Topplista: Best mini projector / portable projector

1. Epson EpiqVision EF-22

Despite being a few years old, Epson's EpiqVision EF-22 is still one of the better portable projectors on the market. It is also one of the larger ones, weighing 3 kg and measuring approximately 19.1 x 19.3 x 23.6 cm (W × D × H).

The image, however, is unusually good for this category, with a laser light source instead of a classic LED. This technology delivers a substantial brightness of 1000 ANSI lumens with HDR10 support. Still, results are noticeably better in a completely dark room than in a dimly lit environment. The image is produced via 3LCD technology where red, green and blue are generated by separate LCD panels, contributing to pleasant and natural colors.

Resolution is a decent Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) and the maximum projection size is up to 150 inches, although I'd say around 100 inches is the limit for a pleasant experience. The adjustment options are unusually good and with the help of the foot it's easy to choose the projection direction. As expected, features for autofocus, object recognition and automatic keystone correction are available.

The EF-22 runs Google TV, which as usual offers most apps, and the back of the projector has two HDMI ports for connecting additional playback sources. Fan noise during operation is comparatively low and the built-in speakers deliver relatively clear and distinct sound for their size, though proper bass is lacking.

Epson EpiqVision EF-22 suits those who want a really good mini projector and are okay with the size being somewhat larger relative to many other portable projectors, given its superior image quality and brightness.

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2. Nebula Mars 3 Air

Another excellent portable projector is the Nebula Mars 3 Air from Anker. This is also a Full HD projector (1920 x 1080 pixels) with more portable dimensions of 12.2 × 17.8 × 13.3 cm (W × D × H) and a weight of 1.7 kg. The projector also has a handy carrying handle on top for quick transport between spaces.

With a classic LED light source combined with the DLP technology commonly found in smaller projectors, the Nebula Mars 3 Air delivers a perfectly acceptable image as long as ambient light is relatively subdued. It doesn't have quite the same color punch as, for example, the Epson EF-22, but EF-22 is also much bulkier. The maximum brightness of the Nebula Mars 3 Air is 400 ANSI lumens and it supports HDR10. For the best possible image, it's recommended to skip preset modes and manually adjust contrast and color saturation.

A fun extra with the Nebula Mars 3 Air is that it has a built-in battery that allows up to 2.5 hours of operation. It is a shame, however, that there are no physical angle adjustment options. The automatic keystone correction is also somewhat lacking, which often requires placing the projector as straight as possible in front of the projection surface for the best image.

Software-wise, the Nebula Mars 3 Air uses Google TV and thus offers almost all conceivable streaming and TV apps. The back of the unit also has HDMI and USB-A inputs for connecting external sources. The built-in 8 W speakers sound reasonably loud and clear, though they lack real bass. Fan noise is acceptably low and does not significantly disturb movie watching.

Nebula Mars 3 Air is suitable for those who want a smaller projector with decent image quality and a built-in battery for quick and easy use.

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3. XGIMI Halo+

Another popular projector whose appearance and size almost resemble a Sonos speaker is the Halo+ from XGIMI. This is also a Full HD projector (1920 x 1080 pixels) with portable dimensions of 11.4 x 14.5 x 17.2 cm (W × D × H) and a weight of 1.6 kg. For its size, the Halo+ has a surprisingly high brightness of 700 ISO lumens (roughly comparable to 700 ANSI lumens).

Despite decent brightness, expectations should be tempered. The Halo+ performs best in a completely dark room where colors and contrast appear fairly good considering its small footprint—especially after some adjustments in the settings menus. Unfortunately, physical tilt adjustments for the projector are missing, so keep in mind it may need support to reach a particular projection surface. As expected, it does include automatic (and manual) keystone correction and autofocus to straighten and adjust the image based on angle.

Halo+ uses Google TV, offering most apps in the app ecosystem. On the back of the projector there are HDMI and USB-A ports. XGIMI has also equipped the Halo+ with a battery capable of delivering up to 2.5 hours of operation.

Add a decent sound with some hint of bass and a relatively quiet fan solution, and you have a pleasant portable projector suitable for meeting presentations as well as movie nights in a darkened living room.

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4. Samsung The Freestyle Gen 2

One of the better-known smaller projectors is undoubtedly Samsung's Freestyle series, currently up to version 2, officially called Gen 2.

This is a very small and lightweight projector, with dimensions and weight at 10.2 x 9.5 x 17.2 cm (W × D × H) and 830 grams. The adjustable foot provides very good placement flexibility, simplifying setup. As expected, there are automatic adjustments for keystone, focus and brightness.

Image performance from the Freestyle Gen 2 is acceptable, delivering an LED-based brightness of 230 ANSI lumens. Colors and contrast are adequate but significantly affected by the relatively low brightness, requiring a dark environment for a satisfactory experience. Contrast suffers quickly in brighter settings.

Internally, the Freestyle Gen 2 runs Tizen software—the same Samsung often uses on its TVs. In my opinion it's fine, though not as versatile as Google TV. Still, all common streaming and TV apps are available. One minor flaw is Samsung's choice to use Micro-HDMI instead of a full-sized HDMI port for external sources, often requiring an adapter to connect, for example, a laptop.

Sound from the built-in 5W speaker solution isn't exceptional but is sufficient for casual viewing. The built-in fan isn't particularly loud, though it does hum in the background.

Samsung The Freestyle Gen 2 suits those who want the smallest possible projector with good built-in streaming capabilities. The low brightness means it performs best (and almost requires) a dark room for a decent experience.

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5. Anker Cosmos 4K SE

If money is no object and you accept a somewhat larger size at 16.5 x 26.5 x 26.3 cm (W × D × H) and a weight of nearly projector-heavy 4.5 kg, there is also the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE (also from Anker). Like the Epson EpiqVision EF-22 at the top of the list, this one uses laser as a light source, combined with a classic LED. This enables an impressive brightness of 1,800 ANSI lumens.

Here we start to approach the level of a regular projector intended for more permanent installation. Even though the Cosmos 4K is fairly heavy, it has a similar carrying handle solution as its smaller sibling Mars 3 Air, which helps portability.

Image-wise, the Cosmos 4K is in a different class, offering 4K resolution along with strong colors and contrast levels in addition to its high brightness. It's not quite the same black level quality as a high-end TV, even in dark environments, but it's among the best images you can get from a portable projector.

As usual there are many image adjustment options such as automatic (and manual) keystone correction, autofocus and features to automatically adapt both screen size and brightness to the environment. Unfortunately, physical projection angle adjustments are missing.

Otherwise, very little is missing. Both image and sound are very good and the unit is relatively quiet. The operating system is Google TV and connectivity includes two HDMI ports and a USB-A port.

Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE suits those who are willing to spend a bit (or a lot) extra to get the best possible portable projector solution.

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