Here's how you can save and stay safe while enjoying your movie experience

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Starting this week (13 July), we are finally able to return to the big screen for our movie fix. Many have missed the cinema theatres since its 27 March closure to curb the spread of the coronavirus. For those who prefer to play it safe despite the social distancing measures taken up by cinema operators, why not indulge in the big screen right at home?

Considering the effort in making a trip to the cinemas, battling with queues, plus additional expenditure on snacks and drinks; staying in to catch an on-demand movie can save you at least $50 if you are with a date. More if you include the entire family. Multiply that by the number of movies you watch per week and you will realise entertainment takes up quite a chunk of your expenditure. And don’t get me started on keeping safe.

That’s why having a projector at home may be a worthy mini investment for that cinematic experience film buffs desire. What’s more, projectors allow you to not only screen movies, you can also view photos, play games and catch up on TV dramas too. As usual, we have done the legwork and compiled a list of home projectors that have garnered rave reviews for your selection – each at a modest price tag of under S$350.

Time to turn off the lights and start streaming!

*Click on images to see product details and reviews.

Mini Projector, Vamvo L4200 Portable Video Projector, S$196.44

Mini Projector, Vamvo L4200 Portable Video Projector, S$196.44. PHOTO: Amazon
Mini Projector, Vamvo L4200 Portable Video Projector, S$196.44. PHOTO: Amazon

At a glance:

  • HD video projector

  • 1080P resolution

  • 49 to 200 inches projection size with 1.5 – 4.5m projection distance

  • Built-in dual stereo speakers

Dimensions: 25.4 x 16.51 x 7.62 cm

Compatible with: HDMI, USB, audio and AV interfaces allow for easy connection with your phone, PS3, PS4, X-Box ONE or Wii, to play videos, TV series, photos sharing, games etc.

Reviews: 4.5 out of 5 stars; 1,056 ratings

Vankyo LEISURE 3 Mini Projector, S$275.74

Vankyo LEISURE 3 Mini Projector, S$275.74. PHOTO: Amazon
Vankyo LEISURE 3 Mini Projector, S$275.74. PHOTO: Amazon

At a glance:

  • 1920x1080 resolution

  • Heat dispersion and noise suppression technology

  • Aspect ratio of 16:9, 4:3

  • Built-in stereo speaker

  • Front projection, rear projection, ceiling projection

Dimensions: 20.07 x 14.99 x 7.87 cm

Compatible with: No app required. Easily connected to your smartphone, PS3, PS4, X-Box ONE or Wii. Perfect for video viewing, TV series watching and photo browsing.

Reviews: 4.4 out of 5 stars; 15,338 ratings

Vankyo Leisure 430 (2020 Upgraded ) Projector, S$282.14

Vankyo Leisure 430 (2020 Upgraded ) Projector, S$282.14. PHOTO: Amazon
Vankyo Leisure 430 (2020 Upgraded ) Projector, S$282.14. PHOTO: Amazon

At a glance:

  • 50,000 hours LED lamp life

  • 236" display

  • Aspect ratio of 16:9, 4:3

  • Support 1080P

  • Hi-Fi built-in speaker

  • Aspect ratio of 16:9, 4:3

Dimensions: 17.53 x 8.89 x 22.61 cm

Compatible with: HDMI, SD, AV, VGA, USB

Reviews: 4.7 out of 5 stars; 1,988 ratings

DR. J Professional HI-04 1080P Supported Portable Movie Projector, S$287.22

DR. J Professional HI-04 1080P Supported Portable Movie Projector, S$287.22. PHOTO: Amazon
DR. J Professional HI-04 1080P Supported Portable Movie Projector, S$287.22. PHOTO: Amazon

At a glance:

  • 100 inch projector screen included

  • Supported resolution:1920*1080

  • View size: 32”-176”

Dimensions: 19.81 x 6.86 x 15.29 cm

Compatible with: TV Box, ChromeBook, PCs, Laptops, Tablets, Blue-ray DVD player, SD Card, USB Flash Drive, Video Games, Media players (Music, Pictures, Video, TXT), Smartphones

Reviews: 4.5 out of 5 stars; 8,077 ratings

Mini Projector, TopVision Projector with Synchronize Smart Phone Screen, S$299.42

Mini Projector, TopVision Projector with Synchronize Smart Phone Screen, S$299.42. PHOTO: Amazon
Mini Projector, TopVision Projector with Synchronize Smart Phone Screen, S$299.42. PHOTO: Amazon

At a glance:

  • 3600Lux LED video projector

  • 50,000 hrs lamp life

  • Connect to smartphone, or laptop by USB cable directly, without HDMI adapter or Wi-Fi

  • Projector distance of 1.5 - 5.2m

  • Lifetime technical support

Dimensions: 18.7 x 14.9 x 7.8 cm

Compatible with: Amazon Fire TV Stick/smartphones/tablets/TV/laptop/USB sticks/TF cards (max 32GB)/DVD players.

Reviews: 4.2 out of 5 stars; 4,002 ratings

Vankyo Leisure 410 Mini Projector with Carrying Bag and HDMI Cable, S$341.65

Vankyo Leisure 410 Mini Projector with Carrying Bag and HDMI Cable, S$341.65. PHOTO: Amazon
Vankyo Leisure 410 Mini Projector with Carrying Bag and HDMI Cable, S$341.65. PHOTO: Amazon

At a glance:

  • 1080P

  • 30,000 hrs lamp life

  • Portable

Dimensions: 24.99 x 16 x 8 cm

Compatible with: PS3/PS4 TV Stick, PS4, HDMI, VGA, TF, AV and USB

Reviews: 4.5 out of 5 stars; 1,278 ratings

As an Amazon Prime member, you not only get to enjoy free and same-day deliveries; you also get exclusive access to Amazon Originals like Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, award-winning originals like The Man in the High Castle, The Marvelous Mrs Maisel and other popular movies and TV shows. Sign up for Amazon Prime today and get started on your movie marathon!