Best Projectors Under $500

Key Specs

• Resolution: 640 x 360p
• Max Screen Size: 50 inches
• Connectivity: HDMI, USB, micro USB, audio jack

Roughly the size of a hamburger, the Miroir M75 Micro is about as portable as projectors can get. Its compact size and portability are the main points of attraction, but they make an ideal fit for on-the-go gaming or quick movie setups for travel or workspaces. The M75 includes four basic connections: HDMI, USB, micro USB (power), and an audio jack.

With such a tiny projector, you really can’t expect this thing to stand in for a proper home theater rig—the maximum display image is 50 inches—but if you’re in a pinch and want to project a movie or game from your iPhone, Nintendo Switch, or other mobile device, the M75 will surely come in handy.

STYLISH DESIGN AND 1080P

Key Specs

• Resolution: 1080p
• Max Screen Size: 120 inches
• Connectivity: Android TV

The Xiaomi Mi Smart Compact Projector is on the pricier end of the spectrum, but it delivers quite a punch. Despite its price, the Mi is compact, well designed, and capable of any modest home theater rig. It operates on Android TV, which makes it easy to set up and download apps. You can use a single HDMI port for your connection, but, unfortunately, you will still need to use Android TV for setting up the device.

Once you get it set up, though, you’ll enjoy native 1080p resolution, up to a 120-inch projection screen, and an average brightness of 500 lumens. All those specs can surely be beat at a higher price point, but for the $500 range that’s what you should expect. For what it offers, the Mi is still a highly capable little projector with a very sleek design to boot.