Projectors are getting ready to replace your TV. Seriously. Newer projectors are easy to use, quite compact, and, in some cases, can look just as good as traditional TVs.
If you want to have even more fun there are projectors that are portable so you can create a theater experience anywhere you go.
We have actually checked out some of these projectors in the past and they were very interesting then. Now, there are even more options and it’s worth comparing a couple.
Momentum Productions went and checked out the Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K and Xgimi Horizon Pro 4K projectors.
Kicking things off is an overview of the Xgimi Horizon Pro 4K. There’s a ton of features:
- Weighs just 6.4 lb
- Clean, boxy design
- Harmon/Kardon speaker system
- 1/4”-20 mount on base
- Simple controls on top
- 2 x HDMI inputs; Ethernet; 2 x USB ports; Optical out; 3.5mm audio
Sounds decent already.
The Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K has its own set of features:
- Top handle for transport
- Weighs over 10 lb
- Speaker grills on sides
- 1/4”-20 mount on base
- 1 x HDMI input; 1 x USB port; 3.5mm audio
Both projectors have some of the same features since they use Android TV. One good example is automatic keystone and focusing. This allows you to have the projector at a slight angle and still get it to line up with your screen or wall.
You should get a screen for maximum quality though. A plain white wall may do the trick in a pinch but will not give you the best results. Overall, setup for both is quite straightforward.
Image Credit: Anker
As for connectivity, the Xgimi wins easily. It has extra HDMI and USB ports plus an optical audio output for connecting to better speakers if you want.
Audio is important for home theater setups and if you have the speaker hardware in your space then the ability to use optical will likely be important.
The Nebula is lacking in ports, but that is owing to its more transportable design. They planned for this to be used for travel and outdoors use and not a permanent installation in a home theater.
Remotes are different but equally fine.
Looking at the actual image you’ll see some key differences. The laser tech in the Nebula is brighter and has better contrast than the Horizon Pro. By the numbers the Nebula will output 2500 lumens compared to the Horizon’s 2200 lumens.
Contrast is even more important and the Nebular achieved much deeper blacks in a head-to-head comparison.
Image Credit: Xgimi
Both support HDR10 and there were so surprises considering the previous contrast comparison—the Nebula beat out the Horizon here.
If you aren’t using your own sound system you’ll need to rely on the built-in speakers. I would say neither will impress if you have a better system at home but are totally fine if you are looking for a decent all-in-one solution.
Projectors do get hot and do rely on active cooling. The fan noise on both was minimal at around 40 dB. Depending on placement you may never even notice this when you are actually watching a movie or playing a game.
These are still projectors, so keep in mind that you will need a light-controlled room to enjoy them.
After all of this it seems the Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K is the clear winner. Laser projector tech is getting very, very impressive.
Would you swap out your TV for a projector?
[source: Momentum Productions]
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