Amazon Users Say This $30 Projector Is an ‘Unbeatable’ Deal

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Whether it’s campfire movie nights, backyard barbecue wrestling streams, or sleepover video mixtapes, a compact and portable mini projector can turn any dark space into a mini cinema. If you’re looking for one, you’re in luck. The CiBest W13 Mini Projector normally costs $39.97, but is now on sale from a third-party seller on Amazon for $29.99. Some of the 10,000 reviews suggest the projector isn’t perfect, but you get a quality casual movie night on the go for cheap. Others are more impressed, with one reviewer saying the ease of use and durability make it “unbeatable.”

If you’re looking for a premium viewing experience, there are other top projector brands to consider. But the CiBest W13 has a 4.3-star rating, with about two-thirds giving it five stars. Reviewers say the picture quality is surprisingly clear for the price. The projector connects via wired inputs (HDMI, USB) to phones, tablets, computers and external storage devices, meaning you can finally show off those exciting 4th of July fireworks displays you save every year.

The best feature of the mini portable projector is not listed as technical specification. The W13 weighs about 1.15 pounds and measures 5.5 x 2.4 x 4.3 inches, perfect for a backpack. Portability is key. Reviews mention taking it on road trips. One reviewer said they were connecting their old game consoles. Imagine playing rounds of “Star Fox 64” on the tent wall with your family while it’s raining outside. Registered camping trip.

The biggest difference between expensive projectors and a budget option like the CiBest W13 is brightness. Reviewers say you need low light to see the image clearly. One reviewer said the image quality was sharp in the middle but blurry around the edges. The Amazon listing says the best screen size is 60 to 130 inches. It also says that the W13 supports Full HD 1080p. For many cheaper projectors, the specs essentially mean that they accept 1080p input but can downscale it to a lower resolution. The seller, Reefer Technology, does not offer a manual to confirm exact stats.

To stream major apps, you’ll need to plug in a Roku Stick, Amazon Fire Stick, or similar streaming device. You can also connect an iPhone with a Lightning to HDMI adapter, but digital licensing restrictions mean you may not be able to mirror Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, or similar apps directly from a phone or computer. The W13 comes with built-in stereo speakers, which receive mixed reviews from reviewers. Some say the sound is good, while others recommend an external speaker because the sound isn’t loud enough. Again, the projector does not have Bluetooth. You can connect speakers or headphones through an audio jack or through your streaming device, but the projector does not support Dolby. Some streaming devices may need to be set to PCM, a basic stereo format. Despite some limitations, many reviewers say they are happy with the CiBest W13, especially for its price.