The best pico projectors in the UK 2023

The pico projector facilitates your viewing in any environment thanks to its typical advantage: transportability. You can project your content anywhere with simple handling and a minimum of adjustments. Find in our buying guide a selection of the best pico projectors.

Crosstour S100 1
9/10

Best value for money

Crosstour S100

The best pico projector in 2021

In addition to offering unparalleled ergonomics, the Crosstour S100 pico projector also offers unique technical features that set it apart from all pico projectors on the market.

112 £ on Amazon

The Crosstour S100 is not the best pico projector for nothing. Its ultra-compact size and low weight are already great transport factors, so you can easily slip it into your bag or even your pocket. For home and outdoor projection, the Crosstour S100 meets the demand. The advanced DLP technology, combined with a contrast ratio of 2000:1, is a very advantageous technical criterion, as the images remain pleasantly sharp from all angles.

Thanks to its integrated 3000 mAh battery, the Crosstour S100 pico projector will cover your projections for 1.5 to 3 hours without power. By means of the 5V USB output port, you can both charge your smartphone while using your pico projector.

VicTsing Pico portable projector 2
7/10

Best value for money

VicTsing Pico portable projector

The best entry-level pico projector

For those with limited budgets, it is still possible to invest in durability and power with this portable pico projector from VicTsing that adapts to all situations and is extremely easy to use.

44,20 £ on Amazon

The best entry-level pico projector you'll find at VicTsing: with a brightness of 4,500 lumens and a 2000:1 contrast ratio, you'll get razor-sharp images in low-light environments. The lens is made of high quality glass to help reduce light reflections for a comfortable viewing experience. The screen sync feature gives you the freedom to share the movies you're watching on other Miracast-enabled devices.

The long-lasting lamp ensures remarkable durability for this portable pico projector from VicTsing, as well as unerring power on projection lighting. The Bluetooth functionality connects you to your headphones wirelessly for exceptional immersion. The noise-canceling sound cavity structure gives you blistering clear stereo sound. And to top it all off, VicTsing's portable pico projector comes with a rotating desktop tripod to make your set-up even easier.

XGIMI Halo 3
8/10

Best value for money

XGIMI Halo

The best high-end pico projector

The XGIMI Halo pico projector combines the best technologies and translates excellent performance for impressive accurate displays and unerring sound immersion.

639 £ on Amazon
Anker Nebula Capsule Max 4
9/10

A great choice

Anker Nebula Capsule Max

The best all-around pico projector

The size of a soda can, Anker Nebula Capsule Max is the ideal companion for your projections wherever you want, its technical performance will not disappoint you either.

399 £ on Amazon
Buying guide • November 2023

Best pico projector

Any specific needs?

The best pico projector in 2021

The best entry-level pico projector

The best high-end pico projector

The best all-around pico projector

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best pico projectors

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Crosstour S100 5
9/10
VicTsing Pico portable projector 6
7/10
XGIMI Halo 7
8/10
Anker Nebula Capsule Max 8
9/10
OUR SELECTION
Crosstour S100
VicTsing Pico portable projector
XGIMI Halo
Anker Nebula Capsule Max
In addition to offering unparalleled ergonomics, the Crosstour S100 pico projector also offers unique technical features that set it apart from all pico projectors on the market.
For those with limited budgets, it is still possible to invest in durability and power with this portable pico projector from VicTsing that adapts to all situations and is extremely easy to use.
The XGIMI Halo pico projector combines the best technologies and translates excellent performance for impressive accurate displays and unerring sound immersion.
The size of a soda can, Anker Nebula Capsule Max is the ideal companion for your projections wherever you want, its technical performance will not disappoint you either.
Resolution
Native 854 x 480 pixels, supports up to Full HD
1920 x 1080 pixels
1920 x 1080 pixels
1280 x 720 pixels
Contrast Brightness
2000:1 and 100 ANSI lumens
2000:1 and 4500 lumens
1000:1 and 600 to 800 ANSI Lumens
600:1 and 200 lumens Max Capsule
Sound performance
Enhanced by DLP technology, sound produced by the two extremely pure speakers
Enhanced design with noise reduction technology
Controlled by Harman Kardon Stereo
Built-in 8W speaker
Connectics
Supports only HDMI input devices
Expanded compatibility VGA / USB / HDMI / AV / SD / audio output ports
Widescreen compatibility HDMI interface, pairing with game consoles
Universal compatibility USB, HDMI ports
Autonomy
1.5 to 3 hours
Atteint 3 hours
Attached 2 hours
Attained 4 hours

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Buying guide - pico projector

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How to choose your pico projector

In order to make an effective choice of the best pico projector, consider the following essential criteria.

#1 - The image resolution

Whether for professional use (projection of documents, texts or statistical content) or domestic use (viewing vacation photos or videos), image resolution remains a determining factor in the choice of a projection device, the pico projector being no exception. The resolution guarantees the sharpness and precision of the images you project.

Therefore, for good image quality, we recommend a minimum resolution of 720 pixels, although a higher performance is always more appreciated. To enjoy a good resolution from your pico projector, you also need to choose the ideal setback according to your viewing space.

#2 - The contrast and brightness

This criterion is also fundamental in choosing the best pico projector. On the one hand, the brightness, which is expressed in lumens, is defined by the light that the pico projector emits during the projection: the higher this value is, the more light the pico projector returns.

Naturally, you'll want to choose a low-lumen pico projector if you're going to mount it in a dark room. Conversely, you should choose a high brightness model if your projection will take place in brightly lit areas (outdoors, in a brightly lit room, etc.).

On the other hand, contrast is an inseparable factor from brightness. It is expressed without unit but according to typical values such as 1500:1. The number before :1 indicates the power of the contrast, and therefore the depth of blacks. For a pico projector, a high contrast is highly recommended, combined with a high brightness. By making the right choice on this criterion, you will have no fear about the viewing conditions, your pico projector can then adapt to any lighting circumstance.

#3 - The sound performance

On all projection devices, the sound side plays an important role since it will influence the audiovisual comfort of the spectators. It would be a shame to watch a good movie with a bad sound quality. In most cases, however, this criterion is somewhat neglected on video projectors as well as on pico projectors. Concerning the latter particularly, its size generates an insufficiency of power at the sound level.

On the other hand, to have a better sound experience, some secondary options are to be considered. Of course you can always stick to the sound provided by the pico projector.

#4 - The connectivity

The projection stage must go through the connection to other peripheral devices that contain the various files to be viewed, hence the usefulness of a connectivity up to expectations. In general, you will find on a pico projector a Bluetooth or Wifi connectivity in order to easily connect it to a smartphone or a computer and thus obtain the contents of your choice.

The physical ports are not to be neglected either, namely USB, SD, HDMI and VGA, to access peripherals such as computer or game console. With a pico projector having a rich connectivity, you will have the possibility to broadcast all the contents from all the supports of your choice.

#5 - The autonomy

The pico projector works most of the time on sector, that is to say that you have to connect it to an electric source so that it gets in good working condition. Thus used, it allows you to view your contents on all the time necessary. But since the pico projector also has this portable character, it must ensure a certain autonomy on the ground, where you must use it.

In general, the pico projector lasts between one to three hours without being plugged in. On the other hand, if you need to use it in a place without an electrical source and you will be using it for a long time, you should get mobile batteries that are compatible with your pico projector model. Ask your dealer about this alternative to avoid damaging the device.

How to broadcast your smartphone screen on a pico projector?

Due to its portability and ease of use, a pico projector can be used to make presentations or broadcast content from your smartphone.

If your pico projector has a software download to allow this type of connection, you're good. However, if you're having trouble projecting content from your phone, we've got some alternatives.

Connect Chromecast

A simple method will be to connect, via HDMI, your Chromecast module to your pico projector. Once connected, you'll just need to sync your smartphone to the Chromecast using the Google Home software.
Another wireless solution is to use Miracast or Samsung Smart View.

The direct connection

If your smartphone has a USB-C connection, you can use a cable, USB-C/HDMI, to make a direct connection.

The MHL

If your pico projector is compatible with MHL or high definition link, you can connect your smartphone. The MHL cable uses a micro USB tip, which is currently more universal than USB-C connectivity.

The different types of pico projectors

The classification of pico projectors is based on the most important option that distinguishes a model from others, beyond the basic features.

Depending on connectivity

As the design of the pico projector has focused on the nomadic side of the device, it was also necessary to consider the ergonomic part of the device. Among the connectivity options of the pico projector, we generally distinguish two types:

  • Bluetooth, a connection technology that is increasingly popular on all multimedia devices, but not an automatic option on the pico projector. Its advantage is that it takes up very little space: instead of having to equip yourself with cables or remote controls to access other devices, the Bluetooth connection makes it totally easy to use the device you want to connect your pico projector to. It also makes it easy to connect speakers for sound enhancement.
  • Wifi, a wireless technology that allows you to access various contents via other peripheral devices. The system eases your tasks since it is directly compatible with the operating systems of your tablet or your smartphone.

Display technology

The notoriety of the laser pico projector on the market is becoming more and more remarkable because of its easy use. Indeed, it has the property of projecting sharp images continuously throughout the viewing time, without having to resort to frequent adjustments. On the various models that exist, we can find the following technologies:

  • LBS (Laser Beam Screaming): the device projects three lasers simultaneously, and each of these three lasers carries a color. The pico laser projector becomes absolutely practical because its image quality does not alternate in any place.
  • LED (Light Emitting Diode): This type includes the cheaper and more common models, whose light source comes from an LED lamp. This system provides very bright colors enhanced by a well-dosed contrast.

On these various mechanisms the pico projector displays authentically sharp images even in a skewed position.

Operating system

The Android pico projector is making a favorable advance in the pico projector market. It is a model of the latest generation quite revolutionary that interests more and more users. The handling of this type of pico projector is absolutely easy due to the fact that it is similar to our current smartphones.

It integrates any type of file, image, video or slideshow that you want to project without the need for countless inconvenient cables or wires. The Android pico projector can be connected to other devices via Bluetooth or Wifi. Like all other pico projector models, it has the necessary connectivity to help establish fast links with the devices of your choice.

Pico projector or video projector?

Video projector

The video projector allows you to broadcast images, videos, business files, any content that deserves to be shared to a targeted audience. Able to replace a TV screen or a PC monitor, it is more practical, because once connected you can broadcast on a wall or any other white space.

Moreover, this type of device is capable of reproducing in very high definition and even in 4k. Due to its size, it is not recommended for those who travel a lot.

Pico projector

The pico projector has the same functions as a video projector: it differs from the latter by its smaller size. The pico projector is thus defined as a miniature video projector. Compact and light, it is highly recommended for users who travel frequently.

Its handling is easy: just plug it in, turn it on, predefine the settings according to your taste, and that's it. The ventilation noise is more accentuated with the pico projector because it is used mainly in small spaces.

Verdict

In short, the video projector and the pico projector perform the same projection tasks. But their use is completely different and the size criterion that distinguishes one from the other is enough to establish this difference. Even though the pico projector can project good quality images, the video projector is the one that comes out on top if you focus on this criterion.

However, the advantage of the pico projector is its ability to handle the task despite its small size, and its portability becomes a much appreciated criteria.

Tips

The projection surface

Are you hesitating between a wall and a canvas to use your pico projector? First of all, you should know that the pico projector, because of its small size, has a lower luminosity, and therefore requires a more or less dark space if you want to benefit from a correct image quality. Also keep in mind that regardless of the projection surface you're going to choose, the settings of the pico projector play an essential role in obtaining sharp images.

Optimize the autonomy

The pico projector wins on the criterion of transportability as well as energy independence. As the models have a built-in battery, remember to recharge it each time you use it to ensure the desired autonomy. In general, the pico projector does not let you down for a duration varying from 1 to 3 hours.

Find the practical options

On the many models of pico projectors, some typical options are likely to distinguish a model among the others. These options can be technical as well as commercial: possibility of 90° rotation, Netflix and Youtube compatibility with 3D glasses included, access to a warranty, etc.

The LED lamp: guaranteeing longevity

In addition to being the most modern technology, the LED lamp is also a parameter that guarantees the durability of your pico projector. Don't hesitate to invest in models with this feature.

The maintenance method

As your pico projector is small, you will want to clean it often. Keep in mind, however, that the only part that needs the most maintenance in the pico projector is the lens, and it is also the most fragile part so beware of sudden movements. Just a microfiber cloth is enough to remove its impurities.

FAQ

What is the best pico projector?

The best pico projector depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide to learn more.

What is the average brightness suitable for a pico projector?

Even in good ambient lighting conditions, the pico projector should have at least 200 lumens, just enough brightness to ensure good visual comfort when projecting. Many still-affordable models reach a brightness of 1,000 lumens.

What are the recurring settings on the pico projector?

The adjustments you'll need to make whenusing your pico projector often relate to the projection angle and the screen-to-device distance. On high-end models, you'll also be able to change the focal length and colors.

What disadvantage do you find on the pico projector?

The main flaw you'll quickly detect on the pico projector concerns the noisy fan. When the device heats up, the ventilation system activates and causes noises that can disturb you during your viewings. Find among our recommended products, the least noisy pico projectors.

Can you stream your smartphone content on a pico projector?

Yes. You have various tools and means to broadcast your presentation from your smartphone. If your model has native software, such as the Nebula Capsule max, simply download the program and follow the steps. If not, you need to consider other methods.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Crosstour S100 9
Crosstour S100
VicTsing Pico portable projector 10
VicTsing Pico portable projector
XGIMI Halo 11
XGIMI Halo
Anker Nebula Capsule Max 12
Anker Nebula Capsule Max

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