Our projector that we have in our campervan is probably our favourite thing about our van. We love it at night when it’s so cosy, we switch on the fairy lights, pull down the projector screen and our motorhome transforms into a mini cinema.
When we got our motorhome we knew fairly quickly that we didn’t want to have a motorhome TV in it, because they can be quite bulky, heavy and also pretty awkward to have in exactly the right position that you want it in.
This is when we started looking into other options of how we could watch TV and decided on a projector, and we’re so glad we did. In our opinion it’s the best way to watch all your favourite shows and movies whilst travelling.
But there’s many projectors out there on the market, so which one should you choose? We’ve gathered up the details of what we think are the 6 best projectors for campervans, so hopefully you’ll find the perfect one for you in this list.
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We’ve found the ultimate game-changer for your campervan trips! Imagine having a mini cinema right in your van, blending the latest tech with a cool, compact design, saving you space while leveling up your entertainment game. It’s like having a TV, computer, and Bluetooth speaker all rolled into one stylish gadget. Cool, right?
Now, we know what you’re thinking – why not just stick to the good old flatscreen TV at home? Well, while those big screens look great on your living room wall, they aren’t exactly van-friendly. Plus, let’s face it, fitting a massive 50-inch TV in a VW campervan is pretty much a no-go.
But here’s where the magic happens when you’re out camping. As the sun sets and the stars come out, your campervan transforms into a cozy movie theater, with the perfect dark setting for a projector. No need for extra adjustments or setups; it’s all about kicking back and enjoying your favorite shows and movies amidst nature. It’s a win-win, don’t you think?
So, gear up for some epic movie nights under the stars on your next camping trip. Trust us, it’s a game-changer!
- Dimensions: The top-tier projectors are remarkably compact, scarcely exceeding the size of a standard baked beans tin, making them a prudent choice for those looking to conserve space and possibly part with their conventional television.
- Projection Scale: Provided you have a sizable flat surface at your disposal, you can effortlessly achieve a projection width exceeding one metre, a far superior alternative to squinting at a minuscule TV or laptop display.
- Built-in Battery: This feature stands as a boon for campers, allowing for several hours of uninterrupted viewing without the necessity for a power source, thereby expanding your choice of viewing locales.
- Incorporated Speaker: The acoustic output of these integrated speakers can fluctuate significantly across different models. Fortunately, options for Bluetooth connectivity or an auxiliary port are available to enhance sound quality through an external speaker.
- Wireless Phone Connectivity: This functionality facilitates seamless content viewing without the need for physical connections, by projecting the mobile screen directly.
- Media Input Options: The inclusion of SD card or USB ports enables users to preload films, thus eliminating the dependency on mobile signals in remote locations.
- HDMI Connectivity: This port allows for easy connection to devices like Firestick or laptops, enhancing the projection capabilities.
- Android TV Integration: Premium models offer this feature, allowing direct content streaming from the projector, provided there is a data connection through a mobile hotspot or campsite Wi-Fi.
- Automatic Focus: This luxury, found in pricier models, negates the need for manual focus adjustments, offering a hassle-free setup.
- Keystoning: A notable feature in high-end models, ensuring a squared projection even when the device is placed at an angle to the screen.
What Should I Consider When Buying a Projector for My Campervan?
1. Portability and Size
Young adventurers are always on the move, and space is a premium in a campervan. Opt for a projector that is compact, lightweight, and easy to set up and pack away. Portable projectors are a great choice as they can easily fit into small spaces without taking up much room.
2. Battery Life
You don’t want your movie night to be cut short because of a drained battery. Consider a projector with a long-lasting battery life to ensure uninterrupted entertainment. Some projectors come with built-in rechargeable batteries, making them perfect for on-the-go usage.
3. Brightness and Resolution
To enjoy a clear and vibrant viewing experience, especially under the starry night sky, you’ll need a projector with good brightness and resolution. Look for a projector that offers a balance between high resolution and adequate brightness to get the best picture quality.
4. Connectivity
In this digital age, connectivity is key. Your projector should be able to easily connect to various devices such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops. Consider projectors with multiple connectivity options like HDMI, USB, and wireless connectivity for a hassle-free setup.
5. Sound Quality
Good sound quality can elevate your movie-watching experience to a whole new level. While most projectors come with built-in speakers, they might not be powerful enough for an outdoor setting. You might want to consider investing in a projector with a good built-in speaker or an external sound system for a richer sound experience.
6. Durability
Your projector should be able to withstand the rigors of road trips and camping adventures. Look for a durable projector that can handle a bit of rough handling and is resistant to dust and moisture.
7. Ease of Use
Young audiences appreciate gadgets that are user-friendly and easy to operate. Choose a projector with an intuitive interface and simple controls to avoid fumbling around in the dark trying to set it up.
8. Budget
Lastly, consider your budget. There are projectors available at various price points, offering different features and functionalities. Determine your needs and choose a projector that offers the best value for your money.
ViewSonic M1 Pro 720p HD Smart LED Portable Projector
This is the projector that we have in our motorhome, and we really love it.
It is equipped with a powerful 720p HD resolution, allowing you to project crystal-clear images and videos on any wall or screen.
The ViewSonic M1 Pro is a compact and versatile projector that is perfect for users seeking entertainment on the go. Its lightweight design and built-in battery make it a convenient choice for spontaneous trips and outdoor gatherings. The projector offers a 720p HD resolution, ensuring clear and vibrant visuals, complemented by the powerful sound delivered by Harman Kardon stereo speakers.
One of the standout features is its 360-degree projection capability, allowing users to project images onto ceilings, walls, or floors with ease. Moreover, it offers wireless connectivity options, including screen mirroring from smart devices and Bluetooth connectivity for additional audio options.
Despite its many features, the projector might fall short in terms of brightness and resolution for users seeking a home theater-like experience. Additionally, the battery life might require frequent recharging during extended use. However, with a long light source life and eye-care design, it promises a comfortable and enjoyable viewing experience for many years to come.
Overall, the ViewSonic M1 Pro is a reliable choice for users seeking a portable and feature-rich projector for casual entertainment.
With its amazing performance and versatility, you won’t be disappointed.
Pros
Cons
Anker NEBULA Capsule Mini Projector
The Nebula Capsule Projector (Model D4111) stands out as a compact and portable entertainment powerhouse, perfect for those looking to enjoy movies, TV shows, and more in various settings, including campervans and outdoor gatherings. Its soda-can design makes it easy to carry around, and the setup is relatively straightforward, allowing for a hassle-free entertainment experience.
One of its notable features is the 360° speaker that delivers powerful and immersive sound, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Moreover, the projector runs on the Android 7.1 operating system, allowing users to stream content directly from platforms like YouTube, enhancing its versatility.
However, the projector has a native resolution of 854×480, which might not offer the sharpest image quality, especially when projecting larger images. Additionally, with a brightness of 100 ANSI lumens, it is best suited for dimmer environments, as the image might not be bright enough in well-lit areas.
Despite these limitations, the Nebula Capsule Projector offers up to 4 hours of video playtime in battery mode, making it a reliable choice for extended viewing sessions. Its various connectivity options, including HDMI and USB, facilitate easy content sharing from different devices.
Overall, the Nebula Capsule Projector is a valuable addition to your entertainment setup, especially if you are looking for a portable and user-friendly projector with a decent battery life and sound output. It has received positive reviews from users, particularly for its performance in campervans and small settings, making it a worthy investment for portable entertainment.
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KODAK Luma 400 Portable HD Smart Projector
The Kodak Luma 400 Portable HD Smart Projector emerges as a compact and portable choice for individuals seeking a projector for casual entertainment. Its small size and high native resolution of 720p make it a viable option for displaying clear and detailed images. Moreover, it supports up to 4K input resolution, allowing for high-quality video playback.
However, the projector comes with a set of limitations, including restricted 4K and HDR10 support, particularly with 4K Blu-ray discs. Additionally, the manual focus wheel is somewhat hard to control, and the focus tends to be soft, potentially affecting the overall image quality. The lack of image quality controls further restricts the ability to adjust settings such as brightness and contrast, which might be a downside for users seeking a customizable viewing experience.
One notable issue is the over-sharpened picture, which emphasizes skin blemishes and edges, making images appear unnatural, particularly for static images or slideshows. Moreover, with a brightness rating of 200 ANSI lumens, the projector might not be suitable for well-lit environments, as the image might appear washed out.
Despite these limitations, the Kodak Luma 400 offers a range of connectivity options, including HDMI and USB, facilitating easy content sharing from various devices. The built-in Android 9 OS allows for streaming and screen mirroring directly from the projector, enhancing its versatility.
Pros
Cons
XGIMI MoGo Pro, Mini Portable Projector with Wi-Fi, Full HD 1080P Projector
The XGIMI MoGo Pro Portable Projector stands as a balanced product that caters well to campervans, motorhome and caravans that are on the move. Its compact design, reminiscent of a tea bag canister, combines functionality and appearance, offering a polished look with white and grey dominating the design.
At its core, the projector houses a 0.23-inch DMD chip built by Texas Instruments, powered by an Amlogic T950X2 system-on-chip with a Mali-G31 GPU, supplemented by 2GB of RAM and 16GB onboard storage. Running on Android TV 9.0, it offers a range of connectivity options including Chromecast, Bluetooth 5.0, and 802.11n Wi-Fi, with sound quality provided by Samsung-owned Harman Kardon.
Despite its compact size, it delivers a powerful performance with superb image quality and good audio rendition. The projector offers a native full HD resolution, ensuring clear and detailed visuals, complemented by a sound system that delivers crisp and clear audio with decent bass.
However, it comes at a slightly higher price point compared to competitors and faces issues with streaming content from popular platforms, requiring firmware updates to enhance functionality. Moreover, the limited brightness might not be suitable for well-lit environments, potentially affecting the viewing experience.
Pros
Cons
ELEPHAS 5G Wi-Fi DLP Portable Projector with Bluetooth
The Elephas Mini Portable Projector emerges as a compact yet powerful device that promises to bring an immersive cinema experience wherever you go. Despite its small size, it packs a punch with a high brightness level of up to 4,600 ANSI lumens, overpowering ambient light and projecting a bright image compared to most mini projectors in its category.
One of its standout features is the built-in HI-FI stereo speaker that delivers good sound quality, creating a genuine cinema experience at home. Moreover, it supports up to 1080p resolution and enhances images through its 24-bit true-color support, promising a vibrant and detailed viewing experience.
However, the projector has a native resolution of 480p, which might not offer the sharpest image quality, especially when projecting larger images. Additionally, the lack of a built-in battery might limit its portability, requiring a power cable connection for operation.
Despite these limitations, the Elephas Mini Portable Projector offers several adjustability features, including a manual focus ring and zoom functions, allowing for a tailored screen size with optimal clarity. The keystone correction technology provides more flexible placement options, making the initial setup even easier.
Pros
Cons
TIP – In order to watch TV on your projector, you’re going to need Wi-Fi. If you’re wondering how to get Wi-Fi in your motorhome or camper, check out our blog post which should give you all the information that you need – Getting WiFi In Your Motorhome
ViewSonic M2 Full HD Smart Portable LED Projector
he ViewSonic M2 1080p Smart LED Portable Projector stands as a versatile choice for individuals seeking a portable yet powerful projector. Its compact and lightweight design makes it a convenient option for both business presentations and home entertainment setups.
Equipped with a full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080, it promises to deliver clear and detailed visuals, enhancing the viewing experience. Moreover, it features a bright display with 1200 LED lumens and 500 ANSI lumens, suitable for various environments. The long lamp life of over 30,000 hours ensures longevity, reducing the need for frequent lamp replacements.
One of the standout features of this projector is the built-in Harman Kardon speakers, which are designed to produce room-filling sound, elevating the audio experience during viewings. Additionally, it offers a range of connectivity options including Wi-Fi, HDMI, USB, USB-C, MicroSD, and Bluetooth, allowing for versatile connectivity with various devices.
Furthermore, the projector comes with auto focus and ±30° vertical & horizontal keystone correction features, facilitating easy setup and optimal viewing angles. However, it comes at a costly price, which might be a bit steep for some users, especially considering the limited brightness compared to projectors with higher lumens.
Pros
Cons
How do we watch TV on our projector?
Now that you have decided on which projector you’d like, you need to start thinking about what extras you may need and how you will watch TV on it.
We watch TV on our projector via an Amazon Firestick. This allows us to use all the most popular streaming programmes such as Netflix and Amazon, and also have access to all of the TV catch-up apps like ITV Hub, BBC iPlayer and 4od.
In order to be able to watch UK TV from wherever you are on your travels, you need a Surfshark VPN. A VPN is a powerful and reliable virtual private network (VPN) service that is designed to keep your online data secure, no matter where you are.
It provides high-end encryption and full anonymity while browsing the internet, ensuring that all of your personal information remains safe from hackers and other malicious threats. Surfshark also allows you to unlock geo-restricted content, so you can access your favorite streaming services from anywhere in the world.
Surfshark VPN is an ideal choice for anyone who wants to keep their personal data secure while browsing the web from wherever they are in the world.
What extras may you need for your projector?
Amazon Fire Stick
Duronic DPS50/43 Portable Desktop 50″ Projection Screen
What are the benefits of using a portable projector in a campervan?
Portable projectors can add entertainment options to your campervan without the need for mounting or wiring. They are compact, lightweight, and can create a movie-theater atmosphere almost anywhere.
What should I consider when buying a projector for my campervan?
Consider factors such as resolution, brightness, throw distance, size and weight, battery life, sound quality, and connectivity options.
What is the throw distance in a projector and why is it important?
The throw distance is the measure of the distance between a projector and the image it displays on a screen or wall. It is important to ensure that the projector works well in the confined space of a campervan.
How do I ensure good sound quality with a portable projector?
While most portable projectors come with built-in speakers, you might want to test the sound before purchase and see if you can connect external speakers or headphones for a better audio experience.
What are the connectivity options available in modern projectors?
Many modern projectors come with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect devices wirelessly and even mirror your phone onto the projector.
Can I use a portable projector outside my campervan?
Yes, portable projectors can be used outside the campervan, making them a versatile addition to your vehicle.
What is the advantage of having a projector with built-in Android?
A projector with built-in Android allows for smooth and lag-free navigation through apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime, enhancing the entertainment experience.
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I have always wanted to travel and luckily I always got to travel to some amazing countries while I was growing up with my family and this really encouraged me to continue this and get out into the world on my own when I was older.
My goal growing up was really to see as much of the world as I could, but then I started going to work and really concentrating on my career and travel took a back seat. I still tried to get away a few times a year but I always knew there was an end goal which was to travel as much as possible.
So I got my head down and worked as hard as I could as an e-commerce manager. I have always been techy, I love computers and websites, so that’s where it gave me the idea to start this blog and also have my own web design agency. If you want to check it out or need any help then please take a look rrwebdesign.co.uk (shameless plug there)
But after covid, we both knew this was now the right time to take the leap and go and see the world after being trapped inside our house and working from home for a couple of years. We realised more than ever that you only get one life and you really need to make the most of it and do what you love!
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