[best-seller]: The best 13 budget pico projectors

Flexibility is something on trend at the moment; everyone needs something flexible and compatible. For video lovers, the best budget pico projector is something of real importance. This is because it allows one to shoot videos virtually and directly from various sources even smartphones.

You can easily pocket a pico projector and take it along with you everywhere you go due to the compact body size.

They are quite cheap to some extent and still offer the same great output quality as the usual projectors you know.

Some readers may ask, “What are pico projectors?” Well, let me introduce this projector type. A pico projector is a small/compatible projecting device specially designed for the purpose of projecting stuff from a camera, smartphone or tablet, laptop, MicroSD cards, etc. to a canvas, wall or other flat surfaces.

They are sometimes referred to as pocket projectors, handheld projectors, or mobile projectors, and they come in various shapes/designs.

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The main purpose or reason why people choose this type of projector over the others is due to the compact size. Here in this article, we have gathered the best-selling 13 best budget projectors you should have in 2018. Anyone you pick out from the list is the best of its kind.

Also, note that this list appears in no specific order or format; so, irrespective of the position of the gadgets, they are of equal quality.

The Best Budget Pico Projectors for 2018

Picking the very best from a lot of choices available in the market is something very tricky. We have provided some helpful tips in form of a buying guide; you can follow the guides to buy the best budget pico projector in 2018.

The buyer’s guide is available after the last pico projector on this list (at the bottom of the post).

Meanwhile, here are the best budget pico projectors you can buy with confidence. They were carefully pointed out by professionals and they are really the very best.

 AAXA LED Pico Micro Video Projector – Best Pick

The AAXA KP-101-01 got the highest votes to appear as the number one on our list today. It is a sturdy mini projector that looks unique; not like the normal projectors you see often and the size is very minimal and compact. AAXA KP-101-01 is best for personal media sharing; with the high-resolution support and simple body aesthetics, one can easily hold/place this pico projector at any position and project various media to any surface.

This LED Pico is a definite “pocket projector” at just 4.25 x 2.36 x 0.7 inches in size. It is also about similar in size to most mobile phones, yet capable of projecting up to 6-inch images to different surfaces in a stunning crystal clear resolution.

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Furthermore, it comes with quite a lot of additional and useful features like mini-HDMI support, adjustable tripod, USB port, Micro SD, composite video input, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

More like it is not enough; the AAXA KP-101-01 LED Pico Projector includes a long-lasting, rechargeable Li-Ion battery and still doesn’t weigh high.

There are tons of input formats/ports supported by this gadget so you can easily connect your devices and project easily. It features a USB type-c charging port by the side for easy recharging of the battery and supports various multi-media formats/devices.

Specifications Overview

Pros:

• Compact design and extremely lightweight
• Rechargeable battery
• Various input support
• Great resolution quality
• Inbuilt media player

Cons:

• Low brightness quality
• The battery lasts for only 80 minutes
• No wireless connectivity support

Bottom line: This is a very flexible pic projector with inbuilt media playing function. It supports various input and multimedia formats, best for the price offered.

APEMAN Mini Portable Projector

Here is another superior pico projector which retails at a very considerable price and would definitely fit into anyone’s budget. It flaunts a rectangular body aesthetics that looks so much like normal projectors you do see but the in a minimal size.

The APEMAN Mini Portable Projector is much portable and weighs just 1.19 lbs; it can be carried about easily.

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Packed with a solid rechargeable Li-Ion battery with the following specifications – 3.7V/3400mAH, this projector device lasts up to 2 hours. It projects from 0.8m – 2.6m afar and the lens is built to last for about 45000 hours; you could use this pico projector for decades to come.

With 1000:1 contrast ratio, 854 x 480 native resolution, enhanced DLP technology, this device can project crystal clear images from 30 to 100 inches screen.

Also, the APEMAN Mini Portable Projector is being equipped with HDMI and MHL input function, it also can be easily connected to a smartphone, laptop, DVD, tablet device, or even a DSLR camera. You get to enjoy a wide variety of entertaining resources from various devices.

Some freebies added to this pico projector include a 360^o rotational tripod, USB charging cable, AC charger, an HDMI cable.

Specifications Overview

Pros:

• Long range projecting distance
• Long lasting battery
• Crystal clear display with a high-quality resolution
• Wide-range of supported input and media formats
• Extensive Lens life
• It comes with useful freebies

Cons:

• No wireless connectivity support
• It is somehow not compatible

Bottom Line: The Apeman Mini Portable Projector is a good choice to pick in 2018. Its features and projecting capabilities are superb, just the way you’d love your best budget projector to be.

 Artlii Pico Projector

Ultra-portable, compact, lightweight, and sturdy look/design are few of the reasons why the Artlii pico projector is considered best for budget homeowners. It looks like the AAXA LED at our number but looks quite different. The Artlii pico projector is nicknamed “smartphone projector” because of its vast compatibility support. It comes with universal interfaces like USB, AV, HDMI, MicroSD card slot, etc.

Therefore, it can be quickly connected to an iPhone or Android Smartphone, Chrome cast, Tablet devices, iPad, MacBook, Laptop, Blu-ray Player, DVD, Fire TV stick, and lots more.

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Amazingly, this projector device can be powered or charged using a high-capacity power bank using the provided USB cable. Interesting features of this superb pico projector are as below:

• Loudspeaker and Stereo headphone
• Supports various video and audio media formats
• Seven kinds of sound effects + SRS
• Image file support
• 360^o spinning image support
• Text reading support and auto flip

Artlii is packed with a strong 6000mAh battery that lasts for a very long time after a full charge. It is also mechanized to consume less power, thereby offering a long time usage.

Also, the manufacturer is interested in the health of its customers, so, the Artlii pico projector is designed to project with fewer radioactive rays. This will help to improve the healthiness to the use and you’d enjoy viewing presentations in a safe environment.

Specifications Overview

Pros:

• Stunning brightness quality
• Long lasting battery
• Portable and compact design
• High contrast ratio
• Extremely lightweight

Cons:

• Low projection image size
• No wireless connectivity

Bottom Line: The design is very compatible and portable, you can easily pocket this projector and go anywhere with it.

ELEPHAS 100 ANSI Lumen Pico Video Projector

With sleek body aesthetics and a resolution of up to 1080p, the ELEPHAS 100 ANSI Lumen Pico Video Projector is the best budget pico projector at the price offered. It flaunts a slim body and looks so much like a smartphone. This pico projector can project up to 20,000 hours with its default LED lamp, so you won’t be changing the lamp often.

The contrast ratio of this device is 2000:1; it can cover any surface you are projecting to.

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Furthermore, the battery capacity of this pico projector is 5200mAh; it lasts up to 2 hours or more after a full charge. Having various input ports, you can easily connect your mobile devices to this gadget quickly using the respective cables.

This device produces low fan noise; you barely would hear it blow. Also, it is packed with some useful accessories like an AC charger, flexible tripod, remote control, charger cable, and user manual.

ELEPHAS 100 ANSI Lumen Pico Video Projector weighs just 0.6lbs and can be pocketed easily while on the go.

Specifications Overview

Pros:

• A sleek and interesting body design
• Ultra-lightweight and portable
• Remote control support
• Various input support
• Low fan noise
• Up to 20000 lamp lifetime

Cons:

• The resolution is low
• It only supports iOS 9 iDevices and above

Bottom line: Although with some minor disadvantages, this is still a very good pico projector to consider in 2018.

Miroir Micro Projector M45

This is a very tiny mini projector for everyone; the tiny body is suitable for anyone to handle the device even kids. It is very minimal yet packs a lot of projecting capabilities; its features are quite amazing as you wouldn’t expect a minimal device of such nature to have such.

The Miroir Micro Projector M45 can project up to 50” image, comes with an inbuilt loudspeaker, and compatible connectivity ports makes it easy for the owner to connect a smartphone, tablet device, computer, laptops, camera, media streaming devices, and more.

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However, you may require a dedicated adapter to connect some of these external devices especially iDevices.

Packing a strong, rechargeable Li-Ion battery, you would enjoy projecting your favorite movie or showcase a non-professional presentation for up to 2 hours.

The LED lamp has a 20000 hours lifespan and the native resolution is 640 x 360 pixels; this is definitely an acceptable resolution quality.

Also, the Miroir Micro Projector M45 supports a 3.5mm jack for connecting external speakers and USB ports for charging the device or connecting to your smartphone.

Like we expected and as anyone would expect after seeing the body structure of the Mirror Micro Projector M45 – it is lightweight and pocketable.

Specifications Overview

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight and portable, you can easily pocket it and walk around
• Long lasting battery
• The design looks good and catchy; everyone is going to love it
• Long Led lamp lifespan

Cons:

• Poor lumens
• The maximum projection size is not long, just 50”
• No wireless control function

Bottom line: this may just be your best pick, the simplicity and aesthetics is very comfortable or don’t you think so?

Anker Nebula Capsule Smart Mini Projector

Anker is a known consumer electronics OEM which has existed for years now. This smart mini projector by the brand is a really a very good one to check out for in 2018. It looks different in an oval-shaped body and can be easily pocketed while on the go.

It is lightweight and the LED lamp lifespan is quite impressive.

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This pico projector is equipped with a superior stereo 306o speaker that pumps audible sound to every direction in an environment. The body aesthetic is very different from usual; it flaunts a super sleek oval-shaped body in a well-polished black finish that adds great beauty to the design.

The Nebular Capsule Smart Mini Projector supports Android 7.1 and can stream videos, run media apps seamlessly.

This is a pico projector with great diversity and you’d definitely love it, only but it retails at a price not so friendly but acceptable.

With this projector, you can virtually turn any place in your room to a theater and enjoy big screen display everywhere.

Even when on outdoor environments, this Anker pico projector is capable of displaying crystal bright image displays on any surface. You get to enjoy a seamless and intriguing gaming experience.

Specifications Overview

Pros:

• Greater lamp light lifetime
• Long lasting battery – up to 4 hours after a full charge
• Unique body design
• Wireless connectivity support
• IR Remote: D-pad mode, mouse mode
• BT Remote APP: Android and IOS

Cons:

• It runs on Android but Google play services are not enabled, thereby limiting the number of apps one can use.
• The software is definitely messy but the hardware is totally perfect.
• It is costly at the price offered

Bottom line: While you may overlook the price tag and still go for this mini projector; you should know that the software is limited.

AAXA HD Pico Mini LED Projector

In the middle of our list comes an AAXA mini projector yet again; this model lasts for about 150 minutes after a full charge and the hardware is something you’d like. Like other AAXA mini projectors do appear, this model is extremely portable and can be held comfortably by the fingers.

It boasts of 1280 x 720p HD native resolution support; that’s amazing we think!

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The AAXA mini LED projector comes in portable cube body structure and it isn’t heavy at all. Plus, it is completely compatible with iPhone, iPad, PS4, Xbox, etc and includes an onboard media player.

How long would this pico projector last after a full charge? Well, the manufacturer says it would last up to 2.5 hours, that’s approximately 150 minutes; it then means you will stream and project for quite a very long time.

Also, this portable projecting device features a wide-range of various input ports/slots so you can easily connect your mobile devices and its maximum projecting image size is 80 inches.

This HD projector device shoots visual displays with triple RGB LEDs which have a rated lifespan of 20,000 hours.

Note 📝: the manufacturer warns that this device is specially designed for dark areas only.

Specifications Overview

Pros:

• Compact design and extremely lightweight
• Quality image display and high contrast ratio
• Projects up to 80 inches image size
• Rechargeable battery that lasts up to 2.5 hours

Cons:

• No wireless connectivity support
• The battery does not last as long as advertised
• Displays crystal clear only in dark environments

Bottom Line: Although the manufacturer specified this device should only be used in dark places, it can also serve in the daytime.

APEMAN Upgraded Full HD Pico Projector

Again on our list is an APEMAN pico projector, this time it is an upgraded version with HD resolution support. It still maintained the traditional look of all APEMEN projectors but is completely portable and lightweight; everyone could possibly take it everywhere and anywhere with them.

This is a Home Theater LCD projector with up to 1080 pixels maximum resolution. It also includes tons of connectivity ports where you can connect multiple devices at once.

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The ports include HDMI, VGA, USB, MicroSD Card slot, AV Input, 3.5mm jack, Audio output, Video Game, and TV Box. So you can add all compatible devices with these ports to this project using dedicated cables.

Swift control/usage of this mini projector is assured – thanks to the ±15º manual keystone correction that allows you to correct slant images.

Also, a remote controller is integrated with this device; the operator can virtually send commands using this remote controller.

With the improved light source life (about 45000 hours) and 2200 lumens display, you’ll enjoy seamless streaming and projection with this APEMAN pico projector. Unfortunately, this pico projector does not include a rechargeable; you’d have to connect it to a power source each time you want to make use of it.

 Specifications Overview

Pros:

• Quality contrast ratio
• A wide range of various supported input formats
• Up to 45000 lamp
• Bright and quality native resolution

Cons:

• It does not include a rechargeable battery
• No wireless connectivity
• Slightly heavy

Bottom Line: If you’re going to cope with having to connect it to a power source any time of use, then, it is a good pico projector to buy in 2018.

ViewSonic M1 Portable Projector with Dual Harman Kardon Speakers

Packed with quality inbuilt stereo speaker and flaunting a sleek/sturdy design, the ViewSonic M1 Portable Projector is among the best budget pico projector you should consider to buy in 2018.

The attached flexible stand makes it possible to rotate the projector 360^o.

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This mini projector comes with a lot of useful features and accessories for everyday usage. There is an integrated flexible stand that allows for swift 360-degree setup, so you can place the projector in different positions at any angle.

This stand also doubles as a lens cover which turns off the projector automatically when closed against it and also automatically powers on the projector when opened.

You would stream seamlessly with this device and enjoy long range projection; this is a wireless projector which connects with various supported wireless devices through a medium (GoogleCast, and Amazon Fire TV Stick).

The ViewSonic M1 projects up to 100-inch images from an 8.9ft distance, it is also perfect for projecting large images in small spaces.

Since it is a pico projector, it is very small, compatible and fits in the palm very well. The weight is below 2 pounds, so it can be easily carried about or packed into your suitcase while getting on the go.

Also, the USB Type-C works for video and serves as a power AC port; it delivers stunning fast audio, video, and data over a single cable.

Specifications Overview

Pros:

• Very long battery life
• Long range projections
• Great display quality
• A flexible stand that triggers automatic power off/on of the projector

Cons:

• The price is quite very high for a pico project with its features

Bottom line: if your budget is a bit high, then, you can comfortably go for this model. It looks more premium than the others in this list and assures of a great display.

iCODIS RD-818 Mini Projector

Gladly, the iCODIS RD-818 Mini Projector makes our list as one of the best budget pico projectors of 2018. The price for this device is friendly and it has a lot to offer; you’d enjoy stunning display quality with this mini projector device and also the battery last pretty long.

This pico projector is packed with numerous ports for seamless connectivity with various mobile device types. You get to stream directly, play various media and do a lot of stuff with the iCODIS RD-818 Mini Projector which does not cost much.

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It includes an auto keystone correcting function which corrects defective images projected on a screen; this feature works conveniently and independently.

All thanks to the 2000 lumens of brightness that triggers this projector to display in crystal clear resolution on big screens.

Everyone can easily pocket the iCODIS RD-818 Mini Projector as it is very slim and with a compact design.

You can use this device for multiple purposes but it is advisable to use it for a professional presentation. The battery runtime is about 120 minutes approx. with a battery capacity of 4200mAh – Li-ion.

Specifications Overview

Pros:

• Lightweight and extremely portable design
• Long range projection image size
• Quality resolution
• Rechargeable battery

Cons:

• From our test, the actual Lumen display is 200, not 2000, probably, the 2000 Lumen displays dated by the seller is a misprint

Bottom Line: This is a decent looking pico projector you could confidently buy in 2018. At the price offered, it is good and considerable.

RIF6 CUBE Mobile Pico Projector

Another great cube-like pico projector on our list today is the RIF6 CUBE Mobile Pico Projector; it takes the shape of a cube and is very light to carry about.

Also comes with a certified long life lens and shoots images up to 120 inches afar in stunning clear resolution.

It’s further equipped with a vibrant LED DLP technology coupled with full 50 lumens brightness quality. Irrespective of where you set up this pico projector, it will deliver a vivid/clear display that everyone watching would love; it is also suitable for business presentations.

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This device is completely compatible with HDMI devices and also includes other connectivity support like USB and SD cards. Seamlessly, you could connect several compatible devices with the RIF6 mobile projector and stream unlimitedly.

Once after a full charge, you get to enjoy up to 90 minutes runtime with the inbuilt Li-Ion battery buried inside the hood of this device. On the purchase of this pico projector, you’ll get some additional freebies like a remote controller, flexible tripod stand, the charger, micro USB cable, HDMI, and MHL cables.

The manufacturer also backs this product with a solid warranty support.

Specifications Overview

Pros:

• Unique design
• It comes with a remote controller
• Up to 120-inch image projection
• 20000 lamp bulb life

Cons:

• The battery runtime is very poor
• It has lots of negative customer reviews

Bottom line: The compact and simple design is something that might make you consider this pico projector. However, the price is very high for a projector of its level.

PoFun Mini Projector 2018

Here’s another top quality pico projector you wouldn’t take your eyes off it once you spot it on a store. It looks sleek and splendid in a flat rectangular body structure. Inside the hood, it packs a lot of mechanisms and technologies which work hand-in-hand to deliver stunning displays when you power and mount the device.

This device is easy to use and is a wireless projector with support for Android and iOS operating systems.

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This pico projector can be directly connected to a smartphone via USB connection or through wifi, which would grant the owner access to control it virtually from any location.

You’ll be able to project your smartphone screen to any surface using this mini projector.

Specifications Overview

Pros:

• Flexible and compact design
• Lightweight and portable aesthetics
• Up to 120-inch image display range
• Bright and crystal clear display
• Wireless connectivity support

Cons:

• Reported cases where the software failed many times

Bottom line: The design fits it very well and it looks quite attractive. Also, the wireless connectivity support gives it an edge ahead of others.

AAXA P2-B LED Projector

The last on our list today for the best budget pico projector is the AAXA P2-B LED Projector; it is the third AAXA projector on this list and it has a cube shape.

Also, it includes a lot of features and lasts up to 150 minutes after a full charge.

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This pico projector features a wide range of connectivity support plus an onboard media player.

It displays with triple RGB LEDs which is rated to last up to 20,000 hours.

Specifications Overview

Pros:

• Portable and sturdy design
• High-resolution display quality
• Long range projection
• Lightweight structure

Cons:

• It is heavier than the tripod
• Reported cases of the device not being able to last long

Bottom Line: Although it appears last on our list, it is still a very good budget pico projector for use in 2018.

Best budget pico projector – buyers guide

This is a professional buying guide to purchasing the very best budget pico projector in 2018. There are important factors to consider and we have outlined them in this buying guide.

However, you can confidently pick any of the pico projectors we have listed above as they were carefully selected by professionals.

Design and build

You should definitely go for a device you find interesting; by this we mean, a device that you’d not wake up one day and dislike the appearance. Your pico projector should be attractive so it would gain impressions when you flaunt it in front of other people.

Another important factor is the build of your pico projector; definitely, you need a sturdy pico projector that won’t damage any time soon.

When you considered these two factors, then you should go on and look out for the features and connectivity support of the device.

Connectivity/input support

Not all budget mini projectors come with various connectivity or input support. Most of them feature only two input support HDMI and USB, what then happens if you want to connect a device that doesn’t support any of these as an output format?

This is why you need a pico projector with versatile connectivity support, so you can quickly connect any of your device(s) without much stress.

Some of these mini projectors even support wireless connection which means they can be controlled virtually.

Battery and bulb life

Longer battery life means you would use your pico projector for a long period when there is no electric power source. A mini projector with an average of 90 minutes of battery runtime is considerable and anyone with a lower battery runtime is not advisable.

This will allow you to make of the project in any environment even when you’re out in a camp meeting.

These days we hardly see a projector having a lamp (bulb) with less than 20000 hours lifespan; this is very good as you won’t be changing the bulb anytime soon, not even in decades to come.

Compatibility

Since what you want is a pico projector, then, it definitely has to be portable and with a compact body build. This is because one of the main reasons for buying the projector is for flexibility/mobility; so you can easily pocket it and take it with you everywhere you go!

Your next pico projector should not weigh more than 1.6 lbs.

Read other customer reviews online

We always advise you read up other users reviews before going for a particular product. This will help you know more about the manufacturer and the product you are about paying for.

Online customer reviews will be your best buying guide for any product band not just for the best budget pico-projector 2018.

What more?

This is a well-researched list of the best pico projectors 2018 and all the products we have listed here are certified okay.

You can pick anyone from this list and be assured you’ve just selected nothing but the best budget pico projector in 2018.