OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
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 HT2050 review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£720Native panel resolution:1920x1080ANSI lumens:2200Throw ratio:1.15-1.5:1Lamp life:3500 hours

BenQ HT2050 Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 9 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

BenQ HT2050
7.2/10

Overall score

Score
7.2/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 59% of models
Score components

35%

6.0

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

8.3

Reviews score

10%

8.2

Sentiment score

â–²Better than 59% of projectors
7.1

Value for money

Value for money
7.1/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 54% of models
Score components

70%

7.2

Overall score

30%

6.7

Price

â–²Better than 54%
6.0

Technical score

Technical score
6.0/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Score components

42%

6.8

Image Quality

22%

5.4

Projection & Lens

12%

5.1

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.1

Audio & Features

8%

5.5

Connectivity

6%

4.7

Design & Power

â–¼Worse than 73%
8.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.3/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 51% of models

80%

8.4

Average grade

20%

8.2

Popularity

Grades by review (9)
7 reviews: 6 with a printed score, 1 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.
â–²Better than 51%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 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 (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • benq-ht2050
benq-ht2050
Where to buy
    N/A~ £720
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 HT2050

Based on 5 · 2

Reviewers like the bright picture, decent sound and gaming performance, but opinions on placement and keystone flexibility are split.
Praised
Mixed views
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the BenQ HT2050

Based on 31 owners sharing their experience in online comments

45%positive10%mixed45%negative

Owners praise the picture and repair guidance, while dust spots, noisy fans, and failed restarts remain common frustrations.

What owners dislike

  • Owners say dust collected inside the projector, on the DMD chip and bulb area, causing visible spots or smudges on the screen, especially in dark scenes.8
  • Owners say the projector stopped powering up after they reassembled it, with the power light flashing green and fans or the color wheel not spinning.5
  • Owners say one or both fans stopped spinning or ran noisily, and the projector overheated and shut off after a few minutes of use.5
  • Owners say the blower fan is loud and its speed changes unexpectedly, sometimes ramping up to full speed a couple of minutes after startup.5
  • Owners say a lamp error stopped the projector, with the lamp light flashing then solid red, no light from the lens, and a shutdown during startup.3
  • Owners say putting the projector back together took several tries, with leftover screws and mis-seated parts causing dark corners or no power until they reseated them.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of projector BenQ HT2050

Technical score
Technical score
6.0/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Score components:

42%

6.8

Image Quality

22%

5.4

Projection & Lens

12%

5.1

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.1

Audio & Features

8%

5.5

Connectivity

6%

4.7

Design & Power

6.0
Reviews score
8.3
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.1/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 54% of models
Score components:

70%

7.2

Overall score

30%

6.7

Price

7.1
ANSI lumens
2,200
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 2,200 ANSI lumens, brighter than 46.2% of projectors and equal to 4.3% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
15,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 15000:1, higher than 54% of projectors and equal to 2.9% 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
1.15-1.5:1
Min throw distance
?
Max projection size
300 inch
Market range: <120 inch – >301 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 300 inch, larger than 51.5% of projectors and equal to 38% of projectors.
180 inches recommended for optimal focus.
Zoom ratio
1.3
Market range: <1.1 – >2.06
This projector offers a zoom ratio of 1.3, wider than 42.5% of projectors and equal to 14.4% of projectors.
Motorized zoom
no
This projector does not have motorised zoom. 14.8% of projectors offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Input lag
33 ms
Market range: <8 ms – >68 ms
This projector has input lag of 33 ms, higher than 55.4% of projectors and equal to 1.9% 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
Market range: <10.2 Gbps – >48 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
What reviewers say
N. of HDMI ports
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This projector has 2 HDMI port/s, more than 45.9% of projectors and equal to 47.3% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
no
This projector does not support Bluetooth. 50.7% of projectors offer this.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Show more
Smart TV features
no
This projector does not have built-in smart TV features. 43.9% of projectors offer this.
Operating system
none
Android OS
no
This projector does not run Android OS. 19.1% of projectors run Android OS.
Dedicated smartphone app
no
This projector does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 36.8% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Remote control
yes
This projector includes a remote control. 1.5% of projectors offer this.
Backlit remote included.
Show more
What reviewers say
Light source type
lamp
This projector uses lamp light source technology, less advanced than 66.5% of projectors and equal to 33.5% of projectors.
Laser light source
no
This projector does not have a laser light source. 26.8% of projectors offer this.
Lamp life
3,500 hours
Market range: <3.5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 3,500 hours, longer than 88.5% of projectors and equal to 3.3% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
6,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 6,000 hours, longer than 78.8% of projectors and equal to 7.3% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
353 W
Market range: <57 W – >390 W
This projector uses 353 W of power, more than 86% of projectors and equal to 0.2% of projectors.
Normal mode power draw.
Show more

BenQ HT2050 vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • 2 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (2 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    Includes RCA stereo input.
    2 vs 0
  • 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
  • 0.18 inch larger DMD chip
    This projector has a higher DMD chip size than the average projector (0.7 inch vs 0.47 inch). The average projector has 0.47 inch of DMD chip size.
    0.65 inch vs 0.47 inch
  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    This projector has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    120 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • 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
  • 50 inch larger image size
    This projector has a higher projection size than the average projector (300 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    180 inches recommended for optimal focus.
    300 inch vs 250 inch
  • 12.2% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.3/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 51% of models

    80%

    8.4

    Average grade

    20%

    8.2

    Popularity

    Grades by review (9)
    7 reviews: 6 with a printed score, 1 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.
    8.3 vs 7.4
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (15000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    15,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 12.2% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.3/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 51% of models

    80%

    8.4

    Average grade

    20%

    8.2

    Popularity

    Grades by review (9)
    7 reviews: 6 with a printed score, 1 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.
    8.3 vs 7.4
  • 0.18 inch larger DMD chip
    This projector has a higher DMD chip size than the average projector (0.7 inch vs 0.47 inch). The average projector has 0.47 inch of DMD chip size.
    0.65 inch vs 0.47 inch
  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    This projector has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    120 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (15000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    15,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 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
  • 50 inch larger image size
    This projector has a higher projection size than the average projector (300 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    180 inches recommended for optimal focus.
    300 inch vs 250 inch
  • 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
  • VGA input included
    This projector supports VGA input, while the average projector does not. 44.1% of projectors support VGA input.
  • 2 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (2 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    Includes RCA stereo input.
    2 vs 0
  • 2 dB quieter operation
    This projector has a lower audible noise than the average projector (29 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    29 dB vs 31 dB
  • 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
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    lamp vs laser
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 54 % less vertical lens shift
    This projector has fewer vertical lens shift than the average projector (10 % vs 64 %). The average projector has 64 % vertical lens shift.
    10 % vs 64 %
  • 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
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks, while the average projector does. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • 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
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 6 earlier release
    This projector was released earlier than the average projector (2015 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    October 2015
    2015 vs 2021
  • Narrower color gamut
    This projector has a lower color gamut coverage than the average projector (96% Rec.709 % vs 99% Rec.709 %). The average projector has 99% Rec.709 % of color gamut coverage.
    96% Rec.709 % vs 99% Rec.709 %
  • 54 % less vertical lens shift
    This projector has fewer vertical lens shift than the average projector (10 % vs 64 %). The average projector has 64 % vertical lens shift.
    10 % vs 64 %
  • 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
  • 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
  • 6 ms higher input lag
    This projector has a higher input lag than the average projector (33 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    At 1080P/60Hz.
    33 ms vs 27 ms
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks, while the average projector does. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    lamp vs laser
  • 16,500 hours shorter lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life than the average projector (3,500 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life.
    3,500 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 14,000 hours shorter eco lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (6,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.
    6,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 123 W higher power use
    This projector uses more power than the average projector (353 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    Normal mode power draw.
    353 W vs 230 W
  • 84 mm wider body
    This projector is wider than the average projector (381 mm vs 297 mm). The average projector has a width of 297 mm.
    381 mm vs 297 mm

Video reviews

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

9.0
Covert Review
≈ estimated
07/12/2015
Review · picture, sound, settings and heat test
Verdict
BenQ HT2050 offers strong picture quality for the money, with only minor downsides like exhaust heat.
9.0
Darren Reviews
≈ estimated
04/12/2015
Hands-on review · lens, image and rainbow effect
Verdict
BenQ HT2050 is a solid upgrade for 720p owners and first-time buyers, though not a big leap over its predecessor.
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
08/12/2015
Lab test · Home cinema
Verdict
The BenQ HT2050 suits home cinema and gaming well, with good built-in sound and quick response, though it is heavier than most rivals.
9.0
projectorcentral.com
✓ explicit
30/10/2015
Lab test · 1080p home projector
Verdict
The BenQ HT2050 suits buyers willing to have it professionally calibrated, since its factory picture is less accurate than the HT3050's.
8.2
cnet.com
✓ explicit
01/12/2022
Hands-on test · Picture comparison
Verdict
The BenQ HT2050A is best for movie nights, with deep blacks and natural color, and its lens shift helps it fit more rooms.
9.5
hometheaterhifi.com
≈ estimated
23/04/2018
Lab test · Calibrated color
Verdict
The BenQ HT2050A suits dark-room movie watching, with accurate color once Brilliant Color is turned off, and a respectable 3D image.
7.2
rtings.com
✓ explicit
16/02/2024
Lab test · Dark-room movies
Verdict
The BenQ HT2050A is best for movies in pitch-black rooms, where its deep contrast shines, but its color needs calibration before it looks accurate.
9.0
projectorcentral.com
✓ explicit
19/04/2018
Lab test · Brightness and gaming
Verdict
The BenQ HT2050A is bright enough for rooms with some light, with good color and a 16.4 ms input lag that suits gaming.
7.0
uk.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
08/12/2015
Lab test · 3D home projector
Verdict
The BenQ HT2050 suits games and 2D or 3D movies in a family room, with good sound and few rainbow flashes, but it weighs more than rivals.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about BenQ HT2050

  • Excellent overall image quality with superior black levels and contrast for its price range.
  • Short input lag (approx. 33ms), making it a solid choice for casual gaming.
  • Quiet operation with a relatively low-pitched fan noise compared to other budget models.
  • Includes a vertical lens shift feature, which is rare in budget projectors and simplifies setup.
  • Strong built-in 10-watt speaker that outperforms most competing projector sound systems.
  • Vivid and accurate color reproduction right out of the box in Cinema mode.

What customers don't like about BenQ HT2050

  • High replacement lamp cost, typically around $250.
  • Potential for the 'rainbow effect' artifact, which is common in single-chip DLP projectors.
  • Not as bright as some competitors, making it less ideal for rooms with high ambient light.
  • Lacks horizontal keystone correction, requiring the projector to be perfectly centered with the screen.
  • No built-in smart features like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth; requires external streaming devices.

Verdict

The BenQ HT2050 is a Full HD 1080p DLP home theater projector featuring 2,200 ANSI lumens of brightness and a 15,000:1 contrast ratio for deep black levels and sharp image detail. Its core characteristics include an all-glass cinema-grade lens, a 6x speed RGBRGB color wheel for vibrant color accuracy, and a low 33ms input lag that makes it highly suitable for gaming. Main pros include a vertical lens shift of +10% for flexible installation, a powerful built-in 10W chambered speaker, and a SmartEco mode that extends lamp life up to 6,000 hours. Notable cons include the lack of 4K or HDR support, potential 'rainbow effect' artifacts common to single-chip DLP projectors, and a shorter standard lamp life of 3,500 hours in normal mode.

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