A very cheap pocket projector for a dark bedroom, for buyers who want licensed Netflix without a stick. The 720p panel limits sharpness.
Amazon $79.99The Lyncast X1 Pro is the better projector overall, rated 3.4 to 3.3. The Lyncast X1 Pro leads on value and warranty. The Nebula Mars 3 Air wins on resolution and setup. The Lyncast X1 Pro costs $440 less ($79.99 vs $519.99).
A battery projector for backyard movies and camping that delivers its rated brightness. Newer rivals cost less for similar output.
Amazon $519.99Prices 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 Lyncast X1 Pro for value ($0.20 per lumen vs $1.30 per lumen) and warranty (2-year warranty vs 1-year warranty).
- Choose the Nebula Mars 3 Air for resolution (960 x 540 native, pixel shift to 1080p vs 1280 x 720 native, below 1080p) and setup (Autofocus, auto keystone vs Auto keystone).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every under 1080p projector; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Lyncast X1 Pro | Nebula Mars 3 Air |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Brightness 25% | 31 400 ANSI lumens | 31 400 ANSI lumens |
| Value 15% | 94 $0.20 per lumen | 0 $1.30 per lumen |
| Resolution 10% | 30 1280 x 720 native, below 1080p | 70 960 x 540 native, pixel shift to 1080p |
| Streaming 15% | 100 Maker OS with licensed Netflix | 100 Google TV with licensed Netflix |
| Setup 10% | 30 Auto keystone | 60 Autofocus, auto keystone |
| Light life 10% | 50 light source life not published (neutral score used) | 100 30,000 hour LED |
| Gaming 10% | 50 input lag not published (neutral score used) | 50 input lag not published (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 5% | 50 2-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
Independent measurements
Lyncast X1 Pro
No independent test published yet.
Nebula Mars 3 Air
| Tested by | Brightness | Input lag | Contrast | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ProjectorCentral | 399 lm | 44.1 ms | - | Maximum in Conference mode, which is very green; Movie mode measured 372 ANSI lumens. Lag at 1080p/60. |
Specifications
| Lyncast X1 Pro | Nebula Mars 3 Air | |
|---|---|---|
| Picture | ||
| Brightness | 400 ANSI | 400 ANSI |
| Native resolution | 1280 x 720 (720p) | 960 x 540 |
| Picture resolution | 720p | 1080p (pixel shift from 960 x 540) |
| Display | LCD | DLP |
| Light source | - | LED |
| Light source life | - | 30,000 hours |
| Color gamut | 125% sRGB | - |
| Native contrast | - | 400:1 |
| Dynamic contrast | 10,000:1 | - |
| Placement | ||
| Throw | Standard throw | Standard throw (1.2:1) |
| Largest image | - | 150 in |
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Auto keystone | Yes | Yes |
| Obstacle avoidance | - | Yes |
| Auto screen fit | Yes | Yes |
| Optical zoom | None | None |
| Streaming and gaming | ||
| Built-in apps | Maker OS, licensed Netflix | Google TV, licensed Netflix |
| Top refresh rate | - | 60 Hz |
| HDMI ports | - | 1 |
| eARC | - | No |
| Speakers | 5 W | 16 W |
| Build | ||
| Battery | None | 2.5 hours |
| Fan noise | - | 28 dB |
| Power | - | 90 W |
| Dimensions | 5.4 x 4.3 x 3.36 in | 7.01 x 4.8 x 5.24 in |
| Weight | 0.8 lb | 3.7 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 years |
| Released | - | 2023-11 |
