What are the features that make the best projector for small rooms? For starters, these devices are the best projectors for both movie and video game enthusiasts who don’t have much space in their homes to enjoy their hobbies. With a short throw distance, you can install them virtually anywhere without a problem.
If you’re in the market for a versatile and portable projector for any space in your home, a projector for small rooms is an excellent choice. Plus, these models typically don’t sacrifice image quality or connectivity, making them an excellent pick for anyone who wants the best picture they can get.
Keep reading to learn more about the best projector for small rooms, the core features you should consider when shopping for one, and some of the most common questions people have about these devices.
Top Projectors for Small Room
#1 PVO YG300Pro Projector
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This small unit is the perfect companion for a family camping trip or a bedroom cinema setup. With multiple power and input options, this model is a versatile pick that connects to a streaming stick or even a VHS player.
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- Supremely convenient
- Decent brightness
- Multiple AV options
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- No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
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The PVO YG300Pro projector is a stellar pick for users who value ease of use and portability for their movie night setup. Thanks to the ability to use a wall outlet, car charger, or power bank via micro-USB, you can use this mini projector almost anywhere. In addition, this 800×480 projector supports media up to 1080p. While there isn’t Wi-Fi or Bluetooth support, you get a projector that can connect to HDMI streaming sticks as well as legacy devices like DVD or VHS players.
In addition to multiple source inputs, you can display media directly from storage. This model supports USB flash drives, microSD cards, and external HDDs or SSDs so you can showcase your personal media collection on the silver screen. The PVO YG300Pro also features decent brightness to fight against ambient lighting, and a focus adjuster to dial in a clear image. Lastly, the included remote makes it simple to navigate the projector’s options, and the onboard buttons are responsive and clearly marked. If you want to shift your focus from the room to the projector itself, there’s always the best short throw projector.
#2 KODAK RODPJS75 Projector
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This surprisingly small unit fits in your pocket so you can give on-the-go presentations or have a traveling screen for hotel room work sessions. With multiple connectivity options and decent sound, this model can showcase your favorite photos or latest project.
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- Extremely lightweight
- Internal battery
- Storage media support
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- Low resolution
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The KODAK RODPJS75 projector is an excellent choice for traveling professionals or users looking for an accessible device for spontaneous movie nights. This unit can fit in a pocket or small bag to travel with you, and the rechargeable internal battery ensures that you can display your favorite media wherever you go. While the native resolution is a little too low for reading text, the color range and picture brightness are still great for viewing pictures, movies, or TV shows.
Additionally, with a focus adjuster and simple touch controls, you can ensure the best picture possible in minutes. While some devices require an adapter, the KODAK RODPJS75 portable projector connects with most modern devices through HDMI. In addition, this unit supports media from USB flash drives and MicroSD cards so you can still put on a show when the Wi-Fi goes out. Lastly, the built-in speakers are great in a pinch, and the 3.5mm audio jack lets you connect the projector to an external sound system.
#3 TOPVISION T6 Projector
Award: BEST FOR MEDIA ROOMS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This compact device features multiple inputs and internal sound for a versatile addition to any media room. With an included projection surface and an easy-to-use interface, users can watch their favorite media without needing an extensive setup.
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- Excellent image quality
- HD video support
- Included 100” screen
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- Some media will not work via smartphone connection
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The TOPVISION T6 projector is a compelling option for users that want a simple device with stellar results. This model supports Full HD content, and you only need 10’ of projection distance to achieve a 90-inch image. The included 100” screen works great, and the projector can produce a clear image up to 240”. While some copyrighted media will not play from a smartphone connection, you can use all your favorite streaming apps through a PC, streaming stick, or game console.
Additionally, the TOPVISION T6 provides users with an array of inputs that support HDMI, VGA, and AV. In addition to playing media from legacy devices like DVD and VHS players, this model supports storage media and phone mirroring. With USB flash drives and MicroSD cards so you can showcase a home movie or family slideshow without a PC or smartphone. Lastly, this projector features built-in speakers and an ultra-quiet cooling system, so you can hear all the key moments from your movies or games.
#4 VILINICE VL208 Projector
Award: BEST FOR WIRE-FREE SETUPS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This bright and feature-rich unit is primed to light up your living room or backyard theater. With multiple input methods and expanded smartphone connectivity, you’ll love how easy it is to watch your favorite shows or listen to music.
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- Fantastic connectivity
- Responsive remote control
- Decently bright
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- No internal battery
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The VILINICE VL208 projector is a smart pick for users looking to minimize wires or explore their favorite media on the go. Thanks to Wi-Fi connectivity and smartphone screen mirroring, you can prepare a quality movie night without needing to worry about HDMI cords or adapters. That said, if you want to use legacy formats like DVD, VHS, or VGA, this model is equipped with a number of inputs. While not having an internal battery is a bummer, this unit only requires a single cord for power.
In addition to connectivity options, the VILINICE VL208 supports full HD media and has a native resolution of 720p, which is impressive for a projector this size. Additionally, the internal stereo speakers are great in most settings, and you can connect an external speaker or soundbar via a 3.5mm audio jack or Bluetooth. This projector also features a responsive remote control and buttons on the unit itself. Lastly, the focus wheel and 15-degree keystone correction ensure that you get a great show every time.
#5 Projector-04 Projector
Award: BEST FOR OUTSIDE SHOWINGS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This compact and versatile unit delivers a bright image and plenty of input options to make the most of a campsite theater or binging streaming shows at home. With internal speakers and a decent native resolution, this device offers an immersive experience.
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- Fantastic brightness
- Good resolution
- Ceiling mountable
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- Sub-par audio
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The Projector-04 is a fantastic choice for users looking for portability and brightness for backyard movie nights or casual nighttime viewings. Even during the dusk hours or in light ambient light, this 7500 Lumen projector can produce bright and colorful images that make the most of your favorite media. With a 720p resolution and ceiling mount, this unit is well-equipped for a dedicated movie or gaming space. While the audio isn’t great, you can connect external speakers through an audio jack or Bluetooth dongle.
For users with a lot of media options, the Projector-04 has enough inputs to handle most modern and legacy devices. While smartphones and USB-C devices need an adapter, they can connect via HDMI. Additionally, this model works with all major streaming devices, so you can enjoy all of your binge-worthy favorites on a big screen. Lastly, the onboard focus wheel and keystone projector will help you dial in a clear image for yourself or a houseful of guests.
#6 AuKing M8-F Projector
Award: BEST FOR GAME NIGHTS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This compact device offers great image quality and enough connectivity options to suit most media setups. Additionally, this durable tabletop unit keeps you in control with an included remote and multiple adjustment wheels to achieve the perfect image.
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- Strong build quality
- Exceptional portability
- Full HD support
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- Brightness suffers in ambient light
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The AuKing M8-F projector is a stellar pick for users looking for a portable and durable unit for weekly game nights or enjoying movies and TV. In addition to external build quality, this unit’s LED projection bulb is rated for up to 15 years of use at 5 hours per day. While the brightness isn’t great during the day, you can still enjoy vibrant Full HD images in a dark room or nighttime backyard theater.
Additionally, the focus and keystone correction wheels ensure that you can get the best picture possible in various environments and setups. With support for HDMI, AV, and VGA, you can play modern games with friends, or dust off your VHS collection to enjoy the classics. While you’ll need an additional adapter, you can also enjoy smartphone media like family photos or the latest YouTube hit. Lastly, this unit features two built-in speakers, but you can use the 3.5mm audio jack to connect to more extensive sound systems.
What Are Projectors for Small Rooms?
A projector for small rooms is a type of video projector that’s perfect for use in smaller spaces where a large image size or long throw distance isn’t feasible. These video projectors connect directly to another device like a computer, USB drive, or smartphone and display media from that source device.
Most projectors use a series of internal components in tandem to process, magnify, and project an image onto a flat surface in front of the device. These internal components are usually made up of a light source, lenses, and mirrors, although other components include a cooling fan and adjustable dials and sliders for picture customization. They can also be great quiet projectors, provided they don’t make too much noise while running.
Projectors for Small Rooms vs Traditional Projectors
If you were to compare a small room projector and a traditional projector side-by-side, you probably wouldn’t notice much difference right off the bat. Both types of projectors offer the same general form factor and design with the exception of subtle differences between brands.
They also operate in the same way, connecting to a media source, plugging into a power source, and displaying images onto a flat surface or projection screen. Both of these projectors also offer the same internal components and general functionality. They’ll both include a light source, colored panels or color wheel, mirrors, and lenses.
The main differences between a small room projector and a standard projector come into play when you consider throw distance and portability. If you’re installing a projector in a small room, you won’t have as much space between the projector and the projector screen. As such, most of these projectors are either short-throw projectors or ultra-short throw projectors. This simply means they require minimal distance between the device and the projector screen to create a high-quality image.
Many projectors for small rooms are also considered portable projectors. These are smaller in size than traditional projectors. They also sometimes offer a built-in battery, so you can install them anywhere in the room regardless of wall outlet placement.
How Projectors for Small Rooms Work
Most video projectors use the same basic principles when it comes to overall functionality. They connect to a media source and then use a lamp, mirrors, and lenses to magnify and project the image onto a flat surface.
However, the exact mechanics of this process can differ depending on the exact type of projector you purchase. Keep reading to learn more about the three most common projector types and how exactly they work:
- LCD Projector: LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display, which refers to the types of mirrors the projector uses. With an LCD projector, you’ll get a lamp for the light source, which shines light through a series of three color LCD panels to reproduce the image’s colors. The light and colors then pass through a lens that magnifies the image and projects it. LCD projectors are affordable and give accurate and vivid colors.
- DLP Projector: DLP stands for Digital Light Processing. Instead of colored LCD panels, a DLP projector uses a series of microscopic mirrors and a color wheel to reproduce the image. A digital chip processes the image to ensure it is sharp and detailed. DLP projectors are typically more expensive, but they offer better overall picture quality.
- Laser Projector: Instead of lamps, laser projectors use three different lasers for the light source and color reproduction. The colored lasers shine through mirrors, which combine them into a single image. Laser projectors are more energy-efficient and longer-lasting, but they are the most expensive of the lot.
Do You Really Need a Projector for Small Rooms?
The best small room projectors are perfect for anyone who wants the stunning picture quality of a projector but doesn’t have a lot of space for an entire home theater configuration. Whether you want to take your projector with you to a friend’s house, you live in a dorm, or you simply want to turn that tiny storage room into a gaming room, these devices are an excellent choice.
Is a Projector for Small Rooms Worth Buying?
- You Need to Install the Projector in a Small Space: The most logical reason for purchasing a small room projector is if you have a small space in which you need to install a display device. From dorm rooms to small office spaces to conference booths, a projector for small rooms can give you a ton of performance in a small, compact package.
- You Need a Portable Projector: Most small room projectors are much more portable than traditional projectors since they only need smaller mirrors and lenses to work. If you want a portable projector that you can take with you, then a projector for small rooms is a solid choice.
- You Want a Gaming Projector: Small room projectors make excellent gaming projectors thanks to their compact size and good image quality. Plus, most gamers want a reasonable screen size and not something like a 100-inch image, which makes it harder to see everything happening in the game.
- You’re on a Budget: Projectors for small rooms typically come in smaller sizes and many times offer less advanced functionality. As such, they’re also typically less expensive. If you’re on a tight budget, a small room projector might be just what you need to get the projector experience without spending an arm and a leg. Of course, there are expensive models in this category, too, if you want to spend more to get more advanced features.
Why a Projector for Small Rooms May Not Be For You
- You Need to Install the Projector in a Large Space: If you have a large space in which you need to install a projector, like a large conference room, auditorium, or home theater space, then a projector for small rooms probably isn’t the best choice for you. Instead, you may want to consider the best conference room projector.
- You Need Something with More Light Output: Because of their smaller size, projectors for small rooms typically don’t provide as much brightness output as other projectors. If you’re hoping to install your projector in a room with a lot of ambient light, you may want to consider something like the best projector for daylight viewing.
- You Need a Large Image Size: Small projectors are meant to create smaller images to fit smaller rooms. If you need a 100-inch image size, then you may want to consider a different projector type.
How Long Will a Projector for Small Rooms Last?
When it comes to determining the overall lifespan of your projector for small rooms, you’ll need to consider lamp life first and foremost. Industry pros at CDW state that you should expect around 2,000 hours of lamp life from a standard LCD projector, while LED and laser alternatives can give you as much as 15,000 hours of use.
That being said, you can get two vastly different experiences based on how often you use your projector. If your projector’s lamp is left on for many hours at a time, it can severely decrease the lamp life. On the flip side, if you turn the projector off as soon as you’re done, you can significantly increase its lifespan. Many projectors also feature an Eco Mode, which can prolong your lamp life.
Aside from the lamp, your projector has other moving parts and components that can wear out over time, but you usually won’t need to worry about that too often. In general, it’s best to keep your projector free from dust to ensure the rest of the internal components stay in good condition.
How to Choose the Best Projector for Small Rooms
After identifying that you need to purchase a projector for small rooms, it’s time to consider individual features that you need. From throw distance considerations to audio capabilities, you should decide upon a few things before making a purchase. The following section will walk you through these key features and what you should think about for each one.
Projector for Small Rooms Key Factors to Consider
1. Should you buy a short-throw, ultra-short throw, or portable projector?
To get the best projector experience in a small room, you’ll need to choose between short-throw, ultra-short throw, and portable options. Avoid long-throw projectors, which require a much longer distance between the device and the projector screen to work properly.
Let’s take a look at the differences between these three types so you can make the best decision for your room:
- Short-Throw Projector: Models with a short-throw lens only need three to eight feet of projection distance to create a clear image. These are some of the most common and affordable projectors available on the market today. You can install a short-throw projector either on the ceiling or on a tabletop.
- Ultra-Short Throw Projector: Models with an ultra-short throw lens only need inches to a couple of feet of projection distance to create a clear image. These projectors are incredibly versatile and work best for extremely small spaces since they are installed directly below the projector screen. However, they’re also much more expensive than short-throw projectors.
- Portable Projector: These models offer projection capabilities in a small package. Compact projectors can go with you because they typically use a battery with a few hours of battery life instead of connecting to a wall outlet. These are perfect for students who want to take movie night on the go or traveling business people who need to make presentations on the road.
2. How much brightness do you need?
Your projector’s light output is measured in lumens of brightness. The amount of lumens you need ultimately depends on how much ambient light is in the room where you want to use the projector. For bright rooms, you’ll want a model with more lumens, while the opposite is true for dark rooms.
Keep in mind that since projectors for small rooms are typically smaller in size, they may not be able to produce as many lumens as traditional models. As such, we recommend only using these projectors in dark rooms to get the best experience.
3. What connection ports do you want your small room projector to have?
Your projector’s connection ports refer to the ways you can connect with source devices. The types of ports you need will depend on the types of devices you have in your home that you want to connect to the projector.
In general, we recommend purchasing a projector with at least an HDMI port and USB ports. These are the most common ports found in most devices today. If you want to get more diverse with the connection options, you can consider a projector with VGA or DisplayPort ports. You may also want to consider a projector with wireless connectivity, which allows you to display media from your mobile devices.
Another important consideration here is the number of ports your projector offers. If you purchase a model with a single HDMI port, then you’ll only be able to connect one gaming console or Blu-ray player at a time. If you have multiple devices you want to connect to your projector, then you should consider something with multiple connection ports.
4. Do you need a projector with internal speakers or will you connect to an external speaker?
If you want audio to go along with your video projector, then you’ll have a couple of different choices. For small rooms, you may want to purchase a projector with a built-in speaker. This way, you won’t need to spend more money on or take up more room with an expensive sound system. However, be aware that the speakers on projectors don’t typically offer the best sound quality.
Another option is to purchase a projector with an audio jack or Bluetooth connectivity so you can use it with external speakers. This way, you can bring speakers with better sound quality without taking up too much room.
5. What kind of manual adjustments do you need for your projector?
Most projectors are plug and play in the sense that you can place them on a tabletop, point them at the projector screen, and go. However, using a projector in a small room may require some more manual adjustments in order to get the best angle and picture quality.
Look for a projector that has horizontal and vertical keystone correction, which helps you correct distorted images. You should also get an option with focus adjustments so you always have the sharpest picture.
