If you’re hunting for a bright, crisp projector without stretching your budget, the BenQ GP520 is an easy recommendation. At $1,499, it offers a powerful 2,600 ANSI lumens output, true 4K resolution, HDR10+ support, and built-in Google TV — all wrapped into a compact, travel-friendly design.
In a market where prices for sharp, bright projectors are skyrocketing, the GP520 stands tall by delivering exceptional brightness and solid streaming features without the premium markup. Let’s break down where it shines — and where it leaves room for improvement.
BenQ GP520 4K Ultra HD HDR 4LED Projector
Stunning 4K HDR visuals, smart ambient adaptation, Google TV built-in, HDMI 2.1, and ultra-portable design.
$1,499.00
Buy Now*Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
Price and Release Date: A 4K Gem Under $1,500
Released in October 2024, the BenQ GP520 launched at a competitive $1,499 / £1,299 / AU$2,199. It’s a smarter, more affordable choice compared to rivals like the Hisense C2 Ultra and JMGO N1S Pro 4K.
While these competitors offer triple-laser setups and wider color gamuts, they often compromise brightness at this price point. The GP520’s LED system focuses on delivering pure brightness, making it ideal for everyday movie watching, even with ambient light in the room.
Design and Features: Smart, Compact, and Ready to Stream
The GP520 sports a minimalist, boxy chassis with a subtle gray-and-blue accent. Thanks to its compact footprint and multiple tripod mounting options, setting it up in different environments is quick and painless.
Inside, the GP520 houses:
- An LED DLP light engine
- Dual 12-watt speakers
- Google TV for built-in streaming
Setup is easy with automatic keystone, autofocus, and even obstacle avoidance — all digital tweaks designed to optimize your image fast. However, these adjustments slightly lower the native 4K sharpness, something to note if you’re chasing pure image fidelity.
Connectivity is impressive for the price:
- 2x HDMI 2.1 (one with eARC)
- USB-C (DisplayPort In + Power Delivery)
- USB-A ports
- 3.5mm audio jack
The major drawback? A bulky external power brick, which can clutter compact setups.
Trust Tip: Integrated Google TV and onboard speakers make the GP520 truly plug-and-play, ideal for renters, students, or anyone seeking hassle-free home theater.
Picture and Sound Quality: Crisp, Bright, and Ready to Entertain
At the heart of this BenQ GP520 review is its standout feature: brightness. With a rated 2,600 lumens, the GP520 easily handles daytime viewing — a rare feat for projectors under $2,000.
Movies like Enemy of the State and Dune looked sharp, detailed, and rich in contrast, even with some light slipping through the blinds. Shadow detail in darker scenes remains impressive, though the projector’s elevated black levels can slightly wash out letterboxed content.
Color performance is decent but not mind-blowing. Covering about 81% of the DCI-P3 spectrum, it’s serviceable for most TV and movie watching but falls short of the stunning vibrancy seen on pricier triple-laser models.
Sound-wise, the onboard speakers are surprisingly loud and clear for casual viewing. However, you’ll want an external sound system if you crave rich bass or cinematic depth.
Value Note: While motion smoothing isn’t a highlight here (expect minor judder during pans), for movie lovers and casual streamers, the GP520 gets the fundamentals right.
Picture and Sound Quality: Crisp, Bright, and Ready to Entertain
At the heart of this BenQ GP520 review is its standout feature: brightness. With a rated 2,600 lumens, the GP520 easily handles daytime viewing — a rare feat for projectors under $2,000.
Movies like Enemy of the State and Dune looked sharp, detailed, and rich in contrast, even with some light slipping through the blinds. Shadow detail in darker scenes remains impressive, though the projector’s elevated black levels can slightly wash out letterboxed content.
Color performance is decent but not mind-blowing. Covering about 81% of the DCI-P3 spectrum, it’s serviceable for most TV and movie watching but falls short of the stunning vibrancy seen on pricier triple-laser models.
Sound-wise, the onboard speakers are surprisingly loud and clear for casual viewing. However, you’ll want an external sound system if you crave rich bass or cinematic depth.
Value Note: While motion smoothing isn’t a highlight here (expect minor judder during pans), for movie lovers and casual streamers, the GP520 gets the fundamentals right.
Value for Money: High Brightness Meets Smart Design
Considering its $1,499 price, the BenQ GP520 delivers an outstanding mix of features:
- Bright 4K projection
- HDR10+ support
- Smart streaming via Google TV
- Portable, flexible design
It’s not aimed at hardcore gamers — with a 60Hz cap and standard input lag — but it’s an unbeatable deal for movie buffs, casual viewers, or anyone wanting a big screen without breaking the bank.
Compared to similarly priced competitors, the GP520 simply shines brighter — and brightness is often the biggest real-world differentiator at this level.
Should You Buy the BenQ GP520?
Buy it if:
- You want a projector that handles ambient light like a champ.
- You need an all-in-one streaming + viewing solution without extra gear.
- You value easy setup and portability.
Skip it if:
- You prioritize super-accurate color reproduction or deep black levels.
- You’re a serious gamer needing 120Hz+ refresh rates.
- You want flawless motion smoothing.
Final Word: For $1,499, the GP520 punches well above its weight — offering brightness, 4K clarity, and true plug-and-play functionality for everyday users.
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