Anyone who enjoys playing video games on a big screen will want to consider investing in a mini projector. These devices are perfect for gamers because they offer the ability to play games in high definition and with great sound quality.
Not only that, but mini projectors are also perfect for watching movies and television shows. They can be used for just about anything that requires a display screen. Here is a list of the 10 best mini projectors for gaming.
Mini Projector Comparison Table
| Projector Image | Projector Name | Resolution | Brightness | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | VANKYO Leisure 3 | 1080p | 2400 Lux | Shop now at Amazon |
 | DR. J Professional HI-04 | 1080P | 2000 Lumens | Shop now at Amazon |
 | QKK Mini Projector | 1080P | 2200 Lumens | Shop now at Amazon |
 | APEMAN LC350 | 1080P | 3500 Lumens | Shop now at Amazon |
 | iDGLAX iDG-787W | 1080P | 2000 Lux | Shop now at Amazon |
 | Vamvo L4200 | 1080P | 3800 Lux | Shop now at Amazon |
 | Crenova XPE498 | 1080P | 3200 Lux | Shop now at Amazon |
 | DBPOWER RD810 | 1080P | 1500 Lumens | Shop now at Amazon |
 | Crosstour P600 | 1080P | 2000 Lumens | Shop now at Amazon |
 | AAXA M6 | 1080p | 1200 Lumens | Shop now at Amazon |
Best Mini Projector for Gaming in 2022 – Our Top 10
1. VANKYO Leisure 3
The first the best mini projector for gaming on our list is the VANKYO Leisure 3. It comes with 1920×1080 resolution that will give you superior gaming experience. PS3, X-Box or even your smartphone can be easily connected to this mini projector.
The interactive projection provides +60% brightness compared to other projectors. Not to mention the projection distance between 4.9ft to 16.4ft that allows you to adjust the viewing distance to your liking.
Lastly, you won’t have to worry about loud fan noises. The VANKYO Leisure 3 is equipped with a fan noise suppression system which cuts the fan noises in half.
Pros:
- Comes with a carrying case, HDMI, AUX and power cables
- Easy to set up
- Budget friendly
- Can be easily connected to different gaming devices
Cons:
- Not bright enough
- Audio is not loud enough
- Fan is rather loud
2. DR. J Professional HI-04
Introducing the ideal projector for gaming, the newly upgraded DR. J Professional HI-04 with improved features that will amaze you.
The DR. J Professional HI-04 now provides you with 1920×1080 resolution with aspect ratio 4:3/16:9, 2000:1 contrast ratio and lamp lifetime of 40000 hours, including a 100” Portable Projector Screen in the package.
The big screen itself makes your gaming more comfortable and enjoyable. In addition, the projector is also compatible with laptop, PCs, USB, video games and many more.
The best thing I can say about this projector is that despite the expensive price compared to others, it proved its worth with all those features.
Pros:
- Compatible with all devices
- Tripod mount
- Equipped with HDMI cord
Cons:
- Low frame rate
- Dull colors (not bright enough)
- Quite expensive
3. QKK Mini Projector
The QKK Mini Projector is another amazing choice for you looking for a projector for gaming.
The projector not just come with 1920x1080p resolution, but also completed with 2000:1 contrast ratio, 16:9 aspect ratio and 50000 hours long lamp life. Not only that, it also has a 32-176” big screen display at the distance of 1.5-5m.
What makes it unique is the double USB port that is designed so that customers can use 2 USB drives at the same time. Did you know? The QKK Mini Projector is currently the only mini projector which has this feature.
Other than that, it is further perfected with HDMI, AV, SD Card, and VGA port, allowing it to be connected easily to any devices.
Pros:
- Double USB port
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor
- Large screen display
- Great connectivity options
Cons:
- Low intensity
- Flimsy tripod mount
4. APEMAN LC350
It’s not a surprise that the APEMAN LC350 is in the list. This distinctive projector differs from others, having dual speakers.
With 800x480p native resolution, APEMAN LC350 supports full HD 1080p resolution with projection size of 180” and aspect ratio of 16:9/4:3.
Equipped with 4.0 LED light source to make your experience better, the large screen also prevents you from getting health problems including eye strain. USB, VGA, Micro SD, and HDMI port which connects to other devices such as video game consoles, making is suitable for gaming.
Lastly, it is completed with cooling system and built-in dual speakers. You won’t need to go to the trouble of setting up external speaker.
Pros:
- Dual speakers
- Easy to operate
- Compatible with TV Stick and Chromecast
Cons:
- Not bright enough
- Affordable
- Cords (to connect to other devices) provided is extremely short
5. iDGLAX iDG-787W
If you are looking for a great balance between quality and price, the iDGLAX iDG-787W is the right answer. With the ideal size of 8.29×6.62×3.07 inches and weight of 2 pounds, the mini projector is very easy to carry and take around.
Featuring a big projection screen with image size of 30”-100”, this projector is equipped with native resolution of 800×480 and aspect ratio 16:9/4:3, with contrast ratio of 1000:1 which is quite good for gaming and entertainment.
Another feature of this projector is the audio coming from its built in speakers. Also, thanks to the 5V-output USB port, your mobile devices can be charged easily. Like other projectors, HDMI, VGC and SD Card are supported.
The iDGLAX iDG-787W lacks nothing in the terms of feature with its reasonable budget friendly price.
Pros:
- Portable and smart design
- Good picture and sound customization
Cons:
- Fan noise is quite loud
6. Vamvo L4200
The Vamvo L4200, boasting a 44-200 inches projection size with 4.9-15 feet projection distance, offers amazing features better than before.
The newly upgraded 2019 version uses LED lighting with 80%+ more brightness. Supporting 1080p resolution, L4200 provides the most accurate colors with top contrast on the market in the price range, ideal for entertainment with budget.
The Vamvo L4200 takes pride in its portability with size of 9.64×6.53×3.2 inches and weight of only 2.75 pounds. Furthermore, its 720p native resolution, 2000:1 contrast ratio and 50000 hours lamp life, multiple ports makes the Vamvo L4200 even more superior.
This projector works extremely well, though can be quite expensive compared to other models in the list. However, it can be guaranteed easily that this is the best mini projector for gaming.
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact
- Easily adjustable
Cons:
- Hard to connect to smartphones
7. Crenova XPE498 Mini Projector
Spend and enjoy your valuable time with the Crenova XPE498. It comes with 6 main specifications:
- 2000:1 contrast ratio
- 50000 hours led lamp life
- 4:3/16:9 aspect ratio
- 3200 Lux
- viewing size of 33”-200”
- maximum resolution of 1080p
In addition to the amazing specs, the Crenova XPE498 comes with a unique design. The ideal size makes it easy for you to carry around.
Like the previously mentioned projectors, the Crenova XPE498 can also be easily connected to gaming devices such as X-box, PS3, laptop, etc.
These features are too basic?
No need to worry because this projector has a dual-fan cooling system, reducing 90% of the fan sound. Considering all these amazing features, the price is said to be quite affordable.
Pros:
- Dual-fan cooling system
- Dark setting available
- Light and portable
Cons:
- Incompatible with most devices
- Difficult to focus
8. DBPOWER RD810
The professionally designed DBPOWER RD810 with 27 color enhancing technologies brings you 50% sharper and brighter image than any other projectors.
The DBPOWER RD810 provides you with watching size from 32”-176” with recommended projection distance of 2m, along with 16:9 aspect ratio built with 1920×1080 resolution.
Its multimedia versatility allows you to connect any devices to its ports (HDMI, AV, VGA and USB).
The generally cheap price makes DBPOWER RD810 one of the best mini projectors for gaming since gamers are mostly students with budget deficit. Be it gaming or movie screening, the DBPOWER RD810 does it all.
Pros:
- Brighter and sharper
- Multimedia versatility
- Lower noise
Cons:
- Edges of picture can be blurry
- Not so long lasting
9. Crosstour P600 Mini Projector
Another budget friendly projector with good features comes from Crosstour.
The portable Crosstour P600 welcomes you with 1920×1080 resolution, 2000:1 contrast ratio and 2000 lumen, with LED life up to 55000 hours unlike other projectors with only 40000-50000 hours.
You won’t regret experiencing this mini projector with weight of only 0.91 kg and dimension of 5x6x3.2 inches. The portability of Crosstour P600 is actually one of things people consider when buying this mini projector.
Gaming devices or laptop and PCs can be flexibly connected with the HDMI, AV, WGA, USB ports for you to enjoy. It could be said that most things about this mini projector is awesome.
Pros:
- Good picture quality
- Multiple inputs to switch between sources
- Budget friendly
Cons:
- Does not come with an adjustable knob
- Colors are quite dull
10. AAXA M6
Last but not least, here comes the most expensive mini projector in the list with the dimension of 7x7x2.1 inches and weight of 2.5 pounds.
The AAXA M6 features native 1920x1080p full HD resolution featuring Texas instruments DLP 1080p imager to achieve best on-screen resolution. This is in addition with 30000 hours premium LEDs plus ultra-bright 1200 lumens with vibrant color technology and cinema color quality.
The projector is also accompanied with premium speakers for direct file playback from microSD or USB, other ports such as HDMI, VGA, etc.
Extra feature include rechargeable lithium battery and a carrying case for portability. These features make AAXA M6 the mini projector with a great quality and perfect size.
Pros:
- Remote is included for easy navigation
- 90-minute rechargeable battery
Cons:
- Very expensive
- No foot/height adjustment
- Fan noise is quite loud and noticeable
How to Choose the Right Mini Projector for Gaming
Here are 7 important factor you should consider when buying a mini projector for gaming.
1. Refresh Rate
This refers to the speed at which the projector processes video which is definitely important for gaming. Better refresh rate equals better flow of images.
Normally, 120Hz is a good benchmark but gaming projectors have higher refresh rates compared to normal ones so that should be good enough.
2. Contrast Ratios
Next, you should consider the contrast ratios of the projector. The recommended ratio is a minimum 10000:1, though the greater it is, the better.
This is important in gaming because games have various color ranges. Lower contrast ratios may lead to object unseen in dark and shadowy areas
3. Resolution
As modern video games are getting more cinematic, resolution makes it very important to consider when buying a projector.
For better experience, choose a projector with a native 1080p resolution. But if you’re tight on budget, then 720p will do. Take note that 1080p projectors solve various problems such as lag which is gamers’ no.1 enemy.
Also read: 10 Best Monitors for Fighting Games
4. Brightness
Setting the right amount of brightness brings comfort to any gamers. It is fairly determined by the ambient light in your room and the screen size to be projected.
For example, a bright room with some sunlight will need a brighter projector. Projectors with brightness 3000 lumens or more should do. In contrast, you need a less bright projector if you’re in a dark room.
Also, larger screen size requires brighter projectors. Small screens ranging from 50-100 inches is supported by projectors with brightness between 1000-2000 lumens.
Note: 1 lux equals 1 lumen/m2.
5. Throw Distance
There are 3 types of projectors which are long, short, and super short throw. Throw distance refers to the distance of your projector placement from the wall.
For gaming, short throws are commonly used because you wouldn’t want projector light shining behind your head!
6. Input Lag
When talking about gaming, input lag is something you should never miss. This refers the time taken for a projector to create an image. If this exists, it’ll be like your voice heard first before you actually talk and that’s frustrating.
Though some input lag is unavoidable when you have to connect to 3rd party servers, choosing the right gaming projector can solve this problem even by a little.
7. Price
Lastly, you should consider the price of the projector. You might be someone who prefer budget friendly product, or someone who prefer high quality product.
Compare the prices of each product and their features, and then come into a decision. That way, you won’t have regrets later!
Conclusion
So there you have it, our top 10 best mini projectors for gaming. Any of these projectors would make an excellent choice for your next gaming session.
We hope that this article has helped you narrow down your choices and that you find the perfect projector for your needs. Thanks for reading!
FAQ
1) Are mini projectors worth it?
Mini projectors are great for watching films, playing video games, projecting presentations, or even just having fun. They are also very affordable. All in all, mini projectors are worth it!
2) Can I play PS5 on a projector?
You can play any game on the PlayStation 5 on a projector. They are perfect for playing any type of video game.
3) Can projectors display in 4K?
Yes, most mini projectors will allow you to display in 4k. This is because they come equipped with HDMI ports so that you can connect your console or computer to them.
4) Can I use a projector for gaming on my phone?
You can use your phone to play mobile games through the projector, but you will have to connect it via the HDMI port.
5) Do projectors work with Nintendo Switch?
Yes, most mini projectors are compatible with the Nintendo Switch. This is because they come equipped with HDMI ports which will allow you to connect the console.