High-end projectors with 4K resolution and laser lighting usually come with a hefty price tag. But the new JMGO N1S 4K is aiming to change that. Announced at CES earlier this year, and now launching globally, the projector packs in a triple-laser engine, built-in Google TV, and a gimbal stand—all for under $1,000 (at least for now).

The N1S 4K offers true 4K resolution and can throw an image up to 200 inches wide, using JMGO’s MALC 2.0 triple-laser light engine. It delivers 1,100 ISO lumens of brightness—which, in simpler terms, means it’s bright enough for most rooms that aren’t flooded with daylight, especially in the evenings. It’s not meant to replace a TV in a sunlit room, but it can handle a bit of ambient light better than many budget options.

Color and contrast are also a focus here. JMGO says the projector covers 110% of the BT.2020 color space (a wide color range for video content), and the dynamic contrast is rated at 1,000,000:1. The native contrast (FOFO) comes in at 1,600:1, and the projector supports HDR10 for high dynamic range content. The company also claims to have improved brightness uniformity and reduced laser speckle—something laser projectors sometimes struggle with.

The JMGO N1S 4K is built with portability in mind. It weighs just 4.4 pounds (about 2 kg) and is roughly the size of a small lunchbox (7.3 x 6.5 x 7.5 inches). One thing to keep in mind: it doesn’t have a built-in battery, so you’ll need to plug it in wherever you’re using it.

What helps set it apart from some competitors is the built-in gimbal stand, which lets you tilt the projector vertically up to 127 degrees. Want to project on the wall, or even the ceiling? It can handle that. Setup is also made simpler with features like autofocus, auto-keystone correction, smart screen alignment, and lossless zoom. These are tools that help get a straight, focused image without a lot of fiddling.

There are also a couple of nice quality-of-life features, like adaptive brightness and smart eye protection that dims the image when people walk in front of the projector.

Instead of using a clunky custom interface, the N1S 4K runs Google TV. That means you get access to all the usual apps—YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, and thousands more—without needing to plug in a separate device. You can sign in with your Google account, use voice search with Google Assistant, and cast content directly from your phone or laptop using Chromecast.

If you’d rather plug something in, there’s an HDMI 2.1 port with eARC support (which helps if you want to send audio to a sound system), plus a USB-A port for thumb drives or other media.

For gaming, the projector supports 1080p at 60Hz with a 17ms input lag, along with MEMC (motion smoothing), so casual gaming and sports should look decent. It’s not a high-performance gaming projector, but it can definitely keep up with a Nintendo Switch or a PlayStation for most games.

You don’t need external speakers to get started—the JMGO N1S 4K includes two 10-watt speakers and a subwoofer, with support for Dolby Audio and DTS-HD. It won’t replace a dedicated sound system, but it’s good enough for movie nights or presentations on the go.

"For years, consumers have faced trade-offs between price, performance, and portability in the projector market," said company CEO, Forrest Li. "With the N1S 4K, we've shattered those limitations. It's a statement that cutting-edge technology should be within reach of every household."

The JMGO N1S 4K is available now through JMGO’s website and on Amazon. Right now, it’s discounted to $999 (or €999 in Europe), and there’s even a bundle with a 100-inch screen available for $1,059. That puts it well below the cost of many other triple-laser 4K projectors, especially those with smart TV features built-in.

The JMGO N1S 4K feels like it’s designed for everyday users—people who want a big screen but don’t want to mount a massive TV or remodel their living room. It’s portable, easy to set up, and works with familiar apps right out of the box.

No, it doesn’t have every feature under the sun—there’s no battery, no horizontal swivel, and it won’t give you high refresh rate gaming—but for someone looking to try a 4K laser projector without spending thousands, it’s a pretty approachable option.