AWOL Vision Aetherion Max
A bright triple laser ultra short throw TV replacement for a living room, and one of the best big screen projectors for gaming.
Amazon $3,499$3,499
The AWOL Vision Aetherion Max is the better projector overall, rated 4.4 to 4.1. The AWOL Vision Aetherion Max leads on streaming, setup and gaming. The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 wins on value. The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 costs $1,699.01 less ($1,799.99 vs $3,499).
Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650
A bright, simple ultra short throw TV replacement for living rooms, best for buyers who stream with a separate Netflix device or do not need Netflix.
Epson $1,799.99$1,799.99
Prices were last checked October 29, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the AWOL Vision Aetherion Max for streaming (Google TV with licensed Netflix vs Android TV, no licensed Netflix), setup (Auto keystone vs Manual focus and keystone) and gaming (1 ms input lag vs 20 ms input lag).
- Choose the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 for value ($0.50 per lumen vs $1.06 per lumen).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every ultra short throw projector; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | AWOL Vision Aetherion Max | Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.4/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Brightness 25% | 86 3,300 ISO 21118 lumens | 92 3,600 ISO 21118 lumens |
| Value 15% | 63 $1.06 per lumen | 100 $0.50 per lumen |
| Resolution 10% | 100 4K (pixel shift) | 100 4K (pixel shift) |
| Streaming 15% | 100 Google TV with licensed Netflix | 50 Android TV, no licensed Netflix |
| Setup 10% | 50 Auto keystone | 0 Manual focus and keystone |
| Light life 10% | 100 25,000 hour RGB laser | 100 20,000 hour laser |
| Gaming 10% | 100 1 ms input lag | 71 20 ms input lag |
| Warranty 5% | 50 2-year warranty | 50 2-year warranty |
Independent measurements
AWOL Vision Aetherion Max
| Tested by | Brightness | Input lag | Contrast | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ProjectorCentral | 3,031 lm | 3 ms | 22,000:1 | Brightest in Vivid mode; Standard 2,879, Filmmaker 2,213, PC/Game 2,303 lumens. Lag 3 ms at 1080p/240Hz in High Refresh mode, 13 ms at 1080p/60 and 14 ms at 4K/60 in standard PC/Game mode. On/off contrast about 9,575:1 to 22,000:1 depending on EBL and iris settings. Highlight clipping noted, with a fix promised. |
Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650
| Tested by | Brightness | Input lag | Contrast | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Projector Central | 3,485 lm | 24 ms | - | Dynamic mode 3,485 lm; Cinema 2,474 lm. Input lag 24 ms at 1080p/60 and 2160p/60 with Enhanced Gaming. |
Specifications
| AWOL Vision Aetherion Max | Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 | |
|---|---|---|
| Picture | ||
| Brightness | 3,300 ISO 21118 | 3,600 ISO 21118 |
| Native resolution | 1920 x 1080 (1080p) | 1920 x 1080 (1080p) |
| Picture resolution | 4K (pixel shift from 1920x1080) | 4K (pixel shift from 1920x1080) |
| Display | DLP | 3LCD |
| Light source | RGB laser | laser |
| Light source life | 25,000 hours | 20,000 hours |
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | HDR10, HLG |
| Color gamut | 110% BT.2020 | - |
| Native contrast | 6,000:1 | - |
| Dynamic contrast | 60,000:1 | - |
| Placement | ||
| Throw | Ultra short throw (0.2:1) | Ultra short throw (0.3:1) |
| Largest image | 200 in | 120 in |
| Autofocus | - | No |
| Auto screen fit | Yes | - |
| Optical zoom | None | None |
| Streaming and gaming | ||
| Built-in apps | Google TV, licensed Netflix | Android TV, no licensed Netflix |
| Input lag | 1 ms | 20 ms |
| Top refresh rate | 240 Hz | 60 Hz |
| HDMI ports | 3 | 2 |
| eARC | Yes | Yes |
| Speakers | 40 W | 20 W |
| Build | ||
| Battery | None | None |
| Fan noise | 28 dB | 36 dB |
| Power | - | 278 W |
| Dimensions | 22.13 x 12.72 x 5.49 in (W x D x H) | 18.4 x 15.7 x 6.2 in |
| Weight | 19.3 lb | 16.3 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
| Released | 2026-07 | 2023-11 |