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Toptro X1 vs Toptro X5: Comparison

By: Jim Reddy | 24.05.2024, 11:41

Hey everyone, it's Jim from Gagadget. Today, I'm comparing two compact projectors from Toptro: the X1 and the X5. Both models offer full HD 1080p resolution, LED light sources, and convenient portability. But there are some key differences in brightness, connectivity, and accessories that could make one a better fit for your needs.

I've spent time testing both projectors hands-on, evaluating image quality, ease of setup, and overall value. In this in-depth comparison, I'll highlight where each model excels and help you decide which one to choose for your home entertainment.

Toptro X1 vs Toptro X5 2024

Toptro X1 vs X5: Quick Overview

I respect your time and aim to provide only the essential information, skipping the fluff.

If you're in a hurry, here's my quick take: The Toptro X1 and X5 are very similar 1080p LED projectors overall. The main differences are brightness, with the X5 pumping out 9500 lumens vs the X1's 7500, and the X5's slightly larger size and weight. Both include built-in wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

I recommend the Toptro X5 if you need the maximum brightness for a larger screen or viewing with some ambient light. But if portability is your top priority, the X1 is a bit smaller and lighter while still providing a great full HD picture.


Contents


Toptro X1 vs X5: Full Comparison

Specification Toptro X1 Toptro X5
Image
Toptro X1
Toptro X5
Native Resolution 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
Max Supported Resolution 3840 x 2160 (4K) 3840 x 2160 (4K)
Brightness 7500 Lux lumens 9500 Lux lumens
Contrast Ratio 10,000:1 12,000:1
Display Technology LCD LCD
Light Source LED LED
Aspect Ratio 4:3 / 16:9 / Auto 4:3 / 16:9 / Auto
Keystone Correction 4-point correction 4-point correction
Wi-Fi Yes (2.4GHz) Yes
Bluetooth 5.0 5.0
Ports HDMI x2, USB x2, 3.5mm, AV HDMI x2
Dimensions (W x D x H) 26 x 23 x 11.7 cm 26 x 22.7 x 11.2 cm
Weight 2.2 kg 3.24 kg
Date First Available 2020 2021

Starting with image quality, both the Toptro X1 and X5 offer full HD 1920 x 1080p native resolution. This allows them to produce sharp, detailed images for movies, TV shows, sports, and gaming. While neither is a native 4K projector, they do accept 4K input signals and can downscale that ultra HD content to fit the 1080p display. So you'll still get the benefits of 4K color and contrast, just not the full 8.3 million pixels.

The key advantage of the X5 is brightness. At 9500 Lux lumens, it outshines the X1's 7500 lumens by about 26%. This extra illumination helps the X5 maintain a vibrant, colorful picture on larger screens or in rooms with some ambient light. If you plan to project 100+ inch diagonal images or can't fully control the lighting, the X5's added lumens will be appreciated.

That's not to say the X1 is dim by any means. 7500 lumens is still very bright for a portable projector and sufficient for screens up to about 150 inches in a darkened room. But if maximum brightness is a priority, the X5 has a clear edge.

For connecting your devices, the X1 and X5 keep things simple. Both include two HDMI ports, which should cover most modern video needs. The X1 adds a couple USB ports, a 3.5mm audio jack, and an old-school AV input, giving you some extra options for older gear or thumb drive media playback. But the X5's dual HDMIs are plenty for the average user.

Wireless connectivity is excellent on both units, with built-in dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz wi-fi and Bluetooth 5.0 support. This allows you to easily stream content from your mobile devices or connect external speakers/headphones

As for portability, the two projectors are very close in size with nearly identical dimensions. However, the X5 weighs about a pound more at 3.24 kg vs the X1's 2.2 kg. This is likely due to the X5's larger cooling system to accommodate the higher brightness. It's still very portable but if every ounce counts for your mobile setup, the X1 has a slight advantage.

Both projectors include a convenient carrying case, remote control, HDMI cable, and AV cable in the box. The X1 adds a lens cover and cleaning kit as a nice bonus. But the core package is the same, giving you everything you need for a quick "out of the box" setup.

Ultimately, the choice between the Toptro X1 and X5 comes down to brightness. If you need max lumens to overcome ambient light or project a super-sized 150"+ image, the X5's 9500 lumen output justifies the slightly larger size and presumably higher cost. But if portability is your main concern or you mostly watch in a light-controlled room, the X1 delivers a very similar full HD picture in a more compact and affordable package.

Toptro X5 vs X1: Design

The Toptro X1 and X5 share a very similar compact rectangular design. Both feature a sleek black plastic housing with rounded edges and a centrally mounted lens. The manual focus dial and keystone correction wheel are conveniently located on top for easy access.

Toptro X1 Design:


Toptro X5 Design:

The main difference is size and weight. The X1 measures 26 x 23 x 11.7 cm and weighs 2.2 kg, while the X5 is just slightly larger at 26 x 22.7 x 11.2 cm but tips the scales at 3.24 kg. That extra kilogram is noticeable when transporting the projector, making the X1 a bit easier to carry in a backpack or briefcase.

Both units have a good selection of ports on the back panel, with X1 offering more overall options. You get two HDMI inputs for your most common video sources, plus two USB ports for powering streaming dongles or playing media files directly. There's also a 3.5mm audio jack for connecting external speakers and an old-school AV input for legacy devices.

The X5 keeps it simple with just the dual HDMI ports. This is sufficient for most modern setups, but the lack of extra connectivity may be limiting for some users.

The included remotes are nearly identical, with an intuitive button layout for power, source selection, volume control, and menu navigation. Both projectors also have basic controls on the chassis itself, allowing for easy operation without the remote.

As for cooling, both the X1 and X5 have rear-facing vents to expel heat. The X5's grilles are slightly larger to accommodate the higher brightness, but fan noise is comparable between the two at around 30-35 decibels. You'll notice it during quiet scenes but it's not overly distracting.

In terms of overall design and build quality, the Toptro X1 and X5 are very evenly matched. The X1 has a slight edge in portability and connectivity, while the X5's cooling system allows for the higher light output. But both are well-constructed and easy to transport for a movie night at a friend's house or a business presentation on the road.

Toptro X1 or X5: Owner Reviews

To give you a broader perspective, let's take a look at what actual buyers are saying about their experiences with the Toptro X1 and X5 projectors:

Toptro X1 Reviews:

Praises: "The picture quality is fantastic for the price. It's not true 4K but the 1080p image is super sharp and the colors really pop, even in a not fully darkened room."

"I love how small and portable this projector is. It fits easily in my backpack and I can quickly set it up for movie night wherever I go. The included case is a nice touch."

***

Drawbacks: "The Android OS is a bit clunky and doesn't have all the apps I was hoping for. I prefer using my Firestick for streaming."

"The built-in speakers are pretty weak. They're fine for casual viewing but if you want a truly immersive experience, plan on using external speakers."

Toptro X5 Reviews:

Praises: "This projector gets incredibly bright - I'm getting a 120" image in my living room with a fair amount of ambient light and the picture still looks vibrant and colorful."

"The built-in wi-fi is awesome for streaming from my phone or tablet. I don't need to fuss with extra wires or dongles, it just connects seamlessly."

***

Drawbacks: "It's a little heavy compared to other portable projectors I've used. Not a huge deal but something to be aware of if you're planning to move it around a lot."

"The fan noise is noticeable at full brightness. It's not obnoxious but it is audible during quiet scenes or if you're sitting close to the projector."

Overall, owners of both projectors are very satisfied with the image quality and portability. The X1 gets praise for its compact size and included accessories, while X5 users appreciate the high brightness and wireless connectivity. Some X1 buyers find the Android interface a bit lacking, preferring to use external streaming devices. And a few X5 owners note the higher weight and fan noise compared to other portable models. But in general the feedback is very positive, with both projectors delivering excellent value for the price.

Toptro X1 and X5 Alternatives

If you're not fully convinced by either the Toptro X1 or X5, here are a couple other portable 1080p projectors worth considering:

  1. XGIMI Halo: A compact Android TV projector with 800 ANSI lumens, built-in Harman Kardon speakers, auto focus/keystone, and a 1080p resolution. Great for outdoor movie nights;
  2. ViewSonic M2: A slim, portable 1080p LED projector with 1200 LED lumens, auto focus, 3D support, and a short 1.23:1 throw ratio for 100" images from just 8.7 feet away.

The XGIMI Halo is a great choice if you want an all-in-one entertainment solution. With Android TV 9.0 built-in, you can stream directly from popular apps like Netflix and YouTube without any external devices. It also features automatic focusing and keystone correction, making setup a breeze. Just keep in mind the 800 lumen brightness is best suited for dark rooms or nighttime viewing.

On the other hand, the ViewSonic M2 prioritizes image quality and ease of placement. Its 1200 LED lumens and short throw lens allow for vivid colors and large screen sizes in smaller spaces. The automatic focus and corner adjustment also make it simple to get a perfectly sharp image right out of the box. It lacks onboard smarts but a host of connections including USB-C, HDMI, and microSD provide ample options for content playback.

Conclusion: Should You Buy the Toptro X1 or X5?

After testing and comparing the Toptro X1 vs Toptro X5 projectors, it's clear that both deliver impressive image quality, easy portability, and flexible connectivity for the price. The full HD resolution, LED light source, and built-in wi-fi/Bluetooth make them excellent choices for home and on-the-go entertainment. But their differences in brightness and form factor will likely be the deciding factors for most buyers.

If maximum light output is your top priority, go for the Toptro X5. Its 9500 lumens can create a huge, vibrant image even with some ambient light in the room, making it ideal for daytime viewing or outdoor movie nights. The slightly larger size and weight are worth tolerating for the extra brightness headroom. Presenters and event organizers will also appreciate the visual punch.

However, if you value portability above all else, the Toptro X1 is the better pick. At just 2.2 kg, it's noticeably lighter and more compact than the X5, fitting easily in a backpack or laptop bag. And with 7500 lumens, it's still bright enough to produce a great picture up to 150 inches in a darkened space. Casual movie watchers and road warriors will love the grab-and-go convenience.

Whichever model you choose, you're getting a powerful and flexible projector that punches well above its price class. The Toptro X1 and X5 both offer a compelling blend of performance, features, and value that's hard to beat in the portable 1080p category. For big screen thrills at home or on the move, they receive my enthusiastic recommendation.

Thanks for reading! Let me know if you have any other questions about the Toptro X1 and X5 or portable projectors in general. I'm always happy to help fellow big-screen enthusiasts find their perfect match.


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