The BenQ W5800 provides a strong reminder that there’s nothing quite as dazzling as a home theater, especially one with a specialized projector, a screen that covers a full wall, cozy chairs, and a top-notch speaker setup. At $5,999 (£4,599, AU$8999), the W5800 is aimed at hardcore cinephiles who demand very few compromises on visuals and do not need on-board speakers or built-in smart TV platforms. To that end, the W5800 is a display and nothing else.
Make no mistake – the BenQ W5800 is a fantastic display. It provides hardware adjustments for image placement and sizing to make it easy to get a perfect image wherever the projector is set up. And as you'd expect from the best 4K projectors, it has a dazzling, color-rich picture that looks great with a broad variety of content. Many cheaper projectors offer automatic image adjustment, but they almost invariably do so by simply cropping or distorting the image digitally – compromises the BenQ W5800’s manual hardware adjustments avoid.
Still, the BenQ W5800 suffers from the diminishing returns of many a premium product. You can get brighter projectors for the price, but you might miss out on some of the professional setup flexibility found here. For example, an ultra short throw projectors like the Epson EpiQVision Ultra LS800 easily beat it when it comes to brightness, but they can be fussier to set up for a geometrically perfect image.
If you already have a big home theater that’s aching for a projector upgrade, the BenQ W5800 will be a fantastic option. But for most people, other, cheaper solutions should suffice.
BenQ W5800 projector review: price and release date
Release date: May 2024
MSRP: $5,999 (£4,599 / AU$8999)
The BenQ W5800 was launched in May 2024 at a starting price of $5,999 (£4,599 / AU$8999). Given the W5800’s premium status and relative newness, it’s unlikely to see major price changes anytime soon.
BenQ's W5800 supports the HDR10+ high dynamic range format (Image credit: Future)
BenQ W5800 projector review: Specs
Input connections include two HDMI ports (one with eARC) (Image credit: Future)
BenQ W5800 projector review: design and features
Sizable, with a stylish design
Lacks built-in sound and streaming
Motorized zoom, focus and offset
The BenQ W5800 immediately lets you know it means business. It’s a large, regal projector, nearly every bit as large as the Epson Pro Cinema LS12000, with a symmetrical design and a massive lens sitting at the center. This is flanked by loads of air intakes and ventilation slots that occupy much of the surface area. The benefit here is that the projector’s cooling fans are low-pitched and practically inaudible from even just a couple of feet away.
Around back, the projector features a small handful of ports. For many, the two HDMI ports, one of which supports eARC, and the S/PDIF audio output will be doing most of the work. Two USB-A ports can power streaming devices, and there are LAN and RS-232 ports for more specialized setups. The projector’s 3D Sync Out port may come in handy, too, as it supports a variety of 3D formats.
For many, the W5800’s HDR support will be most crucial. You get the basic HDR10 and HLG, but BenQ also steps up with HDR10+ support. Dolby Vision isn’t supported, unfortunately.
The projector has some handy hardware for setup, with motorized control over zoom, focus, and horizontal and vertical offset. This allows you to shift the projection to perfectly fit your space, which is incredibly convenient. Keystone adjustments are digital, but they are thankfully less necessary because of the adjustable offset. All adjustments can be made with the included remote, which has a backlit keypad and convenient shortcuts to many settings in the projector’s menus. Several controls are also available directly on the projector.
Even with its conveniences, the BenQ W5800 lacks many that other popular projectors offer. There’s no smart TV operating system, so you’ll have to source media from a separate device, and there are no built-in speakers. The W5800 is not the complete solution that something like the BenQ X3100i is, and that can make it a tricky proposition for many more casual users.
Design and features score: 3.5/5
With 100% DCI-P3 coverage, images on the W5800 have rich, detailed color (Image credit: Future)
The BenQ W5800 is an excellent projector for home theater. It shines big and bright and readily adapts to a great many installation situations. It provides impressive color, though the occasional rainbow effect – a common artifact of the projector’s DLP imaging tech – can mar the viewing experience for those sensitive to it.
At the heart of the BenQ W5800 is a laser light source shining through a 0.47-inch DLP micromirror array, and this is responsible for the sharp, 4K visuals and 2600 ANSI lumens brightness. BenQ rates the projector for a full 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space, and I’ve seen little lack of color to make me doubt the rating. Animated programs like X-Men ‘97 benefit greatly from the wide color gamut, appearing thoroughly vibrant, but the same applies to just about any content.
Between its color and sharp 4K picture, the BenQ W5800 has a lot to work with, and it’s bright enough to look good in well-lit rooms and excel in dark ones. Shadows sink to a satisfyingly deep level, and they can maintain that depth alongside bright visuals elsewhere on the screen.
Thanks to the W5800’s hardware controls, it is exceedingly easy to get an image squared up perfectly onscreen with sharp detail from edge to edge. A long-throw projector like the W5800 is less sensitive to small surface imperfections and misalignment than short-throw and ultra-short-throw projectors. I noted a similar level of flexibility with the Epson LS12000, which is a long-throw projector the BenW W5800 competes with.
The BenQ W5800’s full DCI-P3 color space coverage gives it one critical edge over the Epson LS12000, which is rated only for 100% sRGB coverage. Of course, this still leaves room for improvement next to triple-laser projectors like the Hisense PX2-Pro, which is rated for 100% coverage of the even wider BT.2020 color space.
Nevertheless, the BenQ W5800 is a brilliant performer. It handles fast-motion content with aplomb and presents a colorful image that looks plenty vibrant. There are a few ways it could be even better, but it is nonetheless excellent.
Picture quality score: 4.5/5
The BenQ W5800's fully backlit remote control features shortcut buttons for key picture adjustments (Image credit: Future)
BenQ W5800 projector review: value
Expensive for a projector that does one thing
Performance and installation features help justify price
At $5,999 (£4,599 / AU$8999), the BenQ W5800 is expensive for a consumer-grade projector, though it’s less than half the price of the JVC DLA-NZ800, the premium pick in our best 4K projectors guide. Even so, that’s a lot of money to ask for a projector that only provides a display and nothing else.
The W5800 makes sense for the right audience. Its visuals are brilliant, and its flexible installation features provide a great picture with minimal fuss. Also, with many projectors that do feature built-in speakers and streaming platforms, those features often are just enough to make do, but not equal to their picture.
BenQ’s W5800 sits alongside the exceptional Epson LS12000, which is $1,000 cheaper while offering similar brightness and capabilities, including a 120Hz refresh rate option. If a long-throw projector isn’t a must, the Hisense PX2-Pro ultra short throw model is also a stunning system with admirable speakers and even more brilliant color at half the price. And if you aren’t too picky, you might find something like the $2,399 (around £1,900 / AU$3,690) BenQ X3100i to be more than good enough.
Value score: 3/5
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the BenQ W5800 projector?
Buy it if...
Don’t buy it if…
Also consider...
BenQ X3100i The BenQ X3100i is a gaming projector that also does an excellent job displaying movies. It lacks the long-throw capability of the W5800 and isn't as adept with handling HDR, but it's a significantly less expensive and more flexible projector option.
Hisense PX2-Pro The Hisense PX2-Pro is an ultra short throw projector designed to beam a big image from close up to a wall as opposed to from the longer distance the W5800 is capable of. It's less expensive and nearly as bright, and features both built-in speakers and the Android TV platform for streaming.
Tested at home in multiple, real-world viewing conditions
Presented with a variety of media and formats
I have tested numerous projectors and displays over the last half-decade
I tested the BenQ W5800 at home, in real-world conditions. This saw it faced with ambient light coming in from numerous windows and in-room lighting as well as darkened conditions. The projector was tested both against a bare, white wall and an Akia Screens CineWhite screen. It was presented with both HDR and non-HDR streamed content.
My testing evaluates the projector’s performance with respect to its price and competition from other models that I and my colleagues at TechRadar have tested.
I have been testing projectors since 2021 and displays for even longer.
EnGenius’ ECW536 brings Wi-Fi 7 to the office with a wireless access point offering a maximum aggregate throughput of 18.7Gbps.
Specifications
Model: EnGenius ECW536
CPU: Quad-core Qualcomm 1220 CPU
RAM: 2GB
Storage: 256MB NAND
Radios: One 4x4 for 6GHz Wi-Fi 7 / 6e, One 4x4 for 5GHz Wi-Fi 6, One 4x4 for 2.4GHz
Wireless throughput: Theoretical 18.7Gbps
Ports: 10Gb Ethernet with PoE, 10Gb Ethernet
Weight: 1.3 kg
Dimensions: 23 cm x 23 cm x 37 mm
Power Consumption: 15W with one client connected, 38W maximum consumption
MSRP: $1199
The dual 10Gbps Ethernet ports turn the unit into a 10G switch. A large aluminum backplate acts as a heatsink, dissipating up to 35W. The only accessories provided are a mounting bracket and screws. The unit thus requires a PoE LAN or an external 12V DC adapter to work correctly.
The access point integrates three radio modules, providing Wi-Fi 7 connectivity and Wi-Fi 6, 5, and 2.4GHz backward compatibility. Antenna gains are between 5dBi and 6dBi, similar to competitive APs, while onboard radio amplifiers provide an average boost of 5dBm. All this means that the ECW536 covers a surface of 100 meters square with a throughput of 300 Mbps or more.
EnGenius offers a range of access points that can work in a mesh. That is particularly interesting if one wants to boost the network throughput while extending the range simultaneously. The ECW536 retails for $1199 but is on sale for $499. The smaller version with a 2x2 radio configuration costs $456 while not on sale.
EnGenius ECW536: Design
The EnGenius access point ships with one accessory box containing the mounting kit. Once installed, the unit locks to the base by rotating it. The white plastic enclosure has a metal backplate that doubles as a heat dissipator. Two Ethernet connectors and a 12V DC socket at the back connect to the network. A small hole is also present to reset the device using a paper clip. The case gets warm after some time, eventually reaching 50 degrees Celcius. The access point measures 23 cm x 23 cm x 37 mm and weighs 1.3kg.
The ECW536 uses a Qualcomm Pro 1220 multichip design. The processor is a fast quad-core ARM A73 CPU, which can support up to eight SSIDs on the 2.4GHz and 5/6GHz bands. There are also built-in VLAN tagging and a QoS for increased bandwidth management. Complementing the CPU are 2GB of RAM, 256MB of Flash, and two 10G Ethernet interfaces, which also support 5G, 2.5G, 1G, and 10/100Mbps.
Three Wi-Fi radios each serve a specific frequency while supporting four spatial streams, the twelve paths aggregating for a throughput of 18Gbps. Maximum transmit gains, which depend on country location, vary between 24dBm and 25dBm, while antenna gains vary between 5dBi and 6dBi.
The ECW536 access point consumes 13W without connected clients, which increases to 20W when one user actively uses the AP. A single multicolor LED gives feedback on the unit’s operation and is a departure from the past Wi-Fi 6 version, which had four LEDs. The AP is ready when the LED is green. Blue indicates that there is at least one connected client. The user can adjust the LED’s brightness through the mobile app.
(Image credit: Future)
EnGenius ECW536: In Use
Setting up the access point can be done entirely through the mobile app, which is available for Android and iOS platforms. The user needs an account to begin the installation. The AP and other EnGenius units can be added using a QR code on the back of each unit.
To fully utilize the Wi-Fi7 bandwidth, we strongly recommend connecting the AP to a 10Gb Ethernet LAN supporting PoE with at least 50W of available power. The ECW536 LED will blink orange if the PoE switch cannot provide sufficient power. Thus, the optional power socket becomes handy with an external 12V supply and completes the setup.
The mobile application offers features similar to those available on the cloud portal. The convenience of controlling access to the Wi-Fi network at one’s fingertips is very enticing. The user can also see what device consumes the most bandwidth at any time. However, the most helpful thing remains the ability to check the access point’s health from any place with Internet access.
The ECW536 offers mesh capability to increase signal reach; the AP can connect to other ECW536 units or previous-generation models such as ECS230S. There are obvious reasons to use one against the other. In a Wi-Fi 6 infrastructure, the ECW536 will mesh using one of its four 160MHz backhaul channels, providing a maximum of 1.4Gbps as throughput. On the other hand, using several ECW536 yields the best range and throughput since the backhaul is now over Wi-Fi 7 at 2.9Gbps.
(Image credit: Future)
EnGenius ECW536: The competition
Upgrading from something other than Wi-Fi 6 to Wi-Fi 7 should be a sound investment for the next few years, mainly because of the higher throughput offered by the denser 4096 QAM encoding. Still, fierce competition in consumer-level routers continues to drive prices down. The ECW536 comes with more technical support and an overall better performance when compared to consumer products.
Based on the same Qualcomm technology, the Zyxel WBE660S provides a similar throughput and range compared to the ECW536, while the Zyxel AP costs less than the EnGenius. A second 10G Ethernet port on the ECW536 turns it into a 10G switch, something lacking on the WBE660S. The ECW536 is also more compact and lighter, making installation a breeze compared to the WBE660S. Finally, the EnGenius AP consumes less energy than Zyxel’s access point, resulting in a device that will last longer while costing less electricity.
EnGenius ECW536: Final verdict
Thanks to the new Wi-Fi 7 standard, the EnGenius ECW536 takes wireless networks to the next level by adding more range and bandwidth. The range should be as good as previous 5GHz access points. The increase in bandwidth results from using a better encoding algorithm, quadrupling the throughput compared to Wi-Fi 6. These gains come with higher power dissipation and a more expensive unit. A 10G LAN infrastructure supporting PoE is required to use the AP to its fullest potential.
EnGenius offers a 5-year warranty on the ECW536 and customer support via online chat, phone, or email. The AP has cloud access, allowing network inspection and problem resolution remotely.
Buy the ECW536 if:
You are starting a new network that requires lots of bandwidth and range.
Dont buy the ECW536 if:
You already have a Wi-Fi 6 AP fleet from another manufacturer
The JVC DLA-NZ800 is the latest high-end projector from the brand, combining its existing BLU-Escent laser light source with a redesigned D-ILA 4K chipset that delivers deeper blacks, brighter images, and improved uniformity. As a result, this excellent beamer builds on JVC’s established strengths, maintaining the company’s position as a preeminent maker of the best 4K projectors.
The JVC DLA-NZ800's native 4K images are crisply detailed, while the upgraded 8K/e-shiftX processing makes great content look even better. The overall picture accuracy is superb, the SDR images impressive, and the HDR performance state-of-the-art thanks to JVC's proprietary dynamic tone mapping and Theatre Optimiser features, along with support for HDR10, hybrid log-gamma and HDR10+.
Key improvements for this newly evolved model include an increased claimed brightness of 2,700 lumens and native contrast ratio of up to 100,000:1. The 8K/e-shiftX upscaling is now more sophisticated, and quieter, while the laser power setting offers greater control. The new features include a Deep Black function, a Balanced dynamic laser mode, and a Vivid picture setting.
The NZ800 supports 3D, with pictures that are bright, punchy and free of any crosstalk, and it has two HDMI 2.1 inputs with support for 8K/60p and 4K/120p. There’s an effective remote, intuitive menu system, and flexible installation – although whether stand or ceiling mounting, bear in mind that this beamer is very big and heavy.
The NZ800 is also rather expensive, although the pricing remains unchanged from the previous generation. As with the earlier NZ8 it also has no direct competitor, so if you want exceptional cinematic performance, peerless HDR tone mapping, comprehensive features and a high degree of future-proofing, this remarkable high-end projector is in a literal class of its own.
JVC DLA-NZ800 projector review: price and release date
MSRP: $15,999 / £15,999 / AU$24,999
Release date: May 2024
The JVC DLA-NZ800 (DLA-RS3200) is the mid-range model in the brand’s 4K laser-powered line-up. It’s available now and retails for £15,999 /$15,999 / AU$24,999. The NZ800 replaces the outgoing DLA-NZ8 (DLA-RS3100) and sits below the flagship DLA-NZ900 (DLA-RS4200), which has also been given an upgrade and replaces the discontinued DLA-NZ9 (DLA-RS4100). The entry point remains the DLA-NZ7 (DLA-RS2100), which is retained from the previous generation.
JVC's proprietary dynamic tone mapping and Theatre Optimiser features bring out the best in 4K movies with HDR (Image credit: Future)
JVC DLA-NZ800 projector review: Specs
The projector has basic control buttons (Image credit: Future)
JVC DLA-NZ800 projector review: design and features
Gen3 0.69in 4K D-ILA device
Gen2 8K/e-shiftX
Gen2 Frame Adapt HDR
The JVC DLA-NZ800’s big new feature is the third generation of the brand’s proprietary D-ILA 4K chipset, which has been redesigned to be more efficient. These refinements allow for brighter images, deeper blacks, and improved uniformity. It’s also the reason why the NZ800 has an increased claimed brightness of 2,700 lumens and an improved contrast ratio of up to 100,000:1.
The NZ800 includes JVC’s second generation 8K/e-shiftX device, which physically shifts each pixel by half a pixel in four directions (up, down, left and right), thus allowing the projector to deliver a full 8K (8,192 x 4,320 resolution) image. This updated version of the proprietary feature uses sophisticated 8K upscaling for improved sharpness and detail across a wide range of content.
In addition to the improved black levels offered by the upgraded D-ILA chipset, JVC has added a new Deep Black function that employs a revised algorithm to further enhance the contrast without crushing shadows. In addition, the dynamic laser control adds a new Balanced setting for even punchier pictures without introducing the annoying brightness fluctuations seen on earlier models.
Speaking of brightness, JVC has improved the sliding scale setting on the laser power control, and while it still goes from 1 to 100 it’s now more granular, which means you can gradually boost the brightness without a sudden increase in fan noise, thus making it more useful. JVC has also added a “Vivid” mode for watching SDR sports or gaming in a room with some ambient light.
The NZ800 retains JVC's BLU-Escent laser diode light source with its claimed 20,000-hour lifespan and greater consistency. Other features include motorised focus, zoom and shift controls to simplify installation, plus lens memories for different screen aspect ratios. There’s also a Filmmaker Mode, along with extensive ISF-certified calibration controls.
JVC’s tone mapping is state-of-the-art, with the latest proprietary Gen3 Frame Adapt HDR dynamically analysing HDR10 content on a frame-by-frame basis to optimise the image, while 18-bit gamma processing results in smoother and finer gradations. JVC also includes the Theatre Optimiser which enhances tone mapping by taking into account the size, shape and gain of your projection screen.
In addition to the existing analysis of an incoming HDR signal, the NZ800 now reads the Display Mastering Luminance (DML) metadata. This tells the projector’s tone mapping function the peak brightness of the display on which the content was originally mastered and is useful because the more metadata the tone mapping has to work with, the better the results in terms of the displayed HDR images.
Design and features score: 5/5
Rear-panel ports include two HDMI 2.1 connections (Image credit: Future)
JVC DLA-NZ800 projector review: picture quality
Detailed and cinematic 4K delivery
Bright and punchy HDR images
Exceptional image processing
The JVC DLA-NZ800 impresses right out of the gate, with the redesigned D-ILA chipset delivering images that are sharp, well defined and free of any uniformity issues. On the review sample I was testing there were also no signs of the dreaded ‘bright corners’ that have been apparent on some JVC projectors in the past, even when staring at a black screen in my dedicated home cinema.
The perceived black levels also appear slightly better when compared to my NZ8, the NZ800’s predecessor, and this was borne out by actual testing, with the NZ800 delivering contrast measurements of up to 100,000:1. The peak brightness approaches the claimed 2,700 lumens, although this was in the Vivid mode, and in the Filmmaker mode or calibrated Natural mode this is closer to around 2,000 lumens.
Out-of-the-box SDR accuracy is excellent with the white point close to the industry standard of D65, an even greyscale, and colours hitting close to their saturation targets for BT.709. This can be improved through calibration, and I was able to get a reference level accuracy, so if you’re spending this kind of money you really should get your NZ800 professionally calibrated.
This accuracy also extends to HDR, and the NZ800 covers 100% of DCI-P3 with its colour filter in place. This filter reduces the brightness by about 20% – so those extra lumens come in handy – but if you’d rather not use the filter (and with HDR10+ you don’t have a choice) then the brightness increases but the gamut coverage drops to around 90% of DCI-P3 instead.
Where JVC projectors are streets ahead of the competition is in terms of HDR tone mapping with the NZ800 not only accurately tracking the PQ curve standard, but also using dynamic tone mapping to get the best out of content based on the available metadata and real-time analysis of the HDR signal. The ability to read the Display Mastering Luminance also helps in this regard.
The new Deep Black feature certainly adds value, teasing a touch more detail out of shadows while keeping the blacks suitably inky. A Balanced dynamic laser setting also helps, creating more depth at the lower end while also boosting the brightness at the other without any ‘pumping’ in the image itself. The NZ800’s superior tone mapping ensures the highlights are also free of clipping.
Processing is also superb, taking lower resolution content and flawlessly upscaling it to the 4K panel, while the 2nd generation 8K/e-shiftX device is a revelation, shifting pixels to create images with the perceived resolution and detail of 8K. While I like the effect of e-shift I don’t use it on my NZ8 because I can hear it in operation, so I was delighted to discover it’s nearly silent on the NZ800. In addition, the 65mm all-glass lens delivers all these pixels with perfect geometry.
The NZ800 can read Display Mastering Luminance (DML) metadata in sources to optimize its tone mapping function (Image credit: Future)
The NZ800 is equally impressive with motion handling, producing smooth pictures that are free of blurring and unwanted artefacts. An ability to handle frame rates up 120p adds to the beamer’s motion prowess, and its 36ms input lag – low for a projector that’s not specifically designed for gaming – and longer-life laser light source make the JVC a great choice for the well-heeled big screen gamer.
JVC’s NZ800 is a cracking performer with SDR content, producing detailed and natural images that enjoy added depth thanks to the awesome contrast ratios. Watching Gravity on Blu-ray revealed a remarkable image, where the whites of the space suits are juxtaposed against the black backgrounds, and every pixel of the computer-generated effects is rendered with precision.
Moving on to HDR, the NZ800 proves to be a stellar performer, delivering all the specular highlights of the sun-bleached desert landscapes of Dune Part Two, pulling out every detail in shadows during the nighttime action of The Crow, and reproducing the rich and saturated colours of La La Land, helping to replicate the Technicolor musicals to which it pays homage.
The projector’s dynamic tone mapping is very adept at optimising the performance of the NZ800, and the resulting HDR is often comparable to high-end video processors that cost more than the projector itself. When able to use the dynamic metadata of HDR10+, the results are equally impressive, and the bright flares in the nighttime scenes of 1917 are precisely rendered against the dark sky.
Finally, the 3D performance is excellent with plenty of depth and pictures that are bright, accurate, and free of any ghosting. You’ll need to purchase the optional RF transmitter and glasses, but if you’re a fan of 3D you’ll be rewarded with wonderfully layered images such as when you’re down in the streets of Iron City in Alita: Battle Angel, or floating inside the ISS in Gravity.
Picture quality score: 5/5
The JVC DLA-NZ800's remote control (Image credit: Future)
JVC DLA-NZ800 projector review: value
It’s a significant investment
There’s no direct competitor
The JVC DLA-NZ800 represents significant value for money, which might sound like a mad statement to make when you consider its price, but I’ll explain. The range-topper in JVC’s range is the DLA-NZ900, which costs $25,999 / £25,999, but in terms of features and performance, the NZ800 is very similar with the only real difference being the NZ900’s larger 100mm lens.
The NZ800 also doesn’t have a direct competitor, and the closest is the Sony VPL-XW7000ES in the UK (£12,999) or VPL-XW6000ES in the US ($11,999). While the XW7000ES is rated at 3,200 lumens, the XW6000ES only hits 2,500 lumens, and neither has support for 8K, 4K/120p or HDR10+, nor do they have HDMI 2.1 inputs. In addition, the NZ800 has better black levels and superior HDR tone mapping, making it the ideal choice for any discerning film fan.
Value score: 5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the JVC DLA-NZ800 projector?
Buy it if...
Don’t buy it if…
Also consider...
BenQ X3100i The BenQ X3100i is a gaming projector that also does an excellent job displaying movies. It lacks the long throw capability of the JVC and isn't as adept with handling HDR, but it's a significantly less expensive and more flexible projector option.
As with all my TV and projector reviews I use a combination of subjective viewing and objective measurements against the industry standards. For projectors, I also do all my testing in a dedicated home cinema with a completely blacked-out environment and high-quality screen.
The subjective testing is based on watching a variety of familiar scenes, primarily sourced from 4K, 3D and 1080p Blu-rays, plus the Spears & Munsil UHD Benchmark 4K disc. These scenes have been specifically chosen to evaluate a display’s black levels, contrast performance, colour accuracy, upscaling, image processing, motion handling, and HDR tone mapping.
For the objective testing, I measured the NZ800’s brightness, greyscale and colour gamut in SDR, before doing the same in HDR. I also evaluated the accuracy of the HDR tone mapping, along with the colour gamut coverage for DCI-P3 and BT.2020. To do this I used a pattern generator and colour meter combined with Portrait Displays’ Calman calibration software.
I measured the NZ800’s input lag in milliseconds using a Leo Bodnar tester with the low latency mode switch on.
Finally, because I currently use the JVC DLA-NZ8 as my reference projector, I was able to directly compare the NZ800 to its predecessor.
If you love to sit back and enjoy movies but also like to lean in and get sweaty with the latest competitive games, the BenQ X300G could be just the projector for you. This short-throw model combines impressive capabilities in a compact package that rivals Xgimi’s Horizon Pro and Horizon Ultra.
The BenQ X300G manages decent color from its LED light source, and puts on a strong show with bright, 4K visuals. But it can also dial up the speed, switching to a 1080p/240Hz mode for fast, responsive gaming. We’ve seen this trick in action on the BenQ X3100i, and it’s a real treat for gamers.
Between its cinematic capabilities and gaming prowess, the BenQ X300G has a lot to offer. There’s room for improvement — the limited ports and so-so audio come to mind — but at $1,799, this projector puts up a respectable value, especially with its ability to play dual roles, something that not all the best 4K projectors can do.
BenQ X300G 4K projector review: price and release date
Release date: December 2023
MSRP: $1,799 (around £1,400 / AU$2,720)
The BenQ X300G is a fairly new model in BenQ’s lineup. With an original price of $1,799 (around £1,400 / AU$2,720), the projector hasn’t yet seen any discounts, though its price is reasonable for a 4K model.
Focus and keystone adjustments on the X300G can be made automatically, making setup quick (Image credit: Future)
BenQ X300G 4K projector review: Specs
The projector has basic control buttons located on its top surface (Image credit: Future)
BenQ X300G 4K projector review: design and features
Compact and flexible design
Built-in speakers and streaming stick
Rare DisplayPort over USB-C support
The BenQ X300G takes up less than a cubic foot and has roughly cube-like dimensions. Inside that small footprint, it packs a 2,000-lumen DLP projection system, 2.1-channel speakers, an internal streaming dongle, and the necessary hardware for optical zoom.
It’s an impressive package and not an unsightly one. Like many of BenQ’s recent designs, the BenQ X300G has a mostly white, plastic chassis complemented by a glossy black face with orange accents. In this case, those accents also extend to little LED fins that protrude from the projector’s back edges. That orange glow calls to mind heat – not a good thing for a projector – though the BenQ X300G deals with that well. Its internal fans do emit a light buzzing noise, but the sound is easily drowned out by its speakers.
The whole unit sits on rubber feet for grip. The front foot is especially wide and built around a hinge for propping the front of the projector up to adjust its projection angle, though the feet don’t offer any horizontal tilt adjustment if the projector is set on an uneven surface. There is also a threaded hole for mounting onto a tripod or ceiling mount.
The BenQ X300G includes a few ports on its side and uses an external brick for power. There’s an HDMI 2.0 port with eARC, a USB-C port with DisplayPort support — a rarity among projectors – and a USB 2.0 port. I found it regrettable to see neither a 3.5mm audio jack nor an optical audio output. The rear of the BenQ X300G hides a small compartment that hides BenQ’s included streaming stick. This has a built-in mini HDMI cable and micro USB cable for charging, and this fairly unusual design offers limited options for swapping the dongle out for a different unit such as a Roku or Amazon Fire TV streaming stick down the line.
A large remote control operates both the included dongle and the projector. This has similarities to typical Android TV remotes but also quite a few shortcuts to projector settings. Backlighting provides helpful visibility in the dark, and activates after a button has been pressed. In addition to the remote, a set of controls is on top of the unit. Manual adjustments are made electronically, including focus, zoom, and keystone. Focus and keystone adjustments can also be made automatically, making setup quite quick.
The streaming stick BenQ includes is a first-party model running Android TV OS 11, which is a little behind the times now, though at least it saw a recent February 2024 security patch. The dongle still provides quick and easy access to the best streaming services like Disney Plus, Max, Netflix, and Prime Video. While Hulu also loaded onto the system without issue, I couldn’t successfully use it as all clicks on the Sign In button failed to register.
Design and features score: 3/5
The BenQ X300G is designed for gaming, but it also does a good job of displaying movies (Image credit: Future)
BenQ X300G 4K projector review: picture and sound quality
Short throw provides big picture in smaller rooms
Good image with movies and games
Average sound quality
The BenQ X300G is a capable little projector that’s ready to beam a big and bright picture without much fuss. It’s plenty bright for a dim room and excels in the dark, where it can readily produce a gorgeous, large image. In fact, you’ll likely have a hard time getting anything less than a huge picture due to the projector’s short throw.
This projector is better suited for small rooms or coffee table installations. During setup, I already had a 77-inch diagonal image at a little under 4 feet from the screen. The projector’s optical zoom can shrink that down a bit, but if you place the projector at the back of a room, you’ll be sacrificing image quality quickly as it relies on digital zoom to shrink images down beyond the optical zoom range.
Once positioned, the BenQ X300G is a strong projector. Color rendition isn’t the best I’ve seen – BenQ rates it for 84% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut – with that crown going to triple-laser models like the Hisense PX2 Pro and LG Cinebeam HU915QE, but it’s not far off. The Na’vi looked plenty blue when I watched Avatar: The Way of Water, and the colorful world of Final Fantasy VII: Remake Intergrade was presented quite well throughout my testing.
A main perk of the BenQ X300G is its flexibility. It can provide a cinematic image with 4K HDR movies and shows at 24 or 60Hz, but also dial up the speed by dropping to 1080p at 240Hz for gaming. The projector’s DLP chip not only provides a high refresh rate but a stunning pixel response time that’s virtually free of ghosting. If competitive gaming is your speed, the BenQ X300G can keep up.
Speed is a critical advantage for the BenQ X300G, as it has competition from other models like the JMGO N1 Ultra and Hisense C1. Both models come in at similar prices and use triple-laser light sources to provide 4K visuals with far more stunning color, but they lack the option to ramp up to 240Hz in game mode.
The BenQ X300G speakers complement the imagery. While not amazing, they do a decent job, pumping out plenty of sound in the small rooms this projector is ideal for. They’ll fall flat unless you’re sitting close in larger rooms, and the sound is grating at high volumes. But at middle volume, they sound clear and full.
Picture quality score: 4/5
Ports include HDMI with ARC, USB type-C, and USB type-A (Image credit: Future)
BenQ X300G 4K projector review: value
Has major competition at $1,799
Powerful for the price
The BenQ X300G is a strong all-around option. Cinema-focused projectors like the Hisense C1 can do better for the same price but lack the gaming capabilities that set the X300G apart. The BenQ X300G does a great job with both, upping its value for anyone who wants that flexibility. It does cut some corners on the hardware front, so it that’s a concern, the BenQ X3100i offers extra hardware adjustments and image upgrades, but costs $600 more.
Value score: 4/5
The BenQ's large remote control has a backlit keypad (Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the BenQ X300G 4K projector?
Buy it if...
Don’t buy it if…
Also consider...
BenQ X3100i The BenQ X3100i has the same gaming features as the X300G but provides a higher level of visual quality. It also has useful hardware for setup, but comes at a considerable uptick in price.
Tested at home in multiple, real-world viewing conditions
Viewed with a variety of media and formats
I have tested numerous projectors and displays over the last half-decade
I tested the BenQ X300G at home, in real-world conditions. This saw it challenged by ambient light coming in from numerous windows, in-room lighting, and ambient noise that the projector’s speaker system had to overcome. The projector was tested on both a bare, white wall and an Akia Screens CineWhite screen and was presented with streamed HDR and non-HDR content and console gameplay.
My testing evaluates the projector’s performance and takes into consideration its price and competition from other models.
I have been testing projectors since 2021 and displays for even longer.
The LG CineBeam Q is an ultra-compact portable projector that, like Samsung's super-popular Freestyle, features the same streaming platform found in the company’s TVs – in this case, WebOS. At $1,299 / £1,299 / AU$2,499, it’s pricier than Samsung's portable projector, but brings the benefits of 4K resolution and an RGB laser light engine for enhanced brighness and color. Picture quality is surprisingly good for such a tiny projector, and it can beam images large enough to light up the side of a garage, though the lack of a battery power option makes it best suited for indoor use.
The LG CineBeam Q stands out from the best portable projectors thanks to its 4K resolution in particular. Most are cheap HD-resolution models with a built-in rechargeable battery that run Android TV and can be used indoors or outdoors – even the great Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen, an ultra-compact projector that offers both portability and a superior streaming and gaming platform in an innovative design, is HD. The best 4K projectors have always been pricey, bulky and meant for indoor use – a different proposition. The LG changes this.
With an all-aluminum case and carrying handle, the LG CineBeam Q’s retro-industrial design makes it look good even when turned off. When turned on, an auto screen adjustment feature with autofocus allows for quick setup, and there are plenty of manual adjustments to dial in picture geometry and focus. Beyond that, the projector’s 22-point white balance adjustment duplicates the picture calibration controls found on LG’s OLED TVs, though its Filmmaker Mode picture mode also provides a high level of accuracy at its default settings.
WebOS offers most popular streaming apps such as Netflix and Disney Plus, though Hulu and Max are missing. Both AirPlay 2 and Android Screen Share allow for wireless streaming from a phone or tablet, and there are also USB type-C and HDMI inputs for connecting external sources such as one of the best 4K Blu-ray players or a games console.
While most portable projectors provide built-in speakers out of necessity, audio is an afterthought on the LG CineBeam Q, which produces tinny, anemic sound from its 3-watt mono speaker. Fortunately, it supports Bluetooth pairing with Dual Audio Output, allowing for wireless audio streaming to multiple Bluetooth speakers and headphones, or a soundbar.
The LG Cinebeam Q projector's WebOS smart TV interface. (Image credit: Future)
LG CineBeam Q 4K projector review: Price and availability
Release date: April 2024
MSRP: $1,299 / £1,299 / AU$2,499
LG’s CineBeam Q sells for $1,299 / £1,299 / AU$2,499, which is significantly higher than the Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen, another stylish portable projector.
The LG is a 4K resolution model, however, and that feature alone justifies its higher price bracket – most 4K projectors cost a lot more than this!
LG CineBeam Q 4K projector review: Specs
The CineBeam Q's rotating metal stand allows for a range of placement options and also serves as a carrying handle. (Image credit: Future)
LG CineBeam Q 4K projector review: Design and features
Stylish design and sturdy build quality
RGB laser light engine
LG WebOS streaming platform
The LG CineBeam Q is about as cool-looking as portable projectors get. LG appears to have designed it to be a conversation piece as much as a projector, with the LG CineBeam Q’s compact aluminum case and 360-degree rotating aluminum stand giving it an appealing, Braun-like industrial style.
At 5.3 x 3.1 x 5.3 inches (H x W x D) and 3.3 pounds, the LG CineBeam Q is easy to tote from room to room (the rotating stand does double-duty as a carrying handle), though with no built-in rechargeable battery (or accessory battery pack) you’ll need to carry its external power brick along with it to plug in. LG includes an IR remote control, though it’s a regular version and not the “Magic Remote” kind that comes with LG TVs where you can just point at what you want on-screen.
The LG CineBeam Q uses an RGB laser light engine combined with a DLP chip to produce images with up to 500 ANSI lumens specified brightness. An auto screen adjustment feature with autofocus can be used to make images look rectangular and crisp without effort when pointing it at a wall or screen, and there’s also manual digital keystone correction with 4, 9, or 15-point warping options.
LG’s WebOS platform is used for streaming on the CineBeam Q, with Disney Plus, Prime Video, Netflix, Apple TV Plus, and YouTube all present. Strangely, there’s no Hulu or Max, which are popular streaming apps that I use regularly. The projector supports both AirPlay 2 and Android Screen Share, however, which lets you stream from apps on your phone to the projector, or you can connect an external source to its HDMI or USB type-C input.
The LG CineBeam Q has a built-in 3-watt speaker, though it doesn’t sound good and can’t play loud. A better option is to use the Bluetooth pairing with Dual Audio Output feature, which lets you simultaneously connect up to two Bluetooth devices like a speaker, headphones, or soundbar.
Design and features score: 4.5/5
The Cinebeam Q has highly accurate color in Filmmaker Mode (Image credit: Future)
LG CineBeam Q 4K projector review: Picture Quality
Stylish design and sturdy build quality
RGB laser light engine
LG WebOS streaming platform
I went into this review with pretty low picture quality expectations for the LG CineBeam Q, and ended up pleasantly surprised by how good images looked. The main benefit the LG has over other ultra-compact portable projectors is 4K resolution with HDR10 and HLG high dynamic range support. That factor made a big difference in its picture, especially when watching movies, which is something I did on a 92-inch, 1.1 gain Stewart Filmscreen Cima matte white projection screen.
The LG CineBeam Q’s brightness was another surprise. Peak brightness measured on a white 10% window pattern was 60 nits in Filmmaker HDR Mode. Although that’s half the peak brightness you’d get from a more conventional home theater projector such as the BenQ v5000i, it’s very good for a portable model. The LG’s measured contrast ratio was 500:1, which is a typical result for a portable DLP projector.
Color performance was excellent, with the CineBeam Q’s grayscale and color Delta-E (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen) both averaging under our target level of 3 in Filmmaker Mode. Coverage of the UHDA-P3 colors gamut was also excellent at 98.7%, while BT.2020 coverage was an equally impressive 95%.
Input lag in Game Optimizer mode was 56ms, which is typical for projectors that aren’t specifically designed for gaming.
Watching reference 4K Blu-rays on the LG CineBeam Q, dark scenes in the James Bond film No Time to Die showed good contrast, and scenes with camera pans or fast motion looked solid and judder-free. Dark scenes in Dune were equally satisfying, though shadow detail wasn’t as good as what you can expect from the best larger 4K projectors. In both cases, the LG’s accurate color rendition made skin tones look completely natural, and brighter colors such as red, and orange, and yellow looked rich and clean.
Picture quality score: 4.5 / 5
LG's included remote control is a basic version and not the "Magic Remote" type that comes with its TVs. (Image credit: Future)
LG CineBeam Q 4K projector review: Value
Less expensive than other 4K portables
Better picture than other ultra-compact projectors
Superior design for a portable projector
At $1,299 / £1,299 / AU$2,499, the LG CineBeam Q is pricier than regular HD portable projectors such as Samsung’s The Freestyle 2nd Gen, but less expensive than other 4K portables such as the Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K. And while its overall picture quality is very good, brightness is limited, and there’s no battery power option for true portability.
The LG CineBeam Q scores value points for having an all-metal exterior as opposed to the cheap plastic casings used for most portable projectors. If you’re looking for a portable projector with a classy design that you can leave out in your living room when not in use, the LG is one of the few worth consideration. If that’s not the case, you can easily find cheaper models, though they’ll have a less attractive design and a less impressive picture.
Value score: 4 / 5
With no built-in battery, the CineBeam Q relies on an external power brick for power (Image credit: Future)
Should you buy the LG CineBeam Q 4K projector?
Buy it if...
Don’t buy it if…
Also consider...
Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K This powerful portable has a laser-based light engine with a whopping 2,400 lumens brightness, though it costs significantly more than the LG. It also has an appealing design, though there’s no built-in battery for easy outdoor use. See our full Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K review.
(Image credit: Future)
How I tested the LG CineBeam Q
Tested at home, in a room with controlled light where I always test projectors
Measurements were made using Calman color calibration software
A 1.1 gain Stewart Filmscreen Cima matte white projection screen was used for evaluation and measurements
When I test projectors, my first step is to use it for casual viewing to assess the out-of-box picture presets. The next step is to select the most accurate-looking preset (typically labeled Filmmaker, Movie or Cinema) and measure the white balance (grayscale), gamma, and color point accuracy using Portrait Displays’ Calman color calibration software. The resulting measurements provide Delta-E values (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen) for each category, and allow for an assessment of the projector’s s overall accuracy.
Along with those tests, I make measurements of peak light output (recorded in nits) for both standard high-definition and 4K high dynamic range using a 10% white window pattern. Coverage of DCI-P3 and BT.2020 color space is also measured, with the results providing a sense of how faithfully the projector can render the extended color range in ultra high-definition sources. The final measurements are contrast ratio, which is the ratio of the brightest white to the darkest black that the projector can display, and input lag, which is measured using a Leo Bodnar 4K HDMI input lag tester.
The LG CinemaBeam provides a full range of adjustments to calibrate its picture, although its Filmmaker mode preset is accurate enough that most people will find it to be perfectly adequate. For my evaluation I calibrated the LG’s picture and relied on both reference 4K Blu-ray discs and streaming via AirPlay 2 to test its performance in the Filmmaker and Standard preset picture modes.
My projector testing experience spans almost three decades, going back to the early three-gun CRT models.
The BenQ X3100i is the company’s latest top-of-the-line gaming projector and boasts a 4K DLP chip that can switch to 1080p to deliver a highly responsive 240Hz refresh rate. Between that and its bright 4LED light source, this $2,399 (around £1,900 / AU$3,690) projector has plenty to distinguish it among the best 4K projectors.
It all comes packed into a somewhat stylish, albeit plastic cube that is at least trendier than the many office space-esque projectors on the market. With plenty of setup options and optical adjustments, the X3100I is a powerful projection system with an edge over some of its more fashionably built competitors.
The X3100i won’t be the best option for folks who prioritize watching TV and movies, but it does a great job at that task. And given its gaming chops, it’s an easy choice for gamers who also want a home theater projector.
BenQ X3100i 4K projector review: price and release date
Release date: November 2023
MSRP: $2,399 (around £1,900 / AU$3,690)
The BenQ X3100i is available now for $2,399 (around £1,900 / AU$3,690). It’s still a very recent model, so it hasn’t seen major price shifts or deals during sales events.
The BenQ X3100i is large for a portable projector but can be easily moved from room to room (Image credit: Future)
BenQ X3100i 4K projector review: Specs
Manual controls let you dial in focus, zoom, and vertical lens shift (Image credit: Future)
BenQ X3100i 4K projector review: design and features
Good, but not stunning looks
Flexible optical adjustments
Potent speakers
The BenQ X3100i is a modestly sized cube of a projector, with almost square dimensions. BenQ adds a touch of style by using an interesting pattern of cutouts for venting plus a dark finish on the front that’s accented in orange. That said, it’s virtually identical to the earlier BenQ X3000i and X1300i. It’s hard to ignore that the projector’s chassis is made from plastic — similar to any office projector — but the X3100i’s design flourishes give it a bit more visual appeal than models from Epson or Optoma.
For some projectors, a more stylish design has meant fewer optical controls, but BenQ hasn’t omitted them. It has a physical dial to vertically shift the lens, plus optical zoom and focus control rings. Digital adjustments are becoming commonplace on projectors, but these sacrifice actual picture resolution, which is why the BenQ X3100i’s optical adjustments are a great addition. It does have digital keystone adjustments, but since these add latency, hardcore gamers had best avoid them.
BenQ’s setup features don’t stop there. The projector has two adjustable feet up front to help angle it just right. Cleverly, it includes attachable feet and a rubber bumper should you want to set the projector upside down someplace like a high shelf. Since there’s a vertical offset to the lens, high placements require the X3100i to be upside-down, and these design features let you do that without having to opt for ceiling mounting.
BenQ includes a fairly basic remote for easy navigation of the projector's menus and the menus of an attached streaming stick. The side panel controls are handy if you can’t find your remote and want to make adjustments in a pinch, but they’re cheap-feeling and not very responsive.
The included streaming stick is a basic Android TV dongle that tucks into a compartment inside the projector with a built-in HDMI port and a micro USB power connector. Annoyingly, It doesn’t come pre-installed, forcing you to unscrew the projector’s top cover to insert it.
The battery compartment of the included remote control is also difficult to get into. BenQ stretched the cover across almost the remote’s whole length, and it's tricky to grasp it.
In addition to the internal HDMI port, the BenQ X3100i includes two more HDMI ports on the rear, including one that supports eARC. There are also 3.5mm analog and optical digital audio outputs, so your connection options are well covered. The projector’s built-in speakers are surprisingly potent and they provided impactful sound before maxing out in my 200-square-foot room.
Design and features score: 3.5/5
The BenQ's focus is on gaming performance, but it also does a great job displaying movies (Image credit: Future)
BenQ X3100i 4K projector review: picture and sound quality
Bright 4K picture
Flexible and responsive gaming options
Somewhat finicky HDR
The BenQ X3100i’s compact size hides mighty capabilities. A 4LED light source pipes out a rated 3,300 ANSI Lumens, working with a single DLP chip to produce a bright, crisp, and colorful 4K image. Movies and TV look awesome with this projector, especially when viewed on a 100-inch or larger screen.
If you want to make the most of it, you’ll want to pair the BenQ X3100i with a different streaming stick such as the Roku Streaming Stick Plus or Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max. The included one didn’t seem to deliver HDR, and a third-party option was also inconsistent when displaying movies and shows with HDR, taking a lot of fussing around to get the projector’s settings right.
All the same, the BenQ X3100i is up to the task of providing a killer image. It may not deliver the same rich color as triple-laser projectors like the Hisense PX2 Pro, which shoots for full coverage of the huge Rec. 2020 color space, but its color is still impressive. (BenQ's specifications cite 100% UHDA-P3 color space coverage.)
Gaming performance is a key aspect of the BenQ X3100i, which can run 4K at 60Hz or 1080p at 240Hz. With that option, if I wanted luscious visuals, I could select 4K, and then if getting sweaty in Overwatch 2, flip over to 240Hz mode. The projector’s DLP chip is incredibly responsive. Whipping around the battlefield and snapping at different targets was a breeze, and it was made all the better by the fact that targets can be downright huge with a large projected image.
Regardless of what picture mode I used (save the unsightly Bright setting), the BenQ maintained a relatively consistent noise level, with fans whirring quietly and never ramping up madly to disrupt my experience.
Picture quality score: 4/5
BenQ X3100i 4K projector review: value
$2,399 is premium territory
Respectable capabilities for the price
The BenQ X3100i may not be a class leader in any category, but it’s a flexible option that finds ways to give you more for your money and is a respectable projector for home theaters and gaming dens alike. Its $2,399 price tag may put it at odds with other projectors that can game or entertain equally well, but few can do both at the level BenQ achieves here.
Value score: 4.5/5
The hidden compartment that holds the included Android TV streaming dongle (Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the BenQ X3100i 4K projector?
The X3100i's Android TV smart interface provides popular streaming apps including Netflix (Image credit: Future)
Buy it if...
Don’t buy it if…
Also consider...
Hisense PX2 Pro Ultra short throw projectors like the Hisense PX2 Pro are a great option if you want a big image from a setup that takes up minimal space. It's not the same gaming powerhouse as the BenQ X3100i, but it does look great with both games and movies. Here's our full Hisense PX2 Pro review.
(Image credit: Future)
How I tested the BenQ X3100i 4K projector
Tested at home in multiple, real-world viewing conditions
Viewed with a variety of media and formats
I have tested numerous projectors and displays over the last half-decade
I tested the BenQ X3100i at home, in real-world conditions. This saw it challenged by ambient light coming in from numerous windows, in-room lighting, and ambient noise that the projector and its speaker system had to overcome. The projector was tested both on a bare, white wall and with an Akia Screens CineWhite screen and was presented with streamed HDR and non-HDR content, as well as PC gameplay.
My testing evaluates the projector’s performance with respect to its price and competition from other models that I and my colleagues at TechRadar have tested.
I have been testing projectors since 2021 and displays for even longer.
The Cloverlane Mattress debuted in late 2023 as Resident Sleep's new luxury label. (Resident is the company behind Nectar and DreamCloud – two of the best mattress brands around.) It's available as a hybrid or all-foam bed and comes with three firmness levels: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, or Firm).
For one month, I slept on a twin Cloverlane Hybrid Mattress in Plush Soft, which is deemed the best level of firmness for pressure relief. In addition to my experience, I asked four volunteers to nap on it as well and conducted a series of objective tests. My full Cloverlane Mattress review is below but if you're short on time, here's the abridged version...
(Image credit: Future)
The Cloverlane either has a bed of 8-inch wrapped coils surrounded by dense foam (hybrid) or a 9-inch foam core (memory foam). The core of the Cloverlane Mattress influences its level of firmness. Both versions of the Cloverlane Mattress have multiple foam layers, a latex lumbar support strip, and a polyester-blend cover.
My fellow testers and I found the Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid most suitable for side sleeping, but it has a firmer-than-advertised feel. You'll need to give it at least a month before you start to feel more settled into it – and even then, it may still feel firm. Fortunately, you get 365 nights to break this mattress in.
The Cloverlane's lumbar support system – a half-inch thick strip of latex and specialized quilting in the center of the bed – kept me from waking up with stiffness in my lower back. There's all-over pressure relief with the Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid, which increases the more you sleep on it.
My drop tests showed that the Cloverlane Hybrid has above-average motion isolation. That result is likely to be even better with the Cloverlane Memory Foam Mattress. However, the hybrid should sleep cooler than the foam version since it has springs to increase airflow along with the breathable cover and 16 brass air vents. (I didn't overheat with my Cloverlane Hybrid at all.)
(Image credit: Resident)
Edge support, however, was hit-or-miss on my twin test unit. I found the Cloverlane Hybrid supportive enough to keep me from rolling off the bed when I rolled too close to the edges, but some of my testers didn't feel as steady when sitting along the middle perimeter. This could be a different story on larger versions of the bed, but I believe sturdy edges should be a feature of any mattress, regardless of size.
Does the Cloverlane Hybrid do enough to overtake the Saatva Classic as TechRadar's #1 mattress? I don't think so. The Cloverlane is a comfortable bed but it's not meticulously hand-crafted like the Saatva. (The Cloverlane still comes in a box, despite arriving flat.) The polyester-blend cover doesn't feel as luxe as the organic cotton cover that kept our reviewer comfortably cool in our Saatva Classic mattress review.
The Cloverlane Mattress is always on sale for up to $700 off – a queen-size goes for $1,499 in either hybrid or memory foam. (This is interesting to point out because hybrid mattresses generally cost more than their foam-only counterparts.) It comes with White Glove Delivery plus optional mattress disposal, a one-year risk-free trial, and a lifetime warranty.
Cloverlane Mattress review: Design & materials
Available as a 15-inch hybrid or all-foam mattress
Support coils affect the Cloverlane's firmness level
More utilitarian than luxurious but still well-made
The Cloverlane comes in one height (15 inches), two builds (hybrid and memory foam), and three firmness levels (Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm). The Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid is what's being reviewed here.
The bottom half of the mattress either has 8-inch wrapped coils surrounded by a dense foam wall for edge support or a 9-inch foam core instead. The core of the mattress influences the level of firmness. On top are 2.5 inches of transitional support foam plus 2 inches of gel-infused memory foam. In between those layers is a half-inch thick strip of latex that runs across the center of the mattress for lumbar support.
The Cloverlane Mattress has a Euro-top: 1.75 inches of plush foam wrapped in a blend of polyester, cotton, and polyethylene. Specialty quilting in the middle third complements the latex lumbar layer.
All of the foams in the Cloverlane Mattress are CertiPUR-US certified, meaning they've been tested for harmful chemicals and the VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions that result in off-gassing odors. (I didn't detect any obvious smell from my Cloverlane Hybrid mattress.) It's unclear whether the Cloverlane Mattresses have fiberglass.
The poly-blend cover isn't uncomfortable, but compared to a luxury mattress with a tufted organic cotton cover (Saatva Classic) or a soft cashmere-blend cover (DreamCloud), the Cloverlane appears less shiny. However, the side-carry handles are a convenient touch, and the 16 brass air vents are a good way to boost airflow.
Design score: 4 out of 5
Cloverlane Mattress review: Price & value for money
Has been on sale for up to $700 off from the time it launched
An upper mid-range mattress, a queen sells for $1,499
White Glove Delivery and a risk-free one-year trial
The Cloverlane Mattress has been on sale for up to $700 off from the time it launched late last year. Like most Resident brands, you can ignore the MSRPs. A queen Cloverlane mattress sells for $1,499, which is right on the border between TechRadar's upper mid-range and premium pricing brackets. Prices are the same for the all-foam version of the Cloverlane.
Here is the official sale pricing for the Cloverlane Mattress, at time of writing:
Twin MSRP: $1,199 (usually on sale for $699)
Twin XL MSRP: $1,499 (usually on sale for $999)
Full MSRP: $1,999 (usually on sale for $1,399)
Queen MSRP: $2,199 (usually on sale for $1,499)
King MSRP: $2,699 (usually on sale for $1,999)
California king MSRP: $2,699 (usually on sale for $1,999)
Add-ons include a specialty cooling cover with extra heat-wicking fibers for $199 and a discounted bedding bundle with down pillows, percale sheets, and a mattress pad from $199 (up to a $696 value).
Compared to the Saatva Classic, you're paying about $200 to $400 less, depending on the type of Saatva mattress sale running at the moment. That's not a significant differential. Cloverlane and Saatva both offer a one-year trial, a lifetime warranty, and free White Glove Delivery with optional mattress removal. (Saatva also adds foundation removal.) Cloverlane offers free returns, while Saatva charges a $99 fee.
Among the broader luxury mattress market, Cloverlane's extras make it an excellent value for money. Side-by-side with the Saatva Classic, however, the difference is negligible. If you have the money to spare, I'd recommend just going for the luxe, handcrafted Saatva and its free mattress and foundation removal. Otherwise, the Cloverlane is a sound choice if you want to spend a few hundred dollars less.
Value for money score: 4.5 out of 5
Cloverlane Mattress review: Comfort & support
Expect a firmer-than-advertised feel at first
However, the mattress starts to soften after a month
Endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association for back pain
The Cloverlane Mattress comes in three firmness levels (based on a 10-point firmness scale):
Plush Soft (4): Side sleepers, lightweight sleepers, maximum pressure relief
Luxury Firm (5-7): Couples, back/combi sleepers, sleepers with back pain
For the first half of my month-long testing period, my Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid Mattress felt decidedly firm. I double-checked the mattress tag and my order details to make sure I knew what I was sleeping on. However, by the fourth and final week, I noticed more give around my shoulders and hips. It still wasn't supremely plush – and I definitely wouldn't rate it a 4 out of 10 on the firmness scale – but it's slightly softer than when I first laid on it.
I'm not the only one who noticed this, either. One of my lightweight volunteers tried my Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid Mattress twice. During her initial trial in week two, she rated it a 10 out of 10 on the firmness scale, but when she tried it again during week four, she knocked that down to a 9 and said she felt more settled. You'll need to make the most of your year-long trial because the Cloverlane may take quite a while to fully break in.
(Image credit: Future)
But is the Cloverlane Mattress comfortable otherwise? My fellow testers and I think so. I rate the Plush Soft Hybrid I tested the best for side sleeping for its pressure relief from the top foam layers. I was also comfortable stomach sleeping, particularly during the first couple of weeks when it was much firmer. If you strictly sleep on your stomach, though, choose the Cloverlane Firm.
Most of the back sleepers in my group liked the Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid Mattress but you'll want to go for the Luxury Firm version for the best balance of support and relief. One of my older back sleepers with arthritis, who tried my Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid during week three, said she would have liked more lumbar support.
(Image credit: Future)
To objectively test the Cloverlane Hybrid's pressure relief, I placed a 50lb weight at the center of the mattress, where it sank about three inches. That seems on-brand for a Plush Soft hybrid mattress. Moving the weight towards the bottom half of the mattress yielded a similar level of sinkage.
Is the Cloverlane a good mattress for back pain? After transitioning from the Saatva RX – which is one of the best mattresses for back pain I've ever slept on – I think the Cloverlane's latex lumbar strip and specialty quilting do a good job of picking up where the Saatva left off for me. I didn't wake up with any stiffness or pain in my lower lumbar at any point during testing. By the way – the Cloverlane Hybrid is endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association.
Cloverlane Mattress review: performance
Will keep most sleepers at a comfortable temperature
Absorbs most movement well – good for couples
Edge support is a mixed bag
For one month, I slept on a slept on a twin Cloverlane Hybrid mattress in Plush Soft and asked four adult volunteers of varying body types and sleep preferences to nap on it for at least 15 minutes to help provide a broader perspective. I also tested its temperature regulation, motion isolation, and edge support. Here's what I found...
Temperature regulation
I tested the Cloverlane Hybrid between December 2023 and January 2024, so I endured plenty of frigid nights. Of course, I kept the heat running (around 72 degrees F) and layered up with a polyester blanket and a mid-weight polyester comforter atop my 100% cotton sheets.
(Image credit: Future)
The Cloverlane Hybrid did a good job of maintaining temperature-neutral sleep throughout the month I slept on it. I wouldn't say it's profoundly cooling but I'm willing to bet it's more breathable than the all-foam Cloverlane Mattress. (It's a hybrid, after all.) If you deal with regular night sweats, you can add a specialty cover with extra heat-wicking material for $199 more.
Still, the Cloverlane Mattress is built with breathability in mind. In addition to the aforementioned cover, there are 16 hand-installed brass vents along the base to boost airflow. (The vents are on the hybrid and memory foam versions.) It may not have the same effect as a dedicated cooling mattress but for most people, the Cloverlane Mattress should be comfortable enough.
Temperature regulation score: 4 out of 5
Motion isolation
To test the motion isolation of my twin-size Cloverlane Hybrid, I performed a drop test with an empty wine glass and a 10lb weight. I dropped the weight from six inches above the surface from three distances to simulate three levels of motion transfer. In addition to that, I also noticed how quickly the weight settled.
When I dropped the weight from four inches away, the glass fell over. I repeated this drop for insurance and the glass didn't drop but it did wobble quite a bit. These results suggest that it's perhaps not the best choice for couples with a restless partner.
Fortunately, the empty glass remained steady when I dropped the weight from 12 and 25 inches away. This means you're unlikely to be disturbed if your partner gets in or out of bed. Meanwhile, the 10lb weight settled into the surface after a few short bounces, indicating good absorption of movement.
The all-foam version of the Cloverlane likely performs even better here, but the Cloverlane Hybrid has a nice bouncy rhythm while maintaining a low level of motion transfer. Either way, I think the Cloverlane Mattress will allow most couples to sleep uninterrupted.
Motion isolation score: 4 out of 5
Edge support
To test the edge support of my Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid mattress, I placed a 50lb weight on the middle perimeter, where it sank about three inches. It was the same result when I put the weight at the very foot of the bed. That's the same level of sinkage I measured at the center of the bed – which is usually a good thing, but that's quite a deep drop for the edges.
(Image credit: Future)
Among my fellow testers, opinions were mixed. Along the middle, my lighter and taller volunteers said they were comfortable but the shorter sleepers in my group felt unsteady. (Everyone felt at ease sitting at the foot of the bed.) Meanwhile, I tend to roll toward the edge when I sleep, but the Cloverlane's edges kept me from falling overboard.
Of course, I can only speak for a twin-sized Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid. There's a possibility larger, firmer versions perform better here. There currently aren't any reviews that mention the Cloverlane's edge support. But if you want a mattress that's known for strong edges on even the smallest bed sizes, read my Awara Natural Hybrid mattress review, which I also tested in a twin.
Edge support score: 3.5 out of 5
Cloverlane Mattress review: Customer service
Arrives flat but still comes in a box
Includes White Glove Delivery and mattress removal
One-year trial with free returns
The Cloverlane Mattress arrives flat via free White Glove Delivery. The most I had to do was schedule a delivery time, which was not the smoothest experience. However, your mileage may vary here as you'll be dealing with a local logistics company. Fortunately, the day of the delivery went off without a hitch as the delivery crew arrived right on time. The whole process took less than 10 minutes, and that even included the free mattress removal.
Interestingly, my Cloverlane Hybrid arrived flat but still came in a box. The two delivery drivers removed my mattress from a giant brown box from the back of their truck before taking it into my home. I peeked at the mattress tag, which says it was manufactured in August 2024. I received my mattress in December 2024, about four months later. Despite that, my Cloverlane Hybrid Mattress didn't have an obvious off-gassing smell, and it was ready to sleep on right away. It's not your typical bed-in-a-box.
The Cloverlane comes with a one-year warranty, with free returns if you're not happy with it. There's also a lifetime warranty, which includes a free replacement with a factory defect for the first 10 years you own the mattress. Beyond that, you'll just have to pay a $50 transportation fee each way for repairs.
Customer service score: 4.5 out of 5
Cloverlane Mattress review: Specs
Should you buy the Cloverlane Mattress?
Buy it if...
✅ You have a bad back: Between the free in-room delivery and the specialized lumbar support, the Cloverlane should relieve many sleepers with back pain. I didn't wake up with stiffness in my lower back throughout my month of sleeping on the Cloverlane Hybrid. The American Chiropractic Association gives it its seal of approval.
✅ You want to customize your comfort: The Cloverlane is available as a hybrid (reviewed here) or all-foam mattress in three firmness levels. There's no price difference between the two types of builds, either, which is rare. (Hybrids are usually more expensive than foam beds.)
✅ You want a bed that's easy to move: The side carry handles will make rotating your mattress much less of a challenge. They're also handy if you move house often or like to rearrange your space regularly.
Don't buy it if...
❌ You can afford a Saatva: The Saatva Classic boasts better craftsmanship and a more sumptuous appearance than the Cloverlane Mattress. If you have enough for Saatva, make that your choice. It's only about $200 to $400 more than either version of the Cloverlane Mattress. Plus, Saatva offers free mattress and foundation removal.
❌ You don't want a bed with a long break-in period: My Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid was definitely firm at first, and one month later I'd downgrade it to a medium-firm. You'll need to be patient and allow yourself time to fully break this mattress in. Fortunately, Cloverlane gives you a year to do that.
❌ You'd rather buy a mattress without fiberglass: Cloverlane doesn't make it clear if it uses fiberglass in its mattresses. If you're sensitive to fiberglass or simply don't want to sleep on a bed that has it, check out our vetted list of the best fiberglass-free mattresses.
Cloverlane Mattress review: Also consider
The DreamCloud Mattress This is the most affordable luxury mattress out there, with a queen going for as low as $665 in recent DreamCloud mattress sales. You'll lose out on the free White Glove Delivery but you'll still get a one-year trial, a lifetime warranty, and free shipping and returns. It comes in one medium-firm comfort level that's comfortable for back sleeping. Motion isolation is ace, as well. Read more: DreamCloud mattress review
Helix Dusk Luxe Mattress If you want a softer mattress with a shorter break-in period than the Cloverlane, check out the Helix Dusk Luxe. It has a medium comfort level that our reviewer says gives it "a cloud-like feel and lots of support" for back and front sleepers. (Side sleepers may fare better with the deep pressure relief of the Helix Midnight Luxe.) A queen normally sells for $1,780 after 20% off. It comes with a 15-year warranty and a 100-night trial. Read more: Helix Dusk Luxe mattress review
Saatva Classic Mattress The Saatva Classic is Cloverlane's main rival. This handcrafted mattress comes in three firmness levels and two heights. You won't find much foam but there are two layers of wrapped coils, an organic cotton Euro pillow-top, and a dedicated lumbar zone (which includes a strip of memory foam). If you have the money for it, buy the Saatva since there's not that huge of a price difference – but if you want a bed with better motion isolation and more foam, consider the Cloverlane. Read more: Saatva Classic mattress review
How I tested the Cloverlane Mattress
I slept on a twin Cloverlane Hybrid mattress in Plush Firm every night for one month between December 2023 and January 2024. My review is a combination of real-world experience and objective tests.
In addition to my perspective as a 5-foot-4, 145lb side/stomach sleeper with a lower back issue, I asked four adult volunteers to nap on the Cloverlane for at least 15 minutes in their usual positions. Our testers ranged in size from 5ft 4 and 125lbs to 6ft and 185lbs, and one of them deals with arthritis.
It's another cold winter here, so I'll sometimes add a polyester blanket to my regular setup: a mid-weight polyester blend comforter and 100% cotton sheets. My bedroom temperature is usually around 72 degrees F.
Samsung’s first The Freestyle projector created quite the buzz with its compact, cylindrical form and superior streaming capabilities compared to other portable projectors. Notably, it featured the same Tizen smart TV interface found in the company’s TVs, which let viewers easily stream from a wide range of apps while also allowing for voice control via Samsung’s Bixby or Amazon Alexa voice assistants. Beyond that, the original The Freestyle could beam images as large as 100 inches, and it provided auto focus and keystone adjustments to quickly align pictures on any surface you pointed it at. We liked it so much when we tested it, that it rocketed to the top of our list of the best portable projectors.
The Freestyle 2nd Gen doesn’t stray too far from the original, but does get a key update with Samsung’s Gaming Hub, a section of the smart interface that houses a range of cloud-based gaming services such as Xbox, Nvidia GeForce Now, Utomik, and more. This new feature lets you pair the projector with wireless gaming controllers and play premium games without having to connect a physical console – something the Freestyle 2nd Gen’s single micro-HDMI connection doesn’t make easy anyway.
Samsung offers a range of accessories to pair with its portable, including a rechargeable battery base that will give you around 3 hours of playback time and an adaptor to plug it into a standard ceiling light socket for power. While most users won’t need to have images beamed down from the ceiling onto a table or floor, having that capability is just one of the things that makes the Freestyle 2nd Gen a more flexible and fun option than typical projectors.
The Freestyle 2nd Gen’s LED light source provides only limited brightness, which means you’ll get the best picture when viewing in a dim room, or at nighttime if viewing outdoors. Even in those conditions, the projector’s picture lacks the detail and punchy contrast you can expect from the best 4K projectors, making it more of a convenient means to project a big image than a high-quality one. But the Freestyle Gen 2’s compact design and excellent feature set still make it a great portable projector, one that will easily fit in your backpack.
Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen Review: price and release date
Release date: August 2023
MSRP: $799 / £649
Samsung’s The Freestyle 2nd Gen sells for $799 / £649. At this writing it is not currently available in Australia, and availability appear to be limited in the UK. The $799 list price is somewhat high compared to other 1080p HD-res compact portable projectors, though it does offer some unique features not found in the competition such as Samsung’s Gaming Hub.
The Freestyle 2nd Gen gets regular discounts during holiday sales events, where it sells for around $599. That price makes Samsung’s portable projector a much better value than at its $799 list price, so sales are worth seeking out and waiting for.
The new Samsung Gaming Hub interface (Image credit: Future)
Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen Review: Specs
Samsung's optional battery base accessory provides around 3 hours of power before needing a recharge (Image credit: Future)
Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen Review: design and features
Compact and lightweight design
Tizen smart TV interface for streaming
Samsung Gaming hub for cloud-based gaming
The Freestyle 2nd Gen sports the same white cylinder form factor as its predecessor. At just 1.8 pounds, it’s easy to tote around the house and is compact enough to easily stash in a backpack. An included cradle stand rotates 180 degrees and can be tilted 90 degrees, giving you plenty of flexibility as to where you beam images, ceilings included.
Samsung includes a SolarCell remote control that doesn’t require batteries (as the name suggests, it draws energy from available light sources, as well as from your home’s wireless network) and the projector can also be controlled via Samsung’s Bixby or Amazon Alexa voice commands. Such commands can be executed by pressing and holding the Mic button on the remote, but the projector also has built-in far-field mics for hands-free voice control.
The single-chip DLP projector uses an LED light source that Samsung specs for 30,000 hours of use. Auto focus and keystone adjustments let you position the projector even at extreme angles from the wall or other surface you’re projecting on and The Freestyle 2nd Gen’s image will automatically align itself to a 16:9 aspect ratio. Those adjustments can also be carried out manually (and in many cases you'll want to tweak the keystone and focus settings), and there’s the option to shrink the image to a smaller size without physically moving the projector.
Samsung offers a range of accessories to use with The Freestyle 2nd Gen. A socket adaptor lets you plug the projector into a light socket, and is mainly intended for projecting from the ceiling onto a floor or table. There’s also a battery base, which provides several hours of charge and lets you use the projector indoors or out without having to connect to power. A carrying case is another accessory and one that will protect The Freestyle 2nd Gen if you’re bringing it outdoors or to another location.
The Freestyle 2nd Gen is all about streaming and features the same Tizen smart interface found in the company’s TVs. This provides pretty much any streaming app you could want and also has Samsung’s Gaming Hub onboard for cloud-based gaming from services such as Xbox, Nvidia GeForce Now, Utomik, and others. The projector uses the somewhat dated Wi-Fi 5 standard for streaming, although I didn’t have any issues during my time with it.
As a streaming-centric projector, connections on The Freestyle 2nd Gen are limited to micro-HDMI. No HDMI-to-micro-HDMI cables or adaptors are included, so, like me, you’ll probably need to order one online to be able to plug in an external gaming console, Blu-ray player, or other HDMI source. The micro-HDMI connection supports HDMI-ARC, which allows you to connect it to a soundbar or other audio system. Another option is Bluetooth, with dual Bluetooth supported for both wireless input and output connections, and there’s also wireless app casting from iPhones and Android phones.
Samsung calls The Freestyle 2nd Gen’s built-in 5-watt audio system “360 Degree” sound, and during my use, it did provide surprisingly spacious sound, although with unsurprisingly limited bass. The projector can also do double-duty as a wireless speaker for streaming music via AirPlay or Bluetooth, boosting its already impressive features list.
Design and features score: 4.5/5
With The Freestyle 2nd Gen, you'll get the best picture quality results when viewing in a dark room (Image credit: Future)
Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen review: picture quality
Limited brightness
Relatively accurate Movie picture mode
Plentiful picture adjustments
Lower-cost LED-based portable projectors typically don’t put out a very bright image, and having seen The Freestyle 2nd Gen in action before starting this review, I knew I would have to temper my expectations. With the picture blown up to maximum size on a 100-inch screen, it was noticeably dim, even when viewed in a completely dark room. Using an ambient light rejecting screen with 0.8 gain, I measured a mere 7.3 nits in Dynamic mode on a 10 percent white window test pattern, and 6.6 nits in Movie mode. By way of comparison, a standard home theater projector such as the BenQ v5000i ultra short throw model I recently tested can deliver 125 nits under the same circumstances.
Image brightness got a boost when I positioned the projector for a smaller picture (there is no zoom lens, though images can be digitally scaled to a smaller size), though it still seemed relatively dim. Picture contrast was decent, with blacks in images showing a good degree of depth, though shadows lacked detail, appearing as more of a dark gray mass.
Colors were most accurate in the Movie picture mode. With that selected, I measured color Delta-E (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen) at 5, and the grayscale Delta-E at 14.1. They were notably less so in the Standard and Dynamic modes, but even so, I preferred Standard because it provided a slight brightness advantage over Movie. Watching Asteroid City streamed on Amazon Prime, the film’s hyped-up color scheme came through with all its garishness intact, though there was also a softness to the picture, which was being downscaled to the projector’s native 1080p format.
The projector supports HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG high dynamic range, but I didn’t see much of a picture quality difference when viewing in HDR from standard HD format – something the above peak brightness measurements, which were taken with the projector displaying in HDR backs up. As for other measurements, Samsung’s projector managed 88.5% P3 color space and 68.9% BT.2020 color space coverage, and input lag was 62ms with Game mode active. That last number is a relatively high one compared to what you’ll see from the best gaming TVs, as well as certain projectors such as the BenQ v5000i, though I didn’t have any issues when playing Xbox games in Samsung Gaming Hub.
Picture quality score: 3.5/5
Side-panel connections include one HDMI with eARC and a USB-C port for power (Image credit: Future)
Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen Review: value
Pricier than portable competition
Frequently gets discounts
Enhanced value for gamers
At its $799 / £649 list price, the Freestyle 2nd Gen sits in an awkward spot value-wise. It costs twice as much as other portable 1080p LED projectors with similar brightness specs such as the Anker Nebula Solar Portable. And spending around $1,000 more will get you a 4K model with a significantly brighter laser light engine such as the Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K.
If you find the Freestyle 2nd Gen selling at a discounted price, while still not cheap, it’s value gets a boost. The main advantages Samsung’s projector holds over similar models are its highly flexible setup options, easy portability, and superior smart interface for streaming and gaming. If limited brightness won’t be a big factor in your buying decision, there’s plenty to recommend the Freestyle 2nd Gen.
Value score: 3.5/5
The projector's remote features a built-in mic for voice commands (Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen?
(Image credit: Future)
Buy it if...
Don’t buy it if…
Also consider...
Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K This powerful portable has a laser-based light engine with a whopping 2,400 lumens brightness, though it costs more than twice what you’ll pay for the Samsung. It also has a stunning design, though there’s no built-in battery for easy outdoor use.
I spent about 5 hours in total measuring and evaluating
Measurements were made using Calman color calibration software
Used with an Elite Screens Kestrel Tab-Tension 2 CLR 3 projection screen
When I test a projector, my first step is to spend a few days using it for casual viewing for break-in and to assess the out-of-box picture presets. The next step is to select the most accurate-looking preset (typically labeled Filmmaker, Movie or Cinema) and measure the white balance (grayscale), gamma, and color point accuracy using Portrait Displays’ Calman color calibration software. The resulting measurements provide Delta-E values (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen) for each category, and they allow for an assessment of the TV’s overall accuracy.
Along with those tests, I make measurements of peak light output (recorded in nits) for both standard high-definition and 4K high dynamic range using a 10% white window pattern. Coverage of DCI-P3 and BT.2020 color space is also measured, with the results providing a sense of how faithfully the projector can render the extended color range in ultra high-definition sources.
Unlike many portable projectors, the Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen provides a full range of adjustments to calibrate its picture. And while most users aren’t likely to bother using these, it’s nice to know they exist. Knowing that Samsung’s portable will almost exclusively be used for casual viewing, I bypassed a calibration and relied on both streaming reference 4K Blu-ray discs to test its performance in the Movie, Standard, and Dynamic preset picture modes
My projector testing experience spans almost three decades, going back to the early three-gun CRT models.
The Purple NewDay mattress is the brand's most affordable mattress, and delivers comfort and support that more than justifies its upper mid-range price tag. I tested a queen-sized Purple NewDay mattress for three weeks, and as someone who loves a super-supportive mattress, I thoroughly enjoyed sleeping on it. I'd rate it a 7.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, or medium- firm, and would enthusiastically recommend it to back and stomach sleepers.
A lot of the positive features of this mattress can be attributed to the GelFlex Grid. This layer of GelFlex polymer appears in all of Purple's mattresses, and assists not only with comfort but also temperature regulation and motion isolation capabilities. I've tested a number of mattresses, and this was the first one that made me cold at night, which makes it the ideal buy for hot sleepers. Through motion isolation tests, it was clear that the Purple NewDay absorbs movements very efficiently, too.
The outlines of the grid can be felt through the cover, which gives this mattress an unusual feel, but I didn't find it bothersome in any way. Compared to the original model (which you can read about in detail in our Purple Original Mattress review) you're losing a layer of comfort foam, which does mean this mattress has a lower- than-usual profile, at just eight inches thick.
That shallower design does mean that when I sat near the perimeter of the mattress, I sank to the bedframe. It could also could also have potential drawbacks for those with larger bodies. If either of those things are issues for you, you'll need to stump up for one of the thicker Purple models.
Read on to see the results of my testing and my nightly experience sleeping on the Purple NewDay mattress.
Purple NewDay mattress review: design
Eight-inch tall mattress with GelFlex polymer grid layer
Base foam layer and foam perimeter to bolster edge support
Breathable cover, can be removed but spot-clean only
The Purple NewDay mattress is constructed in the US with hypoallergenic and non-toxic materials that are CertiPUR-US and Clean Air GOLD certified. It's the cheapest and simplest adult mattress in the brand's range – it stands just eight inches tall, which is thin (most mattresses we recommend are a minimum of 10 inches). The other thing to note is that there's a relatively limited range of sizes: just twin, full, queen and king.
The design starts with a breathable cover that can be removed, but not machine-washed. It's suitable for spot-cleaning with mild detergent only, so you'll likely want to add one of the best mattress protectors.
(Image credit: Purple)
The next layer is perhaps the most interesting – a two-inch GelFlex grid. Purple patented this bouncy gridded layer made of GelFlex polymer, and it appears in all of the brand's mattresses. The open structure of the Grid means this layer won't hold on to body heat, keeping you cool at night. The outlines of the grid can be felt through the top cover. Running around the perimeter of the Grid is a foam border, designed to bolster the edge support.
The last layer is a 6-inch base layer made of polyurethane foam, which maintains the mattress' structural integrity while also providing some support to the GelFlex grid.
(Left to right) Inside the NewDay, compared to the Purple Original and Purple Plus (Image credit: Purple)
The NewDay is the cheapest of three Essential mattresses at Purple, sitting beneath the Purple Original and Purple Plus. All have a similar design, but as you move up the range, the mattresses get thicker and extra foam layers are added. If you want something more decadent, Purple also has a couple of pricier, fancier ranges: the Restore Hybrid Collection and the Rejuvenate Luxe Collection.
Design score: 4 out of 5
Purple NewDay mattress review: Price & value for money
Purple's cheapest mattress
Upper-mid range at MSRP, sometimes discounted into mid-range
Delivers comfort and quality above its price point
The Purple NewDay mattress is the brand's most affordable mattress. Even so, it's an upper mid-range mattress on the wider market, so don't mistake it as a budget mattress by any means. Here are the prices for each size:
Twin size: MSRP $695 (sometimes discounted to ~$495)
Full size: MSRP $1,199 (sometimes discounted to ~$799)
Queen size: MSRP $1,299 (sometimes discounted to ~$999)
King size: MSRP $1,599 (sometimes discounted to ~$1,349)
This isn't one of those brands that runs perpetual sales, but if you time it right you can snag a discount – Purple mattress sales run semi-regularly, and can knock up to $400 off, although the discounts tend to vary by size.
As simple as the design is, I was impressed with the quality of the materials, the feel of the mattress, and how it held up to testing. I think you get what you pay for, if not more, for a decent price when you buy the Purple NewDay.
However, if you're not fixed on the Purple brand's unique feel, then there are plenty of other options in this price bracket, many of which are thicker, with more complex designs and more generous extras.
Value for money score: 4 out of 5
Purple NewDay mattress review: comfort & support
Medium-firm sleep surface keeps your body elevated
Back and stomach sleepers provided significant support
Softens somewhat in the first three weeks
Despite Purple labeling it as 'firm', I think the Purple NewDay mattress is best described as medium-firm and supportive. I'd rate it about a 7.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, with 10 being rock-solid. Upon first touching the mattress, I was surprised that I could feel the faint outlines of the GelFlex Grid. I could even feel it when lying on the mattress. It did not bother me as I slept.
The Purple NewDay is a springy mattress that supported my body completely, almost to the point that I felt like I was floating on top of the mattress. Although the NewDay has a medium-firm feel, it is not a hard mattress, and softly contours around my body in a soothing way.
(Image credit: Future)
A 15lb dumbbell only sunk half an inch when I placed it in the center. When I removed the weight, the mattress sprung back immediately – don't expect the sink-in feel you'll get with many of the best memory foam mattresses.
The Purple NewDay is best suited to back and stomach sleepers. I am 5'5" and 170lbs, and I couldn't sleep on my side the first week that I tested the mattress as my hips didn't sink enough to allow my spine to be aligned (for this reason, the best mattresses for side sleepers tend to be medium or medium-firm). However, over the next two weeks, the mattress softened enough that I could at least fall asleep on my side, though I usually awoke on my back.
(Image credit: Future)
A friend who is about 5' 2" and weighs 100lbs also slept on the mattress. She settled onto her back and fell asleep immediately, not waking once in the middle of the night. She also felt the GelFlex Grid and judged the firmness level to be a 7 out of 10. Interestingly, she found sleeping on her side felt equally as comfortable as sleeping on her back.
(Image credit: Future)
While I believe that the mattress will support some people with larger bodies, I'm inclined to say that because it's only eight inches thick that there might be some who will not find it thick enough to support them completely. See my feedback in the customer reviews section to understand what I mean.
Purple NewDay mattress review: performance
Superb cooling properties that might make you cold
Edge support is good but could be better if the mattress was taller
Motion isolation exceeds most on the market
To ensure buyers have a full idea of what the Purple NewDay mattress has to offer, I made sure to assess the mattress' temperature regulation, motion isolation capabilities, and the edge support. In addition to running multiple objective tests, I used my own experience sleeping on the mattress, and a friend's feedback, to offer an in-depth overview of what you can expect. Keep reading to learn more about how I got on.
Temperature regulation
I wasn't expecting this mattress to be as cool to the touch as it was. I tested the Purple NewDay in the middle of winter and some nights were so cold that I added more blankets atop the comforter and sheets. I never once got hot.
(Image credit: Future)
In fact, the mattress was so cool, I felt it through the sheets, the mattress protector, and my clothes (which were often thick hoodies and sweatpants). This is the only mattress I've tested that has made me cold, and that's likely due to the GelFlex Grid which dissipated my body heat superbly. I'd rate it amongst the best cooling mattresses around.
Temperature regulation score: 5 out of 5
Motion isolation
I tested the motion isolation of the Purple NewDay mattress by placing an empty wine glass in the center of the bed. No matter if I dropped a 15lb dumbbell four, 10, or 25 inches away, the wine glass never tipped over. It only wobbled slightly.
(Image credit: Future)
I also had a friend help with testing by having her get in and out of bed and moving from her stomach to her back. I couldn't feel her move at all. The NewDay will do a fantastic job at isolating motion, no matter how much your partner moves as you sleep.
Motion isolation score: 5 out of 5
Edge support
I assumed that the Purple NewDay mattress would have fantastic edge support because the edges are reinforced with support foam. At first, this seemed to be true, – when I placed a 15lb dumbbell along the perimeter, it only sank half an inch. (On most mattresses, it sinks an inch.) However, when I sat on the edges or the end of the mattress, I sank to the bed frame.
(Image credit: Future)
If the mattress had been thicker – say 10 to 12 inches rather than eight inches tall – that probably would not have happened. Did it make getting in and out of bed more difficult? No. Do I fear slipping off the bed when sleeping? Not at all. But does it knock my opinion of the edge support from perfect to 'good?' Unfortunately, yes.
Mattress delivered vacuum-packed, rolled and in a reusable plastic bag
Free delivery; no white glove delivery option for this Purple mattress
100-night trial with free returns
All the mattresses I've tested have arrived rolled and vacuum-packed in a cardboard box. The Purple NewDay mattress, however, came in a purple plastic bag with handles. It was raining the day the mattress arrived, so I was glad the mattress wasn't in a cardboard box, as it might have soaked through. I reused the shipping bag by storing my Christmas tree, which I'd just taken down, in the bag.
There are instructions inside the purple bag that inform you exactly which side of the package to place to the right of the foot of your bed, so that when you pull out the mattress, it'll be in the correct position to unfurl. The instructions said to use the provided cutting tool to remove the plastic wrap around the mattress, but my package lacked one.
Use the arrow icons to scroll through the unpacking photos.
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The mattress arrived in a reusable plastic bag with handles (Image credit: Future)
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I received two free eye masks (Image credit: Future)
The vacuum-packed mattress on my frame, ready to release from its wrappings (Image credit: Future)
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The NewDay unrolled but still vacuum-sealed (Image credit: Future)
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How the NewDay looked when first released from its wrappings (Image credit: Future)
The mattress unfurled without any off-gassing smells. It took about five hours for the mattress to fully expand and fill out the cover at the corners of the bed, but I was still able to sleep on the mattress on the first night after delivery.
Buyers receive a 100-night free trial and free returns, as long as they sleep on it for 21 days. A typical 10-year warranty comes with the mattress, too. I should add that shipping is free, however, white glove delivery is not available for this particular Purple mattress.
Customer service score: 4 out of 5
Purple NewDay mattress specs
Purple NewDay mattress review: Other reviews
3.8 out of 5-star rating from over 40 reviews (January 2024)
Praise for comfort and support
Complaints that it's too firm and not thick enough
The Purple NewDay mattress has 40 reviews and a 3.8 out of 5-star rating (at the time of writing this review, January 2024). All 40 reviews are in relation to the Purple NewDay mattress and can be searched through by keyword and star rating. Even more impressive, they can be filtered by categories like 'Best For', 'Preferred Sleep Style', 'Body Type', and 'Size'.
All the reviewers agree – whether they praise or dislike the mattress – that the Purple NewDay is a firm mattress. Most people found the firmness level comfortable and supportive, although there were some who prefer a softer mattress than this one.
(Image credit: Future)
Most people wrote general comments about how much they enjoyed the NewDay and slept better on it than their previous mattresses. Some reviewers were specific in their praise, particularly in how cool the mattress was and its motion isolation capabilities.
There were a few complaints that the mattress was not thick enough by people with larger bodies. For instance, someone that weighed over 300lbs mentioned that their body touched the bed frame when they laid on the mattress. That said, when I compared the reviews of people with larger body sizes, I discovered that the reviews were pretty evenly split in terms of those who liked and disliked the mattress. Generally, if you weigh over 250lbs, you might want to consider investing in a specialist model – we have plenty of recommendations in our guide to the best mattresses for bigger bodies.
Should you buy the Purple NewDay mattress?
Buy it if...
✅ You like to sleep on your back or stomach: This medium-firm mattress will support your hips and lower back no matter if you lie face up or down.
✅ You easily get hot at night: The Purple NewDay is not only cool to the touch, but it regulated my temperature even when I wore sweats to bed under three blankets, one comforter, and microfiber sheets.
✅ You don't want anyone to disturb your sleep at night: The Purple NewDay exceeds most mattresses in terms of motion isolation capabilities. Trust me when I say that you're going to enjoy uninterrupted sleep despite your fidgety partner.
Don't buy it if...
❌ You like a softer mattress: Among the Purple Essential Collection of mattresses, the Purple NewDay mattress is the firmest. If you want a soft, cloud-like mattress – for example, if you're a side sleeper and/or light in body weight – this might not be the best choice for you.
❌ You prefer taller mattresses: At only eight inches tall, the Purple NewDay mattress is a thin mattress. If you don't like sinking to the bed frame when you sit on the edge, go for the 11-inch-tall Purple Plus Mattress.
❌ You usually sleep on your side: Although this mattress did soften over the course of my testing, it wasn't soft enough to make sleeping on my side the most comfortable.
How I tested the Purple NewDay mattress
For three weeks in December and January, I tested a queen-sized Purple NewDay mattress. At the beginning of the testing period, temperatures were in the high 60s and the low 30s Fahrenheit, but by the end, it had gotten much cooler with temperatures between 20- and 55-degrees Fahrenheit. Some nights it was lower than that. Microfiber sheets and a lightweight comforter covered the bed, though on particularly cold nights, I added a few more blankets. My best friend also slept on the mattress one night, so I considered her feedback, on top of my own, and the standardized tests I ran to assess all of the mattress' features including motion isolation, comfort, and edge support.
The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 is a recent mid-range entrant on the ultra short throw projector scene, and it strikes a reasonable balance of performance and features. Its key strength is the brightness delivered by its laser light source combined with Epson’s 3LCD technology. Even when viewing in a bright room, the Epson LS650 is able to provide clear visuals for all sorts of content, making it a more viable option than many other examples of the best ultra short throw projectors for those who don’t have an easy way to dim their viewing space. The potent built-in speaker system is also a good match for the large image the projector can produce.
There’s a regrettable lack of HDMI ports, with just two, and that limitation is further compounded by an unreliable – verging on faulty – Android TV system for streaming that will more or less require you to use an external video source for most viewing. But for simple home theaters, the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 is mostly up to the task, and the brightness it provides for the price will make it a reasonable choice for many people.
Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 review: price and release date
Release date: November 2023
MSRP: $2,799 (around £2,195 / AU$4,165)
The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 is available now for $2,799 (around £2,195 / AU$4,165), though Its price had previously seen discounts to as low as $2,499 during the 2023 holiday selling season.
Navigating streaming apps using the Epson LS650's Android TV system is painfully slow, making an external streaming stick a must-have option (Image credit: Future)
Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 review: Specs
The Epson LS650 has powerful built-in speakers for a compact projector (Image credit: Future)
Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 review: design and features
Sluggish, almost useless Android TV system
Good speakers in a convenient, if bland, design
Just two HDMI ports can be limiting
The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 is the smaller sibling to the Epson LS800 I tested last year, and in many ways it behaves as such. It’s smaller and lighter, and boasts lower brightness. Fortunately it’s still very bright, and it has powerful speakers that can easily pass muster in a 200-square-foot room. The design is a bit less elegant than the LS800’s, though, with the LS650 looking more like a piece of utilitarian technology. Both black and white color options are available.
Despite its reduced width compared to its big brother, the Epson LS650 has a deep design that may require extra space on a media stand. Even then, with the projector’s 0.26:1 throw ratio, the LS650 may need to sit around a foot out from your wall or screen to deliver the large image it’s best suited to. Wherever you set it, getting it into focus is quick and easy with a dial along the right side of the chassis. There’s a cover for that dial, too, so once it’s in position you can keep it protected from accidental adjustments.
The rear of the projector has only two HDMI 2.0 ports, with one also serving up eARC for connections to an audio system. If you plan to use eARC, it leaves you with just one free port, and that may mean a lot of juggling of connections if you have game consoles, streaming sticks, or any other media sources. Optical digital is an alternative for audio output, but it doesn’t serve up all the audio quality advantages of HDMI eARC.
While the Epson LS650 uses Android TV for streaming and navigating system menus, it should only be relied on for the latter. There’s generally a delay after startup before the system is responsive, and navigating streaming apps is painfully slow. From there, I found that it invariably runs into an issue where the video begins to sputter terribly and occasionally freeze entirely. The issue was basically non-stop until playback stops, and there’s no quick out as the system’s responsiveness takes a dive in this scenario. Plan on pairing this projector with a separate streaming stick.
Design and features score: 3/5
The Epson LS650 puts out a bright image with good contrast, though its colors lack some vibrancy (Image credit: Future)
Like the LS800, the Epson LS650 is exceptionally bright. It may not be as bright as the higher-tier model, but it’s much brighter than a lot of its ultra short throw projector competition. This gives it a considerable leg up when it comes to viewing in rooms with overhead lights or with daylight spilling in through the windows. Darker content doesn’t hold up as well to the daylight, but bright cartoons and sitcoms display wonderfully even in a bright room thanks to the Epson LS650’s powerful laser light source.
The Expanse is a show that basks in the darkness. There are a great many scenes that not only take place in the black of space but the show also has a moody aesthetic that casts a lot of images in darker tones. Thanks to the Epson LS650’s high brightness, even those dark scenes benefitted from high contrast that made them easy to watch without needing to completely black out my room.
The Epson LS650’s brightness does come with a cost, though. It may beat many of the triple-laser competitors it goes up against in terms of light output, but its color is not as rich as on some triple-laser DLP systems like the Hisense PX2-Pro. Plenty of content doesn’t feel left behind, such as sitcoms and non-HDR shows and movies, but when it comes to 4K content with HDR that takes advantage of wider color gamuts, the LS650 simply doesn’t reach as far to render vibrant colors. A prime example was Avatar: The Way of Water’s Na’vi, which came through with just a little less poignancy than on the Hisense PX2-Pro.
Another cost to the brightness is fan noise. The Epson LS650 is plenty bright even without maxing out, but when pushing the brightness above about 80%, the projector kicks its fans into high gear, with an accompanying whiney sound. Short of watching shows with consistent, booming music, you’re going to hear the fans running with the projector at max brightness.
Ultimately, the Epson LS650 delivers a good visual presentation, but it falls short of being excellent. A number of controls are provided to adjust the image, though the settings aren’t quite as convenient as many others, especially with only a small handful of presets. For instance, there’s no specific Game picture mode, so it can take a bit of time and guesswork to adjust settings such that input latency is minimized. There’s also no Filmmaker Mode – a disappointing omission for movie buffs – though the Cinema preset is mainly free of processing that would add artificial-looking enhancement to the image.
Picture quality score: 4/5
With just two HDMI 2.0 inputs, one with eARC, the Epson L650 comes up short on ports (Image credit: Future)
Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 review: value
Price is good for projector this bright
Squares up reasonably against competition
For its $2,799 price, the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 is offering a good value. Thanks to its high brightness and respectable picture quality, it manages to serve as an alternative to bigger-screen 80- to 100-inch TVs, many of which command a price premium above the LS650. The limited HDMI ports and bad Android TV implementation hurt the LS650’s value a bit here by making the system less flexible and convenient, but it’s still a strong option.
Value score: 3.5/5
The Epson LS650's remote control (Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650?
(Image credit: Future)
Buy it if...
Don’t buy it if…
Also consider...
Epson LS800 The Epson LS800 uses a 3LCD laser light source to beam a stunningly bright 4,000 lumens image and it also has good built-in sound. It costs more than the Epson LS650, but it provides three HDMI ports to the LS650's two and its image is even brighter than what you get with the smaller Epson.
The LS650's handy focus dial (Image credit: Future)
How I tested the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650
Tested at home in multiple, real-world viewing conditions
Presented the display with a variety of media and formats
I have tested numerous projectors and displays over the last half-decade
I tested the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 at home, in real-world conditions. This saw it faced with ambient light coming in from numerous windows, in-room lighting, as well as ambient noise that the projector’s speaker system had to overcome. The projector was tested both on a bare, white wall and with an Akia Screens CineWhite screen. It was presented with streamed content, HDR and non-HDR, and console gameplay.
My testing evaluates the projector’s performance with respect to its price and competition from other models I and colleagues at TechRadar have tested.
I have been testing projectors since 2021 and displays for even longer.
