BenQ LW550 vs Optoma Photon Go ML1080UST
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Choosing between the BenQ LW550 and Optoma Photon Go ML1080UST? Both compete in the Projector segment. Here’s how they compare across the specs that matter most for your home theater.
Pricing for both models is currently unavailable. Check the retailer links below for current deals.
Looking at overall performance dimensions: The BenQ LW550 scores higher in value, video quality. The Optoma Photon Go ML1080UST leads in gaming performance, form factor, room fit. They score similarly in ease of use.
The BenQ LW550 offers higher brightness at 3000 ANSI lumens vs 650. More lumens means a brighter image, critical if you can't fully darken your room. Below 2000 lumens needs a dedicated dark room; 3000+ handles ambient light. In a dedicated dark room, contrast ratio and color accuracy may matter more than raw brightness.
These two Projector options trade wins across different dimensions. The right choice depends on which specs matter most for your room and listening preferences — review the detailed table below to decide.
For most home theaters, the Optoma Photon Go ML1080UST is the stronger choice — it leads in 3 of 6 scored dimensions. The BenQ LW550 makes more sense if you prioritize the 2 dimensions where it leads.
Performance Overview
Scores based on specs and category benchmarks (0–100 scale)
BenQ LW550
Optoma Photon Go ML1080UST
Detailed Specifications
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | N/A | N/A |
| Native Resolution | WXGA | 1080p |
| Technology | DLP | DLP |
| Throw Ratio Min | 1.55 | 0.18 |
| Throw Ratio Max | 1.7 | 0.18 |
| Lens Shift V | — | — |
| Lens Shift H | — | — |
| ANSI Lumens | 3000 | 650 |
| CLO Lumens | — | — |
| Contrast Ratio | 20000:1 | 2500000:1 |
| HDR Support | HDR10, HLG | |
| Input Lag | 33.4ms | — |
| Lamp Life | 30000hrs | 20000hrs |
| Light Source | LED | rgb_laser |
| Lens Quality | — | — |
| Tone Mapping | — | — |
| Ultra Short Throw | No | Yes |
| Chip Size | — | — |
| Color Depth | 30bit | 10bit |
| Zoom Ratio | 1.1 | — |
| Zoom Type | manual | Fixed |
| Focus Type | — | Motorized |
| Noise (Normal) | 34dB | 35dB |
| Noise (Eco) | 28dB | 30dB |
| Power Draw | 215W | 85W |
| HDMI Inputs | 2 | 1 |
| HDMI Version | 1.4 | 2.0 |
| 3D Support | Yes | No |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes | Yes |
| Speaker Power | 10W | 20W |
| Wi-Fi | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Streaming Apps | Yes | Yes |
| Lens Memory | No | No |
| 12V Trigger | No | No |
| Ethernet | No | Yes |
| Frame Interpolation | No | No |
| Native Aspect | — | 16:9 |
Key Differences
- Contrast Ratio: BenQ LW550 at 20000:1 vs Optoma Photon Go ML1080UST at 2500000:1
- Throw Ratio Max: BenQ LW550 at 1.7 vs Optoma Photon Go ML1080UST at 0.18
- Throw Ratio Min: BenQ LW550 at 1.55 vs Optoma Photon Go ML1080UST at 0.18
- ANSI Lumens: BenQ LW550 at 3000 vs Optoma Photon Go ML1080UST at 650. More lumens means a brighter image, critical if you can't fully darken your room. Below 2000 lumens needs a dedicated dark room; 3000+ handles ambient light.
- Native Resolution: BenQ LW550 at WXGA vs Optoma Photon Go ML1080UST at 1080p
Which Should You Choose?
Choose BenQ LW550 if you want:
- + better ansi lumens — more lumens means a brighter image, critical if you can't fully darken your room
- + better lamp life
- + better noise (normal)
- + better noise (eco)
Choose Optoma Photon Go ML1080UST if you want:
- + better throw ratio min
- + better contrast ratio
- + better power draw
See Where These Rank
Check our editorial rankings to see how BenQ LW550 and Optoma Photon Go ML1080UST compare to the rest of the field.
Best Projector RankingsRelated Calculators
Specifications sourced from manufacturer datasheets and verified against retailer listings. Prices updated hourly from authorized retailers. Scoring uses our open methodology — products are never ranked, promoted, or suppressed based on affiliate commission rates.
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