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.
Not sure which projector is right for your setup? Our Find My Projector tool matches the projectors we carry to your room size, budget, screen, and ambient light.
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 the BenQ and Optoma golf simulator projectors we carry at Top Shelf Golf, covering specifications, features, pricing, and recommendations for different types of builds.
The Complete Lineup at a Glance
Here's every BenQ and Optoma model in this guide 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 |
| Optoma GT2400HDR | 1080p | 4,200 | 0.496:1 | Laser | $1,299 |
| Optoma ZH350ST | 1080p | 3,500 | 0.496:1 | Laser | $1,489 |
| BenQ AH30ST | 1080p | 3,000 | 0.69-0.83:1 | LED | $1,499 |
| BenQ LU710 | WUXGA | 4,000 | 1.13-1.46:1 | Laser | $1,699 |
| BenQ AH500ST | 1080p | 4,000 | 0.499:1 | Laser | $1,999 |
| BenQ TK710STi | 4K | 3,200 | 0.69-0.83:1 | Laser | $2,199 |
| Optoma UHZ35ST | 4K | 3,500 | 0.496:1 | 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 | 0.496:1 | Laser | $2,499 |
| BenQ AK700ST | 4K | 4,000 | 0.69-0.83:1 | Laser | $2,899 |
| Optoma ZU507TST | WUXGA | 5,000 | 0.58:1 | Laser | $3,999 |
| BenQ LU935ST | WUXGA | 5,500 | 0.81-0.89:1 | Laser | $3,999 |
| Optoma ZU607TST | WUXGA | 6,000 | 0.58:1 | Laser | $4,799 |
| BenQ LK936ST | 4K | 5,100 | 0.81-0.89:1 | Laser | $4,899 |
| Optoma ZK608TST | 4K | 6,000 | 0.58:1 | Laser | $6,859 |
| BenQ LU960ST2 | WUXGA | 5,200 | 0.5:1 | Laser | $7,499 |
| Optoma ZU820TST | WUXGA | 8,200 | 0.75-0.95:1 | Laser | $7,499 |
| Optoma ZU920TST | WUXGA | 9,800 | 0.65-0.75:1 | Laser | $11,439 |
| Optoma ZK810TST | 4K | 8,500 | 0.65-0.75:1 | Laser | $15,439 |
BenQ: Golf Features at Every Price
BenQ's golf lineup spans $949 to $7,499. Key strengths:
Golf-Specific Features
- Golf Mode: The AH30ST, AH500ST, AH700ST, AK700ST, LK830ST, LK936ST and LU935ST in this guide list a Golf picture mode among their picture presets.
- 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.
- Rec.709 Color Coverage: BenQ publishes 95% Rec.709 coverage for the AH30ST, AH700ST, AK700ST and TK710STi, 93% for the LK830ST, and 92% for the LK936ST, LU935ST, LU960ST2 and LU710 (83% for the AH500ST).
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: AH30ST -- 20,000-30,000 hour life, no bulb replacements
- Laser: LU710, AH500ST, TK710STi, AH700ST, LK830ST, AK700ST, LK936ST, LU935ST, LU960ST2 -- 20,000-hour life and the brightest output in the BenQ range
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 (0.496 to 0.5:1): AH500ST, LK830ST, LU960ST2 -- sit about 6 ft 8 in from a 10 ft wide, 7 ft 6 in tall 4:3 screen (the 16:10 LU960ST2, 6 ft)
- Short throw (0.69-0.89:1): TH671ST, AH30ST, AH700ST, TK710STi, AK700ST, LK936ST -- the most versatile range
- Standard throw (1.13-1.46:1): LU710 -- for deeper rooms where the projector sits 13 ft 7 in to 17 ft 6 in from that screen, behind the golfer
Optoma: Two Lineups, Home and ProScene
Optoma's 12 models split into six compact home projectors ($909 to $2,289) and six ProScene commercial projectors ($3,999 to $15,439). Key strengths:
Value Positioning
- Lowest entry price: The Optoma ZW350ST at $909 is the most affordable projector we carry, and it is a laser
- Best value 1080p laser: The GT2000HDR at $1,199 delivers 1080p, 3,500 lumens, laser light source, and HDR support
- 4K laser with ultra-short throw: The UHZ35ST at $2,199 is the least expensive 4K laser we sell, at 3,500 lumens and 0.496:1
- Brightest compact 4K: The 4K400STx at $2,289 provides true 4K resolution with 4,000 lumens from a lamp
Ultra-Short Throw Across the Home Lineup
All six compact Optoma models sit at 0.496 to 0.521:1, which fills a 10 ft wide, 7 ft 6 in tall 4:3 screen from about 6 ft 3 in to 6 ft 8 in and makes them the natural pick for tight rooms and floor-mounted setups.
ProScene for Commercial Bays
The six ProScene models (ZU507TST, ZU607TST, ZK608TST, ZU820TST, ZU920TST, ZK810TST) run from 5,000 to 9,800 lumens, and every one of them has lens shift, which BenQ offers on select models such as the LK936ST and LU960ST2. They are the projectors for bright venues and multi-bay installs; see the Optoma collection for the full ProScene table.
Compact Design
The six home models weigh 6.61 to 8.77 lbs, 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | WXGA (1280x800) | 1080p (1920x1080) | 1080p (1920x1080) |
| Lumens | 3,600 | 3,000 | 3,500 |
| Throw Ratio | 0.521:1 | 0.69-0.83:1 | 0.496:1 |
| Light Source | Laser (30,000 hrs) | Lamp (4,000-10,000 hrs) | Laser (30,000 hrs) |
| HDR Support | No | No | Yes (HDR10/HLG) |
| Golf Mode | Yes (Golf Sim Picture Mode) | No | No |
Our pick: The Optoma GT2000HDR ($1,199) is the best value in this tier -- it offers 1080p resolution, a laser light source, HDR support, and the tightest throw ratio in the tier. 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 UHZ35ST ($2,199) | Optoma 4K400STx ($2,289) | BenQ AH700ST ($2,299) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p | 1080p | 4K | 4K | 4K | 1080p |
| Lumens | 3,000 | 4,000 | 3,200 | 3,500 | 4,000 | 4,000 |
| Throw Ratio | 0.69-0.83:1 | 0.499:1 | 0.69-0.83:1 | 0.496:1 | 0.5:1 | 0.69-0.83:1 |
| Light Source | LED | Laser | Laser | Laser | Lamp | Laser |
| Golf Mode | Yes | Yes | No | Yes (Golf Sim Picture Mode) | Yes (Golf Sim Picture Mode) | 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, and the Optoma UHZ35ST ($2,199) is the laser answer at a 0.496:1 throw with 3,500 lumens and 500,000:1 contrast.
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 | 0.496:1 | 0.69-0.83:1 | 0.81-0.89:1 | 0.5:1 |
| Light Source | Laser | Laser | Laser | Laser |
| Golf Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes | Simulator mode |
| 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 0.496:1 ratio. On the Optoma side this tier is the ProScene line, from the ZU507TST ($3,999) at 5,000 lumens to the ZK810TST ($15,439) at 8,500 lumens in 4K, all with lens shift.
Feature-by-Feature: BenQ vs Optoma
| Feature | BenQ | Optoma |
|---|---|---|
| Price range | $949-$7,499 | $909-$15,439 |
| Golf-specific modes | Golf picture mode, Screen Fill | Golf Sim Picture Mode on 6 models |
| Light source options | Lamp, LED, Laser | Laser, Lamp |
| Throw ratio range | 0.496:1 to 1.46:1 | 0.496:1 to 0.95:1 |
| 4K options | 4 models | 4 models |
| Max brightness | 5,500 lumens | 9,800 lumens |
| HDR support | Select models | HDR10 and HLG on 9 models (all but the ZW350ST, ZU820TST and ZU920TST) |
| Android TV built-in | TK710STi only | No |
| Lens shift | LK936ST, LU935ST, LU960ST2 | All six ProScene models |
Which Brand Should You Choose?
Choose BenQ If:
- You want golf-specific features (Golf Mode, Screen Fill)
- You need a standard-throw projector for a deep room -- the LU710 is the only 1.13:1 and up model either brand offers here
- You want premium 4K options with laser light sources
- Color coverage is important to you (up to 95% Rec.709 on the AH30ST, AH700ST, AK700ST and TK710STi)
- You want the deepest choice of 1080p short-throw models
Choose Optoma If:
- Budget is the primary driver -- Optoma offers the lowest entry prices
- You need ultra-short throw (all six compact Optoma models sit at 0.496 to 0.521:1)
- You want a compact, lightweight projector
- You want the best 1080p laser value (GT2000HDR at $1,199)
- You want 4K with ultra-short throw (UHZ35ST laser or 4K400STx lamp)
- You are outfitting a commercial venue -- the ProScene line runs 5,000 to 9,800 lumens with lens shift on every model
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: BenQ and Optoma 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 within the contiguous 48 states with financing available. Call (888) 871-6110 for expert guidance on choosing the right model for your setup.
