XGIMI Halo+ GTV Review: The Portable Projector That Just Works

By Editorial Team | April 2026

The Halo+ GTV wins because it removes the two annoyances that ruin portable projectors: awkward setup and streaming workarounds. You get Google TV, licensed Netflix, auto-focus, and a built-in battery in one box, which is why this is the one to buy if you want movie night to start quickly. It costs £499, and the trade-off is simple: this is a dark-room projector, not a daylight monster.

Our pick: XGIMI Halo+ GTV

XGIMI Halo+ GTV — £499.00

This is a portable projector for people who want to watch something, not tinker with a menu for 20 minutes first. The 7.6/10 score makes sense: it’s not class-leading on raw brightness, but it nails the stuff that matters when you’re actually using it.

Why it works:

• 1080p Full HD keeps films and TV looking properly sharp instead of soft and washed out.
• 700 ISO lumens is enough for a convincing image in a dim room or after sunset, which is where a portable projector lives anyway.
• Google TV and licensed Netflix mean you can stream directly from the projector without hanging an extra stick off the side.
• Auto focus and ISA auto-adjustment make setup fast when you move it between rooms or take it outside.
• The built-in battery is rated for up to 2.5 hours, so a feature-length film is realistic without being tethered to the wall.
• The 2 x 5W Harman Kardon speakers are good enough for casual viewing, which matters when you do not want to pack more gear.

The honest trade-off: it is not bright enough for daytime use, and if you want the lowest cost per lumen, this is not your projector.

Buy the XGIMI Halo+ GTV if you want a genuinely portable streaming projector that feels polished from first setup to final credits.

Best upgrade: BenQ GV50

BenQ GV50 — £799

The extra money buys you a more premium portable projector if you care about battery-powered viewing and want a model that leans harder into design and image refinement. PCMag notes it is not as bright or as light as the Halo+, but it does handle HDR better, which is the kind of upgrade you notice most when you’re watching films in controlled light.

Worth it if: you want a lighter-duty living-room projector with a more polished picture and you’re happy to pay for it.

Best budget pick: BenQ GV31

BenQ GV31 — £499.99

The GV31 is the value play if you want the setup-friendly portable-projector experience without stretching past the Halo+ price. What it gets right is ease: it’s built for quick turn-on-and-watch use, and reviews consistently praise its straightforward setup and strong audio for the money. The compromise is obvious — it sits lower on brightness and overall performance, so you buy it for convenience, not headroom.

Worth it if: you want a cheaper, easygoing projector for occasional movie nights and do not mind giving up some brightness.

How we chose

We focused on what matters for portable projectors: brightness, resolution, battery life, smart TV support, auto setup, and whether the speakers are good enough to avoid extra kit. For the comparison picks, we checked current, real-world alternatives from trusted review sources and only named products that are still on sale or actively available.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Halo+ GTV bright enough for a normal living room? In a dim room, yes. In daylight, no — and that is the line you need to respect before you buy.

Is £499 a lot for a portable projector? It’s mid-market rather than cheap. You are paying for convenience and fewer compromises, not for the absolute brightest image.

Do you need an external speaker? Not for casual viewing, because the built-in 2 x 5W Harman Kardon speakers are usable straight out of the box.