow detailing, and this is the reason it is considered among the finest Pico DlP projectors. However, its sleek and compact soda-can design is the star of the show as it lets you enjoy movies everywhere beyond the confines of your room.
On top of that, the cylindrical body also houses a 360-degree speaker that facilitates you to live every moment and also eliminates the need for an external speaker.
The exciting part of this top-rated Pico projector is that you can expand the screen size from 20inch to 100inch with a minimum throw distance of 2feet.
However, its 4hours inbuilt battery backup gives it an edge over its competitors, meaning you can watch a full movie. Whether you want to connect the smartphone wirelessly or with wire, you can do all as it offers HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, and even screen-mirroring.
What makes it stand out is its Smart Android interface that is backed by Android 7.1 OS, quad-core processor, and 1GB RAM. This portable smart projector is highly recommended by users for its incredible 30000hour of lamp life as it can last for decades.
What We Liked:
- Extremely portable.
- Seamless wireless connection.
- Sharp and clear images.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Limited to 100inch screen-size.
2. Vamvo S1 1080p Pico Projector
Undoubtedly Vamvo S1 is one of the best 1080p Pico projectors that deliver smooth and efficient operation with its highly-responsive touch-key interface. Designed with a sliding cover, it not only switches on the projector with a simple push but also protects the lens from scratch and dust.
This device incorporates DLP technology along with an incredible 1800 lumens that treat you with a great viewing experience with bright images with razor-sharp clarity. However, we feel that the 480p native resolution is a little bit low besides other features.
But it gets the job done and also facilitates you to play full HD videos without any issue. For a good movie session, you need good audio, and that is why it employs inbuilt stereo with SRS sound for well-balanced audio.
With the inbuilt 5200mAh, this Pico mini projector serves as an ideal travel entertainment device as it can run for two hours in full charge.
The tiny frame design with the sleek body is the main highlight as it comfortably fits in your pocket or backpack without weighing on your body.
The projection distance of 1.6-10ft is a significant advantage as you can go up to a maximum 130inch screen size from just 10ft away. Despite being an ultra-compact projector, it integrates a decent amount of ports that include HDMI, TF, USB, and microSD.
What We Liked:
- Decent runtime for the inbuilt battery.
- The visuals are highly vivid and colorful.
- Short throw projection.
- Incredible lamp life.
What We Didn’t Like:
- It doesn’t have wireless support.
3. Apeman NM4 DLP Pico Projector
The first impression is always essential, and Apeman NM4 doesn’t leave any stones unturned to impress you with its look and portability. Serving as one of the smallest Pico projectors, it only measures four inches; thus, you can provide a presentation or watch a movie wherever you go.
The inbuilt dual speaker also bars you from carrying external speakers as it delivers soothing audio. Plus, the two and half hours of battery backup is like a cherry on the top and allows you to use the device without requiring external power.
This ultra-portable projector incorporates HDMI and audio-out so that you play content through your laptop while on the go. Moreover, it flaunts Airplay and Miracast so you won’t have any trouble connecting your smartphone.
Besides NM4’s incredible portability, you will also be impressed by the clarity and shadow detailing it has on offer, and the credit goes to the 3000:1 contrast with DLP technology.
Being a cheap projector, it only gets you 100 ANSI lumens and 480p native resolution, so you shouldn’t expect fantastic video quality while watching a movie or TV show. However, its mammoth 45000hours of lamp life make up for the downside and assists the projector in lasting more than 20years.
With a minimum throw distance of 0.8m and a maximum screen size of 100inch, you can effortlessly use it for outdoor entertainment and indoor movie sessions.
What We Liked:
- Highly affordable pricing.
- Ultra-compact form factor.
- Images with high contrast.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only get max 100inch screen.
- Lacks wireless connectivity.
4. AAXA Technologies P300 Home Theater Pico Projector
This high-resolution Pico projector from AAXA comes with the motto of delivering impressive visual performance and portability at an affordable price.
The blend of 500 lumens and 2000:1 plays a major role in showcasing top-notch visual performance with vivid and high-contrast images. But what makes it unique in this list is the 1280X800 HD native resolution and support for 1080p resolution.
We can assure you the superior color quality will leave you in awe as the Vibrant Color technology with triple LED source cover 193% of the color range. The sound department won’t disappoint you as its two-watt stereo speaker offers one of the most dominant performances.
Enjoy all your full HD movies on the big screen because you can expand the screen size up to 120inches and that too with a short throw ratio of 1.38:1.
You just have to use its mini-tripod to set this projector while you are on the go. Gets ten times longer lifespan than ordinary lamp projectors, and the credit goes to the 20000hour LED lamp that can last for a decade.
While most of the Pico pocket projector lasts for two to three hours, it will only offer you one hour of operation. The powerful onboard medium makes this HD Pico projector 1080p easy to use the device as you can directly play videos from a USB drive or micro SD card.
What We Liked:
- Easy to carry and fit in the bag.
- Vibrant color and high contrast.
- Wide projection size.
- Play multimedia content direct from USB.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Lacks zoom.
- Poor battery life.
5. Kodak Luma 75 1080p Pico Projector
Enjoy fluidic visual experience wherever you go with Kodak Luma 75 which employs DLP technology and 1300:1 contrast to deliver excellent color and shadow details.
However, you won’t get an exceptional visual quality out of this portable mini projector as it is limited to 360p native resolution. But you can enjoy all your full HD movies in this projector with decent brightness and stunning color accuracy.
It gets dim 60 ANSI lumens brightness, so you will need a dark area to get adequate illumination in all the visuals. With a screen size of up to 100inch and a maximum throw distance of 13ft, it gives you the big-screen experience in a small package.
The touch-screen onboard control and plug ‘n play make this wireless Pico projector effortless to use. The integrated 1.5-watt speaker does a decent job by oozing out a clear audio quality so that you can catch every beat of the action.
The ultra-compact minimalistic design with the super-lightweight body allows it to slip in any trouser’s pocket or backpack. That said, this Pico LED projector can run for two hours in full charge which is enough for one movie and a long presentation.
You will be surprised by the number of connection facilities on its cards. HDMI, USB, MicroSD, and 3.5mm input ports are available for wired connectivity. Plus, it is Wi-Fi enabled with Airplay and Miracast support so that you can stream wirelessly from your iOS and Android smartphone.
What We Liked:
- Good color accuracy.
- Decent battery backup.
- Responsive and straightforward control.
What We Didn’t Like:
- The screen fades in ambient light.
6. Magnasonic PP60 Rechargeable Pico Projector
Magnasonic PP60 may not seem like a highly effective device, but you should wait until you turn on the device. Enjoy crystal clear and vibrant visual quality as it gets the combination of 360p native resolution and DLP technology.
The 1100:1 contrast ratio does a decent job and produces deep black in videos, although it is quite less than its competitors. Although it might have a low native projector, it acts as a high-resolution Pico projector by supporting videos up to 1080p.
With 25ANSI lumens, you will need a dark room to get an adequate amount of vividness in all your videos. Serving as one the best cheap Pico projector, the inexpensive pricing also reflects on the audio quality as its 1-watt delivers an average sound quality.
Although it is often considered as one of the best handheld projectors it offers a 1.5ft of minimum short throw distance and a fairly adequate 60inch maximum screen size.
With the support of a two-hour-long battery backup and Plug & Play facility, you can play your movies anywhere without going through the complicated setup.
For connecting your smartphone, laptop, or any other device, you can use its HDMI, MHL, micro USB, and audio-out port facilities. Once you get this projector, you won’t have to think about a replacement for a long time, and the credit goes to the 20000hour of lamp life.
What We Liked:
- Decent video clarity.
- Easy to use and carry.
- Inexpensive pricing.
- An adequate amount of connectivity.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Lacks mounting option.
- Low brightness.
7. Wowoto 1080p 3D Home Theater Pico Projector
Meticulously integrated with 854×800 native resolution and DLP projection technology, the Wowoto projector will surely impress you with its dramatic visual quality. However main attraction lies in its 4K supports, meaning you can enjoy all your favorite 4K movies while you are on holiday.
Without a doubt, it is one of the brightest Pico projectors we have come across in this segment, and its 3500 lumens ensure vivid images even in the daytime. All thanks to the 1000:1 contrast ratio, you will experience theater-like video quality with optimum detailing.
It is truly one of a kind 4K Pico projector that also facilitates you to explore all the 3D movies while you are out.
Geared with an enormous screen size range of up to 300inches and a minimal throw distance of 1.6m, it is designed to give the best-in-class big-screen experience.
This is one of the brightest mini projectors that are designed to stand the test of time with the extensive LED longevity of 20000hours. Built with a 7800mAh battery, you can easily at least one movie without recharging the battery in the middle.
Streaming content wireless through your phone won’t be an issue, and it is due to the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support that enables screen sharing through Miracast or Airplay. It might be 7inches long, but its ultra-sleek thickness makes it easy to port in the backpack without adding much weight.
What We Liked:
- Efficient wireless connectivity.
- Large screen size.
- Supports 4K inputs.
- Incredibly bright images.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Pitiable audio quality.
8. GooDee YG200 LED Pico Projector
When you talk about the highly-rated Pico projector, one model that deserves your attention is GooDee YG200. This projector uses 240p native resolution that will limit quality when you are watching movies, but you will be able to play content up to 1080p.
Although you won’t get impressive clarity and detail in images, the 500:1 contrast with DLP technology does a decent job. Since it is a low-cost solution so you will only get a low 20-60inches screen size range.
But the main advantage lies in its short 0.8-2m short projection distance, thus serving as an efficient short-throw Pico projector.
Despite being an inexpensive 1080p Pico projector, it can last for 20years due to the extended 30000hour of lamp life. Unlike others, it operates with minimal noise and low temperature, so you can expect to have a soothing movie experience.
The Plug & Play facility makes this 1080p pocket projector extremely easy to set up. Plus, it is loaded with HDMI, USB, AV, audio-in, and microSD so that you can use it for connecting devices.
With imitating the size of a typical smartphone, this stylishly designed projector will be an ideal entertainment device during camping.
Always get straightedge images when you set up the projector as it has keystone correction and focuses for assistance. The manufacturer also provides an 18months warranty, which will be a great added advantage.
What We Liked:
- Impressive portable design.
- It carries all the standard ports.
- Huge lamp life.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Small screen size.
9. Meer YG300 Outdoor Entertainment Pico Projector
We often underestimate projectors based on their brand, but it would be unwise to do the same with Meer YG300. This carefully designed full HD Pico projector uses TFT LCD image technology with 240p native resolution to impress you with an excellent outdoor movie session.
The 400 lumens and 800:1 will give you plenty of brightness and clarity in your image, but only if you can use it in a dark environment. However, the 16.7K color reproduction makes a significant improvement in the image quality by ensuring excellent color depth.
Whether you want to watch a football game alone or with friends, you can expand the screen size up to 60inches and that too with a short projection distance of 0.8m.
Many people have appreciated YG300’s fashionable and sleek design, as it has helped users to carry it in their backpack or pocket. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have an inbuilt battery, but if you have a power bank, then you can comfortably use it without needing a power socket.
The multiport facilities like USB, HDMI, AV, SD card, and 3.5mm audio input make this HD pico projector extremely versatile for usage.
Another reason that is featured in many best mini portable projector lists is due to colossal lamp life that amounts to 20000hours. It also gets one-year warranty coverage that comes really handy during any damage or malfunction.
What We Liked:
- Simple setup.
- Bright and sharp visuals.
- Compact and durable built.
- Support different devices.
What We Didn’t Like:
- No Bluetooth.
10. PTVDISPLAY Pocket Portable Mini Projector
You must have seen that most of the Pico units get a basic design, and they only get the sleek form for portability. However, PTVDISPLAY is the game-changer that adopts a unique and stylish circular look with a 360-degree tripod stand.
The specialized design will not only allow you to flaunt it in front of your friends but also makes it easy to carry. Even though this one of the best mini portable projectors looks tiny but it conveniently houses HDMI, USB, AV, SD card, and a 3.5mm audio port that lets you connect a wide array of devices while you are traveling.
Although it comes with an inbuilt speaker that ensures a decent audio experience, it fails to deliver good volume.
With a compact body, you will also get a limited screen size of 120 inches and a projection distance of 1.5-2.5, so you will need ample space for setup. However, the limited screen size will be adequate as it only gets a native resolution of 1080P.
But you won’t have to worry about clarity as this one of the best-handled projectors utilizes 1000:1 contrast. To pamper you with a purely visual experience, this best projector for movies employs an advanced cooling system that minimizes overheating and curbs fan noise.
The after-sales support from the manufacturer is beneficial, and you will also get one-year warranty coverage for the projector.
What We Liked:
- Stylish design with a compact form.
- Decent clarity and shadow detail.
- It doesn’t make much sound.
- Wireless connectivity.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Despicable audio quality.
But before making our move to the end of the article, let’s discuss crucial topics that we think you should know.
What Does Pico projector Mean?
Pico projector is a highly compact and lightweight projector that looks like a mini device but performs like any other projector. They come with an ultra-compact form factor that serves as a better alternative to standard projectors in terms of portability.
They are an outcome of modern space-saving technology that is intended for offering flexible projection. Due to their unique design, not only can you carry it in your backpack, but some of them even fit in your pocket. Meaning you can take it anywhere, just like a smartphone, and enjoy entertainment on the go.
Although the size varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, none of the sizes goes beyond the size of a tablet. They mostly utilize micro hardware and modular units to create a mini projection device.
Previously Pico units were mostly utilized in business sectors for presentation purposes. Plus, they used to come with low resolution and a minimal amount of brightness. The advent of modern technology has given rise to numerous ultra-efficient models that are nowadays also used as entertainment devices.
Are Mini Projectors Worth It?
Well, if you are in search of a mini and portable projection device that you can take anywhere without worrying about the setup. Then we can say Pico is definitely worth the investment and become your traveling partner.
They are highly efficient as many of the models run on an inbuilt battery, so you just need a video source and screen to set up your projector. Suppose you want to watch a movie on a large screen with your friends while traveling, a Pico projector will serve as a better option.
You can have large-size entertainment without lugging a separate bag for carrying your regular home entertainment projector or laptop.
They are lightweight and easily fit in any space of your backpack; thus making it easy to carry the device. The portability feature also makes them highly useful for presentations in offices and educational institutes.
It also spares you from spending a considerable chunk of money on entertainment or presentation. Most of the Pico devices come with an affordable price tag, so it arrives within reach of a large mass who want performance as well as portability.
However, it is not suitable for users who are particular about the video quality and features. Almost every Pico doesn’t deliver best-in-class visual quality like any high-end model, so it would be futile to expect a cinematic visual experience.
They also lack features and connection facilities, but whatever they offer is entirely sufficient for an excellent experience. In terms of durability, they are quite good, but some of the projectors might not provide you with considerable lamp longevity.
But if you are going for LED, you won’t have to worry as they come with plausible lamp hours.
Buying Guide of Pico Projectors
Selecting the best Pico portable projector can be challenging, given the overwhelming choices you get in the market. To help you, let’s take a closer look at the considerations that will guide you to the most appropriate one;
Portability
Even though Pico projectors are highly portable, different models come in different sizes and designs. Some models will fit in your palm while some of them get the size of a tablet. Some Pico models come with a cylindrical shape that you can store in the water storage area of your backpack. Well, the main point of owning a Pico device is portability, so you should get a size that will fit your requirements.
DLP or LED
Well, when it comes to projection technology in the Pico projector, you will either have to choose DLP or LED. DLP will serve you right if you drool to experience sharp and bright images with excellent contrast at an affordable price. However, with DLP, you will get not only limited resolution choice but also rainbow effects in many scenes.
LED Pico projectors, on the other hand, get high resolution and images that are rich in color. The brightness they offer is more than sufficient for bright and vivid image quality. But they will disappoint you with the shallow black level and low contrast in the videos. Moreover, they are more expensive than DLP modes, but for the extra price, you will get an impressive lifespan that tends to go more than 15000hours on average.
Resolution
With the limited size of the Pico projector, you will also be limited to a certain resolution figure. Even though 4K UHD resolution is the current rage among manufacturers but the 1080p and 720p native resolution are more than sufficient if your priority is entertainment. You can even opt for 600p or 480p resolution if budget is an issue, or you are only getting the projector for presentation purposes.
Brightness and Color
Without a good lumens figure and color accuracy, you can’t expect to have a terrific image quality. In general, the lumens figure between 1000 and 3000 should be your target if you plan to use it in a dark environment. However, if you think that your setup area might have a lot of ambient light, then you should look for 4000 lumens or even more.
However, to get rich color in your images, the Pico unit should have more than 70% color gamut coverage of NTSC or sRGB. It should also have a high amount of displayable color so it can accurately reproduce the color from the content.
Throw Ratio
Typically, Pico projectors don’t come with a really short-throw ratio, but there are a few models that might be useful if you have space issues. While choosing a model, try to get a low throw ratio around 0.6-1:1 because it will ensure that you will get a large screen from a short distance.
Screen Size
Depending upon your requirement and the number of people you are going to cater to will determine the screen size. The settings that you will use in your projector will decide the screen size. The maximum screen size should be a minimum of 100inch, but you can go for higher.
Battery Life
You surely won’t love to use a Pico projector that will run out of battery within a few minutes of your movie session or presentation. So emphasize the battery life, and it should be able to run for a minimum of two hours with a full charge. However, some models can even run for three hours and support external batteries.
Connectivity
When you are getting a Pico projector, you can’t expect it to flaunt a similar amount of connectivity options like a standard projector for apparent reasons.
Most of the Pico models we have come with minimum HDMI, VGA, and audio-out as a standard connection option. However, it would be smart to get wireless connectivity like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi so that you can stream content or audio from your phone or laptop. Learn how to connect a pico projector to an iPhone here.
Conclusion
Well, we have listed all the most excellent Pico projectors on the market that range from high-end Anker nebula capsules to affordable Apeman NM4. Although some of the models come with low native resolution, they can comfortably play 1080p videos without any issue.
The projector from Wowoto will even assist you to 4K videos making it one of the best Pico projectors for presentation and movies.
Another great thing about all the models is that they come with colossal lamp longevity, so you can forget about replacement once you buy them. So go through the detailed guide and find out the projector that will meet your requirements.
My name is Henry Larson and I have been associated with research and development of projectors throughout my professional career. I used all my experience and expertise to create this blog so that I can guide people to get the best projector of their choice. For any further assistance, you can get in touch with me through email or comments.