Intro
In 2024, home theater enthusiasts have more choices than ever. Among the top contenders in the premium 4K projector category are the Dangbei Mars Pro 2 and the XGIMI Horizon S Pro. These two flagship projectors utilize different light source technologies and offer distinct advantages in brightness, color accuracy, system features, audio, and connectivity. This in-depth comparison explores product overviews, spec-by-spec tables, and detailed feature breakdowns to help you decide which model is best suited to your needs.
Product Overview
Dangbei Mars Pro 2 – Laser-Powered Brightness with Official Netflix Support
The Dangbei Mars Pro 2 is a high-brightness 4K laser projector designed for serious home cinema users. With 2450 ISO lumens and ALPD laser light technology, it delivers stunning visuals even in well-lit environments. It runs on Google TV with official Netflix certification, providing access to thousands of apps. Additional highlights include auto-focus, omnidirectional keystone correction, obstacle avoidance, and ultra-quiet operation at under 24dB.
XGIMI Horizon S Pro – Mixed-Light Color Expert with Dolby Vision
Released in late 2024, the XGIMI Horizon S Pro features Dual Light 2.0 (a hybrid of triple-laser and phosphor light source), producing 1800 ISO lumens of brightness and covering 110% of the BT.2020 color gamut. It supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, and advanced scene optimization. Powered by Android TV 11 and integrated with Harman Kardon speakers, it’s built for immersive cinematic experiences.
Side-by-Side Specifications
| Specification | Dangbei Mars Pro 2 | XGIMI Horizon S Pro |
| Release Date | June 2024 | October 2024 |
| Light Source | ALPD Laser | Triple-Laser + Phosphor (Dual Light 2.0) |
| Light Source Life | 30,000 hours | 20,000 hours |
| Resolution | 4K UHD (3840×2160) | 4K UHD (3840×2160) |
| DLP Chip | 0.47″ DLP | 0.47″ DLP |
| Brightness | 2450 ISO Lumens | 1800 ISO Lumens |
| Contrast Ratio | 900:1 | 1,000,000:1 (Dynamic) |
| Throw Ratio | 1.27:1 | 1.2:1 |
| Color Gamut | 100.45% Rec.709, 74.05% DCI-P3 | 110% BT.2020 |
| HDR Support | HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG |
| MEMC Motion Smoothing | Yes | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes (ToF + CMOS) | Yes (ISA 5.0) |
| Keystone Correction | 4-point automatic | 4-point automatic |
| Obstacle Avoidance | Yes | Yes |
| 3D Playback | Yes | No |
| Operating System | Google TV (Netflix Certified) | Android TV 11 |
| App Store | Google Play (10,000+ apps) | Google Play |
| Netflix Certified | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Casting | Chromecast Built-in | DLNA / GoogleCast |
| Speakers | 2×12W Dolby Audio + DTS:X | 2×12W Harman Kardon |
| Noise Level | <24dB (@25℃) | <28dB |
| Storage / RAM | 32GB ROM + 2GB RAM | 32GB ROM + 2GB RAM |
| Ports | HDMI 2.1 ×2, USB ×2, SPDIF, RJ45, Audio Out | HDMI (eARC) ×1, USB ×2 |
| Wireless | WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 | WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Gaming Latency | 18ms | <20ms |
| Power Consumption | 150W | <180W |
| Dimensions | 236×201.5×163.2 mm | 234×173×174 mm |
| Weight | 4.0 kg | 4.75 kg |
In-Depth Feature Comparison
Brightness and Color Performance
- Brightness: The Mars Pro 2 reaches 2450 ISO lumens, ideal for daytime use and ambient light conditions. The Horizon S Pro offers 1800 ISO lumens, best suited for darker rooms.
- Color: XGIMI supports Dolby Vision and covers 110% BT.2020, delivering vibrant, cinematic color depth. Dangbei supports HDR10+ and DCI-P3 for a natural and balanced picture.
Verdict: Choose Dangbei for brightness; choose XGIMI for color accuracy and Dolby Vision compatibility.
System and Content Support
- Dangbei comes with Google TV and native Netflix support, making it plug-and-play for mainstream streaming apps.
- XGIMI runs Android TV 11, but lacks official Netflix certification—users must sideload it manually.
- Both support app downloads via Google Play and screen casting.
Verdict: For out-of-the-box streaming, Dangbei is the clear winner.
Smart Features and Ease of Use
Both projectors include:
- Auto focus
- 4-direction keystone correction
- Obstacle detection
- MEMC motion smoothing
- Auto brightness adjustment
Differences:
- Dangbei supports 3D playback and faster startup.
- XGIMI features ISA 5.0 for more refined environmental adaptation.
Verdict: Dangbei is more versatile for 3D users and casual plug-and-play scenarios.
Audio and Noise Level
- Mars Pro 2 features Dolby Audio + DTS:X and low fan noise under 24dB.
- Horizon S Pro integrates Harman Kardon audio with rich soundstage and clean highs.
Verdict: Both sound great, but Dangbei wins on silent operation.
Connectivity and Latency
- Dangbei provides 2x HDMI 2.1 ports, USB, Ethernet, SPDIF, and supports WiFi 6 + Bluetooth 5.2.
- XGIMI offers fewer ports but includes HDMI eARC, ideal for high-fidelity audio passthrough.
Verdict: For gaming, multi-device setups, and future-proof networking, Dangbei is superior.
Design, Portability, and Power
- Both projectors are compact, but the Mars Pro 2 is lighter (4.0kg) and more energy-efficient (150W).
- XGIMI is slightly heavier and consumes more power (<180W).
Verdict: Choose Dangbei if portability and lower power draw matter.
Final Purchase Recommendations
✅ Choose Dangbei Mars Pro 2 if you:
- Want a brighter image for daylight or bright-room viewing.
- Use Netflix, Disney+, or other streaming apps — it’s Netflix certified.
- Need rich I/O options for gaming consoles, speakers, and media devices.
- Care about low noise and long-term durability (30,000h lifespan).
- Want 3D movie playback.
- Prefer a fast, ready-to-go setup with native Google TV.
✅ Choose XGIMI Horizon S Pro if you:
- Value cinematic color quality and Dolby Vision support.
- Are an audiophile — Harman Kardon speakers deliver rich, balanced audio.
- Enjoy fine-tuned smart calibration in a dark, controlled viewing environment.
- Want a more compact design and don’t mind manually installing Netflix.
Conclusion: Dangbei vs XGIMI — Two Different Visions of Home Cinema
The Dangbei Mars Pro 2 and XGIMI Horizon S Pro take two distinct approaches to redefining the 4K home theater experience.
Dangbei focuses on performance-driven practicality — delivering high brightness, native Netflix support, and broad connectivity that caters to everyday viewing needs and gaming setups. Its laser engine and long lifespan make it a reliable powerhouse for users who want a projector that “just works” in almost any environment.
In contrast, XGIMI Horizon S Pro emphasizes refined visual immersion — with Dolby Vision, rich color fidelity, and premium audio that elevate the emotional impact of cinematic content. It appeals to users who prioritize image nuance and atmosphere, especially in controlled lighting spaces.
Ultimately, both projectors push boundaries in different directions. One isn’t objectively better than the other — they simply serve different viewing philosophies. Your best choice will come down to how you define the perfect home theater experience.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Dangbei Mars Pro 2 is better suited for bright environments thanks to its 2450 ISO lumens of laser brightness. It maintains image clarity even in daylight or non-darkened rooms, while the Horizon S Pro is more optimized for dim or dark settings.
No, the XGIMI Horizon S Pro does not have official Netflix certification, meaning the app cannot be installed through the Google Play Store. You may need to sideload it manually, which could affect stability and resolution.
Yes, the Dangbei Mars Pro 2 is equipped with HDMI 2.1, supports 18ms low latency, and has MEMC motion smoothing, making it a strong choice for console or casual gaming.
The XGIMI Horizon S Pro supports Dolby Vision and achieves 110% BT.2020 color gamut, which results in richer and more vibrant visuals. It’s ideal for users who prioritize color fidelity in films and streaming content.
Only the Dangbei Mars Pro 2 supports active shutter 3D playback. The Horizon S Pro does not support 3D content.
Yes, both projectors support Google Assistant voice control, allowing hands-free access to settings, searches, and app navigation.
While both offer great sound, the XGIMI Horizon S Pro includes Harman/Kardon speakers, which are generally more refined for cinematic audio. Dangbei’s Dolby Audio + DTS:X setup, however, provides balanced and powerful sound as well.
Dangbei Mars Pro 2: Up to 30,000 hours with its ALPD laser engine
XGIMI Horizon S Pro: Up to 20,000 hours with its mixed light (laser + phosphor) system
The Dangbei Mars Pro 2 consumes less power at 150W, compared to the Horizon S Pro, which uses up to 180W.
Both are relatively compact, but the Dangbei Mars Pro 2 is slightly lighter (4.0 kg vs. 4.75 kg), making it easier to move between rooms. However, neither includes a built-in battery, so they still require external power.
