(checked 2026-10-10)Very small sample (90 ratings).
A smaller, cheaper take on the C2 Ultra that Wirecutter and CNET both pick as their budget 4K choice: sharp, high-contrast, with good sound for its size. It's less than half as bright (about 800 to 950 lumens measured), it has a single HDMI port, and Wirecutter found video ads on the home screen.
Top complaints
- Much dimmer than the C2 Ultra
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.
- Few ports and home-screen video ads
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'.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), CNET best projectors - More rainbow artifacts than usual
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.
Source: PCMag review
What owners love
- High contrast and accurate color
Wirecutter measured slightly higher native contrast and a more neutral white than the C2 Ultra. CNET measured 1,482:1 contrast and calls the colors fairly accurate. PCMag says Filmmaker mode delivers solid color and spot-on contrast.
- Good sound for a compact projector
PCMag calls the dual 10 W speakers a pleasant surprise that fill a large family room. Wirecutter says it's fuller than most projectors, though not as rich as the C2 Ultra.
Source: PCMag review, Wirecutter (NYT) - Compact and quick to set up
8.6 lb with a stand that rotates 360 degrees; auto focus, keystone and wall-color correction needed no manual fixes (PCMag). Amazon shoppers say it works right out of the box and is highly portable.
- Your room is bright or you want a very big screen
- You need more than one HDMI input
- You are sensitive to DLP rainbow effects
- A 100-inch picture in a room you can darken
- A compact all-in-one projector with good speakers
- Movie fans who care about contrast and color
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Budget pick for a living room (updated 2026-10-05). Sharp, high-contrast image, but it isn't as bright as the C2 Ultra, has few connections and shows home-screen video ads.
- CNET: Best budget 4K projector, 8.0/10. Compact with fairly accurate color; Vidaa is uncommon and the price may be a little high.
- PCMag: 4.0/5. Strong image quality and audio for $1,299.99, but dimmer than the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE and prone to visible rainbows.