TCL C2R
#16 in 1080p and underFull review
A Roku TV projector for a bedroom or dim living room, with brighter certified output than most at its price.
Amazon $239.99$239.99
The TCL C2R is the better projector overall, rated 3.6 to 3.3. The TCL C2R leads on value and resolution. The TCL C2R costs $280 less ($239.99 vs $519.99).
Nebula Mars 3 Air
#50 in 1080p and underFull review
A battery projector for backyard movies and camping that delivers its rated brightness. Newer rivals cost less for similar output.
Amazon $519.99$519.99
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 TCL C2R for value ($0.69 per lumen vs $1.30 per lumen) and resolution (1920 x 1080 native vs 960 x 540 native, pixel shift to 1080p).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 1080p and under projector; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | TCL C2R | Nebula Mars 3 Air |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Brightness 25% | 27 350 ISO lumens | 31 400 ANSI lumens |
| Value 15% | 37 $0.69 per lumen | 0 $1.30 per lumen |
| Resolution 10% | 100 1920 x 1080 native | 70 960 x 540 native, pixel shift to 1080p |
| Streaming 15% | 100 Roku TV with licensed Netflix | 100 Google TV with licensed Netflix |
| Setup 10% | 60 Autofocus, auto keystone | 60 Autofocus, auto keystone |
| Light life 10% | 100 30,000 hour LED | 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 warranty not published (neutral score used) | 0 1-year warranty |
Independent measurements
TCL C2R
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
| TCL C2R | Nebula Mars 3 Air | |
|---|---|---|
| Picture | ||
| Brightness | 350 ISO | 400 ANSI |
| Native resolution | 1920 x 1080 (1080p) | 960 x 540 |
| Picture resolution | 1080p | 1080p (pixel shift from 960 x 540) |
| Display | - | DLP |
| Light source | LED | LED |
| Light source life | 30,000 hours | 30,000 hours |
| Native contrast | 2,000:1 | 400:1 |
| Placement | ||
| Throw | Standard throw | Standard throw (1.2:1) |
| Largest image | 150 in | 150 in |
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Auto keystone | Yes | Yes |
| Obstacle avoidance | Yes | Yes |
| Auto screen fit | - | Yes |
| Optical zoom | None | None |
| Streaming and gaming | ||
| Built-in apps | Roku TV, licensed Netflix | Google TV, licensed Netflix |
| Top refresh rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| HDMI ports | 1 | 1 |
| eARC | - | No |
| Speakers | 10 W | 16 W |
| Build | ||
| Battery | None | 2.5 hours |
| Fan noise | 30 dB | 28 dB |
| Power | 90 W | 90 W |
| Dimensions | 9.6 x 6.0 x 5.6 in | 7.01 x 4.8 x 5.24 in |
| Weight | 5.4 lb | 3.7 lb |
| Warranty | - | 1 years |
| Released | 2026-09 | 2023-11 |