Compact and mobile projectors that are ideal for traveling are now a dime a dozen. Dangbei also wants to have a say in this with the N2, but has to fend off strong competition in the size and price category. Our test clarifies how the Dangbei N2 performs and whether it is more worthwhile than, for example, a Nebula Mars 3 Air (our test).
Technical data
| Model | N2 |
| Dimensions | 197 mm x 130 mm x 207 mm |
| weight | 2,2 kg |
| color | Silver color |
| Native resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels (Full HD) |
| Brightness | 400 ISO lumens |
| Adjustable picture size | 45 – 120 inch |
| Throw rate | 1,26:1 |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz |
| Operating system | Linux |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5; Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Connections | HDMI 2.0; 2x USB-A 2.0; 3.5 mm jack |
| Speakers | 2 x speakers with 6 watts each |
| Range of functions |
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| Price | € 359.00 * |
Dangbei N2 test: handy design
- handy design
- Decent workmanship
- Rather slow connections
In terms of design, the Dangbei N2 conforms to the classic conventions of handy projectors. A rectangular box, rounded edges, lens at the front, connections at the back. Anyone who has ever held or seen a comparable device in their hands will quickly find their way around.
The speaker openings take up both sides of the housing, while on the underside there is not only a screw thread for the optionally available gimbal stand, but also a fold-out stand that allows the N2 to be angled slightly.
Nice idea, but the plastic stand is so firmly embedded in the housing that it cannot be folded out at all without tools such as a knife or screwdriver. Once this has been accomplished, however, the stand with a tilt angle of 7.5 degrees proves to be very useful.
Apart from that, there’s not too much to say about the design. I think it’s a shame that, compared to most of its competitors, Dangbei doesn’t have a carrying handle for the projector, which would make it much easier to transport. But well. On the other hand, the workmanship is very high quality.
In terms of connections, the Dangbei N2 offers standard fare: one HDMI 2.0, two USB-A 2.0 and a 3.5 mm jack connection for connecting headphones or speakers, that’s it. The projector connects wirelessly via Wi-Fi 5 or Bluetooth 5.0.
Setup, operation and practice
- Incorrect (and incomprehensible) translations
- Automatic image adjustment functions deactivated ex works
- but otherwise simple and quick to set up
However, the Dangbei N2 has to make some noticeable compromises when it comes to setup. Although the German language can be set in the menu, the entire menu navigation is in English. What does that mean?
Well, to select Germany as the region, you have to navigate through the long list of countries up to G (for Germany). Entries are made via a QWERTY keyboard, which does not correspond to the German layout and some menu items are translated very clumsily.
For example, only the manufacturer itself probably knows exactly what the image mode “Custom” is supposed to mean and why the keystone correction is called “Keystone”. Apart from these avoidable stumbling blocks, however, the N2 is quite easy to set up.
It is also noticeable here that the intelligent image adjustment technologies such as autofocus, automatic keystone correction or intelligent object avoidance are deactivated by default and need to be activated by you in the settings first.
This is of course annoying if the positioning of the projector is not ideal during the initial setup. But well, you can live with that. However, I have never seen any other manufacturer disable these smart features.
In addition, autofocus and image correction are much slower than, for example, on the Nebula projector mentioned above, but otherwise work well and reliably. A plus point of the N2 is that the image can be zoomed in up to 50 percent, with settings possible in 1 percent increments.
Operation, operating system and volume
- Linux operating system
- No Google Play Store; but netrange
- Operating volume quite high at up to 56 dB(A)
However, operation with the included remote control works perfectly and quickly. Incidentally, the Dangbei N2 uses Linux as its operating system – so you shouldn’t expect a Google TV-like user interface, although the interface is pleasantly clear and well-structured.
As there is no Google TV or Android, you naturally don’t have access to the Play Store with all its twelve quadrillion apps. Instead, the N2 relies on the netrange store, where many important apps – such as the ARD media library, Vevo, Joyn, but also many applications that I personally have never heard of – are available for download.
Even games can be used on the projector. However, the selection is quite limited and includes titles such as Netflix and other games… which I have also never heard of. But they work quite well.
The most important streaming services such as Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video and Disney+ are already pre-installed.
However, the Dangbei N2 is quite loud when working. I measured a fan volume of up to 56 dB(A) when displaying 1080p videos on YouTube. Depending on the speaker settings, this can be quite audible.
For comparison: The Nebula Mars 3 Air reaches a maximum of 42 dB(A) and the larger Yaber K2s is also noticeably quieter than the N2 at 50 dB(A).
Picture and sound quality of the Dangbei N2
- 1080p with HDR
- up to 120 inch picture size
- Good picture quality; but lacking in dynamics and saturation
The Dangbei N2 can display content in a maximum of Full HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) and also supports HDR 10 and HLG for a high dynamic range. In terms of projection size, you can adjust the image between 45 inches and a maximum of 120 inches, the ideal value according to the manufacturer is 100 inches – which is achieved from a distance of around 2.74 meters from the wall or screen.
More than 120 inches is therefore not possible. Here, the distance to the projection surface is already 3.20 meters. If you go beyond this distance, the focus is no longer able to keep the image in focus.
In terms of image quality, the N2 performs quite well, but does not come close to the competition in its price range. There are a few minor weaknesses, particularly in terms of image sharpness and contrast. Sharpness decreases noticeably in the lower right third.
Contrasts and colors also appear somewhat paler and less pronounced in direct comparison. Of course, you can remedy this with the manual image adjustments. It doesn’t look bad and is pleasantly sharp, but in direct comparison the picture lacks the dynamism and vibrancy to really bring the content on the (screen) wall to life.
As far as sound quality is concerned, the two built-in 6-watt speakers with Dolby support deliver a good sound and are pleasantly loud enough to provide a large living room with sound. However, if you prefer, you can of course connect Bluetooth speakers or soundbars wirelessly to the projector – which leads to significantly better results.
It is also possible to use the N2 itself as a Bluetooth speaker, but in this case the sound lacks dynamics and fine-tuning. But it’s enough for the odd song in between.
Dangbei N2 Review: Conclusion
Basically, the Dangbei N2 is a good Full HD projector in a handy form, which is therefore also suitable for traveling, vacations and parties and at a very attractive price.
However, the menu navigation with its bumpy translation and the lack of a Play Store are a little annoying, although this can of course be remedied using a TV stick. Some competitors also deliver significantly better results in terms of picture quality. Why the intelligent picture adjustments are deactivated by default is also a mystery to me.
For around 100 euros more, Nebula, for example, simply offers a more coherent overall package. However, price-conscious buyers who are looking for a handy projector for occasional movie nights or similar can go for it.
Dangbei N2
Setup & Operation
Design & Workmanship
Connections
Image Quality
Sound Quality
Value For Money
82/100
Handy projector with intelligent image adjustment and convincing autofocus, but somewhat weak in terms of operation, menu navigation, app selection and image quality.
