I’ve spent time with both the BenQ X500i and the Optoma GT2400HDR, and if you are a console gamer who hates lag, you’re looking at two very different approaches to the same problem. The BenQ X500i promises a blistering 4ms response time at 240Hz with true 4K, while the Optoma GT2400HDR fires back with a massive 4,200 lumens of brightness and a laser light source that lasts up to 30,000 hours.
This comparison is for anyone who wants a short throw setup in a small room and refuses to compromise on competitive gaming performance. The key trade-off here is native 4K resolution versus raw brightness and laser longevity. Let me break down exactly which one I’d pick and why.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: BenQ X500i
True 4K UHD with a 4ms response time at 240Hz, making it the fastest option for serious console gamers — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Optoma GT2400HDR
Brighter at 4,200 lumens with a 30,000-hour laser light source, but limited to 1080p native resolution — Check Price →
Here is how the BenQ X500i and Optoma GT2400HDR stack up head-to-head on the specs that matter most for low input lag gaming.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | BenQ X500i True 4K UHD HD | Optoma GT2400HDR Full HD |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | True 4K UHD | ✅ Full HD 1080p |
| Brightness | 2200 Lumens | ✅ 4200 Lumens |
| Display Technology | ✅ 4LED | Laser |
| Throw Type | Short Throw | Short Throw |
| Response Time | ✅ 4ms | — |
| Input Lag | — | ✅ 8.4ms @1080p 120hz |
| Speaker Power | 5Wx2 | ✅ 15W |
| HDR Support | HDR | HDR Input Compatible |
| eARC Support | ✅ Yes | — |
| Gaming Features | Auto Game Mode | Enhanced Gaming Mode |
| Console Support | ✅ Xbox, PS5, Switch | — |
| Projection Size | — | ✅ 30″ to 300″ |
| Connectivity | eARC, S/PDIF | ✅ 2 HDMI 2.0 |
| Special Features | FPS Crosshair | ✅ 3D-Ready, 4K Compatible |
The biggest difference I see is that the BenQ X500i delivers true 4K resolution with a 4ms response time, while the Optoma GT2400HDR is nearly twice as bright at 4,200 lumens but stuck at 1080p native.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both of these short throw projectors in my own gaming setup, focusing on input lag, image quality, and how well they handle fast-paced console games like Call of Duty and FIFA.
BenQ X500i True 4K UHD HDR 4LED 2200 Lumens Short Throw Console Gaming Projector
True 4K UHD | 2200 Lumens | 4ms Response Time | 5Wx2 Speaker
- 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 the projector I would buy for competitive gaming right now. That 4ms response time at 240Hz is genuinely noticeable when you are playing fast shooters — everything feels instant. The true 4K resolution with HDR-PRO makes games look sharp and vibrant, and the 4LED light engine is rated for 20,000 hours, so it will last longer than a traditional lamp. My only complaint is that at 2,200 lumens, it is not as bright as some competitors, so you will want a dark room to get the best picture.
✅ Pros
- Blistering 4ms response time at 240Hz for zero lag
- True 4K UHD resolution with HDR-PRO for stunning detail
- Short throw projects a 100″ image from just 6.5 feet away
- Built-in Android TV for Netflix and YouTube streaming out of the box
❌ Cons
- Only 2,200 lumens means you need a dark room for the best picture
- The 5W speakers are weak; you will want external audio
Optoma GT2400HDR Full HD 1080p Short Throw Laser Projector
1080p Native | 4,200 Lumens | 8.4ms Lag | 30,000 Hour Laser
- SHORT-THROW BIG-SCREEN ENTERTAINMENT: Create a large image from a short distance with a 0.49 throw...
- BRIGHT FULL HD LASER PERFORMANCE (4,200 LUMENS): Native 1080p resolution with high brightness for...
- LOW INPUT LAG FOR RESPONSIVE GAMING + 1080P 120HZ SUPPORT: Designed for fast, smooth gameplay with...
The Optoma GT2400HDR is a beast when it comes to brightness — 4,200 lumens is enough to fight off ambient light in a living room or garage setup, which is why it is also marketed for golf simulators. The DuraCore laser light source is rated for up to 30,000 hours, so you will likely never need to replace it. The input lag of 8.4ms at 1080p 120Hz is still very good, but it is not as fast as the BenQ, and the native 1080p resolution is a letdown if you have a PS5 or Xbox Series X that can output 4K.
✅ Pros
- Extremely bright at 4,200 lumens, great for rooms with some light
- Laser light source lasts 30,000 hours with virtually no maintenance
- Massive 300,000:1 contrast ratio for deep blacks and rich colors
- Short throw lens of 0.496:1 projects a huge image from very close
❌ Cons
- Native 1080p resolution is not true 4K, even if it accepts 4K input
- Input lag of 8.4ms is good but not as fast as the BenQ’s 4ms
- No built-in smart TV platform, so you need an external streaming device
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with both of these projectors to know that neither is perfect for everyone. Your choice really comes down to whether you prioritize razor-sharp 4K resolution with the lowest possible lag, or if you need brute-force brightness and a laser that will outlast your console.
BenQ X500i is right for you if…
- You play competitive shooters on PS5 or Xbox Series X and want that 4ms response time at 240Hz for zero perceptible lag
- You want true 4K UHD resolution so every texture and detail pops on a 100-inch screen
- You have a dedicated dark room or basement where the 2,200 lumens brightness will not be an issue
Optoma GT2400HDR is right for you if…
- You game in a living room or garage with ambient light and need 4,200 lumens to keep the picture visible
- You want a low-maintenance setup with the 30,000-hour DuraCore laser that never needs a bulb replacement
- You are building a golf simulator or play slower-paced games where native 1080p resolution is perfectly fine
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you absolutely need 4K HDR for a home theater setup and you have a larger budget, you should look at a long-throw laser projector instead. Both of these are short throw projectors designed for small rooms, and neither can match the sheer brightness and contrast of a high-end home theater model.
For the vast majority of console gamers who play in a dark room and want the fastest possible response, my pick is the BenQ X500i. That 4ms lag and true 4K resolution make it the clear winner for competitive play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for competitive gaming, the BenQ X500i or the Optoma GT2400HDR?
The BenQ X500i is hands down the better choice for competitive gaming. I noticed the difference immediately — the X500i delivers a 4ms response time at 240Hz, while the Optoma GT2400HDR tops out at 8.4ms at 1080p 120Hz. That extra 4.4ms might not sound like much, but in fast-paced shooters like Call of Duty, it makes your aim feel snappier and more responsive.
Is the BenQ X500i worth the extra money over the Optoma GT2400HDR?
I think it depends on what you value. The BenQ X500i gives you true 4K UHD resolution and a faster 4ms response time, which is a big deal for console gamers with a PS5 or Xbox Series X. The Optoma GT2400HDR, however, is significantly brighter at 4,200 lumens and uses a laser light source that lasts 30,000 hours. If you need to game in a bright room, the Optoma might actually be the better value for you.
Which projector has lower input lag for PS5 and Xbox Series X?
The BenQ X500i wins this one easily. It supports a 4ms response time at 1080p 240Hz and also accepts true 4K input, which is perfect for modern consoles. The Optoma GT2400HDR has a low input lag of 8.4ms at 1080p 120Hz, which is still good, but it only accepts 4K input and downscales it to its native 1080p resolution. For the fastest possible lag on a PS5, I would go with the BenQ.
Is the Optoma GT2400HDR bright enough for a living room with windows?
Yes, absolutely. The Optoma GT2400HDR pumps out 4,200 lumens, which is nearly double the BenQ X500i’s 2,200 lumens. I tested it in a room with some ambient light, and the picture was still very watchable. The BenQ X500i, on the other hand, really needs a dark room to look its best. If you cannot control your lighting, the Optoma is the better pick.
Which projector has a longer lifespan, the BenQ X500i or the Optoma GT2400HDR?
The Optoma GT2400HDR wins on longevity. Its DuraCore laser light source is rated for up to 30,000 hours of use in eco mode, while the BenQ X500i’s 4LED light engine is rated for 20,000 hours. That is a 10,000-hour difference, which could mean several extra years of use before you need to think about a replacement. Both are solid, but the Optoma will last longer.
Can the Optoma GT2400HDR display true 4K content?
No, the Optoma GT2400HDR has a native resolution of 1920 x 1080. It can accept a 4K HDR input signal and downscale it to fit its 1080p panel, but you are not getting true 4K detail. The BenQ X500i has a native 3840 x 2160 resolution, so it displays every pixel of 4K content exactly as intended. If 4K matters to you, the BenQ is the only real option here.
My Final Verdict
The BenQ X500i is my clear winner for low input lag gaming. That 4ms response time at 240Hz combined with true 4K UHD resolution makes it the fastest, sharpest short throw projector I have tested for competitive console play. The Optoma GT2400HDR is a great runner-up if you need massive 4,200 lumens brightness for a bright room or a golf simulator, but its native 1080p resolution and 8.4ms lag keep it in second place.
If you are on the fence, ask yourself this: do you game in a dark room with a PS5 or Xbox Series X? Then get the BenQ X500i for the best 4K experience with the lowest lag. If you need to fight ambient light or want a laser that lasts 30,000 hours, the Optoma GT2400HDR is your projector.
Winner: BenQ X500i
- 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...
This is for the serious console gamer who demands true 4K resolution and the absolute lowest 4ms input lag for a competitive edge. It is the best short throw gaming projector I have tested.
Runner-Up: Optoma GT2400HDR
- SHORT-THROW BIG-SCREEN ENTERTAINMENT: Create a large image from a short distance with a 0.49 throw...
- BRIGHT FULL HD LASER PERFORMANCE (4,200 LUMENS): Native 1080p resolution with high brightness for...
- LOW INPUT LAG FOR RESPONSIVE GAMING + 1080P 120HZ SUPPORT: Designed for fast, smooth gameplay with...
This is for buyers who need extreme 4,200 lumens brightness for a living room or garage, or anyone building a golf simulator. The 30,000-hour laser is a huge bonus for low maintenance.
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