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Thinking about ditching the TV for a bigger, more cinematic experience? A projector can turn an ordinary wall into a movie-sized canvas, bringing films, games, and live sport to life in a way a flat-screen sometimes can’t. Projectors are like the Swiss Army knives of home entertainment — compact, adaptable, and capable of producing a picture as small as a breakfast-table TV or as large as a cinema screen that fills a whole wall. Whether you want something pocket-sized to carry to a friend’s house or a full blown home cinema setup, the UK market has options that fit every budget and space.
Menkind has carved a niche selling playful, portable tech that’s made for everyday fun. If you’re after quirky gadgets that don’t take themselves too seriously, Menkind’s projector lineup is worth a look. Their products focus on portability and ease — think compact units that plug into a phone or laptop, and smartly designed options that make movie-night setup simple.
The Picco USB mini pocket projector is a great example of Menkind portable approach. It’s the kind of device you can slip into a bag, plug into a laptop or USB power bank, and project a decent-sized image onto a wall or sheet. It’s perfect for on-the-go viewing, late-night streaming in a camper van, or quick presentations. Expect to move the projector a few feet back to increase screen size — typically a few feet will get you a noticeably larger image without losing too much clarity.
If you love clever, minimal tech, the Smartphone Projector Version 2.0 is a neat pick. It’s designed to magnify your phone’s screen using a simple lens system and a small projection surface. It’s not meant to replace full-resolution home cinema projectors, but it’s perfect for cozy nights in, kid-friendly storytime, and showing off travel photos to friends. Think of it as a modern shoebox projector — low fuss, big smiles.
Red5 is known for fun, novelty tech that creates atmosphere, and their projectors are no different. These devices lean into mood-setting features — colourful lighting effects, starfields, and aurora-like displays that turn a room into an immersive space. If you host gatherings or want a projector that doubles as ambient lighting, Red5’s gear gives you creativity without the technical jargon.
The Red5 Northern Lights projector is a perfect example of a projector that’s as much about atmosphere as it is about movies. Instead of a pure cinematic image, it creates moving light patterns that mimic the aurora, with shifting colours and soft motion. It’s ideal for bedrooms, lounge parties, or background ambience during dinner. Place it a few feet from a ceiling or wall and let the colours wash your room for a soothing, cinematic vibe.
Beyond niche gadget sellers, the UK has several well-known stores that cater to serious home cinema buyers and casual shoppers alike. These retailers stock a wide range — from mini pocket projectors to dedicated home cinema models — and usually offer helpful product details so you can compare before you buy. Here are the main places to check out:
Currys is a go-to for tech shoppers who want a broad selection and sensible filters to compare models. You’ll find mainstream projector brands, accessories like screens and mounts, and options ranging from portable units to serious home cinema projectors. Currys is a good stop if you want to read customer reviews and see clear comparisons between models on the same page.
John Lewis often stocks premium home cinema projectors, and their listings typically highlight build quality and warranty details. If you prefer buying from a retailer with a reputation for customer care and extended guarantees, John Lewis should be on your shortlist. Their range is focused on higher-end and well-reviewed models, ideal for those building a longer-term setup.
Richer Sounds is a specialist retailer for people who care about sound and picture quality. Their staff can help match projectors with screens and speakers, making them a great choice if you’re building a proper cinema room. Expect knowledgeable advice on brand choices like Optoma, BenQ, and Epson, and guidance on how many feet of throw distance you’ll need for a certain screen size.
For sheer convenience, Argos and Amazon are hard to beat. Both offer a huge range, fast browsing, and quick delivery options. Argos is handy for instant pickup from a local store, while Amazon’s reviews and varied sellers often mean you can find a wide price range and bundle deals. These marketplaces are perfect if you want to quickly compare dozens of models and read many user experiences.
Picking a projector can feel like choosing a new car — there are practical things you need to know and a few features that make you smile. Focus on room size, screen size, resolution, brightness in everyday terms, connectivity, and whether you want portability. Here’s how to think about each one, using plain language and examples in feet and inches.
Throw distance is how far the projector needs to sit from the screen to make a given image size. For many living rooms, placing a projector around 8 to 12 feet from the wall will give you a large, cinema-style picture — typically in the range of a 100-inch diagonal screen or bigger. Short-throw models, designed for small rooms, can sit 2 to 4 feet from the wall to create a similar screen size, perfect if you live in a flat or want minimal cables across the room.
Screen size is measured diagonally in inches: a 100-inch screen is a popular choice for a home cinema. Your ideal viewing distance depends on resolution — for a 1080p projector, sitting roughly 8 to 12 feet away from a 100-inch screen typically gives sharp images while still feeling immersive. For 4K models you can sit a bit closer without noticing pixels. Think about where your sofa sits and measure in feet from the wall to be sure the image will fill your visual sweet spot.
Resolution determines how sharp the image looks. 1080p (Full HD) is great for most viewers and is kinder on budgets, while 4K gives extra detail for big screens and close seating arrangements. If you plan to watch a lot of movies with the sofa 6 to 10 feet from a 100-inch screen, a 4K model will feel noticeably sharper — but it often comes at a higher price. Consider what you stream most, your budget, and how many feet you’ll sit from the screen before choosing.
Brightness affects how well the picture holds up with lights on or daylight sneaking in. Instead of getting lost in technical brightness numbers, think about the room: a darker room lets a lower-powered projector perform beautifully, while a living room with windows will need a more powerful projector to keep colours punchy. If you don’t want to blackout curtains, look for a model described as good for “bright rooms” or “living room use.”
Check how the projector connects to your devices. HDMI is standard for streaming sticks, Blu-ray players, and consoles. USB and wireless casting can be handy if you want to stream straight from a phone or laptop, and some projectors include built-in smart apps so you can stream without extra hardware. If you’re projecting from a laptop, ensure the projector has the right ports and that adapters are available if needed.
If you want to carry your projector between rooms or take it to a friend’s, look for pocket-sized models or units with built-in batteries. Models like the Picco USB mini projector or lightweight battery projectors let you set up outdoors or in a caravan without worrying about mains power. Aim for a unit that claims easy setup and a few hours of battery life if you’re planning outdoor movie nights.
Once you’ve chosen a projector, small setup choices make a big difference. Placement, keystone correction, screen surface, and sound are the four pillars of a great picture. Here are actionable tips you can use right away.
Decide whether the projector sits on a table a few feet back, on a low shelf, or mounted to the ceiling. For a permanent home cinema, a ceiling mount keeps cables tidy and the projector out of the way; aim to position the lens roughly centered with the screen’s top or bottom edge depending on the mount. For casual use, placing the unit on a table 8 to 12 feet back creates a classic setup that’s easy to tweak.
A smooth white wall works in a pinch, but a dedicated screen will enhance brightness and contrast noticeably. If you want a big upgrade without complicated installation, consider a pull-down screen or a fixed frame. Screens are measured in inches diagonally, so match the screen size to how far you sit in feet from the wall to keep the viewing comfortable.
Projectors often include small built-in speakers, but they’re typically not powerful enough for movies or games. If you care about sound, add a soundbar or a small stereo system. For a proper home cinema feel, pair the projector with a simple 2.1 speaker setup or a soundbar placed under the screen. You’ll notice a much bigger improvement from a modest sound upgrade than from spending a lot more on projector brightness.
Your budget will shape choices more than anything else. Mini and pocket projectors are affordable and fun, mid-range models balance image quality and price, and premium projectors aim for true home cinema performance. Here’s a short guide to what to expect at each level and store examples in the UK.
If you want something low-cost for casual viewing, check out Menkind mini projectors and compact models sold through Argos or Amazon. These are great for short-term use, travel, and small gatherings. They’re light, easy to set up, and often friendly on the wallet.
For everyday home use — film nights, streaming, and gaming — mid-range models from brands sold at Currys and John Lewis offer solid image quality and sensible features. You’ll get better resolution, improved colour, and more reliable connectivity for a reasonable step up in price.
If you’re building a dedicated cinema room, Richer Sounds and specialist retailers carry premium projectors with superior optics, brighter images, and advanced colour processing. These models are ideal if you want a true cinematic experience and plan to sit relatively close to a big screen.
Projectors are generally low maintenance, but a little care goes a long way. Clean the lens occasionally with a soft cloth, keep vents clear so air can flow, and consider a dust cover when not in use. If your model uses a replaceable lamp, check the expected life in hours and plan for a replacement down the road — a well cared-for projector can keep entertaining for many years.
Choosing the best projector depends on your space, budget, and how you plan to use it. Want portability and spontaneity? Look at Menkind mini projectors and battery models. After ambience and party lighting? Red5 has playful options like the Northern Lights projector. Want a full home cinema experience? Browse Currys, John Lewis, and Richer Sounds for higher-end models and expert advice. Measure your room in feet, think about screen size in inches, and match features to your lifestyle — and you’ll end up with a projector that feels like it was made for your living room.
Enjoy the hunt — and when you dim the lights and press play, you’ll know you made the right choice.
| Projectors | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphone Projector Version 2.0 | £ 23,- | |
| Picco Usb Mini Pocket Projector | £ 49,- |
