Rankings
The ViewSonic LS901-4K is a professional-grade laser projector delivering 5,500 lumens and a 3,000,000:1 contrast ratio for large-venue installations. Its laser source and extensive adjustment options add flexibility but bring higher power consumption and cost. Best for corporate, education or home-theater users needing bright, high-contrast images and advanced installation features.
The JMGO N1S Ultra provides 3000 ANSI lumens brightness and a 127° rotating gimbal with auto-focus for easy setup. Fixed focal length and modest contrast limit high-end cinema use. Best for bright-room portable home theater.
The JMGO N1S Pro offers true 4K projection with 2400 ANSI lumens and low-latency gaming in a portable DLP design. Its fixed lens and weight around 10 lb reduce true portability. Suited for living-room home theater and casual gamers.
The ViewSonic PX749-4K is a bright 4K DLP projector with ultra-low lag, ideal for Xbox gaming and well-lit home theaters. Its lamp-based design brings contrast limits, fan noise, and maintenance costs. Best suited for gamers who prioritize speed and brightness over deep-black performance.
The Optoma UHD38X is a bright 4K-capable DLP projector optimized for gaming with 4000 lumens, HDR support and an ultra-low 4.2 ms input lag. Its lamp-based source demands future maintenance and it lacks lens shift, which can restrict installation options. Best for competitive gamers and bright-room home-theater users who prioritize speed and brightness over absolute native 4K fidelity.
The Epson Home Cinema 2350 is a compact 3-chip 3LCD projector that uses pixel-shifting to deliver 4K-enhanced images from a native 1080p panel, with low gaming input lag and built-in Android TV. Its modest 2,800 lumens brightness and 1080p native panel limit performance in very bright rooms and true 4K detail. Ideal for gamers and small-to-medium home-theater setups where space is limited.
The NexiGo Aurora Pro is an ultra-short-throw 4K laser projector delivering 2400 lumens, HDR10+ and ultra-low latency gaming. Its fixed optics, heavy build and limited Android TV app selection are trade-offs. Perfect for gamers and cinephiles with limited space who prioritize performance over portability.
The iSinbox YG381 is a portable short-throw projector with strong brightness, AI auto-focus/keystone and comprehensive wireless connectivity. Its 1080p native resolution and lack of a battery limit true 4K performance and mobility. Best for casual indoor/outdoor entertainment where convenience outweighs premium image fidelity.
The XGIMI Horizon Ultra provides true 4K UHD projection with Dual Light LED-laser brightness of 2300 ISO lumens and Dolby Vision HDR. However, real-world brightness and contrast fall short of specifications, and it lacks lens shift with only a one-year warranty. Suited for movie enthusiasts and gamers wanting a premium smart projector in a fixed installation.
The Happrun Google TV Smart Projector offers a compact, budget-friendly 1080p experience with built-in streaming and modern connectivity. Its low 400 lumens output and modest speaker limit use to dim environments and larger spaces. Best for casual, portable home entertainment where price and convenience outweigh brightness and premium build.
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4,000 lumens | 2,300 lumens | 3,000 lumens | 5,500 lumensbest | 400 lumens | 1,200 lumens | 4,000 lumens | 2,800 lumens | 2,400 lumens | 2,400 lumens | |
12,000 | 4,000 | 1,600 | 3,000,000best | 10,000 | — | 1,000,000 | 35,000 | 1,600 | 3,000 | |
— | — | 1.2 | — | — | 1.4 | 1.6best | — | 1.2 | 0.2 | |
— | — | — | — | 2.99 metersbest | — | — | — | 2.26 meters | — | |
— | 25,000 hours | 30,000 hours | 30,000 hours | 100,000 hoursbest | — | — | 4,500 hours | 30,000 hours | 25,000 hours | |
1.3 | 1.3 | — | 1.7best | — | — | 1.1 | 1.6 | — | — | |
10 watts | 12 watts | 20 watts | 15 watts | 5 watts | — | — | 10 watts | 40 watts | 60 wattsbest | |
2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | — | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Display(4) | ||||||||||
Resolution | 3840x2160 | 3840x2160 | 3840x2160 | 3840x2160 | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 | 1080p | 3840x2160 | 3840x2160 |
Native Resolution | 3840x2160 | 1920x1080 | — | 3840x2160 | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 | 3840x2160 |
Brightness (lumens) | 4000 lumens | 2300 lumens | 3000 lumens | 5500 lumens | 400 lumens | 1200 lumens | 4000 lumens | 2800 lumens | 2400 lumens | 2400 lumens |
Contrast Ratio | 12000 | 4000 | 1600 | 3000000 | 10000 | — | 1000000 | 35000 | 1600 | 3000 |
Projection Geometry(2) | ||||||||||
Throw Ratio | 1.13-1.47 | 1.2-1.5 | 1.19 | 1.2-2.04 | — | 1.35 | 1.58 | — | 1.2 | 0.233 |
Throw Distance (meters) | 0.75-9.76 meters | — | — | 1.0-10.96 meters | 2.99 meters | — | — | — | 2.26 meters | — |
Lighting(2) | ||||||||||
Lamp Life (hours) | 4000/20000 hours | 25000 hours | 30000 hours | 30000 hours | 100000 hours | — | — | 4500 hours | 30000 hours | 25000 hours |
Light Source | UHP lamp | LED+Laser | RGB Triple Laser | laser | LED | — | Lamp | UHE | RGB Triple Laser (MALC 2.0) | laser |
Features(2) | ||||||||||
Keystone Correction | true | true | true | true | true | true | true | true | true | false |
Zoom Ratio | 1.3 | 1.25 | — | 1.7 | — | — | 1.1 | 1.62 | — | — |
Audio(1) | ||||||||||
Speaker Power (watts) | 10 watts | 12 watts | 20 watts | 15 watts | 5 watts | — | — | 10 watts | 40 watts | 60 watts |
Connectivity(3) | ||||||||||
Bluetooth Version | — | 5.2 | 5.2 | — | 5.2 | 5.3 | — | — | 5.2 | — |
Wi‑Fi Standard | — | Wi‑Fi 6 | Wi‑Fi 6 | — | Wi‑Fi 6 | WiFi 6 | — | — | Wi‑Fi 6 | WiFi 6 |
HDMI Ports | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | — | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Build & Design(1) | ||||||||||
Weight (kg) | 3.0 kg | 5.2 kg | 4.49 kg | 4.85 kg | 2.1 kg | 0.408 kg | 4.58 kg | 4.08 kg | 4.5 kg | 9.98 kg |
Battery & Power(1) | ||||||||||
Power Consumption (watts) | 310 watts | 300 watts | — | 245 watts | — | — | 305 watts | 316 watts | 180 watts | — |
After‑Sale(1) | ||||||||||
Warranty (years) | 3 years | — | 1 years | 3 years | 2 years | 1 years | 1 years | 2 years | 1 years | — |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the PX749-4K for its industry-leading 4.2 ms input lag, Xbox-optimized 1440p/120Hz performance, and 4000-lumens brightness that keeps images vivid even in lit rooms. They also commend its flexible throw ratio, optical zoom, and integrated Harman-tuned speaker, while noting the modest 12,000:1 contrast ratio may limit deep blacks and the inherent drawbacks of a lamp-based DLP system such as fan noise and lamp replacement costs.
Everyday users appreciate the projector's bright output and low lag for gaming, especially the seamless Xbox integration, and they value the long lamp life in SuperEco mode. Common complaints revolve around audible fan noise, the need to replace the lamp after several thousand hours, and the absence of wireless or battery options, which limits portability.
“This outdoor projector is truly remarkable... 4K resolution combined with 1,000 ANSI lumens produces an incredibly bright and clear image, even in outdoor settings. With integrated autofocus and a-mode stand it's exceptionally user-friendly... The Dolby audio enhances the immersive experience.”
“arguably the best in its class”
Professional reviewers praise the HORIZON Ultra for its impressive brightness, Dual Light technology, Dolby Vision HDR, and low input lag, positioning it as a strong contender in the premium 4K home projector segment. However, they note that real-world brightness and contrast fall short of specifications, and the limited warranty and lack of lens shift are notable drawbacks.
Everyday users consistently highlight the projector's bright image, vivid colors, integrated Android TV smart features, and solid built-in audio as major strengths. Recurring complaints focus on lower than advertised brightness, underwhelming contrast, short warranty coverage, and the absence of lens shift for physical adjustments.
Professional reviewers commend the N1S Ultra for its impressive 4K brightness, smart-TV integration, and the convenience of its gimbal-based auto-focus system, describing it as a powerful yet portable cinema solution. However, they note drawbacks such as the fixed lens, modest contrast ratio, and concerns about the durability of the carry case.
Everyday users love the projector's vivid, bright images in everyday lighting, the hassle-free gimbal setup, and the built-in streaming apps, but they repeatedly mention the unit's weight, audible fan noise, limited bass from the speakers, and occasional color/contrast issues as pain points.
Professional reviewers view the Happrun as a solid entry-level smart projector, lauding its affordable price, Google TV integration, and decent ambient-light performance, while noting its limited brightness, basic feature set, and cheap-feel construction compared to higher-end models.
Everyday users love the ease of streaming via built-in Google TV, the clear 4K-decoded picture in moderate lighting, and the portable design, but they repeatedly cite insufficient brightness in bright rooms, occasional buffering, and a plasticky build as drawbacks.
Professional editors commend the iSinbox for its ultra-portable design, AI-driven auto focus/keystone and short-throw optics that produce vivid images up to 200 inches, positioning it as a strong value for casual indoor and outdoor use. However, they caution that the advertised brightness is likely overstated and the native 1080p resolution falls short of true 4K expectations, while the lack of a built-in battery limits true mobility.
Everyday users consistently praise the projector's bright outdoor performance, effortless setup thanks to auto focus and the versatile flip-down stand, and the convenience of built-in streaming apps with Dolby sound. Recurring complaints focus on brightness not matching marketing claims, occasional app glitches, and some confusion over the unit's exact dimensions and weight.
Professional reviewers consistently commend the UHD38x for its exceptional brightness and ultra-low lag, calling it a top choice for competitive gaming and bright-room home theater. Minor drawbacks noted include the lack of lens shift and possible DLP rainbow artifacts.
Everyday users love the projector's bright image, ultra-low lag and 240 Hz refresh, but they note the lamp will need replacement and the lack of lens shift limits flexible mounting.
Professional reviewers commend the Epson Home Cinema 2350 for its compact form factor, impressive low-lag gaming performance, and effective pixel-shifting 4K technology, noting it delivers solid color accuracy and brightness for its price. However, they also point out that the projector's native 1080p panel means true 4K detail is missing, and its standard throw distance can be a limitation in tighter spaces.
Everyday users generally appreciate the projector's build quality, bright and vivid image output, and especially its low input lag for gaming. Common criticisms focus on the marketing of "4K" versus the actual 1080p panel, modest mono audio, occasional focus drift, and limited brightness in well-lit rooms.
Professional reviewers commend the N1S Pro for its impressive 2400 ANSI lumens peak brightness, crisp 4K detail, and the convenience of a 2-way gimbal with auto-keystone that makes setup effortless. The integrated Google TV platform and low-latency gaming mode add to its appeal, positioning it as a strong value proposition in the mid-range projector market. However, they note the modest 1600:1 contrast, fixed lens design, and the need for AC power as limitations for dark-room enthusiasts and true portability.
Everyday users highlight the projector's bright performance in daylight, easy auto-setup via the gimbal, and the built-in Google TV with Netflix as major positives. Recurring complaints focus on the unit's bulk and weight, the lack of a battery, audible fan noise, and the requirement for a sizable throw distance.
Professional reviewers commend the Aurora Pro for its exceptional color accuracy, high brightness, ultra-low latency and solid built-in audio, positioning it as a strong value proposition for home cinema and gaming. However, they note its modest native contrast, fixed optics and limited Android TV app ecosystem as drawbacks that keep it a step behind premium rivals.
Everyday users consistently praise the projector's vivid colors, smooth 4K@120 Hz gaming experience, and powerful built-in speakers, while repeatedly mentioning the need for dark rooms, occasional app restrictions and the lack of lens shift as pain points.
