---
title: How to Choose a Mini Projector (UK Buying Guide) | Visyon
url: https://visyon.uk/guides/how-to-choose-a-mini-projector
description: What matters when you buy a mini projector in the UK: ANSI brightness, real resolution, picture size, keystone and focus, smart apps, connections and sound.
---

# How to choose a mini projector

Mini projectors all promise a cinema at home. These are the six things that decide whether you get one.

## 1. Brightness: look for ANSI lumens

Brightness decides when you can watch. Look for a figure in **ANSI lumens** , a standard way of measuring the light that reaches the screen. Other "lumen" numbers on projector listings are measured in different ways and are not comparable with ANSI figures.

- **Around 200 ANSI lumens** suits dark rooms: evenings, bedrooms, closed curtains.

- **Around 400 ANSI lumens** copes better with a little light in the room and with bigger pictures.

Whatever the figure, a projector always looks best in a dark room. Darken the room before you buy a brighter projector.

## 2. Resolution: "supported" is not the same as native

"4K supported" or "1080p supported" means the projector can **play** a 4K or 1080p video. It then shows it at its own native resolution. That's normal for mini projectors; just compare like with like.

## 3. Picture size and distance

Picture size depends on how far the projector is from the wall and on its **throw ratio** . Measure your room first: the distance from where the projector will sit to the wall, and how wide the blank wall is. Our [screen size and distance guide](https://visyon.uk/guides/projector-screen-size-and-distance) shows how to work it out.

## 4. Keystone, focus and zoom

If the projector isn't level with the wall, the picture becomes a trapezoid. **Keystone correction** squares it up; automatic keystone does it for you. **Focus** makes the picture sharp, by hand or automatically. **Digital zoom** shrinks the picture to fit the wall without moving the projector.

## 5. Smart system and apps

A smart projector runs apps itself, so you need only WiFi. Check the system version (for example Android 14) and the WiFi type: WiFi 6 and 5 GHz WiFi stream more steadily than older 2.4 GHz-only WiFi.

Some streaming services only allow their apps on certain devices. If an app you rely on isn't available, a TV stick in the HDMI port solves it.

## 6. Connections and sound

- **HDMI** for a games console, laptop or TV stick.

- **USB** to play films and photos from a memory stick.

- **Audio out or Bluetooth** for a speaker, soundbar or headphones. Built-in speakers are fine for a bedroom; a separate speaker makes a big difference for films and parties.

## Which Visyon fits?

| If you want… | Choose |
| --- | --- |
| A compact projector for a bedroom or ceiling viewing | Turn 1 |
| Sound built in, Bluetooth 5.4 and digital zoom | HY300 Ultra |
| The most brightness: 400 ANSI lumens | J500 |

Updated 6 November 2026

## More guides

- [A Christmas movie night with a projector](https://visyon.uk/guides/christmas-movie-night-with-a-projector)
- [Projector screen size and distance](https://visyon.uk/guides/projector-screen-size-and-distance)
- [How to project onto the ceiling](https://visyon.uk/guides/how-to-project-on-the-ceiling)
- [Connect a phone, TV stick or console to a projector](https://visyon.uk/guides/connect-phone-fire-stick-console-to-projector)

[See Visyon projectors](https://visyon.uk/#range)

[← All guides](https://visyon.uk/guides)

---
Visyon is a brand of Savvies Limited (UK company no. 15862159). Buy on Amazon UK: Turn 1 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DPDVMYWZ, HY300 Ultra https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FFZHT2LM, J500 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GK2L8VNV | Amazon.ie: same ASINs on amazon.ie | Contact: info@visyon.uk