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BenQ MS517 Review | 85 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£480
  • Avg. price in US: ~$330
  • ANSI lumens: 2800
  • Native panel resolution: 800x600
  • Throw ratio: 1.97-2.17:1

BenQ MS517 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%

4.8

Technical Score

10.0%

8.5

User score

Good
4.8

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%

5.8

Image Quality

22.0%

4.7

Projection & Lens

12.0%

4.3

HDMI & Gaming

10.0%

4.0

Audio & Features

8.0%

2.2

Connectivity

6.0%

4.1

Design & Power

Poor
8.5

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%

8.3

User reviews

30.0%

8.7

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(147)
amazon
4.0
(23)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Excellent
  • 6.4
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    ?

    Input lag

    25.0%

    10

    Refresh rate

    20.0%

    4.7

    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

  • 3.6
    Home theatre

    Score components:

    30.0%

    4.7

    Output Resolution

    25.0%

    1.0

    HDR10 support

    20.0%

    1.0

    Dolby Vision support

    15.0%

    7.7

    ANSI lumens

    10.0%

    5.8

    Audible noise

  • benq-ms517
benq-ms517

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 MS517 is a portable DLP-based projector designed primarily for small-to-medium classrooms and meeting rooms, featuring a native SVGA (800x600) resolution and 4:3 aspect ratio. It delivers a bright 2,800 ANSI lumens output and a high 13,000:1 contrast ratio, ensuring clear visibility even in environments with moderate ambient light. Key characteristics include SmartEco technology for energy efficiency, 3D support via HDMI from Blu-ray players, and an impressive lamp life reaching up to 6,500 hours in SmartEco mode. Its main advantages are its high brightness accuracy, extensive connectivity options (including HDMI and dual VGA), and low maintenance requirements. However, notable drawbacks include its low native resolution which makes it unsuitable for detailed spreadsheets, poor onboard audio from a 2W speaker, and the lack of a carrying case for a portable unit.

Technical Specifications of BenQ MS517

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%

5.8

Image Quality

22.0%

4.7

Projection & Lens

12.0%

4.3

HDMI & Gaming

10.0%

4.0

Audio & Features

8.0%

2.2

Connectivity

6.0%

4.1

Design & Power

4.8
BenQ MS517 has a technical score of 4.8 points, which is lower than 88.4% 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%

8.3

User reviews

30.0%

8.7

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(147)
amazon
4.0
(23)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

8.5
BenQ MS517 has a user score of 8.46 points, which is higher than 81.6% 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.
8.7
BenQ MS517 has a popularity of 8.7 points, which is higher than 81.9% 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%

8.0

Price

6.0
BenQ MS517 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6 points, which is lower than 51.5% 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

2,800
BenQ MS517 reaches 2800 ANSI lumens, brighter than 62.7% of projectors and equal to 1.2% 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

13,000:1
BenQ MS517 has a contrast ratio of 13000:1, higher than 53.3% of projectors and equal to 1.3% of projectors.
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

800x600
BenQ MS517 uses a native resolution of 800x600, lower than 97.6% of projectors and equal to 1.5% 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

800x600
BenQ MS517 supports output resolution up to 800x600, lower than 97.8% of projectors and equal to 1.5% 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

1.97-2.17:1
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

1.2 m
BenQ MS517 needs a minimum throw distance of 1.2 m, longer than 59.4% of projectors and equal to 8.9% of projectors.
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 MS517 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 MS517 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 MS517 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

?
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 MS517 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 MS517 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 MS517 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 MS517 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

1
BenQ MS517 has 1 HDMI port/s, fewer than 54.6% of projectors and equal to 42.2% 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 MS517 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 MS517 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 MS517 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 MS517 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 MS517 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

lamp
BenQ MS517 uses lamp light source technology, less advanced than 67.1% of projectors and equal to 33% 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 MS517 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

4,500 hours
BenQ MS517 offers lamp life of 4500 hours, longer than 74% of projectors and equal to 3% of projectors.
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

6,000 hours
BenQ MS517 offers eco-mode lamp life of 6000 hours, longer than 79.5% of projectors and equal to 7% 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

245 W
BenQ MS517 uses 245 W of power, more than 52.9% of projectors and equal to 0.5% of projectors.
Typical power draw.
Show more

BenQ MS517 vs the average projector

  • 2 more audio input ports
    BenQ MS517 has more audio input ports than the average projector (2 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    What it is: Number of analog audio input ports available.
    When it matters: When you connect several devices at the same time, port count matters.

    Importance: LOW

    BenQ MS517 has more audio input ports than the average projector (2 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.2 vs 0
  • 10 degrees greater vertical keystone correction
    BenQ MS517 offers more vertical keystone correction than the average projector (40 degrees degrees vs 30 degrees degrees). The average projector offers 30 degrees degrees of vertical keystone correction.
    What it is: Range of vertical keystone correction supported.
    When it matters: When the projector sits too high or too low relative to the screen and vertical image correction becomes necessary.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    BenQ MS517 offers more vertical keystone correction than the average projector (40 degrees degrees vs 30 degrees degrees). The average projector offers 30 degrees degrees of vertical keystone correction.40 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • 27.3% brighter image
    BenQ MS517 has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (2,800 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 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

    BenQ MS517 has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (2,800 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.2,800 vs 2,200
  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    BenQ MS517 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 MS517 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
  • 50 inch larger image size
    BenQ MS517 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 MS517 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
  • 0.08 inch larger DMD chip
    BenQ MS517 has a higher DMD chip size than the average projector (0.6 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 MS517 has a higher DMD chip size than the average projector (0.6 inch vs 0.47 inch). The average projector has 0.47 inch of DMD chip size.0.55 inch vs 0.47 inch
  • Includes VGA
    BenQ MS517 includes VGA input, while the average projector does not. 43.1% of projectors include VGA input.
    What it is: Presence of a VGA connector for analog video input.
    When it matters: When older laptops, PCs, or legacy AV hardware still need an analog video input path.

    Importance: LOW

    BenQ MS517 includes VGA input, while the average projector does not. 43.1% of projectors include VGA input.
  • Higher contrast ratio
    BenQ MS517 has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (13000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of 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 MS517 has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (13000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.13,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 27.3% brighter image
    BenQ MS517 has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (2,800 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    BenQ MS517 has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
  • 0.08 inch larger DMD chip
    BenQ MS517 has a higher DMD chip size than the average projector (0.6 inch vs 0.47 inch). The average projector has 0.47 inch of DMD chip size.
  • Higher contrast ratio
    BenQ MS517 has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (13000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
  • 10 degrees greater vertical keystone correction
    BenQ MS517 offers more vertical keystone correction than the average projector (40 degrees degrees vs 30 degrees degrees). The average projector offers 30 degrees degrees of vertical keystone correction.
  • 50 inch larger image size
    BenQ MS517 has a higher projection size than the average projector (300 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
  • Includes VGA
    BenQ MS517 includes VGA input, while the average projector does not. 43.1% of projectors include VGA input.
  • 2 more audio input ports
    BenQ MS517 has more audio input ports than the average projector (2 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.

Total
Overall
Image Quality
Projection & Lens
Connectivity
Audio & Features
  • No HDR10 support
    BenQ MS517 does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 56.3% of projectors support HDR10.
  • Lower output resolution
    BenQ MS517 supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (800x600 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
  • Low native resolution
    BenQ MS517 has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (800x600 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
  • 0.2 2x narrower zoom range
    BenQ MS517 has a lower zoom ratio than the average projector (1.1 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
  • 0.14 m longer throw distance
    BenQ MS517 has a higher throw distance than the average projector (1.2 m vs 1.06 m). The average projector has 1.06 m of throw distance.
  • Limited HDMI format
    BenQ MS517 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 MS517 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 MS517 has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.4 vs 2.0). The average projector supports HDMI 2.0.
  • Old HDCP version
    BenQ MS517 has Old HDCP version than the average projector (1.4 vs 2.2). The average projector supports HDCP 2.2.
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    BenQ MS517 has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
  • No Wi-Fi support
    BenQ MS517 does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.6% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
  • 80% weaker audio output
    BenQ MS517 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 MS517 has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
  • 15,500 hours shorter lamp life
    BenQ MS517 has a lower lamp life than the average projector (4,500 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life.
  • 2 dB louder operation
    BenQ MS517 has a higher audible noise than the average projector (32 dB vs 30 dB). The average projector has 30 dB of audible noise.
  • 14,000 hours shorter eco lamp life
    BenQ MS517 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.
  • 2 dB louder eco mode
    BenQ MS517 has a higher audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (30 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
  • 9 older model
    BenQ MS517 was released earlier than the average projector (2,012 vs 2,021). The average projector was released in 2,021.
    December 2012
  • 76.8 mm thicker body
    BenQ MS517 is thicker than the average projector (221.8 mm vs 145 mm). The average projector has a thickness of 145 mm.
  • Lower output resolution
    BenQ MS517 supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (800x600 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 MS517 supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (800x600 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.800x600 vs 1920x1080
  • No HDR10 support
    BenQ MS517 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 MS517 does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 56.3% of projectors support HDR10.
  • Limited HDMI format
    BenQ MS517 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 MS517 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 MS517 has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp 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 MS517 has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.lamp vs laser
  • Low native resolution
    BenQ MS517 has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (800x600 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 MS517 has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (800x600 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.800x600 vs 1920x1080
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    BenQ MS517 has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 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

    BenQ MS517 has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.1 vs 2
  • 43.3% lower HDMI bandwidth
    BenQ MS517 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 MS517 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 MS517 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 MS517 does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.6% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
Total
Image Quality
Projection & Lens
HDMI & Gaming
Connectivity
Audio & Features
Design & Power

Graphic comparison of BenQ MS517 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
147 Reviews
amazon
4.0
23 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about BenQ MS517?

  • Excellent value for money and low entry price
  • High brightness (2800 lumens) that stands up well to ambient light
  • Impressive lamp life, reaching up to 6,500 hours in SmartEco mode
  • High contrast ratio (13000:1) providing sharp data images
  • Includes 3D support via HDMI (compatible with Blu-ray players)
  • Portability, weighing only 5.1 lbs for easy transport
  • Wide array of connectivity options including HDMI and dual VGA inputs

What customers dislike about BenQ MS517?

  • Low native SVGA resolution (800x600) makes fine text and detailed spreadsheets difficult to read
  • Noticeable 'rainbow effect' artifacts common in budget DLP projectors during video playback
  • Feeble 2W built-in speaker with very low volume output
  • Limited 1.1x optical zoom offers very little placement flexibility
  • Lamp replacement is difficult and requires more effort compared to other models
  • Tends to get hot quickly during extended use
  • Does not include a carrying case or 3D glasses

Expert reviews

P
projectorcentral.com
09/04/2013
BenQ MS517 Classroom Projector Review

BenQ MS517 Review Summary The BenQ MS517 is a portable, 5.1-pound DLP classroom projector that offers high value and near-excellent data image quality for its budget price class. It delivers highly readable, crisp text down to 7 points and maintains a rock-solid, jitter-free analog connection. While rated at 2,800 lumens, it measured at 2,736 lumens in its brightest mode, making it...Read more

P
pcmag.com
28/03/2013
BenQ MS517 Review - PCMag

The BenQ MS517 is a solid, budget-friendly DLP data projector designed primarily for classroom settings, featuring a native SVGA (800-by-600) resolution and a brightness rating of 2,800 lumens. Its high brightness allows it to successfully display images even in environments with a significant amount of ambient light. The device is highly portable at 5.1 pounds and includes a robust...Read more

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projectorreviews.com
03/05/2013
BenQ MS517 DLP Multimedia Projector Review

The BenQ MS517 DLP Multimedia Projector is a highly competitive, budget-friendly data projector engineered primarily for classroom and presentation environments where ambient light is present. Boasting a manufacturing rating of 2,800 lumens of brightness and an exceptionally high contrast ratio of 13,000:1, this unit delivers sharp image quality and deep black levels at an...Read more

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projectorreviews.com
03/05/2013
BenQ MS517 Projector - Image Quality

The BenQ MS517 DLP multimedia projector review highlights a budget-friendly option that delivers acceptable image quality for its class, though it comes with distinct color and resolution trade-offs. On the positive side, the projector does a great job rendering whites and produces a nice, strong red. Furthermore, it projects video nicely, making it a highly effective training tool...Read more

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projectorreviews.com
03/05/2013
BenQ MS517 Projector - Physical Tour

The BenQ MS517 is a budget-friendly DLP data projector primarily designed for classroom and presentation environments. The review highlights its standout aesthetic, featuring a sleek black piano finish and a smart design where the lens, focus, and zoom knobs are safely recessed into the body to prevent accidental damage. A major physical pro is the exceptionally well-labeled,...Read more

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projectorreviews.com
03/05/2013
BenQ MS517 DLP Projector - Review Summary

The BenQ MS517 DLP Multimedia Projector is a budget-friendly option priced under $500 that stands out for its high 13,000:1 contrast ratio and unique 3D capabilities via Blu-Ray and HDMI source inputs. It features a native SVGA (800x600) resolution, making it a cheaper alternative to higher-resolution models while providing a sharp image even when downscaling higher input signals....Read more

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uk.pcmag.com
26/03/2013
BenQ MS517 Review - Review 2013 - PCMag UK

The BenQ MS517 is a solid, budget-friendly DLP projector designed primarily for classroom use. With a native SVGA resolution of 800-by-600 and a brightness rating of 2,800 lumens, it is powerful enough to project clear presentations in environments with moderate ambient light. At 5.1 pounds, the unit is highly portable, though it notably omits a carrying case to keep costs low. It...Read more

U
uk.pcmag.com
16/05/2014
BenQ MS517 - PCMag UK

I will summarize the review of the BenQ MS517 classroom projector based on the provided text, assuming the perspective of a prospective educator or presenter evaluating budget equipment. The BenQ MS517 is a portable, low-resolution budget data projector tailored specifically for classroom environments. It relies on a DLP-based system with a native SVGA (800x600) resolution, making...Read more

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projectorreviews.com
03/05/2013
BenQ MS517 DLP Projector - Review Summary", "BenQ MS517 DLP Projector - Review Overview

The BenQ MS517 is a budget-friendly, native SVGA (800x600) DLP multimedia projector designed primarily for classrooms and basic video presentations. It stands out for its high 13,000:1 contrast ratio, 3D playback capability from Blu-ray via HDMI, and a durable design featuring a security-enhancing Kensington Lock. The device delivers accurate color for videos and movies, boasts high...Read more

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simpaticotech.it
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BenQ MS517 SVGA 3D DLP Projector, 2800 ANSI Lumens

The provided Simpaticotech merchant page reviews a refurbished BENQ MS517 3D DLP Projector. The listing notes that the unit is used, tested, and fully functional, backed by a 365-day warranty. It is equipped with a functional, used lamp and comes with a 14-day free trial, though the item is currently out of stock online. In terms of technical performance, the review highlights...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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