Pico Projector UK Review: The Best Compact Pick for Campers and Outdoor Use

It’s a common mistake. You picture movie night at the campsite and imagine lugging a big, heavy projector and a screen the size of a barn door. Truth is, these days you can fit a whole cinema in your coat pocket. And that’s been a real game-changer for UK campers like us who know the pain of trying to keep kit light and manageable.

One of the standout options on the market is the Aaxa P6X – a small but mighty pico projector that promises big performance in a compact build. With solid brightness, sharp resolution, and a battery that lasts longer than most films you’ll watch, it’s designed for outdoor evenings.

In this guide, I’ll break down the key features, performance, and what it’s actually like to use in the great British outdoors, so you can decide if it’s the right pick for your next adventure.

What Exactly Is a Pico Projector?

Pico projectors are mini projectors. Think of them like pocket torches, but for films. Most weigh less than 1kg and are small enough to throw in a backpack or even a jacket pocket.

They’ve got built-in batteries, modest brightness (usually around 100 lumens), and often come with either plug-and-play or simple wireless streaming options. Don’t expect IMAX-level brightness, but you will get big screen vibes anywhere you pitch up—be it Eryri, the Peaks, or your own back garden.

Why Pico Projectors Shine for UK Campers

Pico projectors are mini projectors. Think of them like pocket torches, but for films. Most weigh less than 1kg and are small enough to throw in a backpack or even a jacket pocket.

They’ve got built-in batteries, modest brightness (usually around 100 lumens), and often come with either plug-and-play or simple wireless streaming options. Don’t expect IMAX-level brightness, but you will get big screen vibes anywhere you pitch up – be it Eryri, the Peaks, or your own back garden.

For a long time, Pico projectors have been the go-to option for UK campers for a reason:

• They’re light, compact, and tougher than they look.
• No need for mains power – just charge before you leave.
• Most offer dead-simple setup, so you won’t be fussing with wires or remotes in the rain.
•  Night-time brightness is spot-on for tent or tarp movie nights.

I once trekked into the Cairngorms with only what I could carry. My old-school projector didn’t make the final cut – too awkward. Now, I wouldn’t leave home without a Pico model.

Aaxa P6X: Honest Review

After trying out a fair few Pico projectors over the years, I have to say the Aaxa P6X genuinely surprised me – in a good way. It’s not perfect (I’ll get to that), but for camping trips, garden movie nights, or even quick presentations on the go, it really does tick a lot of the right boxes.

The Aaxa P6X is popular with campers who like plenty of features for the cost. Its battery lasted nearly three hours streaming films (eco mode). That’s enough for most movies, though if you’re binge-watching, bring a power bank.

The projector is truly bright for its size, simple to set up, and happy to run from a memory stick or laptop. Downsides? The speaker’s not going to fill an open field, and there’s no Bluetooth for wireless speakers – so pack a 3.5mm cable.

You get HDMI, USB, AV, microSD, and even a headphone jack. If you’re the sort who travels with every gadget, this could be your top pick. The main catch is price – It can be trickier to find in the UK at reasonable cost compared to US deals.

Now let’s break things down more, so you can have a closer feel of what it looks like to have the Aaxa P6X projector.

Compact and Portable Design

First off, this thing is smaller than I expected – about the size of a chunky paperback. I tossed it in my daypack next to some snacks and didn’t even notice the weight. For anyone who’s ever tried hauling around a bigger projector with all the cables and faff, this is a breath of fresh air.

It’s also surprisingly sleek. The finish doesn’t scream “budget tech” like some others I’ve used. It actually looks smart enough to take into a meeting or pull out at a work event, if that’s your thing. From a camper’s point of view, it’s just super easy to carry, quick to set up, and doesn’t demand extra kit. No tripod? Stack it on a few books. Job done.

Some projectors—like the Samsung Freestyle—are dead easy for casting via phone or Wi-Fi. If you’re sharing snaps or streaming in the woods, built-in Wi-Fi is a bonus.

Dimensions and Weight

For the nerdier details – it measures about 15.9 x 15.7 x 4.7 cm and weighs just under 2 pounds (though the bulk is mostly thanks to the hefty battery inside). And while that battery does make it feel a bit more solid in the hand, I didn’t find it too heavy to carry around at all.

The built-in 15,000 mAh battery is no joke either. I got close to 4 hours of playback on one charge – enough for a film or two without scrambling for power. That alone makes it a winner for off-grid setups.

High Resolution and Brightness

Now for the image quality – honestly, this is where the P6X punches above its weight. The native 1280 x 800 resolution might not be full HD, but the picture is seriously sharp and colourful. I used it on a plain sheet during a cloudy evening camp and was impressed by how bright and clear the picture stayed, even before sunset.

For its size, it’s surprisingly vibrant, and the DLP tech does a great job at keeping the colours rich without draining the battery. Compared to pricier options like the Anker Nebula Capsule, the P6X holds its own, and actually beats a few of them on clarity in my opinion.

Would I use it in bright daylight? Not really. But for evening viewing, tent ceilings, or shaded setups, it delivers a proper “wow” moment once it’s up and running.

Audio Quality

For such a small device, the Aaxa P6X actually puts out decent sound. It’s not going to blow your socks off, but the built-in speaker is clear and loud enough for a casual movie night at camp or a quick video presentation. Dialogue comes through fine, and I didn’t notice any weird distortion or tinniness, even at higher volume.

That said, there’s no Bluetooth support, which feels like a bit of a miss. If you want to connect wireless headphones or a soundbar, you’re out of luck. You’ll need to use the headphone jack instead. Not a deal-breaker, but something to keep in mind if you’re used to going wireless.

Multiple Connectivity Options

One thing I really appreciated with the Aaxa P6X is just how flexible it is when it comes to connections. Whether you’re plugging in a streaming stick, loading up media from a microSD card, or connecting an old DVD player, it’s ready for it.

Here’s what you get:

• HDMI input – perfect for Fire Stick, Roku, or laptop connections
• USB port – handles both power and media files, and powers your streaming stick too
• MicroSD card slot – play videos or photos straight from a card
• AV input – great for older gear like DVD players or even camcorders
• Headphone jack – lets you plug in headphones or external speakers

This makes the P6X a solid pick not just for campers, but for anyone who might want a projector that just works across a range of setups – whether at home, on the road, or in the office.

Simple Setup and Navigation

No one wants to mess around with settings when they’re just trying to watch a film, and thankfully, the Aaxa P6X keeps it simple. It comes with a remote, power adapter, and easy-to-follow instructions. You can have it up and running in minutes.

The built-in media player is straightforward and plays most common file types without any drama. The menus are clean and easy to navigate, even if you’re not tech-savvy. I had a film loaded and playing from a USB stick within five minutes of turning it on.

Compatibility with Devices

Whether you’re connecting a laptop, phone, gaming console, or streaming stick, the Aaxa P6X has you covered. I plugged in a Fire Stick using the HDMI port and powered it via the projector’s USB port – no extra power supply needed. That means fewer cables to faff with when you’re already juggling camping gear.

It also plays nicely with Android phones (with the right HDMI adapter) and game consoles like the Switch or PlayStation. Everything I tested connected smoothly and ran without any lag or weird settings.

So if you’re after a go-anywhere, plug-and-play projector, the P6X does a great job of making that happen.

Trade-Offs and Limitations

Here’s where most guides try to sell you a dream. Truth is, there are always limitations:

• Brightness: Forget daytime use unless you’re under a heavy canopy or inside a tent.
• Battery Life: Rarely more than three hours off-grid if you want decent image brightness.
• Sound: Acceptable, but bring a small external speaker if you can.
• Weatherproofing: These aren’t built for a downpour – use common sense and shelter your gear.

If you care about any one of these above all, make sure to check the specs and buy accordingly.

Final Thoughts: Is the Aaxa P6X Worth It?

If you're after a small, reliable projector that’s easy to carry and gets the job done, the Aaxa P6X is a solid choice. It’s compact enough to throw in your backpack, powerful enough to handle a proper movie night, and flexible enough to connect to just about anything.

Compared to other compact projectors like the ViewSonic M1 Mini or Kodak Luma 350, this one offers better brightness and battery life, which really matters if you're using it outdoors or away from a power source. It’s not 4K, and it won’t replace a full home cinema setup, but for camping, travel, or the occasional outdoor screening, it’s more than enough.Just make sure to bring a streaming stick (like a Fire TV) if you want access to Netflix or Prime Video – and maybe pack a speaker if you’re in a noisy area. Other than that, it’s a dependable little gadget that’s well worth the space in your kit.