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

Optoma ML1080 review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£1,060Native panel resolution:1920x1080ANSI lumens:550Throw ratio:1.2:1Lamp life:30000 hours

Optoma ML1080 Review: Compare 86 technical specifications, 1 expert reviews and 1 best-of list to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

Optoma ML1080
6.6/10

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 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
▼ Worse than 82% of models
Score components

35%

6.6

Technical score

30%

6.6

List score

25%

6.6

Reviews score

10%

?

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

▼Worse than 82% of projectors
6.1

Value for money

Value for money
6.1/ 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 76% of models
Score components

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

4.9

Price

▼Worse than 76%
6.6

Technical score

Technical score
6.6/ 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
▲ Better than 55% of models
Score components

42%

7.1

Image Quality

22%

5.3

Projection & Lens

12%

7.9

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.6

Audio & Features

8%

4.3

Connectivity

6%

9.6

Design & Power

▲Better than 55%
6.6

Reviews score

Reviews score
6.6/ 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
▼ Worse than 68% of models

6.6

Mark 7.8 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.5

Average grade

20%

5.0

Popularity

Grades by review (1)
1 review, its grade estimated from the review text. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▼Worse than 68%
6.6

List score

List score
6.6/ 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 (1)
List score: in 1 of 105 lists (1%)
▲Better than 76%
  • optoma-ml1080
  • optoma-ml1080
  • optoma-ml1080
optoma-ml1080
optoma-ml1080
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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 Optoma ML1080

Technical score
Technical score
6.6/ 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
▲ Better than 55% of models
Score components:

42%

7.1

Image Quality

22%

5.3

Projection & Lens

12%

7.9

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.6

Audio & Features

8%

4.3

Connectivity

6%

9.6

Design & Power

6.6
Reviews score
6.6
List score
6.6
Value for money
Value for money
6.1/ 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 76% of models
Score components:

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

4.9

Price

6.1
ANSI lumens
550
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 550 ANSI lumens, dimmer than 76.8% of projectors and equal to 0.5% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
3,000,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 3000000:1, higher than 93.1% of projectors and equal to 4.5% of projectors.
Dynamic contrast ratio.
Native panel resolution
1920x1080
This projector uses a native resolution of 1920x1080, higher than 27% of projectors and equal to 59.2% of projectors.
Output resolution
1920x1080
This projector supports output resolution up to 1920x1080, higher than 25.9% of projectors and equal to 42.3% of projectors.
Projection technology
DLP
Show more
Throw ratio
1.2:1
Min throw distance
1.594 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >1.651 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 1.594 m, longer than 87.9% of projectors and equal to 0.4% of projectors.
Max projection size
100 inch
Market range: <120 inch – >301 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 100 inch, smaller than 92% of projectors and equal to 6.7% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
N/A
Motorized zoom
no
This projector does not have motorised zoom. 14.8% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Input lag
23 ms
Market range: <8 ms – >68 ms
This projector has input lag of 23 ms, lower than 55.4% of projectors and equal to 0.4% of projectors.
In Game Mode at 1080P/60Hz.
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
yes
This projector switches to low-latency mode automatically for games. 84.1% 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
2.1
This projector supports HDMI 2.1, more modern than 82.2% of projectors and equal to 17.8% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
48 Gbps
Market range: <10.2 Gbps – >48 Gbps
This projector supports HDMI bandwidth up to 48 Gbps, higher than 90.7% of projectors and equal to 9.3% of projectors.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This projector has 1 HDMI port/s, fewer than 54.2% of projectors and equal to 42.9% 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
?
Remote control
yes
This projector includes a remote control. 1.5% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Light source type
laser
This projector uses laser light source technology, more advanced than 75.4% of projectors and equal to 24.6% of projectors.
RGB Triple Laser.
Laser light source
yes
This projector has a laser light source. 73.3% of projectors offer this.
RGB Triple Laser light source.
Lamp life
30,000 hours
Market range: <3.5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 30,000 hours, shorter than 67.9% of projectors and equal to 25.9% of projectors.
Laser light source life.
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 64% of projectors and equal to 31.9% of projectors.
Eco mode rating.
Operating power consumption
57 W
Market range: <57 W – >390 W
This projector uses 57 W of power, less than 89.2% of projectors and equal to 0.3% of projectors.
Normal mode power draw.
Show more

Optoma ML1080 vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (3000000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast ratio.
    3,000,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • Wider color gamut
    This projector has a higher color gamut coverage than the average projector (105% BT.2020 % vs 99% Rec.709 %). The average projector has 99% Rec.709 % of color gamut coverage.
    105% BT.2,020 % vs 99% Rec.709 %
  • Advanced focus control
    This projector offers more advanced focus control than the average projector (auto-focus vs manual). Typical projector: manual.
    Manual remote fine-tuning available.
    auto-focus vs manual
  • 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 auto low-latency mode
    This projector switches to low-latency mode automatically, while the average projector does not. 16% 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
  • 7 dB quieter operation
    This projector has a lower audible noise than the average projector (24 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    Maximum noise rating.
    24 dB vs 31 dB
  • 2 more USB ports
    This projector has more USB ports than the average projector (3 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    3 vs 1
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (3000000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast ratio.
    3,000,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • Wider color gamut
    This projector has a higher color gamut coverage than the average projector (105% BT.2020 % vs 99% Rec.709 %). The average projector has 99% Rec.709 % of color gamut coverage.
    105% BT.2,020 % 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 HLG
    This projector supports HLG, while the average projector does not. 41.2% of projectors support HLG.
  • 2 more recent release
    This projector was released more recently than the average projector (2023 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    September 2023
    2023 vs 2021
  • Advanced focus control
    This projector offers more advanced focus control than the average projector (auto-focus vs manual). Typical projector: manual.
    Manual remote fine-tuning available.
    auto-focus vs manual
  • 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
  • Motorized focus
    This projector supports motorized focus, while the average projector does not. 45.6% of projectors support motorized focus.
  • Supports auto low-latency mode
    This projector switches to low-latency mode automatically, while the average projector does not. 16% of projectors offer this.
  • Modern HDMI standard
    This projector offers Modern HDMI standard than the average projector (2.1 vs 2). The average projector supports HDMI 2.
    2.1 vs 2
  • 2.67x higher HDMI bandwidth
    This projector has a higher HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (48 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    48 Gbps vs 18 Gbps
  • 2 more USB ports
    This projector has more USB ports than the average projector (3 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    3 vs 1
  • More advanced USB ports
    This projector has faster USB ports than the average projector (USB 3.2 Gen 1 vs USB 2).
    USB 3.2 Gen 1 vs USB 2.0
  • 7 dB quieter operation
    This projector has a lower audible noise than the average projector (24 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    Maximum noise rating.
    24 dB vs 31 dB
  • Laser light source
    This projector has a laser light source, while the average projector does not. 26.7% of projectors have one.
    RGB Triple Laser light source.
  • 10,000 hours longer lamp life
    This projector has a higher lamp life than the average projector (30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life.
    Laser light source life.
    30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 4 dB quieter eco mode
    This projector has a lower audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (24 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    Maximum noise rating.
    24 dB vs 28 dB
  • 173 W lower power use
    This projector uses less power than the average projector (57 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    Normal mode power draw.
    57 W vs 230 W
  • 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.
    Laser light source life.
    30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 66.4% lighter weight
    This projector is lighter than the average projector (1 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    1 kg vs 2.98 kg
  • 140 mm narrower width
    This projector is narrower than the average projector (157 mm vs 297 mm). The average projector has a width of 297 mm.
    157 mm vs 297 mm
  • 75% dimmer image
    This projector has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (550 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    550 vs 2,200
  • 150 inch smaller image size
    This projector has a lower projection size than the average projector (100 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    100 inch vs 250 inch
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    This projector has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
    1 vs 2
  • 0.59 m longer throw distance
    This projector has a higher throw distance than the average projector (1.6 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    1.594 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 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.
  • 13.2% lower list score
    List score
    6.6/ 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 (1)
    List score: in 1 of 105 lists (1%)
    6.6 vs 7.6
  • No 3D video
    This projector does not support 3D video, while the average projector does. 55.4% of projectors support 3D video.
  • 13.2% lower list score
    List score
    6.6/ 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 (1)
    List score: in 1 of 105 lists (1%)
    6.6 vs 7.6
  • 10.8% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.6/ 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
    ▼ Worse than 68% of models

    6.6

    Mark 7.8 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.5

    Average grade

    20%

    5.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (1)
    1 review, its grade estimated from the review text. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    6.6 vs 7.4
  • 13.9% worse value for money
    Optoma ML1080 has a lower value-for-money score than the average projector (6.1 vs 6.9).
    6.1 vs 6.95
  • 60.6% more expensive
    Optoma ML1080 is more expensive than the average projector (£1,060 vs £660).
    £1,060 vs £660
  • 75% dimmer image
    This projector has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (550 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    550 vs 2,200
  • No 3D video
    This projector does not support 3D video, while the average projector does. 55.4% of projectors support 3D video.
  • 0.24 inch smaller DMD chip
    This projector has a lower DMD chip size than the average projector (0.2 inch vs 0.47 inch). The average projector has 0.47 inch of DMD chip size.
    0.23 inch vs 0.47 inch
  • 150 inch smaller image size
    This projector has a lower projection size than the average projector (100 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    100 inch vs 250 inch
  • 0.59 m longer throw distance
    This projector has a higher throw distance than the average projector (1.6 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    1.594 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    This projector has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
    1 vs 2
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks, while the average projector does. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • 70% weaker audio output
    This projector has a lower audio output power than the average projector (3 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
    3 W vs 10 W

Video reviews

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

Overview video
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
projectorreviews.com
≈ estimated
30/11/2023
Lab test · Portable RGB laser
Verdict
The Optoma ML1080 is a compact portable RGB laser projector with vivid color and HDR, but its blacks look dark gray.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Optoma ML1080

  • Excellent color reproduction using an RGB triple laser light source, covering 105% of the BT.2020 color gamut.
  • Highly portable and lightweight design, weighing only 1kg (approx. 2.2 lbs) with an included carrying case.
  • Fast and easy setup thanks to 'Time-of-Flight' (ToF) technology providing automatic focus and keystone correction.
  • Flexible power options, including the ability to run off a compatible USB-C PD 3.0 power bank for outdoor or on-the-go use.
  • Good gaming performance with low input lag (measured at ~25ms) and support for signals up to 4K@120fps via HDMI 2.1.
  • Eco-friendly construction using 50% post-consumer recycled materials and energy-efficient laser technology.

What customers don't like about Optoma ML1080

  • Weak built-in 3W speaker that lacks bass and depth, often requiring an external sound system for a better experience.
  • Black levels are more comparable to dark grey, which is a common limitation of compact DLP projectors with small DMD chips.
  • Lower native brightness (measured at ~685 ANSI lumens) compared to the marketed 1200 'HK' lumens, making it best suited for dark or low-light rooms.
  • Lack of integrated smart features or Wi-Fi out of the box; requires an optional external dongle for streaming apps and wireless casting.
  • Higher price point compared to some other portable 1080p projectors on the market.
  • No built-in battery, requiring a constant power source or an external battery pack.

Verdict

The Optoma ML1080 is an ultra-portable DLP projector featuring a premium RGB triple laser light source, delivering native Full HD (1920x1080) resolution with 1,200 lumens of brightness (550 ANSI lumens) and a massive 3,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. Weighing only 1kg and measuring approximately 157 x 135 x 68 mm, it stands out for its exceptional 105% BT.2020 color gamut coverage and a long maintenance-free lifespan of up to 30,000 hours. Key pros include its compact eco-friendly design using recycled materials, Time-of-Flight (ToF) technology for instant auto-focus and vertical keystone correction, and a versatile USB-C power port compatible with PD 3.0 external batteries for mobile use. However, notable cons include its lack of a built-in battery, a relatively modest 3W mono speaker that may require external audio, and black levels that can appear more dark gray than deep black in certain lighting conditions.

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