OVERALL
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BenQ X500i Review | 84 Data compared

Avg. price:~£1,360Native panel resolution:1920x1080ANSI lumens:2200Throw ratio:0.69-0.83:1Lamp life:20000 hours

BenQ X500i Review: Compare 84 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

BenQ X500i
7.7/10

Overall score

Score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the projector's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best projectors on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 89% of models
Score components

90%

7.7

Technical score

10%

8.0

User score

▲Better than 89% of projectors
6.4

Value for money

Value for money
6.4/ 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
▼ Worse than 57% of models
Score components

70%

7.7

Overall score

30%

3.3

Price

▼Worse than 57%
7.7

Technical score

Technical score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Projectors category across these key areas: Image Quality, Projection & Lens, HDMI & Gaming, Connectivity, Audio & Features, Design & Power.
When it matters
When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 88% of models
Score components

42%

8.4

Image Quality

22%

5.9

Projection & Lens

12%

7.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

8.7

Audio & Features

8%

9.0

Connectivity

6%

6.7

Design & Power

▲Better than 88%
8.0

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the projector.
When it matters
When you want to know how a projector performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 68% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

7.2

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
▲Better than 68%
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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 X500i

Technical score
Technical score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Projectors category across these key areas: Image Quality, Projection & Lens, HDMI & Gaming, Connectivity, Audio & Features, Design & Power.
When it matters
When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 88% of models
Score components:

42%

8.4

Image Quality

22%

5.9

Projection & Lens

12%

7.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

8.7

Audio & Features

8%

9.0

Connectivity

6%

6.7

Design & Power

7.7
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the projector.
When it matters
When you want to know how a projector performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 68% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

7.2

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.0
Popularity
Popularity
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the projector.
When it matters
When you prefer to buy a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 67% of models
Popularity:
BenQ X500i has a popularity score of 7.2 points, which is higher than 66.6% of projectors.
7.2
Value for money
Value for money
6.4/ 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
▼ Worse than 57% of models
Score components:

70%

7.7

Overall score

30%

3.3

Price

6.4
ANSI lumens
2,200
Market range: <250 – >4k
This projector reaches 2,200 ANSI lumens, brighter than 45.9% of projectors and equal to 4.7% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
600,000:1
This projector 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
1920x1080
This projector uses a native resolution of 1920x1080, higher than 26.2% of projectors and equal to 59.7% of projectors.
Uses XPR pixel-shifting for 4K output.
Output Resolution
3840x2160
This projector 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
DLP
Show more
Throw ratio
0.69-0.83:1
Min throw distance
0.917 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >2 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 0.917 m, shorter than 60.2% of projectors and equal to 0.9% of projectors.
Max projection size
?
Zoom ratio
1.2
Market range: <1.1 – >2.1
This projector offers a zoom ratio of 1.2, narrower than 63.1% of projectors and equal to 22.1% of projectors.
Motorized zoom
no
This projector does not have motorized zoom. 16.3% of projectors have motorized zoom.
Show more
Input lag
4.2 ms
Market range: <8 ms – >68 ms
This projector has input lag of 4.2 ms, lower than 93.1% of projectors and equal to 4.5% of projectors.
At 1080P/240Hz.
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
no
This projector does not support ALLM. 17.2% of projectors support ALLM.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
no
This projector does not support VRR. 1.6% of projectors support VRR.
HDMI version
2
This projector supports HDMI 2, more modern than 45.3% of projectors and equal to 36.8% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
18 Gbps
Market range: <10 Gbps – >50 Gbps
This projector supports HDMI bandwidth up to 18 Gbps, higher than 47.7% of projectors and equal to 40.1% of projectors.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
2
Market range: <1 – >6
This projector has 2 HDMI port/s, more than 45% of projectors and equal to 47.7% of projectors.
Plus 1 internal HDMI port dedicated to the included streaming dongle.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This projector supports Wi-Fi. 47.2% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi via included Android TV dongle.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
This projector supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), more modern than 84.6% of projectors and equal to 13.4% of projectors.
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This projector supports Bluetooth. 49.6% of projectors support Bluetooth.
Bluetooth via included Android TV dongle.
Bluetooth version
5
This projector supports Bluetooth 5, more modern than 63% of projectors and equal to 17.7% of projectors.
Bluetooth via included Android TV dongle.
Show more
Smart TV features
yes
This projector has smart TV features. 56.4% of projectors have smart TV features.
Android TV via included dongle.
Operating system
none
Android OS
no
This projector does not run Android OS. 18.8% of projectors run Android OS.
Dedicated smartphone app
?
Remote control
yes
This projector includes a remote control. 1.6% of projectors include a remote control.
Backlit remote included.
Show more
Light source type
led
This projector uses led light source technology, more advanced than 33.1% of projectors and equal to 39% of projectors.
Laser Light Source
no
This projector does not use a laser light source. 28.1% of projectors use a laser light source.
Lamp life
20,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 20,000 hours, shorter than 34.4% of projectors and equal to 27.6% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
30,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 30,000 hours, shorter than 62.5% of projectors and equal to 33.2% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
236 W
Market range: <50 W – >400 W
This projector uses 236 W of power, more than 50.3% of projectors and equal to 0.5% of projectors.
Typical power draw.
Show more

BenQ X500i vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector 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.
    600,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • Higher output resolution
    This projector supports a higher output resolution than the average projector (3840x2160 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    Via XPR pixel shifting.
    3840x2160 vs 1920x1080
  • Wider color gamut
    This projector has a higher color gamut coverage than the average projector (84% DCI-P3, 95% Rec.709 % vs 99% Rec.709 %). The average projector has 99% Rec.709 % of color gamut coverage.
    84% DCI-P3, 95% Rec.709 % vs 99% Rec.709 %
  • 2.82x higher refresh rate
    This projector 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 geometric warping
    This projector supports geometric warping, while the average projector does not. 5.4% of projectors support geometric warping.
    Supports warping patterns up to 24x15.
  • Supports HDR10+
    This projector supports HDR10+, while the average projector does not. 15.7% of projectors support HDR10+.
    HDR10+ via included streaming dongle.
  • Supports pixel shifting
    This projector supports pixel shifting, while the average projector does not. 28.4% of projectors support pixel shifting.
    Via XPR technology.
  • 22.8 ms lower input lag
    This projector 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.
    4.2 ms vs 27 ms
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector 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.
    600,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • Higher output resolution
    This projector supports a higher output resolution than the average projector (3840x2160 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    Via XPR pixel shifting.
    3840x2160 vs 1920x1080
  • Wider color gamut
    This projector has a higher color gamut coverage than the average projector (84% DCI-P3, 95% Rec.709 % vs 99% Rec.709 %). The average projector has 99% Rec.709 % of color gamut coverage.
    84% DCI-P3, 95% Rec.709 % vs 99% Rec.709 %
  • 2.82x higher refresh rate
    This projector 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 HDR10+
    This projector supports HDR10+, while the average projector does not. 15.7% of projectors support HDR10+.
    HDR10+ via included streaming dongle.
  • Supports pixel shifting
    This projector supports pixel shifting, while the average projector does not. 28.4% of projectors support pixel shifting.
    Via XPR technology.
  • 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
  • Supports HLG
    This projector supports HLG, while the average projector does not. 42.7% of projectors support HLG.
  • Supports geometric warping
    This projector supports geometric warping, while the average projector does not. 5.4% of projectors support geometric warping.
    Supports warping patterns up to 24x15.
  • 0.11 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.9 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.025 m of throw distance.
    0.917 m vs 1.025 m
  • 22.8 ms lower input lag
    This projector 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.
    4.2 ms vs 27 ms
  • Supports HDMI ARC
    This projector supports HDMI ARC, while the average projector does not. 36% of projectors support HDMI ARC.
    Via eARC.
  • Built-in Chromecast
    This projector supports built-in Chromecast, while the average projector does not. 26% of projectors support built-in Chromecast.
  • Includes S/PDIF output
    This projector has an S/PDIF output, while the average projector does not. 17.2% of projectors have an S/PDIF output.
  • Supports AirPlay
    This projector supports AirPlay, while the average projector does not. 40% of projectors support AirPlay.
    Via included Android TV dongle.
  • 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
  • Modern Wi-Fi standard
    This projector supports a newer Wi-Fi standard than the average projector (Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)). The average projector supports Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n).
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • Built-in smart TV features
    This projector has built-in smart TV features, while the average projector does not. 43.7% of projectors have built-in smart TV features.
    Android TV via included dongle.
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This projector supports Dolby Atmos, while the average projector does not. 14.9% of projectors support Dolby Atmos.
  • Built-in stereo speakers
    This projector has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 48.9% of projectors have stereo speakers.
    2x 5W treVolo speaker.
  • Supports voice commands
    This projector supports voice commands, while the average projector does not. 36.3% of projectors support voice commands.
    Google Assistant via remote.
  • 10,000 hours longer eco lamp life
    This projector 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.
    30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (led vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    led vs laser
  • 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
  • 0.1 2x narrower zoom range
    This projector 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
    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
  • 76.6% more expensive
    BenQ X500i is more expensive than the average projector (£1,360 vs £770).
    £1,360 vs £770
  • 66 mm wider body
    This projector is wider than the average projector (366 mm vs 300 mm). The average projector has a width of 300 mm.
    366 mm vs 300 mm
  • 76.6% more expensive
    BenQ X500i is more expensive than the average projector (£1,360 vs £770).
    £1,360 vs £770
  • 0.1 2x narrower zoom range
    This projector 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
  • 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
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (led vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    led vs laser
  • 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
  • 66 mm wider body
    This projector is wider than the average projector (366 mm vs 300 mm). The average projector has a width of 300 mm.
    366 mm vs 300 mm

Video reviews

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

9.5
Retro Handhelds
≈ estimated
09/10/2024
Hands-on review · picture quality, setup and placement
Verdict
BenQ X500i is a well-rounded premium 4K projector; only a bright room and its price hold it back.
9.0
Trending Reviews
≈ estimated
05/06/2024
Hands-on review · PS5 gaming and Android TV tests
Verdict
BenQ X500i can replace a TV for home cinema and gaming, according to the reviewer, with no problems during use.
9.0
all things tech
≈ estimated
11/12/2023
Review · gaming features, specifications and Android TV
Verdict
BenQ X500i is a strong gaming projector that also handles movies and TV well, if your room suits a short throw.
9.5
Gamer Heaven
≈ estimated
19/10/2023
Hands-on review · gaming lag, picture and speaker tests
Verdict
BenQ X500i delivers lag-free gaming on a 100-inch picture, and the reviewer would not switch back to a TV.
8.0
EvoGrid
≈ estimated
24/02/2026
Hands-on review · PS5, Xbox and PC gaming tests
Verdict
BenQ X500i suits console and PC gamers well, but is a weaker choice for movie-focused viewers.
8.0
HardReset.Info
≈ estimated
18/07/2024
Unboxing · first look at contents, features and ports
Verdict
BenQ X500i looks like a strong gaming projector on paper, but the buttons feel cheap for the price.
Not graded
Shop video
Not graded
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

rtings.com
13/09/2024
Lab test · Short-throw gaming
Verdict
The BenQ X500i is a short-throw gaming projector with accurate colors and low input lag, though it looks dim with room lights on and has no VRR support.
P
pcmag.com
09/01/2024
Summary of the review
BenQ X500i Review - PCMag
cnet.com
25/09/2024
Lab test · Short-throw projector
Verdict
The BenQ X500i is a short-throw projector with outstanding contrast and rich, accurate color, best suited to smaller rooms where it can sit close to the screen.
expertreviews.co.uk
27/03/2024
Hands-on review · Gaming focus
Verdict
The BenQ X500i is a strong gaming projector with vivid colors, low lag and clear built-in audio, but it is not bright enough for daytime and lacks Dolby Vision.
projectorreviews.com
16/07/2024
Review · Gaming and HDR
Verdict
The BenQ X500i is a capable gaming projector with rich colors and low lag, but its speakers are weak and DLP rainbow flashes may bother some viewers.
howtogeek.com
06/03/2024
Hands-on test · Gaming projector
Verdict
The BenQ X500i is a bright, low-lag gaming projector suited to a table or ceiling set-up, though it is short-throw and a bit noisy.
gizmochina.com
24/05/2024
Review · Gaming and movies
Verdict
The BenQ X500i is a gaming-focused short-throw projector with a white design and a good picture in a dark room, but it lacks Dolby Vision and HLG support.
techteamgb.co.uk
12/04/2024
Hands-on test · 240Hz gaming
Verdict
The BenQ X500i is a smooth, responsive 1080p 240Hz gaming projector, but its visible flicker and lack of adaptive sync make long sessions tiring.
pcgamesn.com
01/04/2025
Review · Ceiling-mounted gaming
Verdict
The BenQ X500i is a vivid 4K gaming projector that handles several resolutions well, though its fans get loud when the projector is idle.
uk.pcmag.com
09/01/2024
Lab test · Gaming projector
Verdict
The BenQ X500i is a short-throw gaming projector with low input lag and game modes for SDR and HDR, though rainbow flashes may bother sensitive viewers.
H
heimkinoraum.de
20/02/2024
Summary of the review
BenQ Gaming Projector Review: X3100, X500, and X300
(Translated)Show original
mondoprojos.fr
28/01/2024
Lab test · Gaming projector
Verdict
The BenQ X500i is a precise, easy-to-calibrate gaming projector with low lag, but it is noisy and lacks motion smoothing.
consollection.com
18/12/2024
Test · Short-throw gaming projector
Verdict
The BenQ X500i is a short-throw gaming projector that fits small rooms, with 4.16 ms input lag and a 95-inch image from only 1.44 m.
ghrenassia.com
23/12/2024
Hands-on test · Ceiling install
Verdict
The BenQ X500i delivers a huge, colorful picture and strong sound, but it must sit close to the wall and cannot shift the image vertically.
xboxygen.com
10/03/2024
Hands-on review · Gaming projector
Verdict
The BenQ X500i is a short-throw gaming projector with fast 1080p at 240Hz and faithful colors, though blacks look shallow on a plain wall.

Third-party reviews

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

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 don't like 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

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.

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