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 MS521 review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£320Native panel resolution:800x600ANSI lumens:3000Throw ratio:1.97-2.17:1Lamp life:4500 hours

BenQ MS521 Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 2 expert reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

BenQ MS521
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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
Score components

35%

5.7

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

5.7

Reviews score

10%

?

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

â–¼Worse than 90% 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%

6.3

Overall score

30%

8.8

Price

â–²Better than 54%
5.7

Technical score

Technical score
5.7/ 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 84% of models
Score components

42%

6.3

Image Quality

22%

5.9

Projection & Lens

12%

5.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.2

Audio & Features

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.7

Design & Power

â–¼Worse than 84%
5.7

Reviews score

Reviews score
5.7/ 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–¼ Worse than 89% of models

5.7

Mark 7.3 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.6

Average grade

20%

6.1

Popularity

Grades by review (2)
2 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 0 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 89%
?

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-ms521
benq-ms521
Where to buy
    N/A~ £320
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of projector BenQ MS521

Technical score
Technical score
5.7/ 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 84% of models
Score components:

42%

6.3

Image Quality

22%

5.9

Projection & Lens

12%

5.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.2

Audio & Features

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.7

Design & Power

5.7
Reviews score
5.7
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%

6.3

Overall score

30%

8.8

Price

7.1
ANSI lumens
3,000
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 3,000 ANSI lumens, brighter than 62.9% of projectors and equal to 8.4% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
13,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 13000:1, higher than 52.3% of projectors and equal to 1.2% of projectors.
Native panel resolution
800x600
This projector uses a native resolution of 800x600, lower than 97.7% of projectors and equal to 1.4% of projectors.
Output resolution
800x600
This projector supports output resolution up to 800x600, lower than 97.9% of projectors and equal to 1.4% of projectors.
Projection technology
DLP
Show more
Throw ratio
1.97-2.17:1
Min throw distance
1.2 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >1.651 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 1.2 m, longer than 62.1% of projectors and equal to 7.4% of projectors.
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.
Zoom ratio
1.1
Market range: <1.1 – >2.06
This projector offers a zoom ratio of 1.1, narrower than 82.4% of projectors and equal to 16.1% of projectors.
Motorized zoom
no
This projector does not have motorised zoom. 14.8% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Input lag
?
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
N. of HDMI ports
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This projector has 1 HDMI port/s, fewer than 54.2% of projectors and equal to 42.9% 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.
Show more
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
4,500 hours
Market range: <3.5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 4,500 hours, longer than 75.8% of projectors and equal to 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
240 W
Market range: <57 W – >390 W
This projector uses 240 W of power, more than 52.2% of projectors and equal to 1.2% of projectors.
Show more

BenQ MS521 vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • 36.4% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (3,000 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    3,000 vs 2,200
  • 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
  • 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 audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    1 vs 0
  • 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.
    300 inch vs 250 inch
  • 0.08 inch larger DMD chip
    This projector 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
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector 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
  • VGA input included
    This projector supports VGA input, while the average projector does not. 44.1% of projectors support VGA input.
  • 36.4% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (3,000 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    3,000 vs 2,200
  • 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
  • 0.08 inch larger DMD chip
    This projector 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
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector 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
  • 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.
    300 inch vs 250 inch
  • VGA input included
    This projector supports VGA input, while the average projector does not. 44.1% of projectors support VGA input.
  • 1 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    1 vs 0
  • Lower output resolution
    This projector supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (800x600 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    800x600 vs 1920x1080
  • Low native resolution
    This projector 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
  • 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.
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    This projector 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
    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
  • 23.0% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.7/ 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–¼ Worse than 89% of models

    5.7

    Mark 7.3 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.6

    Average grade

    20%

    6.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (2)
    2 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 0 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.7 vs 7.4
  • 23.0% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.7/ 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–¼ Worse than 89% of models

    5.7

    Mark 7.3 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.6

    Average grade

    20%

    6.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (2)
    2 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 0 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.7 vs 7.4
  • Lower output resolution
    This projector supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (800x600 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    800x600 vs 1920x1080
  • Low native resolution
    This projector 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
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 8 earlier release
    This projector was released earlier than the average projector (2013 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    September 2013
    2013 vs 2021
  • 0.2 2x narrower zoom range
    This projector has a lower zoom ratio than the average projector (1.1 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
    1.1 vs 1.3
  • 0.19 m longer throw distance
    This projector has a higher throw distance than the average projector (1.2 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    1.2 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 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
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    This projector has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
    1 vs 2
  • 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.
  • 80% weaker audio output
    This projector 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.
    2 W vs 10 W
  • No sleep timer
    This projector does not have a sleep timer, while the average projector does. 82.4% of projectors have one.
  • 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
  • 15,500 hours shorter lamp life
    This projector 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.
    4,500 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
  • 2 dB louder eco mode
    This projector 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.
    Eco mode figure.
    30 dB vs 28 dB
  • 71.8 mm thicker body
    This projector is thicker than the average projector (221.8 mm vs 150 mm). The average projector has a thickness of 150 mm.
    221.8 mm vs 150 mm

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

5.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
21/01/2014
Lab test · Business projector
Verdict
The BenQ MS521 is bright and suited to plain data slides, but it sometimes fails to sync when switching between HDMI and VGA.
5.0
uk.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
20/01/2014
Lab test · SVGA 3D projector
Verdict
The BenQ MS521 shows sharp, bright text and has a long-life lamp, but it sometimes fails to sync when switching between HDMI and VGA.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about BenQ MS521

  • Bright display with a 3,000-lumen rating, suitable for moderate ambient light
  • Long lamp life rated up to 10,000 hours, reducing replacement costs
  • High-quality data image performance with crisp, readable text
  • Supports Full HD 3D content from Blu-ray players
  • Portable design weighing approximately 5.2 pounds
  • Eco-friendly features including SmartEco technology to maximize power saving

What customers don't like about BenQ MS521

  • Native SVGA resolution (800x600) is low for modern high-definition video
  • Low-volume internal sound system (1 x 2W speaker)
  • Occasional synchronization issues when switching between image sources
  • Video quality limitations including potential posterization and loss of shadow detail
  • Does not include a carrying case as a standard accessory
  • Limited connectivity with only one HDMI port

Verdict

The BenQ MS521 is a compact DLP business projector featuring a native SVGA (800 x 600) resolution, 3,000 ANSI lumens of brightness, and a high 13,000:1 contrast ratio for clear data presentations. Its main characteristics include SmartEcoâ„¢ technology for power efficiency and support for Blu-ray Full HD 3D. Key pros are its impressive lamp life of up to 10,000 hours in LampSave mode, high-quality data image rendering, and portable 1.9kg (4.2 lbs) design. However, notable cons include a low-volume 2W mono sound system and occasional syncing issues when switching between multiple image sources.

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