The Best Portable Projectors for 2024

If you're gearing up for outdoor entertainment, taking movie nights or gaming sessions outside might be on your mind. Luckily, portable projectors can make this a reality. The top portable projectors of 2023 are listed below, based on factors like image clarity, screen brightness, and overall durability to perform in outdoor settings, according to our research.

But, before you purchase, you should weigh a few factors. Firstly, consider how large you want the projected screen to be – bigger screens can create a more immersive experience. Secondly, consider whether you're looking for high-quality visuals with sharp details. Lastly, the projector's battery life for those extended outdoor sessions is worth examining to ensure uninterrupted fun. Remember, choosing the right portable projector is about aligning your preferences with the most important features. These aspects will help guarantee that outdoor and indoor movie nights and gaming adventures are a blast.

Optoma SA520

The Optoma SA520 stands out as a model of portable projectors. It falls under the Standard Throw category and boasts DLP display technology with native resolutions of 800 x600 and a maximum resolution supported at the same level. The lamp-based light source is responsible for its 4000 Lumens brightness and has a long lifespan of up to 6000 normal hours, 10000 in economy mode, and 12000 in dynamic mode.

Its contrast ratio 25000:1 and color depth of 10 bits enhance its performance, resulting in vibrant images across its spectrum of 1,07 billion colors. The throw ratio is 1.94, allowing for flexible placement with minimum projection distances of 3.28 feet while maximum projection distances are 39.37 feet. The screen size ranges from 27.78 to a generous 304.4 inches, which allows for a wide variety of viewing preferences and delivers vibrant visuals with a 4000 color brightness rating. The throw ratio can be adjusted from 1.94:1 to 2.16:1, allowing for various projection setups. It also minimizes noise, operating at just 27dB, quieter than a whisper.

The aspect ratios are also flexible, offering a native aspect ratio of 4:3 and compatibility with 16:9. The zoom ratio on the projection lens is 0 to 1.1x, and keystone correction can be adjusted from -40 to +40 vertical degrees. HDMI, VGA, and USB storage are all available as connectivity options.

 The 10W built-in speaker also provides clear audio and eliminates the need for external speakers. The projector has an adaptable power source that supports voltages between 100V and 240V with frequencies of 50-60Hz. It is compatible with video formats such as HDTV (720p and 1080i/p) and SDTV (480i/p and 576i/p). The package includes essentials such as an AC power cable, a remote control, and a basic manual. The projector has a one-year warranty and is compact and lightweight, measuring only 320 x 244 x 98mm.

Optoma X400LVe

The Optoma X400LVe is a new addition to the portable projection line-up. It falls into the Standard Throw category, which has a DLP-type display and an XGA (1024x768) resolution. This projector has a 4000 Lumen light output, powered by a 203W bulb with a long life span of up to 6000 hours in normal mode, 10000 in economy mode, and 12000 in dynamic mode.

A contrast ratio of 25000:1 enhances the viewing experience by projecting clear, detailed images that can also be placed between 3.2 feet (minimum) and 39.3 feet (maximum). The projected image size varies from 27 to 304 inches, and two aspect ratios are available: 4:3 and 16:9. Also, a manual zoom ratio of 1.1 allows for flexibility in projector size, and vertical keystone correction is +/- 40 degrees.

There are multiple options for connectivity, including 1 HDMI port and 2 VGA/D Sub ports, as well as 1 USB port and two audio input ports, which offer an immersive 3D experience. It can handle input voltages between 100V and 240V at 50-60Hz.

Optoma X400LVe offers 4000 lumens of white and color light with a throw ratio between 1.94:1 and 2.16:1 and a focal length of 21-25mm. It supports a screen size from 27 to 304 inches with vertical refresh rates ranging from 50 Hz up to 85 Hz with a low noise level of around 27dB, ensuring a quiet viewing experience. 

There's also a native offset of 115% and an impressive lamp life of up to 15000 hours when using Eco+ mode. The horizontal scan rate ranges between 15.38 and 91.15 KHz. At the same time, the vertical scan is 50-85Hz (120Hz in 3D). The uniformity is 75%. The package includes essentials such as an AC power cable, remote control, and battery. Optoma X400LVe has a one-year warranty and is a great choice for all your projection needs.

Optoma EH335

The EH335 offers an incredible visual experience with its 1080p high-definition picture and 20,000:1 impressive contrast ratio. The EH335 projector's brightness of 3,600 Lumens allows for optimal visibility in brightly lit spaces such as meeting rooms, classrooms, and conference rooms.

The EH335 offers comprehensive network control features, making it a great solution for large installations in educational and business settings. The EH335's LAN and RS-232 capabilities allow seamless control through platforms like Extron, AMX, or Telnet. The robust connectivity features 2x HDMI ports, VGA, Composite input/output options, audio input/output, and USB-Power. This wide range allows for easy connection with various devices, including laptops and mobile devices. It also supports Google Chromecast, Amazon Firesticks, Rokus, etc.

The long lamp life is one of its most notable features. It can be used for up to 15,000 hours, equivalent to 4 hours of daily viewing over a decade. The EH335's vertical keystone correction is easily set up, with a +/- 40-degree range. This feature allows the projector's position to be offset without needing to elevate it to accurately project the image onto the screen. A 1.1x zoom feature further improves adaptability to any environment.

The EH335 is portable and convenient despite its powerful performance. It weighs less than 7 pounds and has a compact design. The EH335's portability allows it to be easily moved from one room to another, making sharing and setting up easier. The projector's 1.47 to 1.62 ratio allows it to project a 120-inch image at a distance of 12.8 feet.

A 10-watt integrated speaker provides sound to enhance presentations, eliminating the requirement for external speakers. This feature is especially beneficial for medium-sized classrooms and large meeting rooms. It enhances audio clarity and simplifies the setup process. The EH335 projector offers high-quality visuals, a user-friendly setup, and robust connectivity options that can be tailored to meet various presentation requirements.

Optoma LASER ZW350

The Optoma ZW350e, a portable projector with impressive features and versatility, is a great addition to portable projectors. It is a Standard Throw Projector that uses DLP technology and has a resolution of 1280 x800. This projector can support a maximum resolution at this level. This projector boasts a 4000 Lumens bright light output with a laser source to enhance durability.

 The projector's wide color depth (10 bit) and support for 1,07 billion colors ensure vivid, detailed images with a throw ratio of 1.54, allowing for flexibility in positioning from a distance as low as 3.28 feet up to 32.80 feet. The projected image size ranges from 11 to 300 inches, so different settings can be selected based on the size.

The projector offers 16:9 aspect ratios and a zoom range of 0 to 1.1x, allowing for adaptable size with keystone correction -+40 degrees vertically helps align the image accurately. The connectivity is flexible, with two HDMI ports, one USB 2.0 Type-A port, and R232. The 15W integrated speaker of the projector ensures a powerful audio output that eliminates the need for external speakers and enhances presentations.

The projector can be operated with an AC power supply of 100-240V, 50-60Hz. It has energy-efficient modes that consume 140W for Bright Mode and 89W for Eco Mode. Standby mode uses less than 0.5W. Video compatibility ranges from 480i/p, 576i/p, 720p/1080i (50/60Hz), and 1080p (50/60Hz) and supports various formats such as NTSC, PAL, and SECAM.

Optoma ZW350e projectors are 3D-ready and have a throw range between 1.54 - 1.72 with DURACORE technology, which features up to 30,000 hours of laser light source lifetime and is IP6X certified for dust resistance. 360-degree installation, including portrait mode, ensures consistent brightness and reliability. It suits various environments, including business, conference rooms, and education settings.A one-year warranty backs the Optoma ZW350e and offers a flexible solution to projection requirements in various scenarios.

Optoma UHD35+ 

Optoma UHD35+, a projector with a Standard Throw distance of 1.2m, is an outstanding product in its category. It uses cutting-edge DLP technologies having a resolution of 3840 x 2160, ensuring stunning visuals and exceptional detail. The lamp-based light source illuminates the projector with a brightness level of 4000 Lumens with a lifespan of 4000 hours in normal mode, a staggering 10000 hrs in economy mode, and an amazing 15000 hours in dynamic mode.

The UHD35+ offers vibrant, lifelike images with a contrast ratio of 1,200,000 to 1 with a 10-bit depth color that supports 1073.4 million colors and a contrast ratio of 1,200,000 to 1; the UHD35+ is a true-to-life display. The throw ratio can be adjusted from 1.50 to 1.66 for different projection distances. A widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9 is the default for all screen sizes between 33.6 inches and 300 inches.

The projector's 1.1x manual zoom ratio and projection lens, with apertures of F=1.98 to 2.02 and F15.84 to 17.44mm, provide greater flexibility. The projector has a 10W built-in speaker that ensures clear audio output, eliminating the need for additional speakers. The projector features 2 HDMI ports, a VGA/D Sub port, a USB Power Out (5V/1.5A), an Audio In and Out port, RS-232, S/PDIF, and 1 USB Port.

The UHD35+ is a gaming powerhouse, with a 240Hz refresh, a low input lag of 4.2ms, and 240Hz 1080p at Enhanced Gaming Mode. The projector is designed to provide immersive experiences that support 4K UHD with perfect pixel alignment and HDR 10 for vibrant colors and contrast.

Other features include auto-detect, displaying, and calibrating ultra-wide screens 21:9 for panoramic views. HDMI 2.0 is also supported for seamless 4K entertainment. The projector is quiet, with a noise level of only 26dB, which ensures a peaceful viewing environment. It is RoHS-compliant and adheres to environmental standards.

The Optoma UHD35+ comes with a one-year warranty and impressive features that deliver an unmatched visual and gaming experience.

Conclusion

The Optoma UHD35+ emerges as a standout Standard Throw projector, offering impressive 4K resolution, vibrant visuals, and versatile gaming capabilities. Its 4000 Lumens brightness, 1,200,000:1 contrast ratio, and 10-bit color depth deliver stunning imagery that captivates. The projector's swift 240Hz refresh rate and low input lag enhance gaming experiences, while its user-friendly features, like built-in speakers and robust connectivity options, make it adaptable to various needs. The Optoma UHD35+ is a dynamic and top-performing projector catering to entertainment and presentation demands with its exceptional features and visual prowess.