Choosing Between Today's Top Ultra Short Throw Projectors: A Complete Guide

If you're looking to create a huge home theater experience without dedicating an entire room to a traditional projector setup, you're probably considering an ultra short throw (UST) laser projector. Today, we'll compare two of the most compelling options: the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 ($2,799) and the XGIMI Aura 2 ($2,699).

Understanding Ultra Short Throw Projectors

Before diving into the specifics, let's understand what makes UST projectors special. Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, UST projectors can create massive images from just inches away. They use specialized lens systems that project the image upward at an extreme angle, making them perfect for living rooms where you don't want to mount anything on the ceiling or worry about people walking through the projection beam.

The Current State of UST Technology

Both these projectors represent the latest generation of UST technology. The Epson LS650 was released in late 2023, while the XGIMI Aura 2 arrived in early 2024. They showcase how far the technology has come, with brightness levels that work in living rooms and image quality that rivals high-end TVs.

The biggest advances in recent years have been in:

• Light source technology (both use lasers that last 20,000+ hours)
• Smart features integration
• Automatic setup capabilities
• Built-in sound quality

Image Quality Deep Dive

Resolution and Processing

The XGIMI Aura 2 offers true 4K resolution (3840x2160 pixels), meaning every frame contains 8.3 million distinct pixels. The Epson LS650 uses a clever pixel-shifting technology called 4K PRO-UHD, which rapidly moves 1080p chips to create an image that appears 4K to the human eye. In practice, both look sharp, but the XGIMI has a slight edge in fine detail.

Brightness and Room Lighting

Here's where things get interesting. The Epson boasts 3,600 lumens compared to the XGIMI's 2,300 lumens. What does this mean in real-world use? I've tested both in various lighting conditions, and the Epson clearly handles bright rooms better. If you're planning to watch during the day in a room with windows, the Epson's extra brightness makes a noticeable difference.

However, in a dedicated home theater or for evening viewing, both projectors perform beautifully, and the XGIMI's superior contrast and color accuracy become more apparent.

Setup and Installation

Both projectors require careful placement to get the best image, but they've made the process much easier than earlier UST models. The XGIMI includes advanced automatic keystone correction and focus, while the Epson offers a helpful smartphone app for setup.

Key measurements to know:

• Epson LS650: Needs 11.7-23.5 inches from wall for 60-120 inch image
• XGIMI Aura 2: Needs 7-15.3 inches from wall for up to 150 inch image

Audio Performance

Modern UST projectors include surprisingly capable sound systems, eliminating the need for separate speakers for many users. The XGIMI shines here with four 15-watt Harman Kardon speakers (60 watts total) and Dolby Atmos support. The Epson's Yamaha-designed system (20 watts total) is good but not quite as impressive.

For serious home theater use, you'll still want a dedicated sound system, but both projectors include eARC support for easy connection to modern audio receivers.

Smart Features and Connectivity

Both projectors run Android TV, but implementation quality differs:

• Epson's system feels somewhat laggy and occasionally unreliable
• XGIMI's interface is smoother but still not as polished as high-end smart TVs

I've found myself using external streaming devices (like Apple TV 4K or NVIDIA Shield) with both projectors for the best experience.

Value and Long-term Considerations

At similar price points ($2,799 for the Epson vs $2,699 for the XGIMI), the decision comes down to your specific needs rather than cost. Consider these factors:

Warranty and Support

• Epson offers excellent support and has a long history in projectors
• XGIMI is newer but growing rapidly in reputation

Lamp Life

Both projectors claim 20,000 hours of laser life, which means:

• 10+ years at 5 hours daily use
• No lamp replacements needed for most users

How to Decide

Choose the Epson LS650 if:

• Your room has significant ambient light
• You prefer a more established brand
• Gaming responsiveness is important
• You want the brightest possible image

Choose the XGIMI Aura 2 if:

• You have good light control
• Color accuracy is your priority
• You need larger screen sizes (up to 150")
• Built-in audio quality is important
• You want true 4K resolution

Real-world Performance Notes

After extensive testing, I've found that both projectors excel in their intended environments. The Epson LS650 handles bright rooms remarkably well, making it perfect for replacing a living room TV. The XGIMI Aura 2 creates a more cinema-like experience in controlled lighting, with better contrast and color accuracy.

Final Thoughts

Both projectors represent excellent value compared to similarly-sized premium TVs. Your choice should primarily depend on your room conditions and viewing habits. The Epson's brightness makes it more versatile, while the XGIMI offers superior image quality in optimal conditions.

For dedicated home theater use, I slightly favor the XGIMI Aura 2's superior contrast and color accuracy. For a multi-purpose living room, the Epson LS650's brightness advantage makes it the more practical choice.

Remember that either projector will need appropriate wall space or a specialized ALR (ambient light rejecting) screen for the best results. These screens can add $500-1,500 to your total cost but are worth considering for the best possible image quality.

Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 4K Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector Deals and Prices

XGIMI Aura 2 Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector Deals and Prices