This article is now out of date, for the updated version please follow the link to our review of the best performing portable projectors for 2017.

If you’re looking for the best LED portable projector to fit your specific requirements, there are a whole host of factors to take into consideration ranging from resolution, birghtness (lumens) and features such as DLP (contrast enhancements) and features such as connectivity to ipads, HDMI and the ability to connect without a laptop.

We've broken down the list of projectors into 2 categories: Business Use and Consumer Use and the business use ones considerably overalap with consumer use and most are also good for gaming purpososes with connectivity via HDMI, VGA or AV.

Top for Personal use:

Vivitek Qumi Q2

Our smallest, lightest and brightest hybrid between pocket & palm projector is the best projector we have seen to date on the market with 300 lumens, WXGA resolution and a 90” image means it can handle anything you want to display in rich colour with DLP. Its the one to beat across all categories.

Lumafire M200

One of the newer models popular with busines users in the recession is the LumaFire M200 palm projector which offers excellent value for money. It is feature packed with a remote & tripod, offers 100 lumens of brightness has HDMI/USB/SD compatibility and yet remains remarkably small & light and extensive connectivity.

3M MP180

3M offer a robust gadget for those concerned with features. 4GB of onboard memory, a cool touch screen with Microsoft office, 2 hour battery, WiFi & Bluetooth. The ‘office’ compatibility and battery power make this a perfect choice for the business user on the go.

Adapt 305/ iGo UP2020

These 2 pocket projectors offer great value for money and connectivity all in one with a good image quality. The Adapt 305 comes with everything you need to go and play right out of the box. i.e. Free Apple cable, 4GB memory, tripod & remote. The iGo is smaller albeit not quite as bright but it includes multiple connection options including HDMI and also offers higher contrast via DLP playback for richer colour, It also won an award at this years Consumer Electronics Show (CES) for design. In fact, the igo UP2020 is a hot-buy for Xmas 2011!

Microvision SHOWWX/SHOWWX+

Welcome to the world's first 'infinite focus' laser pocket projector; it's smaller and lighter than an iPhone with a mammoth 5000:1 contrast ratio that beats all others in its class. Included in the package is a set of Apple cables to connect to your iPhone4/iPad2 meaning you can connect to any device with a Composite TV/Video-Out to create a rich screen up to 100". There is also a VGA dock accessory for this device to connect to a laptop. Great for gaming.

Top for professional use:

Casio (Pro-portable range)

The Casio range of projectors offer the best equivalent image of a tradional projector in a form that will easily fit into a laptop carry case. If you’re looking for something that will offer a more professional output with quality build then a Casio XJA projector is ideal. High brightness ratings starting at 2000 lumens, combined with high contrast ratios mean that you can present in most lighting conditions. It also offer streaming capabilities from your laptop.

Vivitek Qumi Q2

Our smallest, Lightest & Brightest hybrid between pocket & palm will offer you the professional output you need whilst still fitting into your overcoat pocket. WXGA resolution, a 90” screen with DLP technology will promote your presentations in rich detail and can handle video demonstrations too. 300 lumens of brightness mean that you are able to project in normal lighting conditions and maintain portability. It has a powerpoint, excel, word and pdf viewer built in too so you can leave your laptop at home and just travel with the projector.