This powerful folding projector is small enough to fit in my pocket

• Price, availability, and specs
• What I like about the Aurzen ZIP Mini Projector
• What I didn’t like about the Aurzen ZIP Mini Projector
• Should you buy the Aurzen ZIP Mini Projector?

There’s a unique feeling to having a device that can play your favorite entertainment while also fitting in the palm of your hand. Or your pocket. Its compact size is one of the main attractions of the Aurzen ZIP Mini-Projector, a high-quality and portable projector that offers plenty of value beyond just its petite stature.

I’ve tested out plenty of projectors, and most small, portable models come with a low price tag because the image quality or brightness isn’t particularly good. Quality is sacrificed for convenience. That’s not the case with the Aurzen ZIP; this model packs some impressive features and a terrific image inside its tiny container. Here’s what I discovered testing out this innovative projector.

Price, availability, and specs

This is a small projector. It’s about three inches wide by three inches long, and when folded up, it’s barely an inch tall. It also weighs in under 300 grams. It features two hinges, which allow you to open up the projector and adjust the height and angle of the lens. It boasts 720p resolution and 100 ANSI lumens, best suited for viewing in a darker environment. It does not include an operating system or Wi-Fi connection; the projector casts media via screen mirroring, and is compatible with most phones, tablets, and laptops. I recommend investing in the Aurzen CastPlay USB dongle, which allows you to play DRM-protected content, such as titles on Netflix, from connected devices. If you’re keen on casting from a gaming console, you’ll have to invest in the matching HDMI dongle.

You have the option of several colors, including gray, gold, white, as well as cyber design with a futuristic aesthetic. The Aurzen ZIP Mini Projector retails for between $400 and $500, and is available directly from Aurzen as well as Amazon and Best Buy.

What I like about the Aurzen ZIP Mini Projector

Size, image quality, and convenience all stand out

There is a lot of fun to be had with this projector, which is more powerful and versatile than its small size indicates. I was immediately impressed with the quality; the image is surprisingly bright and detailed for its size and considering the advertised resolution of 720p. I’m not sure if I would go streaming highly-detailed films that have a lot of dark scenes, but this projector definitely holds up for popcorn movies, network shows, and any casual viewing needs.

With the proper set up, this projector can offer a worthy viewing of films and shows. I first used it on a lightly colored wall by my desk, with some ambient light coming through the nearby windows. It’s a decent image for sure, but when I tried it out in a basement room without any ambient light against a gray screen, the image definitely improved significantly. That it looks good withstanding some environmental influences and then looks great when best supported is impressive. It’s a projector with a high figurative floor and ceiling in terms of quality, and also one that can literally be cast onto the floor and ceiling.

Download the Aurzen app to make the projector easier to operate. While the unit has buttons to navigate its menu, the phone app is more convenient and intuitive; it’s also necessary for Bluetooth connectivity.

It’s also easy to use, once you get the hang of it. I used the associated dongle, a separate purchase, which expedited viewing and expanded my options. The dongle connects to your casting device, such as a phone or laptop, and it makes for easier use and allows you to stream protected content, such as Disney+ or Netflix. If you are streaming media, the Bluetooth connection is pivotal. It easily connects to a speaker so that you can enjoy quality audio. There are small stereo speakers built in, but I wouldn’t recommend using them, or really any projector speaker anywhere.

Certainly one of the draws is the ability to easily mirror content from your phone, and the Aurzen ZIP is designed to fully support it, by automatically adjusting the orientation to cast vertically. You don’t have to worry about a compressed visual field or black bars disrupting your field of view. It’s definitely a projector suited to the needs of

The compact size adds a ton of value, from portability to storage to getting the projector running. Its tiny build allows you to really move and operate it with ease. The folding design adds to this convenience and versatility; it’s easy to adjust to suit your immediate space, whether that’s casting to a wall, tabletop, ceiling, or canvas. The image size will adjust to a certain extent, while quickly focusing automatically. You don’t need a proper screen either; any flat surface, preferably a lightly-colored one, will do. This includes casting onto a tabletop or ceiling, provided you can create a stable arrangement.

What I didn’t like about the Aurzen ZIP Mini Projector

Some planning and preparation required

As there is no operating system in this projector, there is a slight learning curve when it comes to understanding what can be played on the projector, and how. The projector doesn’t operate in isolation; you need a connected device to supply the content. That comes in the form of a smartphone, laptop, tablet, or a Nintendo Switch. And while you can mirror from the projector, you need the compatible USB dongle in order to stream DRM-protected content from streaming services like Disney+ and Netflix. It’s best used with the associated app, which was fine for me but could be annoying for some users.

Similarly, an HDMI dongle is required if you want to cast from your gaming console; the HDMI connection will also support laptops as well. I did not test out this device specifically, but it does point to both the limitations of the projector if you don’t want to invest more money. However, if you do invest in both the USB and HDMI dongle, you’ll open up a lot of opportunity when it comes to mirroring and streaming.

Be sure to check compatibility before purchase: The ZIP Mini Projector supports Macs and iPhones as well as Android and Windows devices. Google-cast enabled devices, however, such as Chromebooks, are not compatible unless you invest in a matching dongle.

The battery doesn’t last particularly long, so be mindful when you’re taking it with you on the move. A full charge can give you about 90 minutes of operation in energy-savings mode and less than an hour if you want to increase brightness, which I often wanted to do. Still, it does charge up quickly; you can also connect a USB cable to give it juice while playing content.

There is no mounting compatibility built into the projector; there is no place to insert a screw, for example. You won’t be able to lock it onto a tripod that way you might a camera or phone. So any setup you want will have to be of the DIY variety. Still, its balanced design and lightweight build give you plenty of opportunity to succeed, especially if you have a mounting grip for smartphones.

Lastly, there are limitations to screen size. You can get an image up to a few feet in diameter, but you’ll be starting to text the brightness. If you’re going for maximum size, you’ll want to make sure you’re doing so in the darkest room possible to best support the lens.

Should you buy the Aurzen ZIP Mini Projector?

A compact projector with versatile use

The quality of the image, the convenience of casting, and the small size make the Aurzen ZIP a worthwhile investment, provided you understand its limitations. There’s plenty of convenience when it comes to casting content from your phone, though, I’d argue you really should invest in the USB or HDMI dongle in order to maximize usage. Without a dongle, you can’t easily stream content from major streaming services, so it’s worth keeping the price of additional items when determining value.

Overall, this potent and compact projector makes for a great companion and a valuable supplement to your home entertainment setup, providing a convenient alternative to a large smart TV.