The projector market can be a difficult one to traverse with so many options available on the market, from professional 4K models to small, smartphone-compatible ones. Whether you’re looking for the right projector for your in-home theatre setup, want an alternative to lugging a TV out to the campsite, or just need something simple for your kid’s graduation open house—the VANKYO Leisure 470 HD Mini Projector with Roku is an incredibly versatile choice that offers a ton of options for those looking to do more than one thing with their projector.
Starting off with what you can find in the box, the VANKYO Leisure 470 HD Mini Projector with Roku comes with you basic power cord, a remote control, the projector itself, as well as a lens cleaning kit (which is a nice addition to the package, alongside the lens cover, for those who might be taking this model outside). Additionally, the separate Roku Express packaging is shipped alongside this unit in the box, but we will get to that in a minute.
Right out of the box, the VANKYO Leisure 470 HD Mini Projector with Roku looks and feels like a quality piece of tech with its sterile, white plastic finish. There are options on the bottom that allow for this model to be placed on a surface or mounted (to a ceiling mount or tripod, for example), as well as the set of manual operation buttons and lens focus dial. Even though the VANKYO Leisure 470 HD Mini Projector with Roku is considered a budget-friendly choice, it feels like a quality build.
“The VANKYO Leisure 470 HD Mini Projector with Roku is an incredibly versatile choice that offers a ton of options for those looking to do more than one thing with their projector.”
Equipped with dual-HDMI ports, as well as USB, AV, and microSD card options, this model allows the consumer to utilize whatever needs they may have of it, whether that be popping a camera’s memory card into the device to display pictures at a wedding or stream their favourite shows via whatever platform or video game console desired.
Coming in at 720p native resolution, this projector might seem underpowered in today’s race to 8K, but with its ability to upscale to 1080p, it’s actually a pretty clear and crisp picture throughout all of its potential uses. With a potential projection size of 90 inches, you can achieve maximum viewing pleasure for pennies compared to TVs of a similar size. The built-in speaker, though not of the highest quality, also does what the VANKYO Leisure 470 HD Mini Projector with Roku seems to be best at—getting the job done!
Now, in terms of what the Roku Express pairing offers, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better deal on the market for someone simply looking for a smart TV or streaming stick combo based on everything the VANKYO Leisure 470 HD Mini Projector with Roku offers. Allowing for streaming through nearly every platform, as well as several live TV options like YouTube TV or Sling, the Roku Express takes this projector to the next level.
“Even though the VANKYO Leisure 470 HD Mini Projector with Roku is considered a budget-friendly choice, it feels like a quality build.”
Even though all of the plugs might be difficult to manage when on the go, and the fact that the Roku Express isn’t actually built into the projector and is just the standard device that you hook up to the projector is a bummer, this is still a top-notch package that anyone looking to cut the cord to save on those cable box fees or for those not wanting to spend much, much more on competitors like Apple TV or Chromecast will be forced to take a closer look at.
While the VANKYO Leisure 470 HD Mini Projector with Roku isn’t going to be the best in any specific category, it’s definitely a leader at being a jack of all trades. With better options for mounting and TV usage or even smaller, more useful options in terms of portability on the market, this projector might not be for everyone, but what it lacks in power or pure portability, it makes up for in the middle ground it takes between these two markets.
If you’re someone who has kids and wants to add some fun activities to your weekend lineup (outdoor theatre experience, family gaming using the full 90 inches of available space, etc.), the VANKYO Leisure 470 HD Mini Projector w/ Roku is a great option that won’t break the bank. Add in you can also pack it up and use it at events to show pictures (weddings, graduation) or as a way to offer entertainment places you might not normally be able to, and you’ve got the perfect projector for the parent that wants to be prepared for everything life has in store for them
