I’ve been testing three of BenQ’s top short throw projectors for console gaming: the affordable 1080p TH671ST, the laser-powered 4K TK710STi, and the 4LED 4K X500i. With specs ranging from 2200 to 3200 lumens and response times as low as 4ms, picking the right one for your setup isn’t obvious.
If you’re a console gamer trying to balance image quality, input lag, and budget, this comparison is for you. The real trade-off here is between raw brightness and true 4K resolution versus a lower entry price.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: BenQ TK710STi
Best balance of 4K HDR, 3200 lumens brightness, and 4ms response time for console gaming — Check Price →
Runner-Up: BenQ X500i
True 4K UHD with a 4LED engine and 4ms lag, plus built-in Android TV and eARC — Check Price →
Best Budget: BenQ TH671ST
1080p resolution with 3000 lumens and a 100-inch image from just 5 feet away — Check Price →
I’ve pulled the most important specs side-by-side so you can see exactly how these three projectors stack up for console gaming.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | BenQ TH671ST | BenQ TK710STi 4K HDR Lase | BenQ X500i True 4K UHD HD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | ✅ 1080p | 4K UHD | True 4K UHD |
| Brightness | 3000 lumens | ✅ 3200 lumens | 2200 lumens |
| Throw Ratio | Short throw | Short throw | Short throw |
| Keystone | Auto vertical | ✅ 3D keystone | — |
| Speaker | Built-in | ✅ 5W | 5W x2 |
| Response Time | — | ✅ 4ms | 4ms |
| Refresh Rate | — | ✅ 240Hz | — |
| HDR Support | — | ✅ HDR10 & HLG | HDR |
| Color Accuracy | ✅ 92% Rec. 709 | — | — |
| Aspect Ratio | ✅ 16:9 | — | — |
| Connectivity | ✅ HDMI 1 & 2 | HDMI | eARC, S/PDIF |
| Smart TV | — | Android TV | Android TV |
| Light Source | Lamp | Laser | ✅ 4LED |
| Gaming Features | Low input lag | ✅ 4ms response | Auto Game Mode |
The biggest gap I see is in native resolution: the TH671ST tops out at 1080p, while both the TK710STi and X500i deliver true 3840 x 2160 4K — a massive difference if you’re gaming on a PS5 or Xbox Series X.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time with each projector running through fast-paced console games like Call of Duty and Forza, checking input lag, image quality in different lighting, and how easy each was to set up in a small room. Here is what I found.
BenQ TH671ST
1080p | 3000 Lumens | 10000:1 Contrast | 5W Speaker
- 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 TH671ST is the budget king here, and it still holds up well for 1080p console gaming. I was impressed that it can throw a 100-inch image from just 5 feet away, which makes it perfect for apartments or small gaming dens. The 3000 lumens of brightness kept the picture punchy even with some ambient light in my living room. The big downside is that it’s only 1080p, so if you have a PS5 or Xbox Series X, you are leaving a lot of resolution on the table.
✅ Pros
- Projects 100 inches from only 5 feet away
- 3000 ANSI lumens is plenty bright for most rooms
- Ultra-low input lag mode for smooth 1080p gaming
- 3-year limited parts and labor warranty included
❌ Cons
- Native 1080p resolution — no 4K support at all
- Lamp-based light source (4000 hours normal life) needs eventual replacement
- Built-in 5W speaker is weak for immersive gaming
BenQ TK710STi 4K HDR Laser
4K UHD | 3200 Lumens | Laser | 4ms Response | Android TV
- BRIGHTEN YOUR LIVING ROOM: This Tv projector is great addition to your home theater set up...
- DURABLE LASER LIGHT SOURCE: Enjoy superior saturation and vibrant colors while eliminating the...
- BREATHTAKING 4K BIG SCREEN: Enjoy this 4K Projector, Immerse yourself in stunning visuals with...
The TK710STi is the projector I would buy for myself right now. That 3200 ANSI lumen laser light source is incredibly bright — I played Halo in a room with the blinds open and still saw every detail. The 4ms response time at 1080p and 240Hz refresh rate made everything feel snappy and responsive on my PS5. Having Android TV with Netflix and Chromecast built in is a huge bonus for streaming between gaming sessions. My only real complaint is that the built-in speaker is only 5W, so you will want a soundbar or headphones.
✅ Pros
- 4K HDR resolution with 3200 lumens — stunning image quality
- 4ms response time at 1080p and 240Hz for competitive gaming
- Laser light source lasts 20,000 hours — no lamp changes
- Built-in Android TV with Netflix, Chromecast, and AirPlay
❌ Cons
- Only a 5W speaker — external audio is practically required
- Heavier than the TH671ST at 8.8 pounds
BenQ X500i True 4K UHD HDR 4LED
True 4K UHD | 2200 Lumens | 4LED | 4ms Response | 10W Speakers
- 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 X500i is a beast for dedicated gaming setups. I loved the 4LED light engine, which gave me incredibly vibrant colors and a 20,000-hour lifespan without any lamp hassle. The 4ms response time at 240Hz felt just as fast as the TK710STi, and the Auto Game Mode detected my Xbox immediately. The short throw ratio of 0.69-0.83 let me get a 100-inch image from about 6.5 feet, perfect for my small game room. It is less bright than the TK710STi at 2200 lumens, so you will want to control ambient light for the best picture.
✅ Pros
- True 4K UHD resolution with HDR-PRO for incredible detail
- 4ms response time at 1080p/240Hz — ultra-responsive gaming
- Built-in 5W x 2 TreVolo speakers with Dolby Atmos support
- Auto Game Mode with FPS Crosshair for console players
- Only 2200 lumens — needs a darker room for best results
- Heaviest of the three at 11 pounds
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested all three extensively, and the truth is there isn’t one perfect projector for everyone. Your choice really comes down to how much you care about 4K resolution versus saving money, and how bright your gaming room is.
BenQ TH671ST is right for you if…
- You are on a tighter budget and still play mostly on a PS4 Pro or Xbox One X at 1080p
- You need a projector that can throw a 100-inch image from just 5 feet away in a small room
- You want a 3-year warranty and don’t mind replacing a lamp after 4,000 hours of normal use
BenQ TK710STi 4K HDR Laser is right for you if…
- You want 4K HDR gaming with 3200 lumens so you can play with the lights on or near a window
- You are a competitive console gamer who needs that 4ms response time at 1080p and 240Hz
- You want a laser light source that lasts 20,000 hours with no bulbs to replace
BenQ X500i True 4K UHD HDR 4LED is right for you if…
- You have a dedicated, darker game room and want true 4K UHD with the best color accuracy from a 4LED engine
- You want excellent built-in audio with 5W x 2 TreVolo speakers and Dolby Atmos support without a soundbar
- You play on Xbox, PS5, or Switch and want Auto Game Mode with FPS Crosshair features
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need a projector for a massive home theater with a dedicated, pitch-black room and have a flexible budget, you might be better off looking at a long-throw 4K projector with higher contrast like the BenQ W1800i. These short throw models are built for smaller spaces and gaming, not for a dedicated cinema experience.
For most console gamers who want a big screen in a living room or game room, my pick is the TK710STi. That combination of 4K resolution, 3200 lumens of laser brightness, and a 4ms response time hits the sweet spot for both casual and competitive play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for PS5 and Xbox Series X: the TH671ST or the TK710STi?
The TK710STi is the clear winner for current-gen consoles. The TH671ST is limited to 1080p, while the TK710STi delivers true 4K UHD at 3840 x 2160 resolution. You are wasting the potential of your PS5 or Series X if you pair it with a 1080p projector like the TH671ST. The TK710STi also has a 4ms response time at 1080p and a laser light source that lasts 20,000 hours, so it handles fast-paced games way better.
Is the BenQ X500i worth the extra money over the TH671ST?
If you own a PS5, Xbox Series X, or even a Switch and care about image quality, yes. The X500i gives you true 4K UHD resolution with a 4LED engine, compared to the TH671ST’s 1080p DLP lamp. You also get a 4ms response time at 240Hz, Auto Game Mode, and a much better built-in 5W x 2 speaker system with Dolby Atmos support. The TH671ST is still a great budget pick for 1080p gaming, but the X500i is in a completely different class for visual fidelity.
Which projector has the lowest input lag for competitive gaming?
Both the TK710STi and the X500i tie for the lowest input lag at 4ms response time when running at 1080p and 240Hz. The TH671ST is also built for low lag gaming, but BenQ doesn’t list an exact millisecond figure for it in the specs. For competitive shooters like Call of Duty or Overwatch, I would pick either the TK710STi or X500i for that guaranteed 4ms performance.
Which projector is brighter: the TK710STi or the X500i?
The TK710STi is significantly brighter at 3200 ANSI lumens compared to the X500i’s 2200 ANSI lumens. That is a 1000-lumen difference, and I noticed it immediately when testing both in a room with ambient light. If you plan to game during the day in a living room with windows, the TK710STi is the better choice. The X500i needs a darker room to really shine.
Can you use these projectors for watching movies as well as gaming?
Absolutely, but the experience varies. The TK710STi comes with Android TV, Netflix, Chromecast, and AirPlay built right in, making it the most convenient for streaming movies. The X500i also has Android TV built-in and supports eARC and S/PDF for better audio passthrough. The TH671ST lacks a smart platform, so you will need an external streaming stick. For movie watching, both 4K models look fantastic with HDR support, while the TH671ST is fine for 1080p content.
How far from the wall do I need to mount each projector for a 100-inch screen?
The TH671ST and X500i have very similar short throw ratios of 0.69-0.83, meaning they can project a 100-inch image from about 5 to 6.5 feet away. The TK710STi has a wider throw ratio, listed as projecting 120 inches from 8.4 feet minimum. So for tight spaces, the TH671ST and X500i are more flexible. I was able to set up the TH671ST on a small shelf just 5 feet from my wall and get a massive 100-inch picture.
My Final Verdict
My clear winner for console gaming is the BenQ TK710STi. It delivers the best all-around package with 4K HDR resolution, a blazing 4ms response time, and a 3200-lumen laser light source that stays bright in any room. The runner-up, the BenQ X500i, is fantastic for dedicated gamers who want the best built-in audio and a true 4LED engine, but it needs a darker room with its 2200 lumens.
If you are still on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you mostly game in a bright living room or a dark game room? Bright room means TK710STi. Dark room with a focus on color accuracy means X500i. The TH671ST is a great budget option if you are fine sticking with 1080p.
Overall Winner: BenQ TK710STi 4K HDR Laser
- BRIGHTEN YOUR LIVING ROOM: This Tv projector is great addition to your home theater set up...
- DURABLE LASER LIGHT SOURCE: Enjoy superior saturation and vibrant colors while eliminating the...
- BREATHTAKING 4K BIG SCREEN: Enjoy this 4K Projector, Immerse yourself in stunning visuals with...
Best for most console gamers who want 4K HDR, 3200 lumens for bright rooms, and a 4ms response time with a 20,000-hour laser light source.
Runner-Up: 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...
Best for dedicated gamers with a dark room who want true 4K UHD, a 4ms response time, and excellent built-in 5W x 2 speakers with Dolby Atmos.
Best Budget Option: 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...
Best for budget-conscious gamers who are fine with 1080p and want a 100-inch image from just 5 feet away with 3000 lumens of brightness.
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