Rankings
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 Putrims K12 is a portable smart projector delivering 1500 ANSI lumens and integrated Google TV for easy streaming. It sacrifices true 4K resolution and has modest built-in audio, making it best for budget-conscious home and backyard use.
The Wanbo X5 Pro delivers 1100 ANSI lumens, HDR10 and Google TV in a compact, quiet package with auto-setup features. Its 1080p panel and single HDMI limit high-end performance, and it lacks a battery for true portability. Best for casual home users who want an all-in-one streaming projector with solid brightness.
The Aurzen BOOM Mini delivers 1080p native resolution with 500 ANSI lumens and 20 W Dolby speakers, providing the brightest and most powerful audio among the three. Its higher power draw and lack of Bluetooth version, plus reliance on external power, limit portability. Suited for users wanting brighter images and robust sound in dim to moderate lighting conditions.
The XGIMI Horizon 1080p projector offers portable 1080p DLP performance with 1500 ISO lumens and Android TV integration. Its modest native resolution and limited brightness make it less suited for large-screen or very bright environments. Best for compact home-theater setups and casual media consumption.
The XGIMI Horizon Pro is a compact 4K DLP smart projector featuring Android TV, HDR support and powerful built-in Harman/Kardon speakers. Its modest brightness and lack of zoom or lens shift restrict flexibility in well-lit environments. Best suited for users who want portable 4K streaming with strong audio and auto-setup features.
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.
The Wanbo T2 Ultra is a compact, lightweight projector with ASA 3.0 auto-setup, Android TV and a long-life LED lamp, making it convenient for portable, low-light viewing. Its modest 500 ANSI lumen output and limited uniformity reduce suitability for bright rooms or large-screen home theaters. Best for budget-conscious travelers who need a smart, easy-setup projector for dark environments.
The Nebula Mars 3 Air combines 1080p HDR-compatible projection with a built-in battery and Google TV for true on-the-go streaming. Its limited 400 ANSI lumen brightness and short video battery life restrict usage to dim rooms and brief sessions. Perfect for indoor, short-duration viewing and travelers needing integrated smart features.
The XGIMI MoGo 2 Pro is an ultra-compact 1080p portable projector featuring a built-in battery for up to four hours of video playback. Its low brightness and limited screen size restrict larger-room use, though its portability and Android TV make it perfect for on-the-go entertainment. Ideal for travelers and small-space viewing.
The Xiaomi L1 Pro is a compact 1080p projector with Android TV, Dolby Audio and a suite of auto-adjust features, delivering a convenient smart-home experience. Its modest 400 ANSI lumen output and limited speaker power restrict use to dim environments, and the lack of a battery limits true mobility. Best suited for budget-focused users who need a portable, smart projector for low-light rooms.
The Aurzen Roku TV Smart Projector offers a native 1080p display, Roku streaming integration and convenient auto-focus/keystone features. Its modest 330 lumens output and lack of HDR limit performance in brighter settings. Ideal for Roku fans and casual nighttime viewing.
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1,500 lumens | 500 lumens | 330 lumens | 1,500 lumens | 400 lumens | 3,000 lumensbest | 1,100 lumens | 430 lumens | 400 lumens | 500 lumens | 1,500 lumens | 400 lumens | |
20,000best | 1,000 | — | — | 400 | 1,600 | — | — | 10,000 | 2,500 | — | — | |
— | 1.4best | — | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.2 | — | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.2 | |
3.35 meters | 3.6 metersbest | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2.99 meters | — | — | — | |
30,000 hours | — | — | — | 30,000 hours | 30,000 hours | — | — | 100,000 hoursbest | 20,000 hours | — | — | |
10 watts | 20 wattsbest | 10 watts | 8 watts | 8 watts | 20 wattsbest | 10 watts | 8 watts | 5 watts | 10 watts | 16 watts | 5 watts | |
2best | 1 | 1 | 2best | 1 | 2best | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2best | 1 | |
| ↓ lower better | 2.495 kg | 2.14 kg | 1.405 kgbest | 2.9 kg | 1.7 kg | 4.49 kg | 2.68 kg | 1.88 kg | 2.1 kg | 1.5 kg | 2.9 kg | 2 kg |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Display(4) | ||||||||||||
Resolution | 1920x1080 | 4K input support | 1080p | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 | 3840x2160 | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 | 3840x2160 | 1920x1080 |
Native Resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 | 1080p | — | 1920x1080 | — | 1920x1080 | — | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 | 3840x2160 | 1920x1080 |
Brightness (lumens) | 1500 lumens | 500 lumens | 330 lumens | 1500 lumens | 400 lumens | 3000 lumens | 1100 lumens | 430 lumens | 400 lumens | 500 lumens | 1500 lumens | 400 lumens |
Contrast Ratio | 20000 | 1000 | — | — | 400 | 1600 | — | — | 10000 | 2500 | — | — |
Projection Geometry(2) | ||||||||||||
Throw Ratio | — | 1.36 | — | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.19 | 1.25 | 1.20 | — | 1.22 | 1.2 | 1.21 |
Throw Distance (meters) | 3.35 meters | 3.6 meters | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2.99 meters | — | — | — |
Lighting(2) | ||||||||||||
Lamp Life (hours) | 30000 hours | — | — | 25000-30000 hours | 30000 hours | 30000 hours | — | — | 100000 hours | 20000 hours | — | — |
Light Source | LED | LED | — | LED | LED | RGB Triple Laser | LCD | — | LED | LED | LED | — |
Audio(1) | ||||||||||||
Speaker Power (watts) | 10 watts | 20 watts | 10 watts | 8 watts | 8 watts | 20 watts | 10 watts | 8 watts | 5 watts | 10 watts | 16 watts | 5 watts |
Connectivity(3) | ||||||||||||
Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | — | 5.2 | — | 5.1 | 5.2 | 5.0 | — | 5.2 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Wi‑Fi Standard | WiFi 6 | 2.4GHz/5GHz | 2.4/5 GHz | — | — | Wi‑Fi 6 | Dual-band | — | Wi‑Fi 6 | Dual-band | 2.4/5 GHz | WiFi 5 |
HDMI Ports | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
Build & Design(1) | ||||||||||||
Weight (kg) | 2.495 kg | 2.14 kg | 1.405 kg | 2.9 kg | 1.7 kg | 4.49 kg | 2.68 kg | 1.88 kg | 2.1 kg | 1.50 kg | 2.9 kg | 2.0 kg |
Battery & Power(1) | ||||||||||||
Power Consumption (watts) | 180 watts | 90 watts | — | 250.04 watts | 90 watts | — | — | 55 watts | — | 54 watts | 200 watts | 120 watts |
After‑Sale(1) | ||||||||||||
Warranty (years) | 3 years | 2 years | 1 years | 1 years | 1 years | 1 years | 1 years | 1 years | 2 years | 1 years | — | — |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consider the Putrims K12 a strong value proposition, emphasizing its genuine 1500 ANSI lumen output, sharp 1080p scaling from 4K sources, and the convenience of built-in Google TV with WiFi 6. They commend its auto-focus, keystone correction, and voice control for effortless setup, while noting the lack of native 4K, modest built-in audio, and average black-level performance as trade-offs for its price tier.
Everyday users praise the K12 for its easy, plug-and-play experience, bright enough picture in low-light settings, and seamless streaming via Google TV, making it a popular choice for family movie nights and casual gaming. Recurring complaints focus on the quiet built-in speakers, fan noise, reduced brightness in full daylight, and occasional Wi-Fi instability.
“very easy to set up”
“best Google TV projector under £300”
“hard to see even with blinds”
Pick XGIMI for brighter performance; pick Aurzen for native Roku experience and compact design.
Choose the Mars 3 for outdoor or bright-room viewing where brightness and battery life matter; choose the Mars 3 Air for indoor, compact, on-the-go streaming.
Select MoGo Pro for ultimate portability and battery freedom; select MoGo 2 Pro if you need brighter images and stronger built‑in audio.
Professional reviewers consider the Aurzen BOOM Mini a standout budget smart projector, lauding its powerful 20 W Dolby Audio, full Google TV platform, and the ToF-driven autofocus and keystone system that make setup virtually hands-free. They also note the flexible 110° gimbal stand as a practical advantage for travel and small-space installations. However, they caution that the 1080p native resolution and 500-lumen brightness limit its suitability for bright rooms or true-4K content, and the single HDMI port and relatively high power draw are drawbacks for power-conscious users.
Everyday users echo the reviewers' praise for the integrated Google TV experience and the surprisingly robust built-in sound, often calling the projector "plug-and-play" for movie nights on a couch or balcony. They also appreciate the auto-focus, keystone correction, and portable gimbal stand. Recurring frustrations revolve around dust-cleaning maintenance, limited wireless mirroring range, short battery-bank runtime, and the projector getting warm during prolonged use.
Professional reviewers commend the Aurzen D1R Cube for its seamless Roku integration, sharp 1080p image, and convenient auto-focus/keystone features, noting it delivers a solid streaming experience in dark environments but is held back by modest brightness, lack of HDR, and modest audio.
Everyday users love the plug-and-play Roku experience, the projector's portability, and the automatic image adjustments, often using it for bedroom or nighttime outdoor movie nights. Common complaints focus on low brightness in lit rooms, audible fan noise, and the need for external speakers to achieve louder sound.
Professional reviewers regard the XGIMI Horizon as a well-rounded portable projector that excels in convenience, smart features, and audio quality, but they caution that its 1080p native resolution and modest ANSI brightness may deter users seeking the sharpest image or brightest daytime performance.
Reviewers commend the Nebula Mars 3 Air for its ultra-compact form factor, seamless Google TV integration, and impressive 1080p HDR performance in dark environments, while noting modest brightness and short video battery life.
Customers enjoy the ease of use, quick auto-setup, and built-in streaming apps, but cite weight, limited battery duration, and washed-out colors in ambient light as drawbacks.
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 commend the X5 Pro for its bright 1100 ANSI lumen LCD engine, premium build, and the addition of a full Google TV experience that sets it apart from the base model. They also appreciate the ultra-quiet operation and automatic setup features, though they note the digital keystone can affect sharpness and the lack of true 4K resolution limits its high-end appeal.
Everyday users love the projector's portability, silent fan, and bright performance in lit rooms, often describing it as "small but very strong" and "great for home theater." The seamless Google TV integration and easy remote/voice control receive consistent praise, with few complaints reported.
Professional reviewers commend the MoGo Pro for its rare combination of true 1080p resolution, respectable 300 ANSI‑lumen brightness, and a full Android TV experience in a pocket‑sized chassis. They highlight the fast Amlogic processor, auto‑focus, digital keystone, and Harman Kardon audio as standout features, while noting limitations such as modest speaker power, fan noise, and a ceiling on optimal screen size.
Everyday users consistently praise the projector’s portability, battery life, and sharp picture quality, especially for on‑the‑go movie nights and small‑room streaming. Recurring complaints focus on audible fan noise, limited internal storage, low speaker output for larger rooms, and dimmer images when attempting screens larger than 100 inches.
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 reviewers consider the T2 Ultra a sharp, affordable lifestyle projector that excels in dark rooms thanks to its native 1080p LCD panel, accurate colors, and convenient Android TV integration. The ASA 3.0 auto-setup and 120° gimbal are highlighted as standout features, though the modest brightness and uniformity keep it from competing with higher-end models.
Everyday users love the lightweight build, gimbal flexibility, and built-in speakers, praising the ease of setup and streaming app availability. Common complaints focus on the lower effective brightness, need for calibration, and occasional fan noise, confirming that the device is best enjoyed in low-light environments.
Professional reviewers commend the Horizon Pro for its effortless auto-setup, vivid 4K picture, strong Harman/Kardon audio, and low input lag, positioning it as a top portable smart projector. However, they note the modest brightness, lack of lens shift/zoom, audible fan noise, and occasional Android TV software hiccups as drawbacks compared to brighter, more feature-rich competitors.
Everyday users appreciate the sharp 4K image, rapid auto-setup, powerful built-in speakers, and Android TV convenience, especially for casual home or travel use. Recurring complaints focus on lens dust buildup, Wi-Fi instability, occasional rainbow artifacts, and the need for darker rooms to achieve the best contrast.
Tech reviewers commend the L1 Pro for delivering a surprisingly bright (over 500 lumens) 1080p picture at a budget price, noting its fully sealed engine and robust Android TV platform. The auto-focus, keystone, and obstacle-avoidance suite is highlighted as a major convenience, while low-latency gaming performance (50-70 ms) makes it viable for casual gamers. However, experts caution that its modest brightness and audio output limit use in bright rooms or larger spaces, and the lack of a battery curtails true portability.
Everyday users consistently praise the projector's sharp image quality, vibrant colors, and effortless auto-setup, especially for dim-room movie nights and travel. Common complaints focus on insufficient brightness in well-lit rooms, modest sound lacking bass, and occasional softness on very large screens, as well as confusion over the listed weight.
