If you’re searching for a budget-friendly yet feature-packed projector, the Toptro X9 might just be the one to catch your eye. This sleek machine is designed to bring your movie nights, gaming sessions, and even work presentations to life without breaking the bank. Packed with smart features, impressive audio, and vibrant visuals, it’s no wonder people are calling it the new budget king of projectors.
With its built-in smart OS, you can stream your favorite shows directly from Netflix, YouTube, or Disney+ without needing extra devices. Plus, the autofocus and auto Keystone features make setup a breeze, so you’re not stuck fiddling with settings when you could be watching. The sound quality is another standout, thanks to its 36W speakers and Dolby Audio support, which fill the room with rich, immersive sound. It’s also worth mentioning that this projector handles 4K signals like a champ, making it perfect for those who want crisp, detailed visuals without splurging on high-end gear. Sure, it has a few quirks here and there, but nothing that overshadows its overall performance.
Key Features
One of the standout aspects of the Toptro X9 is its design. Right out of the box, it feels solid and well-built. The projector itself has some heft to it, giving it a premium feel. On the front, there’s an autofocus camera and an IR receiver. The sides feature full HD 1080p branding, a cooling fan, and one of four built-in speakers. Around the back, you’ll find another speaker, two HDMI ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB port. Having two HDMI ports is a big deal because it lets you connect multiple devices like a laptop, gaming console, or streaming stick while still using the smart features. The left side houses the heat sink, ensuring the machine stays cool even during long sessions.
Setting up the Toptro X9 is straightforward. The remote control is intuitive, with dedicated buttons for Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and Disney+. There’s also a mute button, volume controls, and autofocus keys. When powered on, the fan noise is noticeable but not overly intrusive. From a few feet away, the sound drops to a more acceptable level, and it shouldn’t bother you while watching movies. The first boot-up takes about 17 seconds, and the projector automatically focuses and adjusts the image to fit your screen. You’ll need to connect it to Wi-Fi, but once that’s done, you’re ready to stream.
The projector really shines when it comes to picture quality. Colors are rich and saturated without looking artificial. Bright scenes pop, while darker scenes maintain excellent contrast and detail. It handles HDR content beautifully, delivering deeper blacks and more realistic visuals. Even text appears crisp, making this projector a solid choice for presentations or boardroom meetings. Screen uniformity is decent, though there’s a slightly brighter center. Still, sharpness across the frame is top-notch, and the auto screen alignment feature works flawlessly, aligning the image perfectly without going out of bounds.
Sound quality is another area where the Toptro X9 excels. The 36W speakers paired with Dolby Digital output deliver immersive audio that fills the room. Dialogue is clear, bass is punchy, and the volume is more than enough to match the big-screen visuals. For most people, the built-in speakers will be sufficient, but if you want to go bigger, the projector supports Bluetooth pairing for external sound systems. Testing it as a Bluetooth speaker revealed no dropouts, and the sound remained impressive.
Gamers will appreciate the responsive performance of the Toptro X9. Input lag is around 67 milliseconds, which is decent for casual gaming. Shooting games feel smooth, with no noticeable delay in responsiveness. Driving games also perform well, offering precise real-time feedback. The combination of stunning visuals and low lag makes this projector a great choice for gamers on a budget.
There are a few quirks worth mentioning. Sometimes the fan ramps up unexpectedly when powering off, and there’s an occasional bug where the screen stays black until you press the home button. These issues seem minor and likely fixable with a software update. The lack of a tripod thread is another drawback, but the projector can still be ceiling-mounted by removing the rubber feet.
Testing the ANSI Lumen performance showed the Toptro X9 holds its own, delivering around 518 lumens. In a side-by-side comparison with the Putrims K12, the Toptro X9 edges out its competitor thanks to better HDR handling, richer colors, and deeper blacks. It also outperforms the K12 in sound quality and gaming performance. While the K12 is still a solid option, the X9 offers a more refined experience.
The Toptro X9 accepts 4K signals, which is a big plus for those who want future-proofing. While it doesn’t always stay in 4K mode depending on the device, it’s still capable of rendering ultra-high-definition content. Streaming apps like Netflix and Prime Video work seamlessly, with easy sign-in processes via QR codes.
YouTube is equally intuitive, and navigating the interface feels smooth. The smart OS, likely based on webOS, may not have every app you’re used to, but the two HDMI ports let you connect external devices for added flexibility.
Using the Toptro X9 as a Bluetooth speaker is surprisingly effective. Pairing it with a phone is quick, and the sound quality remains consistent whether you’re streaming music or using it for video playback. The sound output reaches just over 100 dB, which is impressive for built-in speakers. This versatility makes the projector useful beyond just movies and gaming.
Fan noise is something to consider, especially during quieter scenes. While it’s manageable from a distance, it might be noticeable in completely silent rooms. That said, the cooling system does its job well, keeping the projector running smoothly without overheating. The dust filter on the bottom is easy to remove and clean, ensuring long-term performance.
Final Thoughts
The Toptro X9 wraps up as a projector that punches well above its weight, especially when you consider its $249.99 price tag. It’s one of those products that makes you rethink what’s possible in the budget category. With features like Auto Keystone, autofocus, and auto screen fit, it brings a level of convenience that’s hard to find at this price. You don’t need to be a tech wizard to set it up—it practically does the work for you. The built-in smart OS adds another layer of ease, letting you stream Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and Prime Video directly without needing extra devices. That kind of versatility is a game-changer for anyone looking to simplify their entertainment setup.
And let’s talk about performance because that’s where the Toptro X9 really shines. The visuals are sharp, with vibrant colors and impressive contrast that make movies and shows feel immersive. Even in darker scenes, details don’t get lost, and the HDR handling gives everything an extra pop of realism. Text clarity is on point too, which makes this projector not just a home theater powerhouse but also a solid choice for presentations or meetings. Gamers will appreciate the responsive performance, with input lag sitting around 67 milliseconds—good enough for casual gaming sessions without frustration. Pair that with the punchy 36W speakers and Dolby Audio support, and you’ve got a package that delivers both visually and audibly.
Sure, there are a few quirks here and there. The fan noise ramps up unexpectedly sometimes during power-off, and there’s that occasional bug where the screen stays black until you press the home button. But these feel like minor hiccups rather than deal-breakers, especially since they’re likely fixable with a software update. The lack of a tripod thread might annoy some people, but the ability to ceiling-mount by removing the rubber feet offers a decent workaround. None of these issues overshadow the sheer value this projector provides.
