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 W1720 review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£1,060Native panel resolution:1920x1080ANSI lumens:2000Throw ratio:1.5-1.65:1Lamp life:4000 hours

BenQ W1720 Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 3 expert reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

BenQ W1720
6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 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%

6.5

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

6.5

Reviews score

10%

?

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

▼Worse than 71% of projectors
6.3

Value for money

Value for money
6.3/ 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%

6.9

Overall score

30%

4.9

Price

▼Worse than 71%
6.5

Technical score

Technical score
6.5/ 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%

7.5

Image Quality

22%

6.1

Projection & Lens

12%

6.3

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.4

Audio & Features

8%

6.3

Connectivity

6%

4.1

Design & Power

▲Better than 52%
6.5

Reviews score

Reviews score
6.5/ 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

6.5

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

80%

8.2

Average grade

20%

6.7

Popularity

Grades by review (3)
3 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▼Worse than 69%
?

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
*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 W1720

Technical score
Technical score
6.5/ 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%

7.5

Image Quality

22%

6.1

Projection & Lens

12%

6.3

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.4

Audio & Features

8%

6.3

Connectivity

6%

4.1

Design & Power

6.5
Reviews score
6.5
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.3/ 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%

6.9

Overall score

30%

4.9

Price

6.3
ANSI lumens
2000
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.
Uses XPR pixel-shifting for 4K output.
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 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 1 m, shorter than 50.1% of projectors and equal to 10% of projectors.
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
1.1
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
50 ms
This projector has input lag of 50 ms, higher than 78% of projectors and equal to 2.5% 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
This projector supports HDMI bandwidth up to 18 Gbps, higher than 48.9% of projectors and equal to 39.7% of projectors.
Different HDMI ports reach 18 and 10.2 Gbps.
Show more
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.
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
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
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
This projector uses 330 W of power, more than 79.6% of projectors and equal to 2.1% of projectors.
Show more

BenQ W1720 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.
  • Supports auto keystone correction
    This projector corrects keystone distortion automatically, while the average projector does not. 36.9% of projectors offer this.
  • Supports HDMI ARC
    This projector supports HDMI ARC, while the average projector does not. 35.2% of projectors support HDMI ARC.
  • 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
  • Supports HLG
    This projector supports HLG, while the average projector does not. 41.2% of projectors support HLG.
  • 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.
    120 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • Supports HLG
    This projector supports HLG, while the average projector does not. 41.2% of projectors support HLG.
  • Supports auto keystone correction
    This projector corrects keystone distortion automatically, while the average projector does not. 36.9% of projectors offer this.
  • 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
  • Supports HDMI ARC
    This projector supports HDMI ARC, while the average projector does not. 35.2% of projectors support HDMI ARC.
  • 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.
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • 23 ms higher input lag
    This projector has a higher input lag than the average projector (50 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    50 ms vs 27 ms
  • 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
  • No sleep timer
    This projector does not have a sleep timer, while the average projector does. 82.4% of projectors have one.
  • 12.2% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.5/ 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

    6.5

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

    80%

    8.2

    Average grade

    20%

    6.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (3)
    3 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    6.5 vs 7.4
  • 12.2% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.5/ 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

    6.5

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

    80%

    8.2

    Average grade

    20%

    6.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (3)
    3 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    6.5 vs 7.4
  • 10.7% worse value for money
    BenQ W1720 has a lower value-for-money score than the average projector (6.27 vs 6.9).
    6.27 vs 6.95
  • 60.6% more expensive
    BenQ W1720 is more expensive than the average projector (£1,060 vs £660).
    £1,060 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.
    2019 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
  • 23 ms higher input lag
    This projector has a higher input lag than the average projector (50 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    50 ms vs 27 ms
  • 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
  • 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

Shop video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
hifitest.de
✓ explicit
24/05/2019
Lab test · Factory calibration
Verdict
The BenQ W1720 is a sharp, factory-calibrated projector that suits a fixed spot in the living room, but it needs precise placement.
7.2
audiovision.de
✓ explicit
12/10/2020
Lab test · Pixel-shift 4K
Verdict
The BenQ W1720 is a ceiling-mountable 4K projector whose factory colors look right out of the box, though its blacks stay dark grey in dark scenes.
8.0
mondoprojos.fr
≈ estimated
27/04/2019
Lab test · Gaming and contrast
Verdict
The BenQ W1720 suits gamers and film fans who want accurate colors out of the box, but it skips HDR tone mapping and frame interpolation.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about BenQ W1720

  • Excellent value for money as an entry-level 4K UHD projector
  • High color accuracy with 100% Rec.709 coverage and factory calibration
  • Compact and lightweight design (4.2kg) suitable for easy mounting
  • Support for HDR10 and HLG content providing vivid picture quality
  • User-friendly remote control featuring a helpful backlight for dark rooms
  • Decent performance in low-light environments with 2000 lumens of brightness

What customers don't like about BenQ W1720

  • Lack of lens shift requires precise physical positioning for setup
  • Built-in 5W mono speaker is underwhelming and lacks depth for cinema
  • Throw ratio (1.50 – 1.65) offers limited flexibility for smaller rooms
  • Noticeable fan noise, especially when operating in standard brightness modes
  • Some users report severe 'blue halo' side effects when viewing up close
  • Relatively low contrast ratio (10000:1) results in average black level performance

Verdict

The BenQ W1720 is a compact 4.2kg DLP home cinema projector that delivers true 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160) with 8.3 million distinct pixels and supports both HDR10 and HLG formats. Its primary strength lies in its CinematicColor technology, which utilizes an RGBRGB colour wheel to achieve 100% Rec.709 colour accuracy, ensuring factory-calibrated, natural-looking images straight out of the box. Additional pros include a 2,000 ANSI lumen brightness suitable for darkened rooms, 3D compatibility (at 1080p), and a 10,000:1 contrast ratio. However, notable cons include the lack of lens shift for flexible positioning, no built-in smart apps or wireless streaming, and a standard lamp life that is significantly shorter (4,000 hours in normal mode) compared to modern LED or laser alternatives.

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