Verdict
Head-to-head · Best 4K Home Projectors Under $1000

BenQ GP520 vs ViewSonic PX701-4K

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

ViewSonic PX701-4K comes out ahead by a narrow margin (3.9 vs 4.0). The gap is mostly about casual users seeking bright 4K projection — read the strengths below before deciding.

BenQ GP520
Ranked #4 in Best 4K Home Projectors Under $1000
BenQ GP520
$299

The BenQ GP520 stands out as one of the brightest budget 4K projectors available, delivering 2,000 lumens of brightness ideal for daytime viewing or well-lit rooms. PCMag's M. David Stone praised its full 4K UHD resolution and HDR10 support, while TechRadar noted its solid picture quality and smart Android TV integration. However, reviewers also pointed out limitations in contrast ratio and built-in audio quality. This projector is best suited for users seeking a bright, versatile 4K solution in moderate lighting conditions, though those wanting premium dark scene performance or immersive sound should consider higher-end models.

Strengths
  • Delivers excellent brightness with 2,000 lumens, making it suitable for well-lit environments
  • Features full 4K UHD resolution with HDR10 support for sharp, vivid images
  • Includes built-in Android TV with Google Play Store for streaming apps and smart functionality
Watch-outs
  • Limited contrast ratio of 1,000:1 may affect dark scene quality in low-light settings
  • Built-in speakers are basic and lack audio quality for immersive experiences
ViewSonic PX701-4K
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best 4K Home Projectors Under $1000
ViewSonic PX701-4K
$962

The ViewSonic PX701-4K is a budget-friendly 4K DLP projector designed for ambient light environments, delivering 3,200 ANSI lumens of brightness and supporting HDR10/HLG for enhanced viewing. ProjectorCentral.com's M. David Stone praised its performance in bright rooms and noted that most users will find its out-of-the-box color accuracy acceptable for casual viewing. However, the projector sacrifices some color accuracy and black level for brightness, and certain controls are fixed in the center of the image, limiting adjustment flexibility. RTINGS.com called it one of the few 4K projectors under $1,000, suitable for home theater or gaming but not ideal for serious enthusiasts. This projector is best for casual users seeking a bright, portable 4K option rather than those wanting premium image quality.

Strengths
  • 4K UHD resolution with TI's XPR fast-switch pixel shifting technology
  • 3,200 ANSI lumens brightness rated at 80% of specification for ambient light viewing
  • Ultra-fast 4.2ms input lag at 1080p/240Hz ideal for gaming performance
Watch-outs
  • Design emphasizes brightness at expense of default color accuracy and black level
  • Some settings controls including brightness and contrast cannot be adjusted from dead center of image
  • No 3D support or onboard network connectivity

How they stack up

BenQ GP520

The BenQ GP520 delivers 2,000 lumens brightness, which is less than the ViewSonic PX701-4K and InFocus IN116xv but still outperforms the JMGO N1S 4K and XGIMI Horizon Pro 4K in terms of overall value and smart functionality. While it lacks the contrast of the InFocus IN116xv, it offers built-in Android TV, which the ViewSonic PX701-4K and XGIMI Horizon Pro 4K do not, making it a more versatile smart home option.

ViewSonic PX701-4K

The ViewSonic PX701-4K stands out with its exceptional 3,200 ANSI lumens brightness, making it superior to the BenQ GP520 and XGIMI Horizon Pro 4K in bright environments, though it sacrifices color accuracy and black levels compared to the InFocus IN116xv, which offers better contrast at the cost of discontinued support. Unlike the JMGO N1S 4K, it doesn't rely on a compact design for portability but instead emphasizes performance in ambient light settings.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBenQ GP520ViewSonic PX701-4K
Brightness2,000 lumens3,200 ANSI
Resolution4K UHD3840x2160
Contrast1,000:110,000,000:1
Lamp Life5,000 hours10,000 hours
Weight4.5 kg6.2 lbs
Input Lag16.7 ms4.2 ms
ConnectivityHDMI, D-Sub, USB2x HDMI 2.0b, USB 2.0
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