Dangbei N2 Mini review: A smart, travel-friendly projector that delivers big
Dangbei N2 Mini portable projector. Pictures: Dangbei.
The Dangbei N2 Mini Projector packs a true 1080p picture, licensed Netflix, and one of the smartest image adjustment systems I’ve tested, making this compact device punch well above its weight.
The N2 Mini features a unique and stylish design, with a built-in power supply that eliminates the need for a bulky external adapter, making it more convenient and travel-friendly. It weighs just 1.72kg and is wrapped in a sleek, rounded shell that makes the projector feel solid yet lightweight enough for travel.
A bonus design feature is its integrated 190° gimbal stand, which is one of its most useful features. With a sturdy metal pivot and a base-mounted power port, adjusting angles for walls, ceilings, or tabletops is effortless and clutter-free. The base of the stand even has a tripod mount, which I found incredibly convenient during my testing.
Dangbei’s InstaPro AI image setup system significantly streamlines the setup process, a practical feature for a projector designed to be portable and frequently repositioned. I moved the projector around multiple rooms and surfaces, and each time it instantly adjusted the focus and keystone, aligned the image to fit the screen, and dodged any visible objects that could interfere with the picture. However, I found it didn't always get the keystone correction perfect to my eye, but it was close enough not to be an issue. You can also manually adjust the keystone, zoom and colour and brightness settings.
This projector has been designed to be plug-and-play with ease of use in mind. Whether projecting from a bed, coffee table, or kitchen counter, I rarely had to fiddle manually with focus rings or settings. It was accurate, instant, and impressively consistent.
Where many budget projectors fall down is in content access. Not so with the N2 Mini. It comes with licensed Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video built in, all accessible via a stylish remote with dedicated shortcut buttons.
Its Linux-based smart OS isn’t flashy, but it’s functional, offering access to nearly 300 apps. In daily use, navigating between apps was snappy, and I never ran into the app compatibility issues that plague many projectors at this price point.
There’s no Android TV or Google Play Store, but most of the things I needed to stream were built-in and worked flawlessly. That said, if you’re looking for a broader range of apps, such as Apple TV, Paramount+, or RTÉ Player, you’ll need to connect a separate streaming device, like an Apple TV, Fire TV Stick, or Google TV, via the HDMI port.
The Dangbei N2 Mini delivers native 1080p resolution with a maximum image size of up to 120 inches. While it’s technically capable of projecting at that size, the 200 ISO lumen LED light source isn’t quite bright enough to deliver a vibrant image at full scale. In my experience, an image size of around 80 inches strikes a good balance between brightness and screen size, provided you’re using it in a dark room. The image is sharp, colourful, and impressively detailed, particularly with HD content from Netflix and Prime. While the projector doesn’t support HDR, I was really impressed by the level of detail it delivered in both shadow and highlight areas. It won’t hold up well under direct sunlight or bright ambient lighting, but in evening viewing or dimmed environments, the N2 Mini shines.
I noticed no visible artefacts or motion blur during fast-moving scenes, and colour balance was pleasingly neutral out of the box. For an entry-level projector, this is one of the best picture qualities I’ve seen.
A 6W built-in speaker with Dolby Audio support handles audio. While it won't replace a dedicated soundbar, it offers surprisingly rich and full-bodied sound for casual viewing.
Dialogue was crisp, bass was present (though modest), and volume levels were sufficient for small to mid-sized rooms. I tested everything from action films to dialogue-heavy documentaries, and the audio never felt overly tinny or hollow. It was well-tuned for the projector's size.
One of my biggest pet peeves with compact projectors is fan noise, but the Dangbei N2 Mini runs relatively quietly. With a rated noise level under 27dB in standard mode, I often forgot it was even on.
The sealed EngineX optical engine not only keeps dust out (a common issue with cheaper projectors) but also contributes to its longevity and quiet operation. I ran it for hours during testing, and it stayed cool and whisper-quiet throughout.
With its lightweight design and single power cable setup, the N2 Mini is ready for on-the-go entertainment. Whether you’re setting it up in the living room, a spare bedroom, or taking it to a friend’s house, the process is seamless.
You will need a power outlet, as there is no built-in battery. However, the streamlined design and internal power board make cable management refreshingly simple.
The Dangbei N2 Mini has proven itself a stand-out in the crowded entry-level projector market. It's a compact, clever projector that delivers on ease of use, a versatile home cinema experience without the high price tag.
€235 Amazon.co.uk
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
