5 reasonably priced projectors to build your dream mini home theatre

There’s nothing quite like watching your favourite movies on the big screen. However, since we are unable to visit the cinemas, investing in a compact projector may be your next best bet.

Budget aside, lumens/lux, contrast ratio and focal length are important consideration elements when selecting a suitable projector. The most suitable projector will vary depending on your usage and living spaces.

It is important to note that projectors are generally best in dark rooms and the projection surface should be a white or light coloured wall. Lastly, if projecting in a space with other light sources, it is recommended to opt for a projector with at least 3,200 ANSI lumens capacity.

We’ve rounded up 5 recommended mini portable projectors based on the different usage to ease your selection process.

#1 Best Overall

The Best Overall projector pick has to go to the Vankyo Leisure 3 Mini Projector. This projector is remarkable for its great combination of hardware and value for money.

This model is a compact and portable projector that comes with a carrying case. You can bring it anywhere and set it up effortlessly; you just put it on a flat-levelled surface and you’re set. Furthermore, the project has a 15 degrees keystone correction that allows you physically adjust the lens, thus allowing for an easier and more precised setup.

This mini portable projector can be connected to smart devices and gaming consoles such as PS3, X-Box One, or Wii. It supports most major ports such as HDMI, VGA, MircoSD, AV and USB.

The VANKYO projector is capable of projecting displays between 32-170 inches. As for the viewing distance, the manufacturer’s recommended optimal viewing distance is 6.5 ft. Lastly, the projector led bulb boasts a respectable 2,400 lumens with a contrast ratio of 2000:1.

Overall, the VANKYO projector offers decent specs at its price point. While we wouldn’t recommend it for every day usage, it’ll serve you well for an ocassional movie night with friends and family.

As it is with most projectors, do be prepared with an external speaker for a better and more immersive sound experience.

#2 Best Budget

The BeamerX Era mini projector is a great budget option if you’re looking for a home use projector.

This projector comes with an in-built battery, 18000K colours, and it supports 1080p resolution at 1000:1 contrast ratio. As for the LED bulb, it is capable of producing an impressive 3,500 lumens of brightness. As for projected display size, you’ll enjoy a 30″ – 100″ display which is perfect for a bedroom set.

Apart from that, the projector also comes with a built-in Loud Hi-Fi Audio System to complement the overall experience.

Priced at only RM350, don’t expect the projection to be perfectly vibrant, sharp and crisp. It is just a great way to view your favourite shows on a bigger screen. If quality is a concern, be sure to check out the BeamerX II (~RM1,323).

#3 Best Short Throw

Short-throw projectors main function is to project the image within a very short distance. If you find yourself confined to a small of space such as smaller apartments, classroom or conference rooms, the short-throw projectors make for a good choice.

ViewSonic PS501X can project a 120 inches screen from just 1.25m away. The minimum throw distance is 61cm, with the ability to project a 100” display from just 124cm from any projection surface.

Moreover, this projector has an impressive 3,500 ANSI lumens of brightness and a 22,000:1 contrast ratio. The only downside of this projector is its 4:3 native resolution. While it supports 1080p, there may be some noticeable quality loss.

Lastly, this projector comes in at a higher price point than the former and is not as portable. In fact, the ViewSonic PS501X is best mounted on the wall or ceiling. Nevertheless, it is a great performing projector should it meet your requirements.

#4 Best for Gaming

Optoma GT1080HDR a short-throw projector optimised for serious gamers. Stunning visuals aside, the Optoma GT is great for gaming thanks to its low input lag of 16.4ms at 1080p 60Hz.

Besides full HD 1080p resolution, 3,800 ANSI lumens of brightness, as well as a 28,000:1 contrast ratio for deep blacks and brilliant whites, this projector also supports HDR10 for even more vibrant, richer colours.

Optoma built this projector from the ground up to satisfy the needs of gamers. However, if you aren’t a gamer but have the budget, the Optoma GT1080HDR can still be a great choice for casual movie viewing.

#5 Most Versatile

Anker Nebula Mars II Pro a versatile projector that can dual as a portable Bluetooth speaker. Of all the projectors we’ve covered thus far, the Anker Nebula Mars II Pro has the best built-in speaker that is comparable to most mid-range Bluetooth speakers in the market.

Pros	Cons
Good colour quality for video & photos	Not as easily portable as some similar projectors
Double as a Bluetooth speaker system	Autofocus is slow to engage
Runs Andriod 7.1 (and Andriod apps)
Loud sound system with smooth audio
Built-in battery

With its built-in IntelliBright technology, the projector is capable of producing a radiant 500 ANSI lumen image at a razor-sharp native 720p for breathtaking video clarity. With that said, at 500 ANSI lumen, it does not cope so well with too much ambient light.

The Anker Nebula Mars II Pro has a built-in 12,500mAh battery that can cater for up to 3 hours of non-stop viewing. If sound quality is something of emphasis to you and you have a dark enough space to convert into a mini home theater, then this projector will be a prime option for you!

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