The world of home projectors has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. What was once bulky, expensive equipment reserved for dedicated home theaters has evolved into diverse product categories serving different needs and environments. The Anker Nebula Mars 3 and the BenQ TH685P represent two distinct paths in this evolution—one embracing portability and versatility, the other focusing on specialized gaming performance.
Released in early 2023, the Mars 3 builds on Anker's growing expertise in portable projection technology, representing several generations of refinement since their initial portable projectors debuted. The TH685P, launched in mid-2022, is BenQ's update to their popular TH685 gaming projector, incorporating enhanced HDR capabilities and maintaining the low input lag that gamers prize.
Before diving into the specifics, it's worth understanding the fundamental difference in philosophy between these products. The Mars 3 asks: "How can we create a complete projection experience that works anywhere?" Meanwhile, the TH685P focuses on: "How can we deliver the most responsive, bright image for gamers at a reasonable price?" These different questions lead to dramatically different products, despite both being capable of throwing a 100-inch image on your wall.
The Anker Nebula Mars 3 ($1,099) embraces its portable nature from the ground up. Its distinctive rectangular design with a built-in carrying handle immediately signals its purpose: this is a projector meant to travel. The rubberized exterior and rounded corners aren't just aesthetic choices—they're practical design decisions for a device that might be packed in a car trunk or carried to a friend's backyard.
Anker has implemented genuine durability features that outdoor electronics require. The IPX3 water resistance rating means it can handle light rain or water splashes (though I wouldn't recommend leaving it out in a downpour). The 0.5m drop resistance provides reassurance for those inevitable bumps during transport, while the dust resistance keeps the internal optics protected during outdoor use.
At 9.9 pounds, it's not lightweight, but there's good reason for the heft—the Mars 3 houses a substantial battery, a full Android TV system, and a surprisingly robust speaker system. This weight actually represents impressive engineering considering everything packed inside.
By contrast, the BenQ TH685P ($799) follows the conventional stationary projector design language—a rectangular unit with lens forward, vents on the sides, and connection ports at the rear. At 6.2 pounds, it's considerably lighter than the Mars 3, but this comparison is somewhat misleading since the BenQ lacks a battery, substantial speakers, or a ruggedized case.
The TH685P's design prioritizes optimal thermal management and optical alignment for its primary purpose: delivering bright, responsive images for gaming. Every design decision serves performance rather than portability. The lighter weight does make it easier to mount on a ceiling or move between rooms, but it's clearly not intended for outdoor adventures or off-grid use.
Since its release, the TH685P has maintained its position in BenQ's lineup without major redesigns, suggesting the company found an effective balance of features, performance, and price for its target market.
When evaluating projectors, display performance represents the core functionality, though different use cases prioritize different aspects of image quality.
The most immediate technical disparity between these projectors is brightness, measured in ANSI lumens—a standardized measurement of light output that enables direct comparison between projectors.
The Mars 3 outputs 1000 ANSI lumens, which is impressive for a battery-powered portable projector but modest by home theater standards. This brightness level works well in completely dark environments but struggles when ambient light is present. Even in outdoor settings after sunset, you'll want relative darkness for optimal viewing.
In contrast, the TH685P delivers a powerful 3500 ANSI lumens, making it usable even in rooms with some ambient light—a key advantage for gamers who don't always want to play in complete darkness. This brightness differential represents perhaps the most significant performance gap between these projectors.
Having tested similar brightness levels in various environments, I can confirm this difference is immediately noticeable. The TH685P can produce a vibrant 100-inch image in a living room with curtains drawn but lights still on, while the Mars 3 would appear washed out in the same conditions.
Both projectors offer native 1080p (1920×1080) resolution, which remains the sweet spot for projectors in this price range. While 4K projectors exist, they typically command significantly higher prices or make other compromises to reach lower price points.
The Mars 3 and TH685P both support HDR10 content (High Dynamic Range, which enables greater contrast between the brightest whites and darkest blacks), but they implement this technology differently due to their brightness disparities. The TH685P's higher brightness allows it to better render the expanded contrast that HDR provides, while the Mars 3 makes valiant efforts through processing but can't match the light output necessary for true HDR impact.
The TH685P adds HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) support, an additional HDR standard used primarily in broadcast applications, and covers 95% of the Rec.709 color space—a technical specification that essentially means it can reproduce colors very accurately for HD content. With its 10,000:1 contrast ratio, the BenQ delivers deeper blacks and more subtle shadow details than the Mars 3 can achieve.
The Mars 3 incorporates Anker's "Intelligent Environment Adaptation 3.0," which automatically handles focus and keystone correction (the adjustment needed when projecting at an angle). In practice, this system works impressively well, automatically correcting the image when you move the projector or change the projection surface.
The TH685P takes a more traditional approach with manual focus and keystone adjustment. While this requires more hands-on setup, it also provides more precise control for permanent installations. Its 1.3x zoom lens offers flexibility in placement, with a throw ratio of 1.13:1 to 1.46:1 (meaning the distance from the screen should be approximately 1.13 to 1.46 times the width of the desired image).
For home theater use, the TH685P's superior brightness, contrast, and color accuracy make it the clear winner in pure image quality. However, the Mars 3's automatic adjustments significantly simplify the setup process, especially when frequently changing locations.
Gaming projectors have emerged as a distinct category because this use case has unique requirements beyond those of movie watching or presentations.
The BenQ TH685P was engineered specifically for gaming, and this focus shows in its specifications. Its standout feature is the remarkably low input lag of 8.3ms at 1080p/120Hz—a measurement of the time between a signal being sent from your console or PC and the corresponding image appearing on screen.
For context, most non-gaming projectors have input lag measurements of 50ms or higher, which creates noticeable delay between pressing a button and seeing the result. At under 10ms, the TH685P's response time is competitive with gaming monitors, making it suitable even for fast-paced competitive games where split-second reactions matter.
The 120Hz refresh rate support (meaning the image can update 120 times per second) delivers noticeably smoother motion in games that support high frame rates. This is particularly beneficial in racing games, first-person shooters, and fighting games where fluid motion helps with both performance and immersion.
BenQ has also included a specialized Game Mode that enhances visibility in dark scenes without washing out the entire image—a useful feature when playing games with varying lighting conditions where spotting enemies in shadows can be crucial.
The Anker Nebula Mars 3 can certainly be used for gaming, particularly casual titles through its Android TV interface or connected consoles, but Anker doesn't publish input lag specifications—typically a sign that gaming performance wasn't a primary design consideration.
Based on testing of similar portable projectors, we can estimate the Mars 3 likely has input lag in the 40-60ms range. This is adequate for casual gaming and many single-player experiences but would be frustrating for competitive or reflex-intensive games.
The Mars 3 is limited to the standard 60Hz refresh rate, meaning action won't appear as smooth as on the TH685P when playing games capable of higher frame rates. For casual gamers, this limitation may go unnoticed, but enthusiasts will definitely perceive the difference.
For gaming in unconventional locations—a dorm room, camping trip, or backyard—the Mars 3 offers unique possibilities that the TH685P cannot match. Imagine playing Mario Kart with friends around a campfire or setting up FIFA in the backyard during a summer evening. These experiences simply aren't possible with the outlet-dependent TH685P.
Audio is often an overlooked aspect of projector performance, but it significantly impacts the overall experience, especially in portable use cases.
One of the Mars 3's most impressive features is its 40W 3-way speaker system with Dolby Audio support. This isn't merely a token speaker—it's a legitimately useful audio system that can fill a medium-sized room or outdoor space with clear, reasonably full-range sound.
The "3-way" designation means the system includes dedicated drivers for low, mid, and high frequencies, similar to how proper home audio systems are designed. While it won't replace a dedicated surround sound setup, it's remarkably capable for an integrated solution, delivering dialog clarity, reasonable bass response, and enough volume for group viewing.
For outdoor movie nights or situations where setting up external speakers would be impractical, this audio system represents a significant advantage. It transforms the Mars 3 from merely a portable projector into a complete portable entertainment system.
The BenQ TH685P includes a basic 5W mono speaker that serves primarily as a convenience feature rather than a serious audio solution. It's adequate for system sounds or casual use but lacks the volume, clarity, and frequency range needed for immersive gaming or movie watching.
BenQ acknowledges this limitation by including a Game Sound Mode that attempts to enhance gaming audio through this limited speaker, but the physics of a small mono driver simply can't be overcome through processing alone.
The assumption with the TH685P is that users will connect it to external speakers, a gaming headset, or a proper sound system—a reasonable expectation for a home theater or gaming room setup but one that adds complexity and additional equipment requirements.
The approach to connectivity and content sources further highlights the philosophical differences between these projectors.
The Mars 3 runs a full Android TV 11.0 operating system, essentially incorporating the functionality of a high-end streaming device within the projector itself. This provides direct access to thousands of apps, including major streaming services like Disney+, HBO Max, Prime Video, and others through the Google Play Store.
The built-in Chromecast functionality allows for easy screen mirroring from compatible devices, while Google Assistant support enables voice control. This integration means the Mars 3 requires nothing but power (or its internal battery) to deliver a complete entertainment experience.
Connectivity is comprehensive, with dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, HDMI input, USB-A and USB-C ports, and a 3.5mm audio output. This array of options ensures compatibility with virtually any content source, from legacy DVD players to the latest streaming devices and gaming consoles.
One notable limitation is that Netflix requires workarounds to function properly on the Mars 3, an issue common to many Android TV projectors due to Netflix's certification requirements. While solutions exist (like connecting an external streaming stick), this remains a frustration for a device at this price point.
The BenQ TH685P takes the traditional component approach, functioning as a display device only, with no built-in operating system or streaming capabilities. All content must come from external sources connected via its dual HDMI 2.0 inputs.
This design philosophy has both advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, it allows users to choose their preferred streaming device, whether that's an Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, or gaming console. It also means the projector won't become obsolete as smart TV platforms evolve, since the intelligence lives in replaceable external devices.
The downside is that the TH685P requires additional equipment to function as a complete entertainment system. At minimum, you'll need a content source and likely external speakers, creating a more complex setup with multiple components and cables.
The connectivity options are straightforward but limited: two HDMI 2.0 inputs capable of handling 4K HDR signals (which the projector downscales to its native 1080p), a VGA input for legacy devices, and a USB port that provides power for streaming sticks.
Perhaps no single feature more clearly differentiates these projectors than their approach to power.
The Anker Nebula Mars 3 includes a substantial internal battery that provides approximately 5 hours of playback in Eco mode (reduced brightness) or 2 hours in Standard mode. This battery enables truly off-grid usage, allowing the projector to function in environments where power outlets aren't available.
This capability opens up unique use cases like backyard movie nights, camping trips, or presentations in locations without convenient power access. The Mars 3 can even function as a power bank for other devices, sharing its substantial battery capacity with phones or tablets when needed.
The freedom this provides comes at the cost of additional weight, higher price, and some performance limitations (particularly brightness) to maintain reasonable battery life. It also means the Mars 3 must balance performance against power consumption, with user-selectable modes that trade brightness for extended runtime.
The BenQ TH685P requires constant connection to AC power, like most traditional projectors. This limitation restricts it to environments with available power outlets but frees it from the engineering compromises needed for battery operation.
Without battery concerns, the TH685P can drive its powerful 3500-lumen light source continuously, with no need to dim the image to conserve power. This results in consistently bright, vibrant images regardless of how long you've been using the projector.
The AC-power requirement also contributes to the TH685P's lower weight and cost compared to the Mars 3, as it doesn't need to incorporate expensive battery cells or the charging circuitry they require.
For home theater use, the power requirement rarely presents a limitation, as permanent installations typically have power outlets available. The tradeoff becomes relevant only when considering non-traditional viewing locations where outlets might be scarce.
At approximately $1,099, the Anker Nebula Mars 3 commands a premium price that reflects its all-in-one approach and unique capabilities. This price point positions it at the higher end of the portable projector market but includes value beyond just the projection system itself.
When evaluating its value proposition, it's helpful to consider what you would pay separately for:
Viewed through this lens, the Mars 3's price becomes more justifiable, particularly for users who will leverage its portable capabilities regularly. You're paying for the engineering that integrates these components into a cohesive, portable package.
At around $799, the BenQ TH685P delivers exceptional value for its specific intended use case—gaming and home entertainment in a fixed location. Its price-to-performance ratio for core projection capabilities significantly exceeds the Mars 3, providing much higher brightness and superior gaming features for roughly 25% less money.
This value calculation changes, however, when factoring in the additional components required for a complete system. At minimum, most users will need:
Even with these additions, the total system cost typically remains lower than the Mars 3 while delivering superior image quality and gaming performance, albeit without the portability benefits.
After extensively examining both projectors, the decision comes down to your specific needs, usage patterns, and environments.
The Mars 3 excels as a versatile entertainment platform that can go virtually anywhere. It's ideal for the person who wants movie nights in different rooms of their home, in the backyard, at a friend's place, or even on camping trips. The compromise in absolute performance is balanced by unmatched flexibility.
The TH685P represents a specialized tool optimized for gaming and home theater use. It delivers superior image quality and responsiveness in suitable environments, making it the clear choice for dedicated gaming setups and home theaters where its performance advantages will be most appreciated.
For home theater enthusiasts specifically, the TH685P's superior brightness, contrast, and color accuracy make it the better choice for dedicated viewing spaces. Its ability to produce a vibrant image even with some ambient light provides flexibility in viewing conditions that the Mars 3 simply cannot match.
Ultimately, these projectors excel in different scenarios with minimal overlap in their ideal use cases. The right choice depends not on which is "better" in absolute terms, but which aligns most closely with your specific projection needs and environments.
| Anker Nebula Mars 3 Outdoor Portable Projector | BenQ TH685P 1080p HDR Gaming Projector |
|---|---|
| Price - Your total investment | |
| $1,099 (all-in-one solution) | $799 (may require additional audio equipment) |
| Brightness - Critical for visibility in different lighting conditions | |
| 1,000 ANSI lumens (requires dark environment) | 3,500 ANSI lumens (works in rooms with ambient light) |
| Portability - Determines where you can use the projector | |
| Truly portable with built-in battery and handle | Requires constant power connection, semi-portable at 6.2 lbs |
| Battery Life - Enables off-grid usage | |
| Up to 5 hours (Eco mode), 2 hours (Standard mode) | No battery, requires wall outlet |
| Gaming Performance - Important for responsive gameplay | |
| Not optimized for gaming, estimated 40-60ms input lag | 8.3ms input lag at 120Hz (exceptional for gaming) |
| Audio Solution - Affects need for external speakers | |
| 40W 3-way speaker system with Dolby Audio (excellent) | Basic 5W mono speaker (external speakers recommended) |
| Smart Features - Convenience for content access | |
| Built-in Android TV 11.0 with streaming apps | No smart features, requires external device for streaming |
| Durability - Important for outdoor/portable use | |
| IPX3 water resistance, drop-proof design | Standard indoor design, no weatherproofing |
| Resolution - Determines image clarity | |
| 1080p native with HDR10 support | 1080p native with HDR10 and HLG support |
| Projection Size - Flexibility for different spaces | |
| 30-200 inches with auto-keystone and auto-focus | 30-300 inches with manual adjustments and 1.3x zoom |
| Connectivity - Options for connecting devices | |
| HDMI, USB-A, USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1 | 2x HDMI 2.0, VGA, USB power output |
| Best Use Case - When to choose this model | |
| Versatile outdoor/indoor use across multiple locations | Dedicated gaming or home theater in fixed location |
The BenQ TH685P is significantly brighter with 3,500 ANSI lumens compared to the Anker Nebula Mars 3's 1,000 ANSI lumens. This makes the BenQ TH685P much better for rooms with ambient light, while the Nebula Mars 3 requires a darker environment for optimal viewing.
Yes, the Anker Nebula Mars 3 is specifically designed for outdoor use with IPX3 water resistance, drop protection, and dust resistance. Unlike the BenQ TH685P, it has a built-in battery that lasts up to 5 hours in Eco mode, making it perfect for backyard movie nights or camping trips.
The BenQ TH685P is vastly superior for gaming with an ultra-low 8.3ms input lag at 120Hz and dedicated gaming features. The Anker Nebula Mars 3 is not optimized for gaming and likely has much higher input lag, making it less suitable for competitive or fast-paced games.
The Anker Nebula Mars 3 features a powerful 40W 3-way speaker system with Dolby Audio that provides excellent sound without external speakers. The BenQ TH685P has only a basic 5W mono speaker, so external speakers are highly recommended for a proper home theater or gaming experience.
The BenQ TH685P is better for a permanent home theater setup due to its superior brightness (3,500 ANSI lumens), better contrast ratio, and more accurate colors. While the Anker Nebula Mars 3 can certainly be used in a home theater, its strengths are portability rather than maximum image quality.
The Anker Nebula Mars 3 comes with Android TV 11.0 built-in, providing access to thousands of streaming apps including Disney+, Prime Video, and others. The BenQ TH685P has no smart features and requires an external streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, or Fire Stick to access streaming services.
The BenQ TH685P can project images up to 300 inches diagonally, while the Anker Nebula Mars 3 maxes out at 200 inches. However, optimal image quality for both projectors is typically achieved at smaller sizes of 100-120 inches, especially considering the Mars 3's lower brightness.
The BenQ TH685P is more affordable at around $799, compared to the Anker Nebula Mars 3 at approximately $1,099. However, the Mars 3 includes features that would require additional purchases with the BenQ, such as a streaming device and quality speakers.
Yes, both the Anker Nebula Mars 3 and BenQ TH685P have HDMI inputs that allow you to connect gaming consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch. The BenQ TH685P has two HDMI 2.0 inputs while the Nebula Mars 3 has one HDMI port.
The Anker Nebula Mars 3 is much easier to set up in different locations thanks to its auto-focus, auto-keystone correction, and battery power. The BenQ TH685P requires manual adjustments and a power outlet, making it less convenient for frequent repositioning or use in multiple locations.
Neither projector has native 4K resolution—both the Anker Nebula Mars 3 and BenQ TH685P have 1080p native resolution. However, both can accept 4K input signals and downscale them to 1080p. Both support HDR10 content for improved contrast and color, with the BenQ also supporting HLG.
The Anker Nebula Mars 3 is far better for users who move frequently or want flexibility in where they watch content. Its battery power, carrying handle, durability features, and automatic image adjustments make it truly portable, while the BenQ TH685P is designed primarily for stationary use in a single location.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: techradar.com - seenebula.com - thesmarthomehookup.com - yuenx.com - projectorcentral.com - seenebula.com - youtube.com - youtube.com - youtube.com - cnet.com - projectorreviews.com - youtube.com - youtube.com - projectorcentral.com - seenebula.com - youtube.com - yuenx.com - youtube.com - projectorcentral.com - androidguys.com - bhphotovideo.com - techradar.com - newegg.com - projectorcentral.com - cnet.com - staples.com - cdw.com - youtube.com - shi.com - touchboards.com - projectorcentral.com - youtube.com - iconicmicro.com - adorama.com - publicsector.shidirect.com - adorama.com
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