Introduction
When it comes to premium 4K projection, two standout models in 2025 are the Dangbei DBOX02 (Mars Pro 2) and Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE. Both offer immersive laser/LED display, smart OS, and high-end features. This detailed comparison explores their differences in brightness, sound, OS, setup, and more to help you decide which suits your needs best.
Product Overview
Dangbei DBOX02 (Mars Pro 2)
Type: 4K Laser DLP projector with ALPD laser phosphor
Brightness: 2450 ISO Lumens
Display: 0.47″ UHD DMD, 3840×2160
HDR Support: HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
Light Source Lifespan: ~30,000 hours
Smart OS: Google TV with licensed Netflix
Setup Automation: Auto-focus, auto keystone, screen fit/alignment, obstacle avoidance, eye-protection, MEMC
Sound: Dual 12 W speakers, Dolby Audio + DTS:X
Throw Ratio: 1.27:1, projecting 60–200 inches
Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE
Type: 4K hybrid LED + Laser DLP (HybridBeam)
Brightness: 1800 ANSI Lumens
Display: 0.47″ DLP with XPR pixel shift, true 10-bit color
HDR Support: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
Light Source Lifespan: 30,000 hours
Smart OS: Google TV with 4K Netflix
Setup Automation: Autofocus, auto keystone, obstacle avoidance, screen fit, wall color adaption
Sound: Dual 15 W speakers, Dolby Audio, eARC support
Throw Ratio: 1.20:1, projecting up to 200 inches
Portability: Includes a top handle for carrying
Key Specifications Comparison Table
| Feature | Dangbei DBOX02 (Mars Pro 2) | Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE |
| Brightness | 2450 ISO Lumens | 1800 ANSI Lumens |
| Resolution | 4K UHD | 4K UHD |
| HDR Formats | HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG |
| Light Source | ALPD laser phosphor (blue laser), 30000 hr lifespan | HybridBeam (Red Laser + LED), 30000 hr lifespan |
| Smart OS | Google TV (licensed Netflix) | Google TV (licensed Netflix) |
| Auto Setup | Full suite incl. MEMC | Full suite with wall color adaption |
| Audio | Dual 12 W Dolby Audio + DTS:X | Dual 15 W Dolby Audio, eARC |
| Throw Ratio | 1.27:1; image size up to 200″ | 1.20:1; up to 200″ |
| Additional Features | Game mode with low latency, 3D support | Dolby Vision, eARC, top carry handle |
1. Brightness & Picture Quality
Mars Pro 2 achieves around 2450 ISO Lumens — exceptionally bright, even in well-lit rooms or for large screens.
Cosmos 4K SE, with 1800 ANSI Lumens, offers vibrant visuals with rich HDR color, though slightly dimmer in comparison.
Both projectors use 0.47″ DLP chips with XPR pixel shifting to achieve 4K resolution.
Winner: Mars Pro 2 — Its significantly higher brightness gives it the edge for larger screens and ambient-light environments.
2. HDR Capability
Mars Pro 2 supports HDR10+ and HLG, offering dynamic tone mapping.
Cosmos 4K SE supports Dolby Vision, which provides superior contrast and color grading in supported content.
Winner: Cosmos 4K SE — Dolby Vision delivers a more dynamic HDR experience with scene-by-scene optimization.
3. Smart Features & Streaming
Both models run Google TV with native 4K Netflix support, along with apps like YouTube, Prime Video, and Disney+.
Mars Pro 2 includes a low-latency Game Mode and 3D video compatibility.
Cosmos 4K SE features wall color adaptation for versatile placement and scene-optimized image tuning.
Winner: Tie — Mars Pro 2 is ideal for gamers and 3D lovers, while Cosmos 4K SE provides image optimization flexibility.
4. Setup & Auto-Adjustment
Both projectors support:
Auto focus
Auto keystone correction
Intelligent screen alignment
Obstacle avoidance
Additional:
Mars Pro 2 includes eye protection and MEMC motion smoothing.
Cosmos 4K SE adds wall color correction for non-white surfaces.
Winner: Tie — Both offer comprehensive automation; Mars Pro 2 has MEMC and eye safety, while Cosmos excels at adapting to diverse surfaces.
5. Audio Performance
Mars Pro 2 features dual 12W speakers with Dolby Audio and DTS:X, ideal for rich home cinema.
Cosmos 4K SE goes further with dual 15W speakers, Dolby Audio, and eARC output for enhanced home theater integration.
Winner: Cosmos 4K SE — More powerful speakers and eARC make it a better all-in-one audio-visual package.
6. Portability & Design
Mars Pro 2 is sleek and compact but does not include a carry handle. However, it supports optional mounting with a detachable rotatable gimbal base, allowing users to flexibly adjust projection angles and position it on various surfaces.
Cosmos 4K SE includes a top-mounted handle for easier portability, especially when used outdoors or between rooms.
Winner: Cosmos 4K SE — The integrated handle makes it more convenient for mobile or multi-room use.
7. Gaming Performance
Mars Pro 2 features a dedicated low-latency Game Mode, optimized for smooth gameplay, with MEMC (Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation) that reduces motion blur and improves clarity during fast-paced scenes. It also offers an HDMI latency of just 18ms (as measured in Dangbei lab tests), ensuring fast responsiveness for console gamers.
Cosmos 4K SE does not highlight a gaming-specific mode, and lacks MEMC, which may lead to less fluid gaming visuals in action-heavy content.
Winner: Mars Pro 2 — With Game Mode and MEMC, it’s the better choice for gamers seeking responsive, fluid projection.
Conclusion
Both the Dangbei Mars Pro 2 and Anker Nebula Cosmos 4K SE deliver high-quality 4K projection, smart functionality, and immersive sound. The Mars Pro 2 stands out for its superior brightness, game-friendly features, and optional gimbal accessory for flexible placement. Meanwhile, the Cosmos 4K SE shines in HDR quality with Dolby Vision, stronger built-in audio, and ease of portability with its carry handle.
- Choose Mars Pro 2 if your priority is brightness, gaming, or use in well-lit or large spaces.
- Choose Cosmos 4K SE if you value Dolby Vision, stronger speakers with eARC, and better portability.
Ultimately, both are excellent choices depending on your use case, with Mars Pro 2 slightly ahead for visual performance and Cosmos 4K SE leading in HDR and mobility.— The integrated handle makes it more convenient for mobile or multi-room use.
FAQs
No, both use XPR technology with a 0.47″ DLP chip to achieve 4K resolution via pixel shifting, which is common in this price range.
Yes, both the Mars Pro 2 and Cosmos 4K SE are officially certified to run Netflix in 4K without needing external devices.
Mars Pro 2 is better for gaming due to its 18ms HDMI latency, Game Mode, and MEMC support, providing smoother, more responsive visuals.
Yes. Mars Pro 2 supports optional gimbal mounting, while Cosmos 4K SE also has standard mounting threads and a built-in handle for flexible placement.
Cosmos 4K SE is slightly more portable due to its built-in carry handle, making it easier to move between rooms or take outdoors.
