I Tested 3 Mini Projectors Under $100 — One Surprised Me
Mini projectors have exploded in popularity lately — they promise Netflix anywhere, TikTok-worthy ambiance, and movie nights under the stars. But here’s the catch: many budget models look great in photos but fall flat in performance.
So I ordered three top-rated mini projectors under $100, tested them in real-world conditions (dark room, ambient light, and outdoors), and here’s what I found — including the one that actually impressed me.
📦 The Contenders
- AuKing Mini Projector 2023 Upgraded – $59.99
- Vankyo Leisure 3W (Wireless Edition) – $99.99
- PVO YG300 Pro – $49.99
🎥 1. AuKing Mini Projector – Best for Dark Rooms Only
- Resolution: Native 720p
- Brightness: 7500 lumens (claimed)
- Ports: HDMI, USB, AV, VGA
- Speaker: Built-in mono
Emma’s Take:
The picture quality was surprisingly watchable in total darkness. I ran Spider-Man: No Way Home on a blank wall, and the colors were decent. But in daylight or with any lamp on? Washed out. Also, don’t expect booming sound — it’s best paired with a Bluetooth speaker.
Verdict: Worth it if you have a dark room and a tight budget.
🎥 2. Vankyo Leisure 3W – Best Overall Experience
- Resolution: 1080p supported (native 720p)
- Brightness: 8500 lumens (claimed)
- Wireless: Yes (screen mirroring via WiFi)
- Audio: Dual speakers, loud and clear
Emma’s Take:
This was the surprise winner. The wireless casting worked flawlessly from both my Android and iPhone, the color vibrancy was noticeably better, and the dual speakers were loud enough for a backyard movie night. Also: no fan whine! That’s rare at this price.
Verdict: If you can stretch to $99, this feels like a $150 device.
🎥 3. PVO YG300 Pro – Smallest & Most Portable
- Resolution: 480p
- Brightness: 4000 lumens (claimed)
- Size: Palm-sized
- Power: USB powered
Emma’s Take:
Adorable? Yes. Functional? Barely. This is more of a novelty gadget. It’s OK for projecting cartoons in a dark room for kids, but forget movies or text clarity. Audio was weak, and it gets hot fast.
Verdict: Cute travel gimmick, not for serious use.
🎯 What I’d Recommend (and What I’d Skip)
- Best Overall: 🎖️ Vankyo Leisure 3W – best sound, color, wireless support
- Budget Pick: 💡 AuKing Mini – dark-room only, but decent
- Avoid Unless Gift-for-a-Kid: 🙃 PVO YG300 Pro
If you’re buying a mini projector in 2025, set your expectations: you’re not getting cinema-grade visuals, but with the right pick and setting, it’s still a fun, affordable way to upgrade your movie nights.
