Late last year, Roku introduced its first Roku-powered projector, the Aurzen Eazze D1R Cube, priced at $180. This model stands out in the budget projector market, offering a balance of affordability, decent brightness, and the convenience of Roku’s streaming platform. While it doesn’t quite match the quality of pricier pico projectors in terms of picture and sound, the Aurzen Eazze D1R Cube exceeded expectations for its price point, making it a noteworthy option for casual users seeking a simple, portable projection solution.
Aurzen, the brand behind this projector, might not be a household name yet, but it is one of many emerging budget-friendly Chinese projector manufacturers gaining traction on platforms like Amazon. According to Google’s AI-based search results, Aurzen is considered a relatively new but well-received player in the entry-level projector market. This background helps explain the competitive pricing and the design choices that make the Aurzen projectors both affordable and accessible for everyday users.
One important aspect to note about Aurzen’s Roku projectors is that they do not come with built-in rechargeable batteries. Instead, they require a constant power connection, which contributes to their lower cost. The power setup is straightforward—a simple power cord without the need for a bulky power brick—which adds to their portability despite the lack of internal power. This design decision suits users who plan to use them in fixed locations or with easy access to power outlets rather than for truly mobile use.
The Aurzen Eazze D1R Cube itself features a sealed optical engine, a characteristic shared by the slightly less expensive Aurzen D1R model. Both are single-chip LCD projectors, which is typical in this price range, and the sealed optical engine is a nice feature to prevent dust accumulation on internal components, thereby reducing maintenance and ensuring a clearer image over time. The D1R Cube is rated at 330 ANSI lumens, making it modestly brighter than the D1R’s 280 ANSI lumens. Although these brightness ratings are low compared to high-end projectors, they are standard among budget devices, meaning these projectors work best in dimly lit or darkened rooms.
Both projectors deliver native 1080p resolution, providing full HD image quality at 1920x1080 pixels. They are also designed with ease of setup in mind: they include autofocus and auto keystone correction to straighten and sharpen images automatically, eliminating the hassle of manual adjustments for most users. For those who want more control, manual focus settings are available to fine-tune the image. The D1R Cube weighs about 4 pounds and has a taller, narrower design compared to the shorter and wider D1R. Both models come with a threaded tripod mount, allowing flexible placement options. In testing, placing the D1R Cube on a tripod and using a small side table worked well to position the image at an ideal height for viewing.
The projector’s interface is powered by Roku, which is known for having one of the most user-friendly and comprehensive streaming platforms available. This is a significant advantage because it provides access to a wide array of streaming apps and services directly from the projector itself, without needing external devices. While many users may project onto a simple wall or inexpensive outdoor screen, the reviewer tested the Aurzen on a 110-inch Stewart projection screen designed for a much more expensive Epson Home Cinema projector. This high-quality screen helped improve the Aurzen’s contrast and image quality, demonstrating how a good projection surface can enhance even budget projectors.
While the Aurzen D1R Cube is basic compared to enthusiast-level projectors, it performs adequately for casual viewing, especially in darker environments where its limited brightness is less of an issue. The Roku platform enhances the experience with a familiar and reliable interface, making it easy to stream popular content. Its slightly less bright sibling, the Eazze D1R, comes at around $50 less but with reduced brightness, offering a choice depending on the user’s budget and needs.
In previous reviews, the author has mainly tested Google TV-powered pico projectors, some of which struggled with app support, such as lacking Netflix compatibility. Roku projectors excel here because Roku supports a broad range of streaming apps, including Spectrum cable and YouTube TV, which are not always available on Google TV devices. Additionally, both Aurzen models support wireless casting technologies: MiraCast for Android devices and AirPlay for Apple devices. This flexibility means users can mirror