- Optoma Photon Go: the compact, battery-powered UST projector!
- JMGO O2S Ultra: a surprising 4K UST projector!
- BenQ TK705i: the versatile gaming and entertainment reference
- Formovie Theater Premium: the new master of UST cinema
- Valerion VisionMaster Max: the compact 4K projector that challenges the giants
- And now on to 2026!
At the end of every year, the editorial team at Son-Vidéo.com shares its favorite products, highlighting the devices that most impressed them during testing. Here, I’d like to highlight the 2025 projectors I was most enthusiastic about during my reviews: compact models designed for portable use, ultra-short-throw projectors that replace the living room TV, and more ambitious projectors for dedicated rooms.
This selection reflects the richness of today’s market: never before has it been so easy to enjoy a very large 4K HDR image, whether for cinema, series, sport or gaming. Here are the five models that stood out this year, each with its own distinct personality and compelling features.
Optoma Photon Go: the compact, battery-powered UST projector!
The Optoma Photon Go is without doubt one of the most surprising projectors I tested this year. Not only is it the most compact of the ultra short throw models, it’s also the only one with a built-in battery, enabling it to operate far from a power outlet. This uniqueness opens up a whole new range of uses for this projector: a cinema session in the garden, an impromptu projection in a child’s bedroom, a summer slide show with friends… the possibilities are endless.
The Photon Go is a real projector, not just a gadget. It’s incredibly easy to set up: automatic focus, image straightening, framing – it’s all done in seconds. And thanks to its ultra-short throw, you only need to move it back 10 inches to display a large, 100-inch image! The triple RGB laser light source delivers vibrant colors and convincing contrast, particularly in the evening, when the image gains in depth and realism.
Admittedly, definition is limited to Full HD, but 4K HDR content is supported and benefits from decent scaling, while integrated Google TV turns the Photon Go into a little multimedia hub: Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, Prime Video… everything is immediately available. The Photon Go also boasts sufficient connectivity for on-the-go use, with an HDMI 2.0 and USB-A multimedia port.
The Optoma Photon Go is designed for users looking for flexibility, extreme simplicity and projection anywhere, anytime: a projector designed for enjoyment without constraints.
JMGO O2S Ultra: a surprising 4K UST projector!
The JMGO O2S Ultra is one of the pleasant surprises of 2025. Before this test, I knew very little about the brand, and never expected to make such a discovery. This ultra-short-throw projector combines impressive compactness with beautiful image quality and powerful, dynamic sound.
The triple RGB laser source combined with the MALC 3.0 optical system delivers a very bright image (ISO 3,600 lumens), with an extended colorimetric volume. HDR content gains in intensity, and dark scenes retain plenty of detail thanks to the 4,000:1 native contrast. The picture is precise, dynamic and always very lively.
But what really struck me was its automation. The O2S Ultra literally calibrates itself: focus, framing, screen detection, keystone correction… You set it down, it adjusts everything, and you’re ready to launch your film in seconds. A true plug & play solution, ideal for users who want a great image without any hassle.
The Dynaudio sound is surprisingly solid, expansive and pleasant. Google TV provides a complete Smart TV experience, while HDMI 2.1 connectivity also makes it a great auxiliary projector for gaming.
This compact ultra short throw projector will appeal to those who want a simple, smooth cinema experience, and a vivid 4K laser image without going through a complex installation.
BenQ TK705i: the versatile gaming and entertainment reference
BenQ has long mastered the versatile DLP projector segment, but this TK705i particularly impressed me with its ability to combine simplicity, brightness and excellent gaming fluidity. With its high brightness, it’s perfectly suited to a living room that’s not completely dark. The 4K XPR image is detailed, very clean, with balanced colorimetry and good HDR rendering for this price range.
The pre-calibrated image modes are good, especially for movies and sports. In gaming, the FPS mode enhances visibility in shadows, while the low input lag ensures appreciable responsiveness for today’s consoles. This is not a UST projector, but a mid/back-of-room model that’s very easy to install, thanks to its 1.3x zoom and vertical keystone correction.
Android TV (via the supplied dongle) provides all the essential streaming services. The whole package is coherent, reliable, silent and resolutely oriented towards versatile family use.
Those who want a very good 4K HDR projector for movie nights, weekend matches and smooth gaming sessions will be won over by this projector, which will finish by convincing them with its affordable price.
Formovie Theater Premium: the new master of UST cinema
The Formovie Theater Premium was one of the most eagerly awaited projectors of 2025, and it didn’t disappoint. Its predecessor was already excellent, but this “Premium” version corrects several aspects while enhancing image and sound.
First of all, Google TV integration is finally complete, with Netflix built-in, which was sorely lacking on the previous model. Access to content is immediate, smooth and intuitive, just like a smart TV.
The ALPD RGB+ 4.0 triple-laser source produces impressively rich images, with highly nuanced colors and sufficient brightness to enjoy HDR content, with or without an ALR screen. Contrast is solid, blacks deep, and sharpness particularly fine thanks to DLP 4K XPR.
The big plus remains the Bowers & Wilkins audio section: it delivers a full, clear and natural sound that surpasses that of most UST projectors on the market. For an all-in-one installation, this is a decisive argument.
The Formovie Theater Premium will meet the expectations of movie lovers looking for a premium ultra-short throw solution that’s comprehensive, immersive and ready to replace a large TV.
Valerion VisionMaster Max: the compact 4K projector that challenges the giants
The Valerion VisionMaster Max is probably the most ambitious projector in this selection, and one of the most impressive I’ve reviewed this year. Its motorized lens with 1.5x zoom and ±100% vertical lens shift makes this quasi-professional model easy to install: it adapts easily to complex rooms, large screens and even dedicated room configurations.
Image quality is simply superb: deep blacks, rich colors thanks to the triple laser covering 110% of Rec.2020, and a brightness of 3,000 ISO lumens that allows you to enjoy a detailed image, even for very large diagonals. HDR management is one of the most comprehensive on the market: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, IMAX Enhanced, Filmmaker Mode… Everything you need is there.
The projector also shines in gaming with 4ms input lag, 4K compatibility up to 144Hz (120Hz and 240Hz 1080p display) and dedicated tools such as dark detail optimization or integrated focus grid.
This is a top-of-the-range projector designed to compete with established benchmarks such as the BenQ W5800 and Sony XW5000, and it has the means to do so.
Discerning enthusiasts who want stunning 4K laser images, total flexibility and a machine built to last can’t go wrong with the Valerion VisionMaster Max.
And now on to 2026!
The year 2025 offered a diversity and level of performance that confirms the vitality of the video projection sector: from portable models to ultra-immersive USTs and ambitious home theater projectors, today everyone can enjoy a great image perfectly adapted to their uses.
These five favorites stand out for their image quality, ease of installation and increasingly complete integration of HDR technologies and connected services.
And as we wrap-up this selection, one thing is certain: video projection continues to progress at breakneck speed, much to our delight. The innovations we can look forward to in 2026 promise even more surprises… which I can’t wait to discover and share with you!
