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 M2W review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£770Native panel resolution:1280x800ANSI lumens:700Throw ratio:1.2:1Lamp life:30000 hours

ViewSonic M2W Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 2 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

ViewSonic M2W
6.8/10

Overall score

Score
6.8/ 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 72% of models
Score components

35%

6.5

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

6.5

Reviews score

10%

?

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

â–¼Worse than 72% of projectors
6.7

Value for money

Value for money
6.7/ 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 60% of models
Score components

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

6.5

Price

â–¼Worse than 60%
6.5

Technical score

Technical score
6.5/ 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–² Better than 50% of models
Score components

42%

6.4

Image Quality

22%

6.4

Projection & Lens

12%

5.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

8.2

Audio & Features

8%

6.1

Connectivity

6%

7.8

Design & Power

â–²Better than 50%
6.5

Reviews score

Reviews score
6.5/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 69% of models

6.5

Mark 7.7 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.1

Average grade

20%

6.1

Popularity

Grades by review (2)
1 review, with a printed score. 1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 69%
?

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
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Where to buy
    N/A~ £770
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 ViewSonic M2W

Technical score
Technical score
6.5/ 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–² Better than 50% of models
Score components:

42%

6.4

Image Quality

22%

6.4

Projection & Lens

12%

5.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

8.2

Audio & Features

8%

6.1

Connectivity

6%

7.8

Design & Power

6.5
Reviews score
6.5
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.7/ 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 60% of models
Score components:

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

6.5

Price

6.7
ANSI lumens
700
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 700 ANSI lumens, dimmer than 72.6% of projectors and equal to 2.3% 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
1280x800
This projector uses a native resolution of 1280x800, lower than 73.7% of projectors and equal to 8.2% of projectors.
Output resolution
1280x800
This projector supports output resolution up to 1280x800, lower than 74.8% of projectors and equal to 8.4% of projectors.
Projection technology
DLP
Show more
Throw ratio
1.2:1
Min throw distance
0.5 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >1.651 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 0.5 m, shorter than 87.1% of projectors and equal to 3.2% of projectors.
Max projection size
150 inch
Market range: <120 inch – >301 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 150 inch, smaller than 67.2% of projectors and equal to 10.2% 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
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.
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
71 W
Market range: <57 W – >390 W
This projector uses 71 W of power, less than 79.4% of projectors.
Normal mode power draw.
Show more

ViewSonic M2W 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
  • 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
  • 0.51 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.5 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    0.5 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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 (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 (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.
    Manual remote fine-tuning available.
    auto-focus vs manual
  • 0.51 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.5 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    0.5 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 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
  • 10 degrees more horizontal correction
    This projector offers more horizontal keystone correction than the average projector (40 degrees vs 30 degrees). The average projector offers horizontal 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.
    Remote-controlled electronic focus.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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
  • 159 W lower power use
    This projector uses less power than the average projector (71 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    Normal mode power draw.
    71 W vs 230 W
  • 56.4% lighter weight
    This projector is lighter than the average projector (1.3 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    1.3 kg vs 2.98 kg
  • 2 dB quieter eco mode
    This projector has a lower audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (26 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    26 dB vs 28 dB
  • 65 mm lower height
    This projector is shorter than the average projector (57 mm vs 122 mm). The average projector has a height of 122 mm.
    57 mm vs 122 mm
  • 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
  • 68.2% dimmer image
    This projector has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (700 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    700 vs 2,200
  • 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
  • Low native resolution
    This projector 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
    This projector supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    1280x800 vs 1920x1080
  • 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
  • 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
  • 100 inch smaller image size
    This projector has a lower projection size than the average projector (150 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    150 inch vs 250 inch
  • 12.2% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.5/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models

    6.5

    Mark 7.7 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.1

    Average grade

    20%

    6.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (2)
    1 review, with a printed score. 1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    6.5 vs 7.4
  • 68.2% dimmer image
    This projector has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (700 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    700 vs 2,200
  • Low native resolution
    This projector 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
    This projector supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    1280x800 vs 1920x1080
  • 0.02 inch smaller DMD chip
    This projector 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.
    0.45 inch vs 0.47 inch
  • 100 inch smaller image size
    This projector has a lower projection size than the average projector (150 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    150 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
  • 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.
    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

Video reviews

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

8.0
Corto Clic
≈ estimated
03/11/2023
Hands-on review · movies, games and phone connection tests
Verdict
ViewSonic M2W has a strong picture and speakers, but the lack of native streaming apps is a drawback.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

6.4
computerbild.de
✓ explicit
04/02/2023
Hands-on test · Office projector
Verdict
The ViewSonic M2W is a bright, high-contrast office projector with a 16:10 screen for slides, but its old Android system limits streaming.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about ViewSonic M2W

  • Compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable for travel and camping.
  • Exceptional audio quality for its size, featuring dual Harman Kardon speakers that can fill a room.
  • Easy and fast setup thanks to reliable instant autofocus and auto-keystone correction.
  • Long light source life of up to 30,000 hours due to maintenance-free LED technology.
  • Versatile connectivity options including USB-C, HDMI, and microSD, with support for power bank charging.
  • Impressive color vibrancy and saturation using Cinema SuperColor+ technology.

What customers don't like about ViewSonic M2W

  • Limited brightness (1,700 LED lumens) makes it difficult to use in rooms with significant ambient daylight.
  • Built-in Aptoide app store is often described as clunky, with many popular apps like Netflix being difficult to navigate or limited to standard definition.
  • Black levels can appear more like dark grey, leading to lower contrast performance in dark scenes.
  • Remote control lacks a backlight, making it frustrating to use in the dark where projectors are typically operated.
  • Noticeable input lag makes it less suitable for competitive or fast-paced gaming.
  • Permanent 'motion smoothing' effect on some models cannot be disabled, which may look unnatural for movies.

Verdict

The ViewSonic M2W is a compact, portable smart LED projector featuring a native WXGA (1280x800) resolution and 1,700 LED lumens of brightness for clear, vibrant imagery on screens up to 150 inches. Its core characteristics include a long-lasting light source rated for 30,000 hours, a 3,000,000:1 contrast ratio, and theater-level audio provided by dual 3W Harman Kardon speakers. Main pros include its easy setup with instant autofocus and H/V keystone correction, versatile connectivity via USB-C and Wi-Fi screen mirroring, and the ability to be powered by a mobile power bank. However, noted cons include a lower native resolution compared to Full HD models and potentially limited visibility in environments with significant ambient light.

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