Best Portable Projector For Camping [2022]

You’ve reached the point where you want to take your movie-watching experience outside. And, especially when camping, you want the experience to be memorable and unforgettable. Also, it’s no surprise that a projector for camping can be used to watch movies or play games.

Streaming Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, or playing video games on Wii, PS, and other consoles would make your camping trip even more enjoyable. It’s also time-consuming to select the best projector for your camping needs. But don’t be worried. We’re here to help you choose the best portable camping projector.

BUYING GUIDE: HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT PROJECTOR FOR CAMPING

If you intend to use your projector outside, make sure it has the following features:

  • Portability– The smaller your projector, the easier it will be to carry it. It’s also important that your projector is light. You wouldn’t want to bring a large projector that won’t be handy when you go camping.
  • Lamp life– Obviously, you’d want to watch a movie or play video games for hours on end. Check how many hours of streaming content your projector can withstand.
  • Battery– A good camping projector should include a built-in battery pack that can last for several hours when fully charged. Check that it runs for a reasonable amount of time.

No.

Product

Rating

Price

1.



NEBULA BY ANKER MARS II PRO


2.

VANKYO LEISURE 3 MINI

3.

APEMAN POCKET DLP PROJECTOR

4.

EPSON EPIQVISION MINI EF12

5.

LG MINI BEAM LED PROJECTOR

6.

ANKER NEBULA CAPSULE

7.

BENQ GS2

8.

KODAK LUMA 150

9.

OPTOMA HD146X

10.

M1 PORTABLE PROJECTOR

1. NEBULA BY ANKER MARS II PRO (OUR TOP PICK)

RATING: 4.5/ 5

One of the most popular camping projectors is the Nebula By Anker Mars II Pro. Anker projectors are not only known for their portability, but they also have a cool soda-can design that adds to their appeal! The projector has a Full HD resolution of 1280×720, which provides incredible video clarity. Its brightness of 500 ANSI lumens makes it ideal for watching movies or playing video games. 

This projector’s AutoFocus feature provides razor-sharp images on the screen. The projector also includes horizontal and vertical keystone correction. The Mars II Pro includes a rechargeable battery with a capacity of 12,500mAh. In battery mode, video playback can last up to 3 hours. It should be noted that there are three modes: Auto, Battery, and Standard mode.

Also, the lamp life of this projector is 30,000 hours. The projector has HDMI, USB, WIFI, BLUETOOTH, and screen mirroring connectivity to connect to media players, gaming consoles, and other HDMI-enabled devices. Isn’t it obvious why this would be our top pick?

Pros
  • Built-in battery
  • Excellent sound system
  • Great colour reproduction
Cons
  • Relatively larger


2. VANKYO LEISURE 3 MINI

RATING: 5/ 5

The VANKYO MINI Leisure 3 projector is both small and light. If you want to have a movie or gaming night while camping, this is an excellent option. The projector’s native resolution is 800×480, and it supports a resolution of 1080p. The 2400 lumens of brightness are ideal for use outside. 

The projector can generate a screen size ranging from 32 to 170 inches diagonally. There is also vertical keystone correction to ensure proper image alignment. To reduce noise, the projector has an innovative cooling system and heat dispersion technology. 

This projector, in fact, lacks a built-in battery. In any case, you can always rely on an external source, such as a power source. The lamp life of this projector is 40,000 hours. With the HDMI and USB inputs, you can connect to X-Box, Nintendo Switch, PS3, smartphones, laptops, and other devices. 

Pros
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy setup
  • Carrying case included
Cons
  • Volume could be better


3. APEMAN POCKET DLP PROJECTOR

RATING: 2.9/ 5

The Apeman DLP Mini Projector is a good-looking and reasonably priced projector. Now you might be wondering- what is such a low-rated projector as this doing here? Well, it is remarkable in terms of its portability, brightness, and lamp life – which is what we’re looking for. 

It lacks a native resolution of 1080p but is said to support it. Although the brightness is only 50-100 lumens, it is said to be adequate for dimly lit environments. The projector also has a built-in battery that can last up to 2 hours. A power bank is also included. 

There is also a brightness adjustment and a +/- 40-degree keystone correction. The lamp life of the projector is 45000 hours, which is excellent given that it can be used outside. This projector can connect to a TV box, laptops, media players, smartphones, and other devices via an HDMI port.

Pros
  • Super portable
  • Easy setup
  • Large screen
Cons
  • Overall just satisfactory


4. EPSON EPIQVISION MINI EF12 (AMAZON’S CHOICE)

RATING: 4.5/ 5

In terms of features, the Epson EpiqVision series projectors are always commendable. The native resolution of this EF12 model projector is 1080p in Full HD. This will provide you with a truly epic screen experience. This projector’s colour and white brightness is 1000 lumens, which we believe is a little low. To counteract this, the MicroLaser Array Technology produces exceptional brightness while sharpening the black density. 

The projector also supports 4K content, resulting in stunning HDR images. This projector’s lamp life is 20000 hours. It’s also worth noting that this projector doesn’t use batteries. To charge it, you’ll need an external power source. 

The projector is powered by Android TV, which allows you to download apps and watch movies from Prime Video, Netflix, and other services. There are also two HDMI ports and one USB port for connecting to gaming consoles, media players, and other devices.

Pros
  • 3LCD technology- no rainbow effect
  • Low noise
  • Great contrast
Cons
  • Input lag
  • No lens shift/ zoom

5. LG MINI BEAM LED PROJECTOR

RATING: 4.6/ 5

The LG Mini Beam LED projector is one of those projectors where every feature must be scrutinised. The native resolution is 720p with HD, and even this can improve your movie/game experience. It has a brightness level of approximately 550 ANSI lumens, which is certainly adequate for outdoor use. 

This is a projector with TV capabilities. This projector’s lamp life is a solid 30000 hours. The projector also has a built-in battery that can last up to 2.5 hours. Furthermore, the battery can be recharged in 3 hours. Manual focus and vertical keystone correction are also available. 

Full 3D content streaming from 3D-enabled devices is supported by the projector. The projector also supports Miracast wireless streaming. HDMI inputs can be used to connect to media players and other devices just like any other.

Pros
  • Supports Bluetooth connectivity
  • Great speakers
  • Good picture quality
Cons
  • Average brightness

6. ANKER NEBULA CAPSULE

RATING: 4.5/ 5

We’re back with another Anker projector. This is especially recommended for movie nights not only at campsites but also in backyards. The resolution of the projector is 854x480p, which is adequate. The luminance is a paltry 100 ANSI lumens. This projector, like all Anker projectors, has a sleek design. It has a 30000-hour lamp life. 

There is a manual focus option as well as vertical keystone correction. The projector also comes with a 5200mAh battery that can run for up to 4 hours. It is said to last the length of a film. The projector is powered by Android 7.1, which allows you to stream Netflix and other services, but the Google PlayStore appears to be missing. The HDMI port allows you to connect to a media player.

Pros
  • Pocket sized
  • 360 degree audio
  • Good battery
Cons
  • Resolution and brightness could be improved

7. BENQ GS2

RATING: 3.3/ 5

The BenQ GS2 projector is one of the company’s best portable projectors for camping. It has a 720p resolution, which will undoubtedly improve the visuals. When compared to other projectors, the brightness is 500 ANSI lumens, which is adequate. The projector is also portable and can make outdoor activities more enjoyable. The projector has a built-in battery that lasts up to 3 hours, allowing you to watch your favourite movies. 

The projector’s lamp life is 20000 hours in Normal mode and 30000 hours in Eco mode. A powered focus and vertical keystone correction are also included. Bluetooth is supported by this projector. It also includes Aptoide TV apps for easy viewing. The projector also has HDMI and USB inputs for connecting to Mac/ iOS devices, laptops, PCs, and media players.

Pros
  • Water-proof design
  • Wireless capability
  • Compact
Cons
  • No horizontal lens shift
  • Decent brightness

8. KODAK LUMA 150

RATING: 4.3/ 5

The Kodak Luma 150 is a decent portable projector on the market. It is also suitable for home entertainment. It has a good resolution of 854×480. The brightness is an average of 50 ANSI lumens, which is adequate for use in low-light conditions. The projector employs DLP technology, which is said to improve image quality. 

The projector also includes a rechargeable battery that can run for up to 2.5 hours when fully charged. It does not have a lamp life in the traditional sense. This projector does not have a vertical keystone feature. Miracast streaming, screen mirroring, and WiFi connectivity are all supported by the projector. Macs, PCs, and other devices can be connected via HDMI and USB inputs.

Pros
  • Touch buttons
  • Good image quality
  • Good brightness
Cons
  • No vertical keystone correction
  • Mediocre speaker system

9. OPTOMA HD146X

RATING: 4.4/ 5

The Optoma HD146X is one of the best portable projector for camping. It has an improved gaming mode that makes dark scenes more visible and casts deeper shadows. This projector has a 1080p resolution and is said to improve color quality. This projector’s brightness is 3600 lumens, which is adequate in all lighting conditions. The projector also supports 3D content in full HD.

Because the projector does not come with a battery, use a safe power source. In Dynamic mode, the projector’s lamp life can be extended to 15000 hours. Other features include 1.1x zoom and vertical keystone correction for simple alignment. All devices can be connected to the HDMI input and the HDMI-Link makes this connection seem easier. 

Pros
  • Great brightness
  • Best for gaming
  • Good colour quality
Cons
  • Speakers are not worth it
  • No horizontal correction

10. VIEWSONIC M1 PORTABLE PROJECTOR

RATING: 4.1/ 5

The ViewSonic M1 Mini projector is the best camping projector. It’s also cute and portable. It can also be used in any environment. The resolution of the projector is 854x480p, which is quite good. The brightness is limited to 50 ANSI lumens. The projector can also display Full HD 3D content. 

The projector includes a built-in battery that can last up to 1.5 hours. The projector is also compatible with power banks. This projector has a massive lamp life of 30000 hours. Manual focus and vertical keystone correction are also included. 

You can connect to gaming consoles, media players, laptops, Macs, PCs, smartphones, and other HDMI-enabled devices using the HDMI 1.4 and USB inputs.

Pros
  • Great for graphics
  • Cost-effective
  • Built-in battery
Cons
  • Basic remote
  • Tricky to navigate focus wheel

BEST PORTABLE PROJECTOR FOR CAMPING (GOOD OPTION): OPTOMA HD141X

CONCLUSION

This concludes our discussion of the best portable projector for camping. Even if some have lower ratings than others, keep in mind that the experience of using a product varies from person to person. Consider what you’re looking for before deciding whether the projector is right for you.

FAQs

1. How do I power my projector while camping?

Some options for powering your projector while camping include a gas generator, a portable power station, power banks, and solar power.

2. Can I use a leisure battery for camping?

You certainly can. A leisure battery is similar to a car battery in that it provides 12V power. You can use a trickle charger to charge the battery while it is in use. The sealed lead-acid battery is the most commonly recommended leisure battery because it can be recharged and discharged even when the battery level is at 50%.

3. What is a quiet generator for camping?

The most popular camping generator is the Briggs and Stratton, which is also compact and lightweight. It is extremely quiet due to its 59 dB volume, which is said to be inaudible from even 10 feet away, and it has a larger fuel capacity.

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