The last section of our Buyer’s Guide celebrates the best in ultra-portable projectors, combining built-in sound, smart features, and durability AND the convenience of a built-in battery. The very best in ultraportable projectors don’t need an external video source, a power cord, or external sound.
BenQ GS50 Portable LED Smart Projector
The BenQ GS50 portable projector is at home outdoors
The big brother GS50 shares many features with its smaller sibling the GV30. Both projectors offer a built-in battery with up to 2.5 hours of battery life. The GS50 and GV30 both come with BenQ’s QS01 Android TV (ATV) Dongle for HDMI media streaming. The QS0I Android TV Dongle is easily installed into the second HDMI input port, which is concealed under a dongle cover. The BenQ GS50 and GV30 both come with an attractive Heather Grey padded carrying case.
The brighter 500 ANSI lumen GS50 also steps up to Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution. The GS50 also offers a powerful 2.1 channel audio system with dual 5-watt midrange tweeters and a 10-watt woofer. The cabinet is specially designed to deliver 270 degrees of sound, no matter where your friends sit in the backyard, they’re going to hear cinematic sound effects, booming music, and even whispered conversations. And of course, like the GV30, the GS50 can be used as a handy portable Bluetooth speaker.
Realistic audio is combined with a realistic picture. Optimized picture modes powered by BenQ’s CinematicColor and 98% Rec. 709 offers a wide color range for more saturated and realistic color. The GS50 supports HDR10 and HLG so you’re going to get brighter highlights and not only deeper black details but more details in those dark areas.
BenQ GS50 Specs
Price
$799
Brightness
500 ANSI lumens
Resolution
1080 x 1920
Light Source
LED
Light Source Lifespan
30,000 hours (ECO mode)
Inputs
HDMI x 2, ARC
Portability – size
5.7 lbs
Portability – power
Up to 2.5 hours
Portability – smart
Android TV dongle
Portability - durability
IPX2, drop-resistant
Sound
2.1 channel with “Extra Bass” Can function as a Bluetooth speaker
The GS50 also has a worry-free durable design that is ergonomically designed for a rugged and active lifestyle. The GS50 is IPX2 splash-resistant, with light splashes being channeled out of the projector and splash-resistant film protecting the speakers. An IPX2 rating means the GS50 can resist water that hits the projector at a 15° angle or less. The testing for an IPX2 rating includes a test duration of 10 minutes and a water equivalent to 3mm rainfall per minute. The projector is also 2.3-foot drop-resistant thanks to its double protection of a 1mm-thick water-resistant TPU inner layer and a drop-resistant outer resin.
The GV30 is a smart all-in-one High Definition (HD) 1280 x 720p portable LED projector. The GV30’s brightness is rated at 300 ANSI lumens. The LED light source is rated to last up to 20,000 hours on Normal Mode and 30,000 hours on ECO Mode. A power outlet is not needed to enjoy the GB30 it has a built-in battery that is rated to last up to 2.5 hours.
The GV30 is more compact than its larger, heavier, more rugged GS50 big brother. Weighing less than 4 lbs and including a convenient carry strap, the portability of the GV30 makes it an excellent choice for neighborhood block parties, outdoor gyms, or office retreats.
With the Android TV Operating System with 5000+ native apps, the BenQ GV30 is ready to entertain. Smart features are seamlessly integrated. The on-screen menus are well laid out and easy to navigate. In addition, the GV30 has popular streaming apps like Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube. You can also instantly cast any content from your handy smartphone, tablet, or PC.
The BenQ GV30 flexes its ultraportable chops by adding a 2.1 channel sound system to its battery powered, light, and compact form factor. BenQ claims the GV30 was the world’s first portable 720p HD 2.1 channel projector featuring dual 4-watt midrange tweeters and a l 8-watt woofer. If you’re camping under the stars or watching flicks in the backyard, you’ll appreciate the unit's sound quality when listening to dialog and music, You can even use the GV30 as a portable Bluetooth speaker.
In addition to this powerful onboard sound system, you’ll also find optimized sound modes to improve the sound quality in movies, shows, sports, games, and music
BenQ GV30 Specs
Price
$599
Brightness
300 ANSI lumens
Resolution
1280 x 720
Light Source
Lamp
Light Source Lifespan
30,000 hours (ECO mode)
Inputs
HDMI x 2
Portability – size
3.53 lbs
Portability – power
Up to 2.5 hours
Portability – smart
Android TV dongle
Sound
2.1 channel with “Extra Bass” Can function as a Bluetooth speaker
GV31: Updated Version of the GV30
BenQ has introduced an updated version of its portable GV30 projector called the GV31. Both models are compact and designed for easy, on-the-go use, but there are some notable distinctions between them. The GV30 offers a native resolution of 720p (HD), while the GV31 has a higher 1080p (Full HD) resolution, providing sharper image quality, especially on larger screens.
In terms of brightness, the GV30 is rated at 300 ANSI lumens, while the GV31, however, is brighter at 450 ANSI lumens, meaning it will perform better in settings with more ambient light. For audio, the GV30 includes 2.1-channel Bluetooth audio with a built-in subwoofer, delivering richer sound with more bass. The GV31, by contrast, has 2-channel stereo sound but lacks the subwoofer, which may result in less bass and audio depth.
Both projectors share a similar portable, cylindrical design with built-in batteries. The GV30 emphasizes versatility with a 360-degree tilt and stand, allowing it to project at various angles. The GV31 offers higher resolution and more brightness, which justifies its higher price.
The Capsule 3 is the fifth and newest addition to Nebula's "Capsule" line of compact ultra-portable projectors. Nebula touts the Capsule series of projectors as providing an ultra-portable cinema experience that the company says is designed to transform any space into a movie theater, even outdoors. The Capsule 3 is a pocket-sized design, 50% smaller than comparable models from various manufacturers. It is designed to make on-the-go projection look great and easy to set up.
The user interface is another Capsule series highpoint, with some models running on Android OS and the Capsule 3 running Google TV OS, providing access to many streaming apps directly from the projector. This seamless integration of smart features, quality build, and exceptional portability make Nebula projectors a compelling choice for those looking to blend entertainment and mobility.
The Nebula Capsule 3 Laser is a portable compact projector with an integrated battery and retails for $799.99. It can reproduce Full HD (1920x1280) resolution and project images up to 120”. While most portable projectors rely on LED light sources, the Nebula Capsule 3 Laser utilizes a laser light source rated to deliver 300 ANSI lumens which is impressive for its compact size.
The projector is nearly the same size as your typical canned beverage. Due to its compact size, the Capsule 3 Laser can be quickly moved from place to place. In addition, the Nebula Capsule 3 Laser will automatically focus and apply keystone correction when the unit is pointed at an angle or bumped out of alignment if you enable the setting.
The XGIMI Halo is a smart 1080P DLP projector that offers exceptional brightness for a portable unit. The Halo has a rated brightness of 600-800 lumens. You will enjoy 600 lumens when the Halo runs off its internal battery and the full 800 lumens with the Halo plugged into an AC outlet.
The Halo has a small rectangular shape. It weighs only 3.52 lbs and is 4.47 inches x 5.71 inches by 6.75 inches. It utilizes a highly efficient LED light source, which allows the Halo to project bright and clear images for its entire LED lifespan of 30,000 hours. Halo is a DLP projector that can deliver a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The XGIMI Halo also supports video formats of up to 4K Ultra HD.
The Halo is powered by Android TV, you have apps and capabilities that are also found in a Smart flat panel TV. Halo includes Google Assistant, which allows you to control the projector with your voice. Simply press and hold the only colored button on the remote, the Google Assistant mic button, and you are ready to operate the Halo. Some of the things you are able to use voice control for would be to ask the projector to “Go to my projector settings” or “Play music.”
With Android TV built in, the Halo provides seamless access to popular streaming services, including Hulu, HBO Max, and YouTube, right out of the box. The Halo with the Android TV OS makes it easy to access the streaming entertainment you enjoy.
The Halo also has a built-in media player and that can access files via its USB inputs. The USB input can be used to play back many different types of media (videos, MP3, photos, etc.). The USB input on the Halo can also be used to connect other tools, such as a keyboard, game controller, or mouse.
XGIMI Halo Specs
Price
$799
Brightness
600 – 800 ANSI lumens
Resolution
1920 X 1080
Light Source
LED
Light Source Lifespan
30,000 hours
Inputs
HDMI 1.4/2.0 input, 1 USB 2.0
Portability – size
Weighs less than 4 lbs
Portability – power
8 hours of music, 4 hours of video playback
Portability – smart
Android TV
Sound
Two 5-watt Harman Kardon built-in speakers
The Halo has two 5-watt Harman Kardon built-in speakers, located on the sides of the unit. The speakers provide good sound for a portable projector and are loud enough for an average-sized room. When you use the included remote to change the volume, the level is conveniently displayed on-screen.
For maximum portability, the Halo is equipped with a built-in battery which, according to XGIMI, allows up to eight hours of music playback or up to four hours of video playback time. This really enhances the unit’s portability and makes it a great option for a backyard theater or watching a movie at a campsite.
The Wemax Dice is a 1080p Full HD 4LED projector rated at 700 ANSI lumens. The 4LED-light source is rated to last up to 30,000 hours of light source life, providing years of maintenance-free operation.
This remarkably sized mobile projector is powered by Android TV OS and supports the Google Play app store, unlike other Wemax projectors I’ve reviewed. The Dice is loaded with popular streaming apps such as Amazon Prime Video, HULU, HBO Max, AppleTV+, Paramount+, Peacock, and YouTube, provided through the Google Play application store. I experienced no issues getting any applications I downloaded to run on the projector.
The Wemax Dice has decent out-of-the-box color accuracy compared to other portable projectors I’ve reviewed. The Dice is not a home theater projector but offers some useful, out-of-the-box picture preset modes. I especially like the Movie and Standard presets. The Dice can reproduce 100% of the Rec.709 color gamut displaying over 16.7M distinct colors.
The projector’s brightness is more than enough when using it in a darker space, which lets it shine. However, the image will dim if you introduce even a small amount of light into the room.
The ASUS ZenBeam L2 is a portable smart LED projector that offers a battery-powered big-screen movie experience in a surprisingly small package. With 960 lumens and a 1080p resolution, this small projector is another entry in this growing marketplace for miniature portable projectors. ASUS has created a compact and aesthetically pleasing product that will look good sitting on a nightstand, and be easy to bring with you for movie nights away from home. However, despite the impressive brightness, colors, and portability, this projector has as many oddities as it does features.
With the primary goal of being portable, this projector’s strongest features are its small size and simple design. Like other projectors in this category, the ASUS ZenBeam L2 is a smart projector. However, the smart features are powered by an included Android TV Box from HAKO mini which creates a conflicting user experience that is far from seamless.
Project an image of up to 120” with a battery life of up to 3.5 hours. For sound, you’ll be listening to the built-in harmon/kardon 10w speaker. The included ports give you all of the basic connectivity options, including USB and HDMI inputs. Use the included carrying handle to bring the ASUS ZenBeam L2 with you wherever you go, with no need for any additional accessories. If you do have accessories to take along, the carrying case is a nice touch that has room for the projector, along with some extra space for a few other things.
The Nebula Mars 3 is a portable smart projector that retails for $1099.00. It can deliver 1080P resolution and has a rated brightness of 1000 ANSI lumens. It is equipped with a high-capacity battery power bank large enough to deliver up to 5 hours of viewing and it can be used to charge mobile smart devices.
In the world of projectors, there is an emerging new subcategory: battery-powered portable projectors. While there have been a few attempts at getting this right, these products often come with the drawback of low resolution, poor battery life, or a lamp that struggles with brightness.
The Nebula Mars 3 is the first product I’ve seen that can produce a decent portable movie-watching experience. In terms of brightness, battery life, and speakers, this projector is one of the best solutions in this niche category. This Nebula projector is made by Anker, which has had a strong focus on Laser projectors in the last few years.
While producing a 1080p image, the Nebula Mars 3 is able to give you 1,000 lumens of brightness for the entire duration of a standard-length movie, using the built-in battery. This projector is ultimately designed for convenient outdoor use, in situations where you might be camping, going on a road trip, or just having a casual backyard movie night. By including a large battery, really good speakers, and Android TV 11, this is a complete all-in-one solution that will let you bring the home theater experience with you.
Nebula Mars 3 Specs
Price
$1099 MSRP
Brightness
1000 ANSI lumens
Resolution
1920 x 1080 pixels (1080p)
Light Source
LED
Light Source Lifespan
25,000 hours
Portability – size
9.9 lb
Portability – power
Long 5-hour battery life on eco mode
Portability – smart
Android TV 11 OS
Sound
Great built-in 40w speakers with Bluetooth speaker mode
The Samsung Freestyle is a portable smart LED projector that retails for $799. At first glance, the projector seems expensive based on its basic specs. However, the freestyle is one of the best thought-out portable projectors that we have ever reviewed. It is now also on our list of best projectors under $1000!
Samsung is one of the world’s leading flat-panel TV manufacturers, but there are some applications where a projector is a better display solution. But, the Freestyle is not targeted at the traditional projector customer. Its unique combination of features and optional accessories are designed to make the benefits of projection attractive to more customers.
“The Freestyle is a one-of-a-kind projector geared towards ultimate versatility and flexibility to meet the consumers’ changing lifestyles,” said Simon Sung, Executive Vice President and Head of the Sales & Marketing Team of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “Without the limitation in space and form factor, The Freestyle is a fun and versatile device that can be used in any way consumers prefer.”
Samsung The Freestyle Specs
Price
$799 MSRP
Brightness
Not Listed
Resolution
1920 x 1080
Light Source
LED
Light Source Lifespan
20,000 hours
Portability – size
1.60 (no stand)
Portability – power
The optional battery base can power the unit for up to 3 hours
Portability – smart
Same smart functionality as many Samsung televisions
