XGIMI MoGo Pro+ Review

The XGIMI MoGo Pro+ is being not-so-subtly marketed as a competitor to the newly-launched Anker Nebula Capsule 3. Both projectors boast similar specs that aim to satisfy in the portables market, but vary drastically in price with XGIMI’s unit coming in at $569 and Anker’s product launching at $799. XGIMI seems very confident that its cheaper contender can win in a head-to-head battle. After using both projectors for over a month now, I’m happy to crown a winner.

Getting the party started

XGIMI MoGo Pro+ Review — Left: Anker Nebula Capsule 3, Right: XGIMI MoGo Pro+

Both the XGIMI MoGo Pro+ and Anker Nebula Capsule 3 come dressed to impress with packaging that protects the premium product tucked away inside. Power cables are included along with a power adapter, remotes come with batteries, and manuals are ready and waiting to help users get started. It’s an identical experience that extends to the setup process.

Both projectors are powered by Android TV, so users can log in with their Google Accounts and make use of Play Store apps. TV and movie apps are the go-to downloads, of course.

I was initially surprised and impressed to spot Netflix listed on the XGIMI, as it’s outright missing on Anker’s product. However, when booting up Netflix, I got the usual error that said it isn’t compatible with this device. It’s a shame that these issues still exist, but streaming from a phone or using a Fire TV stick remains a solid workaround.

For other apps like Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, Now TV (in the UK), and Crunchyroll, both projectors downloaded and installed the apps without any issues. My PS5 and Nintendo Switch also worked flawlessly, connected via the HDMI inputs on each projector.

The image test

After ensuring that both projectors were at their maximum brightness settings, it was time for a head-to-head visual test. I booted up Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness with its challengingly dark and vibrant scenes to see how each projector held up.

In my dimly lit lounge, both projectors outputted perfectly usable images, but, when played side-by-side, the Anker Nebula Capsule 3 did look slightly brighter and more vibrant, while the XGIMI MoGo Pro+ was overall slightly sharper. I really had to “pixel peep” to see these differences, however, and users who don’t have the two projectors side-by-side won’t notice a difference.

Take it outside

The brightness of both projectors is best put to the test outdoors. As they are both portable with built-in batteries that last just over two hours, it’s reasonable to think that users might want to enjoy an outdoor movie night. That’s exactly what I did and I’m happy to report that, while the images become more washed out, they can still be easily viewed outside when the sun has set.

Being so small makes both projectors very easy to pack into a backpack, meaning I was happy to take them on weekends away. My favorite experience was seeing the 19″ TV supplied in a hotel room and whipping out the XGIMI MoGo Pro+. I aimed the projector across the room at a blank white wall and enjoyed a 100″+ image. Portable projectors are truly a game-changer for those who travel often.

Listen up

Sound-wise, the projectors are again similar. Though the XGIMI opts for two 3W speakers and Anker has a single 8W speaker, the volume and quality are similarly fine. I’d personally pair the projectors with a more powerful dedicated Bluetooth speaker but, in a pinch, both projectors can output decent sound that will get the job done.

The projectors’ speakers certainly manage to drown out any fan noise. Though the Anker Nebula Capsula 3’s fan is a tad louder than the XGIMI MoGo Pro+’s, neither is offensive.

So similar

There are some other minor differences between the two projectors. The Anker unit has a very short USB-C cable that can be quite limiting, but it also boasts wider customization of colors and performance. On the other hand, the XGIMI projector is 3D capable and boasts Dolby Digital Plus support.

XGIMI has been smart to recognize the similarities between its own product and the new projector launched by Anker. Both projectors are very similar indeed and it’s a smart move for XGIMI to highlight that fact.

Mogo Pro+ and Anker Nebula Capsule 3 review samples provided by XGIMI.

Final Verdict

At $569 and functionally very similar to the much more expensive Anker Nebula Capsule 3, the XGIMI MoGo Pro+ is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a portable projector that is powerful enough for low-light indoor and, at a push, outdoor viewings. It compares favorably with other portable projectors, too, and is well worth considering by anyone looking to invest in a 1080p projector equipped with its own relatively long-life battery for on-the-go usage.