BenQ TK700STi 4K Short Throw Gaming Projector

RTINGS highlights the BenQ TK700STi as a solid 4K HDR short-throw projector tailored primarily for gaming, delivering bright and responsive performance with very low input lag at 1080p up to 240Hz. Its short-throw design and included Android TV dongle add convenience and versatility. While the projector offers decent brightness and contrast for dim-room use, it falls short in color accuracy and vibrancy, even after calibration, making it less suitable for color purists or bright-room viewing. Blacks appear washed out in dark scenes, and the lack of Dolby Vision, HDR10+ support, and official 1440p resolution support limit its appeal for some gamers and movie enthusiasts. The projector’s lamp-based light source and manual adjustments require some setup effort, and fan noise can be noticeable at max brightness. Overall, the TK700STi excels as a fast, bright gaming projector with smart features but compromises on cinematic picture quality and color fidelity.

Mark Henninger from ProjectorCentral.com highlights the BenQ TK700STi as a standout 4K short-throw gaming projector that delivers an immersive, large-screen experience with excellent low input lag and bright, accurate colors straight out of the box. Praised for its unique combination of 4K/60 Hz support and ultra-low latency—rare in DLP projectors at this price—the TK700STi excels for gamers using the latest consoles or PCs. While not a native 4K model, its pixel-shifting technology and sharp lens produce detailed images comparable to costlier projectors. The review notes typical DLP limitations such as grayish black levels, limited zoom, and no lens shift, but emphasizes the projector’s adaptability for living rooms with ambient light and its strong HDR10 and SDR performance. The integrated Android TV dongle is well-implemented, though Netflix support requires workarounds. Overall, the TK700STi earns high marks for gaming and general UHD viewing, especially when paired with a quality screen, making it a highly recommended choice for serious gamers seeking a bright, responsive projector under $1,700.

M. David Stone from PCMag highlights the BenQ TK700STi as a compelling 4K HDR gaming projector that balances low input lag with versatile home entertainment features. Praised for its 16.9ms lag at 4K/60Hz—competitive among 4K projectors—and integrated Android TV streaming, the TK700STi appeals to both gamers and casual viewers. Its multiple gaming modes tailor image and audio settings for different genres, enhancing the experience without manual tweaking. Color accuracy and brightness perform well in various lighting conditions, especially in Cinema mode for movies. However, Stone notes notable rainbow artifacts common to single-chip DLP projectors, which may bother sensitive viewers. While the projector’s throw distance is slightly longer than typical short-throw models, its portability and solid audio options add to its appeal. Overall, the TK700STi is recommended for gamers seeking low lag and 4K HDR, with the caveat to test for rainbow effects before purchase.

Sound+Image highlights the BenQ TK700STi as a compelling 4K short-throw gaming projector that successfully balances low input lag with vibrant, high-quality image performance. Praised for its impressive 16.67ms latency at 4K/60Hz—and even lower lag at higher refresh rates—the projector caters well to competitive gamers seeking a large, immersive display without sacrificing responsiveness. Its bright 3000-lumen output and rich, accurate colors deliver an engaging viewing experience for movies and games alike, supported by genuine pixel-shifted UHD resolution and smooth motion handling despite the absence of motion processing. The built-in Android TV dongle adds versatile streaming options, though Netflix support is limited and occasional judder appears on 50Hz content from the dongle. Audio is a notable weak point: the mono internal speaker is insufficient, and the lack of surround sound passthrough or eARC limits immersive sound setups, forcing gamers to choose between low latency and surround audio. Overall, the TK700STi impresses as a gamer-focused projector with excellent image quality and thoughtful features, tempered by some sound system compromises.

Shaun Prescott from TechRadar highlights the BenQ TK700STi as a standout 4K short-throw gaming projector that delivers impressive performance at a competitive price. Praised for its bright, crisp 4K HDR picture and exceptionally low input lag—16ms at native 4K and 8ms at 1080p—the projector excels in delivering smooth, immersive gaming experiences on large screens up to 120 inches. Its 60Hz refresh rate at 4K is notable, especially for console gamers, while 120Hz support at 1080p offers flexibility for different setups. However, Prescott points out some user experience drawbacks, including fiddly onboard buttons, a somewhat awkward Android TV dongle integration, and the absence of a native Netflix app. While the TK700STi is ideal for gamers seeking top-tier projector performance, those primarily interested in streaming or casual video viewing might find its gaming-focused features less compelling. Overall, it’s a highly recommended choice for gamers wanting a bright, responsive 4K projector without breaking the bank.

Chris Eberle from SECRETS of Home Theater and High Fidelity highlights the BenQ TK700STi 4K Short Throw Gaming Projector as a standout choice for gamers and movie enthusiasts alike. Praising its compact design, razor-sharp 4K image, and exceptional gaming performance—including 240Hz refresh rate, near-zero input lag, and no motion blur—Eberle emphasizes the projector’s ability to rival high-end gaming monitors. The built-in Android TV dongle adds smart functionality, though Netflix UHD support is limited. While the projector delivers bright, accurate HDR and solid contrast, the reviewer notes slightly muted color luminance and a narrower Rec.709 gamut compared to other BenQ models, which affects movie vividness. The internal speaker is surprisingly good for a projector of this size. Overall, Eberle finds the TK700STi an excellent value at $1,699, especially for gamers seeking a large, responsive display, and strongly recommends it despite minor color trade-offs.

Steve May from T3 highlights the BenQ TK700STi as a compelling 4K short-throw gaming projector that excels in delivering sharp, pixel-dense images with vibrant color fidelity, making it a strong choice for gamers and film enthusiasts alike. Praised for its compact design, low input lag, and built-in Google TV smart features, the projector offers straightforward setup and versatile use. However, May notes some limitations, including relatively low contrast, high operational noise, and underwhelming HDR performance that favors SDR content in darker rooms. The built-in audio is serviceable but not immersive, suggesting external sound solutions for home cinema fans. Unique insights include the projector’s effective use of a single-chip DLP system with mirror flipping for 4K output and the inclusion of gaming presets tailored to different genres. While the TK700STi is competitively priced and well-suited for dark environments, its noise level and HDR handling temper enthusiasm, making it a solid but not flawless option in its category.

Kam Valentine from Projector Reviews highlights the BenQ TK700STi as a standout 4K HDR gaming projector that delivers excellent value at its $1,699 price point. Praising its bright 3000 ANSI lumen output, accurate color reproduction, and seamless smart features via the included Android TV dongle, the review emphasizes the projector’s low input lag—16.7ms at 4K 60Hz and as low as 4.16ms at 1080p 240Hz—making it ideal for serious gamers. Unique insights include a side-by-side comparison showing the TK700STi’s superior HDR and color quality versus a similarly priced home theater competitor, as well as a favorable comparison to BenQ’s own XI300i model. The reviewer appreciates the plug-and-play ease and the dedicated gaming picture and audio modes, while also noting the projector’s versatility for home cinema use. Overall, the TK700STi earns a “Highly Recommended” award for combining performance, responsiveness, and smart functionality in a well-rounded package.

Jason Bouwmeester from Techaeris highlights the BenQ TK700STi 4K Short Throw Gaming Projector as a versatile option that balances quality and performance for gamers seeking a large-screen experience. Praised for its low input lag—16ms at 4K/60Hz and as low as 4ms at 1080p/240Hz—the projector supports smooth gameplay, especially in fast-paced FPS titles. Its 4K HDR picture quality with 96% Rec.709 color coverage and 3000 ANSI lumens brightness performs well even in moderately lit rooms. The review notes the projector’s compact design, solid contrast ratio, and flexible image settings, though the included single 5W speaker lacks depth and can sound hollow. Setup involves installing an Android TV dongle, which can be cumbersome, particularly for streaming Netflix, requiring sideloading and workarounds. Despite minor software and audio limitations, the TK700STi’s competitive pricing and gaming-focused features make it a compelling choice for gamers wanting a large, immersive display with customizable performance options.

GameRevolution’s Mack Ashworth highlights the BenQ TK700STi as a standout 4K short throw gaming projector that successfully combines bright, vivid visuals with impressively low input lag, making it well-suited for competitive and casual gaming alike. Praising its 3,000 ANSI lumens brightness and 16ms latency, Ashworth emphasizes the projector’s ability to deliver large, clear images even in moderately lit rooms, while its short throw design allows for big-screen setups in small spaces. The review notes the ease of setup and versatile fine-tuning options, enhancing its appeal to gamers who want customization. However, Ashworth also points out some drawbacks, including the lack of HDMI 2.1 support, which may limit future-proofing, and a somewhat loud fan noise that could be distracting. Additionally, the common Netflix app limitation requiring workarounds is mentioned. Overall, the review conveys a very positive, enthusiastic tone about the TK700STi’s gaming performance and image quality, positioning it as a premium but worthy choice for serious gamers.

Games Middle East and Africa highlights the BenQ TK700STi as a standout 4K HDR gaming projector that successfully bridges the gap between traditional gaming monitors and large-screen projection. Praising its low input lag of 16.67ms at 4K 60Hz—the world’s first to combine HDR, 4K resolution, and such low latency—the review emphasizes its suitability for competitive gaming on consoles like Xbox One X and PS4 Pro. The projector’s vivid color reproduction, multiple game-specific picture modes, and smooth Android TV OS integration add to its appeal as a versatile multimedia device. While it lacks 4K gaming at 120Hz, the TK700STi supports high refresh rates at 1080p, catering well to various gaming scenarios. The detailed description of its design, ventilation, and connectivity underscores BenQ’s attention to quality and usability. Overall, the review conveys measured enthusiasm, recognizing the TK700STi as a compelling choice for gamers seeking immersive large-screen experiences without sacrificing performance.

AudioGuru Staff highlights the BenQ TK700STi as a standout 4K HDR gaming projector that successfully balances low input lag with impressive visual fidelity, making it an excellent choice for serious gamers using the latest consoles. Praised for its sharp lens, bright 3000-lumen output, and accurate color reproduction (96% Rec.709), the TK700STi delivers a clear, detailed image suitable for gaming, streaming, and general home entertainment. Its short-throw design and compact size add to its versatility, allowing large 150” projections even in well-lit rooms. While the projector’s reliance on Rec.709 limits HDR color gamut options and the lack of lens shift restricts installation flexibility, these drawbacks are minor compared to its gaming strengths. The review notes that although it’s not ideal for dedicated home theater purists due to black level performance, the TK700STi’s combination of low latency (16ms), 4K/60Hz support, and bright output make it a highly recommended, budget-friendly option for immersive big-screen gaming experiences.

Michael Darroch from StereoNET highlights the BenQ TK700STi 4K Short Throw Gaming Projector as a niche but compelling choice for serious gamers seeking ultra-low input lag and large, bright images. Praising its cutting-edge Texas Instruments DLP471TE chip, the review emphasizes the projector’s exceptional responsiveness—down to 4ms input lag in certain modes—making it stand out in competitive gaming. The short-throw design and 3,000-lumen brightness enable flexible placement and vivid visuals on screens up to 200 inches. While the projector impresses with vibrant colors and tailored gaming picture modes, it faces notable drawbacks: limited black levels, a noisy fan, and a somewhat confusing menu system. Media viewing is less ideal due to contrast limitations and the absence of native Netflix support on its Android TV interface. Overall, Darroch sees the TK700STi as a specialized device that excels in gaming performance but requires compromises in cinematic use, making it a top pick for gamers prioritizing speed and size over perfect image fidelity.

DANAMIC highlights the BenQ TK700STi 4K Short Throw Gaming Projector as a compelling choice for gamers seeking a big-screen 4K HDR experience with low input lag. The review praises its flexible, fuss-free setup, compact design, and excellent image quality across gaming and media use, noting vibrant colors and sharp projection even in short-throw configurations. Unique insights include the projector’s specialized game modes (FPS, RPG, Sports) that tailor visuals to different genres, enhancing gameplay immersion. However, the reviewer points out that HDR performance is highly sensitive to ambient light, requiring a nearly dark room for optimal viewing, and that the built-in speakers lack depth, suggesting external audio for the best experience. While the absence of Netflix on the included Android TV stick is a minor drawback, the projector’s overall versatility and gaming focus make it a luxury but worthwhile investment for those with the right setup and budget.