OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Projectors Methodology v3.0
Projectors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Projectors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Projectors Methodology v3.0

Dangbei Smart 2 review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£210Native panel resolution:1920x1080ANSI lumens:?Throw ratio:1.2:1Lamp life:30000 hours

Dangbei Smart 2 Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 4 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

7.4/10

Overall score

Score
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 70% of models
Score components

35%

6.9

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

8.3

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

▲Better than 70% of projectors
8.0

Value for money

Value for money
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 95% of models
Score components

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

★Better than 95%
6.9

Technical score

Technical score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 67% of models
Score components

42%

7.1

Image Quality

22%

5.4

Projection & Lens

12%

7.4

HDMI & Gaming

10%

7.9

Audio & Features

8%

6.8

Connectivity

6%

7.8

Design & Power

▲Better than 67%
8.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 51% of models

80%

8.5

Average grade

20%

7.1

Popularity

Grades by review (4)
4 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 51%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £210
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of projector Dangbei Smart 2

Technical score
Technical score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 67% of models
Score components:

42%

7.1

Image Quality

22%

5.4

Projection & Lens

12%

7.4

HDMI & Gaming

10%

7.9

Audio & Features

8%

6.8

Connectivity

6%

7.8

Design & Power

6.9
Reviews score
8.3
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 95% of models
Score components:

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

8.0
ANSI lumens
?
Contrast ratio
2000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 2000:1, lower than 72% of projectors and equal to 7.3% of projectors.
Native panel resolution
1920x1080
This projector uses a native resolution of 1920x1080, higher than 27% of projectors and equal to 59.2% of projectors.
Output resolution
1920x1080
This projector supports output resolution up to 1920x1080, higher than 25.9% of projectors and equal to 42.3% of projectors.
Projection technology
LCD
Show more
Throw ratio
1.2:1
Min throw distance
?
Max projection size
120 inch
Market range: <120 inch – >301 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 120 inch, smaller than 80.2% of projectors and equal to 10.7% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
N/A
Motorized zoom
no
This projector does not have motorised zoom. 14.8% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Input lag
?
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
yes
This projector switches to low-latency mode automatically for games. 84.1% of projectors offer this.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
no
This projector does not support variable refresh rate. 1.8% of projectors offer this.
HDMI version
2
This projector supports HDMI 2, more modern than 46.1% of projectors and equal to 35.9% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
18 Gbps
Market range: <10.2 Gbps – >48 Gbps
This projector supports HDMI bandwidth up to 18 Gbps, higher than 48.9% of projectors and equal to 39.7% of projectors.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This projector has 1 HDMI port/s, fewer than 54.2% of projectors and equal to 42.9% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This projector connects to Wi-Fi networks for streaming. 46.7% of projectors offer this.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
This projector uses Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which is newer than 83.1% of projectors and the same as in 14.9% of projectors.
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This projector supports Bluetooth for speakers and headphones. 49.4% of projectors offer this.
Bluetooth version
5
This projector supports Bluetooth 5, more modern than 62.4% of projectors and equal to 17.1% of projectors.
Show more
Smart TV features
yes
This projector has built-in smart TV features. 56.2% of projectors offer this.
Android TV built in.
Operating system
Android 11
Android OS
yes
This projector runs Android OS. 81% of projectors run Android OS.
Android 11
Dedicated smartphone app
yes
This projector comes with a dedicated smartphone app. 63.3% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Dangbei Home app.
Remote control
yes
This projector includes a remote control. 1.5% of projectors offer this.
Bluetooth remote included.
Show more
Light source type
led
This projector uses led light source technology, more advanced than 33.6% of projectors and equal to 39.9% of projectors.
Laser light source
no
This projector does not have a laser light source. 26.8% of projectors offer this.
Lamp life
30,000 hours
Market range: <3.5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 30,000 hours, shorter than 67.9% of projectors and equal to 25.9% of projectors.
LED light source life.
Lamp life (eco mode)
30,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 30,000 hours, shorter than 64% of projectors and equal to 31.9% of projectors.
Eco mode rating.
Operating power consumption
65 W
Market range: <57 W – >390 W
This projector uses 65 W of power, less than 80.7% of projectors and equal to 6.1% of projectors.
Show more

Dangbei Smart 2 vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • Advanced focus control
    This projector offers more advanced focus control than the average projector (auto-focus vs manual). Typical projector: manual.
    Manual remote fine-tuning available.
    auto-focus vs manual
  • Supports auto low-latency mode
    This projector switches to low-latency mode automatically, while the average projector does not. 16% of projectors offer this.
  • Supports smart TV apps
    This projector has built-in smart TV features, while the average projector does not. 43.9% of projectors offer smart TV features.
    Android TV built in.
  • Smartphone app support
    This projector supports smartphone app control, while the average projector does not. 36.7% of projectors support smartphone app control.
    Dangbei Home app.
  • Includes stereo speakers
    This projector has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 47.8% of projectors have stereo speakers.
    Dual 6W speaker.
  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    This projector has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    120 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • Supports AirPlay
    This projector supports AirPlay, while the average projector does not. 40.3% of projectors offer this.
  • 10,000 hours longer lamp life
    This projector has a higher lamp life than the average projector (30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life.
    LED light source life.
    30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 12.2% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 51% of models

    80%

    8.5

    Average grade

    20%

    7.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (4)
    4 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.3 vs 7.4
  • 15.2% better value for money
    Dangbei Smart 2 has a higher value-for-money score than the average projector (8.01 vs 6.9).
    8.01 vs 6.95
  • 3.14x cheaper
    Dangbei Smart 2 is cheaper than the average projector (£210 vs £660).
    £210 vs £660
  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    This projector has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    120 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • Supports HLG
    This projector supports HLG, while the average projector does not. 41.2% of projectors support HLG.
  • 4 more recent release
    This projector was released more recently than the average projector (2025 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    October 2025
    2025 vs 2021
  • Advanced focus control
    This projector offers more advanced focus control than the average projector (auto-focus vs manual). Typical projector: manual.
    Manual remote fine-tuning available.
    auto-focus vs manual
  • Motorized focus
    This projector supports motorized focus, while the average projector does not. 45.6% of projectors support motorized focus.
    Remote-controlled electronic focus.
  • Supports auto low-latency mode
    This projector switches to low-latency mode automatically, while the average projector does not. 16% of projectors offer this.
  • Supports AirPlay
    This projector supports AirPlay, while the average projector does not. 40.3% of projectors offer this.
  • 1 more USB ports
    This projector has more USB ports than the average projector (2 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    2 vs 1
  • Supports Miracast mirroring
    This projector supports Miracast, while the average projector does not. 46.4% of projectors offer this.
  • DLNA streaming supported
    This projector supports DLNA streaming, while the average projector does not. 3.2% of projectors support DLNA streaming.
  • Supports smart TV apps
    This projector has built-in smart TV features, while the average projector does not. 43.9% of projectors offer smart TV features.
    Android TV built in.
  • Smartphone app support
    This projector supports smartphone app control, while the average projector does not. 36.7% of projectors support smartphone app control.
    Dangbei Home app.
  • Includes stereo speakers
    This projector has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 47.8% of projectors have stereo speakers.
    Dual 6W speaker.
  • Android OS built-in
    This projector features Android OS, while the average projector does not. 19.1% of projectors feature Android OS.
    Android 11
  • 20% stronger audio output
    This projector has a higher audio output power than the average projector (12 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
    12 W vs 10 W
  • 10,000 hours longer lamp life
    This projector has a higher lamp life than the average projector (30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life.
    LED light source life.
    30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 3 dB quieter operation
    This projector has a lower audible noise than the average projector (28 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    28 dB vs 31 dB
  • 165 W lower power use
    This projector uses less power than the average projector (65 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    65 W vs 230 W
  • 10,000 hours longer eco lamp life
    This projector has a higher lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.
    LED light source life.
    30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 66.4% lighter weight
    This projector is lighter than the average projector (1 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    1 kg vs 2.98 kg
  • 197 mm narrower width
    This projector is narrower than the average projector (100 mm vs 297 mm). The average projector has a width of 297 mm.
    100 mm vs 297 mm
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    This projector has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
    1 vs 2
  • 2 bit lower color depth
    This projector has a lower color depth than the average projector (8 bit vs 10 bit). The average projector has 10 bit of color depth.
    8 bit vs 10 bit
  • 130 inch smaller image size
    This projector has a lower projection size than the average projector (120 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    120 inch vs 250 inch
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (led vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    led vs laser
  • Lower contrast ratio
    This projector has a lower contrast ratio than the average projector (2000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    2,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • No 3D video
    This projector does not support 3D video, while the average projector does. 55.4% of projectors support 3D video.
  • More outdated HDCP support
    This projector supports an older HDCP version than the average projector (1.4 vs 2.2).
    1.4 vs 2.2
  • 2 bit lower color depth
    This projector has a lower color depth than the average projector (8 bit vs 10 bit). The average projector has 10 bit of color depth.
    8 bit vs 10 bit
  • Lower contrast ratio
    This projector has a lower contrast ratio than the average projector (2000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    2,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • No 3D video
    This projector does not support 3D video, while the average projector does. 55.4% of projectors support 3D video.
  • Narrower color gamut
    This projector has a lower color gamut coverage than the average projector (92% Rec.709 % vs 99% Rec.709 %). The average projector has 99% Rec.709 % of color gamut coverage.
    92% Rec.709 % vs 99% Rec.709 %
  • No 3D glasses support
    This projector does not display 3D with glasses, while the average projector does. 54.4% of projectors offer 3D with glasses.
  • 130 inch smaller image size
    This projector has a lower projection size than the average projector (120 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    120 inch vs 250 inch
  • 10 degrees less horizontal correction
    This projector offers less horizontal keystone correction than the average projector (20 degrees vs 30 degrees). The average projector offers horizontal keystone correction of 30 degrees.
    20 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • More outdated HDCP support
    This projector supports an older HDCP version than the average projector (1.4 vs 2.2).
    1.4 vs 2.2
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    This projector has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
    1 vs 2
  • No RS-232 control
    This projector does not support RS-232 control, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors support RS-232 control.
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (led vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    led vs laser
  • 119 mm taller body
    This projector is taller than the average projector (241 mm vs 122 mm). The average projector has a height of 122 mm.
    241 mm vs 122 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
all things tech
≈ estimated
18/10/2024
Hands-on review · picture, smart features and sound
Verdict
Dangbei Smart 2 is not perfect, but its good picture and plenty of built-in tech make it a strong pick for the money.
Not graded

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Dangbei Smart 2

  • Officially licensed for Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video, providing a smooth, native streaming experience.
  • Compact and lightweight design, making it highly portable for different rooms or outdoor use.
  • User-friendly setup with efficient AI-powered autofocus, auto-keystone correction, and obstacle avoidance.
  • Integrated gimbal stand (often included or available) allows for easy 190° or 210° vertical tilting, including ceiling projection.
  • Quiet fan operation (measured around 28-35 dB), which does not distract from movie viewing.
  • Built-in 6W dual speakers provide decent, clear audio quality for a device of its size.
  • Sealed optical engine prevents dust from entering the lens, increasing longevity and reducing maintenance.

What customers don't like about Dangbei Smart 2

  • Low brightness (rated at 400 ISO lumens / 200 ANSI lumens), making it unsuitable for use in well-lit rooms; it requires a darkened environment.
  • Limited to native 1080p resolution; users accustomed to 4K may notice a lack of fine detail on larger screens.
  • Only one HDMI port, which limits the ability to connect multiple external devices like consoles and streaming sticks simultaneously.
  • Uses a Linux-based OS rather than Google TV/Android TV, which restricts the availability of certain third-party apps (e.g., Max, Disney+ may be missing on some versions).
  • High input lag (measured around 98.9ms) makes it poor for competitive or fast-paced gaming.
  • No 3D support, which may be a drawback for enthusiasts of that format.

Verdict

The Dangbei Smart 2 is a compact 1080p native resolution portable projector featuring a brightness of 550 CVIA lumens and a 1.2:1 throw ratio for screen sizes up to 120 inches. Its core characteristics include a built-in gimbal stand for flexible tilt adjustments, a smart Linux-based OS with officially licensed Netflix support, and dual 6W Dolby Audio speakers. Main pros include effortless setup via AI-driven autofocus, auto-keystone, and obstacle avoidance, as well as its high-speed Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity. However, cons include limited app availability compared to Google TV systems and a brightness level that is best suited for dark environments rather than daylight use.

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