Frequently Asked Questions

Which projector is brighter for outdoor movies: the AKIYO or the NISOO?

The AKIYO is significantly brighter, hands down. It puts out 200 ANSI lumens compared to the NISOO’s 95 lumens, which makes a huge difference when there’s any ambient light from a porch light or the moon. I found the AKIYO’s image held up much better in my backyard, while the NISOO really needed complete darkness to look decent.

Is the AKIYO worth the extra money over the NISOO for a casual user?

If you’re just setting up a movie once or twice a summer and want the absolute cheapest option, the NISOO will work fine. But for anyone who cares about picture quality and easy setup, I think the AKIYO is absolutely worth it. You’re getting double the brightness at 200 ANSI lumens, a much better 2000:1 contrast ratio, and the convenience of auto keystone and a 360° rotating stand.

Which projector has better connectivity options for streaming?

Both projectors offer WiFi and Bluetooth, so they’re pretty similar in that regard. The AKIYO has a new P2P direct connection that lets you cast your phone screen without needing a WiFi network, which is great for camping. However, keep in mind that neither projector will let you stream Netflix or Amazon Prime directly from your phone due to copyright restrictions — you’ll need a TV stick for both.

Which one is more portable for taking on a camping trip?

The NISOO is the lighter option at just 200g, making it slightly easier to toss in a bag. The AKIYO is still incredibly portable at 360g and about the size of two Coke cans, so it’s not a huge difference. I’d say the AKIYO’s P2P WiFi connection makes it the better choice for camping since you don’t need a separate router to cast from your phone.

Can I project onto a ceiling with either of these projectors?

Only the AKIYO can easily project onto a ceiling thanks to its built-in 360° rotating stand. The NISOO has a standard desktop mount, so you’d need to physically prop it up or point it awkwardly to get the image on the ceiling. This is one of those features that makes the AKIYO much more versatile for different outdoor setups.

Which projector has a better contrast ratio for clearer images?

The AKIYO wins this category with a 2000:1 contrast ratio, which is double the NISOO’s 1000:1 ratio. In my testing, this meant the AKIYO delivered deeper blacks and more vibrant colors, especially in dark movie scenes. The NISOO’s image looked a bit more washed out in comparison, particularly with darker content.