BenQ GV30 projector review

What the BenQ GV30 gets right, it gets fantastically right. The build quality of this 720p beamer is superb, and while that resolution isn’t super high, the image quality remains sharp and readable. Throw in great sound with a strong bass profile and you’ve got a real winner of a projector… right? Sadly, not quite. At just 300 ANSI lumens, the GV30 is nigh unusable in bright environments, and its poor battery life practically begs for the device to be plugged in at all times.

Superb build quality; Sharp image; Great, bassy sound;

Poor battery life; Low brightness; Relatively pricey

BenQ GV30 Review

The $599 BenQ GV30 has one of the more innovative projector designs we've seen. Roughly the shape of a 7-inch wheel of cheese, with a built-in bump where the lens is, it sits on a magnetic stand that keeps it from rolling away and lets you effortlessly rotate it up or down to adjust the image height. A finger-sized loop makes it easy to carry, complete with the base, and it can survive a drop from table-top height without damage, according to BenQ. Add in the highly watchable image, Android TV for streaming and Chromecast, and the ability to work as a Bluetooth speaker, and it's hard not to be impressed. All it lacks is sufficient brightness to throw a large image in ambient light. The Miroir Synq M189 ($349.99) remains our pick among portable streaming projectors, but there are plenty of reasons to consider the clever, capable GV30.A Brightness Trade-Off The GV30 is built around an RGBB LED light source, rated for 30,000 hours in Eco mode or 20,000 hours in full power mode, comb...

BenQ's innovative GV30 delivers 720p video, robust audio, and streaming in a projector you can carry from room to room on one finger, and point at any convenient surface to use as a screen. It also works as a Bluetooth speaker.

Clever design and outstanding portability; In most modes, delivers neutral color and acceptable or better color accuracy; Impressive audio quality and volume; Includes Android TV dongle for streaming and Chromecast; Rugged enough to withstand drops from table height

Does not support HDR or the copy protection on 4K UHD discs; No 3D support; Brightest mode shows a noticeable green tint

BenQ GV30 : A portable projector that puts convenience first

Smart and easy to set up, with decent picture quality and impressive sound

Flexible design; Likeable HD pictures; Impressive stereo sound;

720p resolution; No Netflix or deep, inky blacks;