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 3.8. The Nebula X1S leads on streaming, setup and warranty. The Optoma UHZ36 costs $1,600 less ($1,199 vs $2,799).
Optoma UHZ36
#22 in 4KFull review
An affordable laser 4K projector for a movie or game room where a streaming stick or console supplies the content.
Amazon $1,199$1,199
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 1.3x zoom) and warranty (2-year warranty vs 1-year warranty).
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 UHZ36 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.6/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Brightness 25% | 100 6,000 ANSI lumens | 94 3,500 ISO 21118 lumens |
| Value 15% | 90 $0.47 per lumen | 97 $0.34 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 1.3x zoom |
| Light life 10% | 100 30,000 hour RGB laser | 100 30,000 hour laser |
| 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
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 UHZ36
No independent test published yet.
Specifications
| Nebula X1S | Optoma UHZ36 | |
|---|---|---|
| Picture | ||
| Brightness | 6,000 ANSI | 3,500 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 | DLP |
| Light source | RGB laser | laser |
| Light source life | 30,000 hours | 30,000 hours |
| HDR | Dolby Vision | HDR10, HLG |
| Color gamut | 106% Rec.2020 | - |
| Native contrast | 5,000:1 | - |
| Dynamic contrast | 56,000:1 | 1,500,000:1 |
| Placement | ||
| Throw | Standard throw (0.9:1) | Standard throw (1.2:1) |
| Largest image | 300 in | 300 in |
| Autofocus | Yes | No |
| Auto keystone | Yes | - |
| Obstacle avoidance | Yes | No |
| Auto screen fit | Yes | - |
| Optical zoom | 1.7x | 1.3x |
| Streaming and gaming | ||
| Built-in apps | Google TV, licensed Netflix | None |
| Top refresh rate | 60 Hz | 240 Hz |
| HDMI ports | 2 | 2 |
| eARC | Yes | - |
| Speakers | 40 W | 15 W |
| Build | ||
| Battery | None | None |
| Fan noise | 28 dB | 33 dB |
| Power | 240 W | 173 W |
| Dimensions | 7.3 x 11.1 x 9.7 in | 10.8 x 8.5 x 4.5 in (W x D x H) |
| Weight | 13.7 lb | 7.8 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 years |
| Released | 2026-08-26 | 2026-02-10 |