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The BenQ GV31 outdoor projector is currently available at Richer Sounds for under £500, making it an attractive choice for those seeking an affordable yet capable solution for their outdoor entertainment needs.
Key Features
The BenQ GV31 projector delivers a picture with decent black levels and relatively punchy and natural-looking colors. It offers Android TV via a supplied dongle, providing access to a wide range of streaming content. The projector also boasts additional connectivity options such as Airplay, Google Cast, HDMI, and USB for wired sources.
One of the unique features of the BenQ GV31 is its tilting cradle, which allows for versatile placement. The projector's sound quality is impressive, with crisp, clean, and surprisingly loud audio, thanks to a subwoofer chamber that delivers good bass heft.
Performance and Limitations
With a maximum brightness of 300 ANSI Lumens, the BenQ GV31 is best suited for smaller outdoor setups and darker environments. While it can project a maximum image size of 120 inches, the brightness may limit the comfort of viewing at sizes beyond approximately 80 inches.
Despite not supporting all big-name UK streaming apps, the BenQ GV31 projector has received a solid 4 out of 5 stars in a review. Its long-lasting battery, thanks to an LED lamp system capable of lasting 20,000 hours (or 30,000 hours in Eco mode), adds to its appeal.
Comparable Projectors
Top-rated outdoor projectors similar to the BenQ GV31 include the Yabber T2, Hisense C2 Ultra, and models from the Epson and Anker Nebula series. Each of these projectors varies in performance, features, and price, with distinct strengths.
| Projector | Brightness | Resolution | Battery Life | Audio | Unique Features | Approximate Price (2025) | |-------------------|-----------------------|--------------------|-----------------------|----------------------------|-------------------------------------------|-------------------------------| | BenQ GV31 | 300 ANSI Lumens | 720p HD | Long-lasting battery | Excellent built-in audio with subwoofer | Tilting cradle for versatile projection; Android TV via dongle | ~£500 (~$620) | | Yabber T2 | Not specified (~1080p native) | 1080p Full HD | 2.5 hours video, 18 hours audio | Dolby and JBL supported, Bluetooth | Sealed optical engine blocks dust, remote with fine-tune focus | $350 | | Hisense C2 Ultra | Not specified (bright, up to 300") | Likely 4K/Ultra HD | Not battery-powered (needs plug) | Two 10W speakers + 20W subwoofer | Supports multiple HDR formats, HDMI 2.1, very large image size | $2,500 | | Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air | Not specified | Likely 1080p | Portable, with decent battery | Integrated sound system | Compact portable outdoor use | Mid-range price (similar to GV31 range) | | Epson EF-22 / EF-12 / EH-TW7000* | Usually higher lumens | Varies (1080p or higher) | Not battery-powered typically | Good sound quality | Reliable brand, higher brightness options | Mid to high price |
Performance & Features Comparison
- BenQ GV31: Best known for its portable design, built-in Android TV via dongle, and excellent audio with a dedicated subwoofer chamber for a small projector. Its brightness (300 ANSI lumens) suits smaller outdoor setups (up to ~60 inches) and darker environments. The tilting cradle is unique but less useful outdoors. It is a best-value option under £500 with solid image quality for its price.
- Yabber T2: Offers native 1080p resolution and Dolby/JBL-enhanced sound, with a compact build and up to 2.5 hours of video playback on battery. It includes practical features like a dust-sealed optical engine and remote with detailed image calibration, making it a strong contender for outdoors at a lower price ($350).
- Hisense C2 Ultra: A premium, stationary projector targeting home cinema but also usable outdoors if powered. It supports larger screens (up to 300 inches), multiple HDR formats, and strong audio with a subwoofer. Its high price ($2,500) and brightness make it exceptional for large, bright venues but less portable.
- Epson and Anker models: These projectors typically offer higher brightness and solid audio quality. Epson is a reliable brand with well-reviewed outdoor models, though often less portable and sometimes requiring external power. Anker’s Nebula series combines portability and decent battery life with sharp image quality, falling more in the mid-price range.
Price Overview
- BenQ GV31: Affordable option for under £500/$620, striking a balance between portability, audio quality, and acceptable outdoor brightness.
- Yabber T2: Budget-friendly at around $350, with better resolution than GV31 but shorter battery life.
- Hisense C2 Ultra: Premium, non-portable, and the most expensive, designed for high-end outdoor/cinema use.
- Epson and Anker models: Price varies, generally mid to high range based on brightness and features.
Summary
If you want portability and good built-in sound for smaller outdoor spaces, the BenQ GV31 and Yabber T2 are excellent choices, with Yabber offering better native resolution and less price but shorter battery life. For luxury, large-scale outdoor projection, the Hisense C2 Ultra excels, though it's costly and non-portable. Epson and Anker offer solid alternatives with varied brightness and portability.
These projectors reflect a trade-off between brightness, resolution, battery life, audio quality, and price, with the GV31 representing a strong value-focused middle ground in 2025.
*Please note that the brightness of the Yabber T2 is not specified in the provided information.
*The BenQ GV31 projector does not support 4K projection.
- The BenQ GV31 projector, currently priced under £500, offers a decent picture quality, access to streaming content through Android TV, and impressive built-in audio for a hi-fi experience.
- With its unique tilting cradle, the BenQ GV31 projector provides versatility in placement, making it a desirable gadget for those seeking an affordable yet capable solution for their outdoor entertainment needs.
- If you're considering purchasing a projector for outdoor streaming, you may want to review other comparable models such as the Yabber T2, Hisense C2 Ultra, Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air, and Epson EF-22/EF-12/EH-TW7000 series.
- In a technology market filled with various projectors, the BenQ GV31 stands out as a value-focused middle ground, offering a balance between portability, audio quality, and acceptable outdoor brightness for smaller setups.
- To find the perfect projector to fit your specific needs and budget, it's essential to weigh factors like brightness, resolution, battery life, audio quality, and price when deciding whether to buy a streaming-ready projector like the BenQ GV31, Yabber T2, or another option from the given list.
