7 Best Projectors for iPhone for at Home and On The Go 2022
The iPhone is one of the most popular devices in the world, with millions of units sold every year. Sure, it’s easy to watch movies and TV shows on your iPhone – but what if you want a more immersive experience? If you are looking for something that can provide you that home cinema effect, get a projector instead!
Luckily, there are plenty of great options out there for projecting movies in style in 2021 – and this guide will help you find the right one for you!
I’ve researched mini projectors, portable projectors, LED projectors, 3LCD projectors and DLP projectors – then compiled them into this handy list depending on what features you’re looking for.
What factors to consider when buying projectors for iPhone?
So what are the features to look out for when buying a projector for iPhone? I’ve summarised key functions and specifications here below (also check out my ultimate guide on tech gadgets)
- Image Resolution – A higher resolution leads to a sharper image. Look at native resolution which is the true resolution of the projector
- Speakers – Some projectors also come with high quality speakers, eliminating the need to buy an external one
- Connectivity – Consider what devices you’ll be connecting your projector to before buying it! Different projectors support different connection types like HDMI, Chromecast, USB, Bluetooth
- Projector Technology Types – DLP, 3LCD, Laser and LED – these are different projector technology types with pros and cons to each. Check out this guide for more details.
- Lumens – Lumens is used to describe how bright the image is. The higher the lumens, the brighter your projected image will be in dark conditions – so consider where you’ll mostly use it and what lighting conditions you have at home before buying
- Lamp Life – Lamp life is how many hours you can expect the device to last until it needs replacing
- Keystone Correction – This is a feature that allows you to adjust the projected angle if it’s not straight
- Size – Consider how much space you have in your room, the size of the projector and if you need it to be portable
- Price – Consider what price is reasonable for you to pay and within your budget
My Picks for the best projectors for iPhone
1. Anker Nebula Cosmos Max 4K UHD Projector – Best 4K native resolution Home Projector
Key Features
- 4K UHD Resolution – For ultra clear video quality and a true cinema experience
- 360 degrees Dolby Digital Plus audio speakers – Comes with 4 x 10W Speaker for immersive sound
- Android TV 9.0 – 5000 over apps including Hulu, Disney+, HBO
- Projection Size – 60 inch to 150 inch
- Connectivity – 2 x HDMI, 1 x USB-A, 1 x Optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Chromecast
- DLP Technology
- 1500 ANSI lumens
- 30,000 hours lamp life
Pros
- Beautiful starlight top design
- 4K Image Quality gives amazing image quality
- Reasonably priced for a 4K UHD projector
- Great for home theater usage
Cons
- Not a portable projector – no built-in battery
The Anker Nebula Cosmos Max is a 4K UHD projector that can project up to 150 inches. With 360 degrees Dolby Digital Plus audio speakers, it’s great for creating a home theatre experience and with 30,000 hours of lamp life you’ll enjoy viewing your favourite movies over and over again.
This projector for iPhone is ideal if you’re looking to create an immersive movie or TV watching atmosphere in your living room – the only downside being that it’s not the smallest or lightest projector, so it’s really meant more for home use.
Price : $1599
2. Anker Nebula Solar Portable Projector – Best Value for Money portable projector
Key Features
- 1080p Resolution – Enjoy movies, TV shows and videos in full HD
- Dolby Digital Plus audio speakers – Comes with dual 3W speakers for powerful and clear sound
- Built-in rechargeable battery – Up to 3 hours of power on a single charge
- Built-in stand – Adjusts the angle of projection up to 13 degrees
- Android TV 9.0 – 5000 over apps including Hulu, Disney+, HBO
- Projection Size – 60 inch to 150 inch
- Connectivity – HDMI x 1, USB-A x 1, Type C x 1 (For Power Delivery Charging, not video input), Chromecast, WiFi, Bluetooth
- DLP Technology
- 400 ANSI lumens
- 30,000 hours lamp life
Pros
- USB-C power input allows for easy charging
- Auto vertical keystone correction allows for easy setup
- Good battery life that can last for the length of a movie
Cons
- Low lumens specs
- Would have been better if USB-c allows video input as well
The Nebular Solar Portable projector is designed for portability – perfect to take with you no matter where you go. With an auto vertical keystone correction feature to make setup easy, it supports screen sizes of up to 120 inches. It also has a battery life that can last up to 3 hours on one charge allowing you to watch your favourite movies while travelling without having to worry about plugging in the power cable every few hours.
Value for money is definitely one of the key factors here, so if you’re looking for a projector for iPhone that won’t break the bank, consider this on your list!
Price : $599
3. Anker Nebular Capsule II Smart Mini Projector – Best Really Mini projector
Key Features
- Super portable – Just a little bigger than a soda can!
- Standard HD Resolution – 1280 x 720 pixels
- Built-in rechargeable battery – Up to 2 hours of power
- Android TV 9.0 – 5000 over apps including Hulu, Disney+, HBO
- Projection Size – 60 inch to 150 inch
- Connectivity – HDMI x 1, USB-A x 1, Type C x 1 (For Power Delivery Charging, not video input), Aux out x 1, Bluetooth, Wifi, Chromecast
- DLP Technology
- 200 ANSI lumens
- 30,000 hours lamp life
Pros
- Reddot Design Award winner
- Mini projector that still delivers 720p
- No mounting installation required
- Can charge with a regular power bank
- Auto focus and Auto keystone correction allows for easy setup
Cons
- Low lumens specs (common among mini/pico projectors)
- May need to bring a power bank as battery doesn’t last that long
Anker Nebular Capsule II Smart Mini Projector is one of the latest mini projectors from Anker. What I love most about it is how small it is – just a little bigger than the size of a soda can! This mini projector for iPhone delivers projection with standard HD resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels. If you’re tired of having clunky big projectors that are hard to carry around, this is the perfect choice for you!
At 2.6 pounds, it can easily fit into your bag, and is a great choice if you are looking for a mini projector for iPhone. The mini projector only has 200 lumens, so it is really suitable only for use at night.
This mini projector is really easy to set up, with auto keystone correction so that your picture won’t be slanted, as well as auto focus for an even sharper image. Those functions are important for a mini projector for iPhone that will be going from place to place for that portable cinema experience!
Price : $579
4. XGIMI Halo Portable Projector – Best Short Throw portable projector
Key Features
- Full HD Resolution – Enjoy your movies and TV shows in true HD
- Harman Kardon Speakers – 2 x 5W Harman Kardon Speakers for clear audio
- High Powered Battery
- Android TV 9.0 – Easily install apps including HBO Max, Amazon Prime, Disney+
- Projection Size – 30 inch to 200 inch
- Connectivity – HDMI port x 1, USB 2.0 x 1, Audio x 1, DC x 1, Chromecast, WiFi, Bluetooth
- LED Technology
- 800 ANSI lumens
- 30,000 hours lamp life
Pros
- Reddot design award winner (2017 – 2019)
- Great picture quality with HD resolution that works even in daytime (indoors)
- Long battery life (approx 3 to 4 hours) compared to other portable projectors in its class
- Short throw projector gives you a 100 inch screen 8.7 ft (2.65 metres) away
- LED projector generates little heat and have low power consumption
- Quiet fan noise
Cons
- Speakers are not super loud, good enough for medium room
The XGIMI Halo True 1080p Portable Projector is a great choice for those looking for a short throw portable projector for iPhone. At 3.5 pounds, it is easy to carry around. You can choose to use this projector with or without the power cable, and the battery life is really good, lasting up to 3-4 hours on a single charge! The projector has 800 lumens and produces great picture quality – even in daylight while you’re indoors.
This projector is compatible with Nintendo Switch, Playstation and Xbox, so you can immerse yourself into the gaming world with a large screen!
Price : $799
5. Epson EpiqVison Mini EF12 – Best 3LCD Mini Projector with flexible projection
Key Features
- Full HD Resolution – Get crystal clear video quality with full HD native resolution
- Yamaha Speakers – Stereo built in speaker for great audio quality
- Flexible projection – Supports front/rear/floor stand/upside down/vertical projection
- High Contrast Ratio – 2,500,000:1
- Projection Size – 22 inch to 150 inch
- Connectivity – 2 x HDMI port, 1 x Audio out, 1 x USB Type A, 1 x USB Type B (for firmware updates), Chromecast, Bluetooth
- 3LCD Laser Technology – Provides even better colour accuracy with 3LCD
- Android TV
- 1000 ANSI lumens
- 20,000 hours lamp life
Pros
- Image quality is clear, bright and sharp even with light
- Auto focus and auto keystone correction for both vertical and horizontal for ease of setup
- 360 degrees projection orientation
- Laser projection means less heat, less power, quiet fan
Cons
- Noticeable input lag at 120ms so not for gaming
The Epson EqipVision is a great choice if you are looking for a mini projector for iPhone that can project at any orientation. It is the first 3LCD projector on this list, is portable and also comes with a great design in black with copper accents or white with silver accents. It comes with 1000 ANSI lumens and a high contrast ratio which is also why many customers have shared they are impressed by the image quality.
This a great choice if you want to watch movies in bed using your ceiling as the projection screen!
Price : $899
6. ViewSonic M2 Portable Wi-Fi Mini Projector – Best full HD LED mini projector
Key Features
- Portable with full HD resolution – Get full resolution projection on the go with this device
- Harmon Kardon Bluetooth Speakers – Dual Harmon Kardon bluetooth speakers allow you to use the speakers for music as well
- Connectivity – HDMI port, USB C, USB A, Micro USB
- Projection Size – 24 inch to 100 inch
- DLP LED Technology
- 500 ANSI lumens
- 30,000 hours lamp life
Pros
- True HD resolution with good image quality
- Sound quality from the speakers is above expectations
- Sleek design
- Quiet fan
Cons
- Doesn’t come with Android TV
The ViewSonic M2 Portable Smart 1080p Wi-Fi Mini Projector is a great choice if you are looking for a mini projector for iPhone with LED technology. The device features True HD resolution for clear images and most customers are happy with the sound quality from the Harmon Kardon speakers. The Viewsonic M2 projector weighs just 2.9 pounds and so it is light enough to carry around wherever you want!
One thing to take note is that it doesn’t have Android TV, so to get the most out of this mini projector, it’s best to get a streaming media player like a Roku Stick or AppleTV.
Price : $590
7. WEMAX DICE Portable Outdoor Movie DLP Projector – Best DLP portable projector with long battery life
Key Features
- Portable with full HD resolution – See your videos in full HD with support up to 4K resolution
- 10W Dolby Audio DTS HD speaker – Built-in 2 x 3W Dolby speaker to hear your favourite TV shows in greater clarity
- Powerful 16,000 mAh rechargeable battery – Use up to 3 hours non-stop without having to plug to a power plug
- Android TV 9.0 – Easily install apps including HBO Max, Amazon Prime, Disney+
- Connectivity – HDMI port, Bluetooth, USB-A 2.0, Wi-Fi, Audio out
- Projection Size – 48 to 120 inch display
- DLP Technology
- 700 ANSI lumens
Pros
- Easy to navigate and use with the remote
- Good battery life that lasts throughout a movie
- Quick and easy setup
- Carry handle makes it convenient to bring around
Cons
- Auto keystone correction can be a hit-or-miss, sometimes you will need manual to correct it
The WEMAX DICE is a battery-powered portable projector with battery life of up to 3 hours. It is equipped with 16,000 mAh battery and Dolby stereo speakers for a better sound experience. It also has a eco mode setting should you wish to be able to use the projector for longer without having to charge it. Many customers have brought it out on camping trips because of how easy it is to set up with instant auto focus!
The WEMAX DICE is perfect if you are looking for a projector for iPhone that is battery-powered, loud and easy to bring around!
Price : $699
How to connect your iPhone to a projector
Looking for a projector for iPhone? Many customers wonder about how to connect their iPhone to the projector. Apple’s official guide explains how to connect an iPhone with a cable.
Plug a Lightning Digital AV Adapter into the charging port on the bottom of iPhone.
- Connect an HDMI or VGA cable to your adapter.
- Connect the other end of your HDMI or VGA cable to your projector.
- If necessary, switch to the correct video source on your projector. If you need help, use your display’s manual.
If you are looking to stream wirelessly to your projector, you can also use AppleTV or Roku Streaming Sticks which are certified as AirPlay2 Enabled.
Tips and tricks for best viewing experience with projectors for iPhone
Consider the lighting environment
Avoid having bright lights behind you or directly shining on your screen that would interfere with the colours being displayed properly. Projectors look best at night or in a dark room. If using during the day time, consider having curtains or blinds to minimise sunlight coming in.
The brighter the lumens, the better the image will look even if there is some sunlight.
Use a projector screen or a white wall
Projectors look best on a flat surface, so avoid uneven walls or surfaces as that will distort the image. If you’re projecting on a wall, make sure that it is white.
Adjust the keystone
Most projectors come with at least an auto vertical keystone correction. You can improve the picture alignment by adjusting the manual horizontal keystone as well.
Adjust the focus
Most projectors come with auto focus, however you can also adjust the focus manually for maximum clarity.
Final Thoughts
There are many portable projectors for iPhone on the market, but every one on this list has different strengths depending on your usage and budget. I’ve taken the time to find and review some of the best models out there so you can enjoy your favourite movies whether you are looking for a portable projector for iPhone, a mini projector, or just need something at home with 4K resolution for a true cinema experience!
After getting a projector that suits your needs, be sure to call your friends and family for a wonderful movie night experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play Netflix on my projector for iPhone?
Note that Netflix is not available on Android TV.
If you are using an iPhone, I suggest getting a Roku Streaming Stick or the Lightning to HDMI adaptor for a wired connection.
What is ANSI Lumens?
An ANSI Lumen is a unit of measurement devised by the American National Standards Institute to measure true brightness. As different manufacturers have different standards of measuring lumens brightness, we communicate using ANSI Lumens for a similar benchmark.
