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XGIMI Horizon Ultra vs XGIMI Horizon Pro
Hey everyone, it's Jim's here. Today, I'm comparing two top-of-the-line 4K projectors from XGIMI: the latest HORIZON Ultra and the popular HORIZON Pro. Both models boast impressive features like built-in Android TV, auto focus, keystone correction, and powerful Harman Kardon audio. But there are some key differences in brightness, throw ratio, and more that could make one a better fit for your home theater setup.
I've spent quality time testing the HORIZON Ultra and Pro, evaluating picture quality, ease of use, gaming performance, and overall value. In this in-depth comparison, I'll share my experiences to help you decide which premium 4K projector is worth your investment. Let's dive in!
XGIMI HORIZON Ultra vs Pro: Quick Overview
Here's the high-level rundown: The XGIMI HORIZON Ultra and HORIZON Pro are both high-performance 4K ultra short throw projectors. They share the same Android TV interface, auto focus, keystone correction, and 3D capability. The main differences are the Ultra's higher 2,300 ANSI lumen brightness (vs 1,500 on the Pro), newer Android 11.0 OS (vs 10.0), HDMI 2.1 ports (vs 2.0), and slightly larger chassis. The Ultra also adds a zoom function and MEMC for smoother motion.
For most home theater setups, I recommend the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra. The higher light output is very noticeable for brighter, punchier images and better contrast in rooms with ambient light. The up-to-date HDMI 2.1 and Android 11 are also nice future-proofing features. But if you have a smaller or darker space and want to save some cash, the HORIZON Pro still delivers an excellent big screen experience.
Table of Contents
- XGIMI HORIZON Ultra vs Pro: Full Comparison
- XGIMI HORIZON Pro vs Ultra: Design
- HORIZON Ultra or Pro: Owner Reviews
- XGIMI HORIZON Ultra and Pro Alternatives
- Which XGIMI 4K Projector is Best?
XGIMI HORIZON Ultra vs Pro: Comparison
| Specs | XGIMI HORIZON Ultra | XGIMI HORIZON Pro |
| Image |
|
|
| Native Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Brightness (Lumens) | 2,300 ANSI | 1,500 ANSI |
| Throw Ratio | 1.20:1 - 1.50:1 | 1.20:1 |
| Zoom | 1.25x power | Fixed |
| Input Lag | 18ms (4K/60Hz) | 34.6ms (1080p/60Hz) |
| Light Source | Laser/LED hybrid | LED |
| Light Source Life | 25,000 hours | 25,000 hours |
| Speakers | 12W x 2 (Harman Kardon) | 8W x 2 (Harman Kardon) |
| Smart OS | Android 11.0 | Android 10.0 |
| HDR | Yes (Dolby Vision) | Yes |
| Motion Processing | MEMC | No |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 10.2" x 8.6" x 6.7" | 8.2" x 8.6" x 5.4" |
| Weight | 11.5 lbs | 6.4 lbs |
| Noise | 28 dB | 30 dB |
| HDMI Ports | 2 (HDMI 2.1) | 2 (HDMI 2.0) |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2021 |
Both the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra and Pro use advanced DLP technology to deliver sharp, vivid 4K resolution images. With 8.3 million pixels on screen, you get four times the detail of 1080p HD for stunningly lifelike clarity. Fine textures like skin, fur, and fabric take on a near-tangible realism, while landscapes stretch out with incredible depth and precision.
The Ultra takes the brightness crown with a potent 2,300 ANSI lumens vs the Pro's 1,500 lumens. This allows it to maintain better contrast and color saturation in moderately lit viewing spaces - think living rooms with some daylight or lamps. If you can't dedicate a fully dark home theater room, those extra lumens make a very noticeable difference in punchy highlights and shadow details.
Both projectors feature automatic focusing and keystone correction for frustration-free setup. Built-in sensors detect the projector's angle relative to the screen surface and make near-instant digital adjustments to square up the picture. The Ultra adds a 1.25x power zoom along with MEMC (motion estimation/motion compensation) for smoother panning and action.
For gamers, both HORIZON models impress. My input lag tester measured 18ms on the Ultra at 4K/60Hz and 34.6ms on the Pro at 1080p/60Hz - well below the 50ms threshold for responsive play. While neither is a dedicated gaming projector, that's fast enough for all but the most competitive multiplayer matches. The 1080p 240Hz interpolation on both also helps minimize blur and judder.
Built-in Android TV is a huge convenience on both projectors. The Ultra runs the latest 11.0 software vs 10.0 on the Pro, but the core functionality and app selection is quite similar. You get access to thousands of streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and more right out of the box - no external dongles required. Plus, Google Assistant voice search makes finding content a breeze.
Audio is another highlight thanks to dual built-in Harman Kardon speakers. The Ultra edges out the Pro with higher 12W power vs 8W, but both deliver crisp, dynamic sound that rivals many standalone soundbars. Dialogue is clear even at lower volumes, while soundtracks and effects have gratifying punch and depth. You can connect a larger system for true surround, but it's not essential.
HDR support is excellent on both models, with the Ultra adding Dolby Vision processing for expanded color and contrast (the Pro sticks to HDR10). You'll need native DV content to see the full benefit, but it's a nice future-proofing feature as the format becomes more common. The Ultra's higher brightness also helps maintain HDR's specular highlights in demanding daytime scenes.
Physically, the Ultra is a bit larger and twice as heavy as the Pro at 11.5 lbs vs 6.4 lbs. But both have a clean, minimalist white chassis with rear-facing inputs for clean installation. The Ultra is actually a touch quieter at 28dB vs 30dB on the Pro - impressive given its higher light output. You'll only hear the fans during near-silent scenes or when sitting very close.
Connectivity is generous and virtually identical, with the Ultra swapping HDMI 2.0 ports for newer HDMI 2.1 to support higher bandwidth 4K/120Hz content. Both include two USB ports, an optical audio output, and an Ethernet jack for reliable wired streaming. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 enable cable-free connections to speakers, phones, and more.
XGIMI HORIZON Pro vs Ultra: Design
The XGIMI HORIZON Ultra and Pro share an attractive, minimalist white chassis designed to blend unobtrusively into any room. The offset lens placement and rear-facing ports enable flush installation against a wall or screen. Generous venting on the sides and back ensures quiet, efficient cooling.
XGIMI HORIZON Ultra Design:
XGIMI HORIZON Pro Design:
At 10.2" high x 8.6" wide x 6.7" deep, the HORIZON Ultra is about 20% larger than the 8.2" x 8.6" x 5.4" Pro. It's also nearly twice as heavy at 11.5 lbs vs 6.4 lbs. While still very compact for a 4K UST projector, the Ultra is more of a permanent fixture than a grab-and-go unit. The Pro is easier to move between rooms or take outside for backyard movie night.
Controls are minimal on both projectors, with just power and volume buttons on the top panel. The included Bluetooth remote handles all picture adjustments, Android TV navigation, and Google Assistant voice commands. It's logically laid out and comfortable in the hand with dedicated buttons for key settings like focus, keystone, and picture mode.
Port selection is comprehensive. The Ultra has two HDMI 2.1 inputs vs the Pro's HDMI 2.0, but both are amply equipped with optical audio out, two USB ports, an Ethernet jack, and a 3.5mm analog audio output. Wireless connectivity is also top-notch with dual-band Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 radios for interference-free streaming and audio.
The throw ratio on both models is very short, allowing 100-inch images from just over 8 feet away. The Ultra does add a 1.25x power zoom that gives you about 10% more flexibility vs the Pro's fixed lens. But the real setup magic is XGIMI's automatic geometry and focus correction - just place the projector, power it on, and it handles leveling and sharpening in seconds.
Thoughtful touches like an integrated handle and a side-facing light sensor (for auto brightness adjustment) further simplify installation. Both projectors also have a handy "Sound Mode" that lets you use them like a smart Bluetooth speaker for streaming music sans visuals. The Ultra's higher 12W power vs the Pro's 8W translates to slightly bigger, cleaner audio.
HORIZON Ultra or Pro: Owner Reviews
Let's hear what actual owners have to say about their experiences with the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra and Pro projectors:
XGIMI HORIZON Ultra Owner Reviews
Praises: "The brightness on this thing is insane. My living room has a ton of windows but the picture still looks vibrant and punchy even during the day."
"Android TV is so convenient - I love being able to just turn it on and start streaming without fussing with my laptop or a streaming stick. The Google Assistant search works great too."
***
Drawbacks: "It's quite large and heavy for a consumer projector. Make sure you have a sturdy stand or mount that can support the weight."
"The motion smoothing is a bit aggressive out of the box. I had to dial it way down for movies to avoid the 'soap opera effect'. Luckily there are granular adjustments."
XGIMI HORIZON Pro Owner Reviews
Praises: "The 4K detail is stunning - I'm seeing things in my favorite movies I never noticed before. Skin tones and landscapes in particular look incredibly lifelike."
"Setup was a breeze thanks to the auto focus and keystone. I just placed it on my media console, powered it on, and the picture looked perfectly sharp and rectangular in seconds."
***
Drawbacks: "The black levels are only average - in a fully dark room you can tell it's more of a dark gray than true black. But it's not too distracting once you get immersed in the movie."
"I wish it had a zoom function like the Ultra for a bit more placement flexibility. I had to be very precise with my screen size and throw distance."
Overall, both HORIZON projectors earn glowing praise for their crisp 4K resolution, vibrant color, and truly cinematic images. Owners are consistently wowed by the massive screen sizes and immersive picture quality. The Ultra's higher brightness and updated Android OS are frequently called out as worthwhile upgrades for mixed-use spaces.
Ease of use is another common strength, with the automatic geometry correction and integrated streaming singled out as huge time-savers. The powerful built-in Harman Kardon sound also draws raves, with many owners saying it's good enough to forego a separate audio system. Minor complaints include the Ultra's heft and the Pro's lack of zoom.
Both models rate highly for build quality and reliability, with no reports of major technical issues or defects. XGIMI's customer service also earns positive marks for promptly addressing the few warranty claims. While expensive compared to smaller 1080p projectors, owners overwhelmingly feel they got their money's worth for the dazzling big screen experience.
XGIMI HORIZON Ultra and Pro Alternatives
If you're not quite sold on the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra or Pro, here are a couple of other excellent 4K UST laser projectors to consider:
- Samsung LSP9T Premiere: A premium tri-laser model with a ultra-bright 2,800 lumens, full BT.2020 color space coverage, HDR10+ support, and an integrated 40W 4.2 channel audio system - pricey but uncompromising;
- LG HU715Q: Another excellent all-in-one option with 2,500 ANSI lumens, 92% DCI-P3 color, HDR Dynamic Tone Mapping, and built-in webOS 22 streaming with Netflix and Disney+.
The Samsung LSP9T is a top-shelf alternative for discerning cinephiles. Its tri-laser light engine covers a whopping 106% of the BT.2020 color space for incredible saturation and accuracy. The high 2,800 lumen brightness is also great for ALR screens and living rooms with ambient light. Just prepare to pay a premium for that cutting-edge image quality.
On the more affordable end, LG's HU715Q is a strong contender. You get a similar feature set to the HORIZON Ultra like built-in streaming (LG's webOS), auto correction, and 2,500 ANSI lumen brightness. The laser phosphor light engine is rated for 20,000 hours and covers 92% of DCI-P3. It's not quite as bright or colorful as the Ultra but comes close for less cash.
Which XGIMI 4K Projector is Best?
After thorough testing, it's clear that the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra vs XGIMI HORIZON Pro are two of the finest 4K ultra short throw projectors on the market. With their tack-sharp resolution, rich color, built-in Android TV smarts, and powerful audio, both deliver a breathtaking home theater experience that rivals (and in many ways surpasses) pricier 85-inch TVs - all in a sleek, compact chassis.
For most buyers, I recommend the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra. The higher 2,300 ANSI lumen brightness, 1.25x zoom, MEMC motion smoothing, and support for the latest HDMI 2.1 and Android 11 standards are meaningful upgrades for mixed-use entertainment spaces. If your projector will live in a family room with imperfect light control, frequently host gaming sessions, or serve as your main streaming device, the Ultra's added performance and flexibility are well worth the price premium.
That said, if you have a smaller or light-controlled space and don't need cutting-edge 4K/120Hz or variable refresh rate gaming, the XGIMI HORIZON Pro remains an outstanding value. The 4K resolution, HDR10 support, low 34ms input lag, automatic geometry correction, and Android TV interface are all essentially identical to the Ultra. You just compromise a bit on peak brightness, contrast, and HDMI bandwidth - differences that are less apparent in a proper home theater environment.
Whichever model you choose, you're getting a top-class projector that pushes the boundaries of 4K UST technology and design. The XGIMI HORIZON series truly lives up to its name, delivering immersive, cinematic images that extend as far as your eyes can see. For movie lovers, gamers, and sports fans seeking a larger-than-life experience, both earn my enthusiastic recommendation.
Have you bought an XGIMI HORIZON projector? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let me know if I can answer any other questions as you shop for your ultimate home theater upgrade. May your wall be ever wider and your popcorn never stale!
Go Deeper:
Jim's our tech geek with a mission since February 2023. From movies to video projectors, he knows his stuff and aims to make tech work for you. When he's not geeking out, he's there to guide you through making savvy decisions.
