AWOL Aetherion Pro: Sci-Fi Looks, Mediocre Performance

The AWOL Vision Aetherion Pro stands out with its distinctive, angular, sci-fi-inspired design, featuring a customizable LED strip that adds a unique flair. This ultrashort-throw (UST) projector is designed to project a large image from a close distance, similar to a television but requiring more setup.

Despite its striking appearance, the Aetherion Pro's performance is a mixed bag. Its claimed 2,600 lumens are significantly higher than the measured 1,267 in its most accurate mode and 1,731 in its brightest mode. This discrepancy places it in a performance tier similar to the less expensive Xgimi Aura 2 and the similarly priced Epson Lifestudio Grand Plus, which offers greater brightness.

The projector's image quality shows strengths in contrast and detail, outperforming the Epson in black levels and sharpness. However, the Epson leads in color accuracy and natural skin tones, while the Xgimi offers more natural colors overall. The Aetherion Pro's audio system, featuring separate tweeters and full-range drivers, is capable of good volume but lacks the audio quality of the Epson and the bass of the Xgimi.

Setup requires precision due to the lack of optical zoom and lens shift, making minor adjustments critical for image placement. The Aetherion Pro includes three HDMI inputs, Google TV, and various audio connections. Its motorized lens cover offers protection, though it is less comprehensive than that of the Xgimi Aura 2.