There are huge advances being made in the world of smart projectors, with affordable devices positioned as worthy complements to your home TV. Some of the more exciting models currently balance out portability and quality, with mid-size units offering consumers a chance to set up a huge screen within the home while also allowing the unit to be moved around.

Aurzen has a line of smart projectors backed by Roku TV, offering HD resolution and Wi-Fi streaming at an affordable budget. I tested out the D1R Cube. Here’s what I found.

4/5

Brand

Aurzen

Native Resolution

1920 × 1080 (FHD)

ANSI Lumens

330

FHD smart projector features auto-focus and auto-keystone correction while offering a bright, colorful image. Attractive, lightweight design allows for static setup or portable use.

Pros & Cons

• Built-in smart system
• Auto-focus and auto-keystone features
• LIghtweight and quiet

• Mediocre contrast
• Larger image requires more space

Price, availability, and specs

This Aurzen projector is part of its EAZZE series of mid-range, HD smart projectors that allow for convenient and versatile entertainment use. It features HD resolution and is backed by the Roku TV operating system, granting access to popular streaming apps. It connects via Wi-Fi while also featuring Bluetooth compatibility and wired connections through USB, HDMI, and audio.

The device boasts 330 ANSI lumens and can cast an image up to 200 inches. The sealed optical unit prevents dust buildup and reduces maintenance. At four pounds, its lightweight design makes it easy to set up, store, and move around.

The projector retails for $250 and is available directly from Aurzen as well as from Amazon.

What I liked about the Aurzen EAZZE D1R Cube

Built-in smart system, intuitive set-up, and myriad ports satisfy entertainment needs.

There are two key features that make this projector enjoyable and convenient from the start: auto-focus and auto-keystone. Turn it on, point it towards a wall or screen, and it’ll get the right picture for you. You can also tend to the image size manually, increasing or decreasing within certain allotments.

I enjoy the versatility as well. You can adjust the orientation of the projector depending on how you set it up, whether from the ground up or the ceiling down, in front of or behind a screen. With a USB and HDMI port, you can also connect various devices to stream or games. With an audio out port and Bluetooth, you have options for audio. The projector supports Dolby Audio while also featuring a pair of speakers that are surprisingly good considering they’re within a projector. The speakers can certainly be suitable for watching live sports, reality TV, or any other types of casual viewing.

What stands out is the color and detail found within a bunch of movies and TV shows, especially anything animated. Colors pop, especially when shown against a white backdrop, and the brightness within a dark room is impressive. Depending on what you’re watching, you can even enjoy a lot of entertainment with ambient lighting. For live events and other titles that are hot with a lot of light to make them accessible for mass audiences, you can absolutely use the projector during the day or in a room with lights on. I wouldn’t do this with any big movies or prestige TV, but you’re fine watching football in the afternoon with the curtain open.

The Cube isn’t advertised as portable, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take it around. The unit itself is light, and it’s worth hanging on to the box in which it arrives. It can serve as an easy way to transport; it comes with a power cable and a small remote, which in all doesn’t make the device particularly cumbersome.

Similarly, it’s not advertised as being an outdoor project either, but you can still take it out in the world. If it’s dark outside, and you have a way to provide power, then you can certainly use the projector. Just do so wisely: be mindful of rain and excessive heat. The internal system is protected within the closed design, but you’ll still want to be careful of dust, sand, and dirt that may be blowing around.

What I didn’t like about the Aurzen EAZZE D1R Cube

Limited ability as image size grows larger

There are some limitations to the projector. It’s worth keeping in mind that if you’re going to be watching any kind of title that has a lot of dark scenes, you’ll want to make sure you’re watching in a dark room. While some titles can hold up in ambient light if they are already bright, darker shows and movies will need more support. The contrast is good, but it’s not the best available among protectors, which already are limited compared to OLED smart TVs. That’s not necessarily a knock against this projector, but more a common hindrance for any HD model within this price range.

Personally, I’m not the biggest Roku TV fan. And the degree to which you enjoy or don’t enjoy that interface may determine whether you will like this projector. In order to use Roku, you need a Roku account; you can’t use the projector or set it up in any way before creating an account. It’s free to do so, of course, but still tedious. I also find the purple branding of Roku TV, with its poor layout and cartoonish look, quite dated now, but that’s a personal preference.

Be mindful that this is not a short throw projector. In order to get a large image size, you’ll have to position it a good distance away. And the farther way you go, the more you’ll want to ensure a dark space. The image can’t get as bright as you pull back, and you’ll want to be cognizant of what you watch with such a large size. Titles that require more detail and contrast are better served by a small image.

There are a couple other minor inconveniences. The auto-focus and auto-keystone are handy features. However, they take a bit of time to go through the process. When you turn on the projector, you’ll see a checkered image that will start to adjust itself. It can take some 10 to 15 seconds, which isn’t a long time, but it can feel like it. That image, too, may start to get on your nerves after you see it every time you turn on the unit.

Once the projector is on and set, any further movements or adjustments will result in that alignment image returning and the projector taking time to adapt anew. What you’re watching will continue to play, but the image will be overtaken by the checkered screen until the focus and keystone are reset.

Lastly, and this isn’t a big deal, but the projector is not a cube. It has three dimensions that are not equal. It doesn’t even have one side that’s a square. But I suppose calling it a cube is easier than a rectangular prism.

Should you buy the Aurzen EAZZE D1R Cube?

Terrific features and varied use for a decent price

Considering its relative portability, protective design, and convenient shape, this projector certainly stands out among competitors. You don’t want to be taking this on big adventures, but it serves well as a projector that can offer a big screen and some outdoor entertainment. If you’re fine with the Roku TV interface, then this Aurzen projector is a worthwhile investment.

Brand

Aurzen

Native Resolution

1920 × 1080 (FHD)

ANSI Lumens

330

Projection Technology

LCD

Connectivity

HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

FHD smart projector features auto-focus and auto-keystone correction while offering a bright, colorful image. Attractive, lightweight design allows for static setup or portable use.