By: Dipin Sehdev
For years, Roku has dominated the streaming player and smart TV market in North America. Now, the company is moving into new territory with the launch of its first projector: the Aurzen Roku TV Smart Projector D1R Cube.
Available now in the U.S. through Amazon, the compact projector combines Roku’s familiar software with a portable design, bringing streaming, big-screen entertainment, and easy setup to living rooms, backyards, and just about anywhere else. With a retail price of $249.99 (or $179.99 with an early launch coupon through October 1), the D1R Cube enters a rapidly growing category of affordable home projectors that offer more screen size and slightly better image quality than a similarly priced TV.
This isn’t a category that’s replacing televisions just yet, but projectors like Roku’s new model are becoming an appealing entry point for those who want a taste of the big-screen experience without the cost of a dedicated home theater.
Why Projectors Are Trending Up
The last two years have seen a surge of interest in smart projectors under $1,000. Unlike older models that required dongles, Blu-ray players, or gaming consoles for content, today’s projectors increasingly come with Google TV, Roku OS, or custom smart platforms built in. That shift makes them more attractive as “large-screen TVs with benefits.”
For under $500, these projectors usually deliver:
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Larger image sizes (often 100 to 150 inches) compared to TVs in the same price range (40–65 inches).
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Smarter software, with built-in apps for Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and more.
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Decent brightness and Full HD resolution, sometimes with 4K support.
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Portability, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
While they don’t rival the brightness, color accuracy, or HDR performance of a midrange OLED or Mini LED TV, they deliver something many TVs can’t: sheer size. That’s why companies like XGIMI, BenQ, Anker’s Nebula line, and now Roku are leaning in.
Aurzen Roku TV Smart Projector D1R Cube: Key Features
Roku’s pitch with the D1R Cube is straightforward: combine the simplicity of Roku’s OS with a portable projector that works anywhere.
Design and Setup
Despite the name, the D1R Cube isn’t a true cube. It’s a rectangular cuboid with a compact footprint. Setup is designed to be hassle-free: place it on a surface, power it on, and the auto focus and auto keystone correction will align the image automatically.
Streaming Software
This is Roku’s strongest card. Instead of needing a streaming stick, the projector runs Roku OS natively, providing:
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Thousands of apps (Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, YouTube, Apple TV+, Hulu, and more).
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The Roku Channel, with 500+ free live TV channels.
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A personalized home screen for fast access to apps and recommendations.
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Seamless integration with Roku’s mobile app for remote control, private listening, and voice commands.
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Compatibility with Roku’s wireless speakers and soundbars.
Picture and Audio
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Resolution: Native 1080p Full HD (supports 4K input).
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Brightness: 330 ANSI lumens — suitable for dark or dimly lit environments, but not ideal for bright rooms.
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Projection size: 40–150 inches.
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Speakers: Dual 5W units with Dolby Audio certification.
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Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz), Bluetooth 5.2, HDMI, USB, and 3.5mm audio out.
Smart Features
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Apple AirPlay support for casting from iPhones, iPads, or Macs.
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Roku Smart Home integration for on-screen notifications and monitoring.
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Bluetooth headphone mode for private viewing.
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A sealed optical engine to reduce dust interference.
Specs: Aurzen Roku TV Smart Projector D1R Cube
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p Full HD (4K input supported) |
| Brightness | 330 ANSI lumens |
| Projection Size | 40 – 150 inches |
| Speakers | Dual 5W Dolby Audio |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 2.4/5 GHz, Bluetooth 5.2, HDMI, USB, 3.5mm audio out |
| Smart Features | Roku OS, Auto Focus, Auto Keystone, Roku ecosystem support, Apple AirPlay |
| Audio Modes | Bluetooth headphone mode, Roku wireless speaker compatibility |
| Availability | U.S. via Amazon |
| Price | $249.99 (or $179.99 with launch coupon until Oct. 1, 2025) |
Market Context: Where Roku Fits In
The D1R Cube enters a crowded but fast-growing space. Most competitors under $500 are powered by Google TV, with brands like XGIMI, BenQ, Anker Nebula, and Valerion leading the charge. Roku’s entry is unique because of its software ecosystem: if you’re already using Roku players or TVs, the integration will feel seamless.
However, it faces some stiff competition when it comes to brightness and overall performance. At 330 lumens, the D1R Cube lags behind models like the XGIMI Horizon S Max or BenQ X3100i, which deliver much higher brightness levels suitable for daytime use.
Where it shines is price and ecosystem. For $250 — or less with discounts — it’s one of the most affordable ways to get Roku streaming and a screen up to 150 inches.
Comparison: Roku D1R Cube vs Competitors
Here’s how Roku’s first projector stacks up against other popular options in the same category:
| Projector | Resolution | Brightness | Projection Size | Smart Platform | CE Critic Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aurzen Roku TV Smart Projector D1R Cube | 1080p (4K input) | 330 ANSI lumens | 40–150” | Roku OS | N/A (new release) | $249.99 ($179.99 launch) |
| XGIMI Horizon S Max 4K Projector | 4K | 2200 ISO lumens | Up to 200” | Google TV | 76% | $1,699 |
| Valerion VisionMaster Pro2 Triple Laser | 4K Triple Laser | 3000 lumens | Up to 200” | Google TV | 90% | $2,499 |
| BenQ X3100i Projector | 4K | 3300 ANSI lumens | Up to 200” | Google TV | 90% | $2,399 |
| Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air GTV | 1080p | 400 ANSI lumens | Up to 150” | Google TV | 80% | $599 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths of Roku D1R Cube
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Extremely affordable.
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Native Roku OS (unique in this market).
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Portable and easy to set up.
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Private listening with Bluetooth headphones.
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Seamless integration with Roku’s wireless speakers and smart home ecosystem.
Weaknesses
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Low brightness (330 lumens) limits versatility.
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Only 1080p resolution (no native 4K).
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No optical zoom or lens shift, so placement flexibility is limited.
Compared to premium competitors like BenQ’s X3100i or Valerion’s VisionMaster Pro2, the Roku D1R Cube is less about performance and more about accessibility. It’s not built for bright rooms or videophiles chasing HDR perfection, but rather for casual users who want big-screen streaming for a fraction of the cost.
Availability and Price
The Aurzen Roku TV Smart Projector D1R Cube is available now in the U.S. via Amazon. The standard price is $249.99, but until October 1, 2025, buyers can clip a coupon that drops the price to $179.99.
Final Thoughts
Roku’s first projector is less about redefining the category and more about lowering the barrier to entry. At under $250, it makes a giant-screen experience possible for families, students, and anyone who wants a portable entertainment solution.
It won’t outshine premium projectors from BenQ or Valerion, and its brightness may limit daytime use. But the combination of Roku’s intuitive software, portability, and affordability makes the Aurzen D1R Cube a compelling option — especially for anyone already invested in the Roku ecosystem.
In short, Roku’s projector represents the mainstreaming of portable home theater. Just as soundbars brought cinematic audio to a wider audience, projectors like the D1R Cube are doing the same for big-screen visuals.
