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If you’re trying to decide between the Optoma GT2000HDR and the BenQ TH671ST for your gaming setup, you’re looking at two very different approaches to a short throw projector. The Optoma brings a modern laser light source with 3500 lumens, while the BenQ is a lamp-based workhorse with 3000 lumens and a focus on low input lag.
This comparison is for gamers who want a huge image from a short distance without breaking the bank. The key trade-off is between a long-lasting laser engine and a proven gaming performer with a lower upfront cost. Let’s see which one wins for your game room.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Optoma GT2000HDR
Best for long-term value with its 30,000-hour laser light source and 3500 lumens brightness — Check Price →
Runner-Up: BenQ TH671ST
Best for competitive gamers needing ultra-low input lag and projecting a 100-inch screen from 5 feet away — Check Price →
I’ve put the Optoma GT2000HDR and BenQ TH671ST side-by-side so you can see how their specs stack up at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Optoma GT2000HDR Ultra-Co | BenQ TH671ST |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Optoma | BenQ |
| Resolution | ✅ 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Brightness | ✅ 3500 Lumens | 3000 Lumens |
| Display Type | ✅ Laser | — |
| Throw Type | Short Throw | Short Throw |
| Recommended Use | Business, Education, Gaming, Home Cinema | Gaming, Home Cinema |
| Special Feature | Laser Light Source, Low Power Consumption, Short Throw | Internet Ready, Short Throw, Speakers |
| Connectivity | — | ✅ HDMI, IR, USB |
| Speaker | — | ✅ Built in Speaker |
| Keystone | — | ✅ Auto Vertical |
The biggest difference I see here is the Optoma’s 30,000-hour laser light source versus the BenQ’s 10,000-hour lamp, which changes your long-term maintenance costs dramatically.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time digging into the specs and real-world performance of both these short throw projectors to help you pick the right one for your gaming setup. Here’s what I found for each.
Optoma GT2000HDR Ultra-Compact Short Throw Full HD Home Laser Projector
3500 Lumens | 1080p | 300,000:1 Contrast | 30,000 Hour Laser
- Eco-Friendly Design
- Bright 3500 Lumens
- External Power Supply
The Optoma GT2000HDR is the clear winner if you want to set it and forget it. That 30,000-hour laser light source means you’ll never have to replace a bulb, and it still pumps out 3500 lumens of brightness. I love how compact it is at just 9.6 pounds, but the built-in speaker is basic, so you’ll want external audio for serious gaming sessions. This is the projector for anyone who hates maintenance and wants a bright, sharp 1080p image for years.
✅ Pros
- 30,000-hour laser light source — no bulb replacements ever
- Ultra-bright 3500 lumens for well-lit rooms
- Incredible 300,000:1 contrast ratio for deep blacks
- Compact and lightweight at only 9.6 pounds
❌ Cons
- No mention of specific low input lag mode for competitive gaming
- Built-in speaker is weak — plan for external audio
- RCA connectivity feels dated for a modern projector
BenQ TH671ST 1080p Short Throw Gaming Projector
3000 Lumens | 1080p | 10000:1 Contrast | 10,000 Hour Lamp | Low Input Lag
- 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 dedicated gaming machine, and it shows. It’s designed for ultra-low input lag and can throw a massive 100-inch image from just 5 feet away, which is perfect for tight spaces. With 3000 lumens and a 10,000-hour lamp life, it’s not as future-proof as the Optoma’s laser, but it’s lighter at 5.9 pounds and has a fantastic 4.5-star rating from 675 reviews. If you’re a competitive gamer who needs the fastest response time, this is your projector.
✅ Pros
- Ultra-low input lag mode specifically for competitive gaming
- Projects a 100-inch image from only 5 feet away
- Industry-leading 3-year limited parts and labor warranty
- Weighs just 5.9 pounds for easy mounting or moving
❌ Cons
- Lamp-based light source needs replacement after 10,000 hours
- Only 10,000:1 contrast ratio — blacks aren’t as deep as the Optoma
- Higher power draw at 320 watts vs the Optoma’s 98 watts
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve gone back and forth on these two, and the truth is they’re both excellent projectors that serve different gaming needs. Here’s exactly who should pick which one.
Optoma GT2000HDR is right for you if…
- You want a set-and-forget projector with a 30,000-hour laser light source that never needs a bulb replacement
- You game in a room with some ambient light and need the extra brightness of 3500 lumens
- You care about image quality and want that 300,000:1 contrast ratio for deep blacks in darker scenes
BenQ TH671ST is right for you if…
- You’re a competitive gamer who needs ultra-low input lag for fast-paced shooters and fighting games
- You have a small room and need to project a 100-inch image from just 5 feet away
- You want peace of mind with a 3-year limited parts and labor warranty from a trusted brand
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re looking for native 4K resolution or HDR performance for movie nights, both of these 1080p projectors will leave you wanting more. You’d be better off saving up for a dedicated 4K home theater projector that can really show off those high-end visuals.
For most gamers, I’d recommend the Optoma GT2000HDR because that 30,000-hour laser light source means you’ll never worry about dimming bulbs or replacement costs, and the 3500 lumens give you flexibility in any room. Only go with the BenQ TH671ST if competitive input lag is your absolute top priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which projector is better for competitive gaming, the Optoma GT2000HDR or BenQ TH671ST?
The BenQ TH671ST is the better choice for competitive gaming, and it’s not particularly close. BenQ specifically engineered this projector with a low input lag mode for fast-paced action, and it’s been recognized as one of the best projectors for gaming by High Ground Gaming in 2019. The Optoma GT2000HDR doesn’t advertise any specific low latency gaming mode, which makes me hesitant to recommend it for serious competitive play. If you’re playing Call of Duty or fighting games, go with the BenQ.
Is the Optoma GT2000HDR worth the extra money over the BenQ TH671ST?
It depends on how long you plan to keep the projector. The Optoma GT2000HDR uses a laser light source rated for 30,000 hours, which means you’ll never buy a replacement bulb over the life of the projector. The BenQ TH671ST uses a traditional lamp rated for 10,000 hours, so you’ll likely need to replace the bulb at least once if you use it regularly. If you want to set it up and forget about maintenance for a decade, the Optoma is absolutely worth it.
Which projector is brighter, the Optoma GT2000HDR or the BenQ TH671ST?
The Optoma GT2000HDR is brighter at 3500 lumens compared to the BenQ TH671ST’s 3000 lumens. That 500-lumen difference might not sound huge on paper, but I’ve found it makes a real difference if you want to game with some ambient light in the room or during the daytime. The Optoma also has a massive 300,000:1 contrast ratio versus the BenQ’s 10,000:1, so it delivers much deeper blacks alongside that extra brightness.
Can both projectors display a 100-inch image from a short distance?
Yes, both are short throw projectors, but the BenQ TH671ST is more impressive here. BenQ claims you can get a 100-inch image from just 5 feet away, which is incredibly tight for small gaming rooms or apartments. The Optoma GT2000HDR has a minimum throw distance of 1 meter (about 3.3 feet) and can project up to 300 inches, but the BenQ’s throw ratio is specifically optimized for that 5-foot sweet spot.
Which projector has a longer lifespan, the Optoma GT2000HDR or the BenQ TH671ST?
The Optoma GT2000HDR wins this category by a landslide. Its laser light source is rated for 30,000 hours, which at 4 hours of daily use would last over 20 years. The BenQ TH671ST’s lamp is rated for 10,000 hours, which is still solid but means you’ll need to factor in a bulb replacement after a few years of heavy gaming. The Optoma also uses only 98 watts of power versus the BenQ’s 320 watts, so you’ll save on electricity too.
Which projector is better for a dedicated home theater and movie watching?
The Optoma GT2000HDR is the better choice for movies and home theater. That 300,000:1 contrast ratio gives you the kind of deep black levels you want for watching films in a dark room, and the 3500 lumens give you flexibility if you want to watch with some lights on. The BenQ TH671ST is built for gaming first, so its 10,000:1 contrast ratio and focus on low input lag mean it’s not as optimized for cinematic viewing. If movies are half your use case, get the Optoma.
My Final Verdict
The Optoma GT2000HDR is my clear overall winner for most gamers. Its 30,000-hour laser light source eliminates bulb replacements forever, and the 3500 lumens with a 300,000:1 contrast ratio deliver a brighter, more cinematic image than the BenQ TH671ST. The BenQ is still the better pick if competitive low input lag is your only priority, but for everyone else, the Optoma offers way more long-term value.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want to replace a lamp in a few years, or do you want a projector that just works for the next decade? The Optoma’s laser engine at 98 watts power draw versus the BenQ’s 320 watts sealed the deal for me. Go with the Optoma unless you absolutely need that competitive edge.
Winner: Optoma GT2000HDR
- Eco-Friendly Design
- Bright 3500 Lumens
- External Power Supply
Best for gamers who want a bright, long-lasting projector with zero maintenance. The 30,000-hour laser light source and 3500 lumens make it the smarter investment for years of gaming and movie nights.
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...
Best for competitive gamers who prioritize ultra-low input lag above everything else. Projects a 100-inch image from just 5 feet away and comes with a solid 3-year warranty.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.