$50 vs $12,000 Projectors Side by Side || Budget vs Performance Comparisons.

$50 vs $12,000 Projectors Side by Side || Budget vs Performance Comparisons.

I tested 12 of my top rated projectors from different budget categories to figure out how much increased performance you get by increasing your budget. These are the budget sweet spots:

$125-200: Groview JQ818C ⭐
Amazon: https://amzn.to/47oaf7r

$200-300: Nexigo PJ40 ⭐⭐
Amazon (Gen3): https://amzn.to/3OKpgK2
Amazon (Gen2, main listing): https://amzn.to/3HYXF3V

$1200-1800: Hisense C1 (Global) ⭐⭐⭐
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PzDeit
ProjectorScreen(dot)com: https://www.projectorscreen.com/hisense-cube-c1-smart-mini-projector-4k–uhd-portable-triple-laser-built-in-speakers?af=hookup-af

$1800-2700: Nexigo Aurora Pro ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Fei4k7
ProjectorScreen(.)com: https://www.projectorscreen.com/nexigo-pj92-aurora-pro-4k-triple-laser-ultra-short-throw-projector-2400-lumens-ust.html?af=hookup-af

$10000+: JVC DLA-NZ8 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3xzdNHg
ProjectorScreen(.)com: https://www.projectorscreen.com/jvc-nz8-8k-laser-projector-for-home-theater.html?af=hookup-af

Bright Room Projectors:
Dangbei Mars Pro ☀️☀️
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3JOP5Gg

AWOL LTV-3500 Pro ☀️☀️☀️☀️
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3IxRtAe

**As an Amazon Affiliate I earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you**

Color Gamut and Accuracy Testing done with hardware and software from: https://www.portrait.com/

Support my channel directly:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thehookup

Music by www.BenSound.com
00:00 Introduction
00:30 Under $75: Happrun H1
01:46 $75-125: Zoaybu GC357
02:38 $125-200: Groview JQ818C
03:34 $200-300: Nexigo PJ40
04:40 $300-450: Wanbo Mozart 1 Pro
06:01 $450-600 Paris Rhone 4K
06:55 $600-800 JMGO N1
07:58 $800-1200 Dangbei Mars Pro
09:16 $1200-1800 Hisense C1
10:28 $1800-2700 Nexigo Aurora Pro
12:18 $2700-4000 Epson LS11000
14:18 $4000-6000 AWOL LTV-3500 Pro
16:02 $6000-12000 JVC DLA NZ8
19:54 Conclusions – Budget Sweet Spots

50 Comments

  1. @qbukhari on May 10, 2025 at 1:59 pm

    Hats off to your hardwork…….
    Now my 2 cents….. its damn clear that even expensice projectors dont perform well.
    Better stick with a QLED budget LED TV

  2. @LoganKirkmanGames on May 10, 2025 at 2:01 pm

    any opinion on the new nexigo aurora pro 2? worth getting it over the original pro?

  3. @vijaykumarvuba845 on May 10, 2025 at 2:01 pm

    hi, can you please share your thoughts on WeMAX nova projector, is it good one to buy?

  4. @nunyabeesnuss8505 on May 10, 2025 at 2:01 pm

    The nexigo pj40 was really great while it was working properly, but it has terrible longevity. You can find reports all over reddit of burn in and dark spots developing after a few months. I had mine for about 4 months in a very cold air conditioned room and it still burned in. If you want a projector that will last, avoid nexigo.

  5. @__aceofspades on May 10, 2025 at 2:03 pm

    Great review; but id like to follow it up with a huge caveat. Never buy a projector to replace a TV. As we saw, and as many of us have experienced, they are pretty awful unless you have a blacked out room. They also have loud fans, and can be award to find a good position for them in a room (unless youre willing to ceiling mount them). Large TV’s are incredibly cheap these days, $500 for a 75"… Now obviously thats not going to be a great TV, but dollar for dollar a TV is going to be better quality than a projector. Having a projector create a 100" screen is magical, but there are just so many downsides that projectors are hard to recommend IMO.

  6. @kissthesky40 on May 10, 2025 at 2:03 pm

    Wow that was the best analysis video I’ve ever seen.

  7. @martinhumble on May 10, 2025 at 2:03 pm

    Led lumen is not Ansi lumen

  8. @dagg497 on May 10, 2025 at 2:05 pm

    At 500$-1200$ you should have thrown in Epsons "EB" business/office lineup!
    All of them are over 3500-6000lumens and have a 3LCD setup and resolution 1920×1200 and support 1080/4k input. Great budget choices for a punch in image quality!

  9. @Vagolyk on May 10, 2025 at 2:05 pm

    The real event is Happrun H1 vs. Zoaybu G357. Is there a new champion under 100$?

  10. @GenX_in_the_wild on May 10, 2025 at 2:05 pm

    I got the Haprun h1 and I was amazed by the brightness and usability. However after a few days and watching movies I can not enjoy it any more. Picture is not sharp, colors are off, faces look washed out.. I think I am more demanding then I thought.. 😮

  11. @ChrisD4335 on May 10, 2025 at 2:06 pm

    the take away i got is if your sending $50 or $300 you get basically the same experience so go fifty. Paying $2000+ for a toy is foolish

  12. @RamanSingh-iy7ig on May 10, 2025 at 2:12 pm

    Hi, what do you recommend? nexigo pj40 vs yaber k3

  13. @teevee2145 on May 10, 2025 at 2:19 pm

    Thank you

  14. @danielesp3458 on May 10, 2025 at 2:20 pm

    Patrocinado por NEXIGO.

  15. @TheHookUp on May 10, 2025 at 2:21 pm

    *Want to make sure you’re getting the best deal on one of my recommended products? We manually track the Amazon prices with sales and promo codes here:* https://www.thesmarthomehookup.com/price-tracker/

    All the projectors in this video were "Winners" from my other unsponsored reviews, watch them here:
    Best Sub $100 Budget Projectors: https://youtu.be/ooFvyudbxNE
    Best $100-$600 Midrange Projectors: https://youtu.be/8mVX_29gXHE
    Best Portable Projectors: https://youtu.be/yvtpArSHXeU
    Best 4K Lifestyle Projectors: https://youtu.be/3KmKv-TTIQQ
    Best Ultra Short Throw Projectors: https://youtu.be/Ef0tNjGDoOU
    Best Premium Home Theater Projectors: https://youtu.be/TjgXfRMtmSU
    Best UST Projector Screens: https://youtu.be/2b8PXZtL1q8

  16. @Kristjan_N on May 10, 2025 at 2:24 pm

    Great content! But, what about CLR screens for standard throw projectors? Surely they’d improve the image beyond just a white screen? 🙂

  17. @bluesea2023 on May 10, 2025 at 2:24 pm

    My 55$ Projector looks amazing at 100inch so 12k …. thanks but no thanks.
    My cheap Projector is very good until 220inch but past 300inch its no longer 1080p.
    At 300in its like DVD quality basically

  18. @kaigeertsma6139 on May 10, 2025 at 2:24 pm

    What about the nexigo vs the victorian series?

  19. @christendsouza5845 on May 10, 2025 at 2:27 pm

    Just what I wanted!! Ultimate reviewer!! Subscribed!!

  20. @aaronjohnson4573 on May 10, 2025 at 2:29 pm

    I currently have an Epson 8350. What would I have to spend to see a noticeable increase in picture quality? I would like to upgrade to 4k. Would 1500 do it? What would you recommend?

  21. @Its_just_me_again on May 10, 2025 at 2:29 pm

    iv looked at most of ur vids and can’t seem to see any mention / comparison for the WiMiUS K9? if you have, could u plz point me in the direction of which vid. thx

  22. @bruno3833 on May 10, 2025 at 2:30 pm

    its not fair to compare some projectors on alr screens and some on white screens

  23. @willbohland3698 on May 10, 2025 at 2:31 pm

    Cobra Kai never dies.

  24. @paulking2039 on May 10, 2025 at 2:33 pm

    Have wasted loads on projectors over the years, there’s always a massive improvement just a few years later and time to upgrade. Will only buy one more, unless win the lottery.
    Have a Panasonic somewhere which should be on ebay.
    Will buy an Epsom 4k when next move, the tv is now in way, but don’t miss the projector that much. If only they still made films worth watching.
    Good reviews though.

  25. @khakas1i on May 10, 2025 at 2:34 pm

    why no acer projectors in review?

  26. @TinoushGTR on May 10, 2025 at 2:35 pm

    Is it fair to test aurora with a gray screen and others on the white? You get hell a lot more contrast that way.

  27. @Vectorr66 on May 10, 2025 at 2:37 pm

    Man I am still running my epson 1080 from about 15 years ago.

  28. @cruzyosabeth on May 10, 2025 at 2:38 pm

    Hello love your content
    I would like to see your opinion about the Yaber K3 projector with image and clarity tests if it has what it says and compare if the price is good for what it offers. Thank you

  29. @Ash.Phoenix on May 10, 2025 at 2:40 pm

    Hi! I’m a big fan of your channel. I’d really appreciate if I could ask for your thoughts on EPSON CO-W01 vs. Anker Capsule Air vs. Anker Caspule 2/3? Just for streaming, no gaming
    Thank you so much!

  30. @Heyjjj123 on May 10, 2025 at 2:41 pm

    Can you do video about yaber k2s and k3?

  31. @gooblygob on May 10, 2025 at 2:42 pm

    Sound just like Anderson Cooper

  32. @apocalypseap on May 10, 2025 at 2:44 pm

    Man the projector market is so flooded with bad value products. Not even many decent value ones. Just bad.

  33. @bjorkstal2041 on May 10, 2025 at 2:44 pm

    Nexigo pj40 gen 3 vs Benq Gv50? I like the benq because you can out of the box rotate it. Not sure how it works with pj40.

    My major need is to watch movies and some video gaming at home. Pretty small apartment and or course alot daylight can come in (don’t usually watch movies during the day anyway…).

    Hope you guys can help out, choosing a projector is quite… confusing. Cheers!

  34. @dubsar on May 10, 2025 at 2:45 pm

    Add tariffs.

  35. @wesfoulds47 on May 10, 2025 at 2:45 pm

    Please do a review on the weejector R2

  36. @ryanmoffitt6882 on May 10, 2025 at 2:46 pm

    I have a dedicated theatre under my garage and an old JVC projector on the ceiling. While the short throw projector had the best results, I think I need to pinch my pennies and get the NZ-7 or the NZ-8.

  37. @Amkag-q3n on May 10, 2025 at 2:46 pm

    How do you see Nexigo compare with the Valerion Pro 2? Is Valerion still a good value with its new price?

  38. @pablo197924 on May 10, 2025 at 2:47 pm

    Me gustaría que ubiras comparado o me des un opinión del viewsonic xp701-4k por favor.

  39. @neilghosh7148 on May 10, 2025 at 2:47 pm

    Really appreciate how thorough you are, excellent reviews. Where would the GV50 slot into this list?

  40. @eric4903 on May 10, 2025 at 2:48 pm

    I think the cost delta of a typical screen vs ALR screen should have been mentioned, and of course the downsides like no option for an acoustically transparent screen. The ALR screen made the difference it seems, where other UST projectors would likely have shown a similar, punching above their weight class performance.

  41. @ramsey4630 on May 10, 2025 at 2:48 pm

    Should i get the happeun h1 or the groview?

  42. @TurboLoveTrain on May 10, 2025 at 2:48 pm

    An operating system on a projector is silly. Streaming apps are absolute garbage.
    Hook your projector up to a minicomputer and you can add block everything and still p!rate. As an added bonus of using a media-PC you can usually fix buffering issues.

  43. @RobotMowerTricks on May 10, 2025 at 2:50 pm

    I’d be curious how the top lumens to price value projectors stack up. Such as the Panasonic PT-VMW50 with 5000 lumens for $1800 without all the bells and whistles

  44. @gameotic1 on May 10, 2025 at 2:51 pm

    This man is definitely owner of projector shop 😂

  45. @Johan_Liebert-Me on May 10, 2025 at 2:51 pm

    Hey I’m from india and in the Indian market under 200 dollars there are companies like egate, wzatco, and many others providing 1080p projectors. I don’t know which to buy . Can you look into these projectors

  46. @RaJa-rw4wh on May 10, 2025 at 2:51 pm

    Can someone please share the best settings and calibrations for the Nexigo pj40 3gen projector? I’m using it with a Mecool km2 plus deluxe TV box, and there are a wide range of settings that I don’t understand.

    I use it mainly for watching movies and anime, and I prefer the picture quality to be as close as possible to a TV. I also want the colors to be neither too cool nor too warm.

  47. @luissuarez8854 on May 10, 2025 at 2:53 pm

    Great video
    I want to upgrade my Epson 1060 projector is the jmgo n1 a good upgrade?

  48. @angryscottishidiot on May 10, 2025 at 2:54 pm

    This is how all tech compare videos should be done. Thank you so much!

  49. @wesfoulds47 on May 10, 2025 at 2:56 pm

    Please do a review on the weejector R2

  50. @dagg497 on May 10, 2025 at 2:57 pm

    You should have used ALR/white and Gray screens in your tests aswell. Gray screen or ALR screens are the only two viable options in my opinion, the projector screen is 50% of how good your image will look!

    Chinese company "XY screens" have screens that are cheap both for long throw and short through purposes and High contrast screens.

    I bought them because Dupont screens and elite screens cost 10 times more in Europe.

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