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Optoma ML500 Review | 85 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£330
  • ANSI lumens: 500
  • Native panel resolution: 1280x800
  • Throw ratio: 1.4:1

Optoma ML500 review. Compare 85 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among projectors and if it is worth buying.

4.8

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%

4.6

Technical Score

10.0%

7.3

User score

Poor
4.6

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%

4.7

Image Quality

22.0%

4.9

Projection & Lens

12.0%

5.3

HDMI & Gaming

10.0%

4.0

Audio & Features

8.0%

2.1

Connectivity

6.0%

5.5

Design & Power

Poor
7.3

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%

8.2

User reviews

30.0%

5.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
(57)
amazon
3.8
(2)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Very good
  • 6.9
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    ?

    Input lag

    25.0%

    10

    Refresh rate

    20.0%

    7.2

    Output Resolution

    10.0%

    1.0

    HDR10 support

    10.0%

    1.0

    Audio output power

  • 5.6
    Portable

    Score components:

    35.0%

    10

    Weight

    20.0%

    ?

    Has A Built-In Speaker

    15.0%

    1.0

    Bluetooth connectivity

    15.0%

    1.0

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    15.0%

    1.0

    Smart TV features

  • 3.2
    Home theatre

    Score components:

    30.0%

    7.2

    Output Resolution

    25.0%

    1.0

    HDR10 support

    20.0%

    1.0

    Dolby Vision support

    15.0%

    1.8

    ANSI lumens

    10.0%

    3.1

    Audible noise

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optoma-ml500

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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

Verdict

The Optoma ML500 is a compact, 2.5-pound ultra-portable DLP projector featuring a native WXGA (1280 x 800) resolution and 500 ANSI lumens of brightness. It utilizes a long-lasting LED light source rated for up to 20,000 hours, eliminating the need for expensive lamp replacements. Key characteristics include its 3000:1 contrast ratio, 2GB of internal memory, and a built-in media player that supports PC-free presentations of Microsoft Office files via USB or SD card slots. Main pros are its lightweight design, diverse connectivity—including HDMI, VGA, and S-video—and surprisingly decent 2-watt audio for its size. However, notable cons include the lack of an optical zoom, forcing users to manually position the unit to adjust image size, and the occasional appearance of rainbow artifacts or scaling issues during video playback.

Technical Specifications of Optoma ML500

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%

4.7

Image Quality

22.0%

4.9

Projection & Lens

12.0%

5.3

HDMI & Gaming

10.0%

4.0

Audio & Features

8.0%

2.1

Connectivity

6.0%

5.5

Design & Power

4.6
Optoma ML500 has a technical score of 4.57 points, which is lower than 93.5% 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%

8.2

User reviews

30.0%

5.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
(57)
amazon
3.8
(2)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

7.3
Optoma ML500 has a user score of 7.31 points, which is lower than 74.1% 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.
5.3
Optoma ML500 has a popularity of 5.3 points, which is higher than 69.1% 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%

4.8

Overall score

40.0%

8.8

Price

6.0
Optoma ML500 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6 points, which is lower than 51.5% 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

500
Optoma ML500 reaches 500 ANSI lumens, dimmer than 77.6% of projectors and equal to 3.4% 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

3,000:1
Optoma ML500 has a contrast ratio of 3000:1, lower than 61.7% of projectors and equal to 5.8% of projectors.
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

1280x800
Optoma ML500 uses a native resolution of 1280x800, lower than 74.6% of projectors and equal to 7.8% of projectors.
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

1280x800
Optoma ML500 supports output resolution up to 1280x800, lower than 75.9% of projectors and equal to 7.9% of projectors.
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

1.4:1
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

0.5 m
Optoma ML500 needs a minimum throw distance of 0.5 m, shorter than 87.7% of projectors and equal to 3.6% 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

180 inch
Optoma ML500 supports projection sizes up to 180 inch, smaller than 64.3% of projectors and equal to 1.3% of projectors.
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

N/A
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
Optoma ML500 does not have motorized zoom. 16.3% of projectors have motorized zoom.
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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

?
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
Optoma ML500 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
Optoma ML500 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

?
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

?
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

1
Optoma ML500 has 1 HDMI port/s, fewer than 54.6% of projectors and equal to 42.2% of projectors.
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

no
Optoma ML500 does not support Wi-Fi. 52.7% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
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

N/A
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

no
Optoma ML500 does not support Bluetooth. 50% of projectors support Bluetooth.
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

N/A
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

no
Optoma ML500 does not have smart TV features. 43.8% of projectors have smart TV features.
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

no
Optoma ML500 does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 35.6% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
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
Optoma ML500 includes a remote control. 1.6% of projectors include a remote control.
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
Optoma ML500 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
Optoma ML500 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
Optoma ML500 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

20,000 hours
Optoma ML500 offers eco-mode lamp life of 20000 hours, shorter than 32.8% of projectors and equal to 19.5% of projectors.
Eco mode rating.
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

120 W
Optoma ML500 uses 120 W of power, less than 65.5% of projectors and equal to 2.3% of projectors.
Show more

Optoma ML500 vs the average projector

  • 0.56 m shorter throw distance
    Optoma ML500 has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.5 m vs 1.06 m). The average projector has 1.06 m of 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

    Optoma ML500 has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.5 m vs 1.06 m). The average projector has 1.06 m of throw distance.0.5 m vs 1.06 m
  • Wider color gamut
    Optoma ML500 has a higher color gamut coverage than the average projector (100% NTSC % vs 99% Rec.709 %). The average projector has 99% Rec.709 % of color gamut coverage.
    What it is: Percentage of the target color gamut covered by the projector.
    When it matters: When you care about accurate tones and refined image quality, color precision matters.

    Importance: HIGH

    Optoma ML500 has a higher color gamut coverage than the average projector (100% NTSC % vs 99% Rec.709 %). The average projector has 99% Rec.709 % of color gamut coverage.100% NTSC % vs 99% Rec.709 %
  • 10 degrees greater vertical keystone correction
    Optoma ML500 offers more vertical keystone correction than the average projector (40 degrees degrees vs 30 degrees degrees). The average projector offers 30 degrees degrees of vertical keystone correction.
    What it is: Range of vertical keystone correction supported.
    When it matters: When the projector sits too high or too low relative to the screen and vertical image correction becomes necessary.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Optoma ML500 offers more vertical keystone correction than the average projector (40 degrees degrees vs 30 degrees degrees). The average projector offers 30 degrees degrees of vertical keystone correction.40 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    Optoma ML500 has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 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

    Optoma ML500 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
    Optoma ML500 has more audio input ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    Via combined AV input.
    What it is: Number of analog audio input ports available.
    When it matters: When you connect several devices at the same time, port count matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Optoma ML500 has more audio input ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB ports
    Optoma ML500 has more USB ports than the average projector (2 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    What it is: Number of available USB ports.
    When it matters: When the projector needs to power accessories, read media, or support extra peripherals directly.

    Importance: LOW

    Optoma ML500 has more USB ports than the average projector (2 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.2 vs 1
  • 64.5% lighter weight
    Optoma ML500 is lighter than the average projector (1.1 kg vs 3.1 kg). The average projector weighs 3.1 kg.
    What it is: Total weight of the projector including lamp and lens.
    When it matters: When you move the projector between rooms or setups, lower weight matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Optoma ML500 is lighter than the average projector (1.1 kg vs 3.1 kg). The average projector weighs 3.1 kg.1.1 kg vs 3.1 kg
  • Includes VGA
    Optoma ML500 includes VGA input, while the average projector does not. 43.1% of projectors include VGA input.
    What it is: Presence of a VGA connector for analog video input.
    When it matters: When older laptops, PCs, or legacy AV hardware still need an analog video input path.

    Importance: LOW

    Optoma ML500 includes VGA input, while the average projector does not. 43.1% of projectors include VGA input.
  • Wider color gamut
    Optoma ML500 has a higher color gamut coverage than the average projector (100% NTSC % vs 99% Rec.709 %). The average projector has 99% Rec.709 % of color gamut coverage.
  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    Optoma ML500 has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
  • 0.56 m shorter throw distance
    Optoma ML500 has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.5 m vs 1.06 m). The average projector has 1.06 m of throw distance.
  • 10 degrees greater vertical keystone correction
    Optoma ML500 offers more vertical keystone correction than the average projector (40 degrees degrees vs 30 degrees degrees). The average projector offers 30 degrees degrees of vertical keystone correction.
  • 1 more USB ports
    Optoma ML500 has more USB ports than the average projector (2 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
  • Includes VGA
    Optoma ML500 includes VGA input, while the average projector does not. 43.1% of projectors include VGA input.
  • 1 more audio input ports
    Optoma ML500 has more audio input ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
  • 64.5% lighter weight
    Optoma ML500 is lighter than the average projector (1.1 kg vs 3.1 kg). The average projector weighs 3.1 kg.
  • 113.9 W lower power use
    Optoma ML500 uses less power than the average projector (120 W vs 233.9 W). The average projector uses 233.9 W of power.
  • 84.5 mm lower height
    Optoma ML500 is shorter than the average projector (42.5 mm vs 127 mm). The average projector has a height of 127 mm.

Total
Image Quality
Projection & Lens
Connectivity
Audio & Features
Design & Power
  • No HDR10 support
    Optoma ML500 does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 56.3% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 77.3% dimmer image
    Optoma ML500 has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (500 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
  • 2 bit lower color depth
    Optoma ML500 has a lower color depth than the average projector (8 bit vs 10 bit). The average projector has 10 bit of color depth.
  • Low native resolution
    Optoma ML500 has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
  • Lower output resolution
    Optoma ML500 supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
  • Lower contrast ratio
    Optoma ML500 has a lower contrast ratio than the average projector (3000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
  • 0.02 inch smaller DMD chip
    Optoma ML500 has a lower DMD chip size than the average projector (0.5 inch vs 0.47 inch). The average projector has 0.47 inch of DMD chip size.
  • 70 inch smaller image size
    Optoma ML500 has a lower projection size than the average projector (180 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
  • Limited HDMI format
    Optoma ML500 supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    Optoma ML500 has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
  • No Wi-Fi support
    Optoma ML500 does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.6% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
  • No 3.5 mm jack
    Optoma ML500 does not include a 3.5 mm audio jack, while the average projector does. 82.2% of projectors include a 3.5 mm audio jack.
  • 80% weaker audio output
    Optoma ML500 has a lower audio output power than the average projector (2 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
  • Basic light source
    Optoma ML500 has Basic light source than the average projector (led vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
  • 6 dB louder operation
    Optoma ML500 has a higher audible noise than the average projector (36 dB vs 30 dB). The average projector has 30 dB of audible noise.
  • 1 dB louder eco mode
    Optoma ML500 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.
  • 10 older model
    Optoma ML500 was released earlier than the average projector (2,011 vs 2,021). The average projector was released in 2,021.
  • No HDR10 support
    Optoma ML500 does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 56.3% of projectors support HDR10.
    What it is: Support for HDR10 high dynamic range standard.
    When it matters: When you want the projector to handle mainstream HDR movie and streaming content instead of standard dynamic range only.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Optoma ML500 does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 56.3% of projectors support HDR10.
  • Limited HDMI format
    Optoma ML500 supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    What it is: Highest HDMI input format supported by the projector.
    When it matters: When you want to confirm the exact signal format the projector can accept from high-end modern sources.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Optoma ML500 supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • 77.3% dimmer image
    Optoma ML500 has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (500 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 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

    Optoma ML500 has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (500 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.500 vs 2,200
  • 2 bit lower color depth
    Optoma ML500 has a lower color depth than the average projector (8 bit vs 10 bit). The average projector has 10 bit of color depth.
    What it is: Number of bits per color channel for color depth.
    When it matters: When you care about accurate tones and refined image quality, color precision matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Optoma ML500 has a lower color depth than the average projector (8 bit vs 10 bit). The average projector has 10 bit of color depth.8 bit vs 10 bit
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    Optoma ML500 has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 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

    Optoma ML500 has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.1 vs 2
  • Basic light source
    Optoma ML500 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

    Optoma ML500 has Basic light source than the average projector (led vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.led vs laser
  • Low native resolution
    Optoma ML500 has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    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

    Optoma ML500 has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.1280x800 vs 1920x1080
  • Lower output resolution
    Optoma ML500 supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 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

    Optoma ML500 supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.1280x800 vs 1920x1080
Total
Overall
Image Quality
Projection & Lens
HDMI & Gaming
Connectivity
Audio & Features
Design & Power

Graphic comparison of Optoma ML500 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.1
57 Reviews
amazon
3.8
2 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Optoma ML500?

  • High portability with a lightweight 2.5-pound design and compact footprint roughly the size of a book.
  • Long-lasting LED light source rated for up to 20,000 hours, eliminating the need for frequent and costly bulb replacements.
  • Strong connectivity options including HDMI, VGA, USB, and an SD card slot for PC-free presentations.
  • Saturated and vibrant color performance, particularly for data images and business presentations.
  • Quick setup time, often taking less than a minute from unboxing to projection.
  • Decent audio output from the built-in 2-watt speaker, capable of filling a small conference room.

What customers dislike about Optoma ML500?

  • Presence of scaling artifacts and fuzziness in small text, even when projecting at its native 1280x800 resolution.
  • Visible 'rainbow artifacts' in video content, which may be distracting for sensitive viewers.
  • Loud cooling fan noise that some users found intrusive during operation.
  • Lack of an optical zoom lens, requiring users to physically move the unit to adjust image size.
  • Limited vertical and horizontal lens shift, making placement flexibility more difficult compared to full-sized models.
  • Reports of reliability issues over time, including potential heat-related damage and specific daily usage limitations in the warranty.

Expert reviews

P
projectorcentral.com
14/02/2012
Optoma ML500 LED Projector Review - ProjectorCentral

The Optoma ML500 is a 2.5-pound, DLP-based portable projector that represents a new generation of long-life LED models. Reviewer M. David Stone from ProjectorCentral highlights its main pros, which include a highly portable book-like size, a speedy setup that takes under a minute, and full-size standard connectors that eliminate the need for proprietary adapters. It delivers a...Read more

U
uk.pcmag.com
18/10/2011
Optoma ML500 - Review 2011 - PCMag UK

Optoma ML500 Review Summary The Optoma ML500 is a highly portable, budget-priced business projector that utilizes an LED light source with an expected lifetime of 20,000 hours, eliminating the long-term cost of replacement lamps. Weighing 2.5 pounds and measuring 1.7 by 8.7 by 6.7 hours (HWD), it sits between palmtop and standard projectors by remaining lightweight while standing up...Read more

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projectorreviews.com
06/04/2012
Optoma ML500 DLP Projector Review - Projector Reviews

The Optoma ML500 is a portable DLP projector designed for users who travel often. It has major pros like a light weight of 2.5 pounds and a tiny footprint smaller than a sheet of paper. It uses a LED lamp that lasts up to 20,000 hours, which is much longer than standard lamps. It is fairly bright for its size, putting out 450 lumens in Bright Mode against its 500-lumen claim. It...Read more

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projectorreviews.com
06/08/2013
Optoma ML500 - Image Quality - Projector Reviews

The Optoma ML500 review by Projector Reviews evaluates a highly compact, 2.5-pound ultra-portable DLP projector that boasts 500 lumens of brightness and a long LED lamp life of 20,000 hours. A primary pro highlighted in the review is its surprisingly strong color accuracy, where it successfully avoids the typical pitfalls of single-chip DLP technology—such as muddy yellows or...Read more

J
judybarrass.wordpress.com
24/02/2012
Optoma ML500 Portable Projector – Review - judybarrass Would you like a summary of the pros and cons from these specific reviews to help with your eva...

Judy Barrass’s review of the Optoma ML500 portable projector presents a largely critical and disappointed perspective, concluding that the device is "neither one thing nor the other". The reviewer notes that while it is bright for an LED projector and performs reliably for long stretches in a gallery, its physical dimensions fail the portability test. It is too large to fit into a...Read more

U
uk.pcmag.com
16/05/2014
Optoma ML500 - PCMag UK

The Optoma ML500 is a highly portable, budget-friendly 2.5-pound business projector built around a WXGA DLP engine that utilizes a long-lasting, 20,000-hour LED light source instead of a traditional lamp. Its standout features include a robust selection of connectivity options—such as HDMI, VGA, USB, S-video, composite video, and an SD card slot—alongside 2GB of internal memory....Read more

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projectorreviews.com
06/08/2013
Optoma ML500 - Physical Tour - Projector Reviews Do you need technical specifications or a summary of the pros and cons found in these tests?

The Optoma ML500 is an ultra-portable DLP projector designed for on-the-go professionals and casual multimedia users. Weighing just 2.5 pounds, this sleek device offers great travel convenience and boasts a long-lasting LED light source with an estimated lifespan of 20,000 hours, eliminating the need for frequent bulb replacements. Its standout physical pros include extensive media...Read more

R
rudiniemeijer.nl
07/11/2022
The Case of the Three Little Optoma Projectors

Rudi Niemeijer compares the Optoma ML500 portable projector with its smaller successors, the ML750e and ML1050ST, highlighting the shift toward extreme portability. While the ML500 offers a larger form factor with an internal power supply, robust analogue inputs, and acceptable fan noise, the newer, palm-sized models significantly reduce chassis size, representing a major advantage...Read more

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