We compared two mini projectors at very different price points: the Dangbei N2 and the AKIYO O1.
What we looked at
Smart features and app support, portability, stated brightness, and price.
The verdict
If you want a smart projector with a Linux OS, official licensed Netflix, YouTube and Prime Video apps, a 190° tilting gimbal stand and true 1080P native resolution up to a 120-inch screen, the Dangbei N2 is the smart-TV-like pick, at £219.99. If you would rather pay £188.00 less for an ultra-portable projector that fits in your hand, with a 360° rotating stand and a stated 15,000 lumens brightness, the AKIYO O1 is the budget, grab-and-go option, at £31.99.
A £219.99 smart projector with built-in Netflix, YouTube and Prime Video apps.
A £31.99 pocket-sized projector weighing a stated 320g with a 360° rotating stand.
Dangbei N2 Mini Projector Portable, Smart Projector with Stand 190° Rotatable, Official Netflix — Most Smart Features
Intended for: Marketed as a smart mini projector with a built-in 190° tilting gimbal stand, a Linux smart OS with nearly 300 apps including licensed Netflix, YouTube and Prime Video, true 1080P native resolution up to a 120-inch screen, AI auto image setup with auto focus, and a sealed EngineX optical engine for a dust-free design.
What we liked
- Official licensed Netflix, YouTube and Prime Video apps built in, per the listing
- True 1080P native resolution up to a 120-inch screen
- 190° tilting gimbal stand for projecting from floor to ceiling
- AI auto image setup with auto focus, per the listing
- Sealed optical engine for a dust-free design
Worth knowing
- Costs £188.00 more than the AKIYO O1 on these listings
- Bulkier than an ultra-portable pocket projector
Best for
- A smart-TV-like home projector experience
- Buyers who want built-in streaming apps
- Anyone who wants the higher stated native resolution
Not ideal for
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Anyone who wants the smallest, most pocketable projector
AKIYO O1 Mini Projector, Ultra-Portable 360° Rotating Auto Keystone 15000LM — Most Portable
Intended for: Marketed as an ultra-portable mini projector measuring 4.8 x 3.7 x 2.1 inches and weighing 320g, with an integrated 360° rotating stand, auto keystone correction, a native 1280x720 resolution supporting 1080P content, a stated 15,000 lumens brightness with a 5000:1 contrast ratio, and below 28dB operating noise.
What we liked
- Cheaper than the Dangbei N2 on these listings, at £31.99
- Ultra-compact and lightweight at a stated 320g, fits in a bag or hand
- Integrated 360° rotating stand with auto keystone correction
- Stated below 28dB operating noise, per the listing
- Plug-and-play wired connection for compatible iOS and Android devices
Worth knowing
- Native resolution is stated as 1280x720, lower than the Dangbei's true 1080P panel
- No built-in streaming apps like Netflix or YouTube
Best for
- Buyers who want the lowest price and smallest size
- Casual, portable movie nights
- Anyone who wants a projector that fits in a bag
Not ideal for
- Anyone who wants built-in streaming apps
- Buyers who want the sharpest native resolution
