Projectors: the downsides, first

Wirecutter says power runs through the swiveling stand, so you have to use it even if you don't want its speakers. The stand can screw into a mount but won't lock the projector in place, so it's a poor fit for a dedicated theater. PCMag measured 13.9 lb, the largest model it has seen in this class.

Amazon's review summary says reliability gets mixed reviews, with some owners running into issues. One recent 1-star Amazon review says the image started flickering after 12 days. About 15% of Amazon ratings are 1 or 2 stars, though the listing pools other Hisense C-series models.

PCMag lists the single-chip DLP design's possible rainbow artifacts as its one con. Wirecutter notes there's no lens shift (keystone and zoom adjustments soften 4K detail and add lag), and the two HDMI 2.0 inputs can't take 4K at 120 Hz. Deep bass at high volume can make the cabinet rattle.

Wirecutter measured a maximum of 949 lumens, less than half the C2 Ultra, and says you'll need some light control. CNET measured 803 lumens. PCMag says the similarly priced Nebula Cosmos 4K SE is noticeably brighter.

Wirecutter notes a single HDMI input and USB port, with audio out only via HDMI eARC or Bluetooth. A video ad with sound played whenever it opened the Vidaa home screen. CNET calls Vidaa 'fine but not common' and the price 'maybe a little overpriced'.

PCMag saw rainbow artifacts in dark-room viewing more often and more obviously than with most DLP projectors, and its unit wouldn't sync with its lag tester. Default modes looked vivid but not always accurate until it switched to Filmmaker mode.

Wirecutter notes you must sideload Netflix. A top Amazon reviewer says that after a year the built-in Android TV stays sluggish despite updates, and others recommend a streaming stick. Amazon's summary mentions a buggy interface.

At 9.9 lb it needs a sturdy tripod (Wirecutter, PCMag). It has no USB video input (Wirecutter). PCMag had trouble connecting some 1080p sources. A 1-star Amazon review says copy-protected movies downloaded to a phone wouldn't play while camping.

Amazon's summary says opinions on value are mixed, with some calling it comparable to non-portable models at the price. PCMag found the ring of battery LEDs on the handle distracting when sitting behind it, and it has no optical zoom.

CNET measured 985 lumens in Living Room mode and calls brightness 'rather average', its most disappointing trait. The 1,794-lumen Bright mode looks visibly green. For a 150-inch screen, CNET says the Epson 2350 is the better choice.

CNET lists no internet connection, so you'll need a streaming stick. It accepts 4K but downconverts to 1080p, and CNET calls it 'a little pricey for 1080p'. Its built-in speakers are fine for a projector, but CNET says none of them sound particularly good.

Amazon's summary says some owners report it lasting over a year while others report failure (described as the bulb) in under 100 hours. The HT2060 uses LEDs, so these reviews may be pooled with the older lamp-based model.

CNET measured about 252 lumens (400 claimed) and says a plug-in projector at a similar price can be 8x brighter. Amazon's summary says some owners find it not bright enough, and a Walmart reviewer says to buy the brighter Mars 3 if you mainly watch outdoors.

CNET lists shorter battery life and a slightly high price: 2.5 hours claimed in Eco mode, about 30% as bright as normal. Wirecutter got 2.5 hours at 50% brightness and 1.5 hours at full. CNET also says it is outperformed by larger portables.

Wirecutter couldn't secure it to its large-plate tripod and notes a DC power brick instead of USB-C. CNET says Google TV scatters projector settings across menus and offers no basic brightness control. Amazon's summary calls functionality mixed.

CNET measured 348:1 contrast and says letterbox bars look gray and the image flat beside the BenQ HT2060 and HT2050A. A projector installer on Walmart says DLP 4K models do better at this price.

Amazon's summary notes reliability concerns, with some units failing after 14 months. On Walmart (reviews syndicated from epson.com), one owner says the lamp blew three times in 18 months and another got units with stuck pixels and uneven focus. CNET's unit shut itself off from heat once after a day of gaming.

CNET says it's very loud at its brightest setting and vents hot air. Amazon and Walmart owners report loud fan noise. Walmart reviewers call the bundled Android TV stick buggy (freezes, Bluetooth that won't reconnect) and say it always boots to the stick's input.

Wirecutter measured good contrast and black level, but says brightness, color saturation and accuracy are nowhere near its picks. Amazon's summary says brightness gets mixed feedback and it isn't suitable with bright lights or sun.

Wirecutter notes there's no built-in battery (it runs from USB-C). Its supplied power cord didn't fit the port, and the Roku remote lacks buttons for input switching and autofocus. An optional stand isn't height-adjustable.

CNET measured 84 lumens (150 claimed). Anker recommends 30 to 80 inches, and at 100 inches the projector keeps asking you to move closer. Amazon's summary says some owners find the brightness insufficient.

CNET lists 'not very accurate' as a con and notes the 720p resolution when most projectors are 1080p or 4K.

Amazon's summary says setup and sound get mixed reviews, from easy setup to an 'infuriating' one, and crackling sound after three months of light use. Autofocus and value also get mixed reactions.