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 W1500 review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£1,320Native panel resolution:1920x1080ANSI lumens:2200Throw ratio:1.07-1.71:1Lamp life:3000 hours

BenQ W1500 Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 21 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

BenQ W1500
7.1/10

Overall score

Score
7.1/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

35%

5.9

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

8.3

Reviews score

10%

?

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

▼Worse than 54% of projectors
6.0

Value for money

Value for money
6.0/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

7.1

Overall score

30%

3.5

Price

▼Worse than 78%
5.9

Technical score

Technical score
5.9/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

42%

6.8

Image Quality

22%

4.8

Projection & Lens

12%

5.0

HDMI & Gaming

10%

7.4

Audio & Features

8%

5.2

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Design & Power

▼Worse than 76%
8.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10

80%

8.2

Average grade

20%

9.0

Popularity

Grades by review (21)
18 reviews: 10 with a printed score, 8 estimated from the review. 3 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 51%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • benq-w1500
benq-w1500
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.

What reviewers say about the BenQ W1500

Based on 10 · 3

Handy zoom, smooth motion and good 3D, but the wireless HDMI splits opinion, and lens shift and sharpness disappoint.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of projector BenQ W1500

Technical score
Technical score
5.9/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

42%

6.8

Image Quality

22%

4.8

Projection & Lens

12%

5.0

HDMI & Gaming

10%

7.4

Audio & Features

8%

5.2

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Design & Power

5.9
Reviews score
8.3
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.0/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

7.1

Overall score

30%

3.5

Price

6.0
ANSI lumens
2,200
This projector reaches 2,200 ANSI lumens, brighter than 46.2% of projectors and equal to 4.3% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
10,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 10000:1, lower than 50.1% of projectors and equal to 7.4% of projectors.
Native panel resolution
1920x1080
This projector uses a native resolution of 1920x1080, higher than 27% of projectors and equal to 59.2% of projectors.
Output resolution
1920x1080
This projector supports output resolution up to 1920x1080, higher than 25.9% of projectors and equal to 42.3% of projectors.
Projection technology
DLP
Show more
What reviewers say
Throw ratio
1.07-1.71:1
Min throw distance
?
Max projection size
300 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 300 inch, larger than 51.5% of projectors and equal to 38% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
1.6
This projector offers a zoom ratio of 1.6, wider than 61.5% of projectors and equal to 17% of projectors.
Motorized zoom
no
This projector does not have motorised zoom. 14.8% of projectors offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Input lag
66 ms
This projector has input lag of 66 ms, higher than 88.9% of projectors and equal to 0.6% of projectors.
In 1080P.
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
This projector supports HDMI bandwidth up to 10.2 Gbps, lower than 51.2% of projectors and equal to 46.5% of projectors.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of HDMI ports
2
This projector has 2 HDMI port/s, more than 45.9% of projectors and equal to 47.3% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
no
This projector does not support Bluetooth. 50.7% of projectors offer this.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Show more
Smart TV features
no
This projector does not have built-in smart TV features. 43.9% of projectors offer this.
Operating system
none
Android OS
no
This projector does not run Android OS. 19.1% of projectors run Android OS.
Dedicated smartphone app
no
This projector does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 36.8% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Remote control
yes
This projector includes a remote control. 1.5% of projectors offer this.
Backlit remote included.
Show more
What reviewers say
Light source type
lamp
This projector uses lamp light source technology, less advanced than 66.5% of projectors and equal to 33.5% of projectors.
Laser light source
no
This projector does not have a laser light source. 26.8% of projectors offer this.
Lamp life
3,000 hours
This projector offers lamp life of 3,000 hours, longer than 91.9% of projectors and equal to 4% of projectors.
Lamp life is resolved to 3,000 hours; some sources mention 3,500 hours.
Lamp life (eco mode)
6,000 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.
Eco mode rating.
Operating power consumption
375 W
This projector uses 375 W of power, more than 89.3% of projectors and equal to 0.2% of projectors.
Show more

BenQ W1500 vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • 2 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (2 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    Includes RCA stereo input.
    2 vs 0
  • Includes stereo speakers
    This projector has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 47.8% of projectors have stereo speakers.
  • Supports motion smoothing
    This projector supports motion smoothing, while the average projector does not. 34.1% of projectors offer this.
  • 2x stronger audio output
    This projector has a higher audio output power than the average projector (20 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
    20 W vs 10 W
  • 0.18 inch larger DMD chip
    This projector has a higher DMD chip size than the average projector (0.7 inch vs 0.47 inch). The average projector has 0.47 inch of DMD chip size.
    0.65 inch vs 0.47 inch
  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    This projector has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    120 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • 0.3 2x wider zoom range
    This projector has a higher zoom ratio than the average projector (1.6 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
    1.6 vs 1.3
  • 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
  • 12.2% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10

    80%

    8.2

    Average grade

    20%

    9.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (21)
    18 reviews: 10 with a printed score, 8 estimated from the review. 3 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.3 vs 7.4
  • 0.18 inch larger DMD chip
    This projector has a higher DMD chip size than the average projector (0.7 inch vs 0.47 inch). The average projector has 0.47 inch of DMD chip size.
    0.65 inch vs 0.47 inch
  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    This projector has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    120 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • 0.3 2x wider zoom range
    This projector has a higher zoom ratio than the average projector (1.6 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
    1.6 vs 1.3
  • 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
  • Supports motion smoothing
    This projector supports motion smoothing, while the average projector does not. 34.1% of projectors offer this.
  • VGA input included
    This projector supports VGA input, while the average projector does not. 44.1% of projectors support VGA input.
  • 2 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (2 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    Includes RCA stereo input.
    2 vs 0
  • Includes stereo speakers
    This projector has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 47.8% of projectors have stereo speakers.
  • 2x stronger audio output
    This projector has a higher audio output power than the average projector (20 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
    20 W vs 10 W
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    lamp vs laser
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 54 % less vertical lens shift
    This projector has fewer vertical lens shift than the average projector (10 % vs 64 %). The average projector has 64 % vertical lens shift.
    10 % vs 64 %
  • 43.3% lower HDMI bandwidth
    This projector has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps
  • 39 ms higher input lag
    This projector has a higher input lag than the average projector (66 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    In 1080P.
    66 ms vs 27 ms
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks, while the average projector does. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • 15.4% worse value for money
    BenQ W1500 has a lower value-for-money score than the average projector (6.02 vs 6.9).
    6.02 vs 6.95
  • 2x more expensive
    BenQ W1500 is more expensive than the average projector (£1,320 vs £660).
    £1,320 vs £660
  • 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.
    July 2013
    2013 vs 2021
  • 54 % less vertical lens shift
    This projector has fewer vertical lens shift than the average projector (10 % vs 64 %). The average projector has 64 % vertical lens shift.
    10 % vs 64 %
  • 20 degrees less vertical correction
    This projector offers less vertical keystone correction than the average projector (10 degrees vs 30 degrees). The average projector offers vertical keystone correction of 30 degrees.
    10 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • 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
  • 39 ms higher input lag
    This projector has a higher input lag than the average projector (66 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    In 1080P.
    66 ms vs 27 ms
  • 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
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks, while the average projector does. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    lamp vs laser
  • 17,000 hours shorter lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life than the average projector (3,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life.
    Lamp life is resolved to 3,000 hours; some sources mention 3,500 hours.
    3,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 145 W higher power use
    This projector uses more power than the average projector (375 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    375 W vs 230 W
  • 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.
    Lamp life is resolved to 3,000 hours; some sources mention 3,500 hours.
    6,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 2 dB louder operation
    This projector has a higher audible noise than the average projector (33 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    33 dB vs 31 dB
  • 134.8 mm thicker body
    This projector is thicker than the average projector (284.8 mm vs 150 mm). The average projector has a thickness of 150 mm.
    284.8 mm vs 150 mm
  • 30.9% heavier weight
    This projector is heavier than the average projector (3.9 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    3.9 kg vs 2.98 kg

Video reviews

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

8.0
LoveMTB
≈ estimated
04/11/2013
Hands-on review · image quality, menus and installation
Verdict
BenQ W1500 gives a sharp image with nice colours and good black levels, but it flickers when switching video modes.
9.5
Audioholics
≈ estimated
20/12/2013
Hands-on review · wireless HDMI, picture and speakers
Verdict
BenQ W1500 offers deep blacks, vivid colours and plenty of features for the money.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Brand video
Not graded
Overview video
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

10
projectorcentral.com
✓ explicit
19/08/2013
Lab test · Home theatre
Verdict
The BenQ W1500 gives a sharp, well-saturated picture that is nearly silent in Eco mode, but its default green cast needs calibrating.
7.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
27/05/2013
Hands-on review · Wireless HDMI
Verdict
The BenQ W1500 handles motion and wireless video well, but its average blacks and awkward placement stop it from being a clear buy.
9.0
projectorreviews.com
≈ estimated
25/12/2013
Full review · Home entertainment projector
Verdict
The BenQ W1500 is a bright, flexible living-room projector with a 1.6:1 zoom and wireless HDMI, though its black levels fall short of the dedicated W7000 cinema model.
7.0
avforums.com
✓ explicit
12/12/2013
Lab test · Projector review
Verdict
The BenQ W1500 calibrates well and connects wirelessly without losing quality, but its tiny zoom and shift range makes installation fiddly.
6.0
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
21/10/2013
Hands-on review · Wireless HDMI
Verdict
The BenQ W1500 has vibrant colours and solid wireless video, but washed-out darks and a red-tinted 3D picture hold it back.
8.0
whathifi.com
✓ explicit
30/03/2015
Test-room review · Home projector
Verdict
The BenQ W1500 is a clear, compact projector with realistic colours and wireless HDMI, but it lacks the punch of the Epson TW6600.
7.0
projectorreviews.com
≈ estimated
2013
First look · Family room projector
Verdict
The BenQ W1500 is bright and accurate out of the box, calibrates well and offers useful frame interpolation, though its blacks are only mediocre.
8.0
projectorjunkies.com
≈ estimated
2013
Hands-on test · Wireless HDMI
Verdict
The BenQ W1500 is a well-built, compact projector with excellent frame interpolation, though its measured 1313:1 contrast is modest.
6.0
au.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
18/10/2013
Hands-on test · 3D home projector
Verdict
The BenQ W1500 is a bright 1080p 3D projector for family rooms, with smooth motion and wireless HD, though rainbow flashes can appear.
9.0
bigpicturebigsound.com
≈ estimated
Not Dated
Hands-on test · Wireless HDMI projector
Verdict
The BenQ W1500 is a bright, ISF-certified projector whose wireless HDMI reached 30 feet through a wall, but its lens shift and sharpness settings need care.
7.0
gadgetspeak.com
≈ estimated
Not Dated
Hands-on review · Retro-styled projector
Verdict
The BenQ W1500 is a bright projector with detailed colour controls and quick 3D set-up, but its wireless link only supports a few sources.
10
hifitest.de
✓ explicit
21/09/2014
Lab test · Wireless home projector
Verdict
The BenQ W1500 is a bright home projector with a reliable wireless HDMI link and good colour straight out of the box.
7.0
cine4home.de
≈ estimated
14/12/2014
Comparison test · Mid-range projectors
Verdict
The BenQ W1500 is the more accurate of the two mid-range projectors, but it is dimmer than the Epson TW6600 and shows colour fringes from its lens.
9.8
lite-magazin.de
✓ explicit
14/05/2014
Hands-on test · Wireless picture transfer
Verdict
The BenQ W1500 suits living rooms and garden film nights, with a wireless picture link that holds up to 8 metres if the line of sight stays clear.
7.2
01net.com
✓ explicit
09/06/2014
Hands-on test · Wireless HDMI
Verdict
The BenQ W1500 delivers a good picture and wireless HD, though its fan is audible in normal lamp mode.
7.4
avcesar.com
✓ explicit
06/11/2013
Lab test · Home cinema
Verdict
The BenQ W1500 offers sharp detail, deep blacks and accurate colour after calibration, though its 3D failed during testing.
9.0
01net.com
≈ estimated
13/06/2014
Video review · Wireless HD projector
Verdict
The BenQ W1500 is a Full HD 3D projector with excellent picture quality, well-designed controls and a wireless HDMI dongle that removes the cable run.
9.0
mediasluis.nl
≈ estimated
14/01/2025
Comparison review · Wireless HDMI projector
Verdict
The BenQ W1500 offers a punchy, sharp picture and wireless HDMI, but the Epson TW6100W is brighter and sounds better.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about BenQ W1500

  • Integrated 5GHz wireless HDMI (WHDI) for lossless, cable-free Full HD streaming
  • High brightness (up to 2,200 lumens) suitable for rooms with moderate ambient light
  • Excellent motion handling with creative frame interpolation to reduce judder
  • Accurate colors and skin tones, especially after calibration
  • Short-throw lens allowing for large images in smaller rooms
  • Comprehensive feature set including built-in 10W stereo speakers and back-lit remote
  • Low input lag, making it a strong choice for gaming

What customers don't like about BenQ W1500

  • Mediocre black level performance, which can make dark scenes look washed out or grey
  • Susceptibility to 'rainbow effect' artifacts common in single-chip DLP projectors
  • Extremely limited vertical lens shift range compared to LCD competitors
  • Wireless HDMI transmitter requires its own external power source
  • 3D performance can appear dim, partly due to the dark lenses of the active glasses
  • Higher price point compared to similar models like the BenQ W1070

Verdict

The BenQ W1500 is a Full HD 1080p DLP home entertainment projector featuring a 6-segment RGBRGB color wheel and a brightness of 2,200 ANSI lumens. Notable for being the first of its kind with built-in 5GHz wireless WHDI technology for uncompressed HD transmission, it also offers a short-throw lens with a 1.6x zoom, vertical lens shift, and integrated dual 10W speakers. Main advantages include exceptional color accuracy adhering to the Rec. 709 standard, smooth motion via frame interpolation, and impressive 3D performance with 2D-to-3D conversion. However, it suffers from mediocre black levels that can lead to washed-out dark scenes, a very limited lens shift range, and occasional rainbow artifacts inherent to single-chip DLP technology.

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