BenQ GP520

Name: BenQ GP520
Brand: BenQ
SKU: 93098

Manufacturer: BenQ

The BenQ GP520 is a 4K laser projector designed for home and entertainment use, combining a compact form factor with a capable feature set. Its laser light source contributes to long-term reliability, rated at 20000 hours under standard operation and extending to 30000 hours in eco mode, which reduces the need for maintenance over time. The unit weighs 3700 g and measures 241.3 mm wide, 151 mm tall, and 225 mm deep, making it relatively manageable given its output capabilities.

On the technical side, the GP520 delivers a brightness level of 2600 ANSI lumens alongside a contrast ratio of 200000:1, with support for HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG for a broad range of content formats. It can project images up to 180 inches from a minimum throw distance of 3.2 m, with a 60 Hz refresh rate and a response time of 17.9 ms. Connectivity includes two HDMI ports, three USB ports, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, AirPlay, Chromecast, and Miracast. The projector also features built-in stereo speakers rated at 2 x 12W with Dolby Atmos support, a 3.5 mm audio jack, a sleep timer, and a dedicated smartphone app, rounding out a broad set of integrated functions.

Pros

Laser light source rated at 20000 hours standard and 30000 hours in eco mode reduces long-term maintenance needs
4K output resolution combined with a 200000:1 contrast ratio and support for HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG covers a wide range of content formats
Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, AirPlay, Chromecast built-in, and Miracast, offering flexible device compatibility
Built-in stereo speakers deliver 2 x 12W of audio output with Dolby Atmos support, reducing reliance on external sound equipment
Standby power consumption of just 0.5W keeps idle energy use minimal
Built-in smart TV functionality allows content access without requiring an external streaming device

Cons

Minimum throw distance of 3.2 m may be restrictive in smaller rooms
No RJ45 port limits wired network connectivity options
Warranty period is limited to one year
No VGA or DVI connectors, which may affect compatibility with older source devices
No S/PDIF output restricts direct digital audio passthrough to external audio systems

Who is this for?

The BenQ GP520 is well matched to users who want a home theater setup with 4K image quality in a dedicated or semi-dedicated viewing space, given its 2600 ANSI lumens brightness, 200000:1 contrast ratio, and broad HDR format support. The laser light source and extended eco-mode lamp life make it a practical choice for those who prioritize low long-term maintenance. Its built-in smart TV functionality, wide wireless connectivity options including Wi-Fi 6 and AirPlay, and Dolby Atmos-capable stereo speakers also suit users who prefer a self-contained setup without relying heavily on external devices.

Who is this NOT for?

The GP520 is less suitable for users working in small or confined rooms, as its minimum throw distance of 3.2 m requires a reasonable amount of space to function properly. Those who depend on wired network connectivity will find the absence of an RJ45 port limiting, and users with older source equipment may be hindered by the lack of VGA and DVI inputs. It is also not the best fit for environments requiring digital audio passthrough, since there is no S/PDIF output available.

General info:

lamp life	20000 h
audible noise	26 dB
has laser light source	✓
audible noise (eco)	24 dB
operating power consumption	186W
lamp life (eco mode)	30000 h
width	241.3 mm
height	151 mm
thickness	225 mm
weight	3700 g
Has a dedicated smartphone app	✓
standby power consumption	0.5W
volume	8198.1675 cm³
warranty period	1 years

The BenQ GP520 uses a laser light source with a rated lamp life of 20000 hours under standard operation, extending to 30000 hours in eco mode, which also reduces audible noise from 26 dB down to 24 dB. Operating power consumption sits at 186W, while standby draw is a modest 0.5W. The projector measures 241.3 mm wide, 225 mm deep, and 151 mm tall, with a total volume of approximately 8198 cm³ and a weight of 3700 g. It includes a dedicated smartphone app and comes with a one-year warranty period.

Projection quality:

ANSI lumens	2600 lumens
output resolution	4K
contrast ratio	200000:1
response time	17.9 ms
displays 3D with glasses	✓
maximum projection size	180"
supports HDR10+	✓
minimum throw distance	3.2 m
refresh rate	60Hz
supports HDR10	✓
supports HLG	✓

The BenQ GP520 outputs at 4K resolution with a brightness of 2600 ANSI lumens and a contrast ratio of 200000:1, supporting HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG for a wide range of content formats. It can project images up to 180″ in size from a minimum throw distance of 3.2 m, with a refresh rate of 60 Hz and a response time of 17.9 ms. 3D content is supported when used with compatible glasses.

Connectivity:

HDMI ports	2
has AirPlay	✓
Has Bluetooth	✓
supports Wi-Fi	✓
Wi-Fi version	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
USB ports	3
has Chromecast built-in	✓
has a VGA connector	✕
Bluetooth version	5.2
has a DVI connector	✕
supports Miracast	✓
RJ45 ports	0
Has S/PDIF Out port	✕

The BenQ GP520 offers two HDMI ports and three USB ports for wired connections, while wireless options include Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with backward compatibility for Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 4, alongside Bluetooth 5.2. For screen mirroring and casting, it supports AirPlay, Chromecast built-in, and Miracast, covering a broad range of devices and platforms. There is no RJ45 port, VGA connector, DVI connector, or S/PDIF output on this model.

Features:

has stereo speakers	✓
has a remote control	✓
has built-in smart TV	✓
has a built-in speaker	✓
audio output power	2 x 12W
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack	✓
has a sleep timer	✓
has Dolby Atmos	✓

The BenQ GP520 includes built-in stereo speakers rated at 2 x 12W with Dolby Atmos support, along with a 3.5 mm headset jack for external audio output. It features built-in smart TV functionality, allowing direct access to streaming content without an external device. A remote control and sleep timer are also included, rounding out a practical set of everyday usability features.

Final Verdict

The BenQ GP520 presents itself as a capable 4K laser projector built around a long-lasting laser light source with broad HDR format support and a self-contained feature set that includes built-in smart TV, Dolby Atmos audio, and comprehensive wireless connectivity. Its laser-based reliability, combined with 4K output and wide casting support, makes it a well-rounded option for dedicated home viewing environments with adequate space to accommodate its minimum throw distance. Users who require wired networking or legacy input compatibility may need to factor in those gaps, but for those whose setup aligns with its strengths, the GP520 offers a coherent and practical projection solution.