
Portable Projector Deals Compared: Optoma ML330 versus Qumi Q3, Q6 and Pico Genie M550 Plus
- 02 Aug, 2017
All these LED DLP portable projectors are priced between £399 and £599 inc vat and are all classed as personal projectors so are light weight and ultra portable unlike the projectors of old.
The next most important aspect is the lumens and these 4 models range from 500, 650 and 800 lumens.
Obviously there is always a trade off between price versus lumens, battery power, connectivity, Android OS and other features like short throw and the accessories it comes with.
Increasingly Android operating systems (OS) onboard are becoming more popular and thats not just for the ability to watch a plethero of entertainment like Netflix, Youtube or iPlayer but also for business or education apps such as PDF readers, powerpoint or anything else that you wish to download from Android Play store.
Bear in mind that Android 4.4 is the very latest OS on the TV box/Projector market and it is slightly different to what you might be used to on your mobile phone but largely you do get a lot of the same apps.
Also dont be put off by the Android OS if you are an Apple user since all of these projectors work with Apple too and you can wirelessly mirror your ipad, iphone or macbook with all of these models. We always recommend using the wired connection wherever possible as wireless can be hit and miss depending on so many different factors but based on user feedback the Pico Genie M550 Plus seems to tick all the boxes for ease of use on its myriad of wired and wireless options.
Overall, if you are looking for the cheapest option that ticks most of the boxes then the Vivitek Q3 comes highly recommended.
The Qumi Q6 Plus should not be forgotten as its still currently one of the best projectors in terms of price versus high lumens so if all you need is a simple projector without a battery and with the best brightness then the Q6 is a good option.
The Optoma ML330 has a couple of unique features with an RJ45 connection for Ethernet connections if you want to hardwire your router to your projector for streaming and it also has a purpose built carry case.
The new Optoma mini projector therefore sits in the mid range but doesnt offer the internal battery and is more expensive than the Vivitek Qumi Q3 which has the same features as the ML330. When comparing the ML330 to the Vivitek Q6, the latter offers an extra 300 lumens for only £36 more which is a huge difference so the Qumi Q6 would be the preferable choice.
And if you still cant decide and just want every possible feature in one small box then the Pico Genie M550 Plus is the obvious ultra portable choice in this range with powerful speakers, short throw, a 3 hour battery and high brightness at 650 lumens with older and newer connection options such as VGA or HDMI and a more user friendly Android and wireless experience.
Feature
Vivitek Qumi Q3+
Optoma ML330
Vivitek Qumi Q6 black
Pico Genie M550 Plus
Price (inc vat)
£399
£449
£485
£599
Lumens
500
500
800
650
Battery (mains/rechargeable)
2 hours
No
No
3 hours
HD
720p
720p
720p
720p
Short Throw (larger image)
No
No
No
Yes
Android
Yes v4.2
Yes v4.4
No
Yes v4.4
Netflix, YouTube, iPlayer etc Apps
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Keyboard / Mouse
No
No
No
Yes
Remote control type
Standard
Standard
Standard
Advanced Radio Remote
Keystone correction
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Wifi, Wireless, Mirroring
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
LED
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
3D Ready
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
MS Office Apps / PDF
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Speakers
2w
2w
2w
3w