Home theater is no longer a luxury—compact projectors let you enjoy movies on a big screen in your living room, host cozy movie nights outdoors, or entertain your kids with cartoons on the weekends. The latest models feature autofocus, built-in Android, and Wi-Fi 6, making setup a breeze. In this roundup, you'll find projectors for permanent setup in your living room, portable battery-powered models for outdoor use, budget-friendly picks perfect for watching cartoons with your kids, plus extra accessories to enhance your viewing experience.
How to Choose a Projector in 2025
Resolution: Native 720p is great for cartoons and presentations, but 1080p is the sweet spot for movies and TV shows at home. 4K support means the device can decode and display videos of that resolution, but actual sharpness still depends on the projector’s native matrix resolution.
Brightness: Pay attention to ANSI lumens. For a dim bedroom or kids’ room, 300–800 ANSI is enough; for a living room with natural light, you’ll want at least 1,000 ANSI or higher. Be wary of inflated brightness numbers without clear measurement standards.
Autofocus & Keystone Correction: These features save you time every time you turn on or move your projector. Without them, you’ll need to manually adjust focus and fix image distortion whenever you change the projector’s angle.
Platform: Android or Google TV operating systems let you launch streaming services directly, so you don’t need an external set-top box. Wireless connections make it easy to hook up your phone, speakers, or headphones. Netflix certification ensures you’ll get official support and smooth streaming from the platform.
Sound & Noise: Built-in speakers are handy for small rooms or backyard use, but you’ll want external speakers for full, rich sound in a large living room. Quiet cooling is key for nighttime viewing so fan noise doesn’t drown out dialog.
Power: Built-in batteries are perfect for picnics or outdoor movie nights where power outlets aren't available. Projectors without batteries need to be plugged in—so for outdoor use, you’ll need a power station or a long extension cord.
Connectivity: HDMI works with set-top boxes and laptops, USB-C for phones or tablets, and wireless casting via Wi-Fi. If you’re short on ports, an HDMI switch or adapter can help.
Home Theater 1080p Projectors & High-Brightness Models
Designed for permanent setups in living rooms or home theaters, these models offer high brightness and smart features for the perfect cozy movie night at home.
Portable & Outdoor Projectors—Perfect for Getaways and Travel
Compact models with built-in batteries or lightweight bodies make it easy to bring the fun wherever you go—from the backyard to your next picnic. Fast setup and autofocus make it simple to use outdoors.
Budget-Friendly Picks—for Cartoons and Small Rooms
Affordable projectors for watching cartoons with your kids or cozy movie nights in the bedroom—easy to set up, compact, and without complicated extras.
Screens & Must-Have Accessories
A foldable 16:9 screen with durable fabric that's easy to pack up and take with you, or set up at home for a relaxing movie night—no complicated installation needed.
Pick the right category for your needs: home models are perfect for a dedicated theater setup, portable ones are great for travels and backyard fun, while budget picks are ideal for watching with kids or in smaller spaces. Accessories like a screen or mount can seriously upgrade your picture quality and make setup a breeze, especially if you plan on regular movie nights at home.
