With the WANBO X5 Pro (2025), the manufacturer is relaunching its compact projector. The 2025 version comes with support for even more 4K material, but only has a resolution of 1080p. It also comes with HDR10 support, better speakers and HDMI 2.0. In our test, we find out whether it’s worth buying.
Technical data
| The product | X5 Pro (2025) |
| Resolution (native) | 1920 × 1080 (Full HD) |
| Brightness | 1100 ANSI lumens |
| Projection | 40-140 inch |
| Throw ratio | 1.25:1 |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Keystone correction | automatic |
| Operating system | Google TV |
| Speaker | 12 W |
| Interfaces | 1 × HDMI 2.0, 2 × USB, 1 × AUX, DC-In |
| Dimensions | 252 mm x 246 mm x 115 mm |
| weight | 2.68 kg |
| Price | Price not available * (Additional discount with code “X5PROBASIC” – 282 Euros until end of December) |
WANBO X5 Pro (2025) test: design and workmanship
The Wanbo X5 Pro (2025) is a compact Full HD LCD projector with a very well thought-out and high-quality housing. The dimensions of around 252 x 246 x 115 mm with a weight of only around 2.68 kg make it easy to transport and space-saving.
Its design is unobtrusive, minimalist in matt black and has a classy look, which makes it stand out from typical entry-level projectors. The workmanship conveys a solid quality with robust materials that are pleasant to the touch and give the projector a long service life. Cooling is provided by a well-integrated ventilation system at the rear, which prevents overheating even during long periods of use, although the heat dissipation is noticeable but not critical.
The service life of the LED light source is specified as over 20,000 hours, which guarantees very long-term use without the need to change the bulb. Overall, the design is geared towards practicality and comfort and the high-quality finish also gives a professional impression on the desk or in the living room.
Connections and operation
In terms of connections, the Wanbo X5 Pro offers a solid range of features with an HDMI 2.0 port, two USB-A sockets, a 3.5 mm AUX connection as well as Bluetooth 5.0 and dual-band WiFi (2.4/5 GHz), which enables seamless integration into home networks and the connection of external devices such as soundbars or streaming sticks. Operation is primarily via the remote control supplied, which even has a few streaming buttons to launch popular apps such as YouTube or Netflix. Only batteries are once again not included.
The integrated Google TV (based on Android 11) with native Netflix compatibility and access to over 10,000 apps via Google Play starts with a hybrid interface that queries language and region before switching to the full smart TV environment, which makes setup intuitive, but is cluttered by advertising and confusing icons.
Automatic features such as auto-focus, auto-keystone correction, obstacle avoidance and image adjustment are outstanding and require minimal manual intervention, allowing the projector to be flexibly adjusted on the fly; manual fine-tuning is possible via settings, such as for ambient modes like rain or meditation. Despite concerns about the remote control and interface customization options, operation is extremely user-friendly for occasional users and reduces cable clutter to a minimum.
WANBO X5 Pro in practical test
In the practical test, the Wanbo X5 Pro shows its strengths as a reasonably priced and compact projector for beginners. Especially in dark environments, where it produces images up to 140 inches (recommended maximum 95 inches at 500 lumens) with a projection ratio of 1.25 at a distance of 1.1 to 3.9 meters. This produces a sharp 1080p image (4K support only playback, output remains FHD), supported by 50-100% zoom and automatic corrections that allow quick set-up.
The power consumption is around 120 watts, which is somewhat high for the measured brightness (221-514 lumens instead of the stated 1100 ANSI). In addition, the projector gets quite warm during use, while operating noise is audible but not dominant at over 40 dB near the projector (approx. 35-42 dB at a distance of 1 m).
A noticeable input lag is measured for gaming, which is still sufficient for casual games, but remains noticeable with fast FPS titles. In practice, it is ideal for movie nights in darkened rooms or with an ALR screen, where the contrast – which also remains below the manufacturer’s specification – shows dark scenes quite well, but daylight greatly reduces the contrast. However, the price of under €300 still makes the X5 Pro an interesting choice for budget users who prioritize Google TV and auto functions, although inconsistencies in brightness and sharpness (more at the edges) are noticeable in static images.
Image and sound quality
The Image quality of the Wanbo X5 Pro is typical for entry-level LCDs: With 63% REC709 color space coverage and a high Delta-E, colors appear are little pale and could use a little more punch. White tones appear slightly bluish, red and green are rather pale, gray tones tend towards blue.
The HDR10 display, one of the most important innovations of the 2025 model, also appears somewhat pale and colorless due to the small gamut. However, the picture can be noticeably enhanced with an internal calibration by lowering the blue tones, increasing the red tones and adjusting the contrast. After all. The contrast is solid for dark scenes, but the lack of MEMC leads to motion blur.
In terms of sound, however, the redesigned speaker setup with two 6-watt drivers is impressive. The speakers deliver a good sound with solid bass response and unobtrusive treble, which is above average for the price and size and does not require an external system, although audiophiles prefer soundbars.
WANBO X5 Pro (2025) test: Conclusion
With the WANBO X5 Pro (2025), the manufacturer delivers a rock-solid projector in the entry-level class, which scores above all with its simple and intuitive operation, fast operating system and really amazingly good speakers. The automatic image adjustment, which works quickly and reliably in practice, is also praiseworthy.
However, the projector’s weaknesses lie in its image quality, as neither contrast nor brightness come close to the manufacturer’s specifications. In dark environments, this results in a decent 1080p image, but without calibration it noticeably lacks color accuracy. The operating volume is also above average.
- Good workmanship
- Pleasantly compact
- Intuitive operation
- Fast operating system
- Good speakers
- Darker than specified
- Poorer contrast than specified
- Picture bluish
- Sharpness could be better
- Loud fan
- High power consumption
WANBO X5 Pro (2025)
Design & Workmanship
Setup & Operation
Connections
Image Quality
Sound Quality
Value For Money
84/100
Solid 1080p projector with great operation and good speakers, but weak in terms of picture quality.
