JMGO U2 Review – The Best Value Triple Laser Ultra-Short Projector

The JMGO U2 is an exceptional 4K ultra-short throw (UST) tri-color laser projector. It delivers excellent picture quality, robust audio, and a great feature set. With a modest price tag compared to competing tri-color 4K projectors, the JMGO U2 is the best value laser TV on the market. But should you get one? Find out in our hands-on JMGO U2 review!

JMGO U2 Laser TV Overview

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The JMGO U2 is a 4K ultra-short throw tri-color projector, or a laser TV. Although it’s technically not a panel television, USTs with laser light sources have become known as laser TVs since they’re capable of producing massive 100-inch or larger images from just a few inches away from the screen. Therefore, placement on a TV stand directly rather than ceiling mounts works just fine.

JMGO’s U2 features a 4K resolution that relies on pixel-shifting to generate an image with a true 8 million pixels. Its fixed-focus lens is optimized for projecting a 100-inch image but sizes between 80 and 120 inches work just fine. At its core, there’s an RGB triple laser light source with up to 50,000 lamp life hours.

The tri-color laser light source features 114% BT.2020 color coverage, 97% Rec.2020 color coverage, and 98% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage. 2400 ANSI lumens of brightness help the U2 produce a bright, vivid image. An ultra-short 0.25:1 throw ratio lets you achieve a 100-inch picture from 9.44-inches away from the screen. And there’s a 15,000:1 contrast ratio.

Onboard, you’ll find two full-range speaker drivers and a pair of tweeters co-created by Dynaudio for emulated surround sound. With the Android-based Luna OS (operating system) built-in, the JMGO U2 includes smart streaming functionality.

In addition to its baked in streaming ecosystem, the JMGO U2 packs plentiful inputs/outputs (I/O. You’ll find an ethernet LAN port, optical TOSLink audio out, a pair of HDMI ports including one with audio return channel (ARC), service ports, and two USB jacks. There’s also a photosensitive sensor for automatic brightness control, infrared sensor for use with universal remotes, and an eye protection motion sensor.

JMGO U2 Specs

• 4K with pixel-shifting resolution
• RGB triple-laser light source
• Fixed-focus lens
• 15,000:1 contrast ratio
• 50,000 lamp life hours
• 0.25:1 throw ratio (100-inch image from 9.44-inches away from the screen)
• 114% BT.2020 color coverage, 97% Rec.2020 color coverage, and 98% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage
• Luna OS Android-based smart streaming operating system
• 2 x 15W full-range speakers and 2 x 10W tweeters co-created by Dynauido
• Ultra-quiet sub-28db operation
• 3D capabilities
• Inputs/outputs: 1 x Ethernet LAN port, 1 x optical TOSLink, 2 x HDMI ports (one with ARC), service ports, 2 x USB jacks
• In the box: JMGO U2 projector, 1 x power cable, 1 x remote control, 2 x remote control charging cable, 2 x grommet holders, 1 x product manual, 1 x position  marking sticker
• 28 lbs. (pounds) weight
• Dimensions: 6.6 x 28.3 x 15 inches

JMGO U2 Review

With its laser light source, robust speaker array, and ultra-short throw ratio, the JMGO U2 laser TV is truly a television replacement. Particularly when paired with a high gain ceiling light rejecting (CLR) screen, its bright 2400 ANSI lumens can withstand a moderate amount of ambient light. And since the U2 sits right up close by the screen, you don’t have to hassle with running cables around the room or ceiling mounting your projector. Plus, its Dynaudio co-created speaker system is shockingly rich and full for a solid audiovisual experience.

Color accuracy is excellent. Standard dynamic range (SDR) high-definition 720p and 1080p content looked stunning, with even standard definition 480p-quality videos appearing perfectly watchable. 4K ultra-high definition (UHD) content really popped with a lot of visual detail. Movies and TV shows were immersive blown up to 100-inches. While the fixed focus lens is optimized for a 100-inch screen, I did manage to max out my 120-inch Elite Screens Yard Master 2 portable projector screen.

The onboard Dynaudio speakers are surprisingly competent. I tested out the JMGO U2’s ARC connection which can pipe audio out to ARC-compatible devices such as soundbars or receivers. Although the in-built dual 15W full-range speaker drivers and 10W tweeters aren’t as crisp as my Dolby Atmos Vizio SB36512-F6 5.1 soundbar, they do outcompete my Blitzwolf AirAux AA-SAR1 budget soundbar.

Movies and TV shows looked stunning while sounding great. 3D Blu-rays were fantastic blown up on the big screen. I tested the JMGO U2 UST’s 3D performance using my Boblov active 3D DLP link glasses and was impressed at the object delineation. Though 3D videos do appear a bit dim, that’s an issue universal to all 3D, and the U2’s 2400 ANSI lumens helped offset the lowered brightness. Gaming on the JMGO U2 was a real treat. In most of its preset modes, the JMGO U2 features input lag over 130ms. However, in its PC mode preset, input lag drops to a respectable 40ms.

Unfortunately, I did find some HDR content slightly dim. Details weren’t washed out or unwatchable, but the image didn’t hold up quite as well with ambient lighting than watching the same scenes in high-definition SDR. Black levels are decent but not OLED-caliber, however they’re about on par with most other laser projectors.

The fixed-focus lens means you lose out on any electronic keystoning. While the fixed focus requires exact placement and limits screen sizes, it affords better picture quality than relying on electronic focus or keystone. Its Luna OS streaming ecosystem works fine but, and this goes for all smart projectors I’ve used, a dedicated streaming box or stick provides a much better experience. Overall, the JMGO U2 4K ultra-short throw laser projector delivers gorgeous picture quality, fantastic audio, and a good feature set, all for a solid value.

JMGO U2 Tri-color 4K Laser TV Design and Build

Be prepared to dedicate a lot of space on your media console to the JMGO U2. It’s a hefty projector weighing nearly 30 pounds and measuring 6.6 by 28.3 by 15 inches. In front, you’ll find an IR sensor, smart photosensitive sensor, and a pair of tweeters concealed beneath a metal mesh grille. Sticking up on top like a pair of UFOs are two 15 Watt full-range speaker drivers.

On top, there’s an eye protection motion sensor, lens, and a power button.

Around back, the JMGO U2 sports a slew of inputs and outputs including a power socket, ethernet LAN port, optical TOSLink audio out jack, two HDMI ports (including one with ARC), service ports, and a USB port.

On the left-hand side of the projector is an air inlet alongside a USB port.

The right-hand side of the unit features an air outlet.

Underneath the JMGO U2, you’ll find a pair of lifting brackets that help with projector placement, four mounting screw holds, and a pair of tilt adjustment feet. Inside, the JMGO U2 touts five fans which help to keep the projector cool under load.

JMGO U2 Tri-color 4K Projector Picture Quality

Because of its 2400 ANSI lumens of brightness, the JMGO U2 UST produces a big, bold image that withstands a modest amount of ambient light. Even just shining onto a bare wall, the picture looked pretty good. Adding a proper high gain screen really made the image pop while providing better resistance to ambient lighting.

Moreover, the RGB triple laser delivers excellent color accuracy. Black levels are on par with other laser and DLP projectors, and the contrast is fantastic. “Spider-Man: Far From Home” was simply stunning with a vivid, punchy image. The strands of Spidey’s webs were individually discernable, and the bright red of the Spider-Man suit seemingly jumped off the screen.

“Wonder Woman 1984” proved crisp and clean. Colors like green foilage, blue seascapes, and skintones were lifelike and accurate. Animated content is simply gorgeous. “Marvel’s What If” appeared resplendent with the JMGO U2 handling a gradient of shades at once with aplomb.

Even older standard definition videos are surprisingly watchable. Revisiting some old 480p episodes of “Charmed,” I expected the DVD-quality videos to look dull and flat, but the U2 handled SD titles with grace. Live television plays perfectly. Watching some football games, even fast-paced action isn’t blurry. There is MEMC (motion estimation motion compensation) can help smooth out quick-moving motion such as in a sporting match. But it does introduce some soap opera effect by artifically adding frames into video with a lower frame rate which looks a bit unnatural. I generally left MEMC disabled but it wasn’t too noticeable on low.

4K HDR videos are a real treat to watch. “Tenet” was jaw-droppingly beautiful with rich textures. “Avengers Endgame” gushed with striking realism. HDR content is darker than SDR videos for some reason. While I didn’t notice any detail loss, HDR doesn’t hold up as well with ambient lighting. Still, the picture quality is magnificent, in large part because of the color-accurate tri-laser light source.

JMGO U2 4K Tri-color Laser TV Audio Quality

Outfitted with Dynaudo co-created speakers, the JMGO’s speaker system rivals many budget soundbars and stereo speaker sets. It consists two 15W full-range speaker drivers alongside a pair of tweeters. Since the JMGO U2 packs a solid speaker array, it’s more than capable of filling a small or even medium-sized room. Cranking the volume up all the way, I didn’t experience any audio clipping.

Despite its lack of a subwoofer, the U2 delivers good bass response. While the built-in speakers are great, there’s an audio return channel or ARC HDMI input. Essentially, ARC lets you pipe audio out from the projector to a connected audio device like a soundbar or receiver. But your external audio source must be ARC-compliant as well. Although I tested its ARC support with a soundbar, I mostly relied on the in-built speakers which are phenomenal.

Gaming Performance – JMGO U2 Input Lag

In most of its modes, the JMGO U2 has a pretty high input lag of over 130ms. However, the PC mode preset drops lag down to a perfectly playable 40ms. While it’s limited to 60Hz at 4K, 40ms is just fine for casual gaming. I fired up Batman The Telltale Series and was captivated by the onscreen image.

Even when faced with fast button presses during quick-time events, I noticed no issues whatsoever. Likewise, Hitman was a blast. Gameplay remained smooth with good shadow detail.

The beautifully-rendered, vibrant surroundings in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order jumped off the screen. Hardcore gamers requiring high-refresh rate, low lag gaming should consider a dedicated gaming projector. Yet for casual or intermediate gamers, the JMGO U2 will be just fine.

JMGO U2 input lag: 40ms in PC mode (130ms in all other video presets)

JMGO U2 Luna OS – Software Experience

The JMGO U2 comes with Luna OS for its operating system. As an Android-based software user interface (UI), Luna OS is easy enough to navigate. You’ll find different menus for selecting from various presets, adjusting picture settings, changing inputs, and more. Additionally, Luna OS lets you download select apps. There’s decent app support, although since Luna OS relies on the now-outdated Android 6.0, app selection is pretty sparse. Therefore, I’d recommend using a standalone streaming box or stick like the NVIDIA Shield TV, Chromecast with Google TV, Fire TV, Roku, or Apple TV. Since even smart projectors running Android TV leave a bit to be desired and can’t run Netflix well, this isn’t really a knock on Luna OS.

JMGO U2 vs. The Other Laser TVs

There are loads of laser TVs on the market, although only a select few triple laser projectors. Samsung’s The Premiere is a 4K UHD triple laser ultra-short throw projector. However, it normally retails for around $4,000-$6,000 depending on the model.

Vava’s Chroma is an ALPD 4.0 triple laser projector with MEMC, 60W Harman Kardon speakers, and Android TV onboard. While the Chroma is similarly specced when compared with the U2, the JMGO is a better deal since the Chroma normally retails for around $4,700.

The Xgimi Aura clocks in around the same price point as the JMGO U2 but relies on a single laser versus tri-laser light source.

Optoma’s CinemaX P2 features an ultra-short throw, 4K HDR capabilities, and premium sound quality. It’s a bit brighter than the U2 at 3,000 ANSI lumens and has a higher contrast ratio, though the P2 features a single-laser light source as opposed to a tri-color laser light source.

When compared to the competition, the JMGO U2 remains the best value laser projector on the market.

JMGO U2 4K Triple Laser UST Review – A Fitting Home Theatre Upgrade

In the end, the JMGO U2 boasts best-in-class speakers, lovely picture quality, and a spectacular feature set at a reasonable price. The fixed focus somewhat limits placement, though you’ll enjoy better visual quality over electronic keystone. Its onboard Luna OS streaming capabilities are limited, but that’s true of most smart projectors. HDR content is dimmer than I’d have liked, however certainly not an issue in lower light situations.

Where the JMGO U2 succeeds is in fusing magnificent visuals with impressive audio. This combination makes it a compelling choice for a home theatre, and high brightness means it’s suitable for a living room as a television replacement. Indeed, the JMGO U2 deserves the title laser TV since, when mated to a good CLR screen, you can easily project with a moderate amount of ambient light. Ultimately, the JMGO U2 is hands-down the best value tri-color laser TV on the market.