Best portable projector for 2021 – CNET [CNET]

Summer is here, and a portable projector could be your next on-the-go entertainment companion. These little wonders make it possible to watch a movie while camping, or have a big-screen movie experience in your backyard — all without having to lug a big TV. A portable projector runs on batteries and is about the size of a large Bluetooth speaker. Most miniature projectors can stream Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video and other streaming services without having to add another device.

There are some downsides to a portable projector, though. One is that the mini projector picture quality is not very bright — you’ll only get a fraction of the brightness of a traditional home theater projector, so if you make the projection size too big, your image will be pretty dim. Further, too much ambient light may render your movie unwatchable. Another is that pocket projector generally offers lower resolution. Further, the portable projector batteries don’t have hours of life in them — if you’re careful, the mini projector battery should last for a single movie, but that’s it.

Read more: Portable projectors can create big images anywhere. Is one right for you?

If you’re never going to be far from an outlet and have a nice setup in your backyard with an external speaker, projector screen and more, one of our home theater projector picks will get you a much bigger, brighter and better image for similar money. But if you want something that’s tiny enough to fit just about anywhere, with all the possibilities battery power affords, these are the best portable mini projector options.

Read more: Projector setup tips: How to get the biggest, best image for movie night

More home theater recommendations

• Don’t buy a jumbo LCD TV, buy a projector
• Why you shouldn’t expect great HDR from a projector
• The big picture: Projection screen basics
• TV vs. projector: Which big screen makes the most sense for you?
• Best TV for 2021
• Best 75-inch TVs for 2021
• Best 65-inch TV for 2021: Samsung TV, LG, TCL and more
• Best universal remotes of 2021
• The best soundbar to buy for 2021
• Best TV streaming service for cord cutters
• Best portable projector with battery power for 2021: BenQ, Anker, LG and more
• Best home theater systems of 2021

As well as covering TV and other display tech, Geoff does photo tours of cool museums and locations around the world, including nuclear submarines, massive aircraft carriers, medieval castles, airplane graveyards and more. 

You can follow his exploits on Instagram and YouTube, and on his travel blog, BaldNomad. He also wrote a bestselling sci-fi novel about city-sized submarines, along with a sequel.