Roku’s First Smart Projector
Projectors have become one of the most exciting alternatives to large televisions, especially for people who want a big screen experience without spending thousands of dollars. In 2025, Roku has stepped into the projector market for the first time with its Roku D1 Cube Smart Projector.
This compact device promises a 150-inch screen, Roku TV OS built-in, and a price tag under $249, making it one of the most affordable ways to enjoy streaming movies, TV shows, and live sports on a huge display. But with so many budget projectors already available, is the Roku D1 Cube really worth buying this year? Let’s take a closer look.
What is the Roku D1 Cube Smart Projector?
The Roku D1 Cube Smart Projector is the company’s first portable projector that runs on Roku TV OS. This means you don’t need a separate streaming stick or box to watch your favorite apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or YouTube.
Full HD 1080p Display and Large Screen Size
The projector offers 1080p resolution with the ability to scale anywhere from 40 inches to 150 inches, depending on your setup.
Built-in Roku TV OS
Because it has Roku OS integrated, you get the same familiar interface that comes with Roku streaming devices and Roku TVs—simple navigation, thousands of apps, and regular software updates.
Compact and Portable Design
Unlike bulky home theater projectors, the D1 Cube is lightweight and designed for indoor and outdoor use, making it ideal for backyard movie nights or easy setup in small apartments.
Features & Performance Review
Display Quality and Screen Flexibility
For a projector under $250, the picture quality is impressive. The Full HD resolution is clear enough for most viewers, and the auto focus and keystone correction make setup simple, even for beginners.
Brightness and Clarity – 330 ANSI Lumens Explained
The D1 Cube delivers 330 ANSI lumens, which is good for dark rooms and nighttime outdoor use. However, like most budget projectors, it struggles in bright daylight. Compared to rivals like Anker Nebula Capsule or XGIMI MoGo Pro, the brightness is lower, but the price difference makes it appealing for casual users.
Sound Performance – Built-in Speakers vs External Audio
The projector comes with dual 5W speakers. For small spaces, they work fine, but for a true theater-like experience, connecting a Bluetooth soundbar or external speakers is a better option. It also supports private listening mode through headphones.
Connectivity Options – HDMI, USB, WiFi, Bluetooth, AirPlay
The D1 Cube Smart Projector covers almost every common connection:
- HDMI & USB ports for laptops, consoles, and storage devices
- Dual-band WiFi (2.4/5GHz) for smooth streaming
- Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless audio
- AirPlay support for Apple users
This makes it flexible for both streaming and traditional media use.
Design & Portability
Lightweight Build and Easy Setup
The compact cube shape is easy to carry, and setup only takes a few minutes. It’s perfect for people who want to move the projector between rooms or even take it on trips.
Dust-Sealed Optical Engine for Durability
Roku highlights a sealed optics system, which protects the lens and internal components from dust—a feature often missing in cheaper projectors.
Best Use Cases – Indoor Viewing and Backyard Movie Nights
The D1 Cube is best for dark room setups or nighttime outdoor projection. If you’re looking for a TV replacement for a bright living room, it may not perform as well.
Price and Value in 2025
Official Price Point ($199–$249)
Depending on where you buy, the Roku D1 Cube retails between $199 and $249, making it one of the most affordable smart projectors with Roku TV OS built-in.
Comparing Cost vs Buying Projector + Roku Streaming Stick
Normally, you would need to buy a budget projector and then add a Roku Stick or other streaming device. That setup often costs more and involves extra cables. The D1 Cube Smart Projector gives you both in one package, saving money and reducing clutter.
Who Benefits Most from This Budget Projector
- College students
- Families who want casual movie nights
- Renters who don’t want to invest in a big TV
- Cord-cutters who prefer Roku OS
Roku D1 Cube vs Alternatives (Comparison Guide)
| Comparison | Roku D1 Cube | Alternative | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roku D1 Cube vs Anker Nebula Capsule | Larger screen size, lower price | Better brightness, higher cost | Roku = value & size, Anker = brightness |
| Roku D1 Cube vs XGIMI MoGo Pro | Affordable, Roku OS integration | Higher brightness, better speakers | Roku = budget-friendly, XGIMI = performance |
| Roku D1 Cube vs Generic Budget Projectors (<$200) | Trusted ecosystem, Roku TV OS, regular updates & reliability | Similar specs but no Roku OS, weaker support | Roku = reliability & updates, Generic = cheaper but less trust |
| Strengths | Affordable, Roku OS built-in, portable, easy setup | — | Roku stands out in value & usability |
| Weaknesses | Lower brightness, no 4K, average speakers | — | Trade-off for price & portability |
Roku D1 Cube – Who It’s For (2025)
Pros / Best For
- Students & Families → Affordable option for casual viewing.
- Casual Streamers → Ideal for movies, sports, and shows.
- Dark Rooms & Outdoor Nights → Performs well in low-light settings.
- Budget-Friendly → Solid value with Roku OS built-in.
Cons / Not Ideal For
- Daytime Use → Brightness (330 lumens) struggles in well-lit rooms.
- 4K Lovers → No Ultra HD support, limited to lower resolution.
- Audiophiles → Average speakers compared to premium models.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros
- Affordable ($199–$249)
- Roku TV OS built-in
- 150-inch screen size support
- Portable and lightweight
- Good connectivity options (WiFi, Bluetooth, AirPlay)
Cons
- Only 1080p (no 4K)
- 330 ANSI lumens limits daylight use
- Built-in speakers are average
Final Verdict – Is the Roku D1 Cube Worth Buying?
The Roku D1 Cube Smart Projector is one of the best budget projectors of 2025 for casual streaming and home entertainment. It’s not designed to replace high-end 4K home theater projectors, but at under $250, it offers excellent value.
If you want a 150-inch big-screen experience, built-in Roku streaming, and portability without spending much, this projector is worth buying.
Source: Digital Trends
Where to Buy the Roku D1 Cube Projector
- Check official Roku website for launch details.
- Available through major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy.
- Look for discounts and bundle deals during sales events.
Roku D1 Cube Smart Projector
This compact device promises a 150-inch screen, Roku TV OS built in, and a price tag under $249, making it one of the most affordable ways to enjoy streaming movies, TV shows, and live sports on a huge display. But with so many budget projectors already available, is the Roku D1 Cube really worth buying this year? Let’s take a closer look.
FAQs for Cube Smart Projector
Is the Roku D1 Cube Smart Projector worth buying in 2025?
Yes, the Roku D1 Cube is worth buying if you want an affordable 1080p smart projector with Roku TV OS built-in. It delivers a 150-inch screen, strong streaming features, and portability under $249. However, it may not suit bright rooms or users seeking 4K resolution.
How much does the Roku D1 Cube Smart Projector cost?
The Roku D1 Cube Smart Projector retails between $199 and $249 depending on the retailer. It offers great value compared to buying a separate projector and Roku streaming stick.
What are the key features of the Roku D1 Cube Smart Projector?
The Roku D1 Cube Smart Projector offers Full HD 1080p resolution, up to 150-inch screen size, Roku TV OS built-in, 330 ANSI lumens brightness, dual 5W speakers, HDMI and USB ports, WiFi, Bluetooth 5.2, and AirPlay support.
Does the Roku D1 Cube Smart Projector support 4K?
No, the Roku D1 Cube Smart Projector only supports 1080p Full HD resolution. If you need 4K, you may want to consider higher-end projectors from brands like XGIMI or Anker.
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