BenQ X500i vs AWOL Aetherion Max

The AWOL Aetherion Max is the stronger pick for a bright living room: its 3,300 lumens, 6,000:1 native contrast and dynamic iris give deeper blacks and more punch in daylight. The BenQ X500i wins on setup flexibility and streaming: it is a true ultra short throw with digital zoom and keystone correction, runs Google TV, and has built-in speakers. Build quality is solid on both, and owners of the AWOL rate it highly for picture quality, while BenQ owners praise the short-throw convenience.

• Choose the BenQ X500i if you want a self-contained smart projector that sits close to the wall, streams on its own, and is easy to move between rooms.
• Choose the AWOL Aetherion Max if picture quality in a bright room matters most and you already have a sound system or streaming stick.