In recent years, projectors have become an ideal home entertainment option for those who don’t have plenty of space for a TV setup. It’s also a good choice if you prefer watching a large image and just generally adore the cozy vibes.
But here’s the hard truth: if you want a high-quality and durable home projector, you’ll likely need to shell out a lot of money. Projectors can be costly very quickly as you hunt for better specs.
Enter budget projectors — the economical and more accessible counterparts. There are lots of these out there. The problem is, it can be difficult to track down the ideal affordable projector with some acceptable measure of quality and reliability.
Fortunately, the new XGODY Gimbal5 Full HD projector seems to fit the bill.
XGODY Gimbal5 specs
The Gimbal5 is priced at USD 119/ PhP 4,260 depending on where you’re purchasing from. More on that later. Its basic specs include:
- Display image resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Display type: LCD
- Brightness: 250-300 ANSI lumens
- Short-throw projector with a minimum throw distance of 1.5 meters
- Manual and auto-keystone capabilities
- Up to 50% display image zoom
- Up to 150 inches screen display
- USB playback and online playback support of up to 4K
- Equipped with AndroidTV 11.0 operating system
- Dual-band wifi and Bluetooth 5.4
- Built-in 3W speakers
- One USB port
- One HDMI port
- Pre-installed apps such as Google Store and Netflix
Image projection quality and brightness
The biggest selling point of this budget projector is its image display image resolution. That’s the end resolution of the picture projected on your wall or screen.
It’s not easy to find a budget projector that displays your favorite K-dramas at native 1080p resolution. Typically, more affordable projectors have a 720p display image resolution.
As a fair warning if you’re on the projector hunt: make sure to double-check the actual display image resolution in the specs. Brands like to highlight a projector’s capacity to support files and images at 4K resolution in their marketing. This can easily confuse first-time buyers to think that the projected image will be in 4K.
To be clear, a projector that supports 4K resolution means it can play, say, a Marvel film from Disney+ with 4K resolution. But it will still come out as 1080p on your wall or screen if 1080p is the display image resolution of the projector.
Display image resolution isn’t the only thing that contributes to a projector’s image quality. The other key factor is brightness.
You’ll find that brands like to shout about the lumens of their projectors. Essentially, lumens refers to the amount of light a projector emits. The brighter the light, the better the image — and the more expensive the projector.
You’ll likely see lumens numbers in the tens of thousands, and it’s very hard to know what would be considered a good number of lumens. This is where the concept of ANSI lumens comes in.
ANSI lumens
ANSI lumens is a standardized measurement of the amount of light coming out of a projector. This makes it harder to blow up the number to indicate brightness. (Naturally, another top tip if you’re buying a projector is to look for ANSI lumens rather than just lumens.)
Here, it’s a matter of preference. Upwards of 300 ANSI lumens is quite solid, especially for watching in the dark. But some people expect their projectors to display images just like a TV, and that means much higher ANSI lumens.
With projectors, you won’t get the same clear image as you would on a TV during the day or if the lights are switched on in the room at night. But daytime watching should be fine if you’ve got blackout curtains or blinds.
When I first put on Avengers: Endgame on the XGODY Gimbal5 with its 250-300 ANSI lumens, I was satisfied with how it looked in the dark. However, I can’t say I’m able to comfortably watch a film on the Gimbal5 during the day without pulling down my blackout blinds. The brightness simply couldn’t cut it.
This doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker though. If you’re not too fussed about watching during the day and would expect to watch at night, then the Gimbal5 is worth the trade-off in less brightness for affordability.
Sound quality
While the image quality of the XGODY Gimbal5 is pretty solid for a budget projector, I will say that the speakers aren’t anything to write home about.
The Gimbal5’s speakers are basic and, at maximum volume, can slightly distort if a scene you’re watching suddenly increases its volume. For example, when there are explosions or a fight scene. Similarly, this doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker unless you’re someone who is a stickler for quality audio.
When watching with the Gimbal5, I generally stayed within the 60-80% volume range without background noise, or up to 100% otherwise. This was also dependent on whether I was watching something quieter like arthouse films or loud ones like superhero films. This is for a room of roughly 10 square meters or about 108 square feet in size. Ultimately, I’d say this projector could do with more powerful speakers.
One of the major drawbacks of projectors versus TVs is the fan noise the former inevitably comes with. The Gimbal5 fairs marginally better on this front as the fan isn’t as loud — at least compared to my old projector, which sounded like it was about to take off.
When watching something with lots of quiet scenes, the Gimbal5’s fan noise wasn’t too disruptive for me. I could pretty much tune it out. But there is still some noise — especially if you’re not used to it — so keep that in mind.
Flexibility for your space
Flexibility with space is the biggest advantage of projectors. And the Gimbal5 checks this box nicely, albeit with a point for improvement.
It has a small enough body that I could plop it on my windowsill, which I would say is about the width of a standard hardback book. It’s also possible to do 180-degree rotations with it, so you’ve got some options for positioning.
My one gripe about its rotating body is I wish it didn’t snap into a specific position as it rotated. It would be nice if it tilted smoothly without snapping (but also without slipping). The snapping upon rotation meant I couldn’t get the precise angle I needed for my wall. I’ve had to make do with inserting a folded piece of paper underneath the stand to tilt it just right.
The manual and automatic keystone correction plus the zoom feature did come in very handy. These let you better adjust the display image according to the space you’re using.
As mentioned earlier, my XGODY Gimbal5 sits on the windowsill. As such, it projects across the room to the opposite wall. It’s thanks to the zoom feature that I’m able to adjust the display image to a reasonable size, rather than settle for a blown-up image that bleeds onto my ceiling because of the throw distance from projector to wall.
Gaming capacity
I tried gaming with this projector using my Nintendo Switch and I didn’t experience any noticeable lag while using the controller.
The only bit of hassle is the single HDMI port, which means I have to unplug my Google TV and then plug the Switch so I can game with a hundred-inch image.
Built-in software
XGODY’s Gimbal5 comes with an Android operating system, including a pre-installed Netflix app. That’s something you might not always find in other projectors.
As a budget projector, I didn’t expect much from its operating system. And I was right for it. The built-in system is very laggy and you could easily lose patience fiddling with it. Even the volume adjustment using the remote can get a bit unresponsive.
I’ve completely bypassed the built-in system and only ever use my Google TV plugged into the HDMI port to navigate smoothly and watch. I highly recommend doing the same.
A budget projector that punches above its weight
Despite its shortcomings, the XGODY Gimbal5 is overall a solid projector to have if you’re on a budget and not very particular with your specs. You may need a bit of patience here and there with its kinks. But, for the price, I think it’s worth it.
It’s a Full HD display image, it’s small, lightweight, flexible, and punches just above its weight as a budget projector. If nothing else, it’s an ideal entry-level kit for those wanting to dip their toes in the world of home projectors.
There’s a chance you probably won’t be able to put it — much like any other budget projector — through the wringer of all-day watching for many years. But take care of it and it should last you a good enough time to get your money’s worth.
Where to buy
USA: Buy from Amazon
50% discount code: 32XGODYG5K9
Philippines: Buy from Shopee
Latest discount code: XSST25698
Use the discount code and store coupons to save PhP 1,090.
Luxury Smart Home
Spotlight: Amazon Ember Artline TV + New Fire TV Stick HD
Amazon Just Fixed the Biggest Problem with TVs
In this video, THE Michael Josh dives into the all-new Amazon Ember Artline — their first-ever lifestyle TV.
Moreover, there’s the newer Fire TV Stick HD — the slimmest Fire Stick ever made. Now with USB-C and Alexa+ built in.
And through it all: He sat down exclusively with Aidan Marcuss — VP of Fire TV at Amazon and talked about how Alexa+ is Amazon’s answer to content paralysis.
PRE-ORDER NOW!
Amazon Ember Artline — ships April 22, 2026
New Fire TV Stick HD — ships April 29, 2026
Convenient Smart Home
Why a dedicated mattress vacuum is the allergy season upgrade you need
Whether you feel it or not, your mattress gets nasty
As allergy season rolls around, most people focus on the obvious fixes: air purifiers, antihistamines, keeping the windows shut. But when was the last time you vacuumed your mattress? Exactly.
We spend nearly a third of our lives in bed, and over time it quietly collects dust, skin flakes, and all kinds of microscopic buildup. You might not see it, but it’s there.
Your mattress isn’t as clean as you think
Even if your space looks spotless, mattresses and upholstered furniture trap particles deep inside the fabric, even if you wash their covers regularly.
For some people, that can contribute to allergy symptoms, causing discomfort throughout the day. For others, it just makes your sleep environment feel kind of gross.
If you’re not experiencing symptoms? Good for you, but that doesn’t mean your mattress is magically cleaner. It just means you’re not reacting to it.
Either way, it’s not exactly what you want to be sleeping in.
Deep cleaning that goes beyond the surface
Regular vacuums aren’t designed to pull out what’s embedded deep inside fabrics. They mostly skim the top. The FEPPO Pro mattress vacuum is built specifically for this.
It combines a 500W motor with 16,000 Pascals of suction and a tapping system that hits up to 40,000 times per minute. It’s essentially shaking loose dust from deep within your mattress so it can actually be removed.
And it’s corded, which honestly makes a difference. Unlike using your existing vacuum with another attachment, you don’t have to wait for it to recharge after cleaning your floors. You just plug it in whenever you feel like cleaning and go. The cord is long enough that you can move around your bed or couch without it feeling annoying.
It also uses UV-C light and ultrasonic waves, so it’s targeting even those particles invisible to the naked eye. The UV-C light works at the surface level, while ultrasonic waves reach deeper into the fabric layers to help reduce buildup over time. There are also safety sensors, so the UV light only turns on when it’s in contact with a surface.
Another thing people don’t think about: moisture. FEPPO Pro uses 140°F hot air to help dry out fabrics while cleaning, which helps sanitize it. There’s also a subtle fragrance built in so it leaves your bed feeling more fresh than when you started cleaning.
I used it to clean my couch, too, which I haven’t vacuumed in about a year. Because guests sit on it even with outside clothes and its covers don’t come off, it naturally gets even dirtier than the mattress.
Filtration that doesn’t throw anything back into the air
With a multi-layer HEPA filtration system, it captures 99.97% of fine particles (down to 0.3 microns). The dual dust cup design helps keep suction consistent without clogging.
So what you pick up actually stays contained—instead of floating right back into your room.
Is it your GadgetMatch?
If you’ve never thought about vacuuming your mattress before, you’re not alone. But also, maybe it’s time to start.
You don’t need to be sneezing or waking up congested to justify cleaning the place you spend a third of your life in. It’s basic hygiene that most people just ignore.
Could you use a regular vacuum with an attachment? Sure, it’s better than nothing.
But for something you use every single day, having a tool that’s actually designed for it—especially at under $70 on sale—just makes sense. Because whether you feel it or not, your mattress does get dirty.
You can either ignore it, or actually clean it.
Practical Smart Home
Why this 180-degree gimbal projector is a “small win” for solo living
At $200, the XGODY N6 Pro transformed my one-bedroom apartment into a sanctuary of independence
For a long time, I didn’t have a home entertainment setup.
As a young adult navigating the nuances of solo living, my iPad Pro was my constant companion. It was my theater and my window to the world, especially on those nights when the silence of a one-bedroom apartment hit a little too hard.
I’ve spent countless hours with that 11-inch screen as my only guest, filling the void with comfort shows while I worked, even though my space was perfectly capable of housing a real Smart TV.
But buying a TV felt like… commitment. A TV is a centerpiece you decorate around; an invitation for people to gather.
If you walked into my apartment, you’d see it doesn’t scream “hosting duties.” It screams sleep, train, grind, recover, and repeat.
There is no plush couch, no mahogany entertainment center. While it might look unusually sparse to others, it is mine.
And one of the best parts of living alone is making the final call on what actually fills your space. On one of my loneliest nights, the XGODY N6 Pro arrived, and suddenly, it shifted my state of mind from merely surviving to actually thriving in the life I built.
$200 of freedom
At US$ 200, the XGODY N6 Pro isn’t a casual purchase. When you’re living independently, every dollar is a tactical decision. There’s no safety net, no “calling home” if the budget breaks.
But even when you’re grinding, you deserve to have small luxuries; something that makes your life feel bigger than the room you are in.
For instance, watching your favorite shows projected across your own walls is the ultimate treat after a day spent exhausted.
What surprised me most was how the projector adjusted to me, not the other way around. The 180-degree gimbal design sounds technical, but in reality, it simply means freedom.
I don’t have a proper tech setup, so I used my bar stool as a stand. It didn’t matter. Whether I’m sitting on my fabric gaming chair or tucked into bed, I just pivot the lens to whatever surface works best.
For once, I’m not craning my neck over a screen and I’m not adjusting myself to fit the device. It fits into my life exactly as it is.
Seamlessly self-sufficient
Independence changes the way you see technology. When your brain is fried from a long day, you just need life to be a tad easier. I don’t want complicated or demanding; I just want things that do their job so I can breathe.
The remote-controlled electric focus and Auto Keystone Correction, in a way, are life-savers. I didn’t have to do anything, because the N6 Pro automatically squares the image as I pivot from wall to ceiling.
Its screen can stretch up to 200 inches, which still feels surreal to say out loud, though it’s smart enough to shrink if it detects an obstruction like a light switch.
Sometimes, it takes a moment to fully lock into clarity, though I have learned to appreciate that pause. It reminds me that not everything has to be instant to be worth it. (Especially since this is a budget device, I don’t want to ask too much.)
What truly impressed me was the WiFi 6 support. Streaming is smooth, and screen mirroring feels effortless. It reduces lag significantly, meaning my comfort shows never buffer.
With WhaleOS and 8,000+ apps built-in, I have everything I need right there.
Now Playing: People We Meet On Vacation
While I was getting used to the XGODY N6 Pro, Netflix dropped People We Meet On Vacation. And somehow, it felt personal.
Poppy, the main character, spends her life chasing the next experience. Her avoidance of settling mirrors my own desire for freedom. Always “catching flights, not feelings.”
Right now, every home is just a layover before my next destination. But having a projector like the N6 Pro makes me feel like I can take my sanctuary anywhere.
Poppy eventually found her happy ending, but I’m still in the chapters where I enjoy meeting new people and seeing new places.
For now, this projector is a companion; it’s there for the mundane moments when I return home from a long trip and need to decompress after the vacation ends.
Turning into a ritual
Even with 15,000 lumens, let’s be real: this is a creature of the night. It’s vibrant and clear in a dark room, but like most budget LEDs, it struggles when the sun peaks in.
I’ve turned my movie time into a ritual: closing the curtains and letting the night soak in, so I can watch the colors come alive.
The 10,000:1 contrast ratio and 4K decoding provide enough depth to make the scenes feel sincere. Though, I’m happy with the 1080p native resolution already.
While the built-in 5W Hi-Fi speaker isn’t going to shake the walls, it’s enough for the eerie silence of a solo apartment. With Bluetooth 5.2, I usually pair my JBL Charge 6 for a fuller sound, but honestly, there are nights where the built-in audio is just enough.
Is the XGODY N6 Pro your GadgetMatch?
Living alone is made up of small wins.
Cooking your own meals. Keeping your space clean. Learning how to sit with yourself. And sometimes, turning a blank wall into your own home theater.
At US$200, the XGODY N6 Pro projects the pride of a life built on my own terms. It’s a reminder that you don’t need a massive living room to live a massive life.
Swipe Right if you’re a young adult trying to make it in the city, living in a space where every square inch is precious real estate.
It’s for the independent soul who wants the “Smart TV” experience through Android TV 11 and WiFi 6 without the bulky furniture that usually comes with it. It offers an excellent price-to-performance ratio for anyone who treats their home like a sanctuary, or a temporary layover.
Swipe Left if you are the kind of person who needs absolute technical perfection to feel satisfied. Similarly, if you’re an audiophile who expects a 5W built-in speaker to mimic a Dolby Atmos theater, you’ll find the sound a bit thin.
This isn’t the device for those who want a permanent, high-end home theater installation; it’s too scrappy and mobile for that kind of rigidity.
As I look up at the ceiling, I appreciate how far I’ve come from that 11-inch screen. And I realize I am no longer passing through. I am home.
The XGODY N6 Pro is available through its official website and online retailers like Amazon.
-
Gaming2 weeks agoLevel Infinite launches Gangstar Mirage City exclusively in PH
-
News2 weeks agoThis rumored iPhone 18 color will make you switch phones
-
Reviews2 weeks ago5 games with the nubia Neo 5 GT 5G
-
Convenient Smart Home2 weeks agoGiving up counter space for reverse osmosis: Living with Waterdrop M6H in NYC
-
Singapore7 days agovivo Y Series launches in Singapore with bigger battery, durability upgrades
-
Automotive2 weeks agoThe VinFast VF6 is perfect for urban travelers
-
Gaming2 weeks agoThe Blood of Dawnwalker launches September 3
-
Gaming2 weeks agoThe Steam Controller is coming out on May 4



















