Movie night shouldn't cost a mortgage payment. Whether you're setting up a backyard cinema, kitting out a dorm room, or just tired of crowding around a laptop, a sub-$50 projector can transform your space without emptying your wallet. We put two of Amazon's best-selling budget projectors head-to-head: the HOMPOW Mini Projector and the WiMiUS Mini Projector.
Both claim 1080p support, both have built-in speakers, and both cost less than a nice dinner for two. But the differences matter — especially when you're choosing between $34.99 and $49.99 for what amounts to the same promise.
Quick Verdict
Buy the HOMPOW Mini Projector if: You want the best value sub-$50 projector on Amazon right now. At $34.99, the HOMPOW delivers 1080p support, two-way Bluetooth (stream audio from your phone to the projector OR use it as a standalone Bluetooth speaker), and a genuinely compact design that fits in a backpack. It's the smarter entry-level choice.
Buy the WiMiUS if: You need VGA connectivity for older devices, want the 50% zoom function for fine-tuning screen size without moving the unit, or prefer a brand with a longer track record. The WiMiUS is a capable projector — it's just $15 more for fewer features.
Our pick: The HOMPOW Mini Projector. Lower price, more features, better portability. The math is straightforward.
Our Pick 🏆 HOMPOW Mini Projector
$34.99 on Amazon
The HOMPOW Mini Projector has been quietly crushing it on Amazon with a 4.3+ star rating. It's not the flashiest name in the category, but it's quickly become one of the best-selling budget projectors for a reason — it delivers where it counts.
The headline feature is two-way Bluetooth. Most budget projectors let you plug in an external speaker. The HOMPOW lets you stream audio from your phone to the projector's built-in speaker, OR use the projector as a standalone Bluetooth speaker when you're not watching anything. That's dual-purpose value you won't find on most competitors.
Image quality at 1080p support is genuinely good for the price. Colors are vibrant in dark rooms, and while it won't compete with daylight, it handles evening movie sessions like a champ. The lamp life is rated at 30,000+ hours — that's over 8 years of nightly use. Setup takes about 90 seconds out of the box.
Key specs: 1080p support, two-way Bluetooth, HDMI/USB/AV connectivity, 30,000+ hour lamp life, under 1 lb, 3-16 ft throw distance (50-170 inch projection).
Buy HOMPOW Mini Projector — $34.99 →
📺 WiMiUS Mini Projector
$49.99 on Amazon
The WiMiUS Mini Projector has been a fixture in the budget projector space for years. It's built a reputation on reliability and decent specs, and it's amassed a solid following among budget-conscious home theater enthusiasts.
The WiMiUS includes a 50% zoom function that the HOMPOW lacks — handy if you've already mounted the projector and need to fine-tune screen size without physically moving it. The VGA port is also useful for older laptops and classroom settings. Lamp life is rated at 40,000+ hours, slightly edging out the HOMPOW on paper.
But the WiMiUS is bulkier, lacks two-way Bluetooth (audio-out only), and carries a $15 premium. The fan noise is also more noticeable than the HOMPOW's. It's a good projector that's been outpaced by a hungrier competitor.
Key specs: 1080p support, HDMI/USB/AV/VGA connectivity, 50% zoom function, 40,000+ hour lamp life, built-in speaker, compatible with PS4/Xbox/PC/TV Stick.
Buy WiMiUS Mini Projector — $49.99 →Head-to-Head Comparison
| HOMPOW Mini Projector (Our Pick) | WiMiUS Mini Projector | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ✅ $34.99 | $49.99 |
| Resolution | 1080p supported | 1080p supported |
| Bluetooth | ✅ Two-way (in + out) | Audio-out only |
| Connectivity | HDMI, USB, AV, Audio Out | ✅ HDMI, USB, AV, VGA, Audio Out |
| Zoom Function | Manual focus | ✅ 50% digital zoom |
| Lamp Life | 30,000+ hours | ✅ 40,000+ hours |
| Weight | ✅ Under 1 lb | ~2.5 lbs |
| Portability | ✅ Ultra-compact | Bulky |
| Fan Noise | ✅ Quiet | Noticeable |
| Rating (Amazon) | 4.3 / 5 (2,000+ ratings) | 4.4 / 5 (15,000+ ratings) |
Why the HOMPOW Wins
Price. At $34.99 vs $49.99, the HOMPOW is 30% cheaper. For a category where the core experience (1080p projection) is nearly identical, that $15 difference is the margin of decision.
Two-way Bluetooth. This is the killer feature. The HOMPOW can receive audio from your phone (streaming music to the projector's speaker) AND transmit audio to an external soundbar or Bluetooth speaker. The WiMiUS is audio-out only. If you want to use it as a standalone speaker for music or podcasts when you're not watching movies, the HOMPOW is the only option.
Portability. Under 1 lb vs ~2.5 lbs. The HOMPOW genuinely fits in a backpack pocket. It's the difference between "bringing the projector" and "bringing the whole setup."
Fan noise. Multiple users have noted the HOMPOW runs quieter than the WiMiUS. For movie watching, that matters — a loud fan during quiet dialogue scenes is a real immersion-breaker.
"For the same ticket as a dinner out, you're getting a home theater. That math is hard to beat."
Where the WiMiUS Holds Its Ground
VGA connectivity. If you're connecting older devices — think classroom projectors, older laptops, or legacy gaming consoles — the WiMiUS's VGA port is genuinely useful. The HOMPOW covers HDMI, USB, and AV, but not VGA.
50% zoom. The digital zoom function means you can adjust screen size without physically moving the projector. For mounted installations where the projector can't be easily repositioned, this is a real advantage.
Brand track record. WiMiUS has been in the budget projector game longer. Their customer service is reportedly responsive, and the longer track record gives some buyers confidence. The 40,000-hour lamp life rating is also slightly higher on paper.
Who Should Buy Which
✅ Buy HOMPOW if you...
- Want maximum value at minimum price
- Need two-way Bluetooth for your setup
- Want something truly portable
- This is your first projector
- Prefer quieter operation during movies
✅ Buy WiMiUS if you...
- Need VGA connectivity for older devices
- The 50% zoom is critical for your installation
- Prefer a brand with a longer established track record
- Budget isn't the primary constraint
The Bottom Line
Our Take
Both projectors deliver 1080p entertainment at budget prices. The WiMiUS is a capable, established option with useful extras like VGA and zoom. But the HOMPOW Mini Projector wins this round decisively — lower price, two-way Bluetooth, genuinely compact design, and quieter operation.
At $34.99, the HOMPOW is the best sub-$50 projector on Amazon right now. For the same ticket as a dinner out, you're getting a home theater. That math is hard to beat.