The 7 Best Projectors for Tablets: Portable and Powerful Options

From adventurists, students, interns, aspiring executives, and homemakers to foreign expats stuck in their small rooms, portable projectors can help make life easier. Handheld projectors serve the basic purpose of displaying visuals on a flat surface (walls, solid panels, or screens). When connected with mobile devices, they let you present your ideas to others or enjoy videos or games with your friends.

Whether you want to show the latest product design to your colleagues, present your thoughts in a small meeting, or give your adorable kids a nice weekend treat in their beds, these mini projectors for tablets have got you covered.

Considerations for Tablet Projectors

Before exploring our list of carefully chosen projectors for tablets, smartphones, and TV sticks, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Connectivity

Mini projectors are somewhat different from their traditional counterparts. They offer a wider range of connectivity options, including diverse slots for wired connections and wireless connectivity, such as Wifi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay. This feature is crucial if you want to use a projector on the move or share it with others.

Mirroring

Mini projectors have different capabilities. The right projectors for tablets must offer seamless screen mirroring to cast videos from your device. For this purpose, the project should be compatible with your device and support the installed apps.

Display

Since it’s about sharing ideas and watching videos together, you need to ensure that the projector offers something closer to a nice cinematic experience. We’d recommend going with options that offer 1080p resolution.

Projection

In connection with the above, the mini projector should offer a wider projection range, supporting multiple distances and screen sizes. The best wireless projector won’t compromise on image quality, no matter the placement. The wider the projections, the better.

Battery Life

A portable device should be capable of delivering hours of video playback. Therefore, a solid battery with at least 3 hours of wireless performance would make an ideal projector. 

Best Projectors for Tablets

Our carefully curated list includes the best portable projectors that meet all the above-mentioned criteria. That said, each model has its differential advantage and drawbacks.

After rigorous testing, we can't help but recommend Piqo mini projector for its impressive overall performance. This mini projector for iPhone and Android offers the best value for money.   

 

Projector

Price (USD)

Brightness

Resolution

Battery Life

Connectivity

Special Features

PIQO Mini Projector

$390 (was $780)

200 lumens

Up to 240 inches

5 hours (quick charge)

HDMI, Airplay, Bluetooth, WiFi, Aux

16 GB storage, built-in HiFi speakers, touchscreen

Magnasonic LED Pocket Pico

$199.98

25 ANSI lumens

640 x 360

 

2 hours

HDMI, micro-HDMI adapter, USB charging cable

Includes tripod, protection bag, quick start guide

Kodak LUMA 350 Projector

$292.99

200 lumens

854 x 480 (WVGA)

Upto 3 hours

WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI, USB, Screen Mirroring

Built-In Speaker, Portable, Built-In Wi-Fi

LG CineBeam PF510Q Projector

$429.49

450 ANSI lumens

1920 x 1080

Upto 2.5 hours

WiFi, Bluetooth

Auto vertical keystone, Screen Sharing, webOS 22

ASUS ZenBeam Latte L1

 

$329.99

300 LED lumens

1280 x 720

Upto 3 hours

WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI

built-in 10W Harman Kardon Bluetooth speaker

AURZEN BOOM 3 Smart Projector

$359.99

500 ANSI lumens

1920 x 1080

Requires power source

WiFi; Bluetooth; HDMI; USB; Audio; Wireless; Wired

2.2 Channel 36W Speakers & 3D Stereo Audio

ELEPHAS 2024 Upgraded 1080P HD Projector

$89.99

3500 lumens

1920 x 1080

Upto 2.5 hours

HDMI, USB, AV

OSRAM LED projection technology

Best Mini Projector for All Purposes: PIQO Projector

The Piqo projector is compatible with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. You can connect almost anything using multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth and AirPlay for wireless connectivity. Piqo supports more than 3 million apps on Google Play and App Store.

The mini wireless projector provides crystal clear images while its 200 ANSI-lumen brightness ensures clarity in different environments. Don’t think its small size and 120 gram weight make it any less powerful. This little projector for Android and iOS devices can project images up to 240 inches, giving you an added advantage of the built-in HiFi speakers.

That’s not it, as you’re getting up to 5 hours of non-stop video playback, and a charging break of just 15 minutes. Finally, the touch screen makes it easy to navigate, making Piqo a versatile and portable projector.

Pros

  • Lightweight and portable
  • Offers brightness up to 200 ANSI lumens, sufficient for indoor and outdoor experience
  • Compatible with Android, Apple, and Windows devices
  • Supports more than 3 million apps
  • Exceptional battery backup and quick-charging
  • Built-in HiFi speakers deliver HD sound
  • Delivers up to 5 hours of video playback

Cons

  • 16GB capacity can be insufficient for storing extensive media.
  • Some (expensive) models offer better brightness.

Best Mini Projector for Android: Magnasonic LED Pocket Pico Video Projector

Looking for a pocket-friendly projector? Try the compact Magnasonic projector, with its 0.28-lb weight, is right there for taking. Featuring the sleekest construction on the market, it’s among the world’s smallest portable DLP projector.

The Magnasonic LED projector looks pretty decent, offering 640 x 360 resolution with brightness up to 25 ANSI lumens. With a projection size of 60 inches, it’s a nice tool to have, especially for students.

This portable projector works seamlessly with smartphones, tablets, laptops, and media players through its HDMI connection and offers up to 2 hours of video playback. It also includes an internal speaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack for connecting external speakers.

Pros

  • Sleek and durable construction, which is extremely lightweight and portable
  • The plug-and-play setup is quite simple.
  • HDMI connectivity to connect tablets, smartphones, laptops, etc.
  • Built-in speaker and external audio support
  • 2-hour battery backup
  • Quick recharging with a micro USB cable

Cons

  • The 25 ANSI lumens may not be good for well-lit environments.
  • The 640 x 360p resolution may be insufficient for high-quality viewing requirements.
  • Limited projection size

Best Wireless Projector: KODAK Luma 350 Portable Smart Projector

The Kodak Luma 350 Portable Smart Projector is sleek and stylish, measuring 4.4 x 4.4 x 1.1 inches. Yes, it’s compact but powerful enough to project images up to 150 inches, backed by Ultra HD resolution. You can connect almost every device to the projector via WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI, and USB ports.

It features Android 6.0 and iOS interfaces, allowing you to download apps, and browse content across the web. The Kodak Luma 350 offers screen mirroring, projecting your presentations and videos from your Android, iOS or Windows devices. The powerful built-in audio can be enhanced by connecting external speakers.

Note: You cannot stream copyrighted content from streaming services, but you can view it through the projector’s apps.

Pros

  • Portable and compact design, featuring dimensions 4.4 x 4.1 x 1.1 inches
  • Capable of delivering HD images and videos
  • 150-inch big screen projection with clear images
  • Compatible with Android 6.0 and older versions
  • Supports iOS, Windows, TV stick
  • Allows direct app download and content browsing
  • Built-in speakers with HD-quality output
  • Offers up to 3 hours of battery backup

Cons

  • Offers screen mirroring and casting with limited streaming services
  • Remote control isn’t as functional as it should be.
  • Firmware needs to be updated for optimal performance.

Best Mini Projector for iPhone: LG CineBeam PF510Q Portable LED Smart Projector

The LG CineBeam PF510Q is a portable projector with a compact design. It supports up to 120" Full HD resolution, perfect for both small and large spaces. With built-in webOS 22, enjoy popular streaming apps like Netflix and Apple TV+ without extra devices.

It’s compatible with Apple AirPlay, HomeKit, and Android Screen Share for seamless casting. Dual Bluetooth Audio allows pairing two devices or speakers, and Auto Vertical Keystone ensures a perfectly aligned image. Plus, its light source lasts up to 30,000 hours for long-lasting enjoyment.

Pros

  • The WebOS 22 compatibility is meant for streaming Prime Video, YouTube, Netflix, and other built-in streaming apps.
  • Screen sharing with Android devices helps cast videos on the mega screen.
  • Wide projection range between 30-inch and 120-inch with full HD resolution offers a cinematic experience.
  • AirPlay and HomeKit compatibility ensures content mirroring from iOS and Apple devices.
  • Auto vertical keystone adjustment relieves the hassle of manual adjustment.
  • The 450 lumens brightness offers clear images in well-lit and dim-lit environments.

Cons

  • The base construction supported by legs may need manual balancing on different surfaces.
  • The screen projection range is not wide enough as compared with other models.

Best Outdoor Wireless Projector: ASUS ZenBeam Latte L1 Portable Wi-Fi Projector:

The ASUS ZenBeam Latte L1 is a powerful portable Wi-Fi projector providing bright and clear images in 720p resolution and up to 300 LED lumens. You get a wide projection range between 30 inches and 120 inches, which is suitable for both indoor and (limited) outdoor setups.

The wireless projector features a built-in battery that supports 3 hours of video playback. Wireless mirroring lets you easily connect devices, making it ideal for gaming, presentations, or casual movie nights.

Even better, its speaker can be used as a standalone speaker, giving up to 12 hours of audio playback — perfect for on-the-go entertainment. Featuring a 10W Harman Kardon speaker, it works as both a projector and a Bluetooth speaker.

Pros

  • Wide screen projection range of 40 - 120 inches.
  • The 10W Harman Kardon Bluetooth speaker can also be used as a standalone speaker for up to 12 hours of audio playback.
  • Offers two versions (1280 x 720 and 854 x 480) with 1080p support.
  • Compatible with Aptoide TV, Android, and iOS.
  • The video playback duration is above average, 3 hours.
  • Delivers better visuals than normal 300-lumen projectors, thanks to DLP technology.

Cons

  • Limited device connectivity supports HDMI, USB, and Bluetooth devices only.
  • The software is unusable and doesn’t support Netflix, Prime Video, and other streaming platforms.
  • The remote won’t work if the projector is placed behind you.
  • Projecting images with Bluetooth or WiFi can be challenging.

Most Powerful Projector for Indoor: AURZEN BOOM 3 Smart Projector

The AURZEN BOOM 3 Smart Projector offers an immersive home theater experience with its 2.2 channel 36W speakers and 3D stereo audio, delivering crisp highs, deep bass, and rich sound. Equipped with a native 1080P resolution, HDR10 support, and 500 ANSI brightness, this powerful projector for iPhone and Android phones ensures vibrant and clear visuals, even in 4K.

The projector’s built-in Smart TV OS lets you access streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube without extra devices. Plus, its advanced AI features include instant auto focus, 6D keystone correction, and intelligent obstacle avoidance make the hectic screen adjustment job as effortless as it can get.

The BOOM 3 Smart Projector supports multiple installation methods and connections, offering dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, and various ports for compatibility with phones, laptops, gaming consoles, and more. Its unique 3-in-1 design combines a projector, smart TV, and powerful speaker, making it ideal for home theaters, outdoor events, gaming, or business presentations.

Pros

  • 4K-supported display resolution delivers an immersive streaming experience on the big screen.
  • The 30.5-foot max throw distance makes it ideal for big rooms or auditoriums.
  • The 500 ANSI lumens brightness delivers exceptional performance in bright and dim-lit environments.
  • Wider projection range of 60 - 300 inches
  • It supports different mounting types: wall mount, tripod mount, tabletop mount, and ceiling mount.
  • The extremely powerful 2.2 channel 36W speakers deliver 3D Dolby audio.
  • Featuring HDMI, WiFi, Bluetooth, and Wired connectivity to connect multiple devices, including tablets and smartphones.

Cons

  • The projector is heavy and requires a power source, which is unsuitable for on-the-go streaming.
  • It’s incompatible with popular movie streaming platforms, such as Hulu.

Best Budget-Friendly Mini Projector for Android: ELEPHAS 2024 Upgraded 1080P HD Projector

The ELEPHAS 2024 Upgraded 1080P HD Projector is a compact, smartphone-sized device, perfect for portable entertainment. It is budget-friendly and compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows devices, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones, not to mention the built-in HiFi speakers.

The mini projector supports 1080P HD resolution with Germany's OSRAM LED technology and a 200-inch screen for crisp, vibrant visuals. You’re getting a tripod along with multiple connectivity options like USB, HDMI, and AV. Finally, with reduced fan noise, and 3 years of factory support, it’s ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.

Pros

  • A budget-friendly option, offering more value than its price.
  • It can be placed directly on a flat surface or mounted on a tripod stand.
  • It offers up to 200 inches of images.
  • German LED light source technology improves brightness by 30%
  • An efficient heat dissipation system greatly reduces fan noise.
  • Its built-in HiFi speaker offers crystal clear sound in indoor and outdoor setups.

Cons

  • The projection range between 80 - 200 inches may not suit smaller indoor setups.
  • Adjusting the projector can be challenging because the manual focus knob and keystoning knob are quite delicate and smaller in size.

Conclusion

There you have it — the most sought-after mini projectors for tablets, smartphones, and laptops to brighten up your life. You can go with Boom3 if you want a small yet powerful projector for your home or small workplace. Or, choose the Elephas mini projector if you’re looking for something affordable.

But if you still can’t make up your mind, we recommend going with Piqo projector that serves both indoor and outdoor purposes equally well. Plus, its lightweight yet durable construction, powerful display and sound, and unmatched video playback will blow up your mind!

It’s all about weighing features with your requirements. So, take a deep breath and decide.

Happy shopping!