Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesiTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
The BenQ X500i is a short-throw 4K projector built around a useful combination: flexible placement in smaller rooms and low-latency high-refresh gaming. It is a strong fit if you can dim the room and want a large image without placing the projector far away. It is less compelling in rooms with several lights on, for viewers sensitive to rainbow artifacts, or for anyone who needs variable refresh rate (VRR).
Is the BenQ X500i good for gaming?
Yes, particularly if your console or PC can output one of the X500i’s supported high-refresh modes. BenQ lists input lag of 4.2 ms at 1080p/240Hz, 8.3 ms at 1080p/120Hz, and 16.7 ms at 4K/60Hz. These are mode-specific figures, not a single latency figure that applies to every signal. RTINGS reports support for 4K/60Hz and 1080p at 120Hz or 240Hz, but not VRR. The official BenQ product page’s footnote gives slightly different figures—4.16 ms, 8 ms, and 16 ms for those respective modes—so treat latency as dependent on the selected input mode and source specification rather than as “zero delay.”
For a competitive game, choose a supported high-refresh output if your system can deliver it and you are willing to use 1080p. If image detail matters more, 4K/60Hz is the listed 4K mode. The X500i does not support 4K at 120Hz, and without VRR it cannot smooth fluctuations in a game’s frame rate, according to RTINGS.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
How far away does the X500i need to be?
BenQ specifies a 0.69–0.83 throw ratio and 1.2× zoom. That short-throw range allows a large image from a relatively short distance, but the exact position depends on the image size and zoom setting. RTINGS says the projector can produce a 60-inch image from about 3 feet and a 120-inch image from 6–7.2 feet. Measure from the planned lens position to the screen area and verify the geometry for your intended image size before installing it.
#1 Best Overall
- 4LED Light Engine: 4K BenQ HDR-PRO, Experience games in stunning clarity & detail, this 4K gaming projector showcases every pixel with precision & vibrancy. The Best Gaming Projectors on the market. Brighter and longer-lasting than lamp projectors with rich color.
- 4.2 ms Low Latency + 240 Hz Refresh: Experience gaming with zero latency with response times as quick as 4ms (1080p@240Hz). Ultra-responsive gaming with smooth motion.
- Short Throw Design: 0.69~0.83 short throw and digital zoom for large image projection in confined space. 100" screen from ~6.5 ft, ideal for small gaming spaces.
- Android TV Built-In: Enjoy endless entertainment with this tv projector, Google-Certified Android TV. Effortlessly cast from iPhone/iPad/Mac, Android, & PC devices using AirPlay & Chromecast. Stream Netflix, Prime, YouTube right out of the box.
- TreVolo Audio + Game Sound Mode: Immerse yourself in breathtaking 7.1-channel and Dolby Atmos audio with support for eARC and S/PDF connectivity. Tuned sound for FPS, RPG and cinematic content.
The X500i is not a particularly flexible ceiling-installation projector: RTINGS notes manual focus, limited physical adjustment and no lens shift. Plan to position and align the unit carefully rather than expecting lens controls to correct a poor placement. It is also not especially convenient for frequent relocation: RTINGS notes it has no carrying handle or case and requires AC power.
Can the X500i work in a bright room?
It can display an image in a room with ambient light, but its 2,200 ANSI-lumen specification does not guarantee a punchy picture in every lighting condition. BenQ lists that figure for the US model, while RTINGS finds the projector better suited to dim rooms and says several lights on quickly diminish image impact. If you cannot control light from windows or lamps, the X500i is a weaker choice than its headline brightness might suggest.
Rank #2
- INCLUDED – BenQ X500i 2200-Lumen XPR UHD 4K Short-Throw 4LED DLP Smart Console Gaming Projector | Remote Control with Batteries | Power Cord | Adjustment Feet Kit | QS02 HDMI Media Streaming Stick | Universal Ceiling Mount | Limited 3-Year Manufacturer Warranty.
- IMMERSIVE 4K HDR GAMING – Experience detailed 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) projection with 2200 ANSI lumens, a durable 4LED light source, HDR support, and 84% DCI-P3 color coverage for vivid, cinematic gaming and entertainment.
- SHORT-THROW BIG-SCREEN PERFORMANCE – The 0.69–0.83 throw ratio and 1.2x zoom make it easy to create a large image in compact spaces, including an approximately 100-inch picture from just 5 to 6 feet away.
- ULTRA-LOW-LATENCY GAME MODES – Built for responsive console gaming with input lag as low as 4.16ms at 1080p/240Hz, plus dedicated RPG, SPG, and FPS modes designed to optimize visuals and audio for different styles of gameplay.
- SMART STREAMING & CINEMATIC AUDIO – Enjoy Google-licensed Android TV through the included QS02 streaming stick, along with dual built-in speakers and HDMI eARC support for connecting compatible soundbars and surround-sound systems.
In RTINGS’ assessment, the X500i has good contrast in dark scenes, but bright scenes can look flatter and lighter colors lose saturation. That distinction matters if you watch varied movies or play colorful games: it is not simply a matter of choosing between “bright” and “dim,” but of how the picture holds up across different content and room conditions.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →What picture quality trade-offs should you expect?
BenQ lists native 4K UHD resolution (3840×2160). RTINGS reports near-perfect pre-calibration accuracy and good dark-scene contrast, alongside reduced saturation in lighter colors and less depth in bright scenes. Some viewers may also notice rainbow flashes, an artifact that can be distracting for people sensitive to it.
Rank #3
- INCLUDED - BenQ X500i projector, QS02 Android TV Dongle, RCI074 Remote, Power Cord, User Manual, BenQ 3-Year Warranty, and H&A Ceiling Mount for immediate setup.
- STUNNING IMAGE QUALITY - Experience incredibly sharp and detailed visuals with true 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution, bringing your games and movies to life.
- ULTIMATE BRIGHTNESS - Enjoy vibrant and clear images even in well-lit rooms, thanks to the impressive 2200 ANSI lumens brightness, ensuring a captivating viewing experience.
- UNMATCHED CONNECTIVITY - Seamlessly connect your favorite devices with HDMI 2.0b, USB Type-A, and USB Type-C ports, plus wireless AirPlay and Google Cast for easy streaming.
- LONG-LASTING LAMP LIFE - Benefit from the durable 4LED light source, offering up to 30,000 hours of lamp life in ECO mode, reducing maintenance and ensuring lasting enjoyment.
Movie motion at 60Hz is another qualification: RTINGS describes it as uneven. If most of your use is films rather than gaming, consider whether that motion presentation and the potential for rainbow artifacts suit your viewing habits. The projector’s strongest picture case is controlled-light viewing where dark-scene contrast and accurate color matter more than maintaining vividness in a bright room.
What connections and audio features does it have?
BenQ lists two HDMI 2.0b inputs with HDCP 2.2, with eARC and Dolby Atmos support on HDMI-2. The connections also include USB-A, USB-C DisplayPort input with 5V/1A power out, S/PDIF and a 3.5 mm audio output. The projector has two 5W speakers, and BenQ lists a supplied QS02 Android TV dongle.
Rank #4
- UNPARALLELED PICTURE QUALITY: TV Projector, comes with Native Full HD 1080p Resolution, 92% Rec. 709 Color Accuracy, 3000 Lumens and high native contrast ratio for the ultimate immersive cinematic and gaming experience.
- GEARED TOWARDS GAMING: Ultra-fast low input lag and a refresh rate that matches the max output of Xbox One X & PS4 Pro ensure ultra-smooth gaming experiences without motion blur to keep you on the top of your game. One of the best projector for gaming!
- WOW YOUR FRIENDS: Take the action to the big screen by projecting a 100 inch screen from just 5 feet away. Projects up to 300 inches.
- AWARD WINNING PROJECTOR: Best Projector for Gaming - High Ground Gaming 2019
- INDUSTRY-LEADING : 3-year limited parts and labor coverage makes you rest easy that our US-based customer service team is here when you need it.
If you want to connect an AV receiver, use HDMI-2 for eARC. Check the receiver and source-device setup as well as the projector’s input mode; eARC support on the projector does not by itself establish that every connected device or audio format will work in every configuration. BenQ’s page gives conflicting Android TV version references: the specifications list Android 11.0, while an FAQ answer says Android TV 9.0. The version should therefore not be treated as settled based on that page.
How does the X500i compare with other projector options?
RTINGS presents the X3100i as brighter but long-throw and more expensive, and the Epson Home Cinema 3800 as much brighter but not short-throw and without the X500i’s gaming and streaming feature set. These are comparisons made by that reviewer, not a universal ranking; which trade-off matters depends on your room, desired image size, lighting and use.
Best Value
- IMMERSIVE VISUALS - Experience stunning Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution with 4000 ANSI lumens brightness, ensuring vibrant and clear images for an unparalleled golf simulation experience.
- LIFELIKE COLOR ACCURACY - Achieve exceptional color reproduction with 95% Rec. 709 coverage and 30-bit (1.07 billion colors) display, bringing every detail of your virtual golf course to life.
- VERSATILE PROJECTION - Benefit from a short-throw ratio of 0.69-0.83 and 1.2x zoom, allowing for flexible installation in various spaces while maintaining a large, crisp image.
- LONG-LASTING PERFORMANCE - Enjoy extended usage with a laser light source providing 20,000 hours of life, minimizing maintenance and ensuring consistent, brilliant projection over time.
- SEAMLESS CONNECTIVITY - Easily integrate with your existing setup using multiple HDMI 2.0b inputs, USB Type A ports, and a USB Type C display port, offering broad compatibility.
| Option | What the comparison suggests | Best reason to consider it |
|---|---|---|
| BenQ X500i | Short-throw placement and gaming/streaming features; RTINGS considers it less suitable for several lights on. | You need a large image at short distance and can control room light. |
| BenQ X3100i | RTINGS describes it as brighter, long-throw and more expensive. | You have room for a longer throw and want the brighter option described in that comparison. |
| Epson Home Cinema 3800 | RTINGS describes it as much brighter, not short-throw, and lacking the X500i’s gaming/streaming feature set. | Brightness is a higher priority than short-throw placement or those feature differences. |
How long does the LED light source last?
BenQ lists 20,000 hours in Normal mode and 30,000 hours in ECO mode. These are manufacturer-rated figures for the two operating modes, not a guarantee of identical real-world performance in every setup. BenQ says the LED replacement is not user-serviceable, so do not treat this as a conventional projector with a user-replaceable lamp.
Who should buy the BenQ X500i?
- Consider it if you want a short-throw projector for a compact room, play games at supported high-refresh modes, and can keep ambient light under control.
- Look elsewhere if you need VRR, a vivid picture with several lights on, a 4K/120Hz input mode, lens shift, or a projector that is easy to carry and reposition repeatedly.
- Think carefully about movie use if uneven 60Hz motion or possible rainbow flashes would bother you.
For the official specifications, see BenQ’s X500i specifications. BenQ’s product page includes its product information and FAQ. RTINGS’ independent X500i review covers its assessment and comparison with other projectors. The BenQ X500i user manual provides operating guidance.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
