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 W1700M review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£1,410Native panel resolution:1920x1080ANSI lumens:2000Throw ratio:1.5-1.65:1Lamp life:4000 hours

BenQ W1700M Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 2 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

BenQ W1700M
6.7/10

Overall score

Score
6.7/ 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 78% of models
Score components

35%

6.3

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

6.3

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 78% of projectors
5.6

Value for money

Value for money
5.6/ 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–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components

70%

6.7

Overall score

30%

3.1

Price

â–¼Worse than 89%
6.3

Technical score

Technical score
6.3/ 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 60% of models
Score components

42%

7.5

Image Quality

22%

5.2

Projection & Lens

12%

6.4

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.4

Audio & Features

8%

5.7

Connectivity

6%

4.1

Design & Power

â–¼Worse than 60%
6.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
6.3/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 75% of models

6.3

Mark 7.9 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.3

Average grade

20%

6.1

Popularity

Grades by review (2)
1 review, its grade estimated from the review text. 1 video review, 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.
â–¼Worse than 75%
?

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
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Where to buy
    N/A~ £1,410
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 W1700M

Technical score
Technical score
6.3/ 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 60% of models
Score components:

42%

7.5

Image Quality

22%

5.2

Projection & Lens

12%

6.4

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.4

Audio & Features

8%

5.7

Connectivity

6%

4.1

Design & Power

6.3
Reviews score
6.3
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
5.6/ 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–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components:

70%

6.7

Overall score

30%

3.1

Price

5.6
ANSI lumens
2000
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 2000 ANSI lumens, dimmer than 54% of projectors and equal to 5% 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
3840x2160
This projector supports output resolution up to 3840x2160, higher than 71.2% of projectors and equal to 24.6% of projectors.
Projection technology
DLP
Show more
Throw ratio
1.5-1.65:1
Min throw distance
1.5 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >1.651 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 1.5 m, longer than 80.5% of projectors and equal to 5.8% 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
45 ms
Market range: <8 ms – >68 ms
This projector has input lag of 45 ms, higher than 74.1% of projectors and equal to 0.2% of projectors.
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
2
This projector supports HDMI 2, more modern than 46.1% of projectors and equal to 35.9% of projectors.
Different HDMI ports use 2 and 1.4.
Max HDMI bandwidth
18 Gbps
Market range: <10.2 Gbps – >48 Gbps
This projector supports HDMI bandwidth up to 18 Gbps, higher than 48.9% of projectors and equal to 39.7% of projectors.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
2
Market range: <1 – >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.
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
4,000 hours
Market range: <3.5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 4,000 hours, longer than 78.8% of projectors and equal to 9.6% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
10,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 10,000 hours, longer than 64.8% of projectors and equal to 9.7% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
330 W
Market range: <57 W – >390 W
This projector uses 330 W of power, more than 79.6% of projectors and equal to 2.1% of projectors.
Show more

BenQ W1700M vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • Higher output resolution
    This projector supports a higher output resolution than the average projector (3840x2160 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    3840x2160 vs 1920x1080
  • Supports pixel shifting
    This projector supports pixel shifting, while the average projector does not. 26.6% of projectors support pixel shifting.
    Via XPR technology.
  • 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.
    60 Hz at 4K.
    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
  • Supports HLG
    This projector supports HLG, while the average projector does not. 41.2% of projectors support HLG.
  • 1 more USB ports
    This projector has more USB ports than the average projector (2 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    2 vs 1
  • 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
  • Higher output resolution
    This projector supports a higher output resolution than the average projector (3840x2160 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    3840x2160 vs 1920x1080
  • Supports pixel shifting
    This projector supports pixel shifting, while the average projector does not. 26.6% of projectors support pixel shifting.
    Via XPR technology.
  • 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.
    60 Hz at 4K.
    120 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • Supports HLG
    This projector supports HLG, while the average projector does not. 41.2% of projectors support HLG.
  • 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
  • 1 more USB ports
    This projector has more USB ports than the average projector (2 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    2 vs 1
  • 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
  • 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 Wi-Fi connectivity
    This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks, while the average projector does. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
  • 0.49 m longer throw distance
    This projector has a higher throw distance than the average projector (1.5 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    1.5 m vs 1.0055 m
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • 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
  • 14.9% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.3/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 75% of models

    6.3

    Mark 7.9 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    6.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (2)
    1 review, its grade estimated from the review text. 1 video review, 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.
    6.3 vs 7.4
  • 18 ms higher input lag
    This projector has a higher input lag than the average projector (45 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    45 ms vs 27 ms
  • 14.9% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.3/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 75% of models

    6.3

    Mark 7.9 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    6.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (2)
    1 review, its grade estimated from the review text. 1 video review, 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.
    6.3 vs 7.4
  • 23.8% worse value for money
    BenQ W1700M has a lower value-for-money score than the average projector (5.61 vs 6.9).
    5.61 vs 6.95
  • 2.14x more expensive
    BenQ W1700M is more expensive than the average projector (£1,410 vs £660).
    £1,410 vs £660
  • 9.1% dimmer image
    This projector has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (2000 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    2,000 vs 2,200
  • 2 earlier release
    This projector was released earlier than the average projector (2019 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    May 2019
    2019 vs 2021
  • 0.49 m longer throw distance
    This projector has a higher throw distance than the average projector (1.5 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    1.5 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 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
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • 18 ms higher input lag
    This projector has a higher input lag than the average projector (45 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    45 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.
  • No sleep timer
    This projector does not have a sleep timer, while the average projector does. 82.4% of projectors have one.
  • 50% weaker audio output
    This projector has a lower audio output power than the average projector (5 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
    5 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
  • 16,000 hours shorter lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life than the average projector (4,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life.
    4,000 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
  • 100 W higher power use
    This projector uses more power than the average projector (330 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    330 W vs 230 W
  • 10,000 hours shorter eco lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (10,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.
    10,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 1 dB louder eco mode
    This projector has a higher audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (29 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    29 dB vs 28 dB
  • 40.9% heavier weight
    This projector is heavier than the average projector (4.2 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    4.2 kg vs 2.98 kg
  • 56 mm wider body
    This projector is wider than the average projector (353 mm vs 297 mm). The average projector has a width of 297 mm.
    353 mm vs 297 mm

Video reviews

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

7.0
Life in Bits
≈ estimated
23/06/2019
Hands-on review · heat, noise, sound and picture tests
Verdict
BenQ W1700M suits very large screens in a dark room, but it is not worth it for most people otherwise.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
audioguru.com
≈ estimated
16/11/2022
Hands-on review · 4K HDR projector
Verdict
The BenQ W1700M is a sharp 4K projector with strong HDR and good upscaling, but its black levels look grey and motion looks unsteady in busy scenes.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about BenQ W1700M

  • High-quality 4K HDR playback for the price point, offering 8.3 million distinct pixels on screen.
  • Compact and lightweight design, making it portable and easy to place on a coffee table.
  • Low input lag (around 33ms to 50ms), making it a viable option for non-competitive big-screen gaming.
  • Bright backlit remote control which is highly practical for use in dark home cinema environments.
  • Built-in 5W speaker is surprisingly powerful and punchy for a projector, suitable for casual viewing.
  • Impressive lamp life, reaching up to 15,000 hours in certain eco modes.
  • Effective upscaling that handles 1080p and even DVD content with commendable clarity.

What customers don't like about BenQ W1700M

  • Mediocre black levels and contrast, which can appear washed out compared to TVs or higher-end projectors.
  • Presence of a faint light border or 'halo' surrounding the projected image due to the DLP chip design.
  • Lack of lens shift and limited 1.2x optical zoom, which makes physical positioning and setup more restrictive.
  • Noticeable motion judder or instability during fast-action scenes.
  • Fan noise can be loud or distracting, particularly in higher brightness modes.
  • HDR performance is limited by a lack of wide colour gamut (DCI-P3) support.
  • Only one of the two HDMI ports (HDMI 1) supports HDCP 2.2 for 4K content.

Verdict

The BenQ W1700M is a compact 4K UHD home cinema projector that utilizes a 0.47-inch DMD chip and pixel-shifting technology to deliver 8.3 million distinct pixels with a brightness of 2000 ANSI lumens. Key characteristics include 100% Rec.709 colour accuracy via CinematicColor technology, support for HDR10 and HLG, and a 1.1x manual zoom that can project a 100-inch image from approximately 3.3 meters. Its main pros are its industry-standard colour precision (Delta E < 3), sharp 4K visuals at an accessible price point, and a lightweight 4.2kg design suitable for table-top or ceiling installation. However, it suffers from mediocre black levels, a lack of vertical or horizontal lens shift which complicates setup, and noticeable fan noise that can reach 33dB in normal operation.

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