Scored using Projectors Methodology v3.0
Projectors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Projectors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Projectors Methodology v3.0

BenQ GV31 review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£470Native panel resolution:1920x1080ANSI lumens:300Throw ratio:1.2:1Lamp life:20000 hours

BenQ GV31 Review: Compare 86 technical specifications, 11 expert and video reviews and 1 best-of list to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

BenQ GV31
6.3/10

Overall score

Score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

35%

6.2

Technical score

30%

6.2

List score

25%

6.2

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

▼Worse than 91% of projectors
6.8

Value for money

Value for money
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

8.0

Price

▼Worse than 57%
6.2

Technical score

Technical score
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

42%

5.2

Image Quality

22%

6.6

Projection & Lens

12%

4.9

HDMI & Gaming

10%

8.7

Audio & Features

8%

8.6

Connectivity

6%

7.3

Design & Power

▼Worse than 61%
6.2

Reviews score

Reviews score
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10

6.2

Mark 8.1 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.0

Average grade

20%

8.4

Popularity

Grades by review (11)
9 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 4 estimated from the review. 2 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▼Worse than 78%
6.2

List score

List score
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (1)
List score: in 1 of 111 lists (1%)
▲Better than 76%
  • benq-gv31
benq-gv31
Where to buy
    N/A~ £470
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the BenQ GV31

Based on 7 · 2

Reviewers love its quiet operation, solid sound and easy ceiling projection, but agree it's too dim for anything but dark rooms.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
Loading...
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of projector BenQ GV31

Technical score
Technical score
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

42%

5.2

Image Quality

22%

6.6

Projection & Lens

12%

4.9

HDMI & Gaming

10%

8.7

Audio & Features

8%

8.6

Connectivity

6%

7.3

Design & Power

6.2
Reviews score
6.2
List score
6.2
Value for money
Value for money
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

8.0

Price

6.8
ANSI lumens
300
This projector reaches 300 ANSI lumens, dimmer than 86.7% of projectors and equal to 2.9% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
100,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 100000:1, higher than 73.1% of projectors and equal to 3.5% of projectors.
Native panel resolution
1920x1080
This projector uses a native resolution of 1920x1080, higher than 27% of projectors and equal to 59.2% of projectors.
Output resolution
1920x1080
This projector supports output resolution up to 1920x1080, higher than 25.9% of projectors and equal to 42.3% of projectors.
Projection technology
DLP
Show more
What reviewers say
Throw ratio
1.2:1
Min throw distance
0.79 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 0.79 m, shorter than 74.9% of projectors and equal to 0.6% of projectors.
Max projection size
120 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 120 inch, smaller than 80.2% of projectors and equal to 10.7% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
N/A
Motorized zoom
no
This projector does not have motorised zoom. 14.8% of projectors offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Input lag
45 ms
This projector has input lag of 45 ms, higher than 74.1% of projectors and equal to 0.2% of projectors.
At 1080P/60Hz.
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
no
This projector does not switch to low-latency mode automatically. 16.1% of projectors offer this.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
no
This projector does not support variable refresh rate. 1.8% of projectors offer this.
HDMI version
1.4
This projector supports HDMI 1.4, older than 54% of projectors and equal to 35.7% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
10.2 Gbps
This projector supports HDMI bandwidth up to 10.2 Gbps, lower than 51.2% of projectors and equal to 46.5% of projectors.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
2
This projector has 2 HDMI port/s, more than 45.9% of projectors and equal to 47.3% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This projector connects to Wi-Fi networks for streaming. 46.7% of projectors offer this.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
This projector uses Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which is newer than 83.1% of projectors and the same as in 14.9% of projectors.
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This projector supports Bluetooth for speakers and headphones. 49.4% of projectors offer this.
Bluetooth version
5
This projector supports Bluetooth 5, more modern than 62.4% of projectors and equal to 17.1% of projectors.
Show more
What reviewers say
Smart TV features
yes
This projector has built-in smart TV features. 56.2% of projectors offer this.
Operating system
Android 11
Android OS
yes
This projector runs Android OS. 81% of projectors run Android OS.
Android 11
Dedicated smartphone app
yes
This projector comes with a dedicated smartphone app. 63.3% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
BenQ Smart Control app.
Remote control
yes
This projector includes a remote control. 1.5% of projectors offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Light source type
led
This projector uses led light source technology, more advanced than 33.6% of projectors and equal to 39.9% of projectors.
Laser light source
no
This projector does not have a laser light source. 26.8% of projectors offer this.
Lamp life
20,000 hours
This projector offers lamp life of 20,000 hours, shorter than 35.2% of projectors and equal to 25.8% of projectors.
LED light source life.
Lamp life (eco mode)
30,000 hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 30,000 hours, shorter than 64% of projectors and equal to 31.9% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
45 W
This projector uses 45 W of power, less than 92.9% of projectors and equal to 1.1% of projectors.
Show more
What reviewers say

BenQ GV31 vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • Advanced focus control
    This projector offers more advanced focus control than the average projector (auto-focus vs manual). Typical projector: manual.
    Manual remote fine-tuning available.
    auto-focus vs manual
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (100000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    100,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • Supports smart TV apps
    This projector has built-in smart TV features, while the average projector does not. 43.9% of projectors offer smart TV features.
  • 10 degrees more vertical correction
    This projector offers more vertical keystone correction than the average projector (40 degrees vs 30 degrees). The average projector offers vertical keystone correction of 30 degrees.
    40 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • Smartphone app support
    This projector supports smartphone app control, while the average projector does not. 36.7% of projectors support smartphone app control.
    BenQ Smart Control app.
  • Includes stereo speakers
    This projector has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 47.8% of projectors have stereo speakers.
  • Built-in Chromecast
    This projector supports built-in Chromecast, while the average projector does not. 24.9% of projectors support built-in Chromecast.
  • Supports voice commands
    This projector supports voice commands, while the average projector does not. 36.1% of projectors support voice commands.
    Google Assistant via remote.
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (100000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    100,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 2 more recent release
    This projector was released more recently than the average projector (2023 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    2023 vs 2021
  • Advanced focus control
    This projector offers more advanced focus control than the average projector (auto-focus vs manual). Typical projector: manual.
    Manual remote fine-tuning available.
    auto-focus vs manual
  • 10 degrees more vertical correction
    This projector offers more vertical keystone correction than the average projector (40 degrees vs 30 degrees). The average projector offers vertical keystone correction of 30 degrees.
    40 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • 0.22 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.8 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    0.79 m vs 1.0055 m
  • Motorized focus
    This projector supports motorized focus, while the average projector does not. 45.6% of projectors support motorized focus.
  • Built-in Chromecast
    This projector supports built-in Chromecast, while the average projector does not. 24.9% of projectors support built-in Chromecast.
  • Supports AirPlay
    This projector supports AirPlay, while the average projector does not. 40.3% of projectors offer this.
    Requires built-in Wireless Projection app.
  • 1 more USB ports
    This projector has more USB ports than the average projector (2 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    2 vs 1
  • Supports smart TV apps
    This projector has built-in smart TV features, while the average projector does not. 43.9% of projectors offer smart TV features.
  • Smartphone app support
    This projector supports smartphone app control, while the average projector does not. 36.7% of projectors support smartphone app control.
    BenQ Smart Control app.
  • Includes stereo speakers
    This projector has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 47.8% of projectors have stereo speakers.
  • Supports voice commands
    This projector supports voice commands, while the average projector does not. 36.1% of projectors support voice commands.
    Google Assistant via remote.
  • 60% stronger audio output
    This projector has a higher audio output power than the average projector (16 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
    16 W vs 10 W
  • Android OS built-in
    This projector features Android OS, while the average projector does not. 19.1% of projectors feature Android OS.
    Android 11
  • 185 W lower power use
    This projector uses less power than the average projector (45 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    45 W vs 230 W
  • 3 dB quieter operation
    This projector has a lower audible noise than the average projector (28 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    28 dB vs 31 dB
  • 10,000 hours longer eco lamp life
    This projector has a higher lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.
    LED light source life.
    30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 2 dB quieter eco mode
    This projector has a lower audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (26 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    26 dB vs 28 dB
  • 165.7 mm narrower width
    This projector is narrower than the average projector (131.3 mm vs 297 mm). The average projector has a width of 297 mm.
    131.3 mm vs 297 mm
  • 43% lighter weight
    This projector is lighter than the average projector (1.7 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    1.7 kg vs 2.98 kg
  • 86.4% dimmer image
    This projector has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (300 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    300 vs 2,200
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 2 bit lower color depth
    This projector has a lower color depth than the average projector (8 bit vs 10 bit). The average projector has 10 bit of color depth.
    8 bit vs 10 bit
  • 130 inch smaller image size
    This projector has a lower projection size than the average projector (120 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    120 inch vs 250 inch
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (led vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    led vs laser
  • 43.3% lower HDMI bandwidth
    This projector has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps
  • 18.4% lower list score
    List score
    6.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (1)
    List score: in 1 of 111 lists (1%)
    6.2 vs 7.6
  • 18.4% lower list score
    List score
    6.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (1)
    List score: in 1 of 111 lists (1%)
    6.2 vs 7.6
  • 16.2% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10

    6.2

    Mark 8.1 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.0

    Average grade

    20%

    8.4

    Popularity

    Grades by review (11)
    9 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 4 estimated from the review. 2 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    6.2 vs 7.4
  • 86.4% dimmer image
    This projector has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (300 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    300 vs 2,200
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 2 bit lower color depth
    This projector has a lower color depth than the average projector (8 bit vs 10 bit). The average projector has 10 bit of color depth.
    8 bit vs 10 bit
  • 29.4% lower refresh rate
    This projector has a lower refresh rate than the average projector (60 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    60 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • No 3D video
    This projector does not support 3D video, while the average projector does. 55.4% of projectors support 3D video.
  • 0.24 inch smaller DMD chip
    This projector has a lower DMD chip size than the average projector (0.2 inch vs 0.47 inch). The average projector has 0.47 inch of DMD chip size.
    0.23 inch vs 0.47 inch
  • No 3D glasses support
    This projector does not display 3D with glasses, while the average projector does. 54.4% of projectors offer 3D with glasses.
  • 130 inch smaller image size
    This projector has a lower projection size than the average projector (120 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    120 inch vs 250 inch
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • 43.3% lower HDMI bandwidth
    This projector has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps
  • Older HDMI version
    This projector has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.4 vs 2). The average projector supports HDMI 2.
    1.4 vs 2
  • 18 ms higher input lag
    This projector has a higher input lag than the average projector (45 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    At 1080P/60Hz.
    45 ms vs 27 ms
  • More outdated HDCP support
    This projector supports an older HDCP version than the average projector (1.4 vs 2.2).
    1.4 vs 2.2
  • No RS-232 control
    This projector does not support RS-232 control, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors support RS-232 control.
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (led vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    led vs laser
  • 81.2 mm taller body
    This projector is taller than the average projector (203.2 mm vs 122 mm). The average projector has a height of 122 mm.
    203.2 mm vs 122 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
Venom's Tech
≈ estimated
17/03/2024
Hands-on review · battery, speakers, presentation and gaming tests
Verdict
BenQ GV31 has good features and strong speakers, with a premium price the reviewer considers expected.
9.0
tanggoz
≈ estimated
02/10/2023
Hands-on review · design, image, sound and battery
Verdict
BenQ GV31 is a clear step up from its predecessor, though the missing carrying case and the price are drawbacks.
9.0
Indulge Express (indulgexpress)
≈ estimated
29/06/2024
Hands-on review · image, sound, setup and connectivity
Verdict
BenQ GV31 works well as a portable projector for casual movie nights, with sound that is good enough rather than top-notch.
Brand video
Not graded
Shop video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
18/07/2024
Lab test · Go-anywhere projector
Verdict
The BenQ GV31 suits room-to-room use, with a finger loop, native 1080p and licensed Netflix, but it is too dim for large, bright images.
8.0
whathifi.com
✓ explicit
22/10/2024
Hands-on test · Ceiling projector
Verdict
The BenQ GV31 is a quirky projector whose dark scenes and dynamic sound impress, provided you keep the picture below about 70 inches.
9.0
whathifi.com
≈ estimated
29/08/2023
Hands-on review · Full HD portable
Verdict
The BenQ GV31 is a sharper 1080p successor to the GV30 with easy setup and Netflix, but its 300 lumens suit dim rooms only.
8.0
7review.com
✓ explicit
22/10/2024
Hands-on test · Portable TV replacement
Verdict
The BenQ GV31 is a handy battery-powered mini-projector that suits cozy movie nights in a dim room, but its 300 lumens limit use in daylight.
9.0
cubbyathome.com
≈ estimated
27/06/2024
Family use test · Portable projector
Verdict
The BenQ GV31 suits busy families who shuttle one projector between bedrooms, the ceiling and trips away.
7.0
uk.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
18/07/2024
Lab test · Full HD portable
Verdict
The BenQ GV31 is a lightweight, 1080p room-to-room projector with Netflix built in, but dark scenes lose shadow detail and brightness is modest.
8.0
heise.de
✓ explicit
20/02/2024
Lab test · Battery projector
Verdict
The BenQ GV31 is a quiet, rotating Full HD projector that plays Netflix without an extra stick, but it is best used in dim rooms.
4.0
fuw.ch
≈ estimated
05/01/2024
Hands-on test · Mobile projector
Verdict
The BenQ GV31 is a round portable projector with good bass and a quiet fan, but its dim picture and up-and-down-only correction fall behind rivals.
9.0
smart-weekly.business
≈ estimated
22/11/2023
Hands-on test · Everyday use
Verdict
The BenQ GV31 is a simple, portable projector for films, gaming and meetings, with a battery that lasts through nine Friends episodes.
pocketmags.com
01/01/2025
Not graded yet

Third-party reviews

What customers like about BenQ GV31

  • Native 1080p resolution provides sharp and crisp Full HD imagery.
  • Exceptional 2.1-channel audio with a dedicated woofer for deep bass and clear sound.
  • Highly versatile circular design allows for easy 135-degree rotation and ceiling projection.
  • Conveniently includes a licensed Netflix app on its Android TV dongle.
  • User-friendly setup with efficient autofocus and vertical keystone correction.
  • Portable and durable, featuring a lightweight build and drop-resistance rating.
  • Low input lag (approx. 37ms) makes it suitable for casual gaming.

What customers don't like about BenQ GV31

  • Limited peak brightness (300 ANSI lumens) makes it difficult to use in well-lit rooms.
  • Battery life typically lasts 2–3 hours, which may not be enough for longer movies at full power.
  • Lacks support for HDR (High Dynamic Range) and 4K input.
  • Noticeable green tint when used in its brightest picture mode.
  • Missing horizontal keystone correction, requiring the projector to be centered relative to the wall.
  • Does not include a carrying case as standard, unlike its predecessor, the GV30.

Verdict

The BenQ GV31 is a portable 1080p Full HD LED projector featuring a unique 135-degree rotating lens designed for easy ceiling projection. It offers 300 ANSI lumens of brightness, covers 98% of the Rec.709 color gamut, and includes a built-in 2.1-channel sound system with a dedicated 8W woofer and dual 4W tweeters. Key advantages include its internal battery providing up to 180 minutes of playback, integrated Android TV with native Netflix support, and versatile connectivity via USB-C (with Power Delivery), HDMI, and USB-A. However, it is limited by a relatively low brightness that requires dark environments for optimal viewing, lacks 4K and HDR support, and does not include a protective carrying case as standard.

Compare BenQ GV31 with other products in the Projectors category

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of BenQ GV31 and other products in the Projectors category

No results found