From gaming on the big screen to watch your favorite movie outdoors in your very own backyard cinema, projectors are a fantastic way to enjoy viewing on a larger scale. They’re also far more affordable than flat-screen TVs and come packed with fantastic features such as WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity, HD 1080P resolution, and “screen” sizes that can exceed well over 100 inches!
Best of all, the popularity of projectors paired with advancements in technology have allowed for some excellent budget options to become available. Let’s take a look at some of the best cheap projectors available on the market in 2021.
Cheap Projectors Reviews
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | LATEST PRICE |
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1. AuKing Mini Projector  |
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2. DRJ Professional 7500Lumens Mini Projector  |
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3. GooDee Portable Mini Projector  |
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4. ELEPHAS Portable LED Full Color Video Projector  |
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5. MOOKA WiFi Projector  |
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6. ELEPHAS W13 WiFi Mini Projector  |
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7. Salange Portable Projector with Bluetooth-Speaker  |
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8. Poner Saund PS15 Mini WiFi Projector  |
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9. PVO Portable Projector  |
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1. AuKing Mini Projector
Product Highlights
The AuKing Mini Projector is a multi-device projector that uses 4.0 LCD Display technology to provide stunning lifelike images that are perfect for viewing movies and images.
The projector also uses diffuse reaction technology that casts soft light, protecting your eyes and reducing eye fatigue.
Features
- Light Source: LED
- 1500:1 contrast ration
- Brightness rating of 4500 lumens
- Lamp Life: 50000 hours
- Resolution: 1080P supported
- Projection Display: 35″-170″
- Projection Distance: Between 3.7ft to 23.6ft
- Speaker: Built-in Hi-Fi stereo speaker
- Power Supply AC IN: 110V-240V 60HZ
- Net weight: 1.12 pounds
- Projector size: 6.7 x 5.3 x 2.9 (inches)
- Supports multiple interfaces: HDMI port/AV port/USB port/Audio out port
- 2 Year warranty; technical support
What We Like
The AuKing Mini Projector is a great all-around projector with easy connectivity to devices and a high-resolution 1080P projection. This projector is very quick to set up, with it taking less than ten minutes, from unboxing to watch a film. It features a built-in Hi-Fi speaker and can also be connected to an external speaker, making it great for connecting to a home theatre system.
Another great feature of this projector is the overall size of the unit with it being very compact and easily transportable, making it ideal for outdoor use. It comes supplied with an HDMI cable and can be connected to a good range of devices with minimum fuss.
What We Don’t Like
With a brightness rating of 4500 lumens, it’s not the brightest projector on the market, and the 1080P resolution is not perfectly clear when viewing from over 15 feet away. Another issue is that while it is compatible with multiple devices, you’ll need to supply your own lightning to HDMI cable. The sound is reasonable, although the small speaker lacks bass response.
PROS
- Easy multi-device connection (iPhone, iPad, PS3, PS4, Laptop, Android phone)
- High-resolution (1080P supported)
- Reduced fan noise
- Good picture quality for the price
CONS
- Not the brightest projector on the market
- Image can be slightly blurry when projecting beyond 15 feet
- The built-in speaker is lacking in high-quality sound reproduction
2. DRJ Professional 7500Lumens Mini Projector
Product Highlights
The DRJ Professional 7500Lumens Mini Projector is ideal for watching movies or sports indoors or outdoors. The projector has a 1280 x 720 resolution and provides a viewing size ranging from 32” to 176” with a projection distance of between 4.9 feet to 16.4 feet. It has a built-in speaker and can be connected easily to an external speaker system.
Features
- Display: LCD
- Light Source: LED
- Contrast Ratio: 3800:1
- Brightness rating of 7500 lumens
- Native Resolution: 1280 x 720p
- Supported Resolution: 1920 x 1080P
- Projection Display: 32″-170″
- Power Supply AC IN: 100V-240V 50/60HZ
- Net weight: 4.33 pounds
- Projector size: 10.12 x 9.92 x 6.57 inches
- 3 year warranty
What We Like
This projector is fantastic for the price, especially considering it includes a 100-inch roll-out projector screen. It has a high-resolution output of up to 1920 x 1080P and works best when projected at around 6.5 feet, with a maximum projection distance of around 16 feet.
The unit has a built-in speaker and also connects easily to an external speaker or sound device. Connectivity to devices is also super easy and supports USB, Firestick, PS3/PS4, and SD cards. You can also easily connect to a phone and stream YouTube or media from your device.
What We Don’t Like
While the manufacturer claims a brightness ratio of 7500 lumens, it appears far less and is somewhat difficult to see if there is slight ambient light, for example at dusk. The product size also isn’t really that ‘mini’, being almost twice the size of some other projectors reviewed.
The projector can also be a little tricky to get working with a Dolby sound system.
PROS
- 3-year warranty
- 100″ Portable Projector Screen included in price
- Good range of connectivity options for devices
- HIgh-resolution supported up to 1920 x 1080P
CONS
- Internal speaker output limited to 2 watts power
- Projector output not as bright as other models
- Some screen bleed and blurriness occurs in some units
3. GooDee Portable Mini Projector
Product Highlights
The GooDee Portable Mini projector features a modern, compact design and makes for an easy-to-carry projector for viewing movies. The LED projector supports 1080P resolution and connects easily to a variety of devices using USB, HDMI, SD, AV, as well as a 3.5mm audio jack for connecting to external speakers.
Features
- Display: NA
- Light Source: LED
- Contrast Ratio: 3800:1
- Brightness rating: 7500 lumens
- Native resolution: 480 x 320P
- Supported Resolution: 1080P
- Projection Display: 40 – 60 inches
- Net weight: 1.38 pounds
- Projector size: 4.33 x 5.11 x 7.09 inches
- 1 year warranty
What We Like
This mini projector is ideal for taking on the road, with a small and lightweight design and a ¼ inch mounting hole for a tripod that can rotate 360 degrees. It comes boxed with an HDMI cable and is easy to connect to a range of devices, from a phone, tablet, laptop or PC, to a PS3 or PS4.
The projector is great for watching all types of media, including MP3, WMA, OGG, AAC, FLAC, APE, and WAV file types.
What We Don’t Like
The built-in speaker is very small and does not support Dolby sound, it also doesn’t have a good bass response, although this unit can be connected to an external speaker by using a 3.5mm audio jack. The resolution is also quite small and quickly becomes blurry when viewing at full image size beyond 4 feet.
PROS
- Excellent lightweight and compact design making it easily transportable
- Good image resolution when viewing with 40-inch image size
- Excellent affordability
- Easy mounting with a tripod
CONS
- Limited 12-month warranty
- Poor sound quality from the built-in speaker
- Not recommended for business presentations
4. ELEPHAS Portable LED Full Color Video Projector
Product Highlights
The ELEPHAS LED projector is a compact and portable mini projector equipped with multiple ports that support an HDMI, USB, Audio, and AV interface. It can also be easily connected using a Firestick, Roku stick, Chromecast, or a range of devices such as a DVD player, a laptop, or a phone or tablet.
Features
- Display: LCD 2.0
- Light Source: LED
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
- Native resolution: 640 x 360P
- Supported Resolution: 1080P
- Projection Display: 30-100 inches
- Net weight: 1 pound
- Projector size: 6.37 x 5.1 x 2.6 inches
- 5 year factory support
What We Like
The ELEPHAS projector is the ideal plug-and-play unit, with large control buttons on the top of the device. It is ideal for kids and can be connected to a wide range of devices. It also has a built-in speaker and a good range of projection display up to 100 inches.
What We Don’t Like
While this unit is compact, the design is very bright and not overly modern, and is geared toward a kid’s product. The built-in ‘advanced cooling system’ can also get a little noisy and can overwhelm the built-in speaker.
PROS
- Great warranty period
- Excellent plug-and-play functionality
- Perfect for kids and very durable
- Good image quality for the price
CONS
- Not height adjustable
- Cannot adjust picture size in-device
- Noisy fan
5. MOOKA WiFi Projector
Product Highlights
The MOOKA 1080P WiFi projector features wireless connectivity and is also compatible with TV Stick, PS4/PS5, HDMI, DVD via AV, HDMI, and USB ports. iOS and Android phones are also compatible, allowing you to view movies or images in any format and on any device.
Features
- Display: LCD 4.0
- Light Source: LED
- Contrast Ratio: 5000:1
- Brightness rating of 7500 lumens
- Native resolution 1280 x 720P
- Supported resolution: 1080P supported Full HD resolution
- Projection display: 45 – 200 inches
- Sound: SRS Hi-Fi dual speaker sound system
- Net weight: 3.61 pounds
- Projector size: 8.58 x 6.85 x 3.77 inches
- 3-year warranty
What We Like
This projector features an excellent high-resolution display reaching up to a whopping 200 inches, making it ideal for backyard cinema. The native resolution is also excellent so the image is crisp even when the display image size is pushed to the maximum.
The unit also comes with a protective carry case and weighs just 3.61 pounds, making it ideal for taking on the road. The dual speaker system is also one of the best-reviewed in this price range.
What We Don’t Like
While the dual-fan cooling system is great for cooling the unit, it can become quite loud. The menu display is also a little confusing and can be difficult to connect to some devices. This is definitely not a plug-and-play device.
PROS
- Excellent high-quality image resolution
- Excellent brightness and contrast ratios
- SRS Hi-Fi dual speaker system is very good
- Carry bag and lightweight design is perfect for portability
CONS
- Connection to some devices can be difficult
- The remote control can be unresponsive
- Slightly larger than other projectors on the market
6. ELEPHAS W13 WiFi Mini Projector
Product Highlights
With WiFi connectivity and a good-quality image resolution supporting 1080P HD, this projector is great for indoor or outdoor use. It can project an image size of up to 200 inches and is one of the easiest to use, connecting with many devices either through WiFi, HDMI, USB, AV, SD card, or using a PS4/5, Xbox, Firestick, or Chromecast.
Features
- Display: LCD 4.0
- Light Source: LED
- Contrast Ratio: 3500:1
- Native Resolution 800 x 480P
- Supported Resolution: 1920 x 1080P
- Projection Display: 30 – 200 inches
- Sound: Built-in Hi-Fi speaker sound system
- Net weight: 2.3 pounds
- Projector size: 8 x 5.5 x 2.8 inches
- 5 year warranty
What We Like
Connectivity is super easy on this projector and we love how it mirrors your device making it easy to control what you are watching. The screen resolution image quality is good and can be pushed up to 150 inches without blurring or distorting. The built-in sound system is also clear and can be connected to an external speaker or sound system.
What We Don’t Like
If you’re using this unit for the first time, it can be tricky to connect to some devices, especially if you’re planning to stream using Netflix or HULU. Sadly, the projector doesn’t support Dolby sound, and the built-in speaker is not overly loud.
PROS
- Excellent brightness and contrast ratios
- Device screen mirroring
- Wi-Fi connectivity is excellent
- Reasonable sound quality with the option to connect to external speakers
CONS
- You will need Chromecast, Firestick, or similar to stream Netflix
- Dolby speakers are not supported
- The projector is quite large
7. Salange Portable Projector with Bluetooth-Speaker
Product Highlights
With Bluetooth connectivity, the Salange portable projector has a clear and crisp image and has a 1080P supported image resolution, which can display images up to 220 inches.
It connects easily with multiple devices and plays almost every video and sound format. It’s the ultimate plug-and-play projector, with no extra buttons and the excellent device mirroring feature allows for greater control.
Features
- Display: LCD, NTSC color gamut
- Light Source: LED
- Contrast Ratio: 6000:1
- Brightness Rating: 7000 lumens
- Native Resolution: 1280 x 720P
- Supported Resolution: 1080P supported Full HD resolution
- Projection Display: 30 – 220 inches
- Sound: Dual 5w stereo speakers with Bluetooth function
- Net weight: 3.8 pounds
- Projector size: 5.9 x 6.1 x 6.3 inches
- 3-year warranty
What We Like
This projector has one of the brightest and highest contrast ratios compared to others in a similar price range. The 1080P HD resolution is sharp and crisp, and features one of the largest projection display sizes of 220 inches!
The 5w dual sound system is also excellent and can be used as a Bluetooth speaker too when you’re not watching a movie.
What We Don’t Like
The overall size of this unit is quite large and boxy, which may present an issue when ceiling-mounted in some rooms. While the sound quality from the built-in speakers is excellent, it doesn’t support Dolby sound so you’ll need to adjust the settings on your device for the sound to work.
PROS
- Excellent sound from 5w dual speakers that can be used as a Bluetooth speaker
- Excellent compatibility with many devices
- Quiet fan
- Device mirroring feature
- Bottom threaded hole design for easy mounting
- Comes shipped with two remote controls
CONS
- Boxy design
- High-brightness can fatigue your eyes quickly
- Very loud startup noise when the device is switched on
8. Poner Saund PS15 Mini WiFi Projector
Product Highlights
Offering mirrored synchronized multi-screen displays, this projector allows for ultimate connectivity and ease of use while watching your favorite movies or viewing images. The compact and lightweight design will also allow for easy portability.
It’s a high-contrast projector that supports 1080P Full HD playback in a range of media types. The sound is supplied by Hi-Fi stereo speakers, and the unit stays cool using a super-quiet cooling system.
Features
- Display: NA
- Light Source: LED
- Contrast Ratio: 5000:1
- Brightness Rating: 6000 lumens
- Native Resolution: 720P
- Supported Resolution: 1080P supported Full HD resolution
- Projection Display: maximum 180 inches
- Sound: HI-FI Stereo Speakers
- Net weight: 3.01 pounds
- Projector size: 10.39 x 9.96 x 4.57 inches
- 2-year warranty
What We Like
Offering a sleek design and wireless mirroring between devices, this is ideal for streaming or watching movies on Android or iOS devices. It offers excellent connectivity and image quality, with projection image size reaching up to 180 inches in 1080P HD. Picture control is also easy with the built-in ‘distance knob.
The sound quality is good and supplied by a built-in Hi-Fi stereo speaker, plus the projector can easily be connected via its AUX port to an external speaker or sound system. The cooling fan is also very quiet in this model, making it ideal for a small home cinema when sitting close to the projector.
What We Don’t Like
The brightness and contrast ratio is lower than others reviewed in a similar price range. While most specs are pretty good, this projector only comes with a two-year limited warranty which may deter some buyers.
PROS
- The distance knob allows for easy picture size adjustments
- 30W ultra-low power consumption
- The quiet air-cooling system has a working noise as low as 40 dB
- Supported interfaces include HDMI, USB, 5V out, SD card, AV, AUX, and VGA
- Devices supported: PC, laptop, tablet, DVD, TV box, TV stick, speakers, headsets, SD card, USB flash drive, ps4, and more
CONS
- Not recommended for business use since it’s not compatible to use in excel, word, or commercial display
- Only comes shipped with a 2-year warranty
- Screen brightness and contrast ratio could be better
9. PVO Portable Projector
Product Highlights
This portable projector is ideal for children for watching cartoons, movies, or your favorite streaming service and will connect to a wide range of devices using HDMI, USB, TV, or AV interfaces. Its compact size allows you to easily transport and the remote control provides excellent functionality.
Features
- Display: LCD
- Light Source: LED
- Native Resolution: 800*480P
- Supported Resolution: 1080P supported Full HD resolution
- Projection Display: 60 – 150 inches
- Net weight: 11.2 ounces
- Projector size: 5.6 x 3.7 x 2.1 inches
What We Like
This is a great projector for those on a tight budget. It is ideally suited for children and has a remote control that allows for easy operation. With 800*480P native resolution, it also supports 1080P full HD resolution.
What We Don’t Like
The design is colorful and looks quite cheap. The lack of connectivity features also means that you’ll need a wired connection.
PROS
- Very affordable
- 1080P full HD supported resolution
- Lightweight and easily transportable
- Good projection display range
CONS
- The plastic design looks quite cheap
- No WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity
- Requires an additional device to stream content from Netflix, Amazon, etc.
Final Verdict
So what’s our final verdict? Our top pick is the Poner Saund PS15 Mini WiFi Projector. We love its wireless connectivity feature, the HD 1080P supported image resolution, alongside a whisper-quiet cooling fan makes it stand out from the rest.
As you can see, our best cheap projectors list features a wide range of products with varying features so they will cater to anyone who is searching for a great budget projector. As you can see from this list, you don’t need to skimp on quality with many of the models reviewed offering excellent HD resolution and/or sound.
One big consideration before purchasing is portability and mounting, with some models being considerably bulkier than others.
If you’re looking for a cheap projector but still want the best image and sound quality possible, then the Salange Portable Projector with Bluetooth speaker is going to be your best option.
Specifications include an excellent dual 5w Hi-Fi speaker system that can be used independently as a Bluetooth speaker, plus the image resolution is also excellent with a supported resolution of 1080P in Full HD.
No matter whether you’re looking for a cheap projector for the kids to watch cartoons on or a more feature-packed projector for the backyard cinema, there’s sure to be a projector from this list to suit your needs.
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