Nebula X1S
#5 in 4KFull review
A very bright, easy to set up 4K laser projector with built-in Netflix for living rooms that cannot be fully darkened.
Amazon $2,799$2,799
The Nebula X1S is the better projector overall, rated 4.6 to 3.9. The Nebula X1S leads on streaming, setup and light life. The Optoma UHD38x wins on value. The Optoma UHD38x costs $1,800 less ($999 vs $2,799).
Optoma UHD38x
#20 in 4KFull review
A cheap, very bright 4K lamp projector for gamers and sports fans who can add a streaming stick and place it carefully.
Amazon $999$999
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 Nebula X1S for streaming (Google TV with licensed Netflix vs no built-in apps; needs a streaming stick), setup (Autofocus, auto keystone, 1.7x zoom vs 1.1x zoom) and light life (30,000 hour RGB laser vs 15,000 hour lamp).
- Choose the Optoma UHD38x for value ($0.25 per lumen vs $0.47 per lumen).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 4K projector; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Nebula X1S | Optoma UHD38x |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.6/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Brightness 25% | 100 6,000 ANSI lumens | 100 4,000 ANSI lumens |
| Value 15% | 90 $0.47 per lumen | 100 $0.25 per lumen |
| Resolution 10% | 100 4K (pixel shift) | 100 4K (pixel shift) |
| Streaming 15% | 100 Google TV with licensed Netflix | 0 no built-in apps; needs a streaming stick |
| Setup 10% | 80 Autofocus, auto keystone, 1.7x zoom | 20 1.1x zoom |
| Light life 10% | 100 30,000 hour RGB laser | 69 15,000 hour lamp |
| Gaming 10% | 50 input lag not published (neutral score used) | 100 4.2 ms input lag |
| Warranty 5% | 50 2-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
Independent measurements
Nebula X1S
| Tested by | Brightness | Input lag | Contrast | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ProjectorReviews | 5,886 lm | 19 ms | 5,000:1 | Conference mode 5,886 lm; Standard 2,922; NebulaMaster 2,748. Lag about 19 ms at 4K/60 in Game mode. Native contrast about 5,000:1 with iris at minimum. |
Optoma UHD38x
No independent test published yet.
Specifications
| Nebula X1S | Optoma UHD38x | |
|---|---|---|
| Picture | ||
| Brightness | 6,000 ANSI | 4,000 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 | lamp |
| Light source life | 30,000 hours | 15,000 hours |
| HDR | Dolby Vision | HDR10, HLG |
| Color gamut | 106% Rec.2020 | - |
| Native contrast | 5,000:1 | - |
| Dynamic contrast | 56,000:1 | 1,000,000:1 |
| Placement | ||
| Throw | Standard throw (0.9:1) | Standard throw (1.5:1) |
| Largest image | 300 in | 300 in |
| Autofocus | Yes | No |
| Auto keystone | Yes | No |
| Obstacle avoidance | Yes | No |
| Auto screen fit | Yes | No |
| Optical zoom | 1.7x | 1.1x |
| Streaming and gaming | ||
| Built-in apps | Google TV, licensed Netflix | None |
| Input lag | - | 4.2 ms |
| Top refresh rate | 60 Hz | 240 Hz |
| HDMI ports | 2 | 2 |
| eARC | Yes | - |
| Speakers | 40 W | 10 W |
| Build | ||
| Battery | None | None |
| Fan noise | 28 dB | 28 dB |
| Power | 240 W | 305 W |
| Dimensions | 7.3 x 11.1 x 9.7 in | 12.4 x 10.63 x 4.65 in (W x D x H) |
| Weight | 13.7 lb | 8.8 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 years |
| Released | 2026-08-26 | 2022-12 |