Any links to online stores should be assumed to be affiliates. The company or PR agency provides all or most review samples. They have no control over my content, and I provide my honest opinion.
The portable projector niche is quite interesting, with a lot of great choices. These are perfect for anyone that does have or doesn’t want a projector permanently mounted in their house. The portable nature gives you the flexibility to take them wherever you go. You could use it in the office for a presentation or use it outdoors for a movie night or watch the football.
While they are not very cheap, you get a lot of tech for the money, and they are surprisingly good.
I recently reviewed the superb BenQ GV30 portable projector, which is a 720P projector with 2.1 speakers, a built-in battery and Android 10.
Previously I reviewed the Anker Nebula Capsule II, which I’d say is not quite as good but still awesome.
BenQ GV30 Portable Projector
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BenQ GV30 LED Portable Ceiling Projector with Rotating Angle... | Buy on Amazon |
- Resolution: 1280×720
- Projection Ratio: 1.2:1
- Brightness: 300 ANSI Lumens
- Elevation Adjustment: 0-135°
- Keystone Correction: Automatic vertical ± 40 degrees
- Speakers: 2x4W & 8W woofer
- Battery: 2.5 hours video playtime & USB-C PD charging
- Android: Android 10, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage
- Weight: 1.6kg
- Approximate Price: £525
I am listing this first mainly because it is my most recent review, and I think it is a touch better than the Nebula Capsule II, which I have listed 2nd.
I prefer this to the Nebula Capsule II, due to the brighter image, making it easier to view when there is some light. The 2.1 speakers and the wide vertical adjustment give you the option to project vertically upwards or down to a table.
Anker Nebula Capsule II
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NEBULA Capsule II - Mini Projector, Portable Projector with... | £395.99 | Buy on Amazon |
- Resolution: 1280×720
- Projection Ratio: 1.2
- Brightness: 200 ANSI Lumens
- Elevation Adjustment: None, requires stand
- Keystone Correction: Auto Vertical
- Speakers: 1x8W
- Battery: 2.5 hours & USB-C PD charging
- Android: Android 9, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage
- Weight: 0.9kg
- Approximate Price: £455
Ankers subbrand Nebula has one of the most extensive ranges of portable projectors, and you should be able to find an option that suits your needs and budget.
The Capsule II sots at the top of the capsule range, and I’d probably give the original Capsule a miss due to its low resolution and low brightness.
Nebula Solar Portable
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anker NEBULA Solar Portable Projector, Full HD 1080p Smart... | Buy on Amazon |
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Projection Ratio: ?
- Brightness: 400 ANSI Lumens
- Elevation Adjustment: Small popout stand
- Keystone Correction: Auto (vertical ±40°) Manual (horizontal ±40°, Quadrilateral ±40°)
- Speakers: 2 x 3W
- Battery: 20,000mAh / 3 hours & USB-C PD charging
- Android: Android 9, 2GB RAM, 8GB storage
- Weight: 1.31kg
- Approximate Price: £599
I haven’t used the Nebula Solar Portable, but it seems to be one of the best overall specs for your money. Unlike the previous two options, this is 1080P, and it bumps up the brightness to 400 ANSI Lumen.
It doesn’t have the same flexibility for placement as the BenQ with a 13-degree angle vs 135 degrees, but it does have a ¼” threaded hole for a tripod on the bottom, which could alleviate this problem.
It also only has 2x3w speakers, which may be a little underpowered.
If you are not bothered about the benefits of a battery, you can get the standard Nebula Solar for just £400.
Nebula Mars 2 Pro
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NEBULA by Anker Mars II Pro 500 ANSI Lumen Portable... |
£299.00 | Buy on Amazon |
- Resolution: 1280×720
- Projection Ratio: 1.2:1
- Brightness: 500 ANSI Lumens
- Elevation Adjustment: None, requires stand
- Keystone Correction: Auto Vertical+Manual Horizontal
- Speakers: 2 x 10W
- Battery: 3 hours in battery mode
- Android: Android 7.1, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage
- Weight: 1.77kg
- Approximate Price: £392
The Mars branded projectors are still portable with battery power, but they are physically much larger. The Mars II Pro weighs more than double the Capsule II at 1.6Kg vs 0.72kg.
The RRP is the same as the Capsule II, but it is significantly brighter at 500 ANSI lumen with much more powerful 2× 10W speakers.
XGIMI Mogo Pro Plus
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XGIMI Mogo Pro Plus Mini Projector, FHD 1080P Portable... | Buy on Amazon |
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Projection Ratio: 1.2:1
- Brightness: 300 ANSI Lumens
- Elevation Adjustment: built in kickstand 0-30°
- Keystone Correction: 45° vertical and horizontal auto keystone correction
- Speakers: 2 x 3W Harman/Kardon, Dolby Audio, DTS-HD&DTS Premium Sound
- Battery: 2 to 4 hours of video playtime
- Android: Android 9, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage
- Weight: 0.9kg
- Approximate Price: £560
XGIMI may not have the same brand recognition as Anker or BenQ, but they are well known for projectors.
The Mogo Pro Plus is 1080p FHD with 300 ANSI lumen brightness and automative vertical and horizontal keystone correction.
It has a small kick out stand, giving you 0-30° elevation adjustment.
XGIMI Halo+
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XGIMI Halo+ 1080P Portable Projector, 4K Input Supported,... |
£749.00 | Buy on Amazon |
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Brightness: 900 ANSI Lumens
- Elevation Adjustment:
- Keystone Correction: 45° vertical and horizontal auto keystone correction
- Speakers: 2 x 5W Harman/Kardon, Dolby Audio, DTS-HD&DTS Premium Sound
- Battery: 59.4 Wh
- Android: Android 10.0, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage
- Weight: 1.6kg
- Approximate Price: £750
The Halo+ takes things up a notch, it is likely the best projector on this list, but it is also the most expensive. This has 1080p, but it claims to offer 900 ANSI Lumens, which is impressive for a projector costing £750.
You get 45° vertical and horizontal auto keystone correction which will make getting your picture aligned much easier.
ViewSonic M2
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ViewSonic M2 Full HD Smart Portable LED Projector for... |
£353.57 | Buy on Amazon |
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Projection Ratio: 1.23:1
- Brightness: 1200 LED Lumens / 500 ANSI lumen
- Elevation: Kickstand but no elevation data
- Keystone Correction: H:+/-30° , V:+/-40° doesn’t state if automatic
- Speakers: 2 x 3W Harman/Kardon
- Battery: No battery but USB-C charging
- Android: A custom version of Android
- Weight: 1.32kg
- Approximate Price: £599
The ViewSonic M2 has received some favourable reviews, and its high resolution and brightness make it quite appealing. However, the software running on the projector isn’t as good as Android TV, and there is no built-in battery, so you’d have to factor in the cost of a power bank if you want to take this mobile.
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
