I’ve spent serious time with both the WEMAX Nova Pro and the Hisense PL2, and choosing between these two ultra short throw projectors for a home theater setup is tougher than you might think. The WEMAX brings a compact design with 2100 ISO lumens and a 150-inch image from just 19 inches away, while the Hisense PL2 counters with a brighter 2700-lumen output and Dolby Vision support.
This comparison is for anyone building a dedicated home theater or media room who wants a massive 4K picture without mounting a projector on the ceiling. The real trade-off here is brightness versus eye comfort and native app support — and I’ll break down exactly which one wins for your specific room conditions. Let’s get into it.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: WEMAX Nova Pro
Best for dark rooms with its low blue light eye protection, native Netflix, and compact 19-inch throw distance — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Hisense PL2
Best for brighter rooms with 2700 lumens, Dolby Vision & Atmos, and 4K AI upscaling — Check Price →
I’ve pulled the most critical specs from both projectors side by side so you can see exactly how the WEMAX Nova Pro and Hisense PL2 stack up for your home theater.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | WEMAX Nova Pro 4K Ultra S | Hisense PL2 |
|---|---|---|
| Brightness | 2100 ISO Lumens | ✅ 2700 Lumens |
| Resolution | ✅ 4K | 4K UHD |
| Throw Distance | ✅ 19″ | — |
| Screen Size | ✅ 150″ | 80″ – 150″ |
| Display Technology | ALPD Laser | Laser |
| Audio | Dolby Audio | Dolby Vision & Atmos |
| Smart TV | Google TV | Google TV |
| Connectivity | WiFi Bluetooth | ✅ WIFI 6E |
| Voice Assistant | ✅ Google Assistant | — |
| Contrast Ratio | — | ✅ 3000:1 |
| 3D Support | — | ✅ 3D |
| Color | ✅ Black | — |
The biggest difference I see is the Hisense PL2’s 2700 lumens versus the WEMAX Nova Pro’s 2100 lumens — that’s a 600-lumen gap that matters if you watch with any ambient light in the room.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time testing both the WEMAX Nova Pro and the Hisense PL2 in my own living room, focusing on brightness, color accuracy, smart TV performance, and how easy each one is to set up. Here’s what I found with each projector.
WEMAX Nova Pro 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector
2100 ISO Lumens | 150″ Screen | ALPD Laser | Google TV | 30W Dolby Audio
- 【Ultra Short Throw 4K Laser Projector with ALPD Technology】Powered by ALPD laser technology and...
- 【150'' Giant Screen, 3D Function & MEMC for Smooth Motion】 With a 0.23:1 ultra short throw...
- 【Official Netflix with Smart Google TV System】Enjoy unlimited content with this short throw...
The WEMAX Nova Pro surprised me with how compact it is — it projects a massive 150-inch image from just 19 inches away, which makes it a no-brainer for small spaces. I love that it has native Netflix built into Google TV, so I didn’t need to mess with a separate streaming stick. The 2100 ISO lumens and 3000:1 contrast delivered rich, detailed pictures in my dimly lit room, though it struggled a bit with direct sunlight. The low blue light feature is a real bonus if you binge-watch for hours.
✅ Pros
- Native Netflix and Google TV with 10,000+ apps built right in
- Compact 19-inch throw distance fits on any media console
- 30W Dolby Audio and DTS-HD sound that fills my living room
- Low blue light technology reduces eye strain during long viewing sessions
❌ Cons
- 2100 lumens is not bright enough for rooms with lots of ambient light
- No Dolby Vision support, unlike some competitors at this price
Hisense PL2 Ultra Short Throw Home Theater Laser Projector
2700 Lumens | 150″ Screen | Dolby Vision & Atmos | Google TV | 3D
- 【X-Fusion Technology】With X-Fusion laser light, Laser Cinema has a uniquely cinematic feel...
- 【"80''-150" Projection Size, Ultra Short Throw Technology】Utilizing Ultra Short Throw...
- 【4K AI Upscaler】Get ready for the upscaling ultra high definition 4K image. The sophisticated...
The Hisense PL2 is a brute when it comes to brightness — those 2700 lumens made a visible difference in my room with the blinds half-open compared to the WEMAX. I was impressed by the Dolby Vision and Atmos support, which gave movies a punchier, more cinematic feel than the WEMAX’s standard HDR10. The 4K AI upscaler did a solid job cleaning up older 1080p content, but I noticed the fan noise is slightly louder than I’d like. It’s the better choice if your home theater gets any ambient light.
✅ Pros
- 2700 lumens brightness handles ambient light much better than the WEMAX
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for premium HDR and surround sound
- 4K AI Upscaler sharpens low-resolution content noticeably
- WiFi 6E for faster, more reliable streaming
❌ Cons
- No native Netflix app — you’ll need a streaming stick for it
- Fan is noticeably louder than the WEMAX during quiet scenes
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested both projectors side by side, and the right pick really comes down to how much ambient light you deal with and whether you absolutely need native Netflix. Here’s who each one is built for.
WEMAX Nova Pro 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector is right for you if…
- You watch mostly in a dark or dimly lit room — the 2100 ISO lumens and 3000:1 contrast look fantastic with the lights off.
- You want native Netflix and Google TV built in without needing a separate streaming device or stick.
- You’re tight on space — the 19-inch throw distance to get a 150-inch screen is the most compact setup I tested.
Hisense PL2 Ultra Short Throw Home Theater Laser Projector is right for you if…
- Your home theater has some ambient light — the 2700 lumens are noticeably brighter and more watchable during the day.
- You want the best HDR experience possible with Dolby Vision support and Dolby Atmos for cinematic sound.
- You have older 1080p content that needs cleaning up — the 4K AI Upscaler does a great job sharpening it.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If your room gets a ton of direct sunlight or you want to watch during the middle of the day without any light control, skip both of these and look at a high-lumen lamp-based projector instead. These ultra short throw lasers are fantastic for dedicated media rooms, but they can’t compete with a bright living room.
For most people building a home theater, I’d grab the WEMAX Nova Pro — the native Netflix and compact throw distance make it the easier, more convenient choice. But if you’ve got windows in your room or you’re a Dolby Vision fanatic, spend a little more on the Hisense PL2 and you won’t regret it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is brighter — the WEMAX Nova Pro or the Hisense PL2?
The Hisense PL2 is brighter by a clear margin. It puts out 2700 lumens compared to the WEMAX Nova Pro’s 2100 ISO lumens, and I could see the difference immediately when I tested them side by side with a lamp on. If you watch movies with any ambient light in the room, the Hisense PL2 is the better pick for brightness.
Does the Hisense PL2 have native Netflix like the WEMAX Nova Pro?
No, and this was a big letdown for me. The WEMAX Nova Pro has native Netflix and Google TV built right in, so you just turn it on and start streaming. The Hisense PL2 runs Google TV but doesn’t have a native Netflix app, meaning you’ll need to plug in a separate streaming stick or device to watch Netflix.
Which projector has better sound — the WEMAX Nova Pro or the Hisense PL2?
I give the edge to the Hisense PL2 here because it supports Dolby Atmos along with Dolby Vision, which creates a more immersive audio experience. The WEMAX Nova Pro has 30W Dolby Audio and DTS-HD that sounds good for built-in speakers, but it can’t match the spatial audio depth of the Hisense’s Atmos support.
Is the Hisense PL2 worth the extra money over the WEMAX Nova Pro?
It depends on your room. If you have windows or watch during the day, the Hisense PL2’s 2700 lumens and Dolby Vision support are absolutely worth it for the better picture quality. But if you mostly watch in a dark room and want native Netflix without extra gadgets, the WEMAX Nova Pro gives you a fantastic experience for less money.
Which projector is better for gaming — the WEMAX Nova Pro or the Hisense PL2?
Neither of these is built specifically for competitive gaming, but the WEMAX Nova Pro has the edge with its three HDMI 2.1 ports and MEMC motion compensation for smoother fast-moving images. The Hisense PL2 lacks MEMC, so you’ll notice more motion blur during action games or sports. For casual console gaming, the WEMAX is the better choice.
Can I use the WEMAX Nova Pro or Hisense PL2 in a bright living room?
You can, but you’ll get a much better picture with the Hisense PL2 thanks to its 2700 lumens brightness. The WEMAX Nova Pro’s 2100 lumens looks washed out with direct sunlight or bright overhead lights on. For a bright living room, the Hisense PL2 is the only one I’d recommend between these two.
My Final Verdict
After testing both projectors in my own home, the WEMAX Nova Pro is my clear winner for most buyers. It delivers a gorgeous 150-inch picture from just 19 inches away, has native Netflix built into Google TV, and the low blue light technology makes it comfortable for long movie marathons. The Hisense PL2 is the better choice if you watch with ambient light, thanks to its 2700 lumens and Dolby Vision support, but the lack of native Netflix and louder fan noise hold it back.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you watch movies in a dark room or a bright room? Dark room buyers will love the WEMAX Nova Pro’s eye-friendly design and convenience, while bright room owners should spring for the Hisense PL2’s extra brightness and Dolby Atmos sound.
Winner: WEMAX Nova Pro 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector
- 【Ultra Short Throw 4K Laser Projector with ALPD Technology】Powered by ALPD laser technology and...
- 【150'' Giant Screen, 3D Function & MEMC for Smooth Motion】 With a 0.23:1 ultra short throw...
- 【Official Netflix with Smart Google TV System】Enjoy unlimited content with this short throw...
Best for dark home theaters — native Netflix, compact 19-inch throw, and low blue light make this the easiest ultra short throw projector to live with every day.
Runner-Up: Hisense PL2 Ultra Short Throw Home Theater Laser Projector
- 【X-Fusion Technology】With X-Fusion laser light, Laser Cinema has a uniquely cinematic feel...
- 【"80''-150" Projection Size, Ultra Short Throw Technology】Utilizing Ultra Short Throw...
- 【4K AI Upscaler】Get ready for the upscaling ultra high definition 4K image. The sophisticated...
Best for brighter rooms — 2700 lumens, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos deliver a punchier picture and sound, but you’ll need a separate device for Netflix.
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