Portable projector technology has come a long way in the past few years, with 4K resolution, long battery life, and automatic setup features available to create an incredible viewing experience anywhere. However, knowing how to select the right portable projector requires an understanding of the benefits of each feature and what type of scenarios the projector will be used in. While some features, such as audio, translate quality from indoors to outdoors without much difference, other features, such as brightness & lumens, will not maintain the same quality indoors to outdoors.

BenQ, a leader in projector technology, has a series of portable projectors designed to bring stories to life by creating a truly cinematic experience with a compact design. Each projector produces vivid colors and sharp details to create high quality entertainment indoors and outdoors, regardless of the size of the space. With different features, designs, and connectivity options, BenQ has a portable projector for every user.

A Smart Portable Projector Creates an Awesome Portable Theater

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Quality portable projectors are designed to create a fully immersive theater experience anywhere with flexible setup and connectivity capabilities. Cinema does not have to be limited to a specific location or setup. With their convenient design, portable projectors create cinema on the go for great entertainment anywhere. A good portable projector will come with automatic setup features, such as keystone and focus, a built-in smart TV system, high image quality and resolution, and clear speakers. Understanding usage scenarios also plays a role in the quality a portable projector can produce.

With just one portable projector, you can enjoy a high-quality home theater experience whether you've created a cozy haven indoors, are hosting a backyard moving night, or are enjoying nature while camping. Don't miss out on the opportunity to take the cinema anywhere you go.

Things to Consider When Purchasing

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Before going out and purchasing a portable projector, there are several key features to consider when selecting the right projector for you.

Resolution

Higher resolution will ensure better quality images indoors and outdoors. The recommended resolution is at least 1080p or 4K HDR, specifically if the content you're viewing is 4K. Keep in mind that 4K content may increase power consumption.

Brightness & Lumens

The average range of ANSI Lumens portable projectors offer is between 300 to 500, which is good for dark environments, dimly lit rooms, or backyard use in the evening. However, if you're watching content in bright environments, you might need a projector with 1000 ANSI Lumens for greater brightness. This will directly affect your power consumption, so having access to external power in these situations is beneficial.

Battery Life

Multiple factors, such as quality of content being viewed and brightness levels, directly affect battery life. To create flexible portability, portable projectors limit their size which limits the size of the battery. For a larger battery capacity, the projector would have to be larger, which is not ideal for portability. To extend battery life, you can use an outlet when necessary or choose a projector with a Type-C port to connect it to an external power bank.

Speakers

Portable projectors need speakers to be truly considered portable and efficient. If a portable projector has excellent audio quality, it can greatly enhance your movie watching experience regardless of where the setup is. Additionally, if it comes with a subwoofer the overall immersion of the content will be enhanced.

Set Up

A good portable projector should be easy to set up and use as needed. Features such as auto focus, auto keystone, and screen alignment make them convenient and versatile, allowing you to enjoy a large screen without the hassles of a complicated setup. Some portable projectors also offer easy rotation for projection onto the ceiling.

Connectivity

While most portable projectors have HDMI and USB-A ports as the standard connectivity options, having a USB-C port is essential for versatile connectivity and a convenient user experience. This allows you to connect directly to your smartphone or device and some portable gaming consoles such as the Nintendo Switch, Asus Ally, and NVIDIA Steam Deck.

Choosing Based on Usage Scenarios

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Even though portable projectors offer similar features, being able to distinguish between what would benefit your usage indoors vs outdoors is crucial to selecting the right projector. Selecting a projector with the right features will greatly enhance your experience.

Indoor and General Usage

For indoor and general usage, having a projector with high-quality content and the ability to be adjusted easily is the best option. The BenQ GV50 and GV31 offer the ultimate flexibility and adjustability, being able to rotate and projector directly onto the ceiling.

Outdoor, Backyard, and Camping

For outdoor environments, having higher lumens is a must to ensure visibility in varying light conditions. It's recommended to select a projector with 500 to 1000 ANSI lumens for clear projector. Additionally, projecting on a larger screen, such as 100in to 120in, for movie nights or events would benefit from a higher brightness. The BenQ GP100A has high brightness and flexibility projectivity, making it the best option for high-quality content outdoors.

Watching Movies & Playing Games

What you're using the projector for is just as important as the location it's in. In addition to enjoy movies and shows, you might want to play games with family and friends. A portable projector with Game Mode has low input lag to optimize gaming graphics and performance, ensuring everyone has a fun experience. The BenQ GP100A offers all around entertainment with Game Mode and a low input lag for portable gaming.

Enjoy Content Anywhere with Portable Projectors

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Owning a portable projector opens up a world of entertainment wherever you go. Some models offer carrying cases to make them easier to travel with or keep stored securely. When looking for the right portable projector for you, select one with a smart TV system, high-power speakers, an internal battery, and flexible connectivity for HDMI, USB-A, and USB-C ports. Enjoy a multitude of experiences with a single device and share the fun wherever you go.