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 4.3. The AWOL Vision Aetherion Max leads on gaming. The Hisense PX3-PRO wins on value. The Hisense PX3-PRO costs $1,001.03 less ($2,497.97 vs $3,499).
Hisense PX3-PRO
A bright ultra short throw TV replacement for living rooms, and the pick for gamers thanks to its 240Hz mode and built-in Google TV.
Amazon $2,497.97$2,497.97
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 gaming (1 ms input lag vs 30 ms input lag).
- Choose the Hisense PX3-PRO for value ($0.83 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 | Hisense PX3-PRO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Brightness 25% | 86 3,300 ISO 21118 lumens | 79 3,000 ANSI lumens |
| Value 15% | 63 $1.06 per lumen | 78 $0.83 per lumen |
| Resolution 10% | 100 4K (pixel shift) | 100 4K (pixel shift) |
| Streaming 15% | 100 Google TV with licensed Netflix | 100 Google TV with licensed Netflix |
| Setup 10% | 50 Auto keystone | 50 Auto keystone |
| Light life 10% | 100 25,000 hour RGB laser | 100 25,000 hour RGB laser |
| Gaming 10% | 100 1 ms input lag | 48 30 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. |
Hisense PX3-PRO
| Tested by | Brightness | Input lag | Contrast | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Projector Central | 2,669 lm | 7 ms | 4,000:1 | 2,669 lm in Vivid and HDR Vivid. Contrast just over 4,000:1. Input lag with DLP Turbo: 7 ms 1080p/240, 14 ms at 120Hz, 21 ms 2160p/60, 25 ms 1080p/60. |
Specifications
| AWOL Vision Aetherion Max | Hisense PX3-PRO | |
|---|---|---|
| Picture | ||
| Brightness | 3,300 ISO 21118 | 3,000 ANSI |
| Native resolution | 1920 x 1080 (1080p) | 1920 x 1080 (1080p) |
| Picture resolution | 4K (pixel shift from 1920x1080) | 4K (pixel shift from 1920x1080) |
| Display | DLP | DLP |
| Light source | RGB laser | RGB laser |
| Light source life | 25,000 hours | 25,000 hours |
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
| Color gamut | 110% BT.2020 | 110% BT.2020 |
| Native contrast | 6,000:1 | 3,000:1 |
| Dynamic contrast | 60,000:1 | - |
| Placement | ||
| Throw | Ultra short throw (0.2:1) | Ultra short throw (0.2:1) |
| Largest image | 200 in | 150 in |
| Autofocus | - | No |
| Auto keystone | - | Yes |
| Auto screen fit | Yes | - |
| Optical zoom | None | None |
| Streaming and gaming | ||
| Built-in apps | Google TV, licensed Netflix | Google TV, licensed Netflix |
| Input lag | 1 ms | 30 ms |
| Top refresh rate | 240 Hz | 240 Hz |
| HDMI ports | 3 | 3 |
| eARC | Yes | Yes |
| Speakers | 40 W | 50 W |
| Build | ||
| Battery | None | None |
| Fan noise | 28 dB | - |
| Power | - | 250 W |
| Dimensions | 22.13 x 12.72 x 5.49 in (W x D x H) | 21.7 x 11.7 x 4.8 in |
| Weight | 19.3 lb | 19.8 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
| Released | 2026-07 | 2024-08 |