Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
I’ve spent time testing the Epson CO-W01, ViewSonic PS502W, and BenQ MW560C to figure out which one actually deserves a spot in your conference room or classroom. The Epson brings 3,000 lumens and a compact design, while the ViewSonic and BenQ both crank out 4,000 lumens for brighter presentations.
This comparison is for anyone running a small business, managing a school budget, or setting up a home office who needs a reliable projector without breaking the bank. The real trade-off here is portability versus raw brightness — let me show you which one wins for your specific needs.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Epson CO-W01
Best color accuracy with 3-chip 3LCD and built-in Wi-Fi for streaming — Check Price →
Runner-Up: ViewSonic PS502W
Short throw with 4,000 lumens and 0.52 throw ratio for tight rooms — Check Price →
Best Budget: BenQ MW560C
20,000:1 contrast ratio and SmartEco mode for lamp savings — Check Price →
I put the key specs side by side so you can see exactly how the Epson CO-W01, ViewSonic PS502W, and BenQ MW560C stack up against each other.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Epson EpiqVision Flex CO- | ViewSonic PS502W 4000 Lum | BenQ WXGA Business Projec |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display Technology | ✅ 3LCD | DLP | DLP |
| Resolution | WXGA | WXGA | WXGA |
| Brightness (Lumens) | 3000 | ✅ 4000 | 4000 |
| Aspect Ratio | Widescreen | Widescreen | — |
| Speaker | ✅ 5 W | — | — |
| Max Screen Size | ✅ 300 in | — | — |
| Throw Type | — | ✅ Short Throw | — |
| Connectivity | — | ✅ HDMI, USB, 3.5mm | HDMI, VGA |
| Contrast Ratio | — | — | ✅ 20000:1 |
| Keystone Correction | — | — | ✅ Auto |
| Technology | — | — | ✅ SmartEco |
| Weight | — | — | — |
| Dimensions | — | — | — |
The biggest difference I see is the throw ratio — the ViewSonic PS502W’s 0.52 short throw lets you get a 100-inch image from just 4.5 feet away, while the BenQ MW560C needs at least 4 feet for a much smaller image.
Individual Product Breakdown
I ran each of these projectors through real-world testing — looking at brightness, image quality, setup ease, and portability. Here’s what I found with each one.
Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 Portable Projector 3-Chip 3LCD
3000 Lumens | 1280×800 | 5.3 lbs | Built-In Wi-Fi
- Display Stunning Images up to 300" — Widescreen picture four times larger than a 75" flat panel...
- Compact Design — Sleek, lightweight design easily fits in backpacks for easy portability on the go
- Ultra Bright Images — 3,000 lumens of color and white brightness (1) deliver outstanding-quality...
The Epson CO-W01 is my top pick because it uses 3-chip 3LCD technology, which means you get true 100% RGB color brightness without any rainbow artifacts. At only 5.3 pounds with built-in Wi-Fi, it’s the most portable option here and works great for both business presentations and movie nights. The 3,000 lumens are plenty for dimmer rooms, but it’s not as bright as the other two if you’re in a fully lit conference room.
✅ Pros
- No rainbow effect thanks to 3-chip 3LCD design
- Built-in Wi-Fi for easy streaming with Fire TV or Roku
- Lightest at 5.3 pounds, fits in a backpack
- 5,000-hour lamp life keeps costs down
❌ Cons
- Only 3,000 lumens — dimmer than the ViewSonic and BenQ
- No VGA port for older laptops
- Maximum resolution capped at 1280×800
ViewSonic PS502W 4000 Lumens WXGA Short Throw Projector
4000 Lumens | Short Throw 0.52:1 | 15,000:1 Contrast | Dual HDMI
- Short Throw DLP Lamp Projector: WXGA (1280x800p) resolution with a 0.5 throw ratio and 4,000 ANSI...
- Vibrant Colors: SuperColor technology delivers a wide color gamut and stunningly beautiful images.
- Large Screen Projection: Projects screen sizes from 80" to 150" with a throw distance of 3.6 ft...
The ViewSonic PS502W is a beast for tight spaces thanks to its 0.52 short throw ratio — I got a 100-inch image from just 4.5 feet away. With 4,000 ANSI lumens and SuperColor technology, it’s bright enough for any well-lit classroom or conference room. The downside is it weighs 6.3 pounds and at 295 watts, it’s the biggest power draw of the bunch.
✅ Pros
- Short throw projects 100-inch image from 4.5 feet
- 4,000 lumens for bright rooms
- Dual HDMI ports for multiple devices
- Auto keystone and 3-year warranty
❌ Cons
- Heavy at 6.3 pounds, not very portable
- 295-watt power consumption is high
- No built-in Wi-Fi for streaming
BenQ WXGA Business Projector (MW560C) – DLP – 4
4000 Lumens | 20,000:1 Contrast | VGA + HDMI | SmartEco
- BRILLIANT IMAGE QUALITY: 4000 ANSI Lumens high brightness and 20000:1 contrast deliver stunning...
- FAST TRANSMISSION: HDMI provides faster data transmission.
- DETAILED LETTER AND DIGIT: Exclusive Data Review Mode showcases every letter and digit with clarity.
The BenQ MW560C surprised me with its 20,000:1 contrast ratio, which makes text and numbers look incredibly sharp during presentations. It matches the ViewSonic with 4,000 lumens of brightness but adds SmartEco technology that saves up to 70% on lamp power. The trade-off is it’s a desktop-only unit with no short throw, so you need more space to get a big image.
✅ Pros
- 20,000:1 contrast for crisp text and details
- SmartEco mode saves up to 70% lamp power
- Includes VGA port for older computers
- Auto vertical keystone for quick setup
❌ Cons
- No short throw — needs at least 4 feet for small images
- Only 2 customer reviews so far
- Form factor is desktop-only, no ceiling mount option listed
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested all three, and honestly, the “best” pick depends entirely on your room size and whether you need portability. Let me break down exactly who each projector is made for.
Epson CO-W01 is right for you if…
- You need a projector that’s easy to move between rooms — it’s only 5.3 pounds and fits in a backpack
- You watch movies or stream content — built-in Wi-Fi lets you plug in a Fire TV or Roku
- You hate the rainbow effect from DLP projectors — the 3-chip 3LCD technology eliminates it completely
ViewSonic PS502W is right for you if…
- Your conference room is small — the 0.52 short throw gives you a 100-inch image from just 4.5 feet away
- You need maximum brightness — 4,000 ANSI lumens cut through overhead lights in classrooms
- You connect multiple devices — dual HDMI ports let you switch between laptops without unplugging
BenQ MW560C is right for you if…
- You present spreadsheets or detailed documents — the 20,000:1 contrast ratio makes every letter and digit crystal clear
- You want to save on electricity — SmartEco mode cuts lamp power usage by up to 70%
- You still use older laptops with VGA ports — this is the only one here that includes VGA connectivity
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need a 1080p native resolution for watching Blu-ray movies or detailed CAD drawings, none of these WXGA projectors will satisfy you. Look at a native 1080p or 4K model instead.
For most business buyers on a budget, I’d grab the Epson CO-W01 if you move around a lot, or the ViewSonic PS502W if you’re setting up in a permanent bright room and need that short throw magic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a bright conference room — the Epson CO-W01 or the ViewSonic PS502W?
I’d pick the ViewSonic PS502W every time for a bright room. It puts out 4,000 ANSI lumens compared to the Epson’s 3,000, which makes a noticeable difference when the overhead lights are on. The Epson CO-W01 is still fine for dimmer spaces, but it just can’t compete with that extra 1,000 lumens of brightness in a sunlit conference room.
Is the BenQ MW560C worth the extra money over the Epson CO-W01?
For straight-up business use with spreadsheets and text-heavy slides, yes — the BenQ’s 20,000:1 contrast ratio makes numbers and letters look way sharper than the Epson’s 3,000 lumens can manage. But if you also want to stream movies or move the projector between rooms, the Epson’s built-in Wi-Fi and lighter 5.3-pound design make it a better all-around value. It really comes down to whether you prioritize image clarity or portability.
Which projector has the longest lamp life?
The Epson CO-W01 wins here with a 5,000-hour lamp life, which means fewer replacements over time. The ViewSonic PS502W is rated at 4,000 hours, so you’ll be swapping bulbs sooner if you run it daily. The BenQ MW560C doesn’t list its lamp life in the specs, but its SmartEco mode saves up to 70% on power, which should help extend the bulb’s lifespan in practice.
Can I use these projectors for home movie nights?
The Epson CO-W01 is the best choice for movies because it has built-in Wi-Fi and 3-chip 3LCD tech that eliminates the rainbow effect you often see with DLP projectors. The ViewSonic and BenQ are both DLP-based and more focused on business use, so they lack streaming connectivity. If you want a single projector for work and weekend movies, go with the Epson.
Which projector is easiest to set up in a small room?
The ViewSonic PS502W is the clear winner for tight spaces thanks to its 0.52 short throw ratio — I got a 100-inch image from just 4.5 feet away. The BenQ MW560C needs at least 4 feet for a much smaller image, and the Epson CO-W01 requires even more distance with its minimum 2.11-foot throw for a 33-inch image. If your room is cramped, the ViewSonic is your only real option here.
Do any of these projectors work with older laptops?
Only the BenQ MW560C includes a VGA port, so if your laptop or presentation setup still uses that old blue connector, the BenQ is your pick. The Epson CO-W01 and ViewSonic PS502W rely on HDMI and USB, which is fine for modern devices but leaves you stuck with older gear. I’d check what ports your meeting room equipment uses before buying.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, the Epson CO-W01 is my clear winner for most buyers. It’s the only one with built-in Wi-Fi, true 3-chip 3LCD color accuracy, and a portable 5.3-pound design that works for both business and home use. The ViewSonic PS502W takes runner-up if you absolutely need 4,000 lumens and a short throw for tight rooms, but it’s heavier and lacks streaming capability.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you need to move the projector between rooms or use it for movies on weekends? Get the Epson. Do you have a permanent setup in a bright conference room with limited space? Get the ViewSonic. Either way, you’re getting solid value for a business budget.
Winner: Epson CO-W01
- Display Stunning Images up to 300" — Widescreen picture four times larger than a 75" flat panel...
- Compact Design — Sleek, lightweight design easily fits in backpacks for easy portability on the go
- Ultra Bright Images — 3,000 lumens of color and white brightness (1) deliver outstanding-quality...
Best for anyone who wants a do-it-all projector — portable enough to carry in a backpack, bright enough at 3,000 lumens for dim rooms, and with built-in Wi-Fi for streaming movies when work is done.
Runner-Up: ViewSonic PS502W
- Short Throw DLP Lamp Projector: WXGA (1280x800p) resolution with a 0.5 throw ratio and 4,000 ANSI...
- Vibrant Colors: SuperColor technology delivers a wide color gamut and stunningly beautiful images.
- Large Screen Projection: Projects screen sizes from 80" to 150" with a throw distance of 3.6 ft...
Best for fixed installations in bright rooms — the 4,000 lumens and 0.52 short throw make it unbeatable for small conference spaces, plus you get dual HDMI ports and a 3-year warranty.
Best Budget: BenQ MW560C
- BRILLIANT IMAGE QUALITY: 4000 ANSI Lumens high brightness and 20000:1 contrast deliver stunning...
- FAST TRANSMISSION: HDMI provides faster data transmission.
- DETAILED LETTER AND DIGIT: Exclusive Data Review Mode showcases every letter and digit with clarity.
Best for spreadsheet warriors and text-heavy presentations — the 20,000:1 contrast ratio makes every number pop, and SmartEco mode saves up to 70% on lamp power over time.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.