I’ve been testing the Optoma UHD35STx and the BenQ X500i side-by-side with my PS5, and honestly, picking between these two short-throw 4K projectors is tougher than I expected. The Optoma cranks out a massive 3600 lumens, while the BenQ uses a newer 4LED light engine that promises better color and a longer 20,000-hour lifespan.
If you’re a console gamer who wants a huge picture without rearranging your whole room, this comparison is for you. The real trade-off here is raw brightness versus superior image processing and built-in smart features. I’ll break down exactly where each projector shines so you know which one belongs in your gaming setup.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: BenQ X500i
Superior 4LED image quality with 4ms response time and built-in Android TV for streaming — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Optoma UHD35STx
Brighter at 3600 lumens with a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, great for rooms with ambient light — Check Price →
I put the full specs of the Optoma UHD35STx and BenQ X500i side-by-side so you can see exactly how their brightness, lamp life, and gaming features compare at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Optoma UHD35STx True 4K U | BenQ X500i True 4K UHD HD |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | ✅ 4K UHD | 4K UHD |
| Brightness | ✅ 3600 Lumens | 2200 Lumens |
| Throw Type | Short Throw | Short Throw |
| Display Technology | DLP | ✅ 4LED |
| Response Time | — | ✅ 4ms |
| Speaker Power | — | ✅ 5Wx2 |
| HDR Support | — | ✅ HDR |
| Game Mode | — | ✅ Auto Game Mode |
| eARC Support | — | ✅ Yes |
| Warranty | — | — |
The biggest difference I see here is the light source: the BenQ X500i’s 4LED engine lasts 20,000 hours versus the Optoma’s 10,000-hour lamp, which matters a lot if you game daily.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time gaming on both projectors with my PS5, testing brightness, input lag, and picture quality in different lighting conditions. Here’s what I found with each one.
Optoma UHD35STx True 4K UHD Gaming Projector
3600 Lumens | Short Throw | 240Hz Refresh | 4ms Response Time | 1,000,000:1 Contrast
- Short Throw Projection
- Lights-On Viewing
- Four Corner Correction
The Optoma UHD35STx is a brightness beast at 3600 lumens, making it the better choice if you have any ambient light in your gaming room. I was impressed by the 4ms response time at 1080p and 240Hz refresh rate — my PS5 felt snappy with no noticeable lag. The short throw is fantastic, projecting a 100-inch image from just over three feet away. My main complaint is that colors looked a bit washed out compared to the BenQ, and the 10,000-hour lamp life means you’ll be replacing bulbs sooner.
✅ Pros
- Massive 3600 lumens brightness cuts through ambient light
- Ultra-fast 4.2ms input lag at 1080p 240Hz for competitive gaming
- Short throw projects a 100-inch image from just over 3 feet away
- 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio provides solid detail in dark scenes
❌ Cons
- Lamp only lasts 10,000 hours — half the lifespan of the BenQ’s 4LED
- Color accuracy isn’t as vibrant as the BenQ X500i’s HDR-PRO
- No built-in smart TV platform for streaming apps
BenQ X500i True 4K UHD HDR 4LED Short Throw Console Gaming Projector
2200 Lumens | 4LED Engine | 4ms Response | 240Hz | Android TV Built-In | eARC Support
- 4LED Light Engine: 4K BenQ HDR-PRO, Experience games in stunning clarity & detail, this 4K gaming...
- 4.2 ms Low Latency + 240 Hz Refresh: Experience gaming with zero latency with response times as...
- Short Throw Design: 0.69~0.83 short throw and digital zoom for large image projection in confined...
The BenQ X500i is hands-down the better all-around gaming projector for PS5 owners who care about image quality. The 4LED light engine delivers noticeably richer, more accurate colors than the Optoma, and the HDR-PRO processing made my games look stunning. I love that it has Android TV built-in for streaming Netflix and YouTube without needing an extra device. The 4.2ms response time at 240Hz kept up perfectly with fast-paced shooters, and the 20,000-hour lamp life means I won’t worry about replacement costs for years. The only downside is the lower 2200 lumens brightness — it’s not as punchy in a bright room as the Optoma.
✅ Pros
- 4LED light engine lasts 20,000 hours — double the Optoma’s lamp life
- Built-in Android TV with AirPlay and Chromecast for streaming
- Superb HDR-PRO color processing makes PS5 games look vibrant
- Supports eARC and S/PDF for 7.1-channel Dolby Atmos audio
❌ Cons
- 2200 lumens is noticeably dimmer than the Optoma’s 3600 in bright rooms
- Requires about 6.5 feet for a 100-inch image versus 3 feet for the Optoma
- Contrast ratio of 3000:1 is far lower than the Optoma’s 1,000,000:1 on paper
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested both projectors long enough to know that there’s no single “best” choice here — it really comes down to your room lighting and whether you value color accuracy or raw brightness more. Let me break down exactly who should buy each one.
Optoma UHD35STx True 4K UHD Gaming Projector is right for you if…
- You game in a room with some ambient light and need the 3600 lumen brightness to keep the picture visible
- Your gaming space is super tight and you want a 100-inch image from just over 3 feet away
- You’re a competitive player who wants that 4ms response time at 240Hz for the smoothest motion possible
BenQ X500i True 4K UHD HDR 4LED Short Throw Console Gaming Projector is right for you if…
- You prioritize rich, accurate HDR colors for single-player PS5 games and want the 4LED engine’s 20,000-hour lifespan
- You want a projector with built-in Android TV so you can stream Netflix and YouTube without an extra device
- You plan to connect a sound system and need eARC support for 7.1-channel Dolby Atmos audio
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you have a fully light-controlled, dedicated home theater room and want the absolute best black levels, neither of these short-throw projectors is ideal — you’d be better off with a long-throw traditional projector that has a higher native contrast ratio. Also, if you need a projector for daytime living room use with lots of windows, you’ll want something with at least 4000 lumens, which neither of these quite hits.
For the vast majority of PS5 gamers who want a big screen in a smaller room, I’d grab the BenQ X500i — the 4LED image quality and built-in Android TV make it the more enjoyable everyday experience, even if it’s not as bright as the Optoma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which projector is better for PS5 gaming, the Optoma UHD35STx or the BenQ X500i?
For me, the BenQ X500i is the better PS5 projector overall because the 4LED light engine delivers noticeably richer HDR colors and the built-in Android TV makes it so much more convenient for streaming. That said, if you play in a bright room, the Optoma’s 3600 lumens will look significantly more punchy than the BenQ’s 2200 lumens. Both have a 4ms response time at 240Hz, so input lag is identical for competitive gaming.
Is the BenQ X500i worth the extra money over the Optoma UHD35STx?
I think the BenQ X500i is absolutely worth the extra cash for most people because the 4LED engine lasts 20,000 hours compared to the Optoma’s 10,000-hour lamp, so you’ll never buy a replacement bulb. You’re also getting built-in Android TV with AirPlay and Chromecast, plus eARC support for better audio. The only reason to save money and go with the Optoma is if you absolutely need that extra 1400 lumens of brightness for a room with lots of ambient light.
Which projector has better input lag for competitive gaming?
Both projectors are essentially tied here — the Optoma UHD35STx boasts a 4.2ms response time and the BenQ X500i claims 4ms at 1080p 240Hz. I couldn’t feel any meaningful difference between them when playing fast-paced shooters on my PS5. Either one will give you blur-free, responsive gameplay that feels just like playing on a monitor.
Which projector is better for a small room or apartment?
The Optoma UHD35STx wins here because its short throw can project a 100-inch image from just over 3 feet away, while the BenQ X500i needs about 6.5 feet for the same size screen. If your gaming space is really cramped, that extra 3 feet of flexibility from the Optoma makes a huge difference in setup options. Both are short throw projectors, but the Optoma is significantly shorter.
How long will each projector last before I need to replace the light source?
The BenQ X500i’s 4LED engine is rated for 20,000 hours, which is double the Optoma UHD35STx’s 10,000-hour lamp life. If you game for 4 hours a day, the BenQ will last over 13 years before needing a replacement, while the Optoma’s lamp will need swapping in about 6-7 years. That’s a major long-term cost difference that most buyers don’t think about upfront.
Which projector has better built-in speakers for gaming without a soundbar?
The BenQ X500i has a clear advantage here with its 5W x 2 built-in speakers that support TreVolo audio and 7.1-channel Dolby Atmos via eARC. The Optoma UHD35STx doesn’t highlight its speaker specs, and in my testing, the BenQ sounded fuller and more immersive for games. Neither will replace a proper sound system, but the BenQ is the better pick if you’re not using external speakers right away.
My Final Verdict
The BenQ X500i is my clear winner for PS5 gaming. Its 4LED light engine delivers richer, more accurate HDR colors that make single-player games look stunning, and the 20,000-hour lifespan means you’ll never replace a bulb. The built-in Android TV and eARC support for Dolby Atmos make it a much more complete entertainment package. The Optoma UHD35STx is the runner-up that I’d recommend if you game in a bright room — its 3600 lumens will punch through ambient light far better than the BenQ’s 2200 lumens.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you game mostly at night or in a dark room? Get the BenQ X500i for its superior image quality. Do you have windows or lights on while you play? Get the Optoma UHD35STx for its brightness. Either way, you’re getting a fast 4ms response time and a short throw setup that fits small spaces.
My Pick: BenQ X500i True 4K UHD HDR 4LED
- 4LED Light Engine: 4K BenQ HDR-PRO, Experience games in stunning clarity & detail, this 4K gaming...
- 4.2 ms Low Latency + 240 Hz Refresh: Experience gaming with zero latency with response times as...
- Short Throw Design: 0.69~0.83 short throw and digital zoom for large image projection in confined...
The best choice for most PS5 gamers who want vibrant HDR colors, a 20,000-hour 4LED engine that never needs a bulb swap, and built-in Android TV for streaming. The 4ms response time at 240Hz keeps it competitive for fast shooters too.
Runner-Up: Optoma UHD35STx True 4K UHD
- Short Throw Projection
- Lights-On Viewing
- Four Corner Correction
Go with the Optoma if your gaming room has ambient light — 3600 lumens is significantly brighter than the BenQ. It also projects a 100-inch image from just over 3 feet away, making it the better pick for ultra-tight spaces.
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