Yaber K3 Projector Review

I have reviewed several Yaber projectors in the past. The Yaber V10, Ace K1, and Pro V9 were all budget desktop projectors, and their performance was good for the price, but Amazon is flooded with budget projectors and not something I’d recommend for an enthusiast.

The Yaber T2 Plus was much more appealing, is a portable project priced at £400 that outperformed many projectors at a higher price point from reputable brands.

The Yaber Projector K3 is another desktop projector, but it is a big step up from the budget projectors I have reviewed in the past. While it is only 1080P, it claims to have a 1600 ANSI Lumens, making it much more usable for anyone wanting a projector as an alternative to a TV or for enthusiasts wanting a good quality projector at a reasonable price.

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	【1600 ANSI/Google TV 11.0】Smart Projector with 7000+...	No ratings yet	£455.99	Buy on Amazon

Related Reviews

• Yaber T2 Plus Portable Projector Review
• XGIMI Horizon Ultra 4K Projector Review
• Acer H6543BDK DLP Projector Review
• Yaber Pro V9 1080P Projector Review

Yaber K3 vs Yaber K3 Pro

The Yaber K3 and the K3 Pro are identical projectors, the only difference is the K3 Pro comes with a subwoofer. The RRP price difference is $300, which seems steep for what is inevitably a mediocre subwoofer. However, the current discounted price has just a $90 difference, which seems much more reasonable.

Specification

Features

The Yaber K3 projector incorporates several innovative features designed to enhance the user experience and provide high-quality performance.

Thermal Management

The K3 employs CoolSwift cooling technology to maintain optimal operating temperatures. This system includes:

• A custom U-shaped heat sink
• High-performance cooling chips
• Dual intelligent temperature control
• Automatic fan speed adjustment

This comprehensive cooling solution helps extend the projector’s lifespan and ensures stable operation.

Audio Capabilities

Yaber has collaborated with JBL to equip the K3 with enhanced audio features:

• Dual 15W JBL speakers
• Dolby sound effects
• Bluetooth speaker functionality

The K3 Pro model includes an additional subwoofer for improved bass response.

Intelligent Calibration and Alignment

The K3 offers several automatic calibration features:

• Keystone correction
• Auto-focus
• Screen scaling around obstacles
• Intelligent obstacle avoidance

These features work to provide a properly aligned and focused image without manual adjustments.

Content and Connectivity

The K3 utilises Google TV, providing access to over 7,000 native applications, including popular streaming services like YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+.

Versatile Projection

With a 1.2:1 throw ratio, the K3 offers flexible placement options:

• Screen size range: 40″ to 200″
• Suitable for various room sizes
• Multiple throw distance options

This versatility allows users to optimise their viewing experience based on their specific space requirements.

Additional Features

The K3 also includes:

• Eye protection anti-blue light coating
• Full glass lens for stable image quality
• Extended lifespan of up to 30,000 hours

These features contribute to the K3’s overall performance and durability, making it a comprehensive projection solution for home entertainment.

Unboxing

The Yaber K3 adopts a traditional horizontal form factor, measuring 290 x 323 x 154 mm. This design choice positions it as a more stationary home entertainment device compared to some of Yaber’s previous portable offerings. The projector has a sturdy build quality that feels and looks much more premium than their budget models.

While the horizontal design allows for larger internal components to enhance performance, it does come with some limitations. Unlike tower-style projectors that naturally project at a certain height, the K3 lacks built-in height adjustment features beyond a small retractable stand. This stand provides a modest boost in angle, but it may not be sufficient for all setups, especially in living rooms with furniture that could obstruct the projection path. In my living room, I had to have the retractable stand at its maximum height, then I propped it up further by placing something objects under the prop until I got it into the position I wanted.

The K3 does not include tripod support or wall mount options, which I find a bizarre design decision as a projector like this would often be mounted on a ceiling in a permanent position. With this projector, you would have to have a shelf for it to sit on.

One notable improvement in the K3’s design is the integration of the Android TV dongle. Unlike previous models where the dongle was externally attached, the K3 neatly conceals it under a small lid at the base of the projector. This seamless integration enhances the overall aesthetic and indicates Yaber’s attention to design details.

Ports

The projector features a range of connectivity options, including two HDMI ports, a USB port, an audio jack, and an ethernet port. These provide ample flexibility for connecting various devices and media sources. However, the K3 lacks on-device navigation controls, relying solely on the included remote control and companion app for operation. While this keeps the design clean, having physical controls on the projector itself would be beneficial in case the remote is misplaced or out of battery.

Set-Up

The setup is not very different from most projectors. The main difference with this is that it defaults to the non-smart interface at first. This makes sense in my opinion, if I had this projector as a permanent fixture in my living room, I would likely use my Nvidia Shield or another streaming device over the built-in Android.

If you select the TV option, the projector will then start the Android TV setup, which takes a few minutes if you use your phone. One pleasant surprise was that Netflix is installed as standard.

Smart Features and User Interface

The Yaber K3 comes with Android TV built-in, providing access to a wide range of streaming services and apps. This integration eliminates the need for external streaming devices, streamlining the user experience. The Android TV interface is familiar and user-friendly, offering easy navigation through various content options.

With support for over 7,000 apps, including popular services like Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, the K3 provides a comprehensive entertainment platform. The inclusion of native Netflix support is particularly noteworthy, as some projectors in this price range require workarounds or third-party solutions to access this popular streaming service.

The projector can be controlled via the included remote control or through a companion app on smartphones. While these options work well, the lack of on-device controls might be inconvenient in certain situations. Voice control is also supported through Google Assistant, allowing for hands-free operation of basic functions and content searches.

Performance

The Yaber K3 boasts impressive brightness capabilities, projecting images at 1080p resolution with 1600 ANSI Lumens. This high brightness output is a significant improvement over previous models and allows for decent visibility even in rooms with some ambient light. The ability to use the projector during daytime hours without completely darkening the room is a notable advantage.

The projector supports a range of input sources, including USB drives, HDMI connections, and the built-in Android TV system. It can project images ranging from 40″ to 200″ in size, offering flexibility to suit various room sizes and viewing preferences. This wide range makes the K3 a viable alternative to traditional TVs in many scenarios.

Automatic focus and keystone correction features are included, which help to streamline the setup process. These work well in most situations, quickly adjusting the image to provide a clear and properly aligned picture. Manual adjustments are also available for fine-tuning when needed.

While the brightness is impressive, the overall image quality, while good, may not meet the expectations of videophiles. That being said, I would say the performance is superb at this price point. Additionally, the refresh rate is standard, which may disappoint those looking for smoother motion handling, particularly for gaming or sports content.

The K3 includes an intelligent obstacle avoidance feature, designed to adjust the viewing angle to account for objects in the projection path.

Image Quality in Dark Rooms

Image Quality in Dimly Lit Rooms

Image Quality in Well Lit Rooms

Overall, in terms of image quality, while it isn’t perfect, it is the best image quality of any projector I have used except the much more expensive 4K XGIMI Horizon Ultra.

Sound Quality

Audio performance is a standout feature of the Yaber K3. The projector is equipped with custom-built 15W JBL stereo speakers that support Dolby audio. The collaboration with JBL, a respected name in audio technology, has resulted in a sound system that complements the visual experience well.

The speakers produce clear, vibrant audio with a natural soundscape that enhances the viewing experience for movies and TV shows. The bass response is particularly noteworthy, providing depth to the audio without overwhelming other frequencies. This audio quality extends beyond just accompanying visuals – the K3 can function as a standalone Bluetooth speaker, offering versatility for users who want to enjoy music or podcasts without video content.

For those seeking even more robust audio, the K3 Pro model includes an additional subwoofer, further enhancing the low-end response and overall audio impact. This makes the Pro version an attractive option for users who prioritise audio quality in their home entertainment setup.

I’d say this is the first projector that I would consider using the built-in speakers for audio. If it was placed in my living room permanently, I’d connect it to dedicated speakers, but for occasional use, I’d be happy with the built-in speakers.

Cooling and Noise Levels

Yaber has implemented what they call CoolSwift technology in the K3 to manage heat dissipation. This system includes a custom U-shaped radiator and a high-performance thermoelectric cooler. The cooling system is designed to automatically adjust fan speeds based on the ambient temperature, aiming to maintain optimal performance while minimising noise.

Despite these efforts, the fan noise is noticeable during operation. While not overwhelmingly loud, it may be distracting during quiet scenes or when using the projector at lower volumes. You may need to adjust the audio level to mask the fan noise, which could impact the overall viewing experience in some situations. This is a common issue with projectors, so not something I would mark it down on.

Price and Alternative Options

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	【1600 ANSI/Google TV 11.0】Smart Projector with 7000+...	No ratings yet	£455.99	Buy on Amazon

The Yaber K3 has an RRP of $895.99, but at the time of writing, it was discounted to $638.39. The K3 Pro is listed at $1,119.99 but is available for just $727.99.

The Yaber K3 is then listed on Amazon at £569.99 but was available or just £429.99. The Pro model is not listed on Amazon UK.

The XGIMI Horizon is going to be the best alternative. The standard model is available for £609, which is 1080P with 1500 ISO Lumens, HDR10 support,  and dual 8W Harman Kardon speakers. I have Android TV built-in, but it doesn’t state Netflix support, so you would likely need to side-load this.

While it costs a lot more, the XGIMI Horizon Pro is worth considering at £880 as this upgrades the resolution to 4K, though it uses the same 0.47” DMD display chip and is effectively the same for all the other specs.

Overall

At the current price of £430, I think the Yaber K3 projector is an outstanding projector.

For me, at least, it is at a price point that I would be comfortable paying, and it is cheap enough that I am happy to accept less-than-perfect performance.

Additionally, if you are like me and have a decent quality TV already, this makes a good addition for when you want a very big screen experience. I am happy to watch TV on my 55” OLED, but for movies it is nice to watch it on a much bigger screen.

The high lumen output is the main selling point; this is the same price as many portable projectors, but the performance is significantly better. Of course, you lose the flexibility of portability, but that’s a price worth paying if you want to use a projector in a moderately lit room.

James Smythe( Editor-in-chief )

I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.

As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.

In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.

I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.

Last update on 2025-01-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API