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

When you're looking to create a theater-like experience at home, Ultra Short Throw (UST) laser projectors have become an increasingly popular choice. In this article, we'll compare two of the most talked-about models: the $4,999 Ultimea Thor T60 and the $2,699 XGIMI Aura 2. Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your setup.

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're essentially replacing high-end TVs for many home theater enthusiasts, offering screen sizes up to 150 inches while sitting inconspicuously on a low cabinet.

Both models we're comparing use laser technology, which means instant on/off (no warm-up time), consistent brightness over many years, and typically 20,000+ hours of life. That's about 10 years of watching 5 hours daily!

The Latest and Greatest

The Thor T60, released in late 2023, represents the current peak of UST technology with its triple laser system. The Aura 2, announced at IFA Berlin 2023, takes a different approach with its innovative Dual Light 2.0 technology that combines LED and laser sources.

Image Quality: Brightness and Color

Here's where we see the biggest difference between these projectors:

Brightness

The Thor T60's 4,000 ANSI lumens makes it one of the brightest UST projectors available. What does this mean in real terms? You can watch during the day with some ambient light and still get a vibrant picture. The Aura 2's 2,300 ISO lumens is still respectable but works best in more controlled lighting conditions.

Color Performance

• Thor T60: Covers 120% of the BT.2020 color space (that's actually wider than what most content is mastered in)
• Aura 2: Hits 99% of DCI-P3 (the current standard for digital cinema)

Both are excellent, but the Thor T60 has more headroom for future content standards.

Gaming Experience

If you're a gamer, the Thor T60 has a slight edge with its Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and input lag under 25ms. That's fast enough for all but the most competitive gaming. The Aura 2 hasn't published specific gaming performance numbers yet, but early reports suggest it's suitable for casual gaming.

Smart Features and Usability

Both projectors offer Android-based smart platforms:

• Thor T60: Android TV 11 with Google Assistant
• Aura 2: Latest Google TV interface

They both support popular streaming apps, though you might want to use an external streaming device like an Apple TV 4K or NVIDIA Shield for the best experience. I've found that dedicated streaming devices often provide smoother performance than built-in smart systems.

Setup and Installation

These projectors are designed to sit close to your wall or screen:

• Thor T60: Projects 100 inches from about 9.8 inches away
• Aura 2: Similar throw ratio, with some reports suggesting slightly closer placement

Both include automatic keystone correction (which adjusts the image shape if the projector isn't perfectly aligned) and focus features. The Aura 2 adds an interesting wall color adaptation feature that adjusts the image based on your wall color, though I'd still recommend a proper projection screen for the best results.

Value Proposition

At $4,999, the Thor T60 is definitely an investment. It competes with high-end OLED TVs but offers much larger screen sizes. The $2,699 Aura 2 presents a more accessible entry point into premium projection.

Consider these factors:

• Room lighting control
• Desired screen size
• Gaming needs
• Budget flexibility

Real-World Performance

In my experience testing UST projectors, the difference in brightness between these models is noticeable in partially lit rooms. The Thor T60's extra lumens really show their value during daytime viewing or with ambient light.

However, in a dedicated home theater room with good light control, the Aura 2's image quality is excellent, and many users might not notice the brightness difference.

Audio Capabilities

Both projectors include built-in sound systems:

• Thor T60: 30W total output (2x15W)
• Aura 2: 60W total output (4x15W)

While these are adequate for casual viewing, I'd recommend a proper sound system for a true home theater experience. Both support eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) for connecting to external audio systems.

How to Decide

Choose the Thor T60 if:

• You need maximum brightness for daytime viewing
• Gaming performance is crucial
• You want the absolute best HDR experience
• Budget isn't your primary concern

Choose the Aura 2 if:

• You have good light control in your viewing space
• You want solid performance at a more accessible price point
• You appreciate the innovative hybrid light source
• Value is a key consideration

Final Thoughts

Both projectors represent excellent choices in the UST category, but they target slightly different users. The Thor T60 is the performance champion, while the Aura 2 offers tremendous value.

For my personal home theater, I'd lean toward the Thor T60 for its superior brightness and gaming performance. However, if I were setting up a media room where value was a key consideration, the Aura 2 would be more than capable of delivering an impressive big-screen experience.

Remember that proper screen selection and room setup are just as important as the projector choice. A high-quality ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen can make a significant difference in image quality, especially for the Aura 2 in brighter rooms.

Both projectors represent how far UST technology has come, offering genuine alternatives to traditional TVs while providing much larger screen sizes. Whether you choose the premium performance of the Thor T60 or the excellent value of the Aura 2, you'll be getting a capable home theater centerpiece that can transform your viewing experience.

Ultimea Thor T60 4K Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector Deals and Prices

XGIMI Aura 2 Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector Deals and Prices