Hisense M2 Pro review: Ditch the TV and go with a portable projector

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Many of us are trying to reduce screen time. Were Brick our phones and relearn how to be present, instead of mindlessly scrolling. But for most of us, streaming a classic movie, diving into a documentary, or rewatching a heartwarming show isn’t part of digital detox. For this reason, we always rely (heavily) on a TV. But these days, you’re no longer tethered to a rectangular screen mounted on the wall. We have excellent projectors that deliver impressive displays. Most projectors also have the advantage of being portable or at least easier to move around or take to a friend’s house.

Hisense is one of the best televisions for those looking for an ideal combination of quality at an affordable price. The brand’s projector lineup has grown in both numbers and impressive statistics over the past few years. I admit that after testing the Hisense M2 Pro 4K projector, I don’t think I can go back to a non-laser projector, let alone a television. The display quality, portability, gigantic 200-inch screen and daylight brightness appealed to me. Of course, it’s not perfect, but I will host movie nights from now on because no one I know has the technology to replicate this experience.

Highlights of the Hisense M2 Pro 4K projector

When you purchase a projector, you will notice two options: laser and non-laser. Non-laser versions tend to be cheaper and modern models use LED technology. But if you’re looking for the sharpest display and best color brightness, a laser projector is the ideal solution. The Hisense M2 Pro has a 4K display with a triple-laser RGB light source (red, green, blue).

It’s pretty cute for how powerful it is.
Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

I tested the Hisense M2 Pro projector for months, in conjunction with a 100-inch screen Elite Screens Manual Roll-Up Projector Screen. And yes, I felt like a school teacher starting a lesson every time I deployed it. However, if you don’t have a projector screen or white sheet, Hisense says you’re still in good shape. The projector is designed to adapt to the projection surface, performing color corrections while still being able to produce accurate color reproductions. You might even be able to just use your living room wall instead of playing with a screen.

For those who like deeper details, here are some notable specifications of the Hisense M2 Pro 4K projector:

Specifications:

• Size: 7.6″ x 8.6″ x 9.1″.

• Weight: 8.6 pounds

• Rated brightness: 1,300 ANSI lumens

• Light source: triple laser R+G+B

• Laser life: 25,000 hours

• Warranty: 1 year limited warranty

A projector worthy of gaming

Have you ever run on Mario KartIt is Rainbow Road on a 200-inch screen? I didn’t have it either before testing the Hisense M2 Pro. Let me tell you how much fun it is to have a Mario party for four on Friday night at 200inch.

Achieving a refresh rate of 240Hz and a low input lag of 12 milliseconds, gaming looks awesome on the Hisense M2 Pro projector. For reference, you want at least a 120Hz refresh rate for a TV worthy of gamesso the 240 Hz of the Hisense M2 Pro is well above this threshold.

The Hisense M2 Pro is not afraid of daylight

A common disadvantage of a projector compared to a TV is that it may struggle to produce a screen bright enough to be seen in daylight. Some projectors require you to lower the blinds, draw blackout curtains over the windows, and turn off the lights. The Hisense M2 Pro is not one of these models. In testing, I was easily able to watch shows at 2 p.m. when I definitely should have been doing something more productive.

The backlit remote control with quick access to focus is clutch.
Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

The M2 Pro has a brightness rating of 1,300 ANSI lumens, and while there are brighter models on the market, the M2 Pro has never disappointed me during the day. However, as my testing took place mainly during the winter months, it may not be the best picture for nice summer days, especially if you’re watching something fast like a football match.

You (and your projector) can receive an invitation to every movie night and binge session

The Hisense M2 Pro emphasizes versatility, making it suitable for many situations. It weighs just under nine pounds, so it’s no problem carrying it from room to room. It also comes in a nice little carrying case with a handle. Even when I was moving the projector from the basement to the living room, I packed it in the carrying case, which not only adds convenience but also adds protection. I’ve fallen enough times going up those stairs that it didn’t make sense to carry an unprotected spotlight in my hands. The lightness combined with a case makes the Hisense M2 Pro ideal for taking to a friend’s house, taking for the trip to the summer cottage or taking outside for a movie night.

Everything is packed and ready to go.
Credit: Lauren Allain

The power supply, remote control and projector all nestle into their respective areas for safer transport.
Credit: Lauren Allain

The projector comes with Hisense’s Smart TV system, Vidaa OS, already installed, so your apps are well organized. If you don’t like this option, you can connect a Google Streamer or Fire TV Stick to the HDMI port. There’s also a USB-A port, if you have movies or shows on a USB drive.

The only little inconvenient element that I found when testing the Hisense M2 Pro was its power supply. Instead of using a standard USB-C cable for charging, it uses a power brick with 19V power. You’ll need to carry this with you to power the projector, as the Hisense M2 Pro doesn’t have a built-in battery.

Oboard sound is impressive for a portable projector

As with many TVs, sound quality is an issue with portable projectors. This often leads to an uneven viewing experience where the screen is massive in size and impressive in quality, while the built-in audio is pretty terrible. During my testing experience, I almost always connected a projector to a secondary sound source, primarily my beloved Fender x Teufel Rockster Cross. But that wasn’t entirely necessary with the Hisense M2 Pro. Its two built-in 10-watt speakers support Dolby Digital and DTS Virtual:X, and the overall sound isn’t bad at all.

Port options include HDMI, USB-A, and DC input.
Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

You can also use the M2 Pro in Music Sharing mode, which essentially turns the projector into a Bluetooth speaker, paired with a device to stream the music. It’s not the best Bluetooth speaker I’ve ever heard, but it gets the job done without complaint.

Is the Hisense M2 Pro projector worth it?

I would recommend the Hisense M2 Pro projector to anyone looking to separate it from a standard TV and upgrade to a projector. The triple 4K laser display is excellent, the built-in stand is handy, and the built-in speaker is decent enough that you don’t have to connect to an external audio system.

The autofocus and keystone process takes a little getting used to, but it’s a minor adjustment. The tradeoff of having the option of having a 65-inch screen in a bedroom or a 200-inch screen in the backyard is worth it. Plus, the $1,300 price tag is competitive for a 4K laser projector. However, this is not the right model if you don’t have space to project a screen of at least 65 inches. Any smaller and you’ll end up with a blurry display.