Looking for a portable projector but unsure if you should grab the cheapest option or invest a bit more? I compared a $20 budget projector (available here) against a more feature-packed $120 projector (currently on sale here) to see how they really stack up.
What You Get Out of the Box
The $20 projector surprised me with its accessories. Inside the box, you get:
- The projector itself
- A power cord
- An AV cable (for older devices)
- A remote
- A manual
Despite the price, the $20 unit includes a wide variety of ports: USB, HDMI, AV input, Micro SD slot, Micro USB, and a headphone jack. It’s designed to connect to external drives, laptops, game consoles, or older media players.
The $120 projector, on the other hand, comes with:
- A larger projector with a swivel base
- A USB-C charger (big plus)
- The exact same style of remote as the cheaper model
- A manual
While the $120 projector has fewer ports (USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, headphone jack), its build quality is noticeably better, and the swivel adjustment is a huge advantage when setting it up.
Setup and Build Quality
Both projectors are easy to set up, but the $120 projector edges ahead in terms of user experience.
The $20 model has buttons on top for power and menu navigation—handy if you lose the remote.
The $120 model requires you to use the remote for everything, but it makes up for that with its smoother design, a more premium feel, and that handy swivel adjustment.
Picture Quality: Bigger Than Expected
At first glance, both projectors deliver surprisingly solid images considering their price points. However:
- The $120 projector creates a much larger display at the same distance from the wall.
- It also supports 4K input (downscaled), while the $20 projector maxes out at 1080p.
The picture is sharp on both, but the larger, more immersive screen size of the $120 projector gives it a clear advantage.
Smartphone Compatibility: Dealbreaker for Budget Buyers
This is where the $120 projector really pulls ahead.
The $20 projector does not support direct smartphone connections through its USB port—it only works with external drives. That’s a major limitation if your goal is to stream content from your phone.
In contrast, the $120 projector offers full wireless casting. Connect it to Wi-Fi, tap the cast button on your phone (works like a Chromecast), and you’re ready to stream YouTube or other apps effortlessly.
My Take: Who Should Buy Which?
If you just want something basic for connecting a game console, laptop, or USB drive, the $20 projector is fine and delivers solid video playback for the price (grab it here).
But if you’re looking for wireless casting, easier setup, a bigger screen, and a more portable experience, the $120 projector—especially at its current discount to around $50—is a much smarter purchase. You can find it on sale here.
The above links are amazon affiliate and support me at no extra cost to you.
Final Verdict
For budget buyers who want basic HDMI functionality, the $20 projector works. But if your focus is on convenience, smartphone casting, and a more polished design, the $120 model easily justifies the slightly higher cost—especially given the current sale.
The TechWanderer 