10 Best Pico Projectors 2025 in the United States

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 Sony MP-CD1 is a highly portable pico projector, weighing less than 1 pound and designed to fit easily in your pocket. Its compact size makes it ideal for on-the-go use, whether for business presentations or casual movie watching. The 105 ANSI lumens brightness, enhanced by IntelliBright technology, allows for dynamic and bright images, though it is best used in darker environments due to its limited brightness compared to larger projectors.

The resolution of 854 x 480 (WVGA) is adequate for basic presentations and casual viewing but may fall short for those seeking high-definition clarity. With a built-in 5000mAh battery, it offers up to 2 hours of cable-free operation, which is convenient for short presentations or a quick movie session. The projector also features a quick 5-second boot time, making setup fast and stress-free.

Connectivity is straightforward with HDMI/MHL ports, and you can attach a dongle for wireless connectivity. However, the reliance on a dongle for wireless use could be a minor inconvenience. Audio is provided by a built-in speaker, which is handy, though the 1W output may not be sufficient for larger rooms or audiences without external speakers. The short-throw capability allows for a large 120” screen size from a short distance, which is great for small spaces. The Sony MP-CD1 is a solid choice for those needing a portable and easy-to-use projector with decent features, but it may not satisfy those looking for high brightness or high-resolution displays.

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.