Gone are the days when projectors needed a dedicated mount across the room. Today's Ultra Short Throw (UST) projectors have revolutionized home theater by sitting just inches from your wall while creating massive, cinema-quality images. Two of the most compelling options in 2024 are the Hisense PL2 ($2,198) and the XGIMI Aura 2 ($2,699), both offering remarkable technology in surprisingly compact packages.
Before diving into the comparison, let's understand what makes UST projectors special. Unlike traditional projectors that need 10-15 feet of distance, UST projectors use advanced optics and mirrors to project a huge image from just inches away. This means you can place them in a TV console and still get a 100-inch or larger picture - perfect for modern homes where space is at a premium.
The Hisense PL2 hit the market in late 2023, building on the success of their popular PL1 model. It brought significant improvements in brightness and smart features. The XGIMI Aura 2 launched more recently in September 2024, introducing innovative Dual Light 2.0 technology that combines LED and laser light sources - a first in this category.
The Hisense PL2's 2700 ANSI lumens make it a standout performer in bright rooms. For context, that's bright enough to watch sports on a Sunday afternoon without drawing all the curtains. The Aura 2's 2300 ISO lumens are still impressive but work best in controlled lighting. I've found that both projectors perform exceptionally well after sunset, but the PL2 has a clear advantage during daytime viewing.
Here's where things get interesting. The PL2 uses Hisense's X-Fusion laser technology, delivering rich colors covering 85% of the DCI-P3 color space (the standard used in digital cinema). The Aura 2's Dual Light 2.0 technology takes a different approach, combining LED and laser sources to achieve 99% DCI-P3 coverage. In practical terms, the Aura 2 produces slightly more accurate colors, but the difference is subtle unless you're a serious videophile.
The Hisense PL2 runs Google TV, offering a polished, user-friendly experience with access to virtually every streaming service. The interface is snappy, and voice control works reliably. The Aura 2 uses a modified Android TV system that, while capable, doesn't support Netflix natively - you'll need to add a streaming stick or box for complete functionality.
Both projectors offer automatic keystone correction (which fixes image shape when the projector isn't perfectly aligned), but the Aura 2's ISA 5.0 system goes further. It can automatically adjust focus, detect wall color, and even compensate for slightly uneven surfaces. The PL2's setup is still straightforward but requires more manual intervention.
Audio quality often gets overlooked in projector reviews, but it's crucial for a complete home theater experience. The Aura 2 shines here with its 60-watt Harman Kardon speaker system, delivering room-filling sound that might eliminate the need for a separate soundbar. The PL2's 30-watt per channel system is competent but less impressive. However, both support eARC for connecting to external audio systems.
For gamers, input lag (the delay between pressing a button and seeing the action on screen) is crucial. The PL2 performs admirably here with low latency mode, making it suitable for most gaming scenarios. The Aura 2 matches this with a 20ms response time in gaming mode. Both support 4K/60Hz gaming, though neither reaches the 120Hz some premium gaming TVs offer.
At $2,198, the Hisense PL2 represents better value for most users, especially considering its brightness and overall performance. The Aura 2's $2,699 price tag buys you superior color accuracy and auto-calibration features, but these benefits might not justify the premium for everyone.
Both projectors use laser light sources rated for approximately 20,000 hours of use. That's about 10 years of viewing at 5-6 hours per day, with no bulbs to replace. Power consumption is similar between the two, so running costs are negligible compared to the purchase price.
In my testing, both projectors create impressive images that will wow your friends. The PL2's extra brightness makes it more versatile, while the Aura 2's color accuracy and audio quality offer a more premium experience in ideal conditions. For most users, the PL2's price advantage makes it the smarter choice, but the Aura 2's premium features are genuinely useful if they align with your needs.
The Hisense PL2 and XGIMI Aura 2 represent the current state of the art in UST projection, each with distinct advantages. The PL2 offers better value and brightness, while the Aura 2 delivers superior color accuracy and automation. Your choice should depend on your specific viewing environment, budget, and performance priorities.
Remember, both projectors represent a significant investment in your home entertainment system. Take time to consider your room setup, viewing habits, and long-term needs before making a decision. Either way, you'll end up with a remarkable home theater centerpiece that can create a cinema-like experience in your living room.
| Hisense PL2 ($2,198) | XGIMI Aura 2 ($2,699) |
|---|---|
| Brightness - Critical for daytime viewing and determines when you can watch | |
| 2,700 ANSI lumens (excellent for most lighting) | 2,300 ISO lumens (best with controlled lighting) |
| Light Source Technology - Impacts color accuracy and maintenance needs | |
| Single laser X-Fusion (proven technology) | Dual Light 2.0 (innovative LED/laser hybrid) |
| Color Gamut - Determines how accurate and vibrant colors appear | |
| 85% DCI-P3 (good for most content) | 99% DCI-P3 (superior for movie lovers) |
| Built-in Audio - Affects whether you need additional speakers | |
| 30W x 2 channels (adequate but basic) | 60W Harman Kardon (impressive, may not need soundbar) |
| Smart Platform - Impacts ease of streaming content | |
| Google TV (full native app support) | Android TV (requires external device for Netflix) |
| Throw Ratio - Determines how close to wall needed | |
| 0.22:1 (17.9" for 100" image) | 0.177:1 (17.8" for 100" image) |
| Auto Calibration - Affects setup complexity and image optimization | |
| Basic auto keystone | ISA 5.0 (advanced auto focus, keystone, wall correction) |
| Gaming Features - Important for console gamers | |
| Low latency mode with ALLM (good for gaming) | 20ms input lag (excellent for gaming) |
| Laser Life - Long term ownership cost consideration | |
| 25,000+ hours (about 12 years typical use) | 20,000 hours (about 10 years typical use) |
The Hisense PL2 is brighter with 2,700 ANSI lumens compared to the XGIMI Aura 2's 2,300 ISO lumens. This makes the PL2 better for rooms with ambient light or daytime viewing.
The XGIMI Aura 2 offers superior color accuracy with 99% DCI-P3 coverage, while the Hisense PL2 covers 85% DCI-P3. For movie enthusiasts, the Aura 2's colors will appear more true-to-life.
Both projectors need similar distances - approximately 18 inches for a 100-inch screen. The Hisense PL2 has a 0.22:1 throw ratio, while the Aura 2 is slightly shorter at 0.177:1.
The XGIMI Aura 2 features a powerful 60W Harman Kardon system that may eliminate the need for a soundbar. The Hisense PL2's 30W x 2 system is adequate but might benefit from external speakers for a full home theater experience.
Both perform well for gaming. The Hisense PL2 offers low latency mode with ALLM, while the XGIMI Aura 2 provides 20ms input lag. Either choice works well for casual to moderate gaming needs.
The Hisense PL2 supports Netflix natively through Google TV. The XGIMI Aura 2 requires an external streaming device for Netflix access.
The Hisense PL2 offers 25,000+ hours of laser life, while the XGIMI Aura 2 provides 20,000 hours. Both should last 10+ years with typical use.
The Hisense PL2 performs better in bright rooms due to its higher 2,700 ANSI lumens brightness compared to the Aura 2's 2,300 ISO lumens.
Neither requires professional installation. The XGIMI Aura 2 offers more advanced auto-calibration features with ISA 5.0, making it easier to set up than the Hisense PL2.
The Hisense PL2 at $2,198 offers better value with higher brightness and complete streaming support. The XGIMI Aura 2 at $2,699 justifies its premium with better color accuracy and audio.
Yes, both the Hisense PL2 and XGIMI Aura 2 can effectively replace a TV, offering 80-150 inch screens with 4K resolution and smart features. The PL2 is better for bright rooms, while the Aura 2 excels in dedicated home theater spaces.
While both projectors can project onto a white wall, an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen is recommended for optimal performance, especially with the Hisense PL2 and XGIMI Aura 2 in rooms with ambient light.
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: avnirvana.com - crutchfield.com - projectorscreen.com - digitaltrends.com - newatlas.com - valueelectronics.com - youtube.com - shop.hisense-usa.com - ecoustics.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
