When we think about home projectors, we often imagine bulky, complicated machines that either break the bank or break our patience. Wanbo’s latest offering, the Vali 1, challenges that perception—and does so with surprising elegance.
Since 2016, Shenzhen Wanbo Technology has built its reputation around accessible, feature-rich projectors. With over 5 million users worldwide, they must be doing something right, and the Vali 1 is a prime example of how they’ve evolved.
Design and First Impressions: A White Fairy Tale
At first glance, the Vali 1 looks like it leapt straight out of a Scandinavian design catalog.
Its sleek white body, clean lines, and minimalist touch seamlessly fit into modern and classic interiors. But it’s not just a pretty face. Wanbo’s clever 200° gimbal stand means you can easily project anywhere you want — even onto the ceiling — without clumsy mounts or tedious adjustments. If you want more, there’s also a standard tripod screw underneath.
Inside the box, you’ll find everything you need to get started — including a remote control, power cable, instruction manual, lens cover, and an extra dust filter, all smartly packaged with care.
Performance: Big Features in a Small Frame
Underneath its compact shell, the Vali 1 hides some serious tech muscle:
- 900 ANSI lumens of brightness
- Native 1080p resolution
- 3000:1 contrast ratio
- Built-in Android TV 11 (with Hey Google voice commands)
- 12W stereo speakers with a 500cc sound chamber
- Low noise operation at just 28dB
Setting it up is almost suspiciously easy. Auto-focus, auto-keystone correction, obstacle avoidance, and auto screen fitting (thanks to the smart ASA 3.0 tech) mean you’ll have a perfect square image in seconds without lifting a finger.
The image is sharp, the colors pop, and the blacks are deep enough to make even evening movie marathons a pleasure, even in rooms with ambient light.
The Android TV interface feels instantly familiar. Preloaded apps like Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and YouTube are a click away, and there’s still about 4 GB of free storage for your favorite apps from the Play Store.
And yes, Netflix streams in full native 1080p — no weird workarounds or side-loading needed.
Audio: Small Box, Big Boom
The dual 6W full-range speakers surprised me.
Sound is loud, crisp, and decently bassy for a machine this size. Whether watching a dialogue-heavy drama or a bombastic Marvel movie, I never felt the urgent need to connect external speakers (although you can, via Bluetooth or AUX, if you wish).
Gaming and Versatility
A dedicated Game Mode improves responsiveness and reduces input lag, which, while not on par with dedicated gaming monitors, is perfectly acceptable for casual gaming nights.
The inputs are simple but effective: 1x HDMI, 1x USB, and 1x 3.5mm audio jack. The clever, separate power interface on the stand ensures that cable management remains clean and the gimbal motion remains unrestricted.
User Experience: Almost Plug-and-Play Perfection
The Vali 1 feels designed for people who don’t want to read manuals for hours. Power it up, answer a few setup questions, and you’re off.
However, perfection is a tall order:
- Pairing Android devices was seamless, but iPhone and MacBook connections were an ongoing headache. Despite trying the iMirror app and standard screen mirroring, I couldn’t reliably connect my iPhone 13 or MacBook.
- Hopefully, future software updates can address iOS compatibility issues more smoothly.
Other than that, the experience is effortless and refreshingly fast. Even voice commands through the remote worked without any lengthy voice training or setup. Impressive.
A Genuinely Smart Buy
At a price hovering between 219€ and 279€, the Wanbo Vali 1 offers serious value.
It’s a beautiful, cleverly designed, and surprisingly powerful little projector that delivers cinema-worthy visuals without demanding a cinema-sized budget or a tech expert to set it up.
If you’re looking for a portable home theater, an easy-to-use device for presentations, or simply a way to bring big-screen fun into any room (or even your ceiling), the Vali 1 is a confident recommendation.
Just be aware: if your household is heavy on iPhones, you might want to keep an HDMI cable handy.
And don’t forget — you can get an extra $10 discount using the code VALI1_HARDWARE at checkout.
Pros:
✔️ Sleek and elegant design
✔️ 200° gimbal flexibility
✔️ Bright, sharp 1080p projection
✔️ Android TV ecosystem with Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video support
✔️ Quiet operation
✔️ Good built-in sound
Cons:
❌ Struggles with iPhone/macOS wireless connections
❌ Limited input ports (though manageable for most)
