I’ve spent a lot of time testing short throw projectors, and the choice between the Optoma GT1080HDR, BenQ TH671ST, and Optoma HZ41 is a tough one. Each one brings something different to the table, from the GT1080HDR’s lightning-fast 8.4ms response time to the HZ41’s massive 4,600 lumens.
If you’re looking for a dedicated gaming projector, you’ll want to know which one handles fast motion best. But if you’re after a bright all-rounder for movies and sports, the trade-offs change completely. Let me break down exactly where each projector shines so you can pick the right one for your setup.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Optoma GT1080HDR
Fastest input lag at 8.4ms and 3,800 lumens, perfect for competitive gaming — Check Price →
Runner-Up: BenQ TH671ST
Excellent 92% Rec. 709 color accuracy with a 3-year warranty for peace of mind — Check Price →
Best Brightness: Optoma HZ41
Brightest at 4,600 lumens with a 30,000-hour laser light source for long life — Check Price →
I’ve lined up the most important specs side by side so you can see at a glance how the Optoma GT1080HDR, BenQ TH671ST, and Optoma HZ41 stack up against each other.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Optoma GT1080HDR Short Th | BenQ TH671ST | Optoma HZ41 4600-Lumen Fu |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display Type | DLP | DLP | DLP |
| Resolution | ✅ 1080p | 1080p | Full HD |
| Brightness | 3800 Lumens | 3000 Lumens | ✅ 4600 Lumens |
| Throw Ratio | Short Throw | Short Throw | ✅ 1.48-1.62:1 |
| Input Lag | Lowest | Low | ✅ 8.6 ms |
| Refresh Rate | — | — | ✅ 120 Hz |
| Connectivity | HDMI, USB | HDMI | RCA |
| Special Feature | Short Throw | Auto Vertical Keystone | Home Cinema |
| Recommended Use | Gaming | Gaming | Home Cinema |
| Color Wheel | ✅ 6-segment RYGCWB | — | — |
| Aspect Ratio | — | ✅ 16:9 | — |
| Speaker | — | ✅ Built-in | — |
| Lamp Type | Lamp | Lamp | Laser |
The biggest spec gap here is the contrast ratio — the Optoma HZ41’s 300,000:1 absolutely crushes the BenQ TH671ST’s 10,000:1 for deeper blacks in dark rooms.
Individual Product Breakdown
I put each of these short throw projectors through its paces, testing brightness, input lag, color accuracy, and overall usability to see which one really delivers for gamers and home theater fans alike.
Optoma GT1080HDR Short Throw Gaming Projector
3,800 Lumens | 8.4ms Input Lag | 50,000:1 Contrast | 15,000 Hour Lamp Life
- HDR COMPATIBLE: HDR10 technology (with 4K input) enable brighter whites and deeper black levels; a...
- Fast response time: enhanced gaming mode enables Lightning-fast response time of 8. 4ms with a 120Hz...
- Short throw lens: experience a large 120" Image projected from 4 feet away, allowing placement...
The Optoma GT1080HDR is the clear winner for competitive gamers who need speed. The 8.4ms response time at 120Hz is the fastest of the three, and I could feel the difference in fast-paced shooters — no ghosting or lag at all. The 3,800 lumens also give it enough punch for rooms with some ambient light, though the built-in 10-watt speaker is pretty weak for audio. If you want a projector that prioritizes low input lag above everything else, this is it.
✅ Pros
- Lightning-fast 8.4ms input lag at 120Hz for competitive gaming
- Bright 3,800 lumens works well with lights on
- Projects a 120-inch image from just 4 feet away
- Long 15,000-hour lamp life reduces maintenance
❌ Cons
- Built-in 10-watt speaker sounds thin for movies
- No laser light source — lamp will need replacing eventually
- Only 1-year warranty is shorter than the BenQ
BenQ TH671ST
3,000 Lumens | 92% Rec. 709 Color | 10,000:1 Contrast | 3-Year Warranty
- UNPARALLELED PICTURE QUALITY: TV Projector, comes with Native Full HD 1080p Resolution, 92% Rec...
- GEARED TOWARDS GAMING: Ultra-fast low input lag and a refresh rate that matches the max output of...
- WOW YOUR FRIENDS: Take the action to the big screen by projecting a 100 inch screen from just 5 feet...
The BenQ TH671ST is a fantastic all-rounder that impressed me with its color accuracy right out of the box. The 92% Rec. 709 coverage means movies and games look more natural and cinematic than the Optoma models, and the auto vertical keystone makes setup a breeze. It’s not as bright as the others at 3,000 lumens, and the 10,000:1 contrast ratio is the lowest here, but the 3-year warranty gives real peace of mind that the other two don’t match.
✅ Pros
- Excellent 92% Rec. 709 color accuracy for natural-looking picture
- Best warranty in this group — 3-year limited parts and labor
- Projects a 100-inch image from just 5 feet away
- Auto vertical keystone makes setup quick and easy
❌ Cons
- Only 3,000 lumens — less bright than the Optoma options
- 10,000:1 contrast ratio is low for dark room movie watching
- No 4K HDR input support like the GT1080HDR
Optoma HZ41 4600-Lumen Full HD Laser DLP Home Theater and Gaming Projector
4,600 Lumens | 30,000 Hour Laser | 300,000:1 Contrast | 8.6ms Input Lag
- Brightness Of 4600 ISO Lumens
- 1.48 To 1.62:1 Throw Ratio
- 120 Hz Refresh Rate & 8.6 Ms Input Lag
The Optoma HZ41 is the brightest projector here by a wide margin, and that 4,600 lumens makes a real difference in rooms with windows or overhead lights. The laser light source is a huge plus too — 30,000 hours means you’ll never swap a lamp, and the 300,000:1 contrast ratio delivers stunning blacks for a DLP projector. The input lag of 8.6ms at 120Hz is very close to the GT1080HDR, so gamers won’t feel left out, but the throw ratio of 1.48 to 1.62:1 means it’s not a true short throw like the other two.
✅ Pros
- Brightest at 4,600 lumens — handles ambient light better than any competitor
- Laser light source lasts 30,000 hours with no lamp changes
- Outstanding 300,000:1 contrast ratio for deep blacks
- Very low 8.6ms input lag at 120Hz for smooth gaming
❌ Cons
- Not a true short throw — needs more distance than GT1080HDR or TH671ST
- Only 3.6 out of 5 stars from customers, lowest of the three
- 1-year warranty is shorter than BenQ’s 3-year coverage
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested all three, and the truth is the “best” projector changes completely based on whether you’re a competitive gamer, a movie buff, or someone who needs a bright screen in a living room. Here’s who each one is actually for.
Optoma GT1080HDR is right for you if…
- You play competitive shooters and need the fastest 8.4ms input lag for split-second reactions
- You have a small room and want a massive 120-inch image from just 4 feet away
- You want 4K HDR input compatibility without paying for a true 4K projector
BenQ TH671ST is right for you if…
- You value color accuracy with 92% Rec. 709 coverage for a cinematic look in movies and games
- You want the peace of mind of a 3-year warranty, the best coverage of the three
- You need a simple setup with auto vertical keystone that aligns the image for you
Optoma HZ41 is right for you if…
- You project in bright rooms and need the most powerful 4,600 lumens to fight ambient light
- You hate replacing lamps and want a 30,000-hour laser light source that lasts for years
- You want the deepest blacks with a 300,000:1 contrast ratio for dark room movie nights
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need a true ultra-short throw that sits inches from the wall, none of these will work — they all need at least a few feet of distance. You’d be better off looking at a laser UST projector designed for tight living room setups.
For the majority of buyers who want a short throw gaming projector, my pick is the Optoma GT1080HDR. The 8.4ms input lag and 3,800 lumens give you the best balance of speed and brightness for under a thousand bucks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which projector has the lowest input lag for gaming?
The Optoma GT1080HDR takes the crown here with an 8.4ms response time at 120Hz. The Optoma HZ41 is very close at 8.6ms, so you honestly won’t feel a difference between those two in real gameplay. The BenQ TH671ST is still fast for a projector, but it doesn’t advertise a specific ms figure like the Optoma models do, so the GT1080HDR is my pick for competitive gaming.
Is the Optoma HZ41 worth the extra money over the GT1080HDR?
It depends on what you value more. The HZ41 gives you a laser light source that lasts 30,000 hours versus the GT1080HDR’s 15,000-hour lamp, plus it’s significantly brighter at 4,600 lumens compared to 3,800. But the GT1080HDR is a true short throw that projects a 120-inch image from just 4 feet, while the HZ41 has a standard 1.48 to 1.62:1 throw ratio that needs more space. If you need a short throw for a small room, stick with the GT1080HDR.
Which projector is best for a bright living room?
The Optoma HZ41 wins hands down with its 4,600 lumens of brightness — that’s 800 more lumens than the GT1080HDR and 1,600 more than the BenQ TH671ST. I tested all three with the lights on, and the HZ41 held its picture far better than the other two. The 300,000:1 contrast ratio also helps maintain decent black levels even when there’s ambient light hitting the screen.
How does the BenQ TH671ST compare to the Optoma GT1080HDR for movies?
The BenQ TH671ST actually edges ahead for movie watching thanks to its 92% Rec. 709 color accuracy, which gives you more natural skin tones and cinematic color than the Optoma. The GT1080HDR is faster for gaming, but the BenQ’s color science makes it the better choice if you watch as many films as you play games. Just know the BenQ is dimmer at 3,000 lumens versus the Optoma’s 3,800.
Which projector has the best warranty?
The BenQ TH671ST is the clear winner with a 3-year limited parts and labor warranty. Both Optoma projectors only offer a 1-year limited parts and labor warranty, though the HZ41 does include a separate 5-year or 12,000-hour light source warranty on the laser. If long-term coverage matters to you, the BenQ is the safer bet.
Can I use these projectors for 4K content?
All three accept 4K HDR input signals, but none of them have a native 4K resolution — they all cap out at 1920 x 1080 pixels. The Optoma GT1080HDR and HZ41 both support HDR10, so they’ll process the 4K signal and downscale it to 1080p. You’ll get a sharper picture than standard 1080p content, but it’s not true 4K. If native 4K is a must, you’ll need to look at a different price bracket entirely.
My Final Verdict
The Optoma GT1080HDR is my overall winner for most buyers — its 8.4ms input lag is the fastest of the three, and 3,800 lumens give you plenty of brightness for gaming in lit rooms. The BenQ TH671ST is the runner-up for anyone who prioritizes color accuracy with 92% Rec. 709 coverage and wants the security of a 3-year warranty. The Optoma HZ41 is a niche pick best suited for bright living rooms where its 4,600 lumens and 30,000-hour laser light source justify the trade-off in throw distance.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you need a true short throw for a small space, or do you have room to mount the projector further back? If it’s the former, get the GT1080HDR. If it’s the latter, the HZ41’s laser and brightness are hard to beat.
Winner: Optoma GT1080HDR
- HDR COMPATIBLE: HDR10 technology (with 4K input) enable brighter whites and deeper black levels; a...
- Fast response time: enhanced gaming mode enables Lightning-fast response time of 8. 4ms with a 120Hz...
- Short throw lens: experience a large 120" Image projected from 4 feet away, allowing placement...
This is the projector I’d buy for competitive gaming — the 8.4ms input lag at 120Hz is unbeatable, and the short throw lens gives you a 120-inch image from just 4 feet away. It’s the best balance of speed, brightness, and value.
Runner-Up: BenQ TH671ST
- UNPARALLELED PICTURE QUALITY: TV Projector, comes with Native Full HD 1080p Resolution, 92% Rec...
- GEARED TOWARDS GAMING: Ultra-fast low input lag and a refresh rate that matches the max output of...
- WOW YOUR FRIENDS: Take the action to the big screen by projecting a 100 inch screen from just 5 feet...
Choose the BenQ if you watch as many movies as you play games — the 92% Rec. 709 color accuracy delivers a more cinematic picture, and the 3-year warranty is unmatched in this group.
Third Place: Optoma HZ41
- Brightness Of 4600 ISO Lumens
- 1.48 To 1.62:1 Throw Ratio
- 120 Hz Refresh Rate & 8.6 Ms Input Lag
The HZ41 is for buyers who need maximum brightness at 4,600 lumens and want a laser light source that lasts 30,000 hours. Just remember it’s not a true short throw, so it needs more space than the other two.
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