Portability, portability, portability. That’s the core advantage of the Wemax Go Advanced 300 laser 1080p projector. At less than 1-inch thick and less than 2 pounds in weight, this is one of the most compact projectors I’ve seen with ALPD laser technology. The projector is recommended for screen sizes from 40″ up to 120″.

Regarding specs, the Wemax Go Advanced 300 uses a Amlogic T972-H 4-core, 1.96GHz processor, 2GB of RAM and a 16GB eMMC storage drive (9.5GB free at initial setup). It’s rated at 600 ANSI lumens and has a 500:1 contrast ratio, supports HDR 10, has Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, and 802.11ac Wi-Fi connectivity. It’s compatible with Miracast, Airplay, DLNA, and Huawei Cast+ (no Chromecast).

Build / Design

In the box, you will find the projector itself (measuring roughly 1″ by 8.5″ by 4.5″), the USB-C power cord w/ power brick, the remote control (the two required AAA batteries are not included), and a quick start guide. On the back of the projector, you will find the USB-C in for power, a 3.5mm headphones jack (or to connect an external speaker via wired), a USB 2.0 port and a HDMI 2.0 input.

I love the sleek metal design of the projector. There’s a sliding door on the front of the projector that covers the lens. That also doubles as the power-on function (there’s no power-on button). There are four rubber grip feet on the bottom to prevent sliding as well as a sturdy front leg that can be flipped down to display content as an angle. There’s also venting on nearly all sides of the projector.

The fan noise for the projector is rated at 30dB in movie mode (although it’s not much more in other modes, under 38dB). There are two speakers built into the unit, 2 watts each.

Setup

The Wemax Go Advanced 300 runs a proprietary version of Android called FengOS. If you are familiar with the setup process for an Android (version 9) device, you could be confused at first since there’s no direct Google Play store access (outside of the Firefox web browser). Instead, there’s the Aptoide TV app to find, install and use apps.

The initial setup process took a few minutes. The projector finds the remote control, pairs it and brings up auto focus correction screen to start. That’s an ideal feature for anyone on the go. You can also project from an angle, using the 4-point keystone correction tool (automatic correction). I tested it at several angles and never had an issue getting a clear, focused image.

After the auto-adjustment, the FengOS interface loads up. You can rerun the auto-focus at any time in the top menu as well as the 4-point keystone correction. The device will also detect when the image is being displayed at a new location and run the auto-focus toll automatically.

On the lower main menu, you will find a file manager (to access local storage or files via USB), input selections (to switch to the USB or HDMI port), cast projection (Android or iOS device mirroring), a Bluetooth speaker option (turns the projector into a BT speaker) and a Settings section.

There’s a ton of options in settings. Under system, you can name the device and change the auto-play function (auto-plays input source at boot). The security section can limit what Android apps can be installed. The energy saving section has options for the screensaver and wallpaper (a good feature when leaving the projector on for an extended time).

Under video, you have several options for preset image modes as well as a custom option to fine tune the settings. Under projection settings, you can set it up for mirrored, flipped or mirrored & flipped (depends on your setup). You also have access to fine tuning all the screen alignment / zoom / focus options.

Regarding setup for apps, Aptoide TV is an extremely poor substitute for Google Play. Here’s an example. I installed the HBO MAX app via Aptoide TV. I launch it and HBO wants me to download the latest version of the app, which is impossible from the Aptoide TV app. I load up Firefox to do it now, which forwards me to the Google Play store. Now I have to login to Google Play. I try that, attempt to download and it can’t install.

And that’s not even the most frustrating experience. There are apps in Aptoide TV that require you to use the painfully slow mouse mode. Netflix and Amazon Prime Video to name a couple. You have to use the directional buttons on the remote to slowly move the mouse cursor around (or connect a BT mouse).

My advice? Ditch the entire Aptoide TV user-unfriendly interface and plug in a $25 Roku or Fire TV stick into the HDMI port. Both of those interfaces are light years ahead of what’s being offered here within FengOS.

Performance

As mentioned earlier, the Wemax Go Advanced 300 is rated 600 ANSI lumens. If you are unfamiliar with the term, ANSI is a measurement of the overall amount of light output from a projector. The higher the value, the brighter the picture. Lots of compact, travel projectors are in the 200 to 500 ANSI range.

For real world applications, this means you have more flexibility in when you can use the projector. For instance, if you are showing a movie outside, you could start the film as the sun was setting rather than having to wait for complete darkness. That being said, 600 ANSI lumens still isn’t enough for medium light, so you will still have to close the blinds / curtains if using in a home / office or wait for dusk.

On picture quality, I was thoroughly impressed with the ALPD laser tech. It’s not 4K, but 1080p looks sharp and clear. You can also play 4K content (downscaled to 1080p). The color is excellent, likely due to the brightness levels and HDR 10; extremely accurate compared to my Samsung Q80.

I did a few tests on some of my favorite colorful films (Atomic Blonde, La La Land, How to Train Your Dragon) and the color accuracy was excellent. Of course, you have to make sure you are projecting on the proper background. A projector screen for laser projectors is ideal, but a white wall certainly works in a pinch.

The auto-keystone function and auto-focusing function is perfect for the average user, but anyone that wanted a deep level of manual control could be disappointed. You would need to upgrade to a more advanced projector for that, like the WeMax Nova. However, I doubt that will be a complaint from most users,.

The speaker quality is roughly the same as listening to audio via your smartphone speakers, definitely not ideal if you have a large group of people. It’s fine for dialogue, but loud action scenes are going push the built-in speakers to it’s limits. You are much better off connecting an external speaker via the 3.5mm jack or using a Bluetooth speaker system / headphones.

Testing

I tested the internal 39 Wh battery from a full charge to losing power completely. It lasted roughly 83 minutes of constant projection before turning off the 1st time and 77 minutes the 2nd time. Be aware that running off the battery defaults to the power saving mode, thus you are going to see a decrease in the overall brightness level. When the projector is plugged in, it defaults to the standard video mode.

I also tested connecting a power bank to the projector and that also works just fine. If you don’t have access to a AC power source handy, connecting to a power bank will extend your usage time. Of course, that’s another device you will have to haul around in your laptop bag / backpack.

I tested loading up a bunch of movies on a 500GB external drive, popped that into the USB port, and queued those up using VLC. No issues at all. I’d also recommend that option for anyone that’s going to a truly remote location where Wi-Fi or cellular service will be spotty.

Sadly, there’s no Chromecast streaming here. I did test the iOS mirroring with an iPad and iPhone. It worked fine, but stopped mirroring when I attempted to launch Netflix. It is ideal for mirroring web interfaces, especially during a presentation.

The FengOS (Android 9.0) interface is definitely snappy, due to the excellent internal specs on the hardware. You can hop around the interface quickly and jump from different apps / inputs. Regarding apps that did work, YouTube worked perfectly. VLC was great as well.

As mentioned previously, you certainly aren’t locked into Android. I tried both a Roku stick and a Fire TV stick via the HDMI port, each worked like a charm. You will have to remember to bring that extra remote control when traveling though. If I had to add anything the hardware, a 2nd HMDI port would be useful. If I had to add anything to the software, it would be an app store that wasn’t so gosh darn frustrating.

Regarding gaming, I would not use this projector for anything other than casual gaming due to the high input lag. I tried Halo Infinite and Hades, but the lag between the controller movements and what was showing up on the projected image screen was evident in comparison to my main gaming setup (LG C1).

Perhaps Wemax can add a lower lag Game mode with a firmware update in the future. Oddly enough, there’s a game mode in the sound settings, but nothing in the video settings. Of course, if you prefer to play limited action, slower paced games, the input lag probably won’t bother you that much.

Should You Buy It?

I would say the Wemax Go Advanced 300 is definitely more for the business professional than regular consumers. From a business perspective, if you need a portable projector for workplace presentations, this projector should 100% be on your shortlist.

The performance is outstanding considering the size and would allow you to travel with everything you need in a single laptop bag. It’s also incredibly fast to get setup with the auto setup function, just a couple minutes from start to presentation. Mirroring also works as advertised. As mentioned before, you can run it off a power bank, ideal if in an area without power.

One note, if you work in the event space, I’m less inclined to recommend this projector due to the lack of a tripod mount. However, if you have access to a small stand, the projector would be easy to hide in the space (you will need separate speakers for an event though, you can connect up to two BT devices).

From an movie / TV watching consumer perspective, the video quality of the projector is excellent, but I would only pick it up if you plan on going with an alternative streaming stick for the video apps. This version of Android is too frustrating to use for entertainment apps.

The MSRP for the Wemax Go Advanced 300 is $1198, however it launched via crowd-funding significantly under that price. We haven’t seen any discounts on the projector beyond that initial discount. It’s still relatively new though, just officially released during early May 2022.

WEMAX Go Advanced 300 Review

Looking to upgrade that older 1080p projector with a new 4K model? Perhaps you are building a movie room in your basement and need something to really impress your guests? Does the idea of installing a projector seem too complicated? Meet the WeMax Nova 4K projector, an ultra short throw projector that can display a sharp 4K image 80 to 150-inches in size and can be installed in minutes.

Build / Design

Compact, compact, compact. The Nova measures roughly 18 inches long, 12 inches wide and just under 4 inches tall. It fits in nicely with all your other set-top boxes in the home theater setup. Along the sides, you will finds scroll dials to adjust the feet on the front of the projector, ideal if you need to project at an angle. The shape of the projector reminds me a bit of the final revision of the Xbox One hardware.

On the top, you will find a manual power button and the laser projection system (ALPD). The 2100 ANSI lumen bulb in the projector is rated for 25,000 hours. There’ also a sensor system built into the top of the system, specifically designed to shut down the last when detecting any movement. This is designed as a safety feature to avoid damaging eyes.

On the front of the Nova, a grill hides the built-in speaker system. Using a Dolby Audio processor (and DTS decoder), it’s higher end than the majority of speakers in television, but not quite a mid-range sound bar. There are two full range 10W drivers and two 5W tweeters. On the bottom, you will find mounting holes for ceiling mounting via a bracket (not required).

On the back, you will find the power connection port (one power cord, no brick required), three HDMI 2.0 ports (included 1 ARC on HDMI 3), 1 3.5mm composite video port, 1 RJ-45 Ethernet port (if you prefer over Wi-Fi), 1 3.5mm headphone jack, and 1 Digital S/PDIF optical jack. There’ also a USB 2.0 port on the rear as well as 1 USB port the side of the Nova, ideal for plugging in an expansion hard drive.

Speaking of storage, the Nova comes with a 32GB storage drive, which has about 26GB free after the initial updates. Other hardware stats include 2GB of RAM (ideal for smooth Android usage), Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity and Wi-Fi connectivity for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz systems.

Setup

Ultra short throw projectors are perfect for anyone who have traditionally avoided projectors. It’s absolutely simple to install. You can place it 10 inches from the wall on your TV stand, preferably pointed at a screen, and you are essentially done. You don’t have to mount it a specific distance away from the screen. You don’t have to mount it to a ceiling bracket. You also don’t have to put up with people who walk in front of the projector when entering or coming into your movie room.

The Nova is no different. I placed it on my TV stand, plugged it in and had a massive image just moments after unpacking. That being said, Wemax does include options in the menu for other placements, including a ceiling mount. But the vast majority of users will likely just place it directly in front of the wall.

The initial setup runs you through linking the included remote (requires two AAA batteries not included) via Bluetooth (no line of sight required), connecting to your home’s Wi-Fi network and downloading the latest updates for Android. My update was less than a gig of data. If you have the option, I recommend using the Ethernet port on the back of the projector and avoiding any possible issues with Android wireless connectivity.

Initially, the software walks you through auto-adjusting the focus and auto-adjusting the keystone (how the corners of the image line up with your projector screen). Wemax gives you the option of adjusting via a 4-point keystone (just adjusting the corners) as well as a fine-tuning mode, an 8-point adjustment option for manual tweaking.

If you like tweaking the image quality, there are a number of preset viewing modes like Movie, Vivid, and Sports as well as a custom mode to manually adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, sharpness, hue, and color temperature. It also has a digital noise reduction option. Incidentally, if you connect a game console like the PS5 or a computer, the Nova has a Game mode (with faster response time) and a monitor mode.

Setting up Android 9.0 is quite simple as well. After the updates, you have the option of installing additional apps. The main Android menu will always be your starting point when turning on the projector.

One annoyance, the hardware doesn’t remember if you were watching something via a HDMI port the last time it was active. You always have to go to the inputs section at the top of the Android screen, then select your HDMI port in the settings. Many new TVs will remember the last HDMI port that was active or even auto-load to a newly turned on device. A dedicated input button on the remote would have helped here.

Performance / Testing

As mentioned earlier, the Nova is rated 2100 ANSI lumens. If you are unfamiliar with the term, ANSI is a measurement of the overall amount of light output from a projector. The higher the value, the brighter the picture.

The picture quality is absolutely stunning, especially in a low light room. But even in a medium light room, you are still going to have solid image quality. Ideally, you want to display this image on an ALR projection screen. You can typically find those screens online, ranging from $250 up to $2,000. Keep in mind this is DLP tech, if you are sensitive to the rainbow effect. I didn’t have any issues though.

In complete darkness with projection screen, this projector is really going to perform well during dark scenes in films. I tried out some scenes from Pan’s Labyrinth, Gravity, and Dunkirk, all which this projector nailed in a completely dark room. I also did a few tests on some of my favorite colorful films (Grand Budapest Hotel, La La Land, Coraline) and the color accuracy was 100% there. And I was using the standard movie mode picture setting (no additional tweaking). HDR10 content looked fantastic! (Does not support HLG HDR or 3D content)

Regarding Android performance, I’m happy to report the interface is snappy and responsive, much like high end 4K televisions from Samsung or Sony. It’s super easy to jump from app to app, download new apps or simply move around in the settings. I’ve tested too many devices in which the processor / RAM slow down Android to the point of being borderline unusable. This is not the case with the Nova. Voice commands work well using the included remote as well.

Regarding gaming, this is a fantastic projector for casual gaming, but not necessarily for competitive gaming. The gaming mode reduces response time to about 40ms, which is fantastic for racing games like Forza or Mario Kart or adventure games, RPGs, and other types of single player games. And a 150-inch screen is pretty epic for split-screen games with friends.

However, it’s not ideal for twitchy, first-person multiplayer shooters when cutting down response time can be the difference between winning or losing a match. It’s also not necessarily ideal for the PS5 / Xbox Series X due to the lack of HDMI 2.1 / 120Hz mode. You would be better off on an LG OLED to get those features.

As for the sound performance, connecting to an external set of speakers or soundbar via HDMI ARC is still the superior option. While the speakers are better than the vast majority of televisions, it certainly doesn’t compare to a full surround sound system. However, I did like the option to turn off the projector and continue to use the sound system as a Bluetooth speaker. You can find this option in the menu when turning off the Nova.

I tested both movies / TV shows on the internal hard drive as well as plugging in a 64GB thumb drive in the side USB port. No issues with either option and VLC was able to handle any file I threw at it. Another use for USB, a mouse & keyboard. You can simply plug in a USB BT dongle to one of the ports and you are ready to roll. This is ideal for using Android to browse the web or make faster YouTube searches by simply typing in titles of videos.

One clear limitation to Android 9.0 is the absence of Netflix. However, any app you can’t get on Android can easily be found on a streaming stick (Fire TV, Roku) or any gaming console. And with 3 HDMI ports, you will likely have room.

I did try testing out some streams of 4K content on YouTube, Netflix and a few other streaming networks using a PS5. It just works, no issues with Wi-Fi connectivity. Plus you have the option of a hardwired Ethernet. I had no issues using Chromecast for streaming and it was just as fast as a current gen Samsung / Sony TV. I also tested out a couple UHD discs using a Sony UBP-X800M2 and had no issues with HDR10 content.

Regarding fan noise, it’s minimal, even after extended use. You may notice it during low volume quiet scenes in movies and TV shows, but it’s much quieter than many traditional projectors I’ve tried. Additionally, you could easily add some sound dampening material in the vicinity of the device to cut down on fan noise (as long as you have proper ventilation).

Should You Buy It?

If you are in the market for a short throw laser projector, the Wemax Nova should be at the top of your list. It’s dead simple to setup, it’s bright enough to use in a low-to-medium light room, the 4K image quality is fantastic (especially HDR10 content), the Android platform is responsive, and it has more than enough tweaking options for the average user.

At a $2,700 MSRP, this certainly isn’t a casual purchase. That being said, we’ve seen the price drop as low as $1,900 using coupons. Hypothetically, if you got that sales price, you could pick up a $500 screen and have a stellar home theater setup (at least the video part) that would impress pretty much any guest.

Wemax Nova 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector Review

In a world with near limitless entertainment options as well as screens in our home to display that entertainment, there are products that are designed to take a bit of that comfort with us on the road. WEMAX is attempting to do just that with the compact, 1080p DICE projector; a device that can be used without a power source (after fully charged) in any remote location.

Imagine going camping, throwing up a sheet over a couple trees and streaming your favorite movie (up to 120 inches in size) simply by connecting the projector to your phone (when setup as a mobile hotspot). Or perhaps you want to show old home movies at a relative’s house that has older televisions and video tech. At less than 5 pounds, this projector is easy to pack in a suitcase and take with you on the go.

It also feels like a great option in the business space as well. I could imagine that someone like an event planner would love to have a bright, compact projector to display video / photos at a wedding or similar event. Flipping back to consumers, it also feels great for anyone that wants to game with friends and needs a huge screen to display their PS5 / Series X games.

Build / Design

In the box, you will find the projector itself (measuring roughly 6″ by 6″ by 5″), the power cord w/ power brick, the remote control (the two required AAA batteries are not included), a quick start guide and a cloth to wipe down the lens. On the back of the projector, you will find the DC in for power, a 3.5mm headphones jack (or to connect an external speaker), a USB 2.0 port and a HDMI input.

One additional feature that I liked, there’s a threaded screw hole on the bottom designed for mounting on a tripod; a great idea for gaining height when projecting. There’s also a brown strap on the top that lets you easily relocate the projector without having to pick up the hardware (which is ideal when running for hours due to heat).

I love the industrial, metal design of the projector. It’s just plain solid. There’s tons of heat dissipation areas in the form of miniature holes along the sides and back. There are four rubber feet on the bottom to provide a nice cushion when you set it down. The strap on the top is attached via large, metal rivets on the sides. It’s a sleek looking machine and, amazingly, not much larger than a smart speaker like the Amazon Echo.

Setup

If you have ever been through the setup process for an Android (version 9) device, you are going to be right at home setting up the Dice. The actual initial setup process took about 10 minutes, much of that related to downloading and installing the initial software update.

I was impressed with the auto focus function at start, an ideal feature for a projector that’s intended to go mobile and travel with you. You can also project from an angle up to 45 degrees off center, using the 4-point keystone correction tool (automatic correction). I tested it a few times and never had an issue getting a clear, focused image that displayed natural images.

You will have to pair the remote with the projector, but it’s a quick process that had me up and running in 30 seconds. Beyond that, you will need to install common entertainment apps within the Google interface like HBO Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ etc…

Fair warning, Netflix is not included as an option (nor can it be cast via Chromecast), but nothing is stopping you from plugging a $25 Roku or Fire TV stick into the HDMI port to gain access to Netflix. That’s also a great solution if you simply dislike the Android interface (or are more comfortable on another platform).

I did have a minor issue with Android not bring able to connect to my home Wi-Fi network during the initial setup process, but once I entered the login details and skipped past the “Can’t connect” screen, Android auto-logged me into the network. I haven’t had a problem since. Again, you won’t have this problem if using a separate streaming stick.

Performance

The DICE is rated 700 ANSI lumens. If you are unfamiliar with the term, ANSI is a measurement of the overall amount of light output from a projector. The higher the value, the brighter the picture. For the size of this projector and the price point, it’s extremely competitive compared to alternatives like the Nebula. Lots of compact, travel projectors are in the 200 to 500 ANSI range.

For real world applications, this means you have more flexibility in when you can use the projector. For instance, if you are showing a movie outside, you could start the film as the sun was setting rather than having to wait for complete darkness. That being said, 700 ANSI lumens still isn’t enough for medium light, so you will still have to close the blinds / curtains if using in a home or wait for dusk.

On picture quality, I was thoroughly impressed with the DLP tech. It’s not 4K, but 1080p looks sharp and clear. The color is excellent, likely due to the brightness levels; extremely accurate compared to my Samsung Q80. I did a few tests on some of my favorite colorful films (Grand Budapest Hotel, La La Land, Coraline) and the color accuracy was absolutely there. Of course, you have to make sure you are projecting on a white background. A projector screen is ideal, but a white wall certainly works in a pinch.

While I think the auto-keystone function and auto-focusing function is perfect for the average user, anyone that wanted a deep level of manual control will be disappointed. I don’t think that will be a huge complaint from most users, but folks that like to get into slight, technical corrections will be disappointed.

The speaker quality is certainly better than listening to audio via your smartphone speakers, but it’s not ideal if you have a large group. It’s fine for dialogue, but sweeping musical numbers or loud action scenes are going push the built-in speaker to it’s limits. You are much better off connecting an external speaker via the 3.5mm jack or using Bluetooth.

Testing

I tested the 16,000 mAh battery from a full charge to losing power completely and the manufacturer’s estimate was dead on. It lasted roughly 3 hours and 7 minutes of constant video projection before turning off the 1st time and 3 hours and 13 minutes the 2nd time; plenty of time for most movies (outside of a Lord of the Rings marathon)

Be aware that running off the battery defaults to eco mode over performance mode, thus you are going to see a decrease in the overall brightness level. Turning it up will impact the length of time the battery charge will last. When the DICE is plugged in, it defaults to performance mode.

I tested the device charging feature, via the USB port. It just works, plug and play. Granted, you will drain the battery and lose video projection time, but it’s an awesome feature if you are desperate for a quick charge (or are perhaps need juice while streaming a TV show or movie from your device). No USB-C here charging, of course.

I tested loading up a bunch of movies on a 64GB thumb drive, popped that into the USB port, and queued those up using VLC (available on the Google Play store). No issues at all. I’d also recommend that option for anyone that’s going to a truly remote location where Wi-Fi or cellular service will be spotty.

I tested Chromecast streaming using multiple apps. It works well, but be aware it’s going to take slightly longer to get going when starting a video. I was noticing roughly an additional 15-20 seconds waiting for videos to start compared to streaming to a separate Chromecast device or streaming to a Sony TV using Android. After it gets going, it’s an identical experience to the those other devices.

Personally, I found the Android 9.0 interface to be hit or miss. YouTube worked perfectly, for instance. Loading up other apps was a bit of a chore. Disney+ was solid, Hulu was lagging, Peacock was super slow. Google Voice Assistant works just fine (there’s a button on the remote for it).

As mentioned previously, you certainly aren’t locked into Android. I tried both a Roku stick and a Fire TV stick via the HDMI port, each worked like a charm. You will have to remember to bring that extra remote control when traveling though.

If I had to add anything the hardware, a S/PDIF optical out would have been nice for more advanced speaker systems or perhaps a USB-C port for charging newer devices. Maybe a 2nd HMDI port. If I had to add anything to the software, it would be a more stable Android interface & Netflix support within Android.

Should You Buy It?

If you are looking for a compact, bright projector for travel, the WEMAX DICE should be at the top of your shopping list. It’s a user friendly projector that’s easy to get up and running, plays pretty much anything you can throw at it, gives you maximum flexibility in where you can use it and provides a greater level of brightness than competitors at this price point.

If you are going to take this device on the go, you may want to consider investing in a small, hard-shell case, like Pelican cases with foam inserts to project the projector lens. There are cheaper options from Amazon Basics as well.

You can read more reviews of the WEMAX DICE projector here on Amazon. The MSRP for the DICE is $700, but you can normally find sales in the $500 – $600 range. The last deal post on the DICE projector on Ben’s Bargains was $403.

WEMAX DICE 1080P Portable Projector Review

Looking to help someone upgrade their personal home theater this year? One of the nice things about having a personal home theater is getting the surround sound benefits of a real theater without having to put up with the annoying sounds of people talking on their cell phones, babies and young children making noise or chatterboxes commenting about everything that’s happening on the screen. Check out our picks from some of the best home theater tech that would make great gifts this year.

Buy This Gift for Someone Who Wants Streaming 4K Video

Definitely a solid upgrade for anyone with an older streaming set-top box like the early Roku boxes or an Apple TV, the Roku Ultra is one of the top set-top boxes to access applications like Netflix, Hulu Plus, VUDU and Amazon Instant Video. Able to stream 4K Ultra HD video, other features of the Roku Ultra include HDR capability, a remote control finder, headphone jack in remote, universal search across all apps and 802.11ac dual-band MIMO Wi-Fi connectivity.

MSRP: $100 | Lowest Price on Ben’s: $70

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Buy This Gift for Someone Who Wants Dolby Atmos / DTS:X Audio

Ideal for someone with speaker already, the Onkyo TX-NR686 5.2.2-channel Network A/V Receiver will bump up a home theater into the 4K world. Including decoding for the newest audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, this receiver supports both HDCP 2.2 and HDMI 2.0 as well as HDR10 and Dolby Vision. It also includes built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Airplay for streaming music from services like Pandora and Spotify.

MSRP: $449 | Lowest Price on Ben’s: n/a

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Buy This Gift for Someone Who Hates Their Cable Box

While cable companies are catching up slowly, TiVo is still a superior company when it comes to user interface and the quality of the software on DVR boxes. Enter the TiVo Bolt Vox, a killer DVR box that offers 4K Ultra HD recording and a commercial break skip option that will zip you through your favorite shows. The base model of the Bolt can record 4 shows at once with a 500 GB recording capacity (75 Hours).

MSRP: $169 | Lowest Price on Ben’s: n/a

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Buy This Gift for Someone Who Needs to Protect their Home Theater

It’s surprising how often people purchase expensive televisions and home theater systems, but neglect to protect their investment with a powerful surge protector. While Monster has actually produced a decent line of these devices, we are partial to the Tripp Lite HT10DBS surge protector. This hardcore surge protector provides 3840 joules of total protection and includes connections for coaxial cable, the home phone line and the high speed Internet line.

MSRP: $139 | Lowest Price on Ben’s: $48

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Buy This Gift to Upgrade Audio in a Bedroom / Office / Apartment

Using a full home theater setup with a large 12-inch subwoofer is not ideal for small rooms or apartments. It’s tough to fit tons of large speakers into a small area and can rattle your neighbors if living in a multi-unit apartment. That’s where the Yamaha YAS-108 Sound Bar with built-in subs comes in. This 35-inch soundbar provides a much higher quality of audio than speakers built into a television while keeping the volume tolerable for small or shared spaces.

MSRP: $199| Lowest Price on Ben’s: $150

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Buy This Gift for Someone Who Isn’t Happy with a “Small” 70-inch HDTV

Definitely a great gift for someone with a room in their home dedicated to a home theater, the Optoma UHD50 projector offers 4K playback as well as HDR10 playback. Providing 2,400 lumens of total brightness, you can easily project a 140-inch image from 16 feet away. The projector includes two HDMI inputs if connecting a secondary video source like a gaming console.

MSRP: $1,499 | Lowest Price on Ben’s: $999

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Buy This Gift for Someone Who Already Has an A/V Receiver

Ideal for someone setting up their first 7.1 system, the Onkyo SKS-HT993THX 7.1 Ch. THX speaker system is an extremely well-reviewed speaker package that includes a solid 130-watt rating per speaker and a 125-watt, 12-inch subwoofer. The speakers have a fairly small footprint compared to large, floorstanding models and are ideal for content with significant directional audio effects such as action movies or video games.

MSRP: $799 | Lowest Price on Ben’s: $599

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Buy This Gift for Someone Who Hates Having Seven Remote Controls

While the Harmony Elite is getting great reviews, we actually recommend going with a previous generation model due to the high $300+ price tags of the new Harmony models. Check out the Harmony Touch Universal Remote (with color touchscreen) at a $100 sale price ($200 MSRP) or the Logitech Harmony Home at a $75 sale price ($150 MSRP). Both will give you significant control over the remotes currently lost in your couch cushions.

MSRP: $249 | Lowest Price on Ben’s: $60

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Upgrade That Home Theater: Eight Great Gift Ideas for 2018