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Category: : Projectors

Projection screen (ALR, CLR, white, grey) comparison/benchmark

Projection screen (ALR, CLR, white, grey) comparison/benchmark
Published: 2024-09-27 • Updated: 2025-03-12 • Reading time: 0 min. | Comments: 48 — Join the discussion
Laurent Willen Specialties: digital in all its forms (marketing, development, writing, ...) Background: this blog is a hobby that has grown over time. I also have a professional background where I've worked in fields as varied as telecoms, real estate, software, automotive, travel, and air transport.

Commentaires (48)

M
Mario 2024-09-21
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Hello, compliments for what you do, great. I have a Hisense C1 4K projector, which projection screen would you recommend? Thank you in advance for your response. Regards.
LaurentW 2024-09-22
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Dear Mario, I would definitely recommend an ALR. Last week I tested many screens (Lumene, Celexon, Yovanxer,...) but I haven't had time to analyze the results yet, maybe next week. If it's urgent, I would temporarily recommend the ALR from Elitescreen.
B
Bruno 2024-11-09
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Hello, a big thank you for this ultra-comprehensive comparison! You noted that this ranking shows the results with a classic projector. I am going to invest in the Valerion Master Pro2 and following your comparison, I wanted to lean towards the NothingProjector ALR screen at the top of the ranking (motorized floor version). However, all the screens I find on the NothingProjector website are UST oriented and I doubt they are suitable for the Valerion. Could you send the link to the projector you are referring to? Thank you very much!
LaurentW 2024-11-10
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Hello Bruno, Yes indeed, the NothingProjector screens are designed for ultra-short throw projectors, but that doesn't mean they can't be used with a projector like the Valerion. The light management is not optimal and you need to change the image settings (the same goes for all projectors), but it works. The measurements for this test were taken with a long throw projector, so it provides a good basis for estimating whether the loss of brightness is acceptable. Otherwise, there is an alternative on Aliexpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkJ1t7n It is a screen that I have also tested, it is designed for projectors like the Valerion, and it is in the top 5 of my ranking. I received promo codes for Aliexpress to use for 11/11: €5 off for purchases over €39: 11FR005 €12 off for purchases over €89: 11FR012 €25 off for purchases over €169: 11FR025 €40 off for purchases over €269: 11FR040 €60 off for purchases over €359: 11FR060 €80 off for purchases over €499: 11FR080 so depending on your country and the purchase amount, you could get a good discount. The NothingProjector screen is better but will likely cost more. A 100-inch screen from Yovanxer costs (at the time of writing) €315, from which you could deduct €40 with the promo code, so €275 in total.
B
bruno 2024-11-11
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Hello Laurent, thank you very much for your response along with all those promo codes! But I have a major constraint: the only way to get such a large screen into the living room after my wife would be to have a motorized screen that comes up from the floor :) I saw some brand new models suited for long focal lengths coming out at the end of the year: Elite Screen Kestrel with a directivity of only 70° and a Lumene Eden LT (release January 2025) at €2600! Do you have any other solutions for this type of screen in a bright environment?
LaurentW 2024-11-11
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Hello Bruno, Yes I understand, fixed screens represent a real constraint for assembly, placement, and movement. Floor rising screens are unfortunately more expensive. NothingProjector has a model for over €2000. There are models from Vividstorm, I received a screen to test but I haven't had the time to do it yet. I should receive a floor rising screen in about 2 weeks from a brand I didn't know, so I don't know yet what it will be worth.
A
Alex 2025-01-01
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Hello, I bought a lumene coliseum premium 300c screen 6 years ago. Can you tell me which coliseum it corresponds to in your study? Sincerely
LaurentW 2025-01-01
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Hi Alex, The screens were labelled with the "technical" names of their fabrics, I don't know the commercial names. I've tested several Coliseum-type models, and what distinguishes them is the type of material used. For example, there are softer fabrics, there's a model that lets sound through, etc. Looking at the picture of the 300c on their site, I'd say this screen matches the Coliseum / Movie Palace Platinum in my test. This screen gets good results for white and color rendering, it's weaker for black depth, but that's "normal" for this type of screen.
T
Théophile 2025-01-08
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Hello Laurent, thank you for this comprehensive test. Despite your explanations, I'm coming up against the first difficulty, which is the price of the screens, the second is the positioning of the screen and the third is my type of video projector. For my part, I have a video projector: Formovie Cinema Edge, i.e. Ultra Short Focal Length. I bought a really basic screen to test the rendering, but I'd like something more qualitative with a budget of €500 max. I can't install a screen from the floor because it would be hidden behind my furniture or I'd have to put it on top, which is absolutely not ideal. So I'm opting for a ceiling-mounted screen with a size of 120 inches (266x149 approx.), as it's my projector's recoil that sets this dimension. I've found a grey tensioned canvas on A...zon, but I'm afraid I'll have to pay a certain amount for a disappointing result. https://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B07ZHF39TX/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A2DTQKZ92CUIYT&psc=1 If there's no other solution, either I'll have to wait until I've saved enough money to buy a UST canvas, or I'll abandon the project. I've got a stone wall behind the screen, so it's out of the question to mount a fixed structure or paint the screen. Do you have any ideas or solutions? Do you think this screen is to be avoided? Thank you in advance for taking the time to reply. Best regards Théo
LaurentW 2025-01-08
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Hello Théophile, Yes, sorry, my article is still a bit rough, I still need to adapt my article on several levels to make it more understandable. I hope to be able to devote some time to it at the end of January. With a Formovie Edge, you need to choose a screen designed for an ultra-short focal length. These are screens with a system of horizontal stripes that reflect the light from the projector forward. That's why they're more expensive. I don't think the screen on Amazon is a good solution. It doesn't say whether it's suitable for projectors like yours, which means it's designed for front projection. This will pose a big problem in terms of brightness, because rather than reflecting the light back at you, it's the ceiling that will receive it all, and your image will be far too dark. I have an example with a Celexon screen in my tests. The screen is of good quality, but designed for front projection, and the luminosity measured for an ultra-short focal length is strongly affected by this type of screen. The other point on which I have doubts is the type of voltage. A screen with an ultra-short focal length can't move, so the tensioning system has to return the screen to exactly the same position every time, as the slightest deviation can affect image sharpness and uniformity. I have the impression that it could float and move slightly. When the wall can't accommodate a fixed screen, it's more complicated. If you're considering a ceiling solution, you'd have to see if you couldn't stabilize a fixed screen this way. The budget may be a little tight for a 120-inch screen, or you may have to go for a Chinese brand on Aliexpress. Not everything is bad, and I've had some pleasant surprises, but as nobody tests these screens, it's a bit like playing the lottery.
T
Théophile 2025-01-09
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Hello Laurent, Thank you for your comprehensive feedback. I will consider a more expensive solution when I have the budget, I note that Nothing Projector offers screens from the ceiling and ALR UST, the canvas seems the same as in your test, namely the Black Series which comes out with an honorable score. https://nothingprojector.com/fr-fr/products/nothingprojector-black-serise-slimline-motorized-tension-drop-down-alr-projector-screen?variant=41722184761480 Thank you for the time you took to answer me, good continuation. Sincerely
LaurentW 2025-01-09
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Hi Théophile, I hadn't seen this model before, but it's a different budget and you'll need to make sure you have a relatively flat wall because the screen will be resting on it. If there's a difference between left and right, or up/down, it will influence the image. This is indeed a Black Series canvas, and an excellent one at the top of my comparison rankings.
M
Malek 2025-01-11
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Good evening Laurent I have a Sony vpl vw 590 es video projector, I would like to buy an electric tensionne Alr screen with a 3m-3,5 m max base in 16/9 format. I've seen that ALR screens with an upper gin >1 could also be a plus. What screen would you recommend for Ali express? Budget max 2000 eurs Thank you very much
LaurentW 2025-01-12
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Hello Malek, The brightness gain is useful if your projector isn't bright enough, if your room isn't completely dark or if the screen is very/too big. To reach 3 meters with your projector's projection ratio, you need a distance of 4.16m. For a larger image, you'll need an even greater distance. 3 meters = 135-inch diagonal, you won't easily find an ALR screen of this size. With the Sony's 1800 lumens, that should be enough (although in reality it probably sends out less than 1800 lumens). With a 3.5m base, you're looking at 160 inches, which makes finding a screen of this size even more problematic. I wouldn't be too confident about buying on Aliexpress because these screens are mostly totally unknown and it's not possible to assess the real characteristics. If the screen is no good, you'll probably have to send it back to China. If I take the following criteria: ALR, 135 inches, tensioned. There's the Stewart or Screen Innovation brand, but these screens usually cost a minimum of €3,000.
R
Ramon 2025-01-20
Original language of this comment: DE Blog
Hi, I'm looking for a not so expensive 100 inch clr screen, my room is already quite dark. The nothing is my close choice in terms of price performance. I am only concerned about the service with warranty etc. I would appreciate an answer Lg
LaurentW 2025-01-20
Original language of this comment: DE Blog
Hi Ramon, I understand what you mean. A screen is not like a projector, it will never stop working. So if you don't have any problems with the installation, you should never need help from customer service.
S
Steph 2025-01-22
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Hi Laurent I'm planning to buy a Valérion plus 2 or pro or pro 2 projector soon... it's to be used in a bedroom and therefore for evenings without light... I'm hesitating between 3 screens at the moment, knowing that the overhead projector will be 3.40 m away and that I need a 110-inch screen. These are my hesitations: https://celexon.com/fr-be/products/ecran-de-projection-sur-batterie-motorise-celexon-pro-plus-v2-0?variant=55172194042237 https://celexon.com/fr-be/products/ecran-de-projection-tensionne-motorise-celexon-homecinema-a-haut-contraste-dynamic-slate-alr?_pos=1&_psq=alr&_ss=e&_v=1.0&variant=55171866198397 https://fr.elitescreens.eu/products/manual-tab_tension-cinegery-4d-high-contrast-screens-for-standard-throw-projectors-copy?variant=50531704340746 Please help me... Thank you in advance for your time.
LaurentW 2025-01-22
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Hi Steph, I think I'll make it easier for you :) The first Celexon -> I don't recommend it because it's a screen with a gain greater than 1, it's useless in a dark room and with a bright projector. It will even make the blacks grayer. The second Celexon -> this is the only valid candidate. It will reduce overall brightness, but with a bright projector in the dark, this is not a problem. Blacks will also be blacker. The Elitescreen is designed for ultra-short-throw projectors, so the loss of brightness will be significant. Here, if you take a very bright model, it could work.
S
stephkr13@gmail.com 2025-01-22
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Thank you for your quick reply. Is it imperative to have a gain of less than 1 or is 1 the final limit for a valerion pro?
LaurentW 2025-01-23
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
no, it's just a shame to go and brighten up the blacks with a projector that's already quite bright. After that, it's a question of priorities, budget, etc. Choosing a screen isn't easy, so I try to simplify the choice.
S
stephkr13@gmail.com 2025-01-26
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Thank you for your answers. Could you recommend a screen for my configuration with a budget of between 800 and 1000 euros? And what do you think of this: https://www.vividstorm.eu/products/Vividstorm-ALR-100-Slimline-Tension-Screen-Obsidian-Long-Throw-White-p381378579 Thank you in advance.
LaurentW 2025-01-27
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
I think there are several models at Vividstorm that might be suitable, but this .eu site looks pretty empty to me and I don't know if it's the official site. There's a .com which is much richer in products. I might be able to get a discount for this brand's screens, so if you're not in a hurry, I might be able to offer you a discount along with a suitable screen.
S
stephkr13@gmail.com 2025-01-27
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
No hurry ... that would be for April... I think I found the site with the .com. I found this: https://vividstormscreen.com/products/vividstorm-alr-slimline-motorized-tension-obsidian-long-throw-alr-projector-screen?variant=39524270866572 It looks good.
LaurentW 2025-01-30
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Okay perfect. With the Chinese New Year, I haven't received a response from them yet, but I imagine I should get a reply within 2 weeks at most.
M
Marc 2025-04-08
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
A huge thank you for your test, since the time I rack my brains, now I have everything I need to make my choice.
M
marc 2025-04-09
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Hello , first of all thank you for your work , it helps me a lot , but I need some advice :) I have a short focal benq projector 3600 lumens and I would like to know what canvas you advise me to watch movies with lots of brightness in the room I've already had other video projector and what annoys me the most is the gray bands and noise ^ ^, I put at one time outright black bands not to see them, but even now it's dull as an image. I did a little tour on aliexpress and I saw that the long-range alr screens are selling like hotcakes, and the yovanxer black diamond or grey canvas caught my eye and appeared in your tests! What type of canvas would you recommend with lots of light according to your opinion, what you've seen in real life, the one that seems closest to a TV screen, the black diamond won't damage the colorimetry too much? it's not too dark? the ciné grey leaves crisis bands? And what do you think of fresnel long wear? Thanks in advance for your reply, and thanks again for all your hard work!
LaurentW 2025-04-09
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Thanks, glad I could help!
LaurentW 2025-04-09
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Hello Marc, Thank you for your comment. I've had good results with Yovanxer canvases, but unfortunately there's no miracle in a brightly lit room. You'll lose contrast and the black will tend towards gray. The effect is more limited with screens that absorb a maximum of light, such as certain black diamond screens, but even with these, strong light will have an impact on contrast. Luminosity has been divided by 4 with the Black Diamond, so it's probably the closest you'll get to black. Colorimetry will deviate a little, but the results I obtained on the Crystal Grey and Black Diamond are acceptable. On the other hand, I didn't notice any gain in contrast. I'm currently testing an ALR screen for long projection from Wupro, the fabric is gray and the impact on light seems less brutal than on the Black Diamond. I hope to publish my results within a week.
F
Fratap 2025-09-08
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Hello, I own a C2 Ultra and project onto a white screen in a dedicated room. Which fixed Wupro screen do you recommend to replace it? Thank you for your tests and opinions.
LaurentW 2025-09-08
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Hello, I tested a single Wupro screen for long projection, which is the Evo LT2: https://www.laurentwillen.be/gadgets/test-avis-projecteurs/ecran-alr-wupro-cinema-gallery-evo-lt2-test-avis/ This screen will not provide you with a contrast gain, but it will make the blacks darker compared to your current white screen. It is supposedly bright enough to handle a decrease in brightness related to the screen, but it all depends a bit on your expectations. If you have, for example, a speckle problem, it is better to lean towards the Cinema Ultra range.
H
Hugo 2025-09-26
Original language of this comment: DE Blog
Hello, which screen do you recommend for an XGIMI Horizon 20 Max? Living room solution with daylight and in the evening. As large as possible (up to 150 inches). ALR / contrast preferably without speckles / glitter. Thank you for reading.
N
Nicolas 2025-09-27
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Hello Laurent, First of all, a big thank you for this comparison, which is the only one I found with measured objective data: well done! I can imagine the work it took to achieve this result. I have 2 questions. 1/ You do not mention any impact of the HD or UHD source on the tests: I assume there is no impact on color rendering? 2/ We now see screens labeled HD or UHD; I understand the arguments regarding the graininess of the screen surface versus pixel size. Therefore, we can deduce that the choice of a UHD type screen is not really related to the projector alone, but rather to resolution + distance + size of the projected image. Manufacturers should therefore provide the pixel size on the screen to make an adequate choice; however, I do not see this kind of data. Do you have any advice for a screen in a dedicated dark room, UHD projector (Sony W260J, 3m wide image)? (I am currently using a SAM creative but it is starting to corner). Thank you!
LaurentW 2025-09-27
Original language of this comment: DE Blog
Hello Hugo, I have tested two types of screens that could work well with the Horizon 20 Max. I will publish the detailed results on October 15, but I have already added the links to the review (see the paragraph on screen selection). So far, I have not noticed any spots with the Horizon 20 Max, but I still need to test some films where I had spots with other projectors.
LaurentW 2025-09-27
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Hello Nicolas, Thank you :) Yes, it's a lot of work and it's especially very cumbersome :) No, all the screens I've tested are usable in 4k or 1080p. I imagine it must be related to the density, but since apart from my Vevor screen, I haven't tested any entry-level screens, I haven't noticed a difference. Regarding the projector, the colorimetry can be different between an SDR configuration and an HDR configuration, but it's mainly related to the projector and not the screen. What you mention about the pixels is a real issue that isn't really related to the screen. Many projectors use DMD chips, and when this chip is too small and the screen is too large, you can clearly see the gap between the pixels. I don't know what your Sony uses, but that's what needs to be checked first. Apparently, Sony tends to be high-end, so I imagine it won't be a problem. I see that the 260 range uses a 0.74-inch matrix, so that shouldn't pose any issues. If the room is dedicated and dark, a white screen could work just fine. Among those I've tested, there are the classics from Lumène or Celexon; they are reliable in terms of material quality, but I wasn't impressed by the final result. It's not bad, but given the price, I expected better. If the projector is very bright, an ALR could also be suitable for achieving deeper blacks, but the colorimetry will need to be adjusted because these screens tend to cool down the image.
LaurentW 2025-09-29
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Yes, the price is quite high compared to Chinese screens like NothingProjector or Wupro, and it is not always justified. It's just that for now, they have an advantage in terms of sizes and features. I haven't tested Kimex screens yet. To be honest, I've put screen testing on hold a bit because I need to rearrange my projection room to accommodate others; otherwise, it gets complicated every time I have to test projectors and screens at the same time.
N
Nicolas 2025-09-29
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Thank you for the quick response! At Lumene, the price is prohibitive.. at Celexon for a 3m base we find one for €850 and the next one for €2600! The gap is really huge without seeing any real differentiating technical data.. Have you tried Kimex screens like this one: 049-3618W? Thanks again!
L
Luigi 2025-11-12
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Good evening, I would like to know if this https://it.elitescreens.eu/products/ez-cinema-portable-projection-screens?variant=43533144523018 is suitable for my Valerion MAX (it is a portable Elite Screen Maxwhite). Alternatively, could you recommend another screen for a dark room with reflective white walls? Thank you.
LaurentW 2025-11-13
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Hi Luigi, Yes, it would work, but with a bright projector and a dark room, you might want to choose an ALR screen. This would give you a darker black and better contrast. Elitescreens has a range of products called cinegrey that should meet your needs, but to be on the safe side, you should ask them if they have a better alternative for triple laser projectors like yours. In principle, it should be fine, but I don't know if they have a special layer for speckle treatment.
L
lozzami@virgilio.it 2025-11-13
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Thank you for your reply, but I have read that Elite's Cinegray is not among the best in terms of reducing speckle. As an alternative, I was considering a matte gray from Wupro. This one: https://www.wuprobuy.com/products/wupro-cinema-level-enhance-gain-motorized-tension-floor-rising-alr-projector-screen-for-home-theater?_pos=1&_sid=65148503a&_ss=r&variant=42153141731397. What do you think? The problem is the weight, because I would have to move it every time I wanted to use it.
LaurentW 2025-11-14
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
I haven't tried Cinegrey with a projector that has a lot of spots. I still have a Cinegrey sample, but no projector with a lot of spots, which is why it's always best to check before buying. If you have to move the screen every time you're not using it, it will be a problem because floor screens are quite heavy. Have you considered a roll-up screen that hangs from the ceiling?
M
Marcel 2025-11-23
Original language of this comment: DE Blog
Thank you very much for your work and interesting results. I was looking for results on yovanxer and found them here. A question about brightness loss: What does a loss of -60cd/m2 mean? That's a loss of "normal brightness." It makes a difference whether you lose something at 1000cd/m2 or at 100cd/m2. Perhaps it would be better to give the figure as a percentage. One last comment: the y-axis for contrast is very misleading, as only the range from 90 to 115 is shown. The difference between the best and worst screens is only 92/113=81.5%, even though the bar is five times shorter.
LaurentW 2025-11-23
Original language of this comment: DE Blog
Hi Marcel, thanks for your comment. I know this page has become too complex; I didn't think I would be testing so many screens. I started small and got lost in my own mess. :-) I have ideas on how to improve it, but that will probably have to wait until next year. 60 cd/m² is a lot. I use this unit because it is used in measuring devices to measure brightness. 60 cd/m² corresponds to the brightness in a movie theater. So with a loss of 60 cd/m², that amount of light is lost. Some Yovanxer screens are very dark, which results in a large loss of brightness. Therefore, you should only use these screens with a very bright projector.
M
Mircea 2025-12-01
Blog
Hi Laurent, Which 100" screen would you recommend for Nexigo Aurora Pro MKII ? I need it to be motorized, floor rising. I mainly watch in a dark living room. Thank you. Mircea
LaurentW 2025-12-01
Blog
Hello Mircea, I'm using a 120 inch floor rising from NothingProjector and it's really a good screen. I think it also exists in 100" version. I have been using it for months now, tested on 5+ projectors and it's working fine. Here is a detailed review: https://www.laurentwillen.be/en/test-reviews/projectors-tests-reviews/nothingprojector-120-inch-floor-rising-motorized-alr-screen-test-review/
LaurentW 2025-12-01
Original language of this comment: DE Blog
Hallo Marcel, ja, der Geruch ist ein häufiges Problem. Der am stärksten riechende Bildschirm, den ich getestet habe, ist der NothingProjector mit 120 Zoll (Boden hochklappbare Version). Ich konnte ihn nach einer Woche immer noch riechen, aber jetzt ist es in Ordnung.
M
Marcel 2025-12-01
Original language of this comment: DE Blog
Hello Laurent, no not at all it is chaotic. I find it quite useful and many screens are compared. And I fancy your interactive chart with hovering. Regarding my mentioned problem, I found the answer: in another test report, it states you get 143cd/m2 as white reference. Now I can relate a loss of 60 cd/m2: (143-60)/143 = 0.58 or 58%. Something else you might consider is the smell of the screens: I read that some smell quite badly and others do not. And some prefer PET over PVC. Best, Marcel
D
Damien 2026-01-01
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Hello and thank you for your work. I own a XGIMI AURA 2, which screen would you recommend between the Nothing, the Wu Pro, and the Vividstorm? Where could I find the settings you used on your XGIMI? Thank you.
LaurentW 2026-01-02
Original language of this comment: FR Blog
Thank you :) My main screen that I use with this projector is a 120-inch motorized NothingProjector, and it works impeccably well. I have no issues with speckle or any quality problems. The Wupro (lenticular) allows for deeper blacks but with a reduced viewing angle. The Vividstorm will be closer to the NothingProjector in terms of results. NothingProjector screens are available in several formats. If the motorized format is too expensive, you have fixed frames with the same screen. For my test of the XGIMI Aura 2, you have everything here: https://www.laurentwillen.be/gadgets/test-avis-projecteurs/xgimi-aura-2-test-avis/

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