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BenQ MX522 Review | 84 Data compared

Avg. price:~£140Native panel resolution:1024x768ANSI lumens:3000Throw ratio:1.97-2.17:1Lamp life:4500 hours

BenQ MX522 Review: Compare 84 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

BenQ MX522
6.1/10

Overall score

Score
6.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
Score components

90%

5.9

Technical score

10%

8.0

User score

â–¼Worse than 72% of projectors
7.2

Value for money

Value for money
7.2/ 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 81% of models
Score components

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

â–²Better than 81%
5.9

Technical score

Technical score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Projectors category across these key areas: Image Quality, Projection & Lens, HDMI & Gaming, Connectivity, Audio & Features, Design & Power.
When it matters
When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
Score components

42%

6.7

Image Quality

22%

5.9

Projection & Lens

12%

5.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.5

Audio & Features

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.8

Design & Power

â–¼Worse than 77%
8.0

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 67% of models
Score components

70%

8.8

User ratings

30%

6.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–²Better than 67%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of projector BenQ MX522

Technical score
Technical score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Projectors category across these key areas: Image Quality, Projection & Lens, HDMI & Gaming, Connectivity, Audio & Features, Design & Power.
When it matters
When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
Score components:

42%

6.7

Image Quality

22%

5.9

Projection & Lens

12%

5.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.5

Audio & Features

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.8

Design & Power

5.9
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 67% of models
Score components

70%

8.8

User ratings

30%

6.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.0
Popularity
Popularity
6.1/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 58% of models
Popularity:
BenQ MX522 has a popularity score of 6.1 points, which is higher than 58.4% of projectors.
6.1
Value for money
Value for money
7.2/ 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 81% of models
Score components:

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

7.2
ANSI lumens
3,000
Market range: <250 – >4k
This projector reaches 3,000 ANSI lumens, brighter than 64.2% of projectors and equal to 9.1% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
13,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 13000:1, higher than 53.3% of projectors and equal to 1.3% of projectors.
Native contrast ratio.
Native panel resolution
1024x768
This projector uses a native resolution of 1024x768, lower than 88.3% of projectors and equal to 5.5% of projectors.
Output Resolution
1024x768
This projector supports output resolution up to 1024x768, lower than 89.2% of projectors and equal to 5.5% of projectors.
Projection technology
DLP
Show more
Throw ratio
1.97-2.17:1
Min throw distance
?
Max projection size
300 inch
Market range: <100 inch – >300 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 300 inch, larger than 51.9% of projectors and equal to 37.9% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
1.1
Market range: <1.1 – >2.1
This projector offers a zoom ratio of 1.1, narrower than 86.1% of projectors and equal to 12.2% of projectors.
Manual optical zoom.
Motorized zoom
no
This projector does not have motorized zoom. 16.3% of projectors have motorized zoom.
Show more
Input lag
?
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
no
This projector does not support ALLM. 17.2% of projectors support ALLM.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
no
This projector does not support VRR. 1.6% of projectors support VRR.
HDMI version
1.4
This projector supports HDMI 1.4, older than 54.8% of projectors and equal to 34% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
10.2 Gbps
Market range: <10 Gbps – >50 Gbps
This projector supports HDMI bandwidth up to 10.2 Gbps, lower than 52.5% of projectors and equal to 45.2% of projectors.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
1
Market range: <1 – >6
This projector has 1 HDMI port/s, fewer than 55.1% of projectors and equal to 41.6% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This projector does not support Wi-Fi. 52.9% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
no
This projector does not support Bluetooth. 50.5% of projectors support Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Show more
Smart TV features
no
This projector does not have smart TV features. 43.8% of projectors have smart TV features.
Operating system
none
Android OS
no
This projector does not run Android OS. 18.8% of projectors run Android OS.
Dedicated smartphone app
no
This projector does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 35.2% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Remote control
yes
This projector includes a remote control. 1.6% of projectors include a remote control.
Show more
Light source type
lamp
This projector uses lamp light source technology, less advanced than 67.1% of projectors and equal to 33% of projectors.
Laser Light Source
no
This projector does not use a laser light source. 28.1% of projectors use a laser light source.
Lamp life
4,500 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 4,500 hours, longer than 74% of projectors and equal to 3% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
?
Operating power consumption
240 W
Market range: <50 W – >400 W
This projector uses 240 W of power, more than 51% of projectors and equal to 1.4% of projectors.
Maximum power-on rating.
Show more

BenQ MX522 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 greater vertical keystone correction
    This projector 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
  • 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
  • 53.5 inch larger image size
    This projector has a higher projection size than the average projector (300 inch vs 246.5 inch). The average projector has 246.5 inch of projection size.
    300 inch vs 246.5 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
  • 5.5x cheaper
    BenQ MX522 is cheaper than the average projector (£140 vs £770).
    £140 vs £770
  • 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.
    Native contrast ratio.
    13,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 5.5x cheaper
    BenQ MX522 is cheaper than the average projector (£140 vs £770).
    £140 vs £770
  • 10.8% better value for money
    BenQ MX522 has a higher value-for-money score than the average projector (7.21 vs 6.5).
    7.21 vs 6.51
  • 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.
    Native contrast ratio.
    13,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 10 degrees greater vertical keystone correction
    This projector 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
  • 53.5 inch larger image size
    This projector has a higher projection size than the average projector (300 inch vs 246.5 inch). The average projector has 246.5 inch of projection size.
    300 inch vs 246.5 inch
  • Includes VGA
    This projector includes VGA input, while the average projector does not. 45.3% of projectors include 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
  • 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. 56.5% of projectors support HDR10.
  • Lower output resolution
    This projector supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1024x768 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    1024x768 vs 1920x1080
  • Low native resolution
    This projector has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1024x768 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    1024x768 vs 1920x1080
  • 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
  • No Wi-Fi support
    This projector does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.9% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 56.5% of projectors support HDR10.
  • Lower output resolution
    This projector supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1024x768 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    1024x768 vs 1920x1080
  • Low native resolution
    This projector has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1024x768 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    1024x768 vs 1920x1080
  • 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.
    Manual optical zoom.
    1.1 vs 1.3
  • 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 2.0.
    1.4 vs 2.0
  • Old HDCP version
    This projector has Old HDCP version than the average projector (1.4 vs 2.2). The average projector supports HDCP 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 support
    This projector does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.9% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
  • No Bluetooth support
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.5% of projectors support Bluetooth.
  • 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
  • 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
  • 2 dB louder operation
    This projector has a higher audible noise than the average projector (32 dB vs 30 dB). The average projector has 30 dB of audible noise.
    32 dB vs 30 dB
  • 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.
    30 dB vs 28 dB
  • 8 older model
    This projector was released earlier than the average projector (2013 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    November 2013
    2013 vs 2021
  • 76.8 mm thicker body
    This projector is thicker than the average projector (221.8 mm vs 145 mm). The average projector has a thickness of 145 mm.
    221.8 mm vs 145 mm

Video reviews

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

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Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

pcmag.com
21/01/2014
Lab test · Business projector
Verdict
The BenQ MX522 is a bright, lightweight XGA projector with high-quality data images and a 10,000-hour lamp, though its speaker is weak.

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: October 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about BenQ MX522

  • High brightness (3,000 lumens) suitable for rooms with ambient light
  • Exceptional lamp life of up to 10,000 hours using SmartEco technology
  • Crisp and readable data image quality, especially for fine text
  • Compact and lightweight design (approx. 5.1 lbs), making it highly portable
  • Excellent value for price, often described as a 'steal' for its performance
  • Native support for 3D content via HDMI 1.4a
  • Quiet operation, minimizing distractions during movies or games

What customers don't like about BenQ MX522

  • Weak built-in 2W speaker system, requiring external audio for most uses
  • Limited native XGA (1024x768) resolution results in visible scaling noise for HD video
  • Relatively low contrast ratio can leave video colors looking slightly dull
  • Occasional firmware issues reported, such as locking up due to lamp lifecycle messages
  • Does not include a carrying case, adding to the cost for mobile users
  • Brightest mode can result in slightly dark or inaccurate color saturation
  • Small zoom range (1.1x) offers limited flexibility in placement distance

Verdict

The BenQ MX522 is a versatile DLP business and education projector featuring a native XGA (1024 x 768) resolution, a brightness of 3,000 ANSI lumens, and a high contrast ratio of 13,000:1. Its standout feature is the SmartEco technology, which helps extend the lamp life to an impressive 10,000 hours while reducing power consumption. Main pros include its lightweight 5.1-pound design for easy portability, support for Full HD 3D content from Blu-ray players, and sharp, high-quality data image rendering. However, cons include a low-power 2-watt mono speaker system that lacks sufficient volume for larger rooms and a 1.1:1 zoom ratio that offers limited flexibility during setup.

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