The BenQ CH100 is a slick, small, HD resolution, DLP portable business projector with an LED light engine, claiming 1,000 lumens. The lamp-free quality of this projector gives it an advantage over its lamp-based counterparts, most obvious in the rated lamp life. The CH100’s light source can last 20,000 hours at full power, 30,000 in Eco mode. By comparison, I reviewed a similarly-priced lamp-based crossover (business and home) projector, which could get up to 8,000 hours in Eco mode. That provides an excellent value proposition when considering that you would need to change that lamp just under four times before the LED light of the CH100’s engine will need maintenance.
The 1000 lumen rating is, these days, is less than half of most lamp based competitors, and more typical of the brightest pocket projectors (which are LED powered but smaller). BenQ, however, offers up the CH100 in a competent attempt to cross a pocket projector with a “real” full sized one.
The CH100 is very portable and slim, weighing in at just over five pounds. It’s a short throw projector, but has a longer throw distance than is average for show throws. It sits a full two feet back from where the Acer (recently reviewed) was to fill a 92-inch screen – putting it at nearly six feet back from the screen (though for business and education applications, it’s not likely that you will need to fill a screen so large). The BenQ CH100 handles ambient light fairly well, but you’re likely to want to have at least some degree of control over the lighting in the room. This projector is a definite contender for those where portability, price, and picture are of great importance.
BenQ CH100 Specs
Price | 999 |
Technology | DLP |
Native Resolution | 1920×1080 |
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim) | 1000 |
Contrast | 100000:1 |
Zoom Lens Ratio | None |
Lens Shift | No |
Lamp Life | 20,000 hours |
Weight | 5.5 |
Warranty | 3 years |
OVERVIEW OF THE BENQ CH100 PROJECTOR
The BenQ CH100 is a compact and straightforward portable projector priced around $999 — ideal for business travel or classrooms. It uses an LED light source that’s rated for 20,000–30,000 hours, so you can forget about lamp replacements and maintenance hassles.
Despite being listed at 1,000 lumens, it performs impressively in moderate ambient light and produces a bright, clear image. With Full HD resolution (1920×1080), it delivers sharp details and readable text — perfect for presentations and videos.
With just two HDMI ports and one VGA, the interface is refreshingly simple. While it doesn’t have built-in network support, you can enable wireless mirroring using the optional QCast dongle for decluttered setup and presentations.
Weighing only about 5 pounds, it’s lightweight and easy to carry. Built-in dual 5 W speakers provide adequate audio for mid-sized rooms, though a separate sound system is ideal for larger spaces.
Key Highlights of the BenQ CH100
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Resolution | Full HD 1920×1080 for crisp, clear visuals |
Light Source | LED, no lamp changes, up to 30,000 hours longevity |
Color & Brightness | Excellent color accuracy and visibility in moderate lighting |
Portability | Slim, lightweight – fits easily in a laptop bag |
On/Off | Instant on and off; no cooldown needed |
Wireless Support | Optional wireless casting via QCast dongle |
Audio | Built-in stereo speakers — suitable for small rooms |
Connectivity | 2 × HDMI, 1 × VGA |
Warranty | 3-year parts and labor coverage |
The BenQ CH100 is a solid choice if you’re after a plug-and-play, portable projector with sharp HD visuals, low maintenance, and simple setup. Great for busy professionals, educators, and anyone valuing ease-of-use and mobility.