In the XGIMI AURA 2 vs Formovie Theater matchup, both 4K laser ultra-short-throw projectors listed at exactly $999.99 on Amazon on October 16, 2026, and the AURA 2 lists more brightness at 2,300 ISO lumens versus 1,800 for the Formovie.
Ultra-short-throw projectors sit inches from the wall and throw a 100-inch-plus image. The Hook Up, a channel that tests UST projectors in a light-controlled garage, says brightness and contrast decide how well they hold up in a living room, and Paul Hibbert, a projector-using smart home YouTuber, pairs his UST with an ambient-light-rejecting screen.
XGIMI AURA 2 vs Formovie Theater: Specs Side by Side
Prices checked on Amazon Oct 16, 2026. I may earn a commission from links, at no cost to you.
| XGIMI AURA 2 UST laser projector | Formovie Theater UST 4K laser projector | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Ultra-short-throw laser | Ultra-short-throw laser |
| Brightness | 2,300 ISO lumens (listed) | 1,800 ISO lumens (listed) |
| Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| Smart OS | Google TV, licensed Netflix | Android TV 11 |
| Speakers | Harman Kardon | Bowers & Wilkins-tuned 2 x 15W |
| Extras | Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, 20 ms game latency (listed) | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos (listed) |
| Price | $999.99 | $999.99 |
| Buy | Check price | Check price |
Who should buy which
- XGIMI AURA 2 UST laser projector: brighter on paper, Google TV with licensed Netflix built in, IMAX Enhanced and a listed 20 ms game latency. Pick it for a room with some daylight.
- Formovie Theater UST 4K laser projector: Bowers & Wilkins-tuned speakers and Dolby Vision, plus HDR10+. Formovie’s listing says it won first place and judge’s pick at the 2022 and 2023 Laser TV Showdown.
XGIMI AURA 2 vs Formovie Theater: what testers say about UST projectors
The Hook Up tested XGIMI’s earlier Aura at $1,699 and measured about 1,300 ISO lumens in movie mode with a 1,895:1 native contrast. The AURA 2 is a newer model, so treat those figures as a reference point, not a test of this listing.
Paul Hibbert says the screen makes a big difference. A UST-specific ALR screen uses a sawtooth surface that rejects light from above and reflects the projector’s light from below, which is why his looks good even in daylight. Fresnel ALR screens can show a slight hot spot, he notes.
Add a screen
A NothingProjector 100” ALR screen for UST projectors lists at $399.00. Both projectors also work on a smooth wall in a dark room.
What YouTube Reviewers Say About UST Projectors
These points are paraphrased from the video transcripts and credited to each creator. They are the creators’ own findings and opinions, not mine.
- The Hook Up: newer RGB laser UST projectors deliver near-infinite dynamic contrast with laser dimming turned on, which it says is now common.
- The Hook Up: for daytime viewing, it compares projectors in their brightest usable modes with 200 W of overhead lighting on.
- Paul Hibbert: shiny OLED TVs reflect room lights in a way projector screens do not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is brighter, XGIMI AURA 2 or Formovie Theater?
XGIMI lists 2,300 ISO lumens for the AURA 2; Formovie lists 1,800 ISO lumens for the Theater.
Do both have Netflix?
The AURA 2 lists Google TV with licensed Netflix. The Formovie lists Android TV 11 with Google Play and Chromecast.
How far from the wall does a UST projector sit?
Inches. XGIMI lists a 0.177:1 throw ratio for the AURA 2.
Do I need an ALR screen?
Not in a dark room, but Paul Hibbert says it makes a big difference with lights or daylight.
Sources
- Amazon product listings for the products linked above, checked October 16, 2026
- The Hook Up: “Best Ultra Short Throw Projectors 2026 – Don’t Miss This One”
- Paul Hibbert: “Projector Destroys TV”
Related: Best Projector Under $1,000 | Projector vs TV | Projector for Bedroom
Notes and disclosure
Note: Prices come from Amazon listings checked on October 16, 2026. Prices change often, so check the current listing. Specs are the manufacturers’ listed numbers unless a reviewer is credited. Test results and opinions quoted above come from the YouTube reviewers and sites credited in each section; prices those reviewers mention are as of their videos. I have not tested these products myself yet.
Affiliate Disclosure: If you purchase an item through the links on this page, I may receive a commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel.