Mac laptops are great! But their 13″ or 16″ screen size may not be enough to watch a movie with your homies, hold a professional meeting, or a lesson with a presentation. Because connectivity options are limited in these devices (especially new models), you may wonder how to pick the best projectors for Mac. In this review, you will get a list of projectors compatible with Mac. I will also give you hints on what features to pay attention to as you make the right choice.
Projector for Mac comparison table
| Name | Display technology | Resolution, px | Brightness, ANSI lumens | Contrast | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AuKing V30 best overall | DLP | 1920×1080 | 480 | 15000:1 | Review |
| ViewSonic M1+ pocket projector for mac | DLP | 854×480 | 250 | 120000:1 | Review |
| YABER Y30 budget | DLP | 1920×1080 | 3125 | 10000:1 | Review |
What to look for in a projector for Macbook?
Brightness level
Brightness is a critical parameter for any projector. Well, since you want to find the best pocket projector for Mac, I recommend you pay attention to this parameter first! It defines whether you can transmit a sharp image in different environments (dark and light) and whether the larger picture will be bright enough.
For a dark room, you may do away with 1000 – 2000 lumens brightness. For mixed use or rooms with a bright light source, look for projectors with 2600 – 3500 lumens or higher. The more lumens the projector has, the more ambient light it will withstand and the clearer the large image will be.
Connectivity options
Recent Mac devices have only a USB-C connection option. So, it will be nice to have the corresponding port on the projector for a direct connection. Or you can get a USB-C to HDMI adapter since all projectors have at least one HDMI port. For a wireless connection, look for devices with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Resolution
You may not necessarily need to have the highest resolution in your digital projector for Mac. For instance, if you look for a projector to bring presentations on a bigger screen, you will do with SVGA, XGA, WXGA, WUXGA, or 1080p. However, 4K and 1080p are preferred options for home use when you plan to watch plenty of video content as they deliver great detail reproduction.
Best projector for Mac reviews
AuKing V30 – best overall
If image quality and functionality, as well as versatility, are important to you, check out the AuKing V30. It boasts features that make it applicable for plenty of uses.
Let’s start with the fact that this is a native 1080p projector supporting 4K. But that doesn’t mean it will project content in 4K quality. It will rather downgrade it, but the image quality is still decent. The projected picture is clear and crisp, even in the corners. 480 ANSI lumens and 15000:1 contrast are enough to transmit a bright 150-inch image even with ambient light.
It’s easy to adjust the image in AuKing V30. 6D/4P keystone correction, digital zoom, and autofocus make achieving a well-centered and properly-angled image a breeze.
The connectivity is abundant at AuKing V30. There are two HDMI, two USB (including type C), AV, and 3.5 mm audio ports. Thus, you will be able to connect your Mac to the projector directly or using an HDMI adapter. Additionally, 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi ensures faster speeds at shorter ranges. 5.1 Bluetooth is also here to share data between your Mac, projector, or speakers. Regarding wireless connectivity, AuKing V30 is more up-to-date than ViewSonic M1+. Though to watch content from Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, or other apps, you’ve got to use a dongle.
I consider the AuKing V30 to be the best projector for MacBook. It has more than enough capabilities to let you enjoy the movie night at home, run a presentation in the office or classroom, or have an outdoor activity.
Key specs
- Display technology: DLP.
- Resolution, px: 1920×1080.
- Brightness, ANSI lumens: 480.
- Contrast: 15000:1.
- Throw distance, ft: 3.2-16.4.
- Image size, inch.: 100-400.
- Wi-Fi: yes.
- Built-in speakers: yes.
Pros
- Native 1080p resolution but supports 4K content as well.
- 480 lumens are enough for conditions with ambient light.
- Can display different files.
- 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi and 5.1 Bluetooth for stable and fast wireless connection.
Cons
- No way to project content from streaming services directly – you need to use a dongle.
ViewSonic M1+ – pocket projector for mac
Another portable projector on my list is the ViewSonic M1+. It measures only 5.7 x 1.6 x 5.0 inches and weighs 1.7 lbs, so it’s easy to take with your Mac. The lens cover is also included to keep the lens undamaged as you carry the device across different locations.
With ViewSonic M1+, you can bring a 100-inch image from a distance of 8.5 feet. LED technology offers up to 30,000 hours of light source use, which is quite a lot of time. The WVGA (854x480p) resolution does not deliver the highest quality image but will be enough for basic use. This compact projector is moderately bright – it has 300 lumens, delivering a crisp image in a dark room. The battery in this device lasts surprisingly long – 4.5 hours in the brightest mode.
The biggest disappointment for me in ViewSonic M1+ was the smart TV function. It has a very limited number of apps and a clunky interface. Also, screen mirroring was not working properly. So, you may want to connect to your Mac via USB-C.
And now, back to the good stuff. With an integrated smart stand, you can benefit from a simple 360-degree setup. Moreover, you do not have to worry about a cumbersome setup – with the auto vertical keystone correction, you will get a properly angled image in any room.
ViewSonic M1+ is the brand’s reputation, the quality of components, mobility, and good image quality. But of course not without some shortcomings, which, unfortunately, even the finest and most expensive models have.
Key specs
- Display technology: DLP.
- Resolution, px: 854×480.
- Brightness, ANSI lumens: 250.
- Contrast: 120000:1.
- Throw distance, ft: 2-8.7.
- Image size, inch.: 24-100.
- Wi-Fi: yes.
- Built-in speaker: yes.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight – easy to carry with you.
- The built-in battery lasts long.
- Easy to setup – there is a convenient stand and auto vertical keystone correction.
Cons
- Screen mirroring doesn’t work properly.
- The smart TV has limited app variety and a poor interface.
YABER Y30 – budget
Who told you that full HD projectors for Mac couldn’t be affordable? YABER Y30 is the perfect answer to this question. And now, let’s take a closer look at it, and I’ll tell you what else stands out besides the price.
And I will start, of course, with the most important characteristic. The image is as bright as possible at night, even when the room is not entirely dark. It also looks pretty good during the daytime, but one part of the screen is washed out because of the light. I doubt that the projector delivers the claimed 9500 lumens, but I will agree on 3000-3500 lumens, which is higher than in ViewSonic M1+.
The focusing abilities of YABER Y30 disappointed me – focusing at some angles is just impossible. In addition, the menu is unreadable when you apply vertical keystone adjustment. Finally, the adjustment is digital, so it drops a lot of pixels when you apply it. Because of these issues, the setup may take some time and patience.
The projector has 2 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports, a VGA port, and an AV port. To connect your Mac to YABER Y30, you will need a USB-C to HDMI adapter. By the way, note that there are quite a few ports that allow you to expand the use of this model.
Considering the YABER Y30 projector’s price point, I agree that this is a good budget option for your home. Full HD content gets a significant enlargement on a 300-inch screen, and the image is tolerable even with some light on.
Key specs
- Display technology: DLP.
- Resolution, px: 1920×1080.
- Brightness, ANSI lumens: 3125.
- Contrast: 10000:1.
- Throw distance, ft: 4.9-18.
- Image size, inch.: 100-300.
- Wi-Fi: no.
- Built-in speakers: yes.
Pros
- Bright enough to deliver a tolerable image in a slightly lit room.
- 1080p native resolution allows watching full HD content on a 300-inch screen.
- Enough ports to hook a variety of devices.
Cons
- Hard to set up because of poor focus and keystone correction.
- You will need an adapter to connect your Mac.
- Doesn’t hold the claimed 9500 lumens.
Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02
The Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02 is compact, not demanding in terms of use, and works fine even on the wall. So, no special screen is required. Of course, using it at home or in the office can maximize its potential, but in any case, it is a “universal soldier”.
I want to admit that this projector is bright. It is a 3000-lumen device, 50 times brighter than KODAK Luma 150. So even at midday, with lots of sunlight, the image is still sharp enough. Also, it delivers a full HD 1080p picture up to 300 inches, though some distance is required as this is a long-throw projector.
Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02 has Android TV to stream content from your favorite apps like Netflix, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney+, HBO, and more. The device also supports Chromecast for wireless casting. To connect this projector to your Mac, you will need to use a USB-C to HDMI adapter as there is no other connectivity option but for a single HDMI port.
The Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02 projector is versatile, easy to operate and maintain, and, most importantly, will provide performance at any time of day.
Key specs
- Display technology: 3LCD.
- Resolution, px: 1920×1080.
- Brightness, ANSI lumens: 3000.
- Contrast: 16000:1.
- Throw distance, ft: 4-19.7.
- Image size, inch.: 34-391.
- Wi-Fi: no.
- Built-in speakers: yes.
Pros
- Casts full HD 1080p content to a 300-inch screen.
- Bright enough for a portable projector – 3000 lumens.
- Projects a nice image on any surfaces.
- Allows to use Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services.
Cons
- No other ports but HDMI, so you will need to use an adapter.
KODAK Luma 150
You will like the KODAK Luma 150 mini projector for MacBook if you travel a lot. Its universal device compatibility makes it a good choice for Mac owners.
Weighing 1 pound and being only 3.1 x 3.1 x 0.87 inches, the KODAK Luma 150 is a truly functional grab-and-go projector. At the same time, simple touch controls and a built-in battery allow you to set up the projector in any environment, even without access to the socket. The battery lasts for 2.5 hours, so you can show slides or watch movies within this period. You can expend videos in 854 x 480 [1080p] resolution for up to 120 inches.
While the KODAK Luma 150 is smaller than Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02, you should know that compactness comes at a cost. The brightness of this projector is only 60 lumens, so it works better in dark rooms.
You can connect your Mac via USB or HDMI; in both cases, you will need to use an adapter. Or you can connect wirelessly via Airplay or Miracast to mirror the screen.
For situations when you need portability and flexibility, the KODAK Luma 150 will let you stream content from your Mac anywhere.
Key specs
- Display technology: DLP.
- Resolution, px: 854×480.
- Brightness, ANSI lumens: 60.
- Contrast: 1000:1.
- Throw distance, ft: 0.6-12.5.
- Image size, inch.: 10-150.
- Wi-Fi: yes.
- Built-in speakers: yes.
Pros
- Weighs 1 pound and works on a battery for around 2.5 hours.
- Expends images or video for up to 120 inches.
- Reproduces content in 854 x 480 [1080p] resolution.
Cons
- The brightness is sacrificed for portability.
- No USB-C port – you will need an adapter to connect Mac.
FAQ
Can a MacBook Air run a projector?
How do I connect my projector without HDMI?
Can I watch Netflix on a projector?
Are Wi-Fi projectors better?
You also can consider other decent projectors:
