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 ZH500UST review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£2,510Native panel resolution:1920x1080ANSI lumens:5000Throw ratio:0.25:1Lamp life:20000 hours

Optoma ZH500UST Review: Compare 86 technical specifications to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

Optoma ZH500UST
7.0/10

Overall score

Score
7.0/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
Score components

35%

6.1

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

?

Reviews scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

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

â–¼Worse than 59% of projectors
5.2

Value for money

Value for money
5.2/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

â–¼Worse than 98%
6.1

Technical score

Technical score
6.1/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
Score components

42%

7.5

Image Quality

22%

3.8

Projection & Lens

12%

5.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.7

Audio & Features

8%

5.8

Connectivity

6%

7.5

Design & Power

â–¼Worse than 68%
?

Reviews score

Reviews score
✕
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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (0)
We have not found an independent test of this model yet. Until we do, its review part counts as 7.8.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
No expert tests yet
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • optoma-zh500ust
optoma-zh500ust
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 ZH500UST

Technical score
Technical score
6.1/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
Score components:

42%

7.5

Image Quality

22%

3.8

Projection & Lens

12%

5.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.7

Audio & Features

8%

5.8

Connectivity

6%

7.5

Design & Power

6.1
Reviews score
7.8
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
5.2/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components:

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

5.2
ANSI lumens
5,000
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 5,000 ANSI lumens, brighter than 92.9% of projectors and equal to 2.5% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
100,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 100000:1, higher than 73.1% of projectors and equal to 3.5% 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
0.25:1
Min throw distance
0.27 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >1.651 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 0.27 m, shorter than 94.7% of projectors and equal to 0.4% of projectors.
Max projection size
120 inch
Market range: <120 inch – >301 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 120 inch, smaller than 80.2% of projectors and equal to 10.7% 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
?
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
no
This projector does not switch to low-latency mode automatically. 16.1% of projectors offer this.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
no
This projector does not support variable refresh rate. 1.8% of projectors offer this.
HDMI version
1.4
This projector supports HDMI 1.4, older than 54% of projectors and equal to 35.7% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
10.2 Gbps
Market range: <10.2 Gbps – >48 Gbps
This projector supports HDMI bandwidth up to 10.2 Gbps, lower than 51.2% of projectors and equal to 46.5% of projectors.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This projector has 2 HDMI port/s, more than 45.9% of projectors and equal to 47.3% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
no
This projector does not support Bluetooth. 50.7% of projectors offer this.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Show more
Smart TV features
no
This projector does not have built-in smart TV features. 43.9% of projectors offer this.
Operating system
none
Android OS
no
This projector does not run Android OS. 19.1% of projectors run Android OS.
Dedicated smartphone app
no
This projector does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 36.8% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Remote control
yes
This projector includes a remote control. 1.5% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Light source type
laser
This projector uses laser light source technology, more advanced than 75.4% of projectors and equal to 24.6% of projectors.
Laser phosphor.
Laser light source
yes
This projector has a laser light source. 73.3% of projectors offer this.
Lamp life
20,000 hours
Market range: <3.5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 20,000 hours, shorter than 35.2% of projectors and equal to 25.8% 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.
Operating power consumption
410 W
Market range: <57 W – >390 W
This projector uses 410 W of power, more than 92.6% of projectors and equal to 0.4% of projectors.
Show more

Optoma ZH500UST vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • 2.27x brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (5,000 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    5,000 vs 2,200
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (100000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast ratio.
    100,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 0.74 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.3 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    0.27 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 2 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (2 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    Includes RCA stereo input.
    2 vs 0
  • Laser light source
    This projector has a laser light source, while the average projector does not. 26.7% of projectors have one.
  • 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
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This projector has more RJ45 ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 RJ45 ports.
    1 vs 0
  • 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
  • 2.27x brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (5,000 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    5,000 vs 2,200
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (100000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast ratio.
    100,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 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
  • 0.74 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.3 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    0.27 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This projector has more RJ45 ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 RJ45 ports.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB ports
    This projector has more USB ports than the average projector (2 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    2 vs 1
  • VGA input included
    This projector supports VGA input, while the average projector does not. 44.1% of projectors support VGA input.
  • 2 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (2 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    Includes RCA stereo input.
    2 vs 0
  • Laser light source
    This projector has a laser light source, while the average projector does not. 26.7% of projectors have one.
  • 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
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector 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
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 2 bit lower color depth
    This projector 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
  • 130 inch smaller image size
    This projector has a lower projection size than the average projector (120 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    120 inch vs 250 inch
  • 43.3% lower HDMI bandwidth
    This projector has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps
  • 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.
  • Older HDMI version
    This projector has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.4 vs 2). The average projector supports HDMI 2.
    1.4 vs 2
  • 33.4% worse value for money
    Optoma ZH500UST has a lower value-for-money score than the average projector (5.21 vs 6.9).
    5.21 vs 6.95
  • 3.8x more expensive
    Optoma ZH500UST is more expensive than the average projector (£2,510 vs £660).
    £2,510 vs £660
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 2 bit lower color depth
    This projector 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
  • 2 earlier release
    This projector was released earlier than the average projector (2019 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    September 2019
    2019 vs 2021
  • 130 inch smaller image size
    This projector has a lower projection size than the average projector (120 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    120 inch vs 250 inch
  • 15 degrees less vertical correction
    This projector offers less vertical keystone correction than the average projector (15 degrees vs 30 degrees). The average projector offers vertical keystone correction of 30 degrees.
    15 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • 15 degrees less horizontal correction
    This projector offers less horizontal keystone correction than the average projector (15 degrees vs 30 degrees). The average projector offers horizontal keystone correction of 30 degrees.
    15 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector 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
  • 43.3% lower HDMI bandwidth
    This projector has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps
  • Older HDMI version
    This projector has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.4 vs 2). The average projector supports HDMI 2.
    1.4 vs 2
  • More outdated HDCP support
    This projector supports an older HDCP version than the average projector (1.4 vs 2.2).
    1.4 vs 2.2
  • 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.
  • No sleep timer
    This projector does not have a sleep timer, while the average projector does. 82.4% of projectors have one.
  • 4 dB louder eco mode
    This projector has a higher audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (32 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    32 dB vs 28 dB
  • 180 W higher power use
    This projector uses more power than the average projector (410 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    410 W vs 230 W
  • 91.3% heavier weight
    This projector is heavier than the average projector (5.7 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    5.7 kg vs 2.98 kg
  • 168 mm thicker body
    This projector is thicker than the average projector (318 mm vs 150 mm). The average projector has a thickness of 150 mm.
    318 mm vs 150 mm
  • 86 mm wider body
    This projector is wider than the average projector (383 mm vs 297 mm). The average projector has a width of 297 mm.
    383 mm vs 297 mm

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Optoma ZH500UST

  • High brightness of 5,000 lumens allows for clear viewing in rooms with high ambient light.
  • Ultra-short 0.25:1 throw ratio can project a 100-inch image from less than 0.5 metres away.
  • Long maintenance-free laser light source life of up to 30,000 hours in eco mode.
  • Compact and lightweight design (5.6kg) compared to others in its category, making it easier to install.
  • Supports 24/7 operation and versatile 360-degree orientations for professional signage.
  • IP5X dust resistance rating ensures reliability in demanding environments like retail.
  • Integrated PC-free document viewer allows for direct presentations from USB storage.

What customers don't like about Optoma ZH500UST

  • Audible fan noise is relatively high at 36dB (32dB in eco mode), which may be noticeable in quiet settings.
  • Lacks motorized zoom and motorized focus, requiring manual adjustment for setup.
  • Does not have built-in smart TV features or integrated streaming apps.
  • Missing lens shift functionality (vertical or horizontal), making initial alignment more reliant on physical placement.
  • High operating power consumption of approximately 410W.
  • Maximum projection size is capped at 120 inches, which is smaller than some competitors.

Verdict

The Optoma ZH500UST is a professional-grade Full HD (1920x1080) laser projector featuring an impressive 5,000 ANSI lumens of brightness and a massive 100,000:1 contrast ratio. Its ultra-short-throw 0.25:1 lens allows it to project a 100-inch image from just 0.5 metres away, making it ideal for tight spaces like classrooms and retail signage. Main pros include its maintenance-free DuraCore laser light source with up to 30,000 hours of life, IP5X-rated dust resistance for reliable 24/7 operation, and 360-degree/portrait mounting flexibility. However, potential cons include the lack of a motorized zoom or lens shift, a relatively high operating noise of 36dB, and some user reports of thermal issues leading to focus drift during extended use.

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