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10 Best Pico Projectors 2025 in the United States

Sony MP-CD1 Portable Pico, Pocket- Sized, HDMI/MHL, DLP, Short-Throw, 120 Screen, 5000mAh Built-in Battery, Built-in Speaker, WVGA 854 x 480

Brightness: 105 ANSI lumens
Resolution: 854 x 480
Battery Life: 2 hours
Connectivity: HDMI/MHL, Wireless (w/ Microsoft Dongle)
Throw Distance: 120” screen from short distance
Audio: Built-In Speaker, 1W output
Portability: Weighs less than 1 pound
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

BenQ GV50 | Laser Portable Projector, 500 Lms, Native 1080p, 4K Supported, Ceiling Projection, Tripod Base, Rotating Angle, Google TV, Certified Netflix, WiFi & Bluetooth, Deep Woofer Built in speaker

The BenQ GV50 is a portable laser projector designed for home entertainment, offering some impressive features with a few trade-offs. Its 500 ANSI lumens brightness is suitable for dimly lit environments, making it perfect for cozy, bedside movie nights. It displays native 1080p resolution, ensuring clear and sharp images, and can even support 4K content, which is a nice bonus for high-definition videos. The projector's flexible design allows for ceiling projection and versatile positioning, thanks to its rotating angle and tripod base, which enhances its usability in different settings.

Connectivity is a strong suit with built-in Google TV, supporting popular streaming services like Netflix, and allowing casting via AirPlay and Chromecast. This feature-rich content access is complemented by its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, enabling easy connections to various devices. On the audio front, the 18W speaker system offers decent sound with enhanced bass from its integrated woofer, which might reduce the need for external speakers in small to medium spaces.

The GV50's throw distance may limit the size of the projection in smaller rooms. Portability is slightly compromised by its 5.5-pound weight, which is heavier than some other pico-projectors. Despite these drawbacks, its auto-focus and auto keystone features help simplify setup, ensuring a crisp, square image without manual adjustments. This projector is ideal for home cinema enthusiasts who value easy setup and high-quality visuals, although those seeking ultra-portability might find it a bit bulky.

#2

Kodak Luma 500 Mini Projector | 1080p Full HD Portable Outdoor Projector with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI & USB | Google TV 11.0 OS, Netflix Certified, Chromecast Built-In, Black, 150

Rating
8.2
Brightness
Connectivity Options
Portability

Most important from
16 reviews

Brightness
Brightness is sufficient for indoor use, providing good contrast in semi-dark rooms.
Connectivity Options
Connectivity is versatile with multiple options, though wireless streaming from iOS devices can require an HDMI cable.
Portability
Portability is a strong point, making it easy to carry for outdoor movie nights or travel.
Built-in Speakers
The built-in speakers work, but pairing with external speakers can improve audio experience.

The Kodak Luma 500 is a compact pico-projector that stands out with its sharp 1080p Full HD resolution, making it a great choice for clear and detailed images whether you're watching movies or giving presentations. Its brightness of 150 ANSI lumens is suitable for small, dim environments but might struggle in well-lit rooms or large outdoor spaces. Connectivity options are a strong point here, with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, USB, and even Google TV built in, allowing easy streaming from smartphones, laptops, and other devices. This makes it particularly handy for users who want a versatile projector without complicated setup.

Portability is excellent due to its small size and light weight (just over a pound), so you can easily carry it for outdoor movie nights or travel. The built-in automatic vertical keystone correction helps keep the picture balanced without manual adjustments. While it has built-in speakers, external speakers may be preferred for enhanced audio quality. Its compact size suggests it is best suited for smaller rooms or close projection distances.

The Kodak Luma 500 is well suited for users seeking a portable, high-definition projector with flexible connectivity, ideal for casual home cinema, light presentations, or outdoor use in darker settings. It may be less appropriate if very bright projection or long battery life for extended use away from power sources is required.

Rating
8.2
Brightness
Connectivity Options
Portability

Most important from
16 reviews

Brightness
Brightness is sufficient for indoor use, providing good contrast in semi-dark rooms.
Connectivity Options
Connectivity is versatile with multiple options, though wireless streaming from iOS devices can require an HDMI cable.
Portability
Portability is a strong point, making it easy to carry for outdoor movie nights or travel.
Built-in Speakers
The built-in speakers work, but pairing with external speakers can improve audio experience.
#3

Epson EpiqVision Mini EF22 Portable Smart Laser Projector, Bright 1,000 Lumens, FHD 1080p HDR, 3-Chip 3LCD, Google TV, Netflix, Swivel Stand, Stereo Speakers, Outdoor Backyard/Home Theater - Blue

Rating
7.9
Brightness
Built-in Speakers
Portability

Most important from
57 reviews

Brightness
The projector provides impressive picture quality even in rooms that aren't very dark.
Built-in Speakers
Built-in speakers are adequate for regular programming, but external speakers might be preferable for a more immersive experience.
Portability
Despite being a 'portable' projector, its size and lack of a built-in battery limit true portability.

The Epson EpiqVision Mini EF22 is a versatile pico-projector that offers several compelling features for those seeking portable entertainment. With a brightness of 1,000 lumens, it provides a clear and vibrant display that can be easily viewed in various lighting conditions, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings. Its Full HD 1080p resolution ensures sharp image quality, complemented by HDR technology for enhanced color depth, which is impressive for such a compact device.

The projector includes a 360-degree swivel stand, allowing you to project content on different surfaces without hassle. However, it lacks a built-in battery, limiting its full portability since it requires a power source for operation. Connectivity is robust with options like Wi-Fi and HDMI, enabling easy streaming from devices or gaming consoles. Access to Google TV with numerous apps, including Netflix, adds to its entertainment versatility.

Built-in stereo speakers with Dolby audio provide decent sound quality, though for a more immersive experience, external speakers might be preferable. The throw distance capabilities allow for a large screen display up to 150 inches, giving you a cinema-like experience right from your backyard or living room. Despite its features, the absence of battery life could be a drawback for users looking to use the projector in places without direct power access. Its portability is more about convenient placement rather than complete mobility. The maintenance-free laser light source with a long lifespan adds value by reducing the need for bulb replacements.

This projector is ideal for users who want a compact, easy-to-set-up device for home cinema or casual gaming. It offers a great combination of picture quality and connectivity, though it’s best suited for environments where a power outlet is always accessible.

Rating
7.9
Brightness
Built-in Speakers
Portability

Most important from
57 reviews

Brightness
The projector provides impressive picture quality even in rooms that aren't very dark.
Built-in Speakers
Built-in speakers are adequate for regular programming, but external speakers might be preferable for a more immersive experience.
Portability
Despite being a 'portable' projector, its size and lack of a built-in battery limit true portability.

Buying Guide for the Best Pico Projectors

Pico projectors are compact, portable devices that allow you to project images and videos onto a screen or wall. They are ideal for on-the-go presentations, movie nights, or even gaming. When choosing a pico projector, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and find a projector that meets your requirements.
BrightnessBrightness is measured in lumens and indicates how bright the projected image will be. This is important because it affects the visibility of the image in different lighting conditions. For dimly lit rooms, a projector with 100-300 lumens may suffice. For moderately lit environments, look for 300-500 lumens. For well-lit rooms or outdoor use, you may need 500 lumens or more. Consider where you will be using the projector most often to determine the right brightness level for you.
ResolutionResolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the projected image, and it affects the clarity and detail of the image. Common resolutions for pico projectors include 480p (standard definition), 720p (high definition), and 1080p (full high definition). Higher resolutions provide sharper and more detailed images. If you plan to use the projector for movies or detailed presentations, opt for at least 720p. For general use or casual viewing, 480p may be sufficient.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the projector can operate on a single charge. This is crucial for portability and convenience, especially if you plan to use the projector in places without easy access to power outlets. Battery life can range from 1 to 5 hours or more. If you need the projector for long presentations or extended viewing sessions, look for models with longer battery life. For shorter, occasional use, a shorter battery life may be acceptable.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect your devices to the projector. Common options include HDMI, USB, and wireless connections like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. HDMI is great for high-quality video and audio, while USB can be useful for playing media directly from a flash drive. Wireless options offer the convenience of connecting without cables. Consider what devices you will be connecting and choose a projector with the appropriate connectivity options.
Throw DistanceThrow distance is the distance between the projector and the screen or wall, and it affects the size of the projected image. Pico projectors typically have short throw distances, meaning they can project a large image from a short distance. This is useful for small spaces. Check the throw ratio (e.g., 1.2:1) to understand how far the projector needs to be from the screen to achieve your desired image size. Choose a projector with a throw distance that fits your intended setup.
Built-in SpeakersBuilt-in speakers provide audio output directly from the projector, which can be convenient for portable use. However, the sound quality and volume of built-in speakers can vary. If you need good audio quality for movies or presentations, look for projectors with higher-quality built-in speakers or consider using external speakers. For casual use or small gatherings, basic built-in speakers may be sufficient.
PortabilityPortability refers to the size and weight of the projector, which affects how easy it is to carry around. Pico projectors are designed to be compact and lightweight, but there can still be variations. If you need to carry the projector frequently, look for a model that is small and light enough to fit comfortably in your bag or pocket. For more stationary use, portability may be less of a concern.

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