I have recently been looking for the best projectors for small rooms as I wanted a movie theatre-like experience in my own house. I was very excited to discover a great range of small projectors that I could use to turn my room into a mini-theatre! Along the way, I have also learned how to connect small projectors to devices like USBs, game consoles, and smartphones. Not to mention TVs and computers!
So you can watch movies and TV shows on these projectors with a substantial projection as well as while playing games or just browsing. Another perk of these devices is that many of them have a bright enough projection to project the screen onto walls instead of projector screens. This means you could buy one of these, and you would be immediately ready to get going. Nothing else required !
It is also a good option for you if you want less eye-strain for yourself and your family.
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10 Awesome Projectors for Small Rooms
I am very excited to talk about my picks of the best projectors for small rooms that I think will enhance your digital experience!
1. Optoma HD243X 1080p Projector
If your desired device is an affordable, small projector that you can use to watch movies and play video games on, theOptoma HD243X 1080p Projector might just be the one for you! True to its word, it has a high-quality picture display that made my viewing experience better. The projection is also bright enough to watch it in a well-lit room without turning off lights.
If you want to place it in a small room with very little distance between the projector and the projector screen (or wall), it might prove to be a handy little device. You can easily connect the device to your PC or phone, or gaming console with an HDMI cable without any issues.
However, the projector might display a rainbow effect; this is when the colors on your screen appear separately instead of working together to disrupt your viewing experience. This does not always happen, though.
One potential problem with it is that the built-in sound card may not live up to your expectations, so you may have to get extra speakers.
The 3D feature that it offers did not live up to my high expectations, but it isn’t too bad.
What we liked:
- Great value for money
- Bright display
- High-definition picture
- No compatibility issues with other devices
- Not heavy
What we didn’t like:
- Rainbow effect can occur
- Low-quality sound system
- Short warranty period
- Parts may need to be replaced often
2. YABER Y30 Native 1080P Projector
YABER’s projector practically brings the movie theatre experience home! You can set it up and project it onto your room’s wall or even on your home’s outer wall in your backyard in the evening, and it works pretty well. Even in bright indoor surroundings, the picture quality looks crisp.
You can customize your viewing experience using the zoom feature on the projector without moving it. But the picture quality may worsen with zoom adjustments as the focus feature is not top-notch. Unlike many projectors of this kind, the built-in exhaust fan is not usually noisy and will not interrupt your viewing experience.
The remote that comes with the device seems fragile, so it is not ideal for rough handling. Besides, if you are looking for a device that might be portable outside your home, this may not be the right choice as it is a bit bulky. It also does not come with a carrying case.
For the price, it serves its purpose well. Connect your smart device to it with an HDMI cable, and you are good to go!
What we liked:
- Good value for money
- Good display in bright rooms
- Zoom feature
What we didn’t like:
- Not ideal for high-quality gaming
- Fragile remote
- Focus may not work well
3. ViewSonic 3800 Lumens XGA High Brightness Projector
Truly living up to its name, the ViewSonic 3800 Lumens XGA High Brightness Projector displays a bright projection even outdoors when it starts getting darker. The product seems to work well even with windows open in the daytime.
The device exhibits a display that is full of life. So, if you want to have a movie night with the family or with guests over, this might just be the way to go!
I especially like the fact that the projector can display 3D images directly from 3D Blu-ray players, which makes it stand out among other mini projectors. There are no external devices needed as the in-built feature works well in terms of sound.
My favorite feature of this projector is that the display screen can be frozen. So, everyone does not have to know your computer’s contents as you browse through your files.
However, I have concerns about durability, and the bulb may not last as long as expected. As a result, you may encounter things like a flickering display. The projector needs to be physically moved away for a larger display since there is no zoom option, so it may be inconvenient.
What we liked:
- Very bright
- Good built-in speakers
- Standout 3D display
What we didn’t like:
- Uncertain durability
- No zoom options
4. Projector 1080P Native 6800 Lumens HDMI Movie Projector
The Projector 1080P Native 6800 Lumens HDMI Movie Projector is small, portable, and convenient. Unlike many others in the market, the double-speakers that come with it serve as a good sound system. If you put it in your room and project the display on to your wall, you are ready for an immersive movie-watching experience!
Sometimes projectors’ display can have issues with angle adjustments, making the bottom line seem shorter than the top line. Looking at this is quite unpleasant. This projector has a built-in solution (called keystone correction) that you can use to adjust your projector in case this issue occurs. This feature made this projector stand out for me among other similar ones.
In terms of brightness, this projector does not measure up to the rest of the competition. I had to have the lights out for a bright enough projection. Despite lacking brightness, this projector could be a good option for you if you have a small room and prefer watching movies with the lights out.
What we liked:
- Good sound system
- Keystone correction
- Small and portable
What we didn’t like:
- Dim unless lights out
- Difficult to clean
5. Optoma EH412ST Short Throw 1080P HDR Professional Projector
Optoma EH412ST Short Throw 1080P HDR Professional Projector is ideal for small spaces. Even from approximately a distance of 4 feet (short throw), it projects a full image.
If you want a projector that you can use with your game simulator systems like golf simulators, this is the way to go! It is compatible and can be set up well with these.
Even though it is not too bright, it might be okay if you are looking to use it in small rooms for meetings or inside your house. I don’t recommend it for viewing parties in the backyard as the display is not clear in bright surroundings.
This device has a keystone correction feature too, but it’s a shame that it’s lacking than some of its less-expensive competitors! It’s good that it makes up for this with its other solid features.
What we liked:
- Compatible with simulators
- Good short throw feature
- Good built-in speakers
- Durable
What we didn’t like:
- Not very bright
- Bad keystone corrector
6. Optoma GT1080HDR Short Throw Gaming Projector
If you are looking for a projector that you can use for an immersive gaming experience, look no further! As soon as it finds a compatible device, the projector adjusts its display to show images with high clarity.
The brightness works alright with the lights turned on but functions best in the dark. For me, the economy brightness mode was not very good. I would recommend always using the bright mode to get the best experience. This projector is a good substitute for TVs as it can display up to 1080p videos without quality loss.
I have found that the projector can get heated up if I don’t assure proper ventilation. However, as long there is good air flow, it will work and won’t make noise. But we would have to be mindful so that it won’t overheat.
Unfortunately, the built-in lamp needed for the projector to work has a short warranty. It may not last very long and might need replacement.
In addition to viewing regular games, it can be used for virtual sports like golf simulators, a nifty feature I must say!
What we liked:
- Incredible clarity
- Easily portable
- Keystone correction feature
- Compatible with golf simulators
- 3D feature works well
What we didn’t like:
- No zoom option, have to move it physically
- Ri sk of overheating
- Lamp might not last long
7. ViewSonic PS501W 3400 Lumens
Another among the several short throw projectors in the market is the ViewSonic PS501W 3400 Lumens because of its smooth video playback. You can see some delay or lag in some projectors when playing videos, but not in this one!
It’s a plug-and-play kind of device that does not require much work to set-up. I like this projector because there aren’t any compatibility issues with Apple devices as long as the right wire is used. You don’t have to waste time with instruction manuals or googling questions.
However, I would recommend getting a projector screen for the best experience. The display may seem a bit dull on walls. You may also need extra speakers if you’re not satisfied with the built-in sound system.
This projector, as advertised, shines best when used in small rooms or for movie-watching parties in the backyard. It is an excellent alternative to watching videos on your TV screen as it is significantly larger without any drops in picture quality. Neat!
What we liked:
- Easy set-up
- Smooth video playback
- Compatible with Apple devices
What we didn’t like:
- Projector screen needed
- Built-in sound system not good
8. GRC Mini Projector, 1080P HD Supported
I think this projector might just give the best value for money. The GRC Mini Projector could be your savior if you are on a tight budget. The picture quality does not leave much room for criticism. The built-in speakers are not too good, and it could be well worth spending on additional speakers.
This device can not only display videos and gaming screens but also still photos. A dark environment would be ideal since the display is a little dim around bright lights. It works well for in-house movie-watching parties.
One fault that I found with this projector is that the keystone correction feature does not work well. Adjusting the focus or the corners of the displayed image does not produce good results. I would suggest setting it up somewhere convenient and physically adjusting it instead. However, you cannot put it on a projector mount. You can only change the height through the built-in screw.
What we liked:
- Quite inexpensive
- Can display still image
- It has a built-in height adjustment screw
- Compatible with many devices
What we didn’t like:
- Difficult set-up
- Bad in-built speakers
- Faulty keystone correction
9. WiMiUS Upgrade P18 8000L LED Movie Projector
The WiMiUS Upgrade P18 8000L LED Movie Projector will make you wonder how such a good quality projector is being offered at such an affordable price. Compared to others on the list, the customer service of WiMiUS goes above and beyond. They are pretty responsive and helpful.
Unlike many inexpensive projectors, the sound system is good enough if you want to stay in and watch something. The projector boasts a 1080p clear display, and it delivers! I recommend using a projector screen for the best experience, but I wouldn’t say it’s required.
One of the things I liked best is that the projector has a lifetime warranty period, and customer service will help you out if you face any issues anytime.
There is a slight lag if you want to project console or PC games, so I would not recommend it for this purpose. But there is no noticeable lag when videos play. The keystone correction feature is not great, but I am honestly surprised that it is even offered in this affordable price range projector.
The lack of a zoom function might prove to be a slight problem, but as long as you are willing to move the projector and back and forth, it’s okay. You can also use this to project movies in your backyard at night. The display is quite bright, which is a pleasant surprise.
What we liked:
- Inexpensive
- Helpful customer service
- Bright display
- Good sound system
- Lifetime warranty
What we didn’t like:
- Not suitable for gaming
- No option to zoom
10. TOPVISION 4000LUX Outdoor Movie Projector
The TOPVISION 4000LUX Outdoor Movie Projector is a small and portable mini-projector that could be the right choice for you if you are looking for one that’s perfect for movie projection. Unlike most projectors on this list that require an HDMI cable to function, this one works well if you just have a USB port. This means you can plug in a flash drive, and you are good to go—no need for extra wires. HDMI option is also available.
If you want to carry a projector to another place, this will work better than almost all others on this list as it is small and does not require too many wires.
You should keep in mind that you cannot use a phone or tablet to project Netflix or Amazon Prime through USB because of copyright issues. Before you buy this device, please check if your device is compatible with the EZCast application, as you will need that with USB. Downloaded movies work perfectlyEZCast, though. If you happen to have devices like the Amazon Firestick, you can project from the streaming services.
Even though this might sound like a hassle, the customer service is quite friendly, and they can help you out with any questions you have. They promise a lifetime of support, and they seem to deliver.
The display is as good as a TV’s display if you turn off the lights; the colors are pretty sharp too.
If you want an inexpensive projector to use at home to watch movies and not for any other purpose, this projector is a good pick!
What we liked:
- Inexpensive
- Portable
- Lifetime customer service
- Connects through USB
- Good sound
- Charges your phone when plugged in!
What we didn’t like:
- Compatibility with EZCast app required for USB projection
- Cannot focus well over small distances
- Corners of the display can sometimes appear blurry
- Dim display in well-lit places
Which Should You Choose?
I initially searched for a small projector to enhance my movie-watching experience inside my house. So, if that is your primary purpose of buying a projector, the TOPVISION 4000LUX Outdoor Movie Projector is good enough and not too pricey! The YABER Y30 Native 1080P Projector is perfect for movies as well, especially if you want to set up a theatre-style setting in your backyard.
But if you want something you can display games on, this is not your best option. I recommend the Optoma GT1080HDR Short Throw Gaming Projector instead! It is suitable for simulator games like golf simulators. The Optoma EH412ST Short Throw 1080P HDR Professional Projector is ideal for this purpose.
If you want a bang for your buck, the GRC Mini Projector is practically a steal! The WiMiUS Upgrade P18 8000L LED Movie Projector works fine, too, if you are looking for more budget options than most of the items on this list.