When it comes to creating a home theater experience that rivals your local multiplex, Ultra Short Throw (UST) laser projectors represent some of the most exciting technology available today. I've spent considerable time testing both the BenQ V5000i ($3,499) and XGIMI Aura 2 ($2,699), and I'm here to help you understand which one might be right for your setup.
Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, UST projectors use clever optics to create huge images from just inches away. This means you can place them on a low cabinet right below your screen or wall, eliminating ceiling mounts and long cable runs. Both projectors we're looking at today can create a 100-inch image from less than 2 feet away - pretty amazing when you think about it!
The BenQ V5000i, released in mid-2023, uses a triple laser system (meaning separate red, green, and blue lasers) to create incredibly accurate colors. This approach allows it to display nearly the entire DCI-P3 color space (98%), which is the standard used in digital cinema. In plain English, this means colors look incredibly rich and true-to-life.
The XGIMI Aura 2, launched in late 2023, takes a different approach with its Dual Light 2.0 technology, combining LED and laser light sources. While this might sound like a compromise, it actually helps reduce something called "laser speckle" - a subtle sparkly effect that can be distracting to some viewers.
Both projectors deliver excellent 4K resolution (that's 3840 x 2160 pixels), but they handle it differently. The BenQ's triple laser system produces slightly more vibrant colors, especially noticeable in HDR content. HDR, or High Dynamic Range, allows for brighter highlights and deeper blacks in the same scene.
The XGIMI holds its own though, with very natural colors and excellent brightness for its price point. In my testing, both projectors performed admirably in moderately lit rooms, though you'll want to control ambient light for the best experience.
This is where the BenQ really pulls ahead. Its HDMI 2.1 port and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) make it perfect for gaming. When playing fast-paced games, I measured input lag (the delay between pressing a button and seeing the action) at just 17.9ms in 4K/60Hz mode - that's excellent for a projector.
The XGIMI Aura 2 isn't designed specifically for gaming, though casual gamers won't have issues. Its input lag is noticeably higher, making it less suitable for competitive gaming.
Surprisingly, the less expensive XGIMI takes the lead here. Its built-in Harman Kardon speakers (4x15W) produce rich, room-filling sound that might eliminate the need for a separate sound system for many users.
The BenQ's audio is decent but not exceptional. However, most home theater enthusiasts will likely pair either projector with a dedicated sound system anyway.
Both projectors run Android TV, but there are differences in implementation. The BenQ uses an external dongle, while the XGIMI has it built-in. The XGIMI's implementation can be a bit sluggish at times, and some users report occasional app compatibility issues.
Both offer multiple HDMI ports, but the BenQ's HDMI 2.1 port is more future-proof, supporting higher refresh rates and better gaming features.
At $800 less, the XGIMI Aura 2 represents better value for most users, especially if gaming isn't a priority. Its combination of good picture quality, excellent sound, and simpler setup makes it a compelling package.
The BenQ V5000i's premium price is justified if you:
For either projector, I strongly recommend:
Both projectors represent the current state of the art in UST technology, but they're taking different approaches. The BenQ's triple laser system might be more expensive, but it's likely to become more common as manufacturing costs decrease. The XGIMI's hybrid approach shows how innovative engineering can deliver excellent results at a lower price point.
For most users, I recommend the XGIMI Aura 2. Its value proposition is strong, and its performance is excellent for movies and TV shows. However, if gaming is important to you or you're seeking the absolute best picture quality regardless of cost, the BenQ V5000i is worth the premium.
Remember, either projector will deliver a fantastic big-screen experience that will make your friends jealous. The key is matching the features to your specific needs and budget.
| BenQ V5000i ($3,499) | XGIMI Aura 2 ($2,699) |
|---|---|
| Light Engine - Determines color accuracy and long-term reliability | |
| RGB Triple Laser (superior color accuracy) | Dual Light 2.0 (LED + Laser hybrid, reduced speckle) |
| Brightness - Critical for daytime viewing and HDR impact | |
| 2,500 ANSI lumens | 2,300 ISO lumens |
| Gaming Input Lag - Lower numbers mean better gaming experience | |
| 17.9ms at 4K/60Hz (excellent for gaming) | 35-40ms (adequate for casual gaming only) |
| Color Gamut - Wider coverage means more vibrant colors | |
| 98% DCI-P3, 95% BT.2020 (cinema-grade) | 99% DCI-P3 (very good) |
| Built-in Audio - Important if not using external speakers | |
| 40W system (adequate) | 60W Harman Kardon (superior) |
| HDR Support - Better HDR means more dynamic image | |
| HDR10+, HDR10, HLG (comprehensive) | HDR10, Dolby Vision (good but no HDR10+) |
| Smart Features - Affects ease of use and streaming | |
| Android TV via dongle (more stable) | Built-in Android TV (occasional lag) |
| Throw Ratio - Determines how close to wall needed | |
| 0.25:1 (8.7" for 100" image) | 0.177:1 (7.2" for 100" image) |
| Connectivity - Important for future-proofing | |
| HDMI 2.1 + 2x HDMI 2.0 (better for gaming) | 3x HDMI 2.0 (standard) |
For dedicated home theaters, the BenQ V5000i ($3,499) has superior color accuracy and contrast. However, if your theater isn't completely light-controlled, the XGIMI Aura 2 ($2,699) offers similar performance at a lower price.
The BenQ V5000i costs $3,499, while the XGIMI Aura 2 is priced at $2,699, making it $800 less expensive.
The BenQ V5000i is significantly better for gaming with its 17.9ms input lag and HDMI 2.1 support. The XGIMI Aura 2 is more suited for casual gaming.
While both projectors can work on a white wall, an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen is recommended for best performance. This is especially important if you can't control room lighting.
The XGIMI Aura 2 features superior audio with its 60W Harman Kardon speakers. The BenQ V5000i's 40W system is adequate but less impressive.
Both projectors can handle some ambient light, with the BenQ V5000i offering slightly higher brightness at 2,500 lumens compared to the XGIMI Aura 2's 2,300 lumens.
Both excel at movie playback, but the BenQ V5000i has an edge in color accuracy and HDR support. The XGIMI Aura 2 offers excellent value for casual movie watching.
No, both projectors are designed for easy setup. However, proper placement and screen alignment are important for optimal performance.
Both have Android TV, but the XGIMI Aura 2 has it built-in while the BenQ V5000i uses an external dongle. Some streaming apps may require workarounds.
Both projectors offer approximately 20,000 hours of laser life, which equals about 10 years of normal use.
The BenQ V5000i has better future-proofing with HDMI 2.1 and superior gaming features. The XGIMI Aura 2 has standard HDMI 2.0 ports.
For most users, the XGIMI Aura 2 offers better value unless you specifically need the gaming features or professional-level color accuracy of the BenQ V5000i.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: projectorscreen.com - projectorscreen.com - avsforum.com - techradar.com - projectorreviews.com - projectorcentral.com - digitaltrends.com - digitaltrends.com - ooberpad.com - us.xgimi.com - us.xgimi.com - projectorscreen.com - projectorreviews.com - techradar.com - projectorcentral.com - avsforum.com - us.xgimi.com - us.xgimi.com - hometheaterreview.com
