Laatst bijgewerkt 10 August 2026
Ask a simulator forum which projector to buy and this BenQ golf projector review practically writes itself: three model names come back over and over. The TH671ST is the budget classic, the AK700ST is the purpose-built golf model, and the LK936ST is the premium laser unit for studios that want no compromises. BenQ has effectively built a ladder for the category, and most home builders end up on one of its rungs.
This review looks at the line as a whole: what the three models share, where each one earns its place, and which kind of build each one fits. As always, our take is based on manufacturer specifications and consistent themes in owner feedback rather than hands-on testing of our own.
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Quick Answer
Which BenQ golf projector is right for you?
- TH671ST: the entry point. A 1080p short throw with low input lag that covers a first simulator build without drama.
- AK700ST: the golf-specific middle rung. 4K, short throw, and picture modes designed around simulator use.
- LK936ST: the premium laser flagship for bright rooms and permanent studios where maintenance-free brightness is worth paying for.
The BenQ Golf Line at a Glance
All three models are short throw projectors that fill a home-size screen from close range, which is the non-negotiable feature for a golf bay. The differences sit in resolution, light source, and brightness.
| Model | Positioning | Key characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| TH671ST | Entry level | 1080p, lamp light source, strong brightness for its class, low-latency game mode, the long-standing community budget favorite |
| AK700ST | Golf-specific mid range | 4K resolution, short throw, golf-oriented picture modes and installation flexibility aimed squarely at simulator enclosures |
| LK936ST | Premium flagship | 4K, laser light source, high brightness for rooms with ambient light, built for permanent installs with minimal maintenance |
| Shared traits | Whole line | Short throw ratios that clear the swing path, ceiling-mount friendly designs, and low input lag suitable for simulator software |
For the background on why throw ratio, lumens, and input lag are the specs that matter, our golf simulator projector guide covers the theory this review builds on.
What the Line Gets Right
The consistent praise across all three models is placement flexibility. Short throw ratios let each unit paint a large image from inside the bay, ceiling mounted ahead of the golfer, which eliminates the shadow-on-screen problem that ruins standard throw setups. Owners also consistently mention picture quality that holds up on woven impact screens, a tougher surface for projectors than a smooth theater screen.
The second strength is that the ladder is honest. The TH671ST does not pretend to be a studio unit and the LK936ST does not pretend to be affordable. Each rung adds something concrete: the AK700ST brings 4K sharpness and golf-specific modes, the LK936ST adds a laser source that runs bright for years without lamp swaps. Reviews rarely describe buyer’s remorse in either direction, which is unusual for a three-tier product line.
Where It Falls Short
The honest criticisms are mostly about money and geometry. The premium rungs are a serious investment, and a 4K image is a luxury rather than a necessity on a screen you stand a few feet from; plenty of golfers stay happily at 1080p. Aspect ratio also needs planning: like nearly all projectors these are 16:9 native, while many enclosure screens are squarer, so expect to size the image to your screen width or use adjustment features to manage the fit.
The TH671ST specifically shows its age in one way: it is a lamp-based 1080p design in a market drifting toward lasers and 4K. That is also exactly why it stays affordable, and for a first build in a dim room, the trade reads as sensible rather than compromised. If the room is bright and the budget is fixed, brightness should win over resolution every time.
Check Out the BenQ Golf Projectors
The three rungs of the ladder, from entry to flagship. Match the model to your room and your ambitions, not the other way around.
💛 Best Value
The entry rung and the default first-build recommendation: 1080p, short throw, low input lag, and years of community goodwill behind it.
🏆 Best Overall
The golf-specific middle rung: 4K sharpness, simulator-oriented picture modes, and installation flexibility built for enclosure screens.
⭐ Upgrade Pick
The laser flagship: high brightness that shrugs off ambient light and a maintenance-free light source, made for permanent golf studios.
Who Should Buy Which, and Who Should Skip BenQ
Buy the TH671ST if this is your first build, your room can go reasonably dark, and the budget has to cover a screen and mat too. Buy the AK700ST if the simulator is a fixture in your home and you want the picture to match the investment in the rest of the bay. Buy the LK936ST if the room fights you with daylight or the setup runs long hours, where laser brightness and zero lamp maintenance stop being luxuries.
Skip the line, or at least cross-shop it, if your budget sits below the entry rung; Optoma’s short throw gaming models are the usual alternative there and appear in our projector roundup. And if your simulator runs on a TV instead of a projected image, none of this applies: screens and projectors are a package decision, as our enclosure guide lays out.
Alternatives Worth Considering
Two sensible detours before you commit to the ladder.
🎥 Also Great
The most common non-BenQ pick in budget builds: a short throw 1080p gaming projector with low input lag and friendly pricing, regularly cross-shopped against the TH671ST.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the BenQ TH671ST still good for golf simulators? Yes. It remains the standard entry recommendation: short throw, low lag, and bright enough for most basements and garages that can control their light. Newer models add sharpness and brightness, not a different fundamental ability.
What is the difference between the AK700ST and LK936ST? Both are 4K short throw units. The LK936ST steps up to a laser light source with higher brightness and is built for permanent, long-hours installations, while the AK700ST targets the dedicated home bay at a lower price point.
Do BenQ golf projectors work with any simulator software? They display whatever the connected computer or device outputs, so software choice is independent. Pairing considerations live on the computer side, covered in our simulator software guide.
Do these projectors fit a 4:3 impact screen? They are 16:9 native, like almost all projectors. On squarer screens you size the image to the screen width and manage the remainder with installation adjustments, which all three models are equipped for.
The Bottom Line
BenQ’s golf projector line earns its reputation by solving the golf bay’s real problems: short throw placement, workable brightness, and low lag, at three honest price rungs. The TH671ST starts most builds, the AK700ST rewards dedicated bays with 4K and golf-specific modes, and the LK936ST is the laser choice for bright rooms and daily use. Pick your rung by room and budget and it is hard to go wrong.