10 Best Pico Projectors 2026 in the United States

The Kodak Luma 500 is a compact pico-projector that stands out with its sharp 1080p Full HD resolution, making it a great choice for clear and detailed images whether you're watching movies or giving presentations. Its brightness of 150 ANSI lumens is suitable for small, dim environments but might struggle in well-lit rooms or large outdoor spaces. Connectivity options are a strong point here, with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, USB, and even Google TV built in, allowing easy streaming from smartphones, laptops, and other devices. This makes it particularly handy for users who want a versatile projector without complicated setup.

Portability is excellent due to its small size and light weight (just over a pound), so you can easily carry it for outdoor movie nights or travel. The built-in automatic vertical keystone correction helps keep the picture balanced without manual adjustments. While it has built-in speakers, external speakers may be preferred for enhanced audio quality. Its compact size suggests it is best suited for smaller rooms or close projection distances.

The Kodak Luma 500 is well suited for users seeking a portable, high-definition projector with flexible connectivity, ideal for casual home cinema, light presentations, or outdoor use in darker settings. It may be less appropriate if very bright projection or long battery life for extended use away from power sources is required.

The BenQ GV50 is a portable laser projector designed for home entertainment, offering some impressive features with a few trade-offs. Its 500 ANSI lumens brightness is suitable for dimly lit environments, making it perfect for cozy, bedside movie nights. It displays native 1080p resolution, ensuring clear and sharp images, and can even support 4K content, which is a nice bonus for high-definition videos. The projector's flexible design allows for ceiling projection and versatile positioning, thanks to its rotating angle and tripod base, which enhances its usability in different settings.

Connectivity is a strong suit with built-in Google TV, supporting popular streaming services like Netflix, and allowing casting via AirPlay and Chromecast. This feature-rich content access is complemented by its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, enabling easy connections to various devices. On the audio front, the 18W speaker system offers decent sound with enhanced bass from its integrated woofer, which might reduce the need for external speakers in small to medium spaces.

The GV50's throw distance may limit the size of the projection in smaller rooms. Portability is slightly compromised by its 5.5-pound weight, which is heavier than some other pico-projectors. Despite these drawbacks, its auto-focus and auto keystone features help simplify setup, ensuring a crisp, square image without manual adjustments. This projector is ideal for home cinema enthusiasts who value easy setup and high-quality visuals, although those seeking ultra-portability might find it a bit bulky.

The Kodak Luma 350 Portable Smart Projector stands out with its portability and smart features. Weighing just 1.81 pounds and with dimensions of 3.1 x 3.1 x 0.87 inches, it’s compact and easy to carry, making it ideal for on-the-go use. The onboard Android 6.0 system with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity allows for smooth streaming and internet browsing directly on the projector. The projector supports a wide range of devices via HDMI, USB, and a 3.5mm audio jack, enhancing its versatility in various settings such as home cinema, education, gaming, and business presentations.

The projector’s resolution is 854 x 480, which is lower than true HD resolutions, potentially affecting the sharpness and detail of the projected image, especially when blown up to its maximum 150-inch screen size. The brightness, while decent for a pico-projector, might struggle in well-lit rooms, meaning it's best suited for darker environments. The built-in speaker is convenient, but for a better audio experience, external speakers might be necessary.

Battery life isn't specified, but as a rechargeable unit, it offers the flexibility of cordless use for a period, making it convenient for short presentations or movie nights without worrying about plugging in. One drawback is the limitation in streaming copyrighted content from services like Netflix or Hulu through mirroring; users need to download these apps directly onto the projector for streaming. Despite these limitations, the Kodak Luma 350 offers a rich set of features and great portability, making it a solid choice for users looking for a multi-functional, easy-to-use pico-projector.