Best Overall$350-$450at Amazon
Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air
Wirecutter's top pick and CNET's favorite, the Mars 3 Air nails the sweet spot of compact size, fair price, and better-than-expected performance. DLP imaging keeps motion sharp, and it runs Android TV natively.
Helpful?
If you want one portable projector that does everything well without breaking the bank, this is it — both expert reviewers and real users keep landing on the Mars 3 Air as the default recommendation.
Pros
- DLP imaging delivers sharp detail even with fast motion
- Compact size with built-in battery for true portability
- Android TV built-in for easy streaming without extra devices
- Consistently recommended by both Wirecutter and CNET as top pick
Cons
- Like all portable projectors, brightness is limited compared to larger units
- Audio volume won't satisfy those wanting room-filling sound
- 1080p resolution, not 4K
“I like the Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air as the best portable projector overall because it combines a small size, decent price and performance that's better than you might expect.”
— CNET