LG CineBeam Q review: The only projection we’ll accept in 2024 comes in 4K

This retro-styled, pint-sized, $2500 4K projector is perfect for those who can’t hang a huge TV on the wall. There’s just one catch.

The new, retro-styled LG CineBeam Q

Nobody likes people who project onto others. But devices? Oh, we are a sucker for those.

Projection has been hot in the TherapyTok space for quite some time but perhaps what should be hotter is this pint-sized new device from LG that can deliver a 120-inch screen on just about any wall in your home.

The CineBeam Q ($2499) is by far the best projector we’ve played with in recent years, blowing just about every other device out of the water.

But it isn’t flawless, with one department really missing the mark. We’ll get to that in a moment.

First, let’s take a look at the specs we like.

The LG CineBeam Q is a 4K ultra high definition projector which uses a 3-channel RGB Laser.

The new, retro-styled LG CineBeam Q

Calibration is a non-issue with the projector able to accurately read the wall it’s projecting onto and adjust its screen, even if it’s sitting on a slight angle.

What else is there to love? The size.

This thing is so compact it’s actually shorter than the iPhone 15 Pro Max, both in terms of its height and length but not width, measuring 135mm x 135mm x 80mm.

It’s the kind of device you could easily pop on a shelf and forget about, as long as you’ve managed some sneaky cable work to ensure it has power on the odd occasion when you’d use it.

The device falls into that new lifestyle category many consumer electronics are banking on, creating devices that can be mounted on a wall like art or serve dual purposes like LG’s OLED POSE TV which has a back organiser to hold cables and magazines. Similarly, a wooden case is also available for the CineBeam Q.

For Apple users there is Airplay and screen share so you’ll be able to project videos, photos and more from your iPhone.

The back of the LG CineBeam Q

In terms of content, it has LG’s WebOS 24 built-in so you’re getting access to the same streaming apps as LG TVs with the likes of Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, and Apple TV all available.

On the back of the device there are just three ports, one DC port for power, one HDMI and one USB-C. The USB-C port can be used to add an additional speaker which you’ll definitely want to do.

On the sound front, it’s kind of nice that the projector can double as a bluetooth speaker and project a music clip with the name of the song and artist as well as the device it’s coming from (this can be turned off) on a wall.

While that’s nice to have, it is almost made redundant by the fact the speakers in the LG CineBeam Q just don’t hit the mark.

In fact, we did a little comparison with a Samsung S 24 Ultra and the sound output was pretty much equal, which says a lot for the Ultra and not so much for the CineBeam Q.

The CineBeam Q has an adjustable stand and carry handle.

AI sound mode was slightly helpful, a feature which LG says will separate the voice of the person in an image from background music.

The verdict? If you are living in a place that’s not yours and can’t put a huge TV on the wall, this device is for you. Just be sure to add a speaker or soundbar so that the sound can match the picture this little beast puts out.

Originally published as LG CineBeam Q review: The only projection we’ll accept in 2024 comes in 4K