Hisense PL2 vs AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro

How they differ in real use

Built from our ust projectors under 2000 scoring, each product's published specifications, and verified owner feedback — not hands-on testing.

Both the Hisense PL2 and the AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro made our Top 5 Ultra Short Throw Projectors Under $2,000, at #1 (best overall) and #2 (best premium). The most complete package for the least money: at about $1,499 it is the cheapest projector here, yet it is also the only pick that combines built-in Google TV with Dolby Vision, and its 0.22:1 lens puts a 100-inch image about 7.2 inches from the wall, closer than the AWOL models' 8.5 inches. What Hi-Fi rated it the best UST it has reviewed for performance per dollar. It gives up color volume to the RGB triple-laser LTV-3000 Pro and lags it in gaming (about 30 ms vs 15 ms at 4K/60, with no 120Hz), but the 3000 Pro costs about $400 more and needs a streaming stick. The best picture under $2,000 for buyers willing to add a streaming stick: Projector Reviews measured 2,586 ANSI lumens, the brightest independent figure in this list, and praised its accurate color and deep blacks, while its RGB triple laser covers a wider gamut than the Hisense PL2's single laser. It supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10+, and its lag is half the PL2's at 4K/60 (15 ms vs about 30 ms). It ranks second because it costs about $400 more than the PL2 and its built-in launcher has no useful apps. It ranks above the NexiGo Aurora Lite on brightness: roughly 2,586 measured lumens against the Aurora Lite's 1,287 calibrated.

We score ultra short throw projectors under $2,000 on Picture Quality (25%), Brightness (20%), Value (20%), Smart Features (15%), Gaming (10%) and Built-in Sound (10%). On that basis the Hisense PL2 totals 8.7 out of 10 and the AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro 8.4. The widest gap is Smart Features, where the Hisense PL2 scores 9.4 against 6.4 for the AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro: built-in streaming platform and licensed apps, or whether a separate streaming stick and remote are needed. Value also separates them: 9.6 for the Hisense PL2 versus 7.6 for the AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro. The AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro claws back ground on Gaming, Picture Quality, Brightness and Built-in Sound.

On paper, the specifications that actually differ: Brightness: 2,700 ANSI lumens on the Hisense PL2 versus 2,400 ANSI lumens (2,586 measured by Projector Reviews) on the AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro; Light Source: Blue laser + phosphor (X-Fusion) on the Hisense PL2 versus RGB triple laser on the AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro; HDR Formats: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG on the Hisense PL2 versus Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG on the AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro; Input Lag: About 30 ms in game mode (What Hi-Fi); 4K/60 max, ALLM on the Hisense PL2 versus 15 ms at 4K/60; 8 ms at 1080p/120 on the AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro; Throw / 100" Distance: 0.22:1; about 7.2 in from the wall for 100 in on the Hisense PL2 versus 0.25:1; about 8.5 in from the wall for 100 in on the AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro; Smart OS: Google TV (US model) on the Hisense PL2 versus Basic Android launcher; streaming stick recommended on the AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro. They match on Image Size.

Check current pricing at the merchant links below. Owners praise the Hisense PL2 for balanced, consistent picture with good shadow detail; What Hi-Fi rated it the best UST it has reviewed for performance per dollar and 0.22:1 throw puts a 100-inch image about 7.2 inches from the wall, the shortest placement in this group; the most common complaint is single blue-laser light source looks flatter in dim scenes than the RGB triple-laser AWOL models. Owners praise the AWOL Vision LTV-3000 Pro for measured 2,586 ANSI lumens (Projector Reviews), the brightest independent figure in this list and RGB triple laser gives the widest color here; Projector Reviews found accurate out-of-the-box color and excellent blacks; the most common complaint is built-in Android launcher has no real app support, so you juggle a streaming stick and a second remote.