Category: Home Theater

The best projectors are the ideal way to get the biggest possible image with the least amount of fuss. Whether you’re looking for a premium 4K projector for a home theater, a more portable one that can be temporarily set up on a coffee table for gaming or watching sports, or a battery-powered model that can be toted outdoors for backyard movie nights, there’s a projector out there that will suit your needs. Our guide to the best projectors includes several different types, but the main two mainly used for home theater are ‘long throw’ and ‘ultra short throw (UST)’ projectors. These typically get paired with a projection screen permanently mounted on a wall, though there are many different screen options available, including retractable ones that can be hidden away when not in use. Beyond long throw and UST models, there are ‘short throw’ projectors designed for non-permanent and portable setups. Projector capabilities vary widely, with different models providing different image resolutions – up to 8K – brightness levels, and high dynamic range support. Projector features are also all over the map, with some providing just a basic video display, and others offering built-in streaming apps and smart features like voice control that you’ll find on the best TVs, along with potent built-in speakers. We review new projectors to find the best ones as they arrive, putting them through a rigorous testing process that involves viewing in a range of lighting conditions from daylight viewing to full darkness. We also record peak brightness, contrast ratio, and color gamut coverage, so you’ll know how the projector measures up to the manufacturer’s specifications. We’ve then rounded up the best of all kinds here – but if you’re looking for specifically the best 4K projector, the best ultra short throw projector, the best portable projector, or the best outdoor projector, you can dig further into those option in those guides. Written by Written by Al Griffin Senior Editor, Home Entertainment I’m TechRadar’s Senior Editor for Home Entertainment, and I have nearly three decades of journalism experience, including a long time covering home theater tech. I’m an ISF-trained video calibrator and have written countless equipment reviews ranging from speakers to high-end TVs and projectors. I’m an admitted movie fanatic, and spend much of my free time holed up in my home theater – and these projectors have to stand up to that experience. Recent updates November 20, 2024Best Projectors buyer’s guide launched. The best projectors 2024 Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test. The best projector for home theater Image 1 of 3 (Image credit: Future / Mark Knapp) (Image credit: Future / Mark Knapp) (Image credit: Future / Mark Knapp) The best projector for home theater fans Specifications Projection system: Laser 3LCD Resolution: 3840 x 2160 Brightness: 2,500 lumens Projection size: 50 to 130 inches Video inputs: 2x HDMI 2.1 (1 with eARC) Dimensions: 20.5 x 7.6 x 17.6 inches (W x H x D) Reasons to buy + Fantastic image quality + Flexible installation options + Great games and films Reasons to avoid – Pricey – No built-in streaming – No built-in speakers The Epson LS12000’s $4,999 / £4,499 / AU$8,999 price might seem initially high, but this long throw model is a relative bargain when it comes to projectors designed for traditional home theater setups, a world where flagship models from Sony and JVC can run you three times that amount or more. This 3LCD model’s laser light engine pumps out a specified 2,700 lumens brightness, and since this is Epson, a company well-known for its reliable specs, you can count on that being accurate. The HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG high dynamic range formats are supported, and it has a powered lens cover that opens when powered up and shuts when turned off, a useful feature for keeping the optical path clean and dust-free. In our review, we stated that the “Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 provides a staggeringly brilliant image that hardly cares whether we’re watching in the daytime, but will reward us greatly for watching at night with the lights off.” The projector’s excellent contrast and precise rendering of blacks allowed it to sail through tough challenges like The Batman, where we found that “even in a dark scene, the details on Batman’s and Catwoman’s black outfits are discernible.” The LS12000 is a champion for movies, but it’s also well suited for gaming, featuring multiple HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 120Hz support for next-gen consoles. There’s no built-in smart interface for streaming or built-in speakers to speak of – which is typical for this type of projector – but those are elements you can add to the Epson LS12000 when building out your personal movie palace at home. And if that’s what you’re doing, we think this really hits the sweet spot. Read the full Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 review The best budget 4K projector Image 1 of 5 An affordable, ultra-compact 4K projector Specifications Projection system: DLP Resolution: 3840 x 2160 Brightness: 500 ANSI lumens Projection size: 50 to 120 inches Video inputs: HDMI, USB-C (display, power) Dimensions: 3.1 x 5.3 x 5.3 inches (W x H x D) Reasons to buy + Sleek design + 4K resolution + WebOS smart TV platform Reasons to avoid – Average brightness – No battery option- – Weak audio quality The LG CineBeam Q proves that super-compact portable projectors don’t have to have inferior picture quality. They can be reasonably bright, and even provide 4K resolution for a seamless, yet sharp picture when blown up to a big size – up to 120 inches in the CineBeam Q’s case. One other thing the LG CineBeam Q proves is that a projector can look good. With its aluminum body and swiveling carrying handle, LG’s portable comes off like an art object you’d want to have sitting out on a shelf or coffee table. Inside, the CineBeam Q is powered by a sophisticated RGB laser DLP light engine and its built-in webOS streaming platform is essentially the same one found in the company’s OLED TVs. When we tested the LG CineBeam Q, we found its specified 500 ANSI lumen brightness provided a sufficiently punchy image with the lights dimmed. Its color accuracy was excellent, and coverage of both the UHDA-P3 and BT.2020 color gamuts exceeded that of more expensive home theater projectors, let alone portable ones. Its measured input lag of 56ms was typical for a projector that’s not designed for gaming, but games, along with movies and sports, looked great due to the CineBeam Q’s excellent motion handling.At $1,299 / £1,299 / AU$2,499, the LG CineBeam Q is pricey for a portable projector, but affordable for a 4K projector. When you consider all it brings to the table – literally – that equals out to a pretty good value, especially if you catch it on sale. Read the full LG CineBeam Q review The best ultra short throw projector Image 1 of 5 The best ultra short throw projector Specifications Projection system: 3-laser DLP Resolution: 4K Brightness: 3000 lumens Projection size: 80 to 150 inches Video inputs: 3 x HDMI 2.1 (1 with eARC) Dimensions (W x H x D): 21.7 x 4.8 x 11.7 inches (W x H x D) Reasons to buy + Bright, color-rich picture + 240Hz mode for gaming + Flexible setup Reasons to avoid – Somewhat expensive – Limited Dolby Atmos impact The Hisense PX3-Pro is an ultra short throw projector from a company that has consistently pushed the UST envelope, offering a wide range of models that provide better features and performance with each generation. At $3,499 / £2,499 the PX3-Pro is affordably priced for a UST, and it’s capable of beaming images up to 150 inches with an impressive 3,000 lumens specified brightness. A key PX3-Pro feature is its tri-chroma DLP light engine, which generates bright, pictures with “simply astounding color,” as we noted in our Hisense PX3-Pro review. It also has comprehensive HDR support, covering the Dolby Vision and HDR10+ formats – something typically not found in projectors. This capability “made the latest seasons of The Rings of Power in HDR10+ and The Avengers: Endgame in Dolby Vision both look fantastic.” The PX3-Pro’s 50W built-in Harman Kardon-designed speakers, which can “get loud enough to match the size of the pictures,” also impressed us when we tested it. The PX3-Pro’s Google TV smart TV interface is a superior option to the more basic Android TV system built into many projectors, and importantly, it features a Netflix app for streaming. Support for both 4K 120Hz and 1080p 240Hz input also makes the PX3-Pro a great choice for gaming, and it has an appealing retro-futuristic design that will make it stand out in your living room in a good way. If you’re looking to go the UST projector route for your home theater, this is the model we’d recommend. Read the full Hisense PX3-Pro review The best portable projector Image 1 of 6 A fun and flexible portable projector Specifications Projection system: DLP Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Brightness: 230 lumens (ANSI) Projection size: 30 to 100 inches Video inputs: HDMI (micro) Dimensions: 4 x 6.8 x 3.7 inches (W x H x D) Reasons to buy + Compact design + Menus easy to navigate + Built-in cloud gaming Reasons to avoid – Low brightness – Only has Micro-HDMI input – Pricey for a 1080p portable Samsung’s The Freestyle 2nd Gen is in many ways the ultimate portable projector. It’s incredibly compact, but can project images as large as 100 inches (and as small as 30 inches). It features the same Tizen smart TV platform as Samsung TVs, and that includes Samsung Gaming Hub for cloud-based gaming from apps like Xbox and Nvidia GeForce Now. Samsung also offers a range of accessories for The Freestyle 2nd Gen that can give you battery power for outdoor viewing and even an option to plug it into a ceiling light fixture. And when you’re not using it as a projector, it can serve as a wireless speaker for music streaming. When we reviewed The Freestyle 2nd Gen, we found it to be significantly less bright than a typical projector used for home theater, but that wasn’t completely unexpected given the Samsung’s small size and 230 lumens brightness specification. But picture quality isn’t the main point with The Freestyle 2nd Gen. This is a projector that lets you easily beam a big video image anywhere you go, and The Freestyle 2nd Gen’s automatic keystone and focus features make sure the image looks perfectly square (or rectangular, to be exact) as soon as you set it up. At $799 / £649, The Freestyle 2nd Gen is pricey for a 1080p-resolution portable projector, though it can regularly be found for less during seasonal sales events. What gives Samsung’s portable added value is its high level of flexibility, ease of setup, and superior built-in smart TV interface, all of which combine to make The Freestyle 2nd Gen an easy sell. Read the full Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen review The best projector for outdoors Image 1 of 5 The best projector for outdoor movie nights Specifications Projection system: LED DLP Resolution: 1080p Brightness: 1,000 lumens Projection size: 30-200 inches Video inputs: HDMI Dimensions (W x H x D): 1.97 x 10.2 x 6.3 inches (W x H x D) Reasons to buy + Bright for a portable + Great battery life + Rugged build quality Reasons to avoid – Average picture quality – Mono audio – Dated smart TV platform Looking for a projector that’s not just portable, but road-worthy? With its rugged case and carrying handle, the Anker Nebula Mars 3 looks more like a lantern than a projector. Anker’s portable beamer actually features a flashlight along with its video projection capability, and its built-in battery can last for over two hours – so long enough for a movie – at full power before needing to be recharged. The Anker Nebula Mars 3’s built-in battery, of course, makes it a perfect option for backyard – or campsite – movie nights where the projector’s LED DLP light engine will illuminate a portable screen of up to 200 inches with a specified 1,000 lumens brightness. It uses the Android TV platform for streaming and has automatic focus, keystone, and framing adjustments that proved very effective in our testing. When we reviewed the Nebula Mars 3, we found it to have “a good-looking picture, but not an exceptional one.” Resolution is limited to 1080p HD, colors lack the vibrance of similar projectors with an RGB laser light engine, and shadowy scenes come across with limited black detail. The built-in sound is powerful for a portable projector, however, but in this case, it’s limited to mono. It may not be the best overall portable projector, and at $1,099 / £999 / AU$1,199) it’s not the cheapest, but if you’re looking to take a projector outside, the Nebula Mars 3 with its built-in battery and rugged build quality – and flashlight! – is the best option we’ve found. Grab it by the handle and hit the great outdoors. Read the full Anker Nebula Mars 3 review The best projector for gaming Image 1 of 5 A great all-around projector for gaming Specifications Projection system: LED / DLP Resolution: 3840 x 2160 Brightness: 2,000 lumens Projection size: 30 to 150 inches Video inputs: 2x HDMI 2.0 (1x eARC, 1x internal), USB-A, USB-C Dimensions: 8.3 x 7.1 x 7.7 inches (W x H x D) Reasons to buy + Bright, detailed image + Great with gaming and movies + Easy to set up Reasons to avoid – Limited ports – Limited picture adjustments – Placement can be tricky The BenQ X300G is a relatively affordable ($1,799 / £1,399 / AU$2,799) 4K projector that performs equally well for gaming and movies. But the main reason the X300G is our best projector for gaming is because it can display 1080p images at a 240Hz refresh rate and offers up butter-smooth gameplay. With a specified 2,000 lumens, the X300G’s LED DLP light engine has average brightness for a projector at this price. This short throw model has a compact design that lets you easily set it up on a coffee table and put it away when not in use, and it has rubber feet for a sturdy grip and a threaded hole for a tripod mount. Android TV is used for streaming and there are both automatic and manual focus and keystone adjustments. When we tested the X300G, we found that it was “plenty bright for a dim room and excels in the dark, where it can readily produce a gorgeous, large image.” Those characteristics bode well for a dual gaming-and-movies projector, and the built-in speakers in our estimation “do a decent job, pumping out plenty of sound in the small rooms this projector is ideal for.” You’ll pay quite a bit more to get a 4K projector with the BenQ X300G’s gaming features and prowess, and not all of them will be as compact and portable. By combining the best of several worlds into a reasonably cheap all-in-one package, the X300G is a no-brainer option for gaming. Read the full BenQ X300G review How to choose the best projector Choosing the best projector for you will depend on how and where you plan to use it. If you’re looking to set up a home theater for watching movies on a separate projection screen with an elaborate Dolby Atmos speaker rig, or perhaps even one of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars, you’re going to want a long throw 4K laser projector. These typically get mounted on the ceiling or a high shelf at the back of the room and are designed for viewing in dim or completely dark environments. Long throw projectors don’t always have the highest brightness (between 2,000 and 3,000 lumens is a typical specification) but generally do provide the highest contrast ratio (the difference between the deepest black and the brightest white in an image) and best high dynamic range handling. If you’re looking for a big image and don’t mind using a projection screen but don’t want a projector hanging from the ceiling, an ultra short throw (UST) projector will be the ticket. These projectors typically get installed a foot or so from a wall where they can beam an up to 150-inch image. The best UST projectors use an RGB laser light engine that lets them deliver both high brightness and extended color gamut coverage (with some models handling not just the full UHDA-P3 color space but the larger BT.2020 one as well). Unlike long throw projectors, UST models usually feature powerful built-in speakers – with Dolby Atmos support, in some cases – and a smart TV interface for streaming, so they provide an all-one-solution home theater solution. If you want a projector that can temporarily be set up on a coffee table for gaming or watching the occasional movie, then a short throw projector will be the best option. The best of these provide brightness levels that match long throw models, along with 4K resolution and extended color gamut coverage. Some short throw projectors are also specifically designed for gaming, with features such as a game mode with low input lag and 4K 120Hz (and in some cases, 1080p 240Hz support). While it can be argued that any projector is a portable projector, there are compact models with carrying handles that are designed to be toted from place to place. These generally have lower brightness than other projector types, and most lack 4K and HDR support. Most have built-in streaming capability and built-in speakers, along with a Bluetooth output for linking up with one of the best wireless speakers for even better sound. If you want to use a portable projector outdoors, models with either a built-in battery or a battery pack option will let you quickly get up and running for a backyard movie night without having to run an extension cord to the projector. How big an image can I get with a projector? Some projectors designed for home use let you project an image up to 200 inches diagonal. Getting such a big, cinema-size image is the main reason why home theater enthusiasts prefer projectors to TVs, which max out at around 100 inches for the largest models. While projectors can go seriously big, a typical screen size range is 100-120 inches. Some UST projectors have a lens that’s fixed to beam a specific image size – usually either 100 or 120 inches – while others allow for a custom image size. Premium projector models also provide features that let you pair them with ultra-wide 2.35:1 “Cinemascope” screens, which have the same aspect ratio as the screens used in movie theaters. This setup has the benefit of eliminating black letterbox bars at the top and bottom of the image when viewing Scope ratio movies – something regular TVs cannot do. Do I need to use a screen with a projector? A dedicated projection screen is recommended for getting the best performance from your projector, even with a portable model. Better projector screens are designed to reflect light towards you optimally to enhance visibility. You’ll encounter a bewildering array of options when shopping online for a screen, however, so check out our five things to consider when shopping for a projector screen guide to learn more about screen types and how to select the best one for your projector setup. Do projectors need regular lamp replacements? Just a few years ago, the answer to this question would have been yes, but newer projectors now almost exclusively use LEDs or lasers instead of lamps. These new light engine types are designed to last for the life of the projector, which is typically in the 20,000 to 30,000-hour range. What downsides are there to using a projector compared to a big-screen TV? The big downside of a projector compared to a TV is brightness: while the best mini-LED TVs can produce a peak brightness of up to 2,000 nits or higher, even the best projectors designed for home viewing max out at 200-300 nits. They compensate for this to a degree by using HDR tone mapping to scale brightness levels in high dynamic range sources so you don’t lose picture detail in highlights. But you’ll find the best way to get a satisfyingly bright picture with a projector is to dim the room lights or, better yet, view in a completely dark environment – like at a movie theater. Because the image you’re seeing with a projector is reflected light that’s bounced off of a screen surface, contrast is also limited compared to TVs, which can dynamically dim or completely turn off their pixels (OLED) or backlight zones (QLED and mini-LED). The best projectors provide features that help to dynamically boost contrast, with some models like the Epson LS12000 featured in this guide capable of delivering TV-like contrast. Gaming on projectors can be a fantastic experience, with the ultra-large image immersing you in virtual worlds more effectively than the best 65-inch TVs could ever manage. The downside to gaming on projectors is that most don’t provide 4K 120Hz support, and input lag tends to be higher than what you get with the best gaming TVs. There are exceptions here, such as the Epson LS12000, which does provide HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 120Hz support, and the BenQ X300G, which supports 1080p at 240Hz. If you’re looking for a simplified AV setup, the lack of built-in streaming and good-quality built-in speakers on some projectors will prove frustrating. In this case, you’ll want to look at UST projectors or more robust short throw models, both of which provide a built-in smart interface for streaming and higher-performance built-in speakers. Finally, there’s the issue of fan noise to consider. While TVs run completely quiet, projectors can generate a fair amount of fan noise, especially when they are being pushed to a maximum brightness level. The good news here is that movie and TV show soundtracks can easily mask most of this noise, so it shouldn’t be an issue unless you’re specifically listening for it. How we test the best projectors At TechRadar, we test projectors in a range of lighting conditions, from bright rooms to dim and completely dark environments. We also test the projector with a suitable projection screen – a low-gain matte white screen for long throw models, and an ambient light-rejecting screen for UST models. Both video test patterns and reference movie clips are used to evaluate the projector’s performance in displaying bright, high-contrast images and saturated colors. We’ll test for picture detail, noise reduction processing and motion handling, and if the projector has substantial built-in speakers, we’ll also evaluate its ability to play movie soundtracks and TV dialogue clearly and dynamically. When measurements are provided, we’ll report on the projector’s peak brightness with HDR and SDR sources, contrast ratio, and color gamut coverage. We’ll also provide an average Delta E (the level of difference between the ‘perfect’ test pattern source and what is shown on-screen) for the projector’s color and grayscale. For projectors with a smart TV interface, we’ll evaluate its ease of use and the variety of streaming apps on offer. We’ll also test its performance for gaming, measuring input lag and evaluating the smoothness of gameplay using an Xbox Series X or PS5 gaming console. The latest updates to this guide November 20, 2024Best Projectors buyer’s guide launched.

Anker Nebula Mars 3: two-minute review If you’ve been looking for a projector you can wow your friends with, the Anker Nebula Mars 3 might be the one. Despite looking like a monster-sized flashlight, the Nebula Mars 3 is a portable projector designed for use both on the go and at home. To that end, it has a built-in battery that lets it operate at full brightness for upwards of two hours, plus the Android TV smart TV platform for streaming and fairly beefy speakers, though they regrettably play in mono. It’s well constructed, and works effectively, letting you set it down and get up and running quickly. Where the Anker Nebula Mars 3 really impresses is its brightness, which knocks it out of the park compared to most other battery powered examples of the best portable projectors. It’s not enough to challenge daylight, but it’ll sizzle at night. At just over $1,000, it has competition, and you can also find 4K models around that price, though few have the portability on offer here. You can also get better color from triple-laser options like the LG CineBeam Q or JMGO N1S Pro, albeit at a lower brightness for the LG and no on-the-go use for the JMGO. If you’re planning to do most of your viewing at home, it’s probably worth getting a projector that skips the battery and puts more effort into picture quality. But if you want a robust all-in-one theater you can tote anywhere, the Anker Nebula Mars 3 is a commendable option. Anker Nebula Mars 3 review: price and release date Release date: July 2023 Price: $1,099 (around £850 / AU$1,645) The Anker Nebula Mars 3 launched in 2023 and is now readily available in the US for $1,099. It can occasionally be found for less, however, and was $50 off at the time of writing. The Nebula Mars 3 features a sliding lens door and is IPX3 water resistant (Image credit: Future) Anker Nebula Mars 3 review: Specs Swipe to scroll horizontally Screen sizes supported: 30-200 inches Brightness (specified): 1,000 lumens HDR support: NA Optical technology: LED DLP Smart TV: Android TV Connections: HDMI, USB-A, USB-C, 3.5mm audio out, DC power in Dimensions: 10.2 x 1.97 x 6.3 inches (H x W x D) Weight: 9.9 pounds The Nebula Mars 3’s rear-panel ports cover and flashlight feature (Image credit: Future) Anker Nebula Mars 3 review: design and features Built for portability and durability Convenient on-device controls Built-in speakers and Android TV operating system The Anker Nebula Mars 3 follows Anker’s Nebula series design language, bearing considerable resemblance to the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE projector. That said, there are considerable differences that make the Nebula Mars 3 stand out. This model is built for more of a rough-and-tumble, on-the-go lifestyle. It features a hardened case that can withstand half-meter drops and has IPX3 water resistance. The front has a sliding lens cover and the rear includes a rubber cover over the ports. A sizable, hard handle stretches across the top of the projector, extending from the front to the back. While it includes a remote control, the handle also has built-in controls for volume and navigation of the projector’s onboard operating system. Neither of these control options is quite perfect though, as the remote is fairly limited in what you can access with a single press and the built-in buttons lack many of the typical controls for navigating the projector’s Android TV smart TV interface. A key part of the portable nature of the Anker Nebula Mars 3 is its ability to operate outdoors. To that end, the projector integrates a beefy battery geared up to run for anywhere from 2 hours at full blast to 5 hours in a dimmer Eco mode. To help you keep track of power, the handle has a ring of lights that display battery level. The projector can also double as a Bluetooth speaker or a flashlight. A three-speaker built-in audio system resides near the front. It can pump out a good deal of sound, though only in mono and the dynamics are fairly weak. Meanwhile, an LED light bar sits along the rear, stretching out above a large exhaust vent and below the port cover. Since the Anker Nebula Mars 3 isn’t designed to have a permanent home, it has a small, adjustable stand underneath to help angle it up at projection surfaces wherever it’s ultimately set up. It also features a quick and effective system for automatically adjusting image focus, keystone, and framing. The projector’s Android TV 11 smart TV system is a little dated, but still effective as a streaming platform. Like many other projectors, though, it doesn’t get the Play Store version of Netflix, instead relying on a sideloaded version that offers a generally sub-par experience. If you’re off the grid and don’t have internet, the projector has a USB-A port and supports local media playback. To upgrade the audio experience, you can wire it up to external powered speakers using the AUX port or wirelessly pair it to a Bluetooth speaker. Design and features score: 4/5 The Android TV platform is used by the Nebula Mars 3 for streaming (Image credit: Future) Anker Nebula Mars 3 review: picture quality Good, but not exceptional picture Decent color and detail Enough battery power for a 2-hour-plus movie The Anker Nebula Mars 3 features an LED DLP projection system rated for 1,000 lumens and 1080p resolution. That’s about what should be expected from a projector sitting at around $1,000. Anker’s battery powered portable has a good-looking picture, but not an exceptional one. It isn’t the type of projector you’ll want if you’re viewing in a bright room, since its 1,000 lumens just aren’t enough to handle much ambient light. You might get by if you’re watching bright cartoons, but you really should be viewing with it in a dark space, and that extends to the outdoors as well. Controlling ambient lighting outdoors is even more difficult than indoors, and if you’re expecting a good viewing experience with lots of urban lighting present, you’ll be disappointed. That said, if you’re in a more rural area without much light pollution, the Anker Nebula Mars 3 should provide ample brightness after sunset. The color you’ll get from the Anker Nebula Mars 3 is decent, but no match for triple-laser portable projectors like the LG CineBeam Q. It doesn’t feel utterly lacking or poorly managed, and a show like Ru Paul’s Drag Race still had plenty of visual spark when I viewed it. Colors have modest vibrance, but just don’t get the same level of pop I’ve seen from HDR-capable projectors reaching toward 100% coverage of the UHDA-P3 color space. The same is true of its resolution. At a projected image size of around 65 inches, the projector’s 1080p image looks reasonably crisp, but go far above that and you will seeing more softness unless you sit further back. A larger image will also show an artifact of the projector’s DLP chip, which shows up as noticeable dithering (an effect like writhing small dots) when displaying dark colors over a large portion of the screen. The projector has a motion smoothing setting buried slightly in the settings menu under the label MEMC that is set to on by default. While it can smooth out certain motions, it creates all sorts of distracting effects, especially in action sequences like those in Gladiator. It’s worth turning off, which results in more natural motion. Many of the image trade-offs are a result of Anker needing to squeeze a battery in for the $1,099 price. And the battery makes it worth it. At full brightness, the Nebula Mars 3 was able to run for the entirety of a two-hour movie at 50% volume with a little over 20% charge to spare, which let it go for nearly 30 minutes longer. Annoyingly, if you’re nearing the end of your movie or show and the battery power starts to get low, your experience will be thoroughly interrupted by several low-battery warnings in a window that occupies a large portion of the display. Picture quality score: 3/5 A remote control is included, and there are also controls located on the projector’s handle (Image credit: Future) Anker Nebula Mars 3 review: value Great for portable use Brighter than other compact portables Better options for picture quality, but not portability The Anker Nebula Mars 3 is an interesting package. It’s not a great home theater projector for the money, as there are far more appealing options available in the same ballpark. But it’s an overall decent projector and a powerful portable one. The Nebula Mars 3 is quick to set up, and can run for hours at a time. It’s a knockout next to something like the Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen, which has a portable setup with an optional battery pack but isn’t nearly as bright. A competent projector you can bring anywhere and easily get up and running is something special, and the Anker Nebula Mars 3 nails the concept. It’s built to withstand surprises and has clever elements (like the lens cover and waterproofing) that let you easily grab it and go without worrying about a protective case. Value score: 4/5 The carrying handle control buttons (Image credit: Future) Swipe to scroll horizontally Anker Nebula Mars 3 Attributes Notes Rating Design and features The Anker Nebula Mars 3 has a projection system, Android TV, speakers, a built-in battery, and a light. That’s a lot to get in one package. 4/5 Picture quality & performance A decent projector, but far from a brilliant one. It doesn’t look killer at extra-large sizes, and the color saturation is modest. 3/5 Value Strikes a special value with its portability and is a serious threat against other portable options, with a big battery, loud speakers, robust design, and good brightness. 4/5 Should I buy the Anker Nebula Mars 3? (Image credit: Future) Buy it if… Don’t buy it if…  Also consider… Swipe to scroll horizontally Comparison: portable projectors Header Cell – Column 0 Anker Nebula Mars 3 Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen LG CineBeam Q Xgimi Horizon Ultra Price: $1,099 $799 $1,299 $1,699 Screen sizes supported: 30 to 200 inches 30 to 100 inches 50 to 120 inches 40 to 200 inches Brightness (specified): 1,000 lumens 230 ANSI lumens 500 ANSI lumens 2,300 ISO lumens HDR support NA NA HDR10, HLG HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision Optical technology: LED DLP LED DLP RGB laser DLP LED+laser DLP Smart TV: Android TV Tizen webOS Android TV Connections: 1x HDMI, 1x 3.5mm Micro-HDMI, USB-C (power) HDMI, USB type-C (display, power) 2 x HDMI (1 with eARC) (Image credit: Future) How I tested the Anker Nebula Mars 3 Tested at home in multiple, real-world viewing conditions Presented the display with a variety of media and formats I have tested numerous projectors and displays over the last half-decade I tested the Anker Nebula Mars 3 at home, in real-world conditions. This saw it faced with ambient light coming in from numerous windows, in-room lighting, as well as ambient noise that both the projector and speaker systems had to overcome. The projector was tested both against a bare, white wall and an Akia Screens CineWhite screen. It was presented with streamed content, both HDR and non-HDR. My testing evaluates the projector’s performance with respect to its price and competition from other models I and colleagues at TechRadar have tested. I have been testing projectors since 2021 and displays for even longer. First reviewed: November, 2024

Anker
Nebula
Cosmos
4K
SE:
two-minute
review

The

Anker
Nebula
Cosmos

4K
SE
is
a
laser
and
LED
smart
projector
capable
of
projecting
4K
Dolby-Vision-enhanced
imagery
up
to
200
inches.
It
was
first
released
in
the
US,
followed
by
the
UK
in
August
and
September
2024
for
a
list
price
of
$1,299.99
/
£1,299.99.

It’s
cheaper
than
its
predecessor,
the
Anker
Nebula
Cosmos
4K,
which
has
an
extra
400
ANSI
lumens
of
brightness,
and
a
full
laser
light
source,
compared
to
the
4K
SEs
laser
and
LED
HybridBeam.
The
Nebula
Cosmos
4K
SE
has
plenty
to
boast
about
though,
with

Google
TV
built-in,
offering
effortless
access
to
popular
streaming
apps
like
Netflix
and
Disney+,
and
many
other
useful
apps,
as
one
would
expect
from
Google.
There’s
decent
support
for
external
content
too,
with
HDMI
and
USB-C
ports
making
it
simple
to
connect
a
disc
drive
or
laptop.

The
Nebula
Cosmos
4K
SE
has
a
stated
brightness
of
1,800
ANSI
lumens
–
this
is
some
way
short
of
most
of
the

best
4K
projectors.
Our
testing
didn’t
provide
results
to
get
excited
about,
with
measurements
taken
including
122
nits
peak
brightness,
which
wasn’t
radically
different
from
the
BenQ
v5000i,
and
grayscale
accuracy
of
8,
plus
a
color
accuracy
of
3.4.

Coverage
of
the
UHDA-P3
color
gamut
came
in
at
88.9%,
with
BT.2020
reading
76.3%.
The
input
lag
measured
up,
with
35ms
of
lag
in
Game
Mode
Standard,
and
18.5ms
in
Game
Mode
Extreme.

(Image
credit:
Future)

Real-time
autofocus,
auto
keystone
correction,
and
auto
screen
fit
worked
well
when
projected
onto
small
targets,
but
I
found
I
had
to
manually
alter
the
four
keystone
points
to
get
the
image
to
sit
centrally
(just
about)
on
my
100-inch
screen.
I
could
only
watch
at
60
inches,
as
I
lacked
the
space
to
have
the
projector
the
required
7.8ft
/
2.4
meters
away
from
the
screen.
If
you
have
your
heart
set
on
getting
the
full
movie
theatre
experience
without
having
to
shell
out
on
a
house
extension,
I’d
recommend
taking
a
look
at
our
pick
of
the

Best
ultra
short
throw
projectors
instead.

When
it
comes
to
the
performance
of
the
contrast
and
brightness
when
watching
content,
darker
scenes
in
movies
and
TV
shows
with
a
dark
aesthetic
were
plagued
by
pixelated
grays
where
darker
areas
would
otherwise
be
visible
while
watching
on
a
TV.
This
isn’t
entirely
uncommon
for
projectors,
as
producing
dense
blacks
is
naturally
difficult
given
how
the
image
is
generated,
but
I
can’t
say
that
it
didn’t
subtract
from
the
otherwise
fabulous
viewing
experience.
Scenes
in

Damsel
and

Prometheus
in
particular
showcased
the
Cosmos
4K
SE’s
ability
to
deliver
stunningly
vivid
color
and
intricate
details,
no
doubt
thanks
to
the
addition
of
Dolby
Vision.
This,
along
with
the
two
built-in
15-watt
Dolby-Audio-enabled
speakers
made
watching
movies
and
series
with
this
projector
a
satisfyingly
immersive
experience.
You
can
read
further
details
about
this
in
the

Picture
Quality
section
below.

In
a
nutshell,
provided
you
have
the
space
to
achieve
the
screen
size
you
want,
you’re
happy
watching
content
in
little
more
than
a
dim
light,
and
you
have
the
space
to
place
this
chonky
example
of
a
portable
projector,
I’d
highly
recommend
the
Nebula
Cosmos
4K
SE.

(Image
credit:
Future)

Anker
Nebula
Cosmos
4K
SE
review:
price
and
availability

List
price:
$1,299.99
/
£1,299.99

Available
in
the
US
and
the
UK

Released
in
August
/
September
2024

The
Nebula
Cosmos
4K
SE
became
available
in
the
US
in
August
2024,
followed
by
the
UK
in
September
2024,
at
a
list
price
of
$1,299.99
/
£1,299.99.
Apart
from
the

Amazon
Prime
Day
sales,
when
it
dropped
to
$999
/
£999,
which
Anker
matched
on
the
Nebula
website,
the
cost
of
the
Nebula
Cosmos
4K
SE
looks
to
have
remained
at
its
usual
price.
At
the
time
of
writing,
the
Cosmos
4K
SE
is
not
available
in
Australia.

While
unlikely
to
be
a
spontaneous
purchase
at
this
price,
the
Nebula
Cosmos
4K
SE
is
still
miles
cheaper
than
all
but
one
in
our
choice
of
the

best
4K
projectors.

Anker
Nebula
Cosmos
4K
SE
review:
specs

Swipe
to
scroll
horizontally

Screen
sizes
supported

20
–
200
inches

Brightness
(specified)

1,800
ANSI
Lumens

HDR
support

Yes,
Dolby
Vision

Optical
technology

HybridBeam
(Laser+LED)DLP
0.47-inch
DMD

4K

Yes

Speaker

15W
×2
(Dolby
Audio)

OS

Google
TV

Connections

Bluetooth,
HDMI
2.1(eARC),
HDMI
2.1,
USB-A,
AUX,
AC-in

Dimensions

10.4
x
8.7
x
6.5
inches
/
264
x
221
x
165mm

Weight

9.9
lb
/
4.5kg

Anker
Nebula
Cosmos
4K
SE
review:
design
and
features

Google
TV
built-in

Large
but
technically
portable

Efficient
auto-correction
and
calibration
features

The
Nebula
Cosmos
4K
SE
just
about
classes
as
portable,
though
it
is
a
bit
of
a
chonk,
weighing
in
at
4.5kg
/9.9lb,
and
with
dimensions
of
10.4
x
8.7
x
6.5
inches
/
264
x
221
x
165mm.
I
was
able
to
pick
it
up
and
carry
it
about,
but
I
had
to
be
careful
about
it.
It
would
be
even
more
of
a
hassle
if
it
wasn’t
for
the
helpful,
and
comfortable
silicone
inbuilt
handle
that
protrudes
from
the
top
of
the
projector
body.

This
projector
is
solely
mains-powered,
with
no
built-in
battery
or
compatible
battery
pack.
So
while
you
might
be
able
to
carry
it
outside,
you’ll
need
to
have
access
to
a
suitable
power
outlet
for
al
fresco
viewing.

The
Nebula
Cosmos
4K
SE
uses
its
HybridBeam,
which
is
a
combo
of
laser
and
LED,
to
generate
images
with
up
to
a
specified
1,800
ANSI
lumens
of
brightness.
The
auto
screen
adjustment,
auto
keystone,
and
autofocus
features
did
a
great
job
of
projecting
images
that
were
rectangular
and
crisp
for
the
most
part,
especially
when
projecting
onto
smaller
targets,
which
for
me
in
particular
was
the
wall
space
next
to
my
bed.
However,
I
found
I
was
limited
to
just
60
inches
when
trying
to
watch
on
my
100-inch
screen.
This
forced
me
to
make
use
of
the
four-point
manual
keystone
correction,
as
the
Cosmos
4K
SE
insisted
on
fixing
the
60-inch
projection
to
the
upper-left
corner
of
the
screen
each
time,
which
looked
all
kinds
of
wrong.
After
some
investigating,
I
learned
that
the
4K
SE
needs
to
be
at
least
7.8
feet
/
2.4
meters
away
from
the
target
to
project
at
90
inches
or
above.
I
was
using
the
projector
in
quite
a
large
room,
so
this
seems
fairly
limiting.

(Image
credit:
Future)

Anker
claims
that
it’s
possible
to
watch
a
60-inch
projection
in
a
well-lit
room
with
windows
and
indirect
daylight,
but
unfortunately,
I
must
disagree.
The
issues
I’ve
already
mentioned
regarding
the
contrast
and
black
density
were
when
watching
in
darkness.
When
I
tried
to
watch
with
additional
light
sources
any
stronger
than
the
colorful
LED
strips
behind
my
TV,
this
contrast
issue
got
worse,
and
anything
more
than
very
dim
sunlight
made
it
very
difficult
to
see
most
of
what
was
going
on
in
whatever
I
was
watching.

Having
a
light
source
in
the
room
also
plays
havoc
with
the
Wall
Color
Calibration
feature,
which
is
intended
to
alter
the
coloring
of
the
projection
so
that
it
still
looks
correct
regardless
of
the
color
of
the
wall
you’re
projecting
against.
I
tested
this
out
in
our
TechRadar
music
room,
which
is
painted
a
deep
teal
color.
When
I
tried
this
with
some
indirect
sunlight
coming
from
the
small
window
far
over
to
the
right
on
the
same
wall
I
was
projecting
onto,
the
“color
corrected”
image
had
an
off-putting
blue
tint
to
it.
When
I
repeated
the
calibration
with
the
lights
off,
it
worked
perfectly,
and
I
was
really
impressed.

(Image
credit:
Future)

I
found
the
Nebula
Cosmos
4K
SE
easy
to
control
thanks
to
the
backlit
remote
control’s
handy
voice
assistant
feature,
as
I
could
ask
Google
to
whisk
me
straight
to
the
content
I
wanted.
The
Nebula
Connect
app
also
worked
well
as
a
remote
control,
too.

I
love
that
the
Nebula
Cosmos
4K
SE
comes
with
Google
TV
built-in,
as
in
my
experience
it
has
proven
to
be
the
most
efficient
Android
TV
OS
by
far.
As
expected,
it
provides
access
to
all
of
the
popular
streaming
apps
like
Netflix,
Disney
Plus,
Prime
Video,
and

Apple
TV,
plus
easy
access
to

YouTube,
naturally.
It’s
simple
to
access
content
from
external
sources
too,
thanks
to
the
USB-C
input
and
the
two
HDMI
ports,
one
of
which
is
a
HDMI
2.1
(eARC),
supporting
4K
visuals
at
60
hertz,
with
lossless
transmission.

When
it
comes
to
audio
output,
the
Nebula
Cosmos
4K
SE
has
two
built-in
15-watt
speakers
enabled
with
Dolby
Audio.
I
didn’t
observe
any
issues
with
the
sound
quality
during
my
testing,
I
was
very
satisfied
with
the
quality.
I
would
have
picked
up
quite
quickly
if
there
were
any
issues
that
a
typical
user
would
notice
–
I’ve
tested
a
lot
of
Bluetooth
speakers
in
my
time
so
I
will
spot
from
a
mile
off
poor
clarity
or
if
the
bass
and
treble
are
below
par.

Design
score:
4/5

Anker
Nebula
Cosmos
4K
SE
review:
picture
quality

Beautifully
vivid
color

Disappointing
lack
of
contrast

Immersive
cinematic
experience

When
I
got
my
hands
on
the
Cosmos
4K
SE,
I
was
really
excited
to
try
it
out.
I’d
previously
tested
the
Nebula
Mars
3
Air
back
in
my
freelancing
days,
which
I
loved,
so
I
was
expecting
big
things
from
the
4K
SE.

After
letting
it
warm
up
for
an
hour,
myself
and
my
colleague
James
conducted
tests
to
evaluate
the
projector’s
capabilities.
The
peak
brightness,
when
viewing
in
Movie
Mode
and
measured
on
a
white
10%
window
pattern,
was
122
nits
in
SDR,
which
isn’t
far
off
the
peak
brightness
reading
we
got
for
the
more
expensive

BenQ
v5000i,
and
119
in

HDR,
surpassing
the
reading
we
got
for
the
BenQ.

The
color
performance
figures
that
resulted
from
our
testing
didn’t
blow
me
away,
but
at
this
price
and
for
casual
viewing,
I
can
forgive
the
Cosmos
4K
SE
for
this.
The
projector
achieved
a
Grayscale
accuracy
of
8,
and
a
3.4
for
color
accuracy,
which
was
just
a
whisker
off
our
target
level
of
3.

Coverage
of
the
BT.2020
scored
76.3%,
and
the
UHDA-P3
color
gamut
coverage
was
also
nothing
to
shout
about
at
88.9%
meaning
that,
although
the
colors
were
satisfyingly
vivid,
they
weren’t
as
rich
and
varied
as
those
projected
by
the

LG
CineBeam
Q,
which
gave
an
impressive
reading
of
98.7%.
These
test
figures
were
obtained
while
viewing
in
HDR
Movie
Mode.
The
input
lag
in
Game
Mode
Standard
was
35ms,
and
in
Gaming
Mode
Extreme
was
18.5ms,
which
supports
Anker’s
claims
of
the
4K
SE
being
low
latency
with
under
19ms
of
lag
and
should
satisfy
the
majority
of
casual
gamers.

(Image
credit:
Future)

In
terms
of
the
brightness
and
contrast
when
viewing
there
were
mixed
results.
In
lighter
scenes,
the
whites
and
colors
were
satisfyingly
bright
and
dazzling,
but
the
handling
of
the
contrast
in
dark
scenes
left
a
lot
to
be
desired.
The
first
film
I
watched
on
the
Cosmos
4K
SE
was

Damsel
on
Netflix,
starring
Millie
Bobby
Brown.
I
can
easily
jump
straight
into
all
the
positives,
as
I
was
stunned
by
the
beautiful
imagery
that
the
projector
delivered,
but
I’ll
get
the
negative
out
of
the
way
first.
It
was
clear
fairly
early
on
that
there
was
a
contrast
issue.

When
the
main
character
Elodie
enters
a
dark
cave,
all
detail
is
lost
around
her,
with
stonework
being
replaced
with
grey
pixelated
sections.
Achieving
a
quality
deep
black
can
prove
difficult
for
projectors,
especially
those
that
don’t
possess
full
laser
optical
technology
–
with
a
238:1
contrast
ratio
reading
from
the
Cosmos
4K
SE,
it’s
hardly
surprising
that
it
didn’t
perform
brilliantly
in
this
area.
Aside
from
this,
there
were
so
many
scenes
that
took
advantage
of
the
projector’s
strengths,
likely
due
to
the
presence
of
Dolby
Vision.
The
scenes
involving
the
luminescent
grubs
and
the
crystal
caves
were
visually
stunning,
with
the
vivid
colors
and
clarity
making

Damsel
a
delight
to
watch.

During
the
opening
sequence
of

Prometheus,
the
level
of
brightness
was
impressive,
as
was
the
color
density.
The
delicate
details
on
the
spaceship
as
it
came
in
to
land
were
visible
and
clear,
as
were
the
pores
and
veins
on
the
Engineer’s
face.
The
level
of
intricacy
in
the
DNA
scenes
when
the
strands
were
getting
affected
by
the
black
pathogen
highly
impressed
me
too.
The
scene
that
really
caught
my
attention,
though,
was
when
David
has
a
drop
of
Chemical
A0-3959X.91
on
the
tip
of
his
finger.
The
close-up
shots
of
this
were
visually
stunning,
so
much
so
that
I
started
to
calculate
quite
how
I
could
incorporate
a
projector
screen
into
my
living
room
on
a
permanent
basis.
Despite
the
darker
scenes
in

Maleficent
and

Damsel
noticeably
lacking
contrast,
similar
scenes
appear
to
be
handled
better
in

Prometheus;
they
still
weren’t
perfect,
but
darker
details
were
more
visible.

(Image
credit:
Future)

Despite
my
undeniable
admiration
of
the
Nebula
Cosmos
4K
SE,
I
wouldn’t
recommend
it
to
anyone
who
regularly
enjoys
programs
with
a
darker
aesthetic.
Series
like

Marvel’s

Daredevil
take
a
real
hit
due
to
the
lack
of
good
contrast,
making
the
scenes
appear
grainy
and
low-quality.

In

Avengers:
Age
of
Ultron,
playback
was
smooth
during
intense
fight
scenes,
with
the
images
remaining
crisp
and
high
quality,
despite
the
fast
movement.
The
detail
is
fantastic
once
again,
with
the
intricate
weave
of
the
fabric
of
Hawk
Eye’s
suit
clearly
visible.

Despite
my
undeniable
admiration
of
the
Nebula
Cosmos
4K
SE,
I
wouldn’t
recommend
it
to
anyone
who
regularly
enjoys
programs
with
a
darker
aesthetic,
even
when
watching
in
the
dark.
Series
such
as
Marvel’s

Daredevil
take
a
real
hit
due
to
the
lack
of
good
contrast,
making
the
scenes
appear
grainy
and
low-quality,
which
is
a
real
shame
considering
the
projector’s
fabulous
performance
in
other
areas.

Picture
quality
score:
4/5

Anker
Nebula
Cosmos
4K
SE
review:
value

Good
picture
quality
for
the
price

Delivers
a
satisfying
at-home
cinema
experience

Uses
Laser
and
LED
hybrid
optical
technology

At
$1,299.99
/
£1,299.99,
the
Nebula
Cosmos
4K
SE
is
$400
/
£400
cheaper
than
the
previous
model,
the
Nebula
Cosmos
4K,
despite
the
4K
SE
having
a
large
projection
range,
Google
TV
built
in,
and
Dolby
Vision.
This
price
difference
is
likely
due
to
the
400
additional
ANSI
lumens
and,
more
importantly,
due
to
the
original
4K
utilizing
a
laser
light
source,
compared
to
the
4K
SE’s
laser
and
LED
HybridBeam,
which
could
explain
its
lackluster
brightness.

Overall,
the
viewing
experience
was
fantastic
when
in
a
dimly
lit
room,
and
the
sound
quality
was
spot
on.
It
was
like
having
a
pop-up
cinema,
with
beautifully
vivid
colors
and
no
problems
with
fast-paced
scenes.
The
downsides
can’t
be
ignored,
however,
with
a
lack
of
contrast
in
some
darker
scenes
when
watching
in
the
dark,
and
a
distractingly
bad
lack
of
contrast
and
brightness
issues
when
watching
in
the
light,
despite
viewing
at
the
projection
size
that
Anker
claims
would
be
visible
in
a
well-lit
environment.

While
it’s
pretty
chunky,
and
not
exactly
an
attractive
addition
to
the
decor
unless
it’s
situated
in
a
casual
TV
and
gaming
den,
it
feels
suitably
robust
for
the
price.
While
the
size
and
weight
initially
made
me
question
its
apparent
portability,
this
weight
pales
in
comparison
to
other
4K
projectors
such
as
the

Samsung
The
Premiere
9,
and
the
carry
handle
definitely
makes
moving
it
about
a
simpler
task.
If
the
Nebula
Cosmos
4K
SE
might
upset
your
Feng
Shui,
then
fear
not,
as
more
attractive
alternatives
are
available,
such
as
the

LG
CineBeam
Q,
which
you
can
learn
a
little
more
about
in
the

Also
Consider
section
below.

Value
score:
4/5

(Image
credit:
Future)

Should
I
buy
the
Anker
Nebula
Cosmos
4K
SE?

Buy
it
if

Don’t
buy
it
if

Anker
Nebula
Cosmos
4K
SE
review:
also
consider

Swipe
to
scroll
horizontally

Header
Cell
–
Column
0

Anker
Nebula
Cosmos
4K
SE

Anker
Nebula
Cosmos
Laser
4K

Hisense
PX3-Pro

LG
CineBeam
Q

Price

$1,299.99
/
£1,299.99

$1,999.99
/
£1,799.99

$3,499
/
£2,499

$1,299
/
£1,299
/
AU$2,499

Screen
sizes
supported

20
–
200
inches

60
–
150
inches

80-150
inches

50
–120
inches

Brightness
(specified)

1,800
ANSI
Lumens

2,200
ANSI
Lumens

3,000
ANSI
Lumens

500
ANSI
lumens

HDR
support

Yes,
Dolby
Vision

Yes

Yes,
Dolby
Vision

Yes

Optical
technology

HybridBeam
(Laser+LED)DLP
0.47″
DMD

Laser
DLP

3-laser
DLP

RGB
laser
DLP

4K

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Speaker

15W
×2
(Dolby
Audio)

10W
×2
+
5W
×2
(Dolby
Atmos)

Dolby
Atmos
and
IMAX
Enhanced
for
DTS

3-watt
mono
speaker

OS

Google
TV

Android
TV
10.0
(dongle)

Google
TV

WebOS

Connections

Bluetooth,
HDMI
2.1(eARC),
HDMI
2.1,
USB-A,
AUX,
AC-in

Bluetooth,
HDMI
2.0
(ARC),
USB-A,
AUX,
AC-in

2
x
HDMI
2.1,
HDMI
2.0
(eARC),
2
x
USB-A,
optical
digital
audio
out,
3.5mm
audio
out,
Ethernet

Bluetooth,
HDMI,
USB-C
(display,
power)

Dimensions

10.4
x
8.7
x
6.5
inches
/
264
x
221
x
165mm

10.4
x
8.7
x
6.5
inches
/
264
x
221
x
165
mm

21.7
x
11.7
x
4.8
inches
/
550
x
300
x
122mm

5.3
x
3.1
x
5.3
inches
/
135
x
79
x
135mm

Weight

9.9
lb
/
4.5
kg

10.7
lb
/
4.9
kg

19.8
lb
/
9
kg

3.3
pounds
/
1.5
kg

How
I
tested
the
Anker
Nebula
Cosmos
4K
SE

Tested
at
home
and
in
the
TechRadar
music
and
TV
testing
rooms

Tested
in
different
lighting
conditions

Measurements
were
made
using
Calman
color
calibration
software

I
got
the
Anker
Nebula
Cosmos
4K
SE
setup
and
had
an
explore
around
the
available
features,
apps,
and
settings.
I
tried
out
the
various
display
presets
to
determine
the
most
satisfying
option
for
casual
viewing.
I
watched
several
films,
series,
and
online
content
to
establish
how
well
the
projector
handled
the
different
aesthetics.
I
tested
the
visibility
of
the
projection
by
watching
in
total
darkness,
minimal
lighting,
and
daylight.

My
colleague,
TV
expert
James,
and
I,
measured
the
white
balance
(grayscale),
gamma,
and
color
point
accuracy
using
Portrait
Displays’
Calman
color
calibration
software.
The
results
provided
Delta-E
values
(the
margin
of
error
between
the
test
pattern
source
and
what’s
shown
on-screen)
for
each
category,
providing
us
with
figures
to
assess
the
projector’s
overall
accuracy.

We
also
ran
tests
to
obtain
measurements
of
the
peak
light
output
in
both
standard
and
high
dynamic
range
modes,
and
measured
the
coverage
of
DCI-P3
and
BT.2020
color
space,
to
obtain
readings
that
determine
how
well
the
projector
can
render
the
extended
color
range.
Finally,
we
measured
the
contrast
ratio,
determining
the
brightest
white
to
the
darkest
black
that
the
projector
is
capable
of
displaying,
and
the
input
lag,
which
is
an
important
reading
if
you’re
looking
for
a
gaming
projector
in
particular.

Read
more
about

how
we
test.

First
reviewed
October
2024