BenQ LW500 Review | 85 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£620
  • Avg. price in US: ~$700
  • ANSI lumens: 2000
  • Native panel resolution: 1280x800
  • Throw ratio: 1.55-1.7:1

BenQ LW500 review. Compare 85 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among projectors and if it is worth buying.

5.2

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the projector's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best projectors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.9

Technical Score

10.0%

7.5

User score

Good
4.9

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the projector's technical performance, covering eight key areas: image quality, brightness, contrast, connectivity, gaming features, smart features, audio, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

42.0%

5.9

Image Quality

22.0%

4.6

Projection & Lens

12.0%

4.0

HDMI & Gaming

10.0%

3.5

Audio & Features

8.0%

3.4

Connectivity

6.0%

6.2

Design & Power

Poor
7.5

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the projector.

When it matters: When you want to know how a projector performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

10

User reviews

30.0%

1.8

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
5.0
(4)
amazon
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Very good
  • 6.7
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    7.4

    Input lag

    25.0%

    10

    Refresh rate

    20.0%

    7.2

    Output Resolution

    10.0%

    1.0

    HDR10 support

    10.0%

    1.0

    Audio output power

  • 5.3
    Portable

    Score components:

    35.0%

    9.3

    Weight

    20.0%

    ?

    Has A Built-In Speaker

    15.0%

    1.0

    Bluetooth connectivity

    15.0%

    1.0

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    15.0%

    1.0

    Smart TV features

  • 4.0
    Home theatre

    Score components:

    30.0%

    7.2

    Output Resolution

    25.0%

    1.0

    HDR10 support

    20.0%

    1.0

    Dolby Vision support

    15.0%

    5.6

    ANSI lumens

    10.0%

    5.8

    Audible noise

  • benq-lw500
  • benq-lw500
  • benq-lw500
  • benq-lw500
  • benq-lw500
  • benq-lw500
  • benq-lw500
  • benq-lw500
benq-lw500
benq-lw500
benq-lw500
benq-lw500
benq-lw500
benq-lw500
benq-lw500
benq-lw500

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The BenQ LW500 is a versatile WXGA (1280 x 800) LED business projector designed for small-to-medium meeting rooms and golf simulators, delivering 2,000 ANSI lumens of brightness and a high 20,000:1 contrast ratio. Its standout characteristics include an LED light source with an impressive lifespan of up to 30,000 hours in Eco Mode, 98% Rec.709 color coverage for accurate visuals, and dual HDMI connectivity for multi-platform integration. Key pros include a maintenance-free lamp-less design, instant on/off capability within eight seconds, and specialized modes like 'Golf Mode' and 'Spreadsheet Mode' that optimize clarity for specific use cases. However, some cons to consider are its relatively low 2W built-in speaker, which may require external audio for larger spaces, a limited 1.1x manual zoom that can restrict placement flexibility, and the lack of advanced wireless features like built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Technical Specifications of BenQ LW500

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the projector's technical performance, covering eight key areas: image quality, brightness, contrast, connectivity, gaming features, smart features, audio, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

42.0%

5.9

Image Quality

22.0%

4.6

Projection & Lens

12.0%

4.0

HDMI & Gaming

10.0%

3.5

Audio & Features

8.0%

3.4

Connectivity

6.0%

6.2

Design & Power

4.9
BenQ LW500 has a technical score of 4.93 points, which is lower than 85.2% of projectors.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the projector.

When it matters: When you want to know how a projector performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

10

User reviews

30.0%

1.8

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
5.0
(4)
amazon
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

7.5
BenQ LW500 has a user score of 7.54 points, which is lower than 69.3% of projectors.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the projector.
When it matters: When you prefer to buy a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
1.8
BenQ LW500 has a popularity of 1.8 points, which is lower than 50.5% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

5.2

Overall score

40.0%

7.2

Price

5.8
BenQ LW500 has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.8 points, which is lower than 59.5% of products in this category.
ANSI lumens
What it is: Brightness output measured in ANSI lumens.
When it matters: When you watch with ambient light or on a large screen, higher brightness matters.

Importance: HIGH

2000
BenQ LW500 reaches 2000 ANSI lumens, dimmer than 54.5% of projectors and equal to 5.2% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
What it is: Ratio of brightest white to darkest black displayed by the projector.
When it matters: When you watch movies in a dark room, stronger contrast matters.

Importance: HIGH

20,000:1
BenQ LW500 has a contrast ratio of 20000:1, higher than 59.1% of projectors and equal to 3.9% of projectors.
Full on/off contrast ratio.
Native panel resolution
What it is: Native resolution of the display panel or imaging device.
When it matters: When picture sharpness matters enough that you want to know the projector's true native imaging resolution, not just supported input formats.

Importance: HIGH

1280x800
BenQ LW500 uses a native resolution of 1280x800, lower than 74.6% of projectors and equal to 7.8% of projectors.
Output Resolution
What it is: The resolution the projector can actually display through its imaging system.
When it matters: When you want to know the actual image detail the projector can put on screen rather than just the source format it accepts.

Importance: HIGH

1280x800
BenQ LW500 supports output resolution up to 1280x800, lower than 75.9% of projectors and equal to 7.9% of projectors.
Projection technology
What it is: Projection imaging technology used by the projector.
When it matters: When color character, contrast behavior, and overall image personality matter before you compare brightness alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

DLP
Show more
Throw ratio
What it is: Ratio between projection distance and image width.
When it matters: When room size and screen size have to match properly instead of guessing whether the projector will fit the space.

Importance: MEDIUM

1.55-1.7:1
Min throw distance
What it is: Minimum distance required between projector and screen.
When it matters: When room depth is limited and you still need a large image from a short placement distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Max projection size
What it is: Maximum supported image size for projection, measured diagonally.
When it matters: When you want a cinema-size picture, maximum projection size matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

300 inch
BenQ LW500 supports projection sizes up to 300 inch, larger than 51.8% of projectors and equal to 38% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
What it is: Optical zoom capability expressed as a ratio.
When it matters: When projector placement is not ideal and you need optical zoom to frame the image correctly.

Importance: MEDIUM

1.1
BenQ LW500 offers a zoom ratio of 1.1, narrower than 86.1% of projectors and equal to 12.2% of projectors.
Motorized zoom
What it is: Motorized control of the optical zoom function.
When it matters: When the projector position is fixed but screen size or framing still needs to be adjusted from a distance.

Importance: LOW

no
BenQ LW500 does not have motorized zoom. 16.3% of projectors have motorized zoom.
Show more
Input lag
What it is: Time delay between input signal and displayed image, measured in milliseconds.
When it matters: When gaming responsiveness matters and you want controls to feel more immediate on fast titles.

Importance: MEDIUM

33.4 ms
BenQ LW500 has input lag of 33.4 ms, higher than 56.6% of projectors and equal to 0.9% of projectors.
At 1080P/60Hz.
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
What it is: Automatically reduces input lag when gaming.
When it matters: When you play fast games, lower latency matters.

Importance: LOW

no
BenQ LW500 does not support ALLM. 20.3% of projectors support ALLM.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
What it is: Support for variable refresh rate to reduce screen tearing.
When it matters: When gaming matters and you want the projector to handle variable frame rates with less tearing or stutter.

Importance: LOW

no
BenQ LW500 does not support VRR. 1.9% of projectors support VRR.
HDMI version
What it is: Version of the HDMI standard supported.
When it matters: When source devices push newer HDMI features, refresh rates, or bandwidth levels that older ports may limit.

Importance: LOW

1.4
BenQ LW500 supports HDMI 1.4, older than 54.6% of projectors and equal to 34.1% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
What it is: Maximum bandwidth supported by HDMI inputs, measured in Gbps.
When it matters: When newer consoles, gaming PCs, or media boxes need more HDMI throughput than older projectors can handle.

Importance: LOW

10.2 Gbps
BenQ LW500 supports HDMI bandwidth up to 10.2 Gbps, lower than 52.1% of projectors and equal to 45.4% of projectors.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
What it is: Number of available HDMI input ports.
When it matters: When you need a console, streamer, set-top box, and another source connected at the same time without swapping cables.

Importance: LOW

2
BenQ LW500 has 2 HDMI port/s, more than 45.5% of projectors and equal to 47% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Support for Wi-Fi network connectivity.
When it matters: When the projector should handle network features, updates, or streaming functions without needing wired Ethernet only.

Importance: LOW

no
BenQ LW500 does not support Wi-Fi. 52.7% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: Supported Wi-Fi standard version.
When it matters: When wireless stability and throughput matter for streaming, updates, or projector ecosystem features.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Support for Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
When it matters: When you plan to pair wireless speakers, headphones, remotes, or other accessories directly with the projector.

Importance: LOW

no
BenQ LW500 does not support Bluetooth. 50% of projectors support Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Supported Bluetooth version.
When it matters: When wireless accessory compatibility and connection quality matter beyond Bluetooth being a simple checkbox.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Show more
Smart TV features
What it is: Includes built-in Smart TV functions or operating system.
When it matters: When you prefer built-in apps and streaming convenience instead of adding an external media stick or box.

Importance: LOW

no
BenQ LW500 does not have smart TV features. 43.8% of projectors have smart TV features.
Operating system
What it is: The built-in software platform that runs the projector interface, streaming apps, and smart features.
When it matters: When you care about which apps are available, how modern the smart interface feels, and whether the projector includes a built-in streaming platform.

Importance: LOW

none
Android OS

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Dedicated smartphone app
What it is: Availability of a dedicated smartphone control app.
When it matters: When you want setup, input switching, or basic control handled from your phone without always reaching for a remote.

Importance: LOW

no
BenQ LW500 does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 35.6% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Remote control
What it is: Comes with a dedicated remote control for operation.
When it matters: When you want easier everyday control without extra gear, built-in convenience features matter.

Importance: LOW

yes
BenQ LW500 includes a remote control. 1.6% of projectors include a remote control.
Show more
Light source type
What it is: Type of light source used by the projector.
When it matters: When maintenance expectations, startup behavior, brightness stability, and long-term running costs all matter in the buying decision.

Importance: LOW

led
BenQ LW500 uses led light source technology, more advanced than 33.1% of projectors and equal to 39% of projectors.
Laser Light Source
What it is: Whether the projector uses a laser light source instead of a traditional lamp.
When it matters: When lower maintenance, faster startup, and a lamp-free light engine matter over the long term.

Importance: LOW

no
BenQ LW500 does not use a laser light source. 28.1% of projectors use a laser light source.
Lamp life
What it is: Expected operational lifespan of the lamp in standard mode, measured in hours.
When it matters: When you care about running costs and maintenance intervals, light-source lifespan matters.

Importance: LOW

20,000 hours
BenQ LW500 offers lamp life of 20000 hours, shorter than 34.3% of projectors and equal to 27.5% of projectors.
LED light source life.
Lamp life (eco mode)
What it is: Expected operational lifespan of the lamp in eco mode, measured in hours.
When it matters: When you care about running costs and maintenance intervals, light-source lifespan matters.

Importance: LOW

30,000 hours
BenQ LW500 offers eco-mode lamp life of 30000 hours, shorter than 59.6% of projectors and equal to 35.6% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
What it is: Average power consumption during normal operation.
When it matters: When electricity use and heat output matter because the projector runs for long sessions or frequent daily use.

Importance: LOW

165 W
BenQ LW500 uses 165 W of power, less than 59.3% of projectors and equal to 0.4% of projectors.
Typical power draw.
Show more

BenQ LW500 vs the average projector

  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    BenQ LW500 has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    What it is: Number of screen refreshes per second, measured in hertz.
    When it matters: When motion clarity matters for gaming, sports, or fast-moving video instead of slower cinematic content only.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    BenQ LW500 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
  • 0.18 inch larger DMD chip
    BenQ LW500 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.
    What it is: Size of the DMD chip, measured in inches.
    When it matters: When fine image detail matters and you want more hardware context behind how sharp the picture may look on a large screen.

    Importance: LOW

    BenQ LW500 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
  • Higher contrast ratio
    BenQ LW500 has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (20000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Full on/off contrast ratio.
    What it is: Ratio of brightest white to darkest black displayed by the projector.
    When it matters: When you watch movies in a dark room, stronger contrast matters.

    Importance: HIGH

    BenQ LW500 has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (20000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.20,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 50 inch larger image size
    BenQ LW500 has a higher projection size than the average projector (300 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    What it is: Maximum supported image size for projection, measured diagonally.
    When it matters: When you want a cinema-size picture, maximum projection size matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    BenQ LW500 has a higher projection size than the average projector (300 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.300 inch vs 250 inch
  • 10,000 hours longer eco lamp life
    BenQ LW500 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.
    What it is: Expected operational lifespan of the lamp in eco mode, measured in hours.
    When it matters: When you care about running costs and maintenance intervals, light-source lifespan matters.

    Importance: LOW

    BenQ LW500 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.30000 hours vs 20000 hours
  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    BenQ LW500 has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
  • 0.18 inch larger DMD chip
    BenQ LW500 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.
  • Higher contrast ratio
    BenQ LW500 has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (20000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
  • 50 inch larger image size
    BenQ LW500 has a higher projection size than the average projector (300 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
  • 10,000 hours longer eco lamp life
    BenQ LW500 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.
  • No HDR10 support
    BenQ LW500 does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 56.3% of projectors support HDR10.
  • Low native resolution
    BenQ LW500 has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
  • Lower output resolution
    BenQ LW500 supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
  • 9.1% dimmer image
    BenQ LW500 has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (2,000 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
  • 0.2 2x narrower zoom range
    BenQ LW500 has a lower zoom ratio than the average projector (1.1 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
  • Limited HDMI format
    BenQ LW500 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.
  • 43.3% lower HDMI bandwidth
    BenQ LW500 has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
  • Older HDMI version
    BenQ LW500 has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.4 vs 2.0). The average projector supports HDMI 2.0.
  • Old HDCP version
    BenQ LW500 has Old HDCP version than the average projector (1.4 vs 2.2). The average projector supports HDCP 2.2.
  • 6.4 ms higher input lag
    BenQ LW500 has a higher input lag than the average projector (33.4 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    At 1080P/60Hz.
  • No Wi-Fi support
    BenQ LW500 does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.6% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
  • 80% weaker audio output
    BenQ LW500 has a lower audio output power than the average projector (2 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
  • Basic light source
    BenQ LW500 has Basic light source than the average projector (led vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
  • 2 dB louder operation
    BenQ LW500 has a higher audible noise than the average projector (32 dB vs 30 dB). The average projector has 30 dB of audible noise.
  • No HDR10 support
    BenQ LW500 does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 56.3% of projectors support HDR10.
    What it is: Support for HDR10 high dynamic range standard.
    When it matters: When you want the projector to handle mainstream HDR movie and streaming content instead of standard dynamic range only.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    BenQ LW500 does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 56.3% of projectors support HDR10.
  • Limited HDMI format
    BenQ LW500 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.
    What it is: Highest HDMI input format supported by the projector.
    When it matters: When you want to confirm the exact signal format the projector can accept from high-end modern sources.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    BenQ LW500 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
    BenQ LW500 has Basic light source than the average projector (led vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    What it is: Type of light source used by the projector.
    When it matters: When maintenance expectations, startup behavior, brightness stability, and long-term running costs all matter in the buying decision.

    Importance: LOW

    BenQ LW500 has Basic light source than the average projector (led vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.led vs laser
  • Low native resolution
    BenQ LW500 has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    What it is: Native resolution of the display panel or imaging device.
    When it matters: When picture sharpness matters enough that you want to know the projector's true native imaging resolution, not just supported input formats.

    Importance: HIGH

    BenQ LW500 has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.1280x800 vs 1920x1080
  • Lower output resolution
    BenQ LW500 supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    What it is: The resolution the projector can actually display through its imaging system.
    When it matters: When you want to know the actual image detail the projector can put on screen rather than just the source format it accepts.

    Importance: HIGH

    BenQ LW500 supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.1280x800 vs 1920x1080
  • 43.3% lower HDMI bandwidth
    BenQ LW500 has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    What it is: Maximum bandwidth supported by HDMI inputs, measured in Gbps.
    When it matters: When newer consoles, gaming PCs, or media boxes need more HDMI throughput than older projectors can handle.

    Importance: LOW

    BenQ LW500 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 support
    BenQ LW500 does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.6% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
    What it is: Support for Wi-Fi network connectivity.
    When it matters: When the projector should handle network features, updates, or streaming functions without needing wired Ethernet only.

    Importance: LOW

    BenQ LW500 does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.6% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
  • Older HDMI version
    BenQ LW500 has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.4 vs 2.0). The average projector supports HDMI 2.0.
    What it is: Version of the HDMI standard supported.
    When it matters: When source devices push newer HDMI features, refresh rates, or bandwidth levels that older ports may limit.

    Importance: LOW

    BenQ LW500 has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.4 vs 2.0). The average projector supports HDMI 2.0.1.4 vs 2.0

Graphic comparison of BenQ LW500 and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about BenQ LW500?

  • High brightness (2,000 ANSI lumens) suitable for moderately lit rooms
  • Long LED light source life, lasting up to 30,000 hours in Eco mode
  • Accurate and vibrant colors with 98% Rec.709 coverage
  • Fast power on/off capability, reaching full brightness within 8 seconds
  • Compact and lightweight design for better portability
  • Quiet operation, especially in Eco mode (approximately 28dB)
  • Easy setup features including Auto Vertical Keystone and Corner Fit

What customers dislike about BenQ LW500?

  • Native resolution is only WXGA (1280x800), which may lack sharpness compared to Full HD models
  • Weak internal audio, with users reporting the 2W speaker is barely audible at max volume
  • Limited placement flexibility due to a small 1.1x zoom ratio
  • Some users reported missing cables or lack of printed instructions in the box
  • Input lag of 33.4ms is acceptable for general use but not ideal for competitive gaming

Video reviews

Compare BenQ LW500 with

VS
VS

Compare