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BenQ X500i Review | 85 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£1,360
  • Avg. price in US: ~$1,700
  • ANSI lumens: 2200
  • Native panel resolution: 1920x1080
  • Throw ratio: 0.69-0.83:1

BenQ X500i review. Compare 85 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among projectors and if it is worth buying.

7.5

Overall score

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 components:

90.0%

7.5

Technical Score

10.0%

7.4

User score

Very good
7.5

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the projector's technical performance, covering eight key areas: image quality, brightness, contrast, connectivity, gaming features, smart features, audio, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

42.0%

8.3

Image Quality

22.0%

5.5

Projection & Lens

12.0%

6.9

HDMI & Gaming

10.0%

8.8

Audio & Features

8.0%

8.8

Connectivity

6.0%

6.5

Design & Power

Very good
7.4

User score

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 components:

70.0%

8.3

User reviews

30.0%

5.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(40)
amazon
4.1
(17)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Very good
  • 9.4
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    10

    Input lag

    25.0%

    10

    Refresh rate

    20.0%

    9.3

    Output Resolution

    10.0%

    10

    HDR10 support

    10.0%

    5.0

    Audio output power

  • 9.1
    Portable

    Score components:

    35.0%

    8.5

    Weight

    20.0%

    ?

    Has A Built-In Speaker

    15.0%

    10

    Bluetooth connectivity

    15.0%

    10

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    15.0%

    10

    Smart TV features

  • 7.2
    Home theatre

    Score components:

    30.0%

    9.3

    Output Resolution

    25.0%

    10

    HDR10 support

    20.0%

    1.0

    Dolby Vision support

    15.0%

    6.1

    ANSI lumens

    10.0%

    ?

    Audible noise

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The BenQ X500i is a high-performance 4K HDR 4LED short-throw projector designed for immersive gaming in compact spaces. It features a native resolution of 3840x2160, a brightness of 2200 ANSI lumens, and an impressive 600,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, providing sharp visuals with vibrant color coverage of 84% DCI-P3. Key characteristics include its ultra-low input lag—reaching as low as 4.2ms at 1080p/240Hz—and specialized gaming modes (RPG, FPS, SPG) that optimize audio and video settings. Main pros are its short throw ratio (0.69-0.83), which can project a 100-inch image from just 1.5 meters away, a long-lasting light source rated for up to 30,000 hours, and built-in Android TV with Netflix support. However, cons include its limited brightness for well-lit rooms, lack of support for Dolby Vision, and the potential for noticeable fan noise or minor rainbow artifacts common to single-chip DLP systems.

Technical Specifications of BenQ X500i

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the projector's technical performance, covering eight key areas: image quality, brightness, contrast, connectivity, gaming features, smart features, audio, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

42.0%

8.3

Image Quality

22.0%

5.5

Projection & Lens

12.0%

6.9

HDMI & Gaming

10.0%

8.8

Audio & Features

8.0%

8.8

Connectivity

6.0%

6.5

Design & Power

7.5
BenQ X500i has a technical score of 7.49 points, which is higher than 90.3% of projectors.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

8.3

User reviews

30.0%

5.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(40)
amazon
4.1
(17)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

7.4
BenQ X500i has a user score of 7.4 points, which is lower than 72.1% of projectors.
Popularity
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.
5.2
BenQ X500i has a popularity of 5.2 points, which is higher than 68.2% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

7.5

Overall score

40.0%

3.3

Price

6.2
BenQ X500i has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.2 points, which is higher than 51.9% of products in this category.
ANSI lumens
What it is: Brightness output measured in ANSI lumens.
When it matters: When you watch with ambient light or on a large screen, higher brightness matters.

Importance: HIGH

2,200
BenQ X500i reaches 2200 ANSI lumens, brighter than 45.6% of projectors and equal to 4.7% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
What it is: Ratio of brightest white to darkest black displayed by the projector.
When it matters: When you watch movies in a dark room, stronger contrast matters.

Importance: HIGH

600,000:1
BenQ X500i has a contrast ratio of 600000:1, higher than 83.4% of projectors and equal to 1% of projectors.
Dynamic contrast ratio.
Native panel resolution
What it is: Native resolution of the display panel or imaging device.
When it matters: When picture sharpness matters enough that you want to know the projector's true native imaging resolution, not just supported input formats.

Importance: HIGH

1920x1080
BenQ X500i uses a native resolution of 1920x1080, higher than 26.2% of projectors and equal to 60.1% of projectors.
Uses XPR pixel-shifting for 4K output.
Output Resolution
What it is: The resolution the projector can actually display through its imaging system.
When it matters: When you want to know the actual image detail the projector can put on screen rather than just the source format it accepts.

Importance: HIGH

3840x2160
BenQ X500i supports output resolution up to 3840x2160, higher than 69.1% of projectors and equal to 26.1% of projectors.
Via XPR pixel shifting.
Projection technology
What it is: Projection imaging technology used by the projector.
When it matters: When color character, contrast behavior, and overall image personality matter before you compare brightness alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

DLP
Show more
Throw ratio
What it is: Ratio between projection distance and image width.
When it matters: When room size and screen size have to match properly instead of guessing whether the projector will fit the space.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.69-0.83:1
Min throw distance
What it is: Minimum distance required between projector and screen.
When it matters: When room depth is limited and you still need a large image from a short placement distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.917 m
BenQ X500i needs a minimum throw distance of 0.917 m, shorter than 60.2% of projectors and equal to 0.8% of projectors.
Max projection size
What it is: Maximum supported image size for projection, measured diagonally.
When it matters: When you want a cinema-size picture, maximum projection size matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Zoom ratio
What it is: Optical zoom capability expressed as a ratio.
When it matters: When projector placement is not ideal and you need optical zoom to frame the image correctly.

Importance: MEDIUM

1.2
BenQ X500i offers a zoom ratio of 1.2, narrower than 63.1% of projectors and equal to 22.1% of projectors.
Motorized zoom
What it is: Motorized control of the optical zoom function.
When it matters: When the projector position is fixed but screen size or framing still needs to be adjusted from a distance.

Importance: LOW

no
BenQ X500i does not have motorized zoom. 16.3% of projectors have motorized zoom.
Show more
Input lag
What it is: Time delay between input signal and displayed image, measured in milliseconds.
When it matters: When gaming responsiveness matters and you want controls to feel more immediate on fast titles.

Importance: MEDIUM

4.2 ms
BenQ X500i has input lag of 4.2 ms, lower than 93.2% of projectors and equal to 4.4% of projectors.
At 1080P/240Hz.
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
What it is: Automatically reduces input lag when gaming.
When it matters: When you play fast games, lower latency matters.

Importance: LOW

no
BenQ X500i does not support ALLM. 20.3% of projectors support ALLM.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
What it is: Support for variable refresh rate to reduce screen tearing.
When it matters: When gaming matters and you want the projector to handle variable frame rates with less tearing or stutter.

Importance: LOW

no
BenQ X500i does not support VRR. 1.9% of projectors support VRR.
HDMI version
What it is: Version of the HDMI standard supported.
When it matters: When source devices push newer HDMI features, refresh rates, or bandwidth levels that older ports may limit.

Importance: LOW

2.0
BenQ X500i supports HDMI 2.0, more modern than 45.5% of projectors and equal to 36.7% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
What it is: Maximum bandwidth supported by HDMI inputs, measured in Gbps.
When it matters: When newer consoles, gaming PCs, or media boxes need more HDMI throughput than older projectors can handle.

Importance: LOW

18 Gbps
BenQ X500i supports HDMI bandwidth up to 18 Gbps, higher than 48.1% of projectors and equal to 40% of projectors.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
What it is: Number of available HDMI input ports.
When it matters: When you need a console, streamer, set-top box, and another source connected at the same time without swapping cables.

Importance: LOW

2
BenQ X500i has 2 HDMI port/s, more than 45.5% of projectors and equal to 47% of projectors.
Plus 1 internal HDMI port dedicated to the included streaming dongle.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Support for Wi-Fi network connectivity.
When it matters: When the projector should handle network features, updates, or streaming functions without needing wired Ethernet only.

Importance: LOW

yes
BenQ X500i supports Wi-Fi. 47.4% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi via included Android TV dongle.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: Supported Wi-Fi standard version.
When it matters: When wireless stability and throughput matter for streaming, updates, or projector ecosystem features.

Importance: LOW

Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
BenQ X500i supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), more modern than 84.8% of projectors and equal to 13.3% of projectors.
Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Support for Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
When it matters: When you plan to pair wireless speakers, headphones, remotes, or other accessories directly with the projector.

Importance: LOW

yes
BenQ X500i supports Bluetooth. 50.1% of projectors support Bluetooth.
Bluetooth via included Android TV dongle.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Supported Bluetooth version.
When it matters: When wireless accessory compatibility and connection quality matter beyond Bluetooth being a simple checkbox.

Importance: LOW

5.0
BenQ X500i supports Bluetooth 5.0, more modern than 62.9% of projectors and equal to 17.7% of projectors.
Bluetooth via included Android TV dongle.
Show more
Smart TV features
What it is: Includes built-in Smart TV functions or operating system.
When it matters: When you prefer built-in apps and streaming convenience instead of adding an external media stick or box.

Importance: LOW

yes
BenQ X500i has smart TV features. 56.3% of projectors have smart TV features.
Android TV via included dongle.
Operating system
What it is: The built-in software platform that runs the projector interface, streaming apps, and smart features.
When it matters: When you care about which apps are available, how modern the smart interface feels, and whether the projector includes a built-in streaming platform.

Importance: LOW

none
Android OS

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Dedicated smartphone app
What it is: Availability of a dedicated smartphone control app.
When it matters: When you want setup, input switching, or basic control handled from your phone without always reaching for a remote.

Importance: LOW

?
Remote control
What it is: Comes with a dedicated remote control for operation.
When it matters: When you want easier everyday control without extra gear, built-in convenience features matter.

Importance: LOW

yes
BenQ X500i includes a remote control. 1.6% of projectors include a remote control.
Backlit remote included.
Show more
Light source type
What it is: Type of light source used by the projector.
When it matters: When maintenance expectations, startup behavior, brightness stability, and long-term running costs all matter in the buying decision.

Importance: LOW

led
BenQ X500i uses led light source technology, more advanced than 33.1% of projectors and equal to 39% of projectors.
Laser Light Source
What it is: Whether the projector uses a laser light source instead of a traditional lamp.
When it matters: When lower maintenance, faster startup, and a lamp-free light engine matter over the long term.

Importance: LOW

no
BenQ X500i does not use a laser light source. 28.1% of projectors use a laser light source.
Lamp life
What it is: Expected operational lifespan of the lamp in standard mode, measured in hours.
When it matters: When you care about running costs and maintenance intervals, light-source lifespan matters.

Importance: LOW

20,000 hours
BenQ X500i offers lamp life of 20000 hours, shorter than 34.3% of projectors and equal to 27.5% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
What it is: Expected operational lifespan of the lamp in eco mode, measured in hours.
When it matters: When you care about running costs and maintenance intervals, light-source lifespan matters.

Importance: LOW

30,000 hours
BenQ X500i offers eco-mode lamp life of 30000 hours, shorter than 59.6% of projectors and equal to 35.6% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
What it is: Average power consumption during normal operation.
When it matters: When electricity use and heat output matter because the projector runs for long sessions or frequent daily use.

Importance: LOW

236 W
BenQ X500i uses 236 W of power, more than 50.4% of projectors and equal to 0.5% of projectors.
Typical power draw.
Show more

BenQ X500i vs the average projector

  • Higher contrast ratio
    BenQ X500i has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (600000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast ratio.
    What it is: Ratio of brightest white to darkest black displayed by the projector.
    When it matters: When you watch movies in a dark room, stronger contrast matters.

    Importance: HIGH

    BenQ X500i has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (600000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.600,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • Higher output resolution
    BenQ X500i supports a higher output resolution than the average projector (3840x2160 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    Via XPR pixel shifting.
    What it is: The resolution the projector can actually display through its imaging system.
    When it matters: When you want to know the actual image detail the projector can put on screen rather than just the source format it accepts.

    Importance: HIGH

    BenQ X500i supports a higher output resolution than the average projector (3840x2160 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.3840x2160 vs 1920x1080
  • Supports geometric warping
    BenQ X500i supports geometric warping, while the average projector does not. 8.6% of projectors support geometric warping.
    Supports warping patterns up to 24x15.
    What it is: Support for geometric image warping on irregular surfaces.
    When it matters: When the projector must work on an off-angle setup or irregular surface instead of a perfectly aligned flat screen.

    Importance: LOW

    BenQ X500i supports geometric warping, while the average projector does not. 8.6% of projectors support geometric warping.
  • Supports HDR10+
    BenQ X500i supports HDR10+, while the average projector does not. 15.6% of projectors support HDR10+.
    HDR10+ via included streaming dongle.
    What it is: Support for HDR10+ dynamic high dynamic range format.
    When it matters: When you care whether the projector supports dynamic HDR metadata rather than static HDR formats alone.

    Importance: LOW

    BenQ X500i supports HDR10+, while the average projector does not. 15.6% of projectors support HDR10+.
  • 2.82x higher refresh rate
    BenQ X500i has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (240 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    What it is: Number of screen refreshes per second, measured in hertz.
    When it matters: When motion clarity matters for gaming, sports, or fast-moving video instead of slower cinematic content only.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    BenQ X500i has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (240 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.240 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • Supports pixel shifting
    BenQ X500i supports pixel shifting, while the average projector does not. 28.4% of projectors support pixel shifting.
    Via XPR technology.
    What it is: Uses pixel shifting to increase perceived image resolution.
    When it matters: When you want more perceived detail than the native panel alone would provide, especially on bigger screens.

    Importance: LOW

    BenQ X500i supports pixel shifting, while the average projector does not. 28.4% of projectors support pixel shifting.
  • Supports HDMI ARC
    BenQ X500i supports HDMI ARC, while the average projector does not. 36.1% of projectors support HDMI ARC.
    Via eARC.
    What it is: Support for HDMI ARC to send audio to external devices.
    When it matters: When you use a soundbar, receiver, or speakers, audio output options matter.

    Importance: LOW

    BenQ X500i supports HDMI ARC, while the average projector does not. 36.1% of projectors support HDMI ARC.
  • 22.8 ms Low input lag
    BenQ X500i has a lower input lag than the average projector (4.2 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    At 1080P/240Hz.
    What it is: Time delay between input signal and displayed image, measured in milliseconds.
    When it matters: When gaming responsiveness matters and you want controls to feel more immediate on fast titles.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    BenQ X500i has a lower input lag than the average projector (4.2 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.4.2 ms vs 27 ms
  • Higher contrast ratio
    BenQ X500i has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (600000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
  • Higher output resolution
    BenQ X500i supports a higher output resolution than the average projector (3840x2160 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
  • Supports HDR10+
    BenQ X500i supports HDR10+, while the average projector does not. 15.6% of projectors support HDR10+.
  • 2.82x higher refresh rate
    BenQ X500i has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (240 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
  • Supports pixel shifting
    BenQ X500i supports pixel shifting, while the average projector does not. 28.4% of projectors support pixel shifting.
  • 0.18 inch larger DMD chip
    BenQ X500i 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.
  • Supports HLG
    BenQ X500i supports HLG, while the average projector does not. 42.7% of projectors support HLG.
  • Supports geometric warping
    BenQ X500i supports geometric warping, while the average projector does not. 8.6% of projectors support geometric warping.
  • 0.14 m shorter throw distance
    BenQ X500i has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.9 m vs 1.06 m). The average projector has 1.06 m of throw distance.
  • 22.8 ms Low input lag
    BenQ X500i has a lower input lag than the average projector (4.2 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
  • Supports HDMI ARC
    BenQ X500i supports HDMI ARC, while the average projector does not. 36.1% of projectors support HDMI ARC.
  • Built-in Chromecast
    BenQ X500i supports built-in Chromecast, while the average projector does not. 27.3% of projectors support built-in Chromecast.
  • Includes S/PDIF output
    BenQ X500i has an S/PDIF output, while the average projector does not. 17.2% of projectors have an S/PDIF output.
  • Supports AirPlay
    BenQ X500i supports AirPlay, while the average projector does not. 41.6% of projectors support AirPlay.
  • Supports Bluetooth
    BenQ X500i supports Bluetooth, while the average projector does not. 49.9% of projectors support Bluetooth.
  • 1 more USB ports
    BenQ X500i has more USB ports than the average projector (2 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    BenQ X500i supports Dolby Atmos, while the average projector does not. 14.9% of projectors support Dolby Atmos.
  • Built-in smart TV features
    BenQ X500i has built-in smart TV features, while the average projector does not. 43.7% of projectors have built-in smart TV features.
  • Built-in stereo speakers
    BenQ X500i has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 48.9% of projectors have stereo speakers.
  • Supports voice commands
    BenQ X500i supports voice commands, while the average projector does not. 37.1% of projectors support voice commands.
  • 10,000 hours longer eco lamp life
    BenQ X500i has a higher lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.

Total
Image Quality
Projection & Lens
HDMI & Gaming
Connectivity
Audio & Features
Design & Power
  • 0.1 narrower zoom range
    BenQ X500i has a lower zoom ratio than the average projector (1.2 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
  • Basic light source
    BenQ X500i has Basic light source than the average projector (led vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
  • 1 dB louder eco mode
    BenQ X500i 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.
  • 66.5 mm wider body
    BenQ X500i is wider than the average projector (366 mm vs 299.5 mm). The average projector has a width of 299.5 mm.
  • Basic light source
    BenQ X500i has Basic light source than the average projector (led vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    What it is: Type of light source used by the projector.
    When it matters: When maintenance expectations, startup behavior, brightness stability, and long-term running costs all matter in the buying decision.

    Importance: LOW

    BenQ X500i has Basic light source than the average projector (led vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.led vs laser
  • 0.1 narrower zoom range
    BenQ X500i has a lower zoom ratio than the average projector (1.2 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
    What it is: Optical zoom capability expressed as a ratio.
    When it matters: When projector placement is not ideal and you need optical zoom to frame the image correctly.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    BenQ X500i has a lower zoom ratio than the average projector (1.2 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.1.2 vs 1.3
  • 1 dB louder eco mode
    BenQ X500i 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.
    What it is: Sound level produced in eco or quiet mode, measured in decibels.
    When it matters: When you watch in a quiet room close to the projector, lower noise matters.

    Importance: LOW

    BenQ X500i 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
  • 76.6% more expensive
    BenQ X500i is more expensive than the average projector (£1,360 vs £770).
    BenQ X500i is more expensive than the average projector (£1,360 vs £770).£1,360 vs £770
  • 8.1% lower user score
    BenQ X500i has a lower user score than the average projector (7.40 vs 8.000).
    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.
    BenQ X500i has a lower user score than the average projector (7.40 vs 8.000).7.4 vs 8
  • 66.5 mm wider body
    BenQ X500i is wider than the average projector (366 mm vs 299.5 mm). The average projector has a width of 299.5 mm.
    What it is: Overall width of the projector body.
    When it matters: When shelf width, cabinet space, or a mounting location limits how wide the projector body can be.

    Importance: LOW

    BenQ X500i is wider than the average projector (366 mm vs 299.5 mm). The average projector has a width of 299.5 mm.366 mm vs 299.5 mm
Total
Overall
Projection & Lens
Design & Power

Graphic comparison of BenQ X500i and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
40 Reviews
amazon
4.1
17 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about BenQ X500i?

  • Excellent low input lag (4.16ms at 1080p/240Hz) and high refresh rate support for competitive gaming
  • Short-throw lens allows for a large 100-inch image from just 5 feet away, ideal for smaller rooms
  • Vibrant 4K image quality with strong color accuracy and high contrast for its price point
  • Included Android TV streaming dongle provides native access to popular apps like Netflix
  • Backlit remote control makes it easy to use in dark home theatre environments
  • Long-lasting 4LED light source with a lifespan of up to 30,000 hours

What customers dislike about BenQ X500i?

  • Noticeable fan noise and a high-pitched buzzing sound when 4K pixel-shifting is active
  • Frequent and obvious 'rainbow effect' (RBE) artifacts, which may bother sensitive users
  • Insufficient brightness for rooms with high ambient light; best used in dark or dimmed settings
  • Lacks advanced physical adjustment features like vertical lens shift
  • Reports of unacceptable lag or delay when navigating the on-screen menu system
  • No Ethernet port; relies entirely on Wi-Fi for its internal smart features

Expert reviews

R
rtings.com
13/09/2024
BenQ X500i Projector Review - RTINGS.com

The BenQ X500i is a high-performance, short-throw projector offering exceptional pre-calibration color accuracy, deep contrast in dark rooms, and low-input-lag gaming at 1080p up to 240Hz. It is well-suited for dedicated, dimly lit environments, featuring an upgraded QS02 streaming dongle for advanced smart features and HDR10+ support. RTINGS.com However, its performance is limited...Read more

P
pcmag.com
09/01/2024
BenQ X500i Review - PCMag

The BenQ X500i is an excellent 4K short-throw DLP gaming projector that delivers flagship-level performance at a sweet-spot price of $1,699. It shares several premium features with BenQ’s top-tier X3100i model, including incredibly short input lag times (ranging from 16.9ms for 4K/60Hz down to a blazing 4.2ms at 240Hz), integrated Android TV 11 via an included streaming dongle, and...Read more

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cnet.com
25/09/2024
BenQ X500i Projector Review: All Hail the Short (Throw) King - CNET

The BenQ X500i is a 4K HDR short throw projector that sits about 5 feet from a 100-inch screen, making it a stellar option for coffee-table placement in smaller rooms. Retailing for $1,749, this unit utilizes a four-LED light engine with a 20,000-hour operational life expectancy and includes built-in Android TV via a hidden streaming stick. In performance testing, the projector...Read more

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expertreviews.co.uk
27/03/2024
BenQ X500i review: A short-throw 4K projector with gamers in mind - Expert Reviews

The BenQ X500i is a 4K HDR short-throw projector specifically engineered for gamers, offering a high-performance alternative to traditional monitors or TVs. It features a 4LED light source that delivers 2,200 ANSI lumens and produces vibrant, saturated colors, covering approximately 63% of the DCI-P3 gamut. Its standout features include an incredibly low 4.16ms input lag at 4K/60Hz...Read more

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projectorreviews.com
16/07/2024
BenQ X500i 4K 4LED Gaming Projector Review

The BenQ X500i is a 4LED, 4K UHD short-throw gaming projector featuring a 0.65-inch DLP chip that delivers an impressive out-of-the-box color performance covering 84% of the DCI-P3 color space. Retailing at a highly valuable $1,699 MSRP, its core strengths lie in its exceptional low-latency gaming capabilities—clocking in at 4.16ms at 1080p/240Hz and 8ms at 1440p/120Hz—and an...Read more

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howtogeek.com
06/03/2024
BenQ X500i Projector Review: Turn Your Wall Into a Gaming Monitor

The BenQ X500i is a sturdy, short-throw DLP gaming projector designed to challenge high-end gaming monitors by delivering exceptional responsiveness on an image expanding up to 120 inches. Its standout performance features include an ultra-low minimum latency of 4ms in 1080p/240Hz mode, 8ms at 1440p/120Hz, and 16ms at 4K/60Hz, making it a powerful choice for competitive gaming. The...Read more

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gizmochina.com
24/05/2024
BenQ X500i review: Designed for gaming, decent for movies

The BenQ X500i is a 4K short-throw projector designed for gaming, offering 2,200 ANSI lumens, 84% DCI-P3 color coverage, and 5-watt speakers in a compact 3.6kg chassis. It provides exceptional gaming performance with 4.3ms input lag at 1080p/240Hz, while delivering sharp, bright images for movies. YouTube · Key cons include HDMI 2.0 ports that limit 4K gaming to 60Hz rather than...Read more

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techteamgb.co.uk
12/04/2024
BenQ X500i Review – 4K OR 1080p 240Hz DLP Short throw!

The BenQ X500i is a true 4K short-throw DLP projector designed specifically for gaming, retailing for approximately £1,500. It stands out by offering a scaling refresh rate that shifts based on your resolution, achieving a remarkably fluid 1080p at 240Hz alongside options for 1440p at 120Hz or 4K at 60Hz. Its short-throw lens allows users to project a massive 100-inch screen from...Read more

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pcgamesn.com
01/04/2025
BenQ X500i Review: Affordable excellence

BenQ X500i Review Summary The BenQ X500i is an outstanding 4K short-throw gaming projector that offers high-end performance for a relatively competitive price of $1,699 / £1,499. Boasting a crisp, slimline black-and-white design that is highly optimized for ceiling mounting, it delivers an impressive 4LED light source, a 600,000:1 contrast ratio, and a rich palette of 1.07 billion...Read more

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uk.pcmag.com
09/01/2024
BenQ X500i - Review 2024 - PCMag UK

The BenQ X500i is an excellent 4K short-throw DLP gaming projector that delivers top-tier performance for under $2,000. Built around a 1080p DLP chip utilizing fast-switch pixel shifting, it achieves a native 3,840-by-2,160 resolution paired with a long-lasting four-LED light source rated at 2,200 ANSI lumens. Designed specifically for big-screen gaming, it sits in a sweet spot by...Read more

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au.pcmag.com
10/01/2024
BenQ X500i - Review 2024 - PCMag Australia

The BenQ X500i is an exceptional short-throw DLP gaming projector that sits in a financial sweet spot under $2,000, offering most of the flagship features of the higher-end BenQ X3100i at a lower price point. Built around a 1080p chip using pixel shifting to produce a native 4K resolution, it features an LED light source rated at 2,200 ANSI lumens with a life expectancy of up to...Read more

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heimkinoraum.de
20/02/2024
BenQ Gaming Projector Review: X3100, X500, and X300

The BenQ X-series (X3100i, X500i, and X300G) consists of 4K HDR LED projectors designed to serve as an all-in-one solution for both immersive gaming and home cinema setups. The flagship X3100i stands out with a powerful 3300-lumen brightness level, 100% dCi P3 wide color gamut coverage, and an easy installation process facilitated by a standard lens with a mechanical vertical lens...Read more

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mondoprojos.fr
28/01/2024
BenQ X500i Review - Mondoprojos.fr

The BenQ X500i is a short-throw 4K XPR DLP gaming projector powered by a 4-LED light source that delivers a manufacturer-rated 2,200 lumens and covers 84% of the DCI-P3 color space. Priced at €1,599, it utilizes Texas Instruments' 0.65 DMD chip to alternate pixel positions rapidly, achieving an upscaled Ultra HD resolution from a native 1080p source. The reviewer evaluated it...Read more

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consollection.com
18/12/2024
BenQ X500i Review: The Ideal Gaming Projector for 4K HDR and Low Input Lag

The BenQ X500i is a short-throw 4K HDR gaming projector featuring a 4LED light source that delivers 2200 ANSI lumens, 84% DCI-P3 color coverage, and an impressive lifespan of up to 30,000 hours. Designed primarily for console players, it boasts an ultra-low input lag of 4.16 ms at 1080p@240Hz, multiple game modes (RPG, FPS, SPG), an Auto Game mode, and an integrated FPS crosshair....Read more

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ghrenassia.com
23/12/2024
BenQ X500i 4K gaming projector review

The BenQ X500i is a short-throw 4K HDR 4LED gaming projector priced at €1,599 that balances the needs of gamers and cinephiles. The reviewer praises its modern, elegant aesthetic, featuring a white chassis with a black and orange front panel. Its standout features include stunning image clarity, contrast, and color richness powered by CinematicColor technology, alongside an...Read more

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xboxygen.com
10/03/2026
BenQ X500i Projector Review – Technology Engineered for Gaming

The BenQ X500i is a 4K short-throw 4LED projector designed for gaming, delivering a 100-inch image from 5 feet with impressive 4.2ms input lag at 1080p/240Hz and accurate 84% DCI-P3 color coverage. It features specialized gaming modes, an integrated Android TV dongle, and 5W treVolo speakers, making it a strong, responsive alternative to traditional TVs in smaller spaces. While...Read more

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