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Top 10 Best Portable Projectors in the UK 2020 (Acer, Kodak and More)

Top 10 Best Portable Projectors in the UK 2020 (Acer, Kodak and More)

A portable projector allows you to bring the magic of the silver screen into your living room, back garden, or even camping in the great outdoors. They're also great for children’s sleepovers and making memorable business presentations at work. There are many types to choose from; whether you want a pocket-sized mini projector or one that’s iPhone compatible, brands like Acer, Nebula and LG offer plenty of options.

Here, we've compiled a list of the best portable projectors to snap up from Amazon, eBay and Argos, ranking them with a handy breakdown of vital dimensions and specifications to help you get the best value for your budget. So with some popcorn at the ready, prepare to turn your space into the coolest new home cinema in town.

Last updated: 07-08-2020
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Portable Projector in the UK – Buying Guide

Your choice of portable projector will be influenced by a few factors. Depending on what you’re using it for, be it a home cinema, work presentation or a fun-filled sleepover for the kids in your life, there are some important details to consider before shelling out. Let's get stuck in.

Size Really Matters: Pico or Palm-Sized for Easy Transportation, LED for Stability and Great Resolution

First things first, the dimensions and weight of your projector should top your list of considerations. After all, you want it to be portable!

If compactness is top of your list, opting for a 'pico' or pocket projector might be preferable – they're around the size of a smartphone! On the downside, you will find that the brightness and definition suffer slightly with smaller models.

The next size up are palmtop projectors, which are slightly larger but still compact enough to slip into a bag. They also have a better quality projection, and more connectivity options. Finally, larger LED models. Though they won’t be as light or svelte, they have a superior image and sound quality and can often stand up sturdily by themselves.

Choose the Right Specs for the Best Image Projection

There are dozens of factors that can affect the image quality of your projected footage, and on top of this, the tech jargon surrounding it can get a little confusing! We're here to break it all down so you get the best visuals for your space and media.

Pick a Pixel Resolution to Match Your Media

Resolution refers to the level of detail you’ll see in the projected image, whereby the higher the resolution your projector provides, the crisper and clearer the image will be. You can check the resolution by looking at the number of pixels it uses.

The next thing to consider is the media you will be using alongside your projector. If you are planning to project DVD or BluRay, the overall resolution is higher, so it’s best to pick a projector with a resolution high enough to be compatible, like 1080 pixels. This figure is also ideal for smartphones.

If you are going to play content such as movies or presentations from your laptop, a lower resolution of 768 pixels may also be fine. As a general rule, avoid dipping below the 720 pixel mark.

That said, as technology advances over the years, a better investment may be a projector compatible with higher resolutions since your projector is likely to outlive laptops, BluRay, and other technology too. Consider the clearest resolution options if you want to stay ahead of the curve.

Check for Distortion Correction Based on Your Desired Placement

When you project an image onto an angled surface, it may appear distorted. Keystone correction is a feature which allows your projector to show a neat, rectangular image, even when the machine is placed too high up or awkwardly low down.

However, this is achieved by lowering the number of pixels, meaning it does slightly reduce the overall image quality. Here you have a couple of options: if your projector will be higher or lower than the space you’ll project on to, go for keystone correction.

If you refuse to sacrifice a crisp, vibrant image, go for no keystone correction. If you’re lucky enough to have a secure surface for your projector at just the right height, keystone projection won’t be necessary.

On a final note, keystone correction can be vertical or horizontal. Horizontal correction options are only usually found in projectors at the higher end of the price bracket, but this type of distortion can usually be corrected simply by moving the machine left or right as necessary.

Choose the Brightness in Lumen According to the Room You’ll Use

Will you be turning your moonlit back garden into a home cinema, or are you going to give the presentation of your career in a sunny seventh-floor office? Brightness is measured in lumen, so look for a higher number for better quality projections in daylight.

If you’re setting up a home cinema or you’re able to close office blinds and watch in complete darkness, fewer than 500 lumen will be perfectly sufficient.

Projectors with between 1000 and 1500 lumen don’t require quite as much darkness to produce a clear image, so if you can’t guarantee a total blackout, choose a device with this number or higher. If you want crisp, clear images that stand out in even the brightest of boardrooms, opt for a projector with 2000 lumen or more.

Go for a Contrast Greater than 1000:1 for a Clear Difference Between Dark and Light

As for contrast, it is simply the difference between the lightest and darkest parts of an image. Contrast is usually expressed in a ratio, so a 2000:1 contrast ratio means the white in an image is 2000 times brighter than the black part.

What this means for you is that the higher contrast ratio your projector has, the richer and more detailed the image you’ll see. There's a theme here!

The contrast ratio does not account for the way your projector will display shades of grey in between black and white, so a projector with a ratio of 40,000:1 doesn’t guarantee ten times better contrast than one with a ratio of 4,000:1. Nevertheless, for a rich image, try to find a contrast ratio of at least 1000:1.

Ideal Projection Size and Distance Depends Where You Put Your Projector

Next, consider the size of the projection produced and the distance it reaches based on where you plan to put your new gadget. Projection distance is usually known as the ‘throw ratio’ and is measured in metres, so think about who will be sitting where and in what space.

Screen size is measured in inches and refers to the diagonal length of the image. You may also spot the term ‘aspect ratio’ which simply tells you the screen shape, or width by height. Again, your choice will depend on the size of the space you’re hoping to fill – a huge garden wall will need a grander image than a snug office.

Connecting Your Projector: USB and HDMI for Reliability, WiFi to Go Cable-Free or MHL for Smartphones

Whether you prefer the freedom of wireless or the simplicity of physical cables, your choice will depend on what you need from your connection. WiFi means you won’t be tripping over wires, but it can be unreliable, whereas an SD card slot means you can load your media straight onto the projector wire-free.

USB or HDMI may feel like a more trustworthy option, especially if you’re using the projector for work, but you’ll have to remember to bring the correct cables.

Nowadays most projectors also have an MHL port which will allow you to connect your projector to your smartphone or tablet, or the ability to cast or 'mirror' your phone screen via technologies such as Miracast or Chromecast.

Long Battery Power Lets You Relax On the Go

There’s nothing worse than suddenly discovering the gadget you were relying on is close to keeling out, so make sure that the battery life suits the kind of usage you have planned, whether that's just one short presentation, a movie marathon or hours of gaming.

Battery power is measured in milliampere hours (mAh), which tells you the size of the current a battery can deliver over one hour. For normal use, try to go for at least 4000 mAh, but if this is not displayed you can simply note the estimated run time, which is usually from 2.5 to 5 hours for portable or mini projectors.

One thing to remember is that although many projectors can run from their internal battery or the mains, the brightness and quality of the image is usually much better when plugged in.

Top 10 Best Portable Projectors in the UK

So now you’ve thought about what you’ll need your projector for and how regularly you’ll be carting it about with you, here is our ranking of the best on the market this year. We hope you spot one you’ll love!

amazon.co.uk

GooDee Mini Portable Projector

£38.99

Ideal for Kids’ Parties

The best option for keeping the children entertained on busy bank holidays or for a way to calm down a hectic kids sleepover, the GooDee mini LED projector is pocket-sized, cheap and cheerful but still offers a 1080p resolution and plenty of connection capabilities including an SD card slot.

It also has the ability to run from its own power bank or the mains, so it can be set up either indoors for gaming or TV or outside for a fun outdoor activity. On the downside, whilst it does have HDMI and MHL ports, you will need to buy the adapter cables separately.

Dimensions	12 x 10 x 5 cm
Weight	120 g
Resolution	1080 pixels
Keystone Correction	No
Brightness & Contrast Range	400 lumen, 1000:1
Screen Size & Projection Distance	60″, 2 m
Connections	USB, HDMI, MHL, Firestick
Battery	Unspecified

amazon.co.uk

Apeman Pocket Size Mini Projector

NM4

£189.99

Compact Enough to Fit in Your Pocket

Tiny enough to hold in the palm of your hand and a barely-there 210 grams in weight, this portable projector beautifully illustrates the term ‘pocket-sized’, though you may prefer to slot it neatly into a briefcase or backpack for safety!

There's an included tripod too, to help you position the projector sturdily at any angle. Even with such a minimal size, the specs aren't too bad – 1080 pixels and a three-hour battery life from each charge, for example – although the lumen count is low so you'll need a very dark room for the best visuals.

Dimensions	9.8 x 9.8 x 2 cm
Weight	210 g
Resolution	1080 pixels
Keystone Correction	No
Brightness & Contrast Range	100 lumen, 1000: 1
Screen Size & Projection Distance	60", unknown
Connections	HDMI, USB, Miracast, TV stick
Battery	3400 mAh, 3 hours

amazon.co.uk

Nebula by AnkerMars II Pro Portable Projector

£569.99

Aesthetics and Function in One Portable Projector

The 'Pro' upgrade of Nebula's Mars II gives out a high definition image with brighter lumen (500 when running on mains, 200 on battery) and a reduced weight for better portability. It can connect wirelessly or be mirrored, meaning you can project easily from your smartphone or laptop wherever you are.

As well as dual speakers providing sharp, immersive audio, the Mars II Pro boasts Android 7.1, so you can download YouTube, Netflix, and other apps to stream straight through. It’s an investment, but a great pick for top-quality projections both at home and away.

Dimensions	18 x 12 x 18 cm
Weight	1.4 kg
Resolution	720 pixels
Keystone Correction	Horizontal and vertical
Brightness & Contrast Range	500 lumen, 2000:1
Screen Size & Projection Distance	150″, 4 m
Connections	USB, HDMI, WiFi, Miracast
Battery	3 hours

amazon.co.uk

KodakLuma 150 Pocket Projector

£249.99

A Sturdy Hand-Size Projector for Casual Use

The projections from this palm-sized machine reach over three metres – not bad for something so portable! It can be used easily with smartphones or other devices via the screen mirroring or HDMI ports, and has its own 1.5 W speaker.

Another draw is the one-touch operation – eliminating the need for remotes, the controls appear atop the projector with a tap. Perfect for seamless presentations! Plus, it's easily charged after 2.5 hours with a USB plug. 150 lumens is lower than some, but for simple TV or work-related projections, we think it's a good pick.

Dimensions	7.8 x 7.8 x 2.2 cm
Weight	455 g
Resolution	1080 pixels
Keystone Correction	No
Brightness & Contrast Range	150 lumen, 1500:1
Screen Size & Projection Distance	150″, 3.3 m
Connections	HDMI, USB, micro SD, Miracast
Battery	2.5 hours

LG CineBeam Portable Projector

PH550G

£394.56

Dimensions	101 x 17.3 x 4.3 cm
Weight	640 g
Resolution	720 pixels
Keystone Correction	No
Brightness & Contrast Range	550 lumen, 100000:1:
Screen Size & Projection Distance	100″, –
Connections	HDMI, USB, MHL, Bluetooth, coaxial
Battery	2.5 hours

johnlewis.com

OptomaLH200 Portable Projector,

£899.99

Unbeatable Performance for Professionals

If you're looking to invest in a top-of-the-line projector for business use, this is about as good as it gets. Though larger than some it's still considered portable, and the payoff is worth it: superior sharpness, brightness, richness, and quality with keystone correction for flawless displays.

As you would expect, there's a fully-kitted-out remote included, as well as plentiful connectivity options. Connect via HDMI, USB or Bluetooth, or even with the HDCastPro app to present straight from your smartphone.

Dimensions	5.7 x 28 x 19.2 cm
Weight	2.2 kg
Resolution	1080 pixels
Keystone Correction	Yes
Brightness & Contrast Range	2000 lumen, 200,000:1
Screen Size & Projection Distance	118″, –
Connections	USB, HDMI, Bluetooth, Smartphone app
Battery	12000 mAh, 2.5 hours

amazon.co.uk

Apeman Portable Mini Projector

LC350

£69.99

A Bargain Projector for Film and TV

Weighing just 740 grams, Apeman's Mini projector is just as portable as some of the more expensive models, yet still manages an advanced LED light source with a brightness of 4500 lumens and a great contrast ratio.

It's also HD-ready with dual speakers, and is compatible with any multimedia device you can think of, from laptops and phones to Xboxes and PlayStations. As it works best in no- or low-light environments and has a large projection distance of 4.5 m, it's perfect for home movie and TV marathons.

Dimensions	19.7 x 16.6 x 6 cm
Weight	740 g
Resolution	1080 pixels
Keystone Correction	No
Brightness & Contrast Range	4500 lumen, 2000: 1
Screen Size & Projection Distance	180″, 4.5 m
Connections	HDMI, WiFi, USB, micro SD, TV Stick
Battery	2500 mAh (1.5 Hours)

AcerLED Projector

C250i

£399.99

Top Pick for Phone Projection

Sturdy and stable, but light enough to move outdoors or fit in a travel bag if necessary, this free-standing projector works in perfect harmony with your smartphone, using wireless technology to project videos, images, livestreams and more in full HD.

With a clear 300 lumen brightness and able to project onto screens of 100 inches, this projector provides some top quality experiences whether home or away and gaming or streaming. 5 watt built-in speakers also guarantee fine, crisp sound via Bluetooth, and a 5 hour battery life means no interruptions.

Dimensions	9.8 x16.8 x 9.8 cm
Weight	600 g
Resolution	1080 pixels
Keystone Correction	No
Brightness & Contrast Range	300 lumen, 25,000:1
Screen Size & Projection Distance	100″, 1.2 m
Connections	USB, USBC, HDMI, MHL, wireless
Battery	9000 mAh, 5 hours

argos.co.uk

Nebula by AnkerCapsule HD Ready Smart Mini Projector

£349.99

Lightweight, Functional and the Size of a Drinks Can

This cylindrical-shaped projector is at once functional and extremely portable – it actually is the same size as a can of pop! Looks and size aside, the 360° speaker design makes for incredible sound, reaching even the farthest corners of your living room.

As well as a built-in battery which will provide you with up to 4 hours of mains-free movie magic on any flat surface, there's advanced DLP technology with Intellibright algorithms for rich, clear and bright imagery with a stunning contrast. Compatibility with many devices including Apple's Airplay tops off the package.

Dimensions	11.5 x 6.5 cm diameter
Weight	473 g
Resolution	480 pixels
Keystone Correction	Yes
Brightness & Contrast Range	200 lumen, 40000:1
Screen Size & Projection Distance	100″, –
Connections	USB, HDMI, micro SD, Airplay, Miracast, Bluetooth
Battery	20,000 mAh, 4 hours

amazon.co.uk

ViewSonicUltra-Portable Projector

M1 WVGA

£279.00

Clever Design, Great Specs, and Incredible Battery Life

That's right, ViewSonic's palm-sized M1 can provide up to 6 hours of juice per charge! And with the cleverly-designed foldaway built-in stand and carry case, it's the perfect travel companion whether camping or working away.

The keystone correction and dual Harman/kardon speakers make all the difference sound-wise, providing a fully-immersive experience whether you're projecting via the USBC, loading up the micro SD slot, or utilising its incredible 16GB of internal storage. A real winner that won't break the bank!

Dimensions	12.6 x 14.5 x 4 cm
Weight	689 g
Resolution	1080 pixels
Keystone Correction	Yes
Brightness & Contrast Range	250 lumen, 120000:1
Screen Size & Projection Distance	100″, 2.6 m
Connections	USC, HDMI, micro SD
Battery	6 hours

Compare the Best Portable Projectors

Image	1 ViewSonic	2 Nebula by Anker	3 Acer	4 Apeman	5 Optoma	6 LG	7 Kodak	8 Nebula by Anker	9 Apeman	10 GooDee
Name	Ultra-Portable Projector	Capsule HD Ready Smart Mini Projector	LED Projector	Portable Mini Projector	LH200 Portable Projector,	CineBeam Portable Projector	Luma 150 Pocket Projector	Mars II Pro Portable Projector	Pocket Size Mini Projector	Mini Portable Projector
Features	Clever Design, Great Specs, and Incredible Battery Life	Lightweight, Functional and the Size of a Drinks Can	Top Pick for Phone Projection	A Bargain Projector for Film and TV	Unbeatable Performance for Professionals	A Smart Palmtop Projector With Quality Images	A Sturdy Hand-Size Projector for Casual Use	Aesthetics and Function in One Portable Projector	Compact Enough to Fit in Your Pocket	Ideal for Kids’ Parties
Price	£279.00	£349.99	£399.99	£69.99	£899.99	£394.56	£249.99	£569.99	£189.99	£38.99
Dimensions	12.6 x 14.5 x 4 cm	11.5 x 6.5 cm diameter	9.8 x16.8 x 9.8 cm	19.7 x 16.6 x 6 cm	5.7 x 28 x 19.2 cm	101 x 17.3 x 4.3 cm	7.8 x 7.8 x 2.2 cm	18 x 12 x 18 cm	9.8 x 9.8 x 2 cm	12 x 10 x 5 cm
Weight	689 g	473 g	600 g	740 g	2.2 kg	640 g	455 g	1.4 kg	210 g	120 g
Resolution	1080 pixels	480 pixels	1080 pixels	1080 pixels	1080 pixels	720 pixels	1080 pixels	720 pixels	1080 pixels	1080 pixels
Keystone Correction	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	No	Horizontal and vertical	No	No
Brightness & Contrast Range	250 lumen, 120000:1	200 lumen, 40000:1	300 lumen, 25,000:1	4500 lumen, 2000: 1	2000 lumen, 200,000:1	550 lumen, 100000:1:	150 lumen, 1500:1	500 lumen, 2000:1	100 lumen, 1000: 1	400 lumen, 1000:1
Screen Size & Projection Distance	100″, 2.6 m	100″, –	100″, 1.2 m	180″, 4.5 m	118″, –	100″, –	150″, 3.3 m	150″, 4 m	60", unknown	60″, 2 m
Connections	USC, HDMI, micro SD	USB, HDMI, micro SD, Airplay, Miracast, Bluetooth	USB, USBC, HDMI, MHL, wireless	HDMI, WiFi, USB, micro SD, TV Stick	USB, HDMI, Bluetooth, Smartphone app	HDMI, USB, MHL, Bluetooth, coaxial	HDMI, USB, micro SD, Miracast	USB, HDMI, WiFi, Miracast	HDMI, USB, Miracast, TV stick	USB, HDMI, MHL, Firestick
Battery	6 hours	20,000 mAh, 4 hours	9000 mAh, 5 hours	2500 mAh (1.5 Hours)	12000 mAh, 2.5 hours	2.5 hours	2.5 hours	3 hours	3400 mAh, 3 hours	Unspecified
Link	View Amazon View eBay	View Amazon View John Lewis View Argos	View Amazon View eBay View Argos	View Amazon View eBay	View Amazon View John Lewis	View Amazon View eBay	View Amazon View eBay View Argos	View Amazon View eBay	View Amazon View eBay	View Amazon View eBay

More Top Tech Picks for Home Entertainment

Whether it's movies, gaming, music, or TV that gets you going, having the right equipment can make all the difference to your immersive experience. For more recommendations for top-quality audio and video tech, check out the links below!

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Summary

Now you have the guidelines to choose the portable projector which will be most appropriate your needs, you can get out there and get shopping for a great-value machine that will bring a whole vibrant world of moving images into your life and onto your walls.

Author: Annie Hopkins