ConsFirst / Projectors / Compare
Nebula Mars 3 vs BenQ HT2060
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Nebula Mars 3 ranks higher (#3 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on brightness, built-in sound, smart features & setup. BenQ HT2060 wins on picture quality.
The biggest complaint about the Nebula Mars 3 is android tv is sluggish; netflix needs a workaround; for the BenQ HT2060 it's only average brightness. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Nebula Mars 3 | BenQ HT2060 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in projectors | #3 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$ |
| Type | Portable | Home theater |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 12% | 5% |
| Overall score | 3.7 | 3.2 |
| Picture quality | 3.5 | 4.5 |
| Brightness | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| Built-in sound | 4.5 | 2.5 |
| Smart features & setup | 2.5 | 2.0 |
| Reliability | 4.0 | 4.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $300 · $$ $300–1,000 · $$$ over $1,000. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Nebula Mars 3
- Android TV is sluggish; Netflix needs a workaround
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.
- Heavy, and connection quirks
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.
- Value questioned; distracting battery light
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.
BenQ HT2060
- Only average brightness
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.
Source: CNET review - No streaming, 1080p only
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.
Source: CNET review, CNET best projectors - Some early failures reported
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.
Who should pick which
Pick the Nebula Mars 3 if
Backyard and campsite movie nights
A big image without an outlet (about 2 hours at full brightness)
Sound loud enough outdoors without a speaker
Skip it if: You want something light to carry; You want native Netflix and a snappy interface; You only watch indoors (cheaper plug-in models are brighter)
Pick the BenQ HT2060 if
A dark movie room or basement theater
Lifelike color without tweaking
Ceiling mounting with some lens shift and zoom
Skip it if: You want built-in Netflix and apps; You want a 150-inch image or a bright room; You want true 4K detail
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