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

ViewSonic M1 Plus 2 review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£300Native panel resolution:854x480ANSI lumens:125Throw ratio:1.2:1Lamp life:30000 hours

ViewSonic M1 Plus 2 Review: Compare 86 technical specifications to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 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 65% of models
Score components

35%

5.9

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 65% of projectors
7.5

Value for money

Value for money
7.5/ 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–² Better than 74% of models
Score components

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

â–²Better than 74%
5.9

Technical score

Technical score
5.9/ 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 79% of models
Score components

42%

5.0

Image Quality

22%

6.1

Projection & Lens

12%

5.0

HDMI & Gaming

10%

8.2

Audio & Features

8%

6.1

Connectivity

6%

8.2

Design & Power

â–¼Worse than 79%
?

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
  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £300
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of projector ViewSonic M1 Plus 2

Technical score
Technical score
5.9/ 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 79% of models
Score components:

42%

5.0

Image Quality

22%

6.1

Projection & Lens

12%

5.0

HDMI & Gaming

10%

8.2

Audio & Features

8%

6.1

Connectivity

6%

8.2

Design & Power

5.9
Reviews score
7.8
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 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–² Better than 74% of models
Score components:

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

7.5
ANSI lumens
125
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 125 ANSI lumens, dimmer than 98% of projectors and equal to 0.1% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
120,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 120000:1, higher than 76.7% of projectors and equal to 1% of projectors.
Native panel resolution
854x480
This projector uses a native resolution of 854x480, lower than 95.3% of projectors and equal to 2.3% of projectors.
Output resolution
854x480
This projector supports output resolution up to 854x480, lower than 95.5% of projectors and equal to 2.3% of projectors.
Projection technology
DLP
Show more
Throw ratio
1.2:1
Min throw distance
0.64 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >1.651 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 0.64 m, shorter than 83.3% of projectors and equal to 0.9% 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
37 ms
Market range: <8 ms – >68 ms
This projector has input lag of 37 ms, higher than 65.6% of projectors and equal to 2.3% of projectors.
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
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
yes
This projector connects to Wi-Fi networks for streaming. 46.7% of projectors offer this.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
This projector uses Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which is newer than 55.6% of projectors and the same as in 27.5% of projectors.
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This projector supports Bluetooth for speakers and headphones. 49.4% of projectors offer this.
Bluetooth version
4.2
This projector supports Bluetooth 4.2, more modern than 56.1% of projectors and equal to 6.1% of projectors.
Show more
Smart TV features
yes
This projector has built-in smart TV features. 56.2% of projectors offer this.
Android-based smart OS.
Operating system
proprietary
Android OS
no
This projector does not run Android OS. 19.1% of projectors run Android OS.
Dedicated smartphone app
yes
This projector comes with a dedicated smartphone app. 63.3% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
ViewSonic vCastSender app.
Remote control
yes
This projector includes a remote control. 1.5% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Light source type
led
This projector uses led light source technology, more advanced than 33.6% of projectors and equal to 39.9% of projectors.
Laser light source
no
This projector does not have a laser light source. 26.8% of projectors offer this.
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.
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
35 W
Market range: <57 W – >390 W
This projector uses 35 W of power, less than 96.1% of projectors and equal to 0.3% of projectors.
Show more

ViewSonic M1 Plus 2 vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • Advanced focus control
    This projector offers more advanced focus control than the average projector (auto-focus vs manual). Typical projector: manual.
    auto-focus vs manual
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (120000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    120,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • Supports smart TV apps
    This projector has built-in smart TV features, while the average projector does not. 43.9% of projectors offer smart TV features.
    Android-based smart OS.
  • 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
  • 0.37 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.6 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    0.64 m vs 1.0055 m
  • Smartphone app support
    This projector supports smartphone app control, while the average projector does not. 36.7% of projectors support smartphone app control.
    ViewSonic vCastSender app.
  • Includes stereo speakers
    This projector has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 47.8% of projectors have stereo speakers.
    dual 3W Harman Kardon speaker.
  • Supports voice commands
    This projector supports voice commands, while the average projector does not. 36.1% of projectors support voice commands.
    Alexa and Google Assistant supported.
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (120000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    120,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    This projector 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
  • Wider color gamut
    This projector has a higher color gamut coverage than the average projector (125% Rec.709 % vs 99% Rec.709 %). The average projector has 99% Rec.709 % of color gamut coverage.
    125% Rec.709 % 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.
    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
  • 0.37 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.6 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    0.64 m vs 1.0055 m
  • Supports AirPlay
    This projector supports AirPlay, while the average projector does not. 40.3% of projectors offer this.
  • 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
  • Supports Miracast mirroring
    This projector supports Miracast, while the average projector does not. 46.4% of projectors offer this.
  • Memory card slot included
    This projector has a memory card slot, while the average projector does not. 9.4% of projectors offer a memory card slot.
    microSD slot.
  • Supports smart TV apps
    This projector has built-in smart TV features, while the average projector does not. 43.9% of projectors offer smart TV features.
    Android-based smart OS.
  • Smartphone app support
    This projector supports smartphone app control, while the average projector does not. 36.7% of projectors support smartphone app control.
    ViewSonic vCastSender app.
  • Includes stereo speakers
    This projector has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 47.8% of projectors have stereo speakers.
    dual 3W Harman Kardon speaker.
  • Supports voice commands
    This projector supports voice commands, while the average projector does not. 36.1% of projectors support voice commands.
    Alexa and Google Assistant supported.
  • 5 dB quieter operation
    This projector has a lower audible noise than the average projector (26 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    26 dB vs 31 dB
  • 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.
    30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 195 W lower power use
    This projector uses less power than the average projector (35 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    35 W vs 230 W
  • 3 dB quieter eco mode
    This projector has a lower audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (25 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    25 dB vs 28 dB
  • 76.5% lighter weight
    This projector is lighter than the average projector (0.7 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    0.7 kg vs 2.98 kg
  • 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.
    Eco mode rating.
    30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 146 mm narrower width
    This projector is narrower than the average projector (151 mm vs 297 mm). The average projector has a width of 297 mm.
    151 mm vs 297 mm
  • 82 mm lower height
    This projector is shorter than the average projector (40 mm vs 122 mm). The average projector has a height of 122 mm.
    40 mm vs 122 mm
  • 94.3% dimmer image
    This projector has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (125 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    125 vs 2,200
  • Lower output resolution
    This projector supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (854x480 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    854x480 vs 1920x1080
  • 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
  • Low native resolution
    This projector has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (854x480 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    854x480 vs 1920x1080
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 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
  • 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
  • 94.3% dimmer image
    This projector has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (125 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    125 vs 2,200
  • Lower output resolution
    This projector supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (854x480 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    854x480 vs 1920x1080
  • Low native resolution
    This projector has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (854x480 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    854x480 vs 1920x1080
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 0.27 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.
    0.2 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
  • 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
  • 10 ms higher input lag
    This projector has a higher input lag than the average projector (37 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    37 ms vs 27 ms
  • 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 RS-232 control
    This projector does not support RS-232 control, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors support RS-232 control.
  • 40% weaker audio output
    This projector has a lower audio output power than the average projector (6 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
    2 x 3W.
    6 W vs 10 W
  • 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

Third-party reviews

What customers like about ViewSonic M1 Plus 2

  • Excellent portability due to its lightweight (under 1kg) and compact design.
  • High-quality integrated Harman Kardon speakers that provide loud, clear audio for its size.
  • Versatile 360-degree 'Smart Stand' that doubles as a lens cover and allows for projection at various angles, including the ceiling.
  • Broad physical connectivity options, including HDMI, USB-C, USB-A, and a microSD card slot.
  • Maintenance-free LED light source with a long lifespan of up to 30,000 hours.
  • Convenient internal 16GB storage for loading media directly onto the device for offline use.

What customers don't like about ViewSonic M1 Plus 2

  • Low native resolution of 480p (WVGA), which can make fine text difficult to read.
  • Relatively low brightness (300 LED lumens), making it difficult to use in rooms with ambient light.
  • Underwhelming built-in app store (Aptoide) with a sluggish interface and limited compatibility for major apps like Netflix.
  • Wireless screen mirroring can be inconsistent, often experiencing lag or stuttering.
  • Manual focus wheel can be finicky and often requires frequent readjustment during use.
  • Actual battery life is often reported closer to 2-3 hours on full power, despite higher advertised claims.

Verdict

The ViewSonic M1+_G2 is an ultra-portable LED projector featuring a native WVGA 854x480 resolution, 300 LED lumens of brightness, and a dynamic contrast ratio of 120,000:1. Its standout design includes an iF award-winning 360-degree smart stand that doubles as a lens cover and enables instant power-on when opened. Key pros include built-in dual Harman Kardon speakers for immersive audio, integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and a long-lasting LED light source with up to 30,000 hours of life. It also offers extreme portability at under 1kg with a built-in battery providing up to 6 hours of playtime in eco mode. However, main cons include a lower native resolution that can make small text difficult to read, limited brightness that requires a dark room for the best experience, and a proprietary smart interface (Aptoide TV) that can feel sluggish and lacks official support for some popular streaming apps.

Compare ViewSonic M1 Plus 2 with other products in the Projectors category

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of ViewSonic M1 Plus 2 and other products in the Projectors category

No results found