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Starforge Systems Frieren PC: Two-minute review

It's not every day I get to review a PC that looks this good. PC-building brand Starforge Systems makes some excellent pre-built systems worthy of standing among the best computers, but it's the company's collaboration builds that really stand out - and I've been lucky enough to get Starforge's latest themed PC, which is a collab with the popular new anime Frieren: Beyond Journey's End.

Starforge has previously run collabs for novel PC builds with popular media from across anime and gaming, including Jujutsu Kaisen, Path of Exile, and even Old School Runescape. Why am I reviewing this one specifically? 'Cos Frieren slaps, that's why. Chronicling the misadventures of an ancient and powerful (but also frequently goofy) elven mage, it features near the top of our best anime shows list for good reason, and season 2 is out in January - so if you haven't watched it already, get a move on!

Uh, anyway. Enough about the show. Let's actually talk about the PC Starforge has built: because it also slaps. A premium mid-tower gaming desktop with high-end components, it's fundamentally similar to the Voyager III system, with the most notable change being that it features an AMD graphics card rather than an Nvidia one (and that it has the cast of Frieren plastered all over it, obviously).

(Image credit: Future)

As far as PC builds go, it's nothing particularly wild outside the anime-themed aesthetics. I'll get more into the nitty-gritty of the internals down in the Design section, but the guts of this build should look largely familiar to anyone familiar with the art of custom PC building. It's exceptionally colorful when switched on, too; I played around a bit with the RGB settings and was easily able to set up a very pleasing white-and-green light scheme that matched the design of the case.

Thankfully, the performance is solid: this system can comfortably handle 1080p and 1440p gaming, and run all but the most demanding titles at 4K - though you might want to turn on AMD's FSR 3 upscaling for that, especially in ray-traced games like Cyberpunk 2077. If you want a gaming PC that can also pull double duty as a workstation for professional or hobbyist creative work, this system can get the job done.

(Image credit: Future)

The main downside for me here - other than the lack of an Nvidia RTX GPU, which does lock users out from using Nvidia's best-in-class upscaling and frame-generation tech - is the price. I'll do a full breakdown in the next section, but the cost is $2,499.99 (around £1,870 / AU$3,760).

That's not a terrible price, for sure; I took some time to sit down on PCPartPicker and tried to replicate this build as accurately as possible, and even opting for some cheaper components in the same performance bracket (like more budget-conscious RAM and storage), I landed at a price just barely south of $2,300.

The fancy backlit display panel and general extra design features here will be worth that extra two hundred bucks for some people, and the skyrocketing price of RAM will no doubt be pushing some people away from DIY-ing their next PC. Oh, and of course, if you buy from Starforge, you don't have to go through the pain of actually building the damn thing.

Starforge notably does bundle this PC with a large desk mat and acrylic wall art panel matching the Frieren aesthetic, too - which, when purchased individually, would run you an extra $110. Still, you're definitely paying a premium for the Frieren theme, so it's probably a PC you should only pick if you're a serious anime lover.

Starforge Systems Frieren PC review: Price & Availability

• Fixed price of $2,499.99 (around £1,870 / AU$3,760)
• Available now in the US, ships to UK and Australia
• Only one configuration available

There's only one model of the Frieren PC available, and it'll run you a total of $2,499.99 (around £1,870 / AU$3,760). As I noted above, that's only marginally above the price you're likely to pay to build your own similar system at the time of writing, though you'd obviously be missing out on the exclusive design starring everyone's favorite tiny but overpowered elf and her pals, plus the bundled artwork and desk mat.

It should also be noted for British and Australian shoppers that those GBP and AUD conversions don't include regional tax (VAT and GST, respectively), so you will actually end up paying a bit more once you factor in that and shipping fees. Americans, you already know the drill when it comes to sales tax.

(Image credit: Future)

So while the Starforge Systems Frieren PC is undeniably a rather expensive purchase, I can't knock it too hard for that; it's a niche collab targeting the crossover between PC gamers and a relatively new TV show fanbase, and the bundled extras soften the blow of the asking price.

The Frieren PC is already available to purchase directly from Starforge's website, with shipping to anywhere in the US, Europe, and Australia. All of Starforge's PCs come with a 2-year warranty, too.

• Value: 4 / 5

Starforge Systems Frieren PC review: SpecsStarforge Systems Frieren PC Specs

Starforge Systems Frieren PC Config

Price

$2,499.99 (around £1,870 / AU$3,760)

CPU

Intel Core i5-14600K

GPU

AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT 16GB

RAM

32GB DDR5-6000

Storage

1TB PCIe NVMe 4.0 M.2 SSD

Ports and Connectivity

Front I/O: 2x USB-A 3.2, 1x USB-C 3.2, 1x 3.5mm combi audio jack

Rear I/O: 6x USB-A 3.2, 1x USB-C 3.2, 1x HDMI, 3x DisplayPort, 1x RJ-45 Ethernet, 1x PS/2, 1x SPDIF, 5x 3.5mm audio in-out

Dimensions

18.82 x 11.42 x 18.54in (47.8cm x 29.0cm x 47.1cm)

Starforge Systems Frieren PC review: Design

• Clean, well-assembled internals
• Fantastic aesthetic with swappable platelights
• Potentially bigger than it really needs to be

I'll say this right out of the gate: even for a mid-tower system, this is a pretty chunky desktop PC. The specially-customized Lian Li O11 Dynamic case used for the Frieren PC is large, and there's quite a bit of negative space inside the case - this isn't the PC to buy if you're working with limited real estate on your desk.

Still, that extra room does mean that the Frieren PC has a lot of upgrade potential. Removing the glass side panel to root around inside the guts of this system is as easy as pie, and there's ample space for a bigger GPU if so desired in the future, too. Or, you know, an anime figurine...

Size aside, this is obviously one really good-looking system. The art quality is excellent, and the anime-themed print doesn't just extend to the glass panels; there's a separate piece of artwork depicting Frieren's previous adventuring party (shown in flashbacks in the show, which form an important part of her narrative development- okay, I'll shut up now) printed on the metal opposite side panel, as well as a large sigil on the top grille. It's also decked out with plenty of fully customizable RGB lighting, including two slim lightbars that run along the top and bottom edges of the panelling. There's also the usual abundance of ports on the back you'd expect from a gaming PC, and a pretty standard front I/O featuring USB-A, USB-C, and an audio jack.

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I also feel compelled to say that this is one of the tidiest and most well-assembled pre-built PCs I've seen in years, rivalling many of the best gaming PCs. I'm not saying that most reputable PC-builders are messy with their builds, but Starforge's work here is clearly top-class, with masterful cable management. Even the space hidden beneath the vertical PSU shroud is tidy (an area I'm personally accustomed to using as the 'just stuff it out of sight' space in my own PC builds).

In addition to the Frieren-themed extras, you also get a pack containing all the additional bits and pieces that weren't used in the build - drive brackets from the case, spare screws, unused modular cables from the PSU, all that good stuff. Not all PC-builders include this superfluous kit, but it's highly useful if you choose to upgrade your system further down the line.

One particularly nice inclusion here - also seen in some of Starforge Systems' other premium pre-built PCs - is the 'platelight'. That's the tall, thin acrylic art strip with LED backlighting you can see in some of the photos I've taken; pop off the other side panel, and you can easily slide it out and replace it with a different piece of illuminated artwork. Starforge sells a variety of these on its site (there are four other Frieren ones besides the default one included here), which range from other collabs to striking original artwork. You could even theoretically make your own, since it's just artwork printed on a rectangular slab of translucent acrylic.

• Design: 5 / 5

Starforge Systems Frieren PC review: Performance

(Image credit: Future)

• Strong gaming and creative performance
• CPU performance is okay, but not spectacular for the price
• Fans are impressively quiet even under load

Starforge Systems Frieren PC Benchmarks

Here's how the Frieren PC performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

Geekbench 6 (Multi Core): 17,477; (Single Core): 2,787
Geekbench AI (Single Precision): 35,726; (Half Precision): 47,849; (Quantized): 28,735
Cinebench R23 (Multi Core): 23,937; (Single Core): 2,039
Cinebench R24 (Multi Core): 1,387; (Single Core): 122
Crossmark Overall: 2,255
3DMark Fire Strike: 45,822; Steel Nomad: 7,032; Solar Bay: 117,376; Night Raid: 84,092
BlackMagicDisk Read: 4,071MB/s; Write: 4,779MB/s
25GB Copy Test: 1,502MB/s
Shadow of the Tomb Raider (1080p, Highest): 197 FPS; (Balanced Upscaling, 1080p, Highest): 244 FPS
Total War: Warhammer III (1080p, Medium): 275 FPS; (1080p, Ultra): 146 FPS
Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p, Ultra): 173 FPS; (Balanced Upscaling, 1080p, Ultra): 183 FPS; (Balanced Upscaling, 1080p, Ultra RT): 131 FPS
Marvel Rivals (1080p, Low): 193 FPS; (1080p, Ultra): 112 FPS; (Balanced Upscaling, 1080p, Ultra): 136 FPS

Powered by the excellent AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT graphics card, the Frieren PC has no issues running the latest PC games at 1080p and 1440p resolutions, and can easily spring to 4K without dropping below 60 frames per second in many titles too. If you're willing to switch on upscaling with FSR 3 (and you really should be at this point, as upscaling tech has come a long way in recent years), 4K gaming is comfortably within reach here.

I got stable framerates at 1440p and 4K in all the listed games (plus Black Myth: Wukong, which I'm currently playing through) except Cyberpunk 2077, which struggled a little once ray tracing was turned on. If you're willing to do a very small amount of fiddling in the graphical settings, though, virtually any game should be playable at 4K on this PC.

Considering the synthetic test results too, it's safe to say that this PC is also able to comfortably handle creative workloads such as video editing and 3D rendering. If you're a creative professional who also happens to be an anime fan, this might actually be the perfect computer for you.

(Image credit: Future)

CPU performance is a little less impressive, though still good. Although the Intel Core i5-14600K chip inside the Frieren PC is fast, as an i5 CPU, it's fundamentally just not a high-end processor. That has the potential to create minor bottlenecks in CPU-heavy programs, particularly single-core workloads. It's perfectly sufficient for 99% of use cases, but there will potentially be some users who want to do a lot of stuff beyond gaming on their PC, and this should be an important consideration if you're one of those people.

That i5 chip lacks a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU) for handling AI workloads, but that doesn't matter in the slightest, since the far more powerful Radeon GPU can handle locally-run AI tasks to a good degree. This is a fairly niche application, though, so unless you already know you're going to be running AI software locally (or you're planning on building your own LLM) it shouldn't be a major concern.

Lastly, I'd like to note that despite its hefty size and six case fans (plus two on the GPU), it's surprisingly quiet in operation. Airflow overall seems good, with vertical pressure venting heat efficiently (I saw no significant component temperature spikes during my tests). Sure, you can hear the fans, but considering how much whine some PCs put out when running a demanding game or program, I have to say I was impressed at how little noise this system produces.

• Performance: 4.5 / 5

Should I buy the Starforge Systems Frieren PC?Starforge Systems Frieren PC Scorecard

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

It's not cheap, but the pricing puts it only a little above the cost of a similar DIY PC - and the aesthetics are worth it if you're a weeb like me.

4 / 5

Design

Aesthetically stunning and well-assembled from good quality components, there's very little I can reasonably fault about this PC's design.

5 / 5

Performance

Gaming and creative performance is strong, with only minor tweaks needed to run the latest games at 4K with 60+ frames per second.

4.5 / 5

Total

A love letter to PC gaming and anime, the Frieren PC is the indisputable best possible gift for someone who loves that show.

4.5 / 5

Buy the Starforge Systems Frieren PC if...

You want a powerful, upgradable PC
With solid gaming performance and an extremely tidy internal finish that should make future upgrades a breeze, this is a future-proofed system - though I can't guarantee it'll live as long as an immortal magical elf.

You love Frieren
Do I really need to explain this one? If you like the show and you're a PC gamer, this is probably the best system you could possibly buy. If you haven't seen the show, how did you even get this far into the article? Leave immediately and watch it, that's an order.

Don't buy it if...

You're on a tight budget
Two and a half thousand dollars is a lot of money, I can't dispute that. This is a product for die-hard fans who are willing to pay a bit more (though Starforge does also have some very reasonably-priced generic pre-builds).

You want a compact desktop
The Frieren PC has a frankly huge footprint for a mid-tower system, measuring almost as much as my massive old Corsair Carbide 600C build from 2017. If you're already working with a cramped gaming space, I'd advise look for something smaller.

Starforge Systems Frieren PC review: Also Consider

NZXT Player PC
One of the best desktop PCs we've reviewed this year, the 'Player PC' from NZXT might have an awful name, but it delivers strong gaming performance in a well-constructed case - plus, as an RTX 5070 system, it'll cost you a bit less than the Frieren PC too.

Read our full NZXT Player PC review

Asus ROG NUC (2025)
If you’re looking for a powerful PC in the same price range that won't take up half your tiny desk's surface area, this compact gaming PC from Asus is a stellar choice. It's incredible how much performance Asus was able to cram into its pint-sized chassis, though it can get a bit noisy while gaming.

Read our full Asus ROG NUC (2025) review

How I tested the Starforge Systems Frieren PC

• Tested for two weeks
• Used for work, video calls, and general internet use
• Replaced my usual desktop for gaming

I tested the Starforge Systems Frieren PC for a set period of two weeks, during which it replaced my usual home office desktop (a similarly beefy system). I naturally used it for everyday work from home, which usually involves straightforward tasks like word processing, emailing, and web research, but also image editing using GIMP.

As usual with PC reviews, I ran the Frieren PC through our usual suite of benchmarking tests, which includes both in-game and synthetic benchmarks, as well as using it daily for my own gaming activities - it ran Black Myth: Wukong and Doom: The Dark Ages great (and Stardew Valley, but that could run on a lemon clock). Aside from gaming, I also used it for a few other online activities; I'm rewatching Twin Peaks, and on two occasions, it played host to my regular virtual TTRPG session.

I've been reviewing PC hardware for more than seven years and have been a PC gamer for more than twice that time, with so many laptop and desktop reviews under my belt at numerous different publications that I genuinely can't even count them. This was my first time reviewing a system from Starforge, and needless to say, I came away from the experience impressed (and quite frankly, frustrated that I couldn't keep it).

• First reviewed: December 2025
• Read more about how we test

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Ulanzi 9L Camera Sling Bag with Tripod Holder B122: two-minute review

I increasingly find myself on days where I need just a small bag with quick access to camera gear, whether that's a day out with my compact or lightweight mirrorless camera, taking street photos, or work events where I'm shooting TikTok content with a smartphone, supported by wireless mics and portable lighting.

For such times, a backpack is excessive, and with which access to what's inside is typically slow and complicated. No, I need a small holder with quick access to gear, and that's where a bag like Ulanzi’s Camera Sling Bag (9L) is perfect and one of the best camera bags of its kind.

It takes the same crossbody bag form as the bags all the kids are wearing these days, but is also deeply practical (shh, don't tell them). It's larger than your average crossbody bag – aka a sling bag – meaning it's surprising just what can fit inside, without compromising on the advantages of such a bag type.

With it slung over one shoulder and resting on my midriff, right where I can easily unzip and switch gear, I can store a range of equipment. For a photography day, a couple of compact cameras / an enthusiast mirrorless camera with a short prime lens, wallet, phone, snacks, and a small drink (there's a stretch pocket on each side, but I struggled to find a drink container small enough to fit).

For content creation, a smartphone, wireless mic case, portable SmallRig mini LED Video Light 25W (I have two, and they are superb and worth a feature of their own - that's coming), mini selfie stick-cum-tripod / neck mount, phone clamp, mints, comb, the whole shebang. It all fits.

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I'm currently using a Xiaomi 15 Ultra for social media video work, and it fits vertically in the Ulanzi sling bag, as do the lights and mini selfie stick-cum-tripod, which means I can fit way more in than if I had to stash them horizontally.

I was surprised to discover the Ulanzi sling bag is large enough to hold a regular tablet too (like a 10.9-inch iPad) – it's positively cavernous – while other nice touches include a hidden AirTag pocket.

Even with all of that gear inside, the Ulanzi sling bag is comfortable on a single shoulder, thanks to its padded strap and snug fit around the torso. It's designed to rest over the shoulder and at midriff height, with the main compartment accessed through the top zip, which runs across the entire width, for easy access.

The bag comes with an internal divider component. It can be laid flat to provide a firm underside and leave the main compartment completely open, or folded in on itself to create three separate compartments, dividing out gear to keep it protected from other items inside. It's great having the choice between open and divided, and that the divider can remain inside for either setup.

Build quality is particularly good - I'm expecting to get several years of use from the bag - the outer polyester material seems rugged. The main zip is weather-sealed and glides easily, too.

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There's no rain cover provided, but I wouldn't expect water ingress – it has easily withstood light showers. Just to be clear, though, I haven't used the bag outdoors in sustained inclement weather, so I can’t vouch for it in those conditions yet.

There are external straps to fix additional accessories to, such as a small tripod on the underside. Side straps are included less so for accessories but rather to provide a grip that makes zipping and unzipping the main compartment a breeze.

Elsewhere, there is a disguised external pocket with a particularly sticky and widespread velcro fastening frontage – ideal for thin items such as a wallet. The cover can be tucked away to expose the velcro, and Ulanzi sells velcro badges to customize the exterior, which is something I didn't do.

Put simply, every aspect of the bag functions as expected. I can't find a single fault with the Ulanzi Camera Sling 9L bag, functionally at least, and it's reasonably priced too. I've found it for $49.95 at Amazon US, and at the time of writing, there's an additional $10 off coupon. Bargain. The price is a little different on the Ulanzi site, but there's international shipping (see details below).

The only criticism I have is subjective - the bag’s appearance. Its plain black exterior won't win any style awards, and I'm not convinced that optional velcro badges help matters. No, this is function over aesthetics.

Looks aside, if you need a small sling bag for day trips with lightweight gear or mobile content creation setups, you can't go wrong with the Ulanzi 9L Camera Sling Bag with Tripod Holder B122, and it fully deserves my highest recommendation.

(Image credit: Future)Ulanzi 9L Camera Sling Bag with Tripod Holder B122: key specs

Type

Sling

Capacity

9L

Size

14.56 x 5.11 x 7.48in / 370 x 130 x 190mm

Weight

1.32lb / 600g

Tablet sleeve

Yes, up to 10.9-inch

Included

Bag, divider, shoulder pad (velcro badges optional)

Material

Polyester Fabric

Ulanzi 9L Camera Sling Bag with Tripod Holder B122: Price and availability

I've found the Ulanzi camera sling bag (9L) on Ulanzi's own website for $61.79 or $67 with velcro badges (which converts to around £47 / AU$93), and international shipping is possible.

It's also available for less at Amazon in the US and Australia, where it costs $49.95 at Amazon US and AU$75 at the time of writing.

Ulanzi 9L Camera Sling Bag with Tripod Holder B122: Also consider

Billingham Hadley Pro 2020

At the opposite end of style and cost is the Billingham Hadley Pro 2020 day bag. With classic looks and a premium price tag, it couldn't be any more different to the Ulanzi sling.

Read our Billingham Hadley Pro 2020 review

Should I buy the Ulanzi 9L Camera Sling Bag with Tripod Holder B122?

(Image credit: Future)Buy it if...

You need quick access to gear

Sitting across the body positioned close to hand, and with one large zip easily opened to access the main compartment, gear will be in your hand in no time.

9L storage is sufficient for your gear

Larger than your regular crossbody bag but much smaller than most camera backpacks, the Ulanzi sling is ideal as a day bag, being able to hold a camera with lens, or mobile content creator gear.

Don't buy it if...

You want a stylish bag

I think it's fair to say that aesthetics are hardly the Ulanzi sling bag's strong suit.

You have bulky gear

Cavernous its 9L storage may be, the Ulanzi sling bag is for lightweight camera gear.

How I tested the Ulanzi 9L Camera Sling Bag with Tripod Holder B122

• I tested it for several months
• I stored various camera gear and tried various internal configurations
• It has seen various weather conditions

The Ulanzi 9L Camera Sling Bag with Tripod Holder B122 has been my go-to day bag for months, for when I need to carry lightweight camera gear and want quick access to that gear, such as for street photography with a mirrorless camera or premium compact camera, to everything I need for filming TikTok content.

It's held everything from a mirrorless camera with a short prime lens to a vlogging camera and mics, portable LED lights, and more. The bag has kept my gear secure on hectic days and in short bursts of inclement weather.

First reviewed December 2025

Ulanzi's affordable 9L camera sling bag is the perfect fit for days with lightweight gear, especially for travel and street photography, and content creators.

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Xgimi Horizon 20 Max review: One minute review

The Xgimi Horizon 20 Max is the company’s flagship portable projector. Its triple laser DLP light engine is rated to deliver a very high 5,700 ISO lumens brightness, and it has Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and IMAX Enhanced support. Optical zoom and lens shift features allow for a high level of placement flexibility.

The Xgimi Horizon 20 Max's picture is bright, with powerful contrast and crisp textures. Motion handling for both sports and movies is very good after making some adjustments, and it also delivers surprisingly good built-in sound, with solid bass, clear speech and effective virtual surround sound.

Google TV is built in for wireless streaming, and gaming performance is very good. The Horizon 20 Max does lack key gaming features such as 4K 120Hz support, but its performance is responsive and snappy when playing intense games.

The Xgimi Horizon 20 Max is much more expensive than the best portable projectors, but its performance justifies its price, and it’s easily one of the best projectors I’ve tested.

Xgimi Horizon 20 Max review: Prices & release date

The Xgimi Horizon 20 Max has crisp textures and refined detail (Image credit: Future)

• Release date: October 2025
• Price: $2,999 / £2,599 (roughly AU$4,599)

The Xgimi Horizon 20 Max is the company’s flagship 4K portable projector, sitting above both the mid-range Horizon 20 Pro and entry-level Horizon 20. It was released in October 2025 for $2,999 / £2,599. This puts it in a similar price range as rivals such as the Anker Nebula X1, Valerian VisionMaster Pro 2 and Hisense C2 Ultra.

Since its release, the Horizon 20 Max’s price has remained the same in both the US and UK, but it has fallen to as low as $2,399 in Xgimi special offers. Minus any discounts, it sits at the premium end of the portable 4K projector market.

Xgimi Horizon 20 Max review: Specs

Screen sizes supported:

40-300 inches

Brightness (specified):

5,700 ISO lumens

HDR support:

Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG

Display technology:

Triple laser DLP

Smart TV:

Google TV

Connections:

1x HDMI (with eARC), 3.5mm audio out, USB-A, USB-C (supports 100/140W PD input)

Dimensions (H x W x D):

2x HDMI (x1 eARC), 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0, 1x 3.5mm, 1x optical audio out

Weight:

11.9 pounds (5.4kg)

Xgimi Horizon 20 Max: Design & featuresImage 1 of 2

The Horizon 20 Max's rear ports (1) and optical zoom feature (2) (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

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• Triple RGB laser light engine
• Optical zoom and obstacle avoidance
• Google TV

The Horizon 20 Max feels solidly built and has a useful hinged design that lets you easily adjust its projection height. A gimbal stand allows for good rotation, without needing to move the projector itself. At 9.6 x 11.7 x 7.5 inches (249 x 298 x 190mm), its size is similar to other larger portable projectors such as the JMGO N1S Pro 4K.

The Horizon 20 Max has a triple laser DLP light engine and a rated brightness of 5,700 ISO lumens. Its throw ratio is 1.2-1.5:1, and it can project on screens ranging from 40-300 inches.

The Horizon 20 Max has several useful features for image correction, including auto and manual keystone and focus, optical zoom, 120% vertical and 45% horizontal lens shift, intelligent obstacle avoidance, wall color adaptation and eye protection.

I found these features to be impressive during my testing, with auto keystone working effectively. The optical zoom made setup easy, displaying the image with good brightness and clarity even at maximum zoom. The lens shift also proved to be a very useful tool with a wide range that let me easily align the image with the 80-inch matte white screen I used for testing.

The Horizon 20 Max supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and IMAX Enhanced. It has a Filmmaker Mode, but this isn’t a standard picture preset like you’ll find on some of the best TVs, but rather a ‘Filmmaker Mode switch’ setting that can be turned on in the Display settings. 3D is also supported on the Horizon 20 Max.

The Xgimi Horizon 20 Max uses Google TV as its UI (Image credit: Future)

For audio, the Horizon 20 Max has 2x 12W speakers with sound by Harmon Kardon and DTS: Virtual X support. There is support for Dolby audio, but not Dolby Atmos. Sound modes include Standard and Movie, plus a virtual surround sound setting. There is also an EQ for bass and treble adjustments.

For connections, the Horizon 20 Max has two HDMI ports (one with eARC), a USB 3.0 port, a USB 2.0 port, one optical digital audio output and one analog audio output.

The Horizon 20 Max uses Google TV as its operating system and supports major streaming apps including Netflix, Disney Plus and Prime Video. Its extensive settings for both picture and audio allow for a deep level of customization.

While the Horizon 20 Max does not support 4K 120Hz, it does support VRR and ALLM for gaming and a 240Hz refresh rate at 1080p resolution (as well as 4K at 60Hz). I did find that the Horizon 20 Max accepted 4K 120Hz signals from my Xbox Series X, but it was confirmed by Xgimi that this was probably being downscaled and using it could result in an “unstable or downgraded image”.

• Design & features score: 4.5/5

Xgimi Horizon 20 Max: Picture & sound quality

The Xgimi Horizon 20 Max has spectacular color reproduction, making colorful scenes from movies such as The Sound of Music (pictured) really pop. (Image credit: 20th Century Studios / Future)

• High brightness
• Spectacular color and good contrast
• Impressive audio

For my testing, I used an 80-inch Optoma 1.0 gain matte white screen. The Horizon 20 Max measured 433 nits HDR peak brightness in both Movie and Standard mode, with light output set to Max (the default). This is a great result and easily beats other portable projectors I’ve tested like the JMGO N1S Pro, which hit 178 nits peak HDR brightness. The Horizon 20 Max’s bright picture is no surprise, given that it is rated for 5,700 ISO lumens.

When measuring the Horizon 20 Max’s native contrast ratio, it yielded a result of 1,446:1. Color accuracy in the default Movie preset was 6.8, but setting the color temperature to D65 dropped it to 3.3, a much better result. Lastly, it covered 98.9% of the DCI-P3 color space and 96.8% of the BT.2020 color space, both excellent results.

The Horizon 20 Max’s bright picture really made an impact with animated movies. Watching a 4K Dolby Vision stream of Elemental in Dolby Vision Bright picture mode, the Horizon 20 Max showed vibrant, dazzling colors that packed plenty of punch, such as in one scene where Ember runs across some crystals, changing her own flame’s color.

A scene where Maria and the children stand at a fruit market stall from the 4K Blu-ray of The Sound of Music showed impressive highlights, with the reds and yellows of the fruits popping on screen. As they made their way into the hills, the luscious green grass and clear blue of the sky were bold but still had a true-to-life look.

Switching to darker movies, the Horizon 20 Max also displayed strong contrast and rich blacks. In the crime scene in Mayor Mitchell’s house on a 4K Blu-ray of The Batman, the Horizon 20 Max had great shadow detail, with objects such as photo frames on the dark walls still visible. In both The Batman and Dark City, again on 4K Blu-ray, the Horizon 20 Max’s contrast was powerful, with lamps under people’s faces casting strong shadows. While blacks did occasionally take on a gray-blue hue, they were mostly accurate – more so than on other projectors I’ve tested, such as the JMGO N1S Pro 4K.

Black levels aren't the deepest on the Horizon 20 Max, but are still very good (Image credit: Future)

Textures throughout my viewing were crisp and detailed. Whether it was the plates in Batman’s armor in The Batman, the pockets on dark jackets of characters in Dark City, or even blades of grass in The Sound of Music, everything looked realistic.

The Horizon 20 Max’s motion handling is generally very good. Watching a soccer game on Prime Video, I found that setting MEMC to Low in picture settings produced the smoothest motion. When I next watched a panning camera shot from the movie No Time To Die where Bond walks across a rocky hillside, setting MEMC to Low also provided smooth motion without adding a soap opera effect.

The Horizon 20 Max does a solid job of upscaling SDR and lower-resolution content out of the box. An HD stream of Fight Club got an uplift in crispness and contrast. There are a number of AI settings that can be applied if you’re looking for a sharper picture, including AIPQ and AISR, with the latter having a scale from Low-High. This improves upscaling even further, and as long as you stick to the lower settings, it doesn’t make pictures look overly sharp.

Gaming performance on the Horizon 20 Max is solid, even with fast-paced games such as Battlefield V (pictured) (Image credit: Future)

The Horizon 20 Max has two built-in 12W Sound by Harmon Kardon speakers, and I was impressed by how well they performed. Watching the Batmobile chase scene from The Batman, the Horizon 20 Max delivered plenty of volume, with strong bass that perfectly conveyed the rumble of the Batmobile’s engine. Even car crashes had plenty of impact. Turning on surround sound in the settings made the soundstage wider, with accurate placement of effects such as screeching tires and blaring horns from vehicles. Speech was also clear throughout, whether it was dialogue or the vocals in musicals.

Gaming on the Horizon 20 Max is equally impressive. While it doesn’t support 4K 120Hz gaming, I still found gameplay to be smooth and responsive. Playing Battlefield V at both 4K 60Hz and 1080p 120Hz, gunfights, which needed quick targeting and regular scanning of the environment, felt intuitive and snappy throughout. The Horizon 20 Max’s input lag time was 19.1ms at 4K 60Hz. When I asked Xgimi about the projector's specified 3ms input lag time, I was told that this was for a specific part of the screen. Still, the Horizon 20 Max is a great projector for gaming.

• Picture and sound quality score: 4.5/5

Xgimi Horizon 20 Max review: Value

(Image credit: Future)

• Premium priced
• Great performance and features
• Built-in Google TV

At $2,999 / £2,599, the Horizon 20 Max is a pricey portable projector. Even so, it’s priced comparably to rivals such as the Hisense C2 Ultra ($2,499 / £2,299) and the Anker Nebula X1 ($2,999 / £2,999), and delivers similar features and performance.

You can buy some of the best ultra short throw projectors, such as the Hisense PX3-Pro ($2,699 / £1,999), for cheaper. And there are cheaper portable options such as the JMGO N1S Ultra ($1,599/£1,999), but the Horizon 20 Max really is a fantastic projector for the performance and features it offers.

• Value score: 4/5

Should I buy the Xgimi Horizon 20 Max?

The Xgimi Horizon 20 Max's brightness and extended color gamut coverage worked wonders for animated movies such as Elemental (Image credit: Disney / Future )Xgimi Horizon 20 Max

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design and features

Excellent features for picture adjustment and positioning. Design looks a bit old-school, but feels solidly built and premium

4.5/5

Picture and sound quality

Colorful, bright picture with strong contrast and crisp textures. Built-in sound surprisingly good and solid gaming performance too

4.5/5

Value

At the pricier end of the portable projector market, but with features and performance are great for the money

4/5

Buy it if...

You want great picture quality
The Xgimi Horizon 20 Max's picture is bright, with bold colors, powerful contrast, and great detail. View Deal

You want good built-in sound
The Horizon 20 Max has strong built-in sound, with punchy bass, clear speech and surprisingly effective virtual surround sound. View Deal

You want a versatile projector
With plenty of picture adjustment tools as well as extensive installation controls, the Horizon 20 Max is highly versatile for a portable projector. View Deal

Don't buy it if...

You're on a budget
The Horizon 20 Max is a premium, flagship projector and as such carries the high price tag to match. View Deal

You want the full gaming experience
While the Horizon 20 Max is very good for gaming, it is missing key features such as 4K 120Hz support. View Deal

You don't want to adjust your picture
If you're looking for the best possible picture from the Horizon 20 Max, be prepared to spend some time in the settings. View Deal

Also consider

Xgimi Horizon 20 Max

Anker Nebula X1

Hisense C2 Ultra

Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2

Price:

$2,999 / £2,599 / around AU$4,500

 $2,999 / £2,999 / around AU$4,500

$2,999 / £2,499 / AU$4,499

$2,999 / £2,599 / AU4,999

Screen sizes supported:

40-300 inches

up to 200 inches

65-300 inches

40-300 inches

Brightness (specified):

5,700 ISO lumens

3,500 ANSI lumens

3,000 ANSI lumens

3,000 ISO lumens

HDR support

Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG, IMAX Enhanced

Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG

Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG

Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG,

Optical technology:

Triple laser DLP

Triple laser DLP

Triple laser DLP

Triple laser DLP

Smart TV:

Google TV

Google TV

Google TV (US) / VIDAA (UK/AU)

Google TV

Connections:

2x HDMI (x1 eARC), 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0, 1x 3.5mm, 1x optical audio out

2 x HDMI 2.1 (1 with eARC), USB-A, USB-C, optical audio out

2x HDMI 2.1 (1 with eARC), 2x USB-A, 1x S/PDIF, Ethernet, 1x 3.5mm, Bluetooth

2x HDMI 2.1, 1x HDMI 2.0 with eARC, 1x optical, 1x 3.5mm

Anker Nebula X1
The Anker Nebula X1 is an excellent projector with similarly good contrast and detail. While not as bright as the Xgimi Horizon 20 Max, it is marginally cheaper and has optional external speakers that can provide better sound.

Read our full Anker Nebula X1 reviewView Deal

Hisense C2 Ultra
The Hisense C2 Ultra is a sleeker, slightly more portable option than the Xgimi Horizon 20 Max that also delivers great picture quality. The Horizon 20 Max has a higher rated brightness, however.

Read our full Hisense C2 Ultra reviewView Deal

Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2
The Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 is less portable than its rivals but delivers similarly bright, bold pictures. The Xgimi Horizon 20 Max has significantly more adjustment options, however, making it easier to install.

Read our full Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 reviewView Deal

How I tested the Xgimi Horizon 20 MaxImage 1 of 2

(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Future)

• Tested using HDR and SDR sources
• Mostly tested in pitch black conditions
• Measurements taken using Portrait Displays' Calman Color Calibration software

I tested the Xgimi Horizon 20 Max using an Optoma 80-inch, 1.0-gain matte white screen. I first did some casual viewing to establish its most accurate picture modes for testing, landing on Movie and Dolby Vision Dark.

I primarily used 4K Blu-ray and 4K streaming for HDR testing, and used lower-resolution streaming for SDR analysis. For the Horizon 20 Max's picture, I looked at brightness, color, upscaling, contrast and shadow detail. For 4K Blu-rays, I used the Panasonic DP-UB820 4K Blu-ray player.

I also tested the Horizon 20 Max's gaming capabilities using an Xbox Series X, playing at both 4K 60Hz and 1080p 120Hz.

For objective testing, I made measurements using a test pattern generator and colorimeter, recording the results with Portrait Displays' Calman color calibration software. I measured the Horizon 20 Max's peak brightness for both SDR and HDR, contrast ratio, color and grayscale accuracy, and HDR color gamut coverage for the DCI-P3 and BT.2020 color spaces. I also measured its input lag using a Leo Bodnar 4K HDMI Input lag tester.

For a more detailed explanation of how we test TVs at TechRadar, check out the link.

• First reviewed: December 2025
• Read TechRadar's review guarantee

The Xgimi Horizon 20 Max is a superb portable 4K projector. It may be pricey, but it's worth it.

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