This one feature is making me pick a budget portable projector over well-rated alternatives lately

The XGIMI Mogo 4 is pictured on a tabletop, with the lens pointing up and left.
(Image credit: Future)

Portable projectors have become more and more convenient and, well, portable in recent times. Many are still on the chonky side, especially those with higher-quality imagery and sound, but there are plenty of fantastic everyday options available that are satisfyingly compact and easy to move. One such projector that’s proving particularly convenient to me is the XGIMI Mogo 4.

With a reasonable list price of $499 / £509 / AU$1,299, there’s a lot to love about the XGIMI Mogo 4. I appreciated the simple setup process and Google TV integration, which is easy to navigate and gives me easy access to my favorite streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube.

The XGIMI Mogo 4 isn’t the smallest option in the roster of best portable projectors, but it’s compact and light enough to be easily carried between rooms. It’s powered via USB-C, with a wall adapter included in the box, and has a rechargeable battery that can last up to two and a half hours.

My favorite element of the XGIMI Mogo 4 is its versatile built-in stand. While this may not sound like the most exciting thing, it’s been a game-changer for me after being used to other well-rated projectors like the Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE.

The XGIMI Mogo 4 is powered on, with its white remote in front of it, on the table.

(Image credit: Future)

Having the ability to adjust the angle of the projection is incredibly helpful, because while auto keystone correction and auto focus functions are super convenient, I’ve often found myself scuppered by the projection being too high or low. When facing this issue with the delightfully dinky Anker Nebula Capsule 3, I had to rely on a couple of coasters to adjust the angle, which wasn’t ideal. I will mention that there is a stand available for the Capsule 3, but it’s sold separately.

The beauty of the XGIMI Mogo 4’s built-in stand means that I don’t have to faff as much, as setting it up takes moments, and it’s so easy to reposition to the ideal angle. This means whether I want to stream content on a screen, a wall, or even on my ceiling so I can watch in bed, the Mogo 4 has me covered.

The flat-sitting Anker Nebula Capsule 3 is pictured next to the XGIMI Mogo 4, which is angled up to the right.

(Image credit: Future)

One thing I’ve often worried about when using some of the best projectors is whether their exposed lenses will pick up dust or get smudged by fingerprints whilst not in use. Sure, these could be cleaned off, but then I also worry I may scratch the lens, so I’d rather not need to take that risk.

Fortunately, the clever design of the XGIMI Mogo 4 saved me from this shallow pit of frustration. As the lens-end of the projector can be rotated down and pushed into the base, the lens is safely tucked away from dust and fingertips when not in use.

The XGIMI Mogo 4 is fully closed. It's mini remote is hanging from the side of the stand.

(Image credit: Future)

Versatility and frustration–free user experience aside, the Mogo 4 also delivers satisfyingly colorful, bright, and detailed visuals for the price, plus full and bass-rich audio, making the viewing experience highly enjoyable. So, if you’re considering investing in a portable projector, I highly recommend checking out the XGIMI Mogo 4.

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Cesci Angell
Staff Writer

Cesci is a Reviews Staff Writer for TechRadar. She writes in-depth reviews based on her real-world testing across a variety of categories, but has a particularly keen interest in home tech, and has written features and reviews about gadgets ranging from headphones to smart lights to graphics tablets. She also has a broad range of experience from working in different industries, from sustainable materials and packaging to skin care.

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