CNET has refreshed its recommendations for portable projectors in 2026, naming the Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air as the best overall option for its compact design and solid performance. The update includes new picks like the TCL PlayCube and removes discontinued models. This guide helps consumers choose mini projectors for movies and gaming on the go.
In its latest review published in January 2026, CNET tested and ranked portable projectors suitable for creating TV-sized images anywhere, from tents to rooms. The Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air tops the list for combining small size, a decent price, and better-than-expected performance, including 1080p resolution, reasonable brightness, and 2.5 hours of battery life on a charge. Reviewer Ty Pendlebury, with over 20 years of experience testing projectors, praises it for detailed DLP imaging even with fast motion and its Google TV streaming interface, though notes it's dimmer than home theater models.
For higher-end users, CNET recommends the TCL PlayCube, added in the January update, for brighter output, better sound, and a clever twisting design that aims the lens upward. It also features USB-C charging and a larger battery but costs more than the Mars 3 Air. Other notable picks include the soda-can-sized Anker Nebula Capsule Air for ultimate portability, the Anker Nebula Capsule 3 for improved 1080p performance, the budget-friendly TCL A1 with strong speakers and a handle-stand, and the exceptionally bright Anker Nebula X1, which earned an Editor's Choice award despite its high $3,000 price and larger size.
The brightest portable tested is the Anker Nebula X1 at an astonishing level, suitable for epic movie nights but stretching portability definitions with its handle. For 4K needs, the BenQ X300G offers compact all-in-one design with good contrast, though without a battery. CNET removed unavailable AAXA models like the M8, P6X, and P8 from prior lists. Testing involved objective measurements with tools like a C6 HDR5000 colorimeter and subjective side-by-side comparisons, focusing on brightness, contrast, color accuracy, battery life, and streaming capabilities. Portable projectors generally max at 350 lumens, far below full-size models' 1,500+, making them ideal for dark environments but not ambient light.