AAXA HP1 Review

AAXA Technologies may not be the only pico projector manufacturer on the market, but their diverse lineup of small, portable projectors such as the M7, 4K1, and P6X is nearly unrivaled. And its HP1 Halloween projector arrives as a unique offering. Boasting superb sound quality, a built-in battery, and a bevy of seasonal Halloween effects, the HP1 is a spooktacular Halloween FX pico projector. Find out why this portable Bluetooth speaker projector provides October and year-round fun in our hands-on AAXA HP1 review!

What is the AAXA Technologies HP1 Halloween FX Pico Projector – AAXA HP1 Overview

The AAXA HP1 is a Halloween-themed version of AAXA’s BP1 (our review). It’s a DLP projector with a 100 LED lumen light source. There’s a built-in 12000mAh battery offering up to 4 hours of continuous projection use. A 1.65:1 throw ratio lets you generate up to a 100-inch image in total darkness, although AAXA recommends a 60-inch image for optimal quality.

AAXA’s HP1 Halloween projector features a native 640 x 360 (360p resolution). There are plenty of inputs and outputs such as HDMI, USB-C, microSD, microUSB, a 3.5mm headphone jack, USB Type-A, and Bluetooth.

Aside from its projector capabilities, the HP1 doubles as a portable Bluetooth speaker. What’s more, the battery may be used as a powerbank for charging external devices such as phones and tablets. As such, the HP1 is a versatile little pico projector.

What separates the HP1 from the BP1 is primarily the Halloween theme. AAXA’s HP1 comes with a microSD card pre-installed and pre-loaded with five different scary videos from Spectral Illusions: Blow the Man Down, Phantom Wraith, Ghost of Prudence Primm, Electric Specters, and Phantom of the Park. Plus, you can always download more, then add your own.

AAXA HP1 Projector Specs

• Projection type: DLP
• Light source: LED
• Brightness: 100 LED lumens
• Resolution: 640 x 360 (360p resolution)
• Battery: 12000mAh (up to 4 hours of continuous projection)
• Inputs/outputs: 1 x HDMI in, 1 x USB Type-C (with screen mirroring), 1 x 3.5mm stereo headphone out jack, 1 x micro USB (for charging only), 1 x USB Type-A, 1 x microSD card slot (with microSD card included), Bluetooth
• Pre-loaded Spectral Illusions Halloween FX: Blow the Man Down, Phantom Wraith, Ghost of Prudence Primm, Electric Specters, Phantom of the Park
• Weight: 1.23 pounds
• Dimensions: 6.8 in x 2.6 in x 2.4 in

AAXA HP1 Halloween Projector Review Verdict

The AAXA HP1 Halloween FX pico projector is an excellent value. It provides a simple solution to shining all sorts of spooky spectral figures in and around your house. Despite its small size, the HP1 delivers booming, high-quality audio effects.

A built-in battery makes setup anywhere a breeze. I was able to tote the HP1 from room-to-room and even place it on my deck to frighten my neighbors. Whether you want to have a haunted yard or a wicked window, the HP1 is perfect for handing our tricks and treats. Using an optional semi-transparent 100-inch rear-projection screen from AAXA, I was able to make projected frightening figures really come to life.

In my testing, I configured the HP1 to shine its effects at a window which made it seem as though different ghosts or skeletons were dancing in my house. Alternatively, you can simply aim the HP1 at a wall in a dark room. While I didn’t have a frame handy, you could easily hang an empty picture frame on the wall, point the AAXA HP1 at it, and enjoy what looks like a haunted portrait.

Although the HP1 is intended as a Halloween projector, complete with a fun AAXA Halloween-themed splash screen replete with bats and pumpkins, it’s great year-round. You can view movies and TV shows using the HDMI input or with screen mirroring via its USB-C port. Similarly, it’s easy to drop some videos or music files on a microSD card, pop is in the HP1, and enjoy content on the big screen.

Its speakers are fantastic as well. The HP1 rivals many stellar portable Bluetooth speakers including the Tribit Stormbox Micro. Additionally, the HP1 works as a powerbank for power delivery to charge up other devices such as phones and tablets.

Unfortunately, the 360p resolution is pretty low. For broadcasting effects, it looks great especially in a dark room. And I that in a completely or mostly dark room, movies and TV shows were lovely. Don’t expect cinephile-caliber quality – but you’re also not paying for a high-end home theatre projector. At 100 LED lumens, the HP1 isn’t the brightest projector. However, it’s intended for use in a predominantly dark room. Particularly with a 60-inch or less screen size in near- or total-darkness, the HP1 looks stunning.

AAXA HP1 Projector Design and Build Quality

On the front, you’ll find the projector lens. The right and left sides each feature speakers.

Around back, you’ll find a micro USB 5V DC power input, USB-C port for screen mirroring, USB Type-A, manual focus wheel, 3.5mm headphone jack, on/off/charge switch, and microSD card slot.

The top of the unit features a projector on button alongside physical controls for adjusting the volume, navigating the onboard operating system, and switching to the Bluetooth source. Underneath, the AAXA HP1 sports six feet to keep the unit elevated plus a threaded tripod mount.

Although it’s lightweight, the HP1 doesn’t feel cheap. Instead, the metal mesh accents and brushed make it sturdy, suggesting that it will survive being thrown in a bag and some light rough handling.

AAXA HP1 Audiovisual Quality

Video quality is pretty good. Despite the 360p and 100 LED lumens, the AAXA HP1 produces a crisp image with good color accuracy. In a completely dark room, videos look magnificent. Audio is superb, rivaling sound quality of dedicated Bluetooth speakers such as the Tribit XSound Go, Anker Soundcore, and Oontz Angle. There’s shockingly robust bass response with punchy mids and highs.

AAXA HP1 Halloween FX

Although the AAXA HP1 can be used as a traditional projector, the onus is on its Halloween effects. I enjoyed the different preloaded Spectral Illusions digital FX. There’s a pleasant variety, from a haunted pirate ship to spirits, skeletons, and ghosts.

And you can always add your own from Spectral Illusions. Whether you want to set the HP1 up on your porch or shine it on a wall in your hallway, the spooky seasonal effects look (and sound) great.

Should You Buy the AAXA HP1?

In my hands-on testing, I was really impressed with the AAXA HP1. It’s a fun, high-tech Halloween accessory to transform your home into a haunted house. Although you could download Spectral Illusions FX and load them up on pretty much any portable projector, the HP1 comes ready to use out-of-the-box. There’s a lot of thought behind its engineering, from the seasonal splash screen adorned with bats and pumpkins to the pre-installed Halloween effects.

Moreover, the HP1 is versatile enough for year-round use. You use it as a portable projector for watching movies and TV shows, a Bluetooth speaker, or a power bank for charging other devices. Don’t expect cinephile-grade or audiophile-caliber video and audio. But for a casual use projector, wireless speaker, and Halloween effects device, the HP1 is an incredible, affordable gadget. For a more robust but still portable projector, consider the AAXA P8.

AAXA HP1 Review – Final Thoughts

The AAXA HP1 is an awesome little unit that shows off a fantastic use case for the BP1: effects. You can use the BP1 for atmospheric elements such as window challenges or, as is the case with the HP1, a haunted portrait. It’s cheap but high-quality, features surprisingly solid sound quality, and can be used year-round for watching videos, listening to music, and charging up devices on-the-go.