Remember when portable projectors were those clunky, dim gadgets that barely worked? Those days are long gone. We're living in an era where all-in-one smart projectors can replace your entire entertainment setup – no TV, no soundbar, no streaming stick required.
Just one device that's small enough to carry around yet powerful enough to fill your living room with crisp visuals and booming audio.
Portable Projectors Are No Longer Just "Tech Toys"
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| Aurzen Boom Mini vs Boom 3 - Bestreviewplace |
That's exactly what Aurzen is promising with their Boom Mini and Boom 3. These aren't just projectors; they're complete entertainment systems that take two very different approaches to the same goal: simple, immersive viewing experiences. But here's the million-dollar question that everyone's asking in 2025 – which one actually delivers on that promise?
After spending weeks testing both devices in real-world scenarios, I can tell you there's no simple answer. The choice between grab-and-go convenience and home theater power isn't just about specs on paper. It's about how you actually live, where you watch, and what matters most to your daily routine.
Design & Build – Portable or Permanent?
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| Aurzen Boom Mini vs Boom 3 - Which Projector Is Better |
Aurzen Boom Mini
The first thing you notice about the Boom Mini is how effortlessly it fits into your life. At 2.14 kg, it's light enough that you won't think twice about moving it from your bedroom to the living room, then out to the patio for movie night under the stars. The compact design means it can sit on any nightstand, desk, or shelf without screaming "look at me, I'm a projector!"
But here's where things get interesting – that built-in 110° adjustable gimbal stand is a game-changer. Most projectors require you to mess around with tripods or awkward positioning. The Boom Mini? Just plop it down and tilt it however you need. Want to project on the ceiling while you're lying in bed? Done. Need to hit the wall at a weird angle? No problem.
The real kicker is the side-mounted charging port. This might sound like a minor detail, but trust me, it's not. Most projectors stick their charging port on the back, which becomes a nightmare when you're trying to use it against a wall. Aurzen actually spent extra engineering time and money to solve this problem, and it shows. It's these little touches that make the Boom Mini feel like it was designed by people who actually use projectors.
Aurzen Boom 3
The Boom 3 is a completely different animal. This is the projector you get when you want something that feels substantial and permanent. It's taller, heavier, and has that sleek all-black finish that screams "premium home theater equipment." The infinite tuning knob on the body adds a nice tactile element for quick adjustments.
This isn't a grab-and-go device. It's the kind of projector that finds a home in your living room or media corner and stays there. It supports multiple mounting options – tabletop, tripod, ceiling, wall – and it looks sharp no matter where you put it. If you're building a dedicated home theater setup and want something that looks like it belongs alongside your other premium gear, the Boom 3 makes perfect sense.
That said, if you're someone who values the freedom to watch anywhere without planning ahead, the Boom Mini's portability wins hands down.
Smart Features & Streaming Experience
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| Smart Features & Streaming Experience |
Boom Mini
Here's where the Boom Mini really shines – it's running full Google TV, not just some stripped-down Android interface. This means you get access to over 10,000 apps right out of the box, including all the heavy hitters like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu. No streaming sticks, no extra dongles, no fuss.
The Google Assistant integration is surprisingly useful. Instead of scrolling endlessly through Netflix trying to find something to watch, you can just say "Hey Google, show me action movies" and let the AI do the work. The remote works over both Bluetooth and infrared, so you don't need to aim it perfectly like those old TV remotes.
There's even a built-in kids mode, which is fantastic if you're sharing the projector with little ones. It helps manage what they can watch and how long they're watching – basically turning your projector into a smart babysitter when needed.
Boom 3
The Boom 3 takes a different approach with its custom operating system. You still get quick access to the major streaming apps like Netflix and Prime Video, but the interface feels a bit more traditional. It's got some impressive smart features like AI-powered autofocus, automatic keystone correction, and obstacle avoidance.
However, when it comes to day-to-day use, the Boom Mini just feels quicker and more intuitive. It's the one you're more likely to turn on without a second thought. The Boom 3's features are more impressive on paper, but they don't always translate to a smoother experience in practice.
Sound System – Dolby vs Power
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| Sound System – Dolby vs Power |
Boom Mini
Don't let the compact size fool you – the Boom Mini packs a serious audio punch. With 20 watts of total output and Dolby Audio support, it can easily fill a bedroom or living room with clear, rich sound. You can actually see the speakers vibrating when the music gets going, which is oddly satisfying.
The speakers are designed to push sound in all directions, creating that immersive audio experience you want for movie nights. Plus, it doubles as a Bluetooth speaker when you're not projecting, so you can carry it around and use it for music anywhere.
Boom 3
The Boom 3 cranks things up to 36 watts total with a 2.2 channel setup using four speakers. If you're someone who likes their action movies loud and proud, this is your projector. It's definitely better suited for bigger rooms where you want that booming cinematic experience.
During my testing, the difference was noticeable. The Boom 3 has more power and presence, especially in the low-end frequencies. But here's the thing – unless you're regularly hosting movie nights in large spaces, the Boom Mini's audio quality is more than adequate for most situations.
Picture Quality – 500 ANSI Lumens, Full HD & HDR
Both projectors deliver sharp Full HD quality right out of the box, and both support 4K playback for when you're streaming or casting higher-resolution content. The 500 ANSI lumens brightness rating means both work great in darker environments – perfect for nighttime viewing or when you've got the curtains drawn during the day.
The Boom 3 does have a slight edge in contrast, delivering deeper blacks and more detail in darker scenes. But honestly, unless you're watching contrast-heavy movies or you're a serious videophile, most people won't notice the difference. Both projectors support HDR10 and deliver solid color performance that looks great on screens ranging from 80 to 200 inches.
The Boom Mini hits its sweet spot with 80-100 inch projections in dim environments, while the Boom 3 can handle larger projections more effectively. Both include obstacle detection and automatic image correction, but they handle it differently.
Autofocus & Keystone Correction – Speed vs Precision
Boom Mini
The Boom Mini uses a TOF (Time-of-Flight) sensor that refocuses and straightens the picture in about 3 seconds. Move it, and it corrects itself almost instantly. For someone who's constantly changing setups – from the bed to the wall to the ceiling – this speed is invaluable.
Boom 3
The Boom 3 uses auto 6D keystone correction, which is more precise but takes longer to calibrate. It's great for getting things perfectly aligned when you're setting up a more permanent installation, but it's not as quick to adapt as the Boom Mini.
If you're someone who values the freedom to plop down your projector anywhere and start watching immediately, the Boom Mini's speed wins. If you're setting up once and leaving it, the Boom 3's precision is more valuable.
Everyday Use & Flexibility
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| Everyday Use & Flexibility |
Boom Mini Wins If You Want To:
- Project on the ceiling from your bed without mounting anything
- Move it from room to room without dealing with cables
- Take it to a friend's house or outside for patio movie nights
- Watch shows without any setup time or technical fuss
- Live in a small apartment where flexibility matters more than permanent installation
The Boom Mini is perfect for renters who can't drill holes in walls or mount equipment permanently. Set it on your nightstand, aim it at the ceiling, and you've got a full cinematic setup right above your bed. Hosting friends? Move it to the patio and stream a movie outside. It adapts in seconds.
Boom 3 Wins If You:
- Want bigger, more powerful sound in a dedicated home theater room
- Don't mind setting up tripods or mounting equipment
- Want a sleek, permanent projector that looks great on your media shelf
- Regularly watch movies in larger spaces where the extra audio power matters
- Prefer slightly better contrast and black levels for your viewing experience
Verdict – Which One Should You Buy?
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| Smart projector that fits your lifestyle |
After extensive testing, here's my take: the Boom Mini isn't just a smaller version of the Boom 3 – it's actually a smarter evolution of what a modern projector should be. The thoughtful design choices, like the side charging port and built-in gimbal stand, show that Aurzen really understood how people actually use these devices.
Buy the Boom Mini if you want portability, easy setup, and all-in-one features for small to medium spaces. It's perfect for people who value flexibility and convenience over maximum power.
Buy the Boom 3 if you want more powerful sound, better contrast, and a centerpiece for your living room setup. It's the choice for people who are setting up a dedicated viewing space and want something that looks and sounds premium.
Neither projector is designed for professional color accuracy or use in bright sunlight – they're not trying to be. What they do offer is everyday convenience, impressive features, and more value than you'd expect at their price point.
Looking for a smart projector that fits your lifestyle?
Whether you want plug-and-play portability or booming cinematic power, the Aurzen Boom Mini and Boom 3 are two of the best smart projectors under $400 in 2025.
🛒 Buy the Aurzen Boom Mini on Amazon – from $369.00 USD
🛒 Buy the Aurzen Boom 3 on Amazon – from $389.00 USD
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can the Aurzen Boom Mini stream Netflix without a Fire Stick? A: Absolutely! It runs full Google TV and includes native access to Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, and over 10,000 other apps. No additional streaming devices needed.
Q2: Does the Boom 3 require a ceiling mount? A: Not necessarily. It works with table, tripod, and ceiling mounts, but it's designed for more permanent home theater setups. You can use it on a table, but it really shines when properly mounted.
Q3: How bright is 500 ANSI lumens? A: It's ideal for dark rooms or shaded environments. Both projectors look crisp at night or with curtains drawn, but they're not designed for bright, sunny rooms.
Q4: Is the Boom Mini better than the Boom 3? A: For portability and quick use, yes. But for bigger sound and better blacks, the Boom 3 wins. It really depends on whether you prioritize flexibility or power.
Q5: Can either projector double as a Bluetooth speaker? A: Yes! The Boom Mini especially works well as a standalone Bluetooth speaker when not projecting. It's great for music around the house or at outdoor gatherings.
Q6: Do both support 4K video? A: Yes, both support 4K playback, though their native resolution is 1080p (Full HD). They'll upscale 4K content and handle it well for streaming and casting.
Q7: Which one is better for small apartments? A: The Boom Mini is perfect for small spaces. Its lightweight design, side charging port, and built-in gimbal stand make it ideal for renters who can't mount equipment permanently.
Q8: How long does the autofocus take on each projector? A: The Boom Mini refocuses in about 3 seconds using its TOF sensor, while the Boom 3 takes slightly longer but offers more precise 6D keystone correction.