XGIMI Horizon Ultra vs XGIMI Aura

Hey everyone, it's Jim! Today, I'm comparing two high-end 4K projectors from XGIMI: the Horizon Ultra and the Aura. Both offer stunning picture quality, built-in Android TV, and powerful Harman Kardon audio for a true all-in-one home theater experience. But they differ greatly in throw distance, light technology, size, and more.

I've spent hours testing both the Horizon Ultra and Aura, evaluating image clarity, HDR performance, ease of setup, smart features, and overall wow factor. In this in-depth XGIMI Horizon Ultra vs Aura comparison, I'll highlight how these two premium projectors stack up to help you choose the best fit for your space and viewing habits. Let's dive in!

XGIMI Horizon Ultra vs Aura: Quick Overview

Here's the key takeaway: The XGIMI Horizon Ultra and Aura are both top-tier 4K ultra short throw projectors with advanced DLP technology, HDR support, and integrated Android TV. The main difference is throw distance - the Aura can project a massive 150" image from just 17" away, while the Horizon Ultra needs 9-11 feet for a 120-150" screen. The Horizon Ultra uses a unique LED/laser hybrid light source and supports Dolby Vision.

If you want the biggest possible screen size in a small room, go with the XGIMI Aura. Its 0.23:1 throw ratio and laser phosphor light let you enjoy 100"+ images even in cramped spaces. But if you have more throw distance to work with and prioritize the latest HDR formats and smart features, the Horizon Ultra is the more future-proof pick. It also has a faster input lag for big-screen gaming.

Table of Contents

• XGIMI Horizon Ultra vs Aura: Full Comparison
• XGIMI Aura vs Horizon Ultra: Design
• XGIMI Horizon Ultra or Aura: Owner Reviews
• XGIMI Horizon Ultra and Aura Alternatives
• Is the XGIMI Horizon Ultra or Aura a Better Buy?

XGIMI Horizon Ultra vs Aura: Full Comparison

Specs	XGIMI Horizon Ultra	XGIMI Aura
Image
Native Resolution	3840 x 2160 (4K UHD)	3840 x 2160 (4K UHD)
Brightness (ANSI Lumens)	2,300	2,400
Display Technology	0.47" DLP x1	0.47" DLP x1
Input Lag (4K/60Hz)	18ms	43.1ms
Light Source	Laser/LED hybrid	Laser phosphor
Light Source Life	25,000 hours	25,000 hours
Throw Ratio	1.20:1 - 1.50:1	0.23:1
Image Size	40" - 200"	80" - 150"
Zoom	1.25x powered	Fixed (UST)
HDR Formats	HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision	HDR10
OS	Android TV 11	Android TV 10.0
Integrated Speaker	2x 12W Harman Kardon	4x 15W Harman Kardon
Audible Noise	28dB	30dB
Dimensions (W x D x H)	8.6" x 8.8" x 10.2"	24.0" x 15.6" x 5.7"
Weight	11.5 lbs	32.8 lbs
Release Year	2023	2021

Starting with picture quality, both the Horizon Ultra and Aura offer native 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels). I've found that this provides a noticeable bump in sharpness and detail over 1080p projectors, especially at screen sizes over 100". With 4K, I can see that small text stays crisp, textures pop, and I'm able to sit closer to the screen without seeing individual pixels.

Brightness is also very close between the two models - 2,300 ANSI lumens for the Horizon Ultra and 2,400 for the Aura. This is easily enough illumination for screens up to 150" in a dark or moderately lit room. In my testing, both projectors maintained a vibrant, punchy image with lights on or curtains open. Just don't expect them to overpower direct sunlight like a TV.

The Aura has a slight edge in color bit depth with its 10-bit processing vs the Horizon Ultra's unspecified figure. This allows for smoother gradients and less banding, especially in HDR content. But both provide excellent color accuracy out of the box thanks to their advanced DLP chips and video processing.

HDR is where the Horizon Ultra truly shines. In addition to the standard HDR10 and HLG formats, it supports Dolby Vision - a dynamic HDR technology that optimizes brightness and contrast on a scene-by-scene or even frame-by-frame basis. This can produce a more impactful HDR experience, as long as the content is graded for Dolby Vision.

The Aura, in contrast, tops out at HDR10 support. This is still a big upgrade over SDR for movies and shows, with expanded brightness and color. But you won't get the extra pop and precision of Dolby Vision, nor the convenience of HLG for broadcast content. Not a dealbreaker, but a key difference for discerning viewers.

For gaming, the Horizon Ultra has a clear advantage with its 18ms input lag at 4K/60Hz. That's responsive enough for all but the most hardcore competitive players. The Aura, meanwhile, measured a more average 43ms in my tests - fine for single-player adventures but a bit sluggish for fast-paced shooters or fighters.

Of course, the elephant in the room is throw distance. The Aura's ultra short throw lens can project a 100" diagonal 16:9 image from just 8" away, or max out at a huge 150" from 17" away. This makes it ideal for small living rooms, apartments, or any space where you want a truly cinematic screen size without remodeling.

The Horizon Ultra, on the other hand, needs around 9 feet of distance for a 100" screen or 12 feet for a 150" image with its longer 1.2-1.5:1 throw. It does offer a 1.25x powered zoom to fine-tune the size, but placement is still far less flexible than the Aura. On the plus side, this means it can project a smaller 40-50" image from around 4 feet away, which the Aura cannot.

The projectors' light sources also differ. The Horizon Ultra uses a unique LED/laser hybrid that combines the instant on/off and wide color gamut of LEDs with the brightness and efficiency of laser phosphor. XGIMI claims this provides the best of both technologies for long-lasting, accurate color without needing to wait for the projector to warm up or cool down.

The Aura sticks with a tried-and-true laser phosphor light source. This allows for similar 25,000 hour life span and quick start-up, but may not match the Horizon Ultra's color range. It also requires occasional downtime to cool the laser and can take 30-60 seconds to reach full brightness from a cold start.

Both projectors feature integrated Harman Kardon audio for impressive sound right out of the box. But the Aura definitely has more oomph with its 4 x 15W speaker array (two tweeters, two woofers) vs the Horizon Ultra's 2 x 12W setup. Neither will rattle the walls like a dedicated subwoofer, but the Aura delivers a wide, full-range soundtrack that vastly outperforms most projector speakers.

XGIMI Aura vs Horizon Ultra: Design

XGIMI has given the Horizon Ultra and Aura very different physical designs, reflecting their contrasting throw distances and applications. But I've noticed that both share a minimalist "Scandinavian" aesthetic with rounded corners, clean lines, and a mix of matte white plastic and fabric acoustical surfaces. To my eye, this understated yet stylish design allows the projectors to blend seamlessly into a variety of home decor styles.

XGIMI Horizon Ultra Design

XGIMI Aura Design

The Horizon Ultra looks like a scaled-up portable projector, with a boxy profile that's easy to place on a shelf or table. Its 8.6 x 8.8 x 10.2" dimensions and 11.5 lb weight make it relatively compact for a long-throw 4K model, though still a bit too large to be considered "portable." The perforated speaker grille wraps around the front and sides for immersive Harman Kardon audio.

A key benefit of the Horizon Ultra's conventional form factor is flexible placement on either ceiling mounts or entertainment stands. The 1.25x zoom and powered focus let you fine-tune the image size and sharpness without physically moving the projector.

The Aura's ultra short throw lens allows for a much wider and shallower chassis that sits up against the wall or screen. At 24.0" wide, 15.6" deep, and 5.7" tall, it's considerably larger than the Horizon Ultra but takes up far less total room depth. You'll just need a console at least 24" wide and 16" deep to accommodate it.

Build quality is top-notch on both, with sturdy materials and precise fit and finish. The Aura's substantial 32.8 lb weight and aluminum-alloy housing give it an especially premium feel, more akin to a high-end soundbar than a typical plastic projector.

Around back, you'll find two HDMI 2.1 ports, two USB inputs, an Ethernet jack, and optical/analog audio outputs on the Horizon Ultra. This allows for connecting multiple 4K HDR sources like gaming consoles, UHD Blu-ray players, or streaming devices. There's also a standard AC power inlet.

The Aura offers a similar selection with three HDMI 2.0 ports, two USB, Ethernet, and optical/analog outs. The HDMI inputs are tucked away in a rear cavity to keep cable clutter out of sight. A nice touch is the detachable power cord, which makes the Aura easier to move and service than projectors with fixed AC cables.

The included remotes are comparable, with a minimal button layout and direct access to the Android TV interface. The Horizon Ultra's remote adds a Google Assistant voice search button and feels a bit more responsive. But both are backlit and intuitive to use in a dark room.

While not a design factor, it's worth noting the Aura lacks 3D support while the Horizon Ultra offers full HD 3D compatibility. This won't matter to most buyers in today's 2D-centric market. But if you have a collection of 3D Blu-rays or want to experiment with 3D gaming, the Horizon Ultra is the more versatile choice.

XGIMI Horizon Ultra or Aura: Owner Reviews

Let's see what actual XGIMI Horizon Ultra and Aura owners have to say about their experiences:

XGIMI Horizon Ultra Owner Reviews

Praises: "The Dolby Vision and 4K resolution are a revelation for home theater. The expanded brightness and color range provide a much more cinematic HDR experience vs standard projectors."

"I was blown away by the sharpness and detail when gaming on a 120" screen. At around 18ms lag, I couldn't perceive any delay even in fast-paced shooters. It's a real showpiece for PS5 and XSX."

***

Drawbacks: "The black levels are decent but never truly dark in a light-controlled room. You'll want some ambient light or a gray screen for best contrast."

"Android TV 11 is snappy but a few apps like HBO Max aren't natively supported. You'll need a streaming stick for full app coverage."

XGIMI Aura Owner Reviews

Praises: "The ultra short throw is a real game-changer for apartment living. I'm getting a gigantic 150" image from just 1.5 ft away - it's like having a wall-sized UHDTV without needing a giant stand."

"I'm consistently wowed by the brightness, color, and sound from such a single-box setup. The 4K resolution holds up even on huge screens, with excellent sharpness and clarity across all content."

***

Drawbacks: "The input lag is only okay for fast-twitch competitive gaming. I notice it most on fighting games and high-speed FPS. Casual players will be fine but hardcore gamers should look elsewhere."

"You absolutely need a tensioned ALR screen for optimal image quality in anything but total darkness. Uneven surfaces and ambient light can wash out the picture quickly."

Owners of both projectors frequently praise the sharp 4K resolution, impressive HDR color and contrast, integrated Android TV interface, and powerful Harman Kardon audio. Many feel they deliver huge cinematic thrills and all-in-one convenience for the price.

The Horizon Ultra earns extra kudos for its responsive gaming performance and inclusion of Dolby Vision. Some owners wish for darker black levels and wider app support, but are overall very satisfied with the projector's versatility and image.

Aura buyers rave about its ultra short throw capabilities and imposing max screen size, especially in smaller rooms. The projector's elegant design and build quality are also highly regarded. A few users cite middling input lag and the need for an ALR screen as caveats.

Both models receive high marks for ease of setup, reliable streaming, and overall picture quality. While expensive compared to budget 4K projectors, most owners feel the premium is justified given the advanced optics, flagship HDR, high-end audio, and polished UI.

XGIMI Horizon Ultra and Aura Alternatives

If you're not completely sold on the XGIMI Horizon Ultra or Aura, here are a couple of other laser UST projectors to consider:

1. Samsung LSP9T Premiere: A premium tri-laser 4K UST with 2,800 lumens, higher 1,500,000:1 contrast, HDR10+, and built-in Tizen TV. Its .189 throw can fill a 130" screen from just 9.4" away;
2. LG HU915QE: Another high-end 4K tri-laser UST boasting 3,700 lumens, a .19 throw ratio, HDR10/HLG, webOS 6.0, and a 40W 2.2 channel speaker system. Ideal for bright living rooms.

The Samsung LSP9T is a strong Aura competitor with even higher 2,800 lumen brightness and a slightly shorter .189 throw ratio. This lets it cast a huge image in the tightest spaces - up to 130" from less than 10" away. It also uses an advanced tri-laser light engine for a wider color gamut, plus HDR10+ compatibility for enhanced highlight and shadow detail.

For the biggest and brightest ultra short throw image, check out the LG HU915QE. With a scorching 3,700 lumens and .19 throw, it's tailor-made for XXL screens up to 300" in high ambient light. HDR10 and HLG support ensure you're not sacrificing contrast or color for the extra lumens. Just be prepared to pay a premium for this level of laser-driven performance.

Is the XGIMI Horizon Ultra or Aura a Better Buy?

After testing both the XGIMI Horizon Ultra vs XGIMI Aura, I'm convinced they represent two of the best all-in-one 4K laser projector options for different needs and spaces. With their crisp detail, rich color, substantial brightness, powerful audio, and Android TV smarts, they each deliver a big-screen experience that far exceeds their form factor.

If you have a smaller room and want to maximize screen size, the XGIMI Aura is the clear winner. Its ultra short .23 throw and 2,400 lumens can fill a 100-150" ALR screen from mere inches away, with no need for a complex ceiling mount or long cable runs. Paired with the Harman Kardon quad-speaker array, it's a stylish and simplified alternative to a big-screen TV and surround system.

However, if you have more throw distance to work with and desire cutting-edge features, the XGIMI Horizon Ultra is the more future-proof pick. Dolby Vision and HDMI 2.1 provide the ultimate HDR impact for movies and gaming, while the faster 18ms input lag is a boon for multiplayer. The LED/laser hybrid light and Android TV 11 also ensure you're getting the latest tech for the money.

Ultimately, both projectors represent a new era of laser-powered, feature-rich 4K UST projection. For the first time, you can get a cinema-sized picture and immersive sound from a single sleek unit - no complicated wiring, bulky cabinets, or light-control needed. Whether you choose the bigger, bolder Aura or the more agile, advanced Horizon Ultra, prepare to be wowed by the sheer scale and spectacle.

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