BenQ vs Optoma Golf Simulator Projectors: Full Comparison

BenQ and Optoma are the two most trusted names in golf simulator projection, and for good reason, both build dedicated short throw models with the brightness, low input lag, and mounting flexibility that indoor golf demands. Neither brand is universally "better" than the other. What matters is which specific model suits your room, your PC, and your budget.

This guide compares nine current BenQ and Optoma golf simulator projectors side by side, with full specifications pulled directly from each model, so you can see exactly what you're paying for at every price point.

If you haven't already, it's worth reading our companion guides on 4K vs HD resolution and throw ratio and keystone correction first, since those two factors will narrow this list down for you before price even comes into it.

In this guide: How we compared · Full comparison · Entry level · HD laser · Entry 4K · Premium 4K · Flagship · Calculators · Which to choose · FAQ

How We Compared These Projectors

We've laid out nine models spanning roughly $1,500 to $8,400, covering entry-level Full HD through to flagship 4K laser projectors. For each, we've compared:

• Resolution (Full HD 1080p vs 4K UHD)
• Light source (traditional lamp vs laser)
• Brightness (ANSI lumens)
• Throw ratio (how far back it needs to sit)
• Keystone correction (vertical only vs vertical and horizontal, plus four-corner correction and lens shift where fitted)
• Contrast ratio
• Input lag (how responsive it feels for gaming and simulation)
• Price

Full Specification Comparison

All nine models at a glance (scroll the table sideways on mobile to see every column):

Prices are in AUD and correct at the time of writing. Specifications and pricing change, so confirm current details on each product page before buying.

A few things worth calling out from the table before you dive into individual models:

• Light source affects running costs, not just image quality. Laser models are rated for 20,000 to 30,000 hours with no lamp replacement required. The two lamp-based models (GT1080HDR and TH671ST) plus the lamp-based GT2160HDR will eventually need a lamp swap, an ongoing cost that's offset by their lower upfront price.
• Brightness sits in a broadly similar band across the range, 3,000 to 5,100 ANSI lumens, with the flagship LK936ST leading the pack. All are bright enough for a simulator room with some ambient light, though a fully darkened bay will get the most out of any of them.
• Contrast ratio affects how deep the blacks look and how much visual depth the image has, most noticeable in shaded fairways, tree lines, and dusk or evening course conditions.
• Input lag is low across the board and won't be noticeable for golf simulation on any of these. If you're also using the room for fast-paced console or PC gaming between rounds, the enhanced gaming modes on the GT2160HDR and GT1080HDR stand out specifically for that use case.

Entry Level: Optoma GT1080HDR & BenQ TH671ST

These are the two most affordable projectors in the range, both native 1080p with a traditional lamp light source. They deliver genuinely strong brightness (3,000 to 3,800 lumens) and low input lag for the price, making them a sensible starting point for a first simulator build on a tighter budget.

The key trade-off: both offer vertical keystone only, with no horizontal correction. That means the projector needs to be mounted directly in line with the centre of your screen. For a room with a clean, obstruction-free ceiling, this is a non-issue. If you're working around joists, lighting, or a fan, it's worth reading our throw ratio and keystone correction guide before committing to either of these.

View the Optoma GT1080HDR | View the BenQ TH671ST

Mid-Range HD Laser: BenQ LH830ST & BenQ AH700ST

Both of these BenQ models stick with Full HD resolution but move up to a laser light source (20,000+ hours, no lamp replacements) and full two-axis keystone correction, giving you both vertical and horizontal adjustment.

The AH700ST adds BenQ's dedicated Golf Mode colour tuning and Auto Screen Fit alignment technology, features built specifically around simulator use rather than general home theatre. The LH830ST, meanwhile, uses an ultra-short 0.496:1 throw ratio, adds Corner Fit image adjustment on top of standard keystone for fine-tuning uneven corners, and includes an IP6X sealed engine, a genuinely useful spec for dustier garage-style installs.

This tier suits buyers who want laser reliability and proper mounting flexibility but don't need 4K, either because the PC isn't there yet or because 1080p suits the room and budget just fine.

View the BenQ LH830ST | View the BenQ AH700ST

Entry 4K: Optoma GT2160HDR, BenQ TK710STi & Optoma ZK431ST

This trio is where 4K becomes accessible without jumping to flagship pricing, all sitting between roughly $2,500 and $3,000.

• The Optoma GT2160HDR is the most affordable 4K option here, with strong brightness (4,000 lumens), the lowest input lag of the entire range in its Enhanced Gaming Mode, and a genuinely well-equipped alignment feature set for the price, four-corner geometric correction, digital image shift, and 80 to 200 percent digital zoom on top of standard keystone, though it retains a traditional lamp light source rather than laser.
• The BenQ TK710STi pairs 4K UHD with a laser light source, HDR10/HLG support, and includes a bundled Android TV dongle for streaming between rounds.
• The Optoma ZK431ST offers the shortest throw ratio of the 4K group (0.496:1), DuraCore laser rated to 30,000 hours, and four-corner correction alongside standard keystone, though its keystone range (±15°) is narrower than the TK710STi's ±30°.

All three are strong choices for buyers wanting genuine 4K UHD resolution and future-proofing without paying flagship prices, provided your PC (see our 4K vs HD guide) can actually drive that resolution.

View the Optoma GT2160HDR | View the BenQ TK710STi | View the Optoma ZK431ST

Premium Golf-Specific 4K: BenQ AK700ST

The AK700ST sits a clear step above the entry 4K tier on price ($4,499) and brings BenQ's full golf-specific feature set: dedicated Golf Mode colour tuning, Auto Screen Fit automatic alignment, and Quick Focus, all layered on top of 4K UHD resolution, a laser light source, and full 3D keystone correction (vertical, horizontal, and rotation).

This model is aimed squarely at buyers who want a projector built specifically around simulator use, rather than a general-purpose home theatre unit that happens to work for golf.

View the BenQ AK700ST

Flagship: BenQ LK936ST

The LK936ST is the most expensive and most capable projector in this lineup at $8,399, and the specs reflect that. It offers the highest brightness of the group (5,100 ANSI lumens), genuine optical lens shift (vertical ±60%, horizontal ±23%) on top of full 3D keystone correction, and commercial-grade connectivity including HDBaseT, DisplayPort, and LAN control.

It also has the longest throw ratio in the range (0.81-0.89:1), meaning it needs more room depth than the other models to fill the same screen size, worth checking against your bay dimensions before buying.

This is the model for larger bays, commercial installs, or anyone building a simulator where mounting flexibility and image quality both need to be effectively unconstrained by budget.

View the BenQ LK936ST

One Other Brand-Level Difference Worth Knowing: Projection Calculators

Beyond the individual model specs, there's one practical difference between the brands worth flagging before you buy: BenQ's Golf Simulator Planner (golfsimplanner.benq.com) is a free calculator built specifically for golf simulator installs, linked directly from every BenQ golf simulator projector's product page. Optoma's Projection Calculator (optoma.com/projectioncalculator) is a general-purpose tool for home theatre and business use, with golf simulator buyers pointed toward a workaround using a legacy reference model and a 4:3 aspect ratio to approximate a simulator setup.

Both get you a usable starting point for mounting distance and image size. BenQ's is simply more directly built for the job. Either way, we'd still recommend a final on-screen fine-tuning pass once the projector is mounted, our Throw Ratio & Keystone Correction guide covers exactly how to do that using Nvidia Control Panel.

Which Projector Should You Choose?

A rough framework based on the comparison above:

• Tightest budget, straightforward centred mount: Optoma GT1080HDR or BenQ TH671ST.
• Want laser reliability and mounting flexibility, staying at 1080p: BenQ LH830ST or BenQ AH700ST.
• Want 4K without flagship pricing: Optoma GT2160HDR, BenQ TK710STi, or Optoma ZK431ST, choose based on whether laser light source or lowest input lag matters more to you.
• Want golf-specific features on top of 4K: BenQ AK700ST.
• Building a larger bay or want zero compromises: BenQ LK936ST.

Resolution and price are only two pieces of the puzzle. Before you commit, it's worth reading through our guides on 4K vs HD Golf Simulator Projectors and Throw Ratio & Keystone Correction Explained to make sure the model you land on will actually suit your PC and your room.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BenQ or Optoma better for golf simulators?

Neither brand is categorically better, both make well-regarded, purpose-built short throw projectors for golf simulation. The right choice depends on the specific model's resolution, light source, keystone range, and price relative to your setup, rather than brand alone.

What is the cheapest good golf simulator projector?

The Optoma GT1080HDR ($1,499.99) and BenQ TH671ST ($1,549.99) are the most affordable options in this range and both deliver strong brightness and low input lag for the price. The main trade-off is vertical-only keystone correction, so they suit rooms with a straightforward, centred mounting position.

What's the best 4K golf simulator projector for the money?

Among the entry 4K tier, the Optoma GT2160HDR, BenQ TK710STi, and Optoma ZK431ST all sit within a similar price band ($2,500 to $3,000) and offer genuine 4K UHD resolution. Which suits you best depends on whether a laser light source, lowest input lag, or widest keystone range matters most for your build.

Do golf simulator projectors need a laser light source?

No, but laser offers real practical benefits: a much longer rated lifespan (20,000 to 30,000 hours) with no lamp replacements needed, versus roughly 4,000 to 15,000 hours on traditional lamp-based models depending on mode. Lamp-based projectors are typically cheaper upfront but carry an eventual replacement cost.

Which brand has a better projection distance calculator?

BenQ's Golf Simulator Planner is purpose-built for simulator installs. Optoma's Projection Calculator is a general-purpose tool that needs a manual workaround (a legacy reference model and 4:3 aspect ratio) to approximate a golf simulator setup. Both are useful, but BenQ's is more directly tailored to the job. See our Throw Ratio & Keystone Correction guide for the full comparison and a method for fine-tuning the result once your projector is mounted.

Not Sure Which Projector Suits Your Build?

Browse our full range of golf simulator projectors at Aussie Golf Sims, or get in touch and we'll help match a specific model to your room, PC, and budget.

Because the best projector is the one that fits your room, your PC, and your game.

Happy golfing!