Compare Low Priced Mini Projectors

If choosing a low cost mini projector, its very important to look at user reviews.  The best mini projectors at this pricing can vary widely in quality and performance.  But even the better projectors in this price range will have lower resolution and dimmer outputs then their higher priced brethren.  However, we are starting to see units in this price range getting better reviews as manufacturers are improving their designs and light outputs.

To make quality low priced projectors there is always a give-and-take with features, therefore when choosing the best mini projector at a low price point, it is very important to know how you intend to use it and what features and/or specifications will be important to you.

Pros:  Inexpensive

Cons: Low resolution, lack features, Low Lumens

Price Range: $70 – $200

Compare Mid Priced Mini Projectors

In our opinion mid priced mini projectors are in the sweet spot of balancing price with function and offer the best mini projector value.  Most mini projectors fall into this category and there are hundreds of choices from quality manufacturers.  We have sorted through the specifications, features and user reviews to bring your the best mini projector for your money.  When choosing a mini projector, always go with the biggest unit practical for your application.  In general the smaller the unit, the lower the Lumens and the darker the room must be to clearly see the projection.

Our featured Image to the right is of the LG HS201, which consistently gets the best reviews of any mini projector in this category.  While it won’t fit in your front shirt pocket, it is still only about the size of a paperback book, and that is plenty of “mini” in our opinion, and it provides almost 4 times the lumens of the best Pico pocket projector (like the 3M MPro 150).

Mid priced units also come with more cord accessories and input types making connecting to almost any device easier.  Quality mid priced units also come with better resolution and focus and can project bigger pictures.  If your looking for the best mini projector when comparing price vs. value these mid priced units are your answer.

Pros:  Brighter, better resolution, good features, more accessories

Cons: More expensive, still missing some features; like zoom, tilt adjustment, not HD.

Price Range: $200 – $450

Compare High Priced Mini Projectors

As we get into the high priced mini projectors, we start seeing HD capability and 50% more brightness then the mid priced units.  From a operational stand point, these are the best mini projectors.  Additional features like memory expansion, zoom capability more connections and improved picture adjustments are often found on the high price mini projectors.

Our “high price” range spans from a little over $400 all the way to $1,000.  But we don’t always see improved value at the higher price points, especially when you consider that you could buy two mid priced units for the same cost.  If your in the market for a $1,000 projector, we suspect you don’t intend it to be all that portable, and perhaps you would be better served with a “full-sized” projector made for static home theaters.

But because there are projectors small enough to be considered mini that run at almost $1,000, we need to include them in out review.  But in general we believe the best value in the high priced category is between $450-$600.  In fact the Vivitek Qumi Q2, shown on the right, is one of the highest rated mini projectors and it comes in around $500.

Pros:  Best brightness, best resolution (some HD), good features, more accessories.

Cons: Most expensive. (some too expensive vs. features)

Price Range: $450 – $,1000

Compare Mini Projectors for Children

The best mini projectors for children can be very inexpensive, have only the most basic features and are typically found in the toy department of your local or online store.  These projectors are made for kids and and their look, features, and quality reflect this.   Some of these are only powered by batteries, which can be both good, if your children are too

young to handle plug in devices, and bad due to limited battery life and brightness.  You will often see these projectors being used by friends or siblings to create their own home theater experience in their room or even outdoors.  These projectors are safe and fun for children but are limited in their resolution and brightness and really need a totally dark environment.

Pros:  Inexpensive, safe for Children (check each unit for recommended ages)

Cons: Low resolution, some are battery operated, lack features

Price Range: $40 – $150