Tired of streaming movies through your tablet but you cannot afford a 4K TV? Do you want to stream high-quality videos on the go, especially during camping? If so, then getting yourself one of the best mini projectors could well be the solution to your current predicament.

Projectors today are not bulky, heavily wired, and loud as they once used to be. As with everything else in the consumer electronics realm, they have evolved too. They are smaller, highly streamlined, and their performance has significantly improved. Now they can fit into the palm of your hand and seem to have found their way to corporate, entertainment, and even business spaces. Now you can have a large screen anywhere that you go.

However, selecting one from the plethora of mini projectors available can feel quite overwhelming. That is why we took the liberty to scour the internet for you and put together a list of the best mini projectors below. We also highlighted some of the things you should consider while buying one, so you can make an informed decision. Once you’ve finished reading through this guide, you’ll be able to find the best mini projector for you!

Editors choice

1. Anker Nebula Capsule

9.95 / 10

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While it might not be the highest fidelity projector in the market today, the Anker Nebula Capsule projector remains a reliable portable beamer for individuals who do not prefer lugging around a massive device. As a mini projector, the Nebula Capsule packs a maximum brightness of about 500 Lumens, which is a bit on the downside in comparison to the standard projector. Despite this, its picture quality is still decent thanks to its 854 by 480 pixels resolution. It also runs on an operating system that is similar to that of Android TV, Android 7.1, allowing you to play music through its speaker mode for up to 30 hours of playback.

In terms of size and design, the Nebula Capsule is probably one of the most portable projectors in the market. It might look different from other standard projectors, but its cylindrical shape gives it a fun look while giving you an option to choose its black or red models.

On its top side, you will notice all the controls, which are the volume controls, power button, and a switch button that allows you to alternate between Bluetooth speaker mode and projector mode.

The Nebula Capsule also comes with a remote control that assists you in navigating and operating the projector right from your seat.

Key Features

  • 360-degree speaker
  • Incorporates Android 7.1 operating system that runs media apps seamlessly
  • Suitable for home entertainment
  • Remarkable clarity and contrast
Specifications

  • Input Type: Screen Mirroring, USB, Bluetooth, HDMI, Wi-Fi
  • Resolution: 854 by 480
  • Brightness (In Lumens): 500
  • Dimensions: 2.68 by 2.68 by 4.72 inches
  • Brand: Anker
Pros

  • Can act as a stand-alone Bluetooth speaker
  • It can project images, videos, and games as well as play music
  • Great audible speakers
  • Long battery life
  • Multiple control methods
  • Runs Android 7.1
  • Reasonably priced
Cons

  • Uninspiring resolution and brightness
  • Audio distortion at high volume
  • Does not support Netflix or Amazon Prime projection
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Premium pick

2. DR. J Professional HI-04 Mini Projector

9.94 / 10

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Measuring 7.8×2.7×6.02 and 3lbs, the DR. J professional is not exactly pocket size, but it is one of the most compact units around. The design is, however, quite ergonomic. The play, pause, volume, and forward buttons are conveniently located on the top, while the keystone button is right behind the lens.

In regards to connectivity, the DR.J Professional HI-04 projector offers you pretty excellent options. It is equipped with HDMI, USB, Micro SD, and AV inputs, allowing you to connect your video game consoles, both android and smartphones, TV, PCs, and any other device you may have in question.  For a budget projector, the DR.J Professional HI-04 projector delivers some pretty impressive performance.

It has a native resolution of 1280×72 pixels and supports 1080p resolution and an enhanced ratio of 3800 to 1. Add in the healthy diffuse technology, and you won’t have to worry much about light pollution, making it an especially awesome projector if you will be watching for prolonged periods.

It projects images at 32 and 170 inches at a throw distance of between 1M and 5M. This is quite a large screen for those who like to enjoy an all-immersive viewing experience. We love that it has been equipped with a five-layer LCD lens, which further enhances clarity, and makes your viewing experience even more smooth-sailing.

The projector also features an advanced fan cooling system, which means it operates silently and does not overheat. Besides, the customer care team from DR-J is highly responsive and supportive. So, if you ever run into a problem, you can always contact them for assistance.

Key Features

  • Supports1280x720P
  • Contrast ration: 3800:1
  • Image Projection Size: 32inches to 170inches
  • Keystone button
Specifications

  • Input Type: TV BOX, HDMI, USB, SD, AV
  • Resolution: 1280×720
  • Brightness (In Lumens): 3,800
  • Dimensions: 7.8×2.7x 6.02
  • Brand: DR.J Professional
Pros

  • Equipped with healthy diffuse technology
  • Large screen projection
  • Compact enough for travel
  • Long lamp life
Cons

  • Low-quality audio
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Best value

3. AuKing Mini Projector 2020 Upgraded Portable Video Projector

9.50 / 10

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Looking for a mini projector that supports a long lamp life, Auking’s upgraded video projector is a worthwhile investment. With up to 55,000 lamp life, you can watch as many programs for approximately 15 years without changing the lamp. What’s more, its efficient cooling system keeps the device cool and ensures the projector extends the bulb life to the indicated 55,000 hours.

Since it’s an upgraded version of a previous model from Auking, it sports some new features. The most notable is the improved brightness that enhances your viewing experience. It has been increased by 35%, enabling the projector to deliver more vibrant images. What’s more, the intensity does not fade away even on large screens as it is equipped for 32-170 inches projection display size within 1-5m of projection distance. The sound quality is pretty impressive regardless of the projection distance. The built-in speakers deliver excellent sound quality, but you can supplement it with an external speaker, depending on your sound requirements.

The projector also comes equipped with a range of ports that enhance its versatility. This means you can connect your smartphone to share and view pictures, stream TV series, and watch football matches. Also, it is compatible with tablets, X-Box One, and USB drives.

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Key Features

  • 55,000 hours of lamp life
  • Built-in speakers
  • 35% brighter
  • 2000:1 contrast ratio
Specifications

  • Input Type: VGA,USB, Laptop,Smartphone, HDMI, AV
  • Resolution: 1080P
  • Brightness (In Lumens): 2,600
  • Dimensions: 3.15 x 6.69 x 7.68 inches
  • Brand: Auking
Pros

  • Extremely bright images
  • Long lamp life
  • Long projection distance
Cons

  • Low resolution
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4. VANKYO LEISURE 3 Mini Projector

9.96 / 10

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Vankyo projectors are renowned for having a friendly price tag but an excellent performance, and the Vankyo Leisure 3 mini projector sure lives up to the brand’s reputation. It packs a string of fantastic functionality specs but doesn’t cost too much. Coming in at 2.1 pounds and measuring only 7.5×5.8×2.7, the Vankyo Leisure 3 projector is a perfect fit for anyone who’s always on the move, as it is pretty compact. Besides, it comes with a carrying case, which makes moving it around even easier.

It is also quite aesthetically pleasing, and for a projector, its size offers you quite some excellent connectivity options as it features HDMI, USB, AV, VGA, and even an audio-in port. This means you can connect it to your gaming console, your smartphone, your laptop, and an array of other devices.

As far as performance is concerned, the Vankyo Leisure 3 mini projector also does quite a great job. It has a native resolution of 800x480P but supports 1920x1080P resolution and it is equipped with the MStar advanced color engine, which means it projects quite quality images. A fascinating bit, however, is that it has a maximum screen size of 170inches and a throw distance between 4ft and 16ft. This is quite a big screen, and if you are in optimal lighting conditions, it provides quite the movie theatre experience. However, the recommended screen size is 90inches, at a throw distance of about 6.5 inches. Note: Vankyo Leisure 3 is a plug-in projector, which means although highly portable, you’ll always need a source of power.

Key Features

  • Throw distance: 4.9 to 16.4ft
  • 4W Stereo speakers
  • Image Projection size: 32 to 176inches
  • Single-chip LCD technology
Specifications

  • Input Type: TV BOX, HDMI, USB, AV, VGA, TF Card
  • Resolution: 800x480P
  • Brightness (In Lumens): 2,400
  • Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.9 x 3.1 inches
  • Brand: Vankyo
Pros

  • Large screen size
  • Supports 1080P resolution
  • Long battery life
  • Features fan suppression system
Cons

  • Plug-in projector
  • Doesn’t support Dolby sound
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5. TOPVISION Projector

9.80 / 10

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Upgrade your home viewing experience with TopVision’s new mini projector. With a lumen output of 3600, a long lamp life of 50,000 hours, and high contrast ratio, you are confident about enjoying the ultimate cinematic experience at the comfort of your house. Its high contrast ratio of 3000:1 means it delivers pretty vivid images.

Apart from its ability to project high-quality images, the device doubles up as a multi-media home projector. This is because you can use the projector to stream programs and videos from your smartphone, game console, TV stick, and PS3/4, thanks to the HDMI input port. It also has VGA/SD/USB ports allowing you to plug in a DVD player, PC, Chromecast to stream your desired programs. Also, its projection distance is unrivaled. With a projector distance of 1.5-5.2 meters, you can mount the device as far as you want without compromising the viewing quality.

What’s more, it has a HiFi stereo built-in, so you don’t need to use an external speaker to amplify the sound. The speakers deliver all the sound effects of different scenes so you won’t miss out on that authentic cinematic viewing experience. Moreover, the fan cooling system has been designed to muffle all the cooling noise during projection.

Key Features

  • 1.5-5.2 meter projection distance
  • 3000:1 contrast ratio
  • 50,000 lamp life
  • HiFi stereo speaker
Specifications

  • Input Type: TV Box , HDMI, USB, Fire Stick, ,VGA,USB, Laptop, DVD
  • Resolution: 1080P
  • Brightness (In Lumens): 3,600
  • Dimensions: 7.36 x 5.87 x 3.07 inches
  • Brand: TOPVISION
Pros

  • Long projection distance
  • High lumen output
  • Great sound quality
Cons

  • Does not play video from Apple TV app
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6. QKK 2020 Upgrade QK01 4500Lux Mini Projector

9.60 / 10

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You’ve probably wished you had a larger screen during movie nights to create a cinematic ambiance. However, don’t fret; with this upgraded mini Projector from QKK, you can create a similar setting. It is an LED projector that’s 20% brighter, has a 1080P resolution, and can support a 32-176’’, hence a perfect accompaniment for movie nights, parties, and when playing games. Besides, the device projects clear images at a five-meter distance, making it a perfect projection device for outdoor events.

QKK Mini Projector comes equipped with a lumen output of 2,200, which means it performs pretty well in bright and dark spaces. And with a contrast ratio of 2000:1, you don’t need to worry about the sharpness of the image as the projector displays incredibly sharp images. What’s more, its five-layer LCD allows you to watch movies or other programs for long hours without fatigue. This is because its display emits diffuse LED light that protects your eyes. Moreover, it comes with a portable tripod that allows you to mount and display images on other surfaces for more comfortable viewing.

As for its compatibility, this mini projector is the true meaning of a multi-functional device. It is equipped with SD Card, HDMI, VGA, and AV ports allowing you to use it with PCs, Chromebooks, Laptops, Media Players, SD Card, TV Box, USB Flash Drive, among other devices.

Key Features

  • 5W built-in speaker
  • 50,000 hours LED Life
  • 1.5-5 screen display distance
  • 2 USB ports
Specifications

  • Input Type: HDMI, TV Box, SD, AV, VGA, USB
  • Resolution: 1080P supported
  • Brightness (In Lumens): 2,000
  • Dimensions: 9.5 x 9.2 4.4 inches
  • Brand: QKK
Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Long display distance
  • Long lamp life
Cons

  • Lacks Bluetooth connectivity
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7. 3600L Hompow Portable Video Projector

8.80 / 10

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Apart from the Homopow Portable video projector being one of the best mini-projectors on the market today in terms of quality, the projector connects to any iPod, iPhone, and Android smartphone with an MHL cable. Also, this projector can support other devices such as a DVD, TV, USB stick, PC, PS4, among many others. The Homopow Portable video projector projects a 1080p HD display, 3600 Lumens, and has a 2000:1 contrast ratio. In reality, its high resolution is one of its outstanding features that captures the attention of many customers. It offers large-TV video quality.

Despite its compact size, the projector has a lamp life of about 50,000 hours, meaning it has a lifespan of about 30 years.

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The Homopow Portable video projector also has upgraded noise reduction technology that allows you to concentrate on the movie or video you are watching. Furthermore, it comes with a 50-176 inches HD screen that is suitable for watching videos or playing games. Thanks to its keystone correction feature, the picture and video quality are enhanced further.

Key Features

  • Supports multimedia devices
  • Friendly noise reduction design
  • Portable and compact
  • Supports 1080p HD display
  • Easy to set up, adjust, and comes with a 2-year customer service guarantee
  • Has a 30-year lifespan
Specifications

  • Input Type: HDMI, USB, VGA, TV stick, and TV Box
  • Resolution: 1080p
  • Brightness (In Lumens): 3,600
  • Dimensions: 7.3 by 5.8 by 2.8 inches
  • Brand: Homopow
Pros

  • Easy to set up and use
  • High image resolution
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Supports a wide range of devices
  • Noise reduction technology
  • Reliable
Cons

  • Compatibility issues with some smartphones
  • Speaker not loud enough
  • Needs a dark room for optimum performance
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8. Vamvo L4200 Portable Video Projector

8.70 / 10

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The Vamvo L4200 Portable Video Projector is a great projector that does not just have superior broadcasting capabilities but also has a sleek design that is covered with a smooth metallic exterior. The Vamvo L4200 Portable Video Projector comes with a carrying bag that is made to fit perfectly to assist you in moving with it anywhere you want with just one quick pull of the handle.

The projector broadcasts videos at 1080p resolution with clarity and brightness that is unmatched in the market to give you an excellent viewing experience at a reasonable price tag. In regards to sound, the Vamvo L4200 Portable Video Projector has in-built speakers to supply you with audio but also gives you an option to use additional speakers. As a result, you are sure to get a fantastic sound quality that is clear and well-balanced.

Key Features

  • Portable size and weight with the latest lighting innovations
  • Big screen and in-built speakers
  • Reliable video and image quality
  • Professionally designed as an HD video projector for home entertainment
Specifications

  • Input Type: HDMI, VGA, AV and USB
  • Resolution: Full HD 1080p
  • Brightness (In Lumens): 3,800
  • Dimensions: 10 by 6.5 by 3 inches
  • Brand: Vamvo
Pros

  • Compatible with iPhone and Fire TV
  • Has VGA, HDMI, and twin USB ports
  • Comes with a 200-inch screen
  • High-quality resolution images
  • Small and portable yet has 50,000 hours of lamp life
  • Its in-built dual stereo speakers are built with the latest SRS technology
  • Comes with a 2-year warranty and a 3-month money-back guarantee
Cons

  • Zoom is fixed prompting manual movement for the best fit
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9. PVO Portable Projector

9.20 / 10

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Are you looking for a value-packed projector? The PVO Portable Projector won’t disappoint you. Forget the ‘for kids’ marketing; this projector has exceptional performance for its price and size. First, its lightweight construction and small size make it an excellent accompaniment for hike-in overnighters and those looking for a mini-projector. Even kids can carry it to watch videos and movies when camping, traveling, and engaging in other outdoor activities.

And if you’re wondering if it can project images far distances, you shouldn’t be. The device can project a maximum of 150 inches which is pretty reasonable for its size and price range. What’s more, the images are pretty bright thanks to its YG300 Pro upgraded feature. It enhances the projector’s resolution allowing it to project images in 1080P full HD. Also, its natural resolution has increased to 640*360, and the color saturation and brightness of the projected images have improved.

This means you can project clear images in a dark room, especially when powering the device from a wall outlet. And the closer you set the projector to the surface, the brighter the picture. As for the sound quality, it isn’t too loud. The projector has a small speaker at the back that’s pretty loud. It might not match the stereo sound, but it does a good job without adding an external speaker.

As for its connectivity, the PVO Portable Projector boasts multiple interfaces. It has TF and AV interfaces, HDMI, Micro SD, USB, and audio ports. This means you can connect laptops, TV boxes, digital cameras, desktop computers, and other media devices.

Key Features

  • Projects 150 inches away
  • Multiple ports
  • YG300 Pro upgraded
  • Can be powered by a car charger, phone charger, or power pack via micro-USB
Specifications

  • Input Type: USB, HDMI, TF, Audio, Micro SD
  • Resolution: 640 by 360
  • Brightness (In Lumens): N/A
  • Dimensions: 5.63 x 3.78 x 2.13 Inches
  • Brand: PVO
Pros

  • Great value for money
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Great for kids too
Cons

  • Low brightness
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10. MOOKA WiFi Projector

9.00 / 10

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More and more consumers are adding large-screen TVs to their entertainment hubs. While they certainly make one’s viewing experience more enjoyable, you can’t compare it to using a projector. It gives viewers a cinematic experience, so you never need to visit the cinema to catch the latest titles.

The MOOKA Wi-Fi projector takes your viewing experience a notch higher. You don’t have to use a million cables to connect it to a source (TV, laptop, or other media device); simply connect it to your home Wi-Fi to start streaming your favorite movie. Since there are no cable connections, it’s easy to suspend it from the ceiling for an edgier viewing experience.

Its Wi-Fi connectivity already makes it versatile because you can stream films from multiple devices, including smartphones and tablets. Sometimes the Wi-Fi network isn’t always strong, and you need to make manual connections. MOOKA knows this all too well and equips the projector with USB, AV, and HDMI ports.

One feature that makes this projector stand out is its brightness. It has a brightness rating of 7500 lumens, supporting a resolution of up to 1080P. This means its picture quality is sharper and clearer than most mini-projectors within this price range.

As for its sound quality, it isn’t as great as we expected. It might be enough to play or watch games, but you probably need to connect to an external speaker if watching a film or listen to music.

Key Features

  • Supports wireless streaming
  • Hi-Fi dual stereo speakers
  • Multiple screen setups
  • LED Display
Specifications

  • Input Type: Wi-Fi, TV Box, HDMI, AV, USB, iOS and Android Smartphone
  • Resolution: 1280 x 720
  • Brightness (In Lumens): 7500 lumens
  • Dimensions: 8.58 x 6.85 x 3.77 inches
  • Brand: MOOKA
Pros

  • Long lamp life
  • Good image quality
  • Compatible with multiple devices
Cons

  • Can’t be used during daylight hours
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COVID-19 has completely changed the world’s dynamics. One can’t even go to the movie theaters without feeling insecure. If you’ve missed the movie theater experience, then you should get yourself the best mini projector and enjoy it right from the comfort of your home.

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Now, you can stop worrying about going out if you want a large-screen, movie-going experience. You could even invite some friends, make some popcorns, and it automatically becomes movie night. But before you do, keep in mind that mini projectors may be better than what the old, bulky projectors were, but they aren’t a one-size-fits-all.

What To Look For In The Best Mini Projectors

To get only the best, start by reviewing the throw distance. Usually, the further the throw distance, the larger and better the image projected will be. However, modern mini projectors have been calibrated to project a larger image even when near the wall.

Throw distance aside; you also have to consider the brightness. This is particularly crucial because images produced by projectors are usually subject to light pollution. That is why in the past, you could only use a projector in a dark or dimly lit room. Even though they are much better now, they remain susceptible to light pollution.

The rule of the thumb is to get a brighter projector for better image quality. But remember, there’s a downside. The brighter the projector, the shorter the battery life will be. Also note, most projectors are usually compatible with high definition content, but only a few can project in HD. What this means is you may come across an HD-compatible projector, but the native resolution of images produced is incredibly grainy.

Another vital factor to consider while buying the best mini projector for you is the number of ports. If you’re going to use it to transform your wall into a movie theater during movie nights or for gaming, you want enough ports so you can connect other devices. But unfortunately, due to their small size, here’s where mini projectors fall short because their small size means they cannot accommodate many ports. However, some manufacturers will outdo themselves and include a few extra ports. While shopping for one, be on the lookout for such if you want the best mini projectors. Other essential factors to consider while shopping for the best mini projector include the quality of the built-in speakers, as well as the battery runtime. We ran through the various options in the market using these considerations. With our top picks for the best mini projectors, you will likely make the perfect choice.

FAQ

Q: Can you watch Netflix on a mini projector?

Yes. Watching Netflix on the best mini projector is actually a fun and immersive experience since it offers a cinema-like viewing experience. To watch Netflix on the best mini projector, you can either install the app directly (this only works for smart projectors), use your laptop/PC, smartphone, gaming console, or home theatre. To watch via your laptop or PC, you will need to set the projector as the display device through the display settings on the device. To stream Netflix on your projector via your smartphone, install the app first, and then connect your phone to your projector via an HDMI adapter. 

Q: What is the difference between the best mini projector and a regular projector?

The primary difference between the two is size. Mini projectors as the name implies are smaller than regular projectors. That means unlike their variants, they ship with a built-in battery and a speaker, and they also feature fewer inputs. This makes them incredibly convenient to use on the fly since they are easy to carry, and do not require additional audio sources. Besides size, another difference between regular and the best mini projectors is price. Mini projectors are typically cheaper than regular projectors. So, which is better? If you’re looking for convenience and portability, the best mini projectors are the way to go.

Q: How many lumens do I need?

The answer to this largely depends on the application in question. If you will be using your projector for personal viewing, for instance while at home, you will probably keep ambient light at minimum. If this is the case, then you need to opt for a mini projector with at least 1500 lumens. But if you plan on using your mini projector for a professional project presentation in a conference room, or a room with a window, a mini projector with 2500 lumens will work. The rule of the thumb when it comes to all projectors is the higher the lumen rating, the brighter the projection. 

Q: Which is better: DLP, LED, or LCD mini projector?

This depends on your preferences and budget. DLP mini projectors utilize a chip made of microscopic mirrors, and a spinning color wheel to form images. They deliver sharp, crystal-clear images at all times, and do not require any filters. They have a long lamp life, and a better response time. They however feature quite an expensive price tag and use a lot of power. LCD projectors run on a liquid crystal display, have no moving parts, and are pretty affordable. LED projectors have a longer lamp life than all others, deliver color-rich images, low power consumption, and zero-maintenance. They’re however quite expensive, and compared to the alternatives, have limited brightness. 

Q: What should I look for when buying the best mini projector?

Start by considering the type of mini projector you want. There are three major types, DLP, LCD, and LED projectors. As highlighted above, each has advantages and a few disadvantages and whether it works for you depends on your preferences and budget. You will also need to consider the light output and brightness. Projector brightness is usually measured in lumens. As noted, the higher the lumen rating, the higher the brightness. Resolution is equally as important as lumens when shopping for the best mini projector. Again here, the higher the resolution, the better the image. But note, mini projectors with a high resolution often come with a high price tag. Other important aspects to look for include the inputs, contrast ratio, throw ratio, and the lamp life. 

Q: Can you use a mini projector for everyday TV watching?

Absolutely yes. Not only can you use a mini projector for everyday TV watching, but also to stream your favorite programs from platforms like Netflix and Hulu, as well as gaming. When you select the best mini projector, it will offer an immersive, and a better overall viewing experience because it will feel more like a cinema than regular TV. What’s more, you will have saved money because buying a mini projector with a 65-inch projection is much cheaper than buying a 65-inch TV. However, note that using a mini-projector for everyday TV-viewing may wear out your projector’s bulb life faster. 

We hope you like the items we recommend! Screen Rant has affiliate partnerships, so we receive a share of the revenue from your purchase. This won’t affect the price you pay and helps us offer the best product recommendations.

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