BenQ and Optoma are the two dominant projector brands in the golf simulator space, and for good reason -- both offer short-throw models purpose-built for indoor golf. But they have very different product lineups, strengths, and price strategies.
Optoma's newest addition, the Optoma GT2400HDR, brings 4,200 lumens and laser technology to the lineup at just $1,299 -- making it one of the brightest options in its price range.
This guide compares every BenQ and Optoma projector we carry at Top Shelf Golf, covering specifications, features, pricing, and recommendations for different types of builds.
The Complete Lineup at a Glance
We carry 11 BenQ models and 3 Optoma models. Here's every projector side by side:
| Model | Resolution | Lumens | Throw Ratio | Light Source | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optoma ZW350ST | WXGA | 3,600 | 0.521:1 | Laser | $909 |
| BenQ TH671ST | 1080p | 3,000 | 0.69-0.83:1 | Lamp | $949 |
| Optoma GT2000HDR | 1080p | 3,500 | 0.496:1 | Laser | $1,199 |
| BenQ AW30ST | WXGA | 3,200 | 0.72-0.87:1 | LED | $1,199 |
| BenQ AH30ST | 1080p | 3,000 | 0.69-0.83:1 | LED | $1,499 |
| BenQ LU710 | WUXGA | 4,000 | 1.36-2.18:1 | Laser | $1,699 |
| BenQ AH500ST | 1080p | 4,000 | ~0.5:1 | Laser | $1,999 |
| BenQ TK710STi | 4K | 3,200 | 0.69-0.83:1 | Laser | $2,199 |
| Optoma 4K400STx | 4K | 4,000 | 0.5:1 | Lamp | $2,289 |
| BenQ AH700ST | 1080p | 4,000 | 0.69-0.83:1 | Laser | $2,299 |
| BenQ LK830ST | 4K | 4,000 | ~0.5:1 | Laser | $2,499 |
| BenQ AK700ST | 4K | 4,000 | 0.69-0.83:1 | Laser | $2,899 |
| BenQ LK936ST | 4K | 5,100 | 0.81-0.89:1 | Laser | $4,899 |
| BenQ LU960ST2 | WUXGA | 5,200 | ~0.5:1 | Laser | $7,499 |
BenQ: The Deeper Lineup
BenQ offers by far the most extensive golf simulator projector lineup on the market, with 11 models spanning every price point from $949 to $7,499. Key strengths:
Golf-Specific Features
- Golf Mode: Many BenQ golf series projectors (AH30ST, AH500ST, AH700ST, AK700ST) include a dedicated Golf Mode that optimizes color temperature, gamma, and brightness for golf simulation software -- greens look green, fairways have natural texture, and sky tones are accurate.
- Screen Fill: BenQ's Screen Fill technology automatically adjusts the projection to fill 4:3, 16:9, 16:10, or 1:1 screens without manual aspect ratio switching. This is a standout feature for golf simulators where screen shapes vary.
- 95% Rec.709 Color Accuracy: The laser models (AH500ST, AH700ST, AK700ST, LK830ST, LK936ST) deliver factory-calibrated color accuracy covering 95% of the Rec.709 color standard.
Light Source Options
BenQ offers all three light source technologies across their lineup:
- Lamp: TH671ST -- most affordable, with 4,000-10,000 hour bulb life
- LED: AW30ST, AH30ST -- 20,000-30,000 hour life, no bulb replacements
- Laser: LU710, AH500ST, TK710STi, AH700ST, LK830ST, AK700ST, LK936ST, LU960ST2 -- 20,000+ hour life with the brightest output
Learn more about light source differences in our Laser vs Lamp vs LED guide.
Throw Ratio Range
BenQ covers every installation scenario:
- Ultra-short throw (~0.5:1): AH500ST, LK830ST, LU960ST2 -- sit just 5 feet from a 10-foot screen
- Short throw (0.69-0.87:1): TH671ST, AH30ST, AH700ST, TK710STi, AK700ST, LK936ST -- the most versatile range
- Standard throw (1.36-2.18:1): LU710 -- for deeper rooms where the projector sits 11+ feet from a 10-foot screen
Optoma: Focused and Competitive
Optoma takes a different approach with just 3 carefully positioned models. Key strengths:
Value Positioning
- Lowest entry price: The Optoma ZW350ST at $909 is the most affordable short-throw laser projector in our entire lineup
- Best value 1080p laser: The GT2000HDR at $1,199 delivers 1080p, 3,500 lumens, laser light source, and HDR support
- 4K with ultra-short throw: The 4K400STx at $2,289 provides true 4K resolution with 4,000 lumens at a competitive price
Ultra-Short Throw Focus
All three Optoma models feature ultra-short throw ratios around 0.5:1, making them ideal for tight spaces and floor-mounted configurations. If your room depth is limited, Optoma's lineup naturally fits.
Compact Design
Optoma projectors are notably compact and lightweight, which can be an advantage for shelf mounting or installations where space behind the golfer is limited.
Head-to-Head Comparisons by Price Tier
Budget Tier (Under $1,200)
| Spec | Optoma ZW350ST ($909) | BenQ TH671ST ($949) | Optoma GT2000HDR ($1,199) | BenQ AW30ST ($1,199) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | WXGA (1280x800) | 1080p (1920x1080) | 1080p (1920x1080) | WXGA (1280x800) |
| Lumens | 3,600 | 3,000 | 3,500 | 3,200 |
| Throw Ratio | 0.521:1 | 0.69-0.83:1 | 0.496:1 | 0.72-0.87:1 |
| Light Source | Laser (30,000 hrs) | Lamp (4,000-10,000 hrs) | Laser (30,000 hrs) | LED (20,000-30,000 hrs) |
| HDR Support | No | No | Yes (HDR10/HLG) | No |
| Golf Mode | No | No | No | Yes (Screen Fill) |
Our pick: The Optoma GT2000HDR ($1,199) is the best value in this tier -- it offers 1080p resolution, the brightest laser light source, HDR support, and the tightest throw ratio. If budget is king, the ZW350ST at $909 is remarkably capable for a laser projector.
Mid Tier ($1,200-$2,300)
| Spec | BenQ AH30ST ($1,499) | BenQ AH500ST ($1,999) | BenQ TK710STi ($2,199) | Optoma 4K400STx ($2,289) | BenQ AH700ST ($2,299) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p | 1080p | 4K | 4K | 1080p |
| Lumens | 3,000 | 4,000 | 3,200 | 4,000 | 4,000 |
| Throw Ratio | 0.69-0.83:1 | ~0.5:1 | 0.69-0.83:1 | 0.5:1 | 0.69-0.83:1 |
| Light Source | LED | Laser | Laser | Lamp | Laser |
| Golf Mode | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Best 1080p: The BenQ AH700ST ($2,299) is the premium 1080p choice -- 4,000 lumens, laser light source, Golf Mode, and proven 0.69-0.83:1 optics. The BenQ AH500ST ($1,999) matches it on specs with an ultra-short throw ratio for tighter spaces.
Best 4K value: The Optoma 4K400STx ($2,289) delivers the most brightness per dollar at 4K with its 4,000-lumen, 0.5:1 throw ratio design. Note that it uses a lamp light source, so factor in bulb replacements over time. The BenQ TK710STi ($2,199) adds laser longevity and Android TV but with 800 fewer lumens.
Premium Tier ($2,500+)
| Spec | BenQ LK830ST ($2,499) | BenQ AK700ST ($2,899) | BenQ LK936ST ($4,899) | BenQ LU960ST2 ($7,499) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K | 4K | 4K | WUXGA |
| Lumens | 4,000 | 4,000 | 5,100 | 5,200 |
| Throw Ratio | 0.5:1 | 0.69-0.83:1 | 0.81-0.89:1 | 0.5:1 |
| Light Source | Laser | Laser | Laser | Laser |
| Golf Mode | No | Yes | No | No |
| Best For | Ultra-short throw 4K | Dedicated golf sim 4K | Commercial / premium | Commercial / professional |
Our pick: The BenQ AK700ST ($2,899) is the ultimate dedicated golf simulator projector -- 4K resolution, 4,000 lumens, laser light source, Golf Mode, and a versatile 0.69-0.83:1 throw ratio that fits most rooms. For ultra-short throw installations, the LK830ST ($2,499) matches its specs with a 0.5:1 ratio.
Feature-by-Feature: BenQ vs Optoma
| Feature | BenQ | Optoma |
|---|---|---|
| Number of models | 11 | 3 |
| Price range | $949-$7,499 | $909-$2,289 |
| Golf-specific modes | Yes (Golf Mode, Screen Fill) | No |
| Light source options | Lamp, LED, Laser | Laser, Lamp |
| Throw ratio range | 0.5:1 to 1.46:1 | 0.496:1 to 0.521:1 |
| 4K options | 5 models | 1 model |
| Max brightness | 5,200 lumens | 4,000 lumens |
| HDR support | Select models | GT2000HDR, 4K400STx |
| Android TV built-in | TK710STi only | No |
| Lens shift | Select models | Limited |
Which Brand Should You Choose?
Choose BenQ If:
- You want golf-specific features (Golf Mode, Screen Fill)
- You need a specific throw ratio for your room -- BenQ covers every range from ultra-short to standard throw
- You want premium 4K options with laser light sources
- Color accuracy is important to you (95% Rec.709 on laser models)
- You're building a commercial or professional installation
- You want the widest selection to match your exact needs and budget
Choose Optoma If:
- Budget is the primary driver -- Optoma offers the lowest entry prices
- You need ultra-short throw (all three Optoma models sit under 0.525:1 ratio)
- You want a compact, lightweight projector
- You want the best 1080p laser value (GT2000HDR at $1,199)
- You want 4K with ultra-short throw at a competitive price (4K400STx)
Related Guides
- 4K vs 1080p: Do You Really Need a 4K Projector?
- Projector Setup Guide -- Distance, Mounting & Image Size
- Laser vs Lamp vs LED: Which Light Source Is Best?
- Short Throw vs Ultra-Short Throw: Projector Placement Guide
- BenQ Projector Buying Guide
- Best Projectors Under $2,000
- Best 4K Golf Simulator Projectors
- How Many Lumens Do You Need?
- Best Golf Simulator Projectors 2026: All 25 Models Compared
Shop Golf Simulator Projectors
Explore our full selection of BenQ projectors and Optoma projectors, or browse the complete projector collection. Every projector ships free with financing available. Call (888) 871-6110 for expert guidance on choosing the right model for your setup.
