It seems to me that TV technology is a bit stagnant, with a continued emphasis on adding color to screens while employing as much AI as possible, whether it’s needed. Projectors, however, frequently impress me with new and innovative ways to offer you entertainment wherever you are and however you want. Aurzen, in particular, boasts a lineup of fascinating projectors, including a formidable upgrade to its popular pocket-sized model.

I reviewed the Aurzen Zip projector last year, impressed by its petite size and quality. There were some drawbacks that felt fine to compromise, including a short battery life and a bit of tedium when it came to connecting media. Aurzen has unveiled its upgrade to that model, the Zip Pro, a more robust tri-fold projector that will fit in some pockets, but maybe not all. I reviewed this latest version. Here’s what you need to know.

4.5/5

Native Resolution

1080P Full HD

Projection Technology

DLP

Connectivity

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

Throw Ratio

1.2:1

The Aurzen Zip Pro Projector is a small yet powerful portable projector that uses a casting and mirroring system.

Price, availability, and specs

The Aurzen Zip Pro is a full HD projector that uses a casting and mirror system in order to play entertainment. You can cast wirelessly from a smartphone, tablet, or laptop; you can screen mirror from a compatible device; you can set up a wired connection via a USB cable to play video as well.

The projector connects to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; it features a USB-c port for charging and playback, and a pair of small speakers built-in the unit. Its size is notable. While it’s almost twice as big as the previous version, it is still fairly compact. It may not fit in every one of your pockets, but it can surely be carried in a handbag, tote, or backpack.

Purchase includes a video USB-C cable as well as an adapter for charging. The Aurzen Zip Pro projector is available directly from Aurzen’s website and will likely make its way to Amazon. It retails for $630.

What I liked about the Aurzen Zip Pro Pocket Projector

Portable and versatile projector with a bright image

There are a slew of improvements on the Pro model that make it a big leap up from the previous pocket projector. Auto-keystone and autofocus features are fast and accurate; unless you have a unique separate, these are two features you can set and forget. You have the option of controlling both manually, but I didn’t find it was necessary. I kept the projector on as I moved it around my house, and it quickly adapted to every new setting I put it in.

There are three different modes that alter the brightness. I mostly use the projector in a dark environment, but it holds up well with some ambient lighting. You’ll want to be mindful of where and how you’re using it. Naturally, the closer you are to the projecting surface, the brighter the image. The farthest from the wall I placed the projector while still enjoying the image was about four feet. I found in a dark room that the image was still crisp and colorful.

Despite the larger size, it’s still a very portable and compact project, and the tri-fold design with the slightly larger frame makes it sturdier and more versatile than the previous iteration. Because of the added height, you can achieve more angles and get to more surfaces with ease; its small size and wide base mean you can pop the projector in a bunch of spots. Like the previous version, this folding design is so clever and enjoyable. You no longer have to prop up your projector to get the right angle.

This is a projector you can get creative with. Yes, you can watch movies and TV shows, but it can also be used as an extension to your computer screen, giving you a larger image with which to work, browse, collaborate, or shop online. You can also connect to some handheld gaming consoles, including the Nintendo Switch 2. And generally, the fact that its so light and easy to move means you have entertainment with you in any room at any moment.

What I didn’t like about the Aurzen Zip Pro Pocket Projector

Concerns about battery life and contrast

With so much convenience, there are some compromises that need to be made. Each of the three modes requires a different level of power consumption, and that choice will influence the battery life and the noise output. Generally, the battery isn’t ideal, though I appreciate there is only so much you can do while keeping the size down. In Eco mode, you can get the battery to last up to two-and-a-half hours. As you switch modes, that lifespan decreases.

Eco-mode will also grant you the quietest version of the projector. Upping the brightness means more power consumption, so not only does the battery decrease, but the noise increases. I don’t necessarily think it’s horrible, but that white noise of the fan may be distracting depending on your setup. If the projector is close to you, and you’re using the speakers, you may have some trouble concentrating. I recommend with this projector, and really any projector, to use the Bluetooth connection to hook up a proper speaker or a pair of earbuds.

You’ll want to be mindful of your entertainment source and the type of content you’re watching. Sports, reality TV, and animated titles show up great, but watching horror films and some prestige drama created an image that lacked quality contrast and sharpness. That’s a tradeoff with most projectors, especially ones in this price range, and it’s not a major problem, but a caveat when you’re going to stream a movie or show.

I love the design and the ability to manipulate the viewing angle. However, the projector can’t be directly affixed to a mount. You’ll have to get creative if you need a lot of height.

Lastly, while the battery is an improvement on the previous version, you’ll still want to be mindful of when and how you’re using the projector. Thankfully, the model can charge while you’re using it, which will be helpful around the home. Outside, you may want to consider a portable powerbank.

Should you buy the Aurzen Zip Pro Pocket Projector?

Consider the price and how you’ll use it

The projector isn’t exactly cheap, especially compared to other options out there, including models by Aurzen. So it’s important to know what you’re paying for here. The compact design and its immense portability and versatility are the selling points. You’ll need a compatible device to supply content, but if you have a phone on you, you’re going to always have a means to use the projector.

It’s a fun gadget to have around, and makes for a worthy entertainment companion for smaller viewing parties or one or two. If you make sure to keep it charged and get creatively with some of the uses, it’s definitely a projector you should invest in.

4.5/5

Native Resolution

1080P Full HD

Projection Technology

DLP

Connectivity

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi

Throw Ratio

1.2:1

The Aurzen Zip Pro Projector is a small yet powerful portable projector that uses a casting and mirror system.