BenQ TK700STi Review – The Best Gaming Projector on the Planet

The BenQ TK700STi is an exceptional gaming projector. It features a 4K ultra-high-definition (UHD) resolution with pixel shifting, short throw ratio that can produce a 100-inch image from around 6 feet away from the screen, and impressively low input lag. With its superb color accuracy and high brightness, the TK700STi is versatile enough to make a projector for watching movies. But is this the right projector for you? Find out in our hands-on BenQ TK700STi review.

BenQ TK700STi Review Verdict

The BenQ TK700STi is an outstanding projector for gaming and movies. It produces a true 4K (3840 x 2160) UHD image using pixel-shifting technology for a crisp image. Coupled with 3,000 ANSI lumens of brightness, the TK700STi’s image holds up well even with a decent amount of ambient lighting. A short throw ratio lets you enjoy a massive 100-foot image from around 6.5-feet back from the screen. Its manual 1.2x zoom allows for flexible placement.

As 4K 60Hz, the BenQ TK700STi features a blazing-fast 16ms response time for best-in-class low input lag. Web slinging around in Spider-Man: Remastered on my Sony PlayStation 5, I was blown away at the responsiveness; button presses manifest in on-screen actions nearly instantaneously. Dialing the resolution back to 1080p, you can up the frames per second to game at 4ms in 1080p 240Hz or 8ms on 1080p 120Hz.

As a purpose-built gaming projector, the TK700STi includes various video and audio presets specifically to enhance video games. You’ll find FPS (first-pserson shooter), SPG (sports games), and RPG (role-playing games). FPS boosts shadow details and surround sound effects, RPG amps up colors while focusing on cinematic audio, and SPG delivers natural colors with an emphasis on vocals.

While the TK700STi is terrific for gaming, it also shines when watching movies and TV shows. Out of the box, color accuracy is pretty solid because of its 96% Rec.709 color coverage. Thanks to its excellent contrast, I appreciated its razor-sharp image. 4K HDR (high dynamic range) content looks magnificent with punchy colors. Even SDR videos are gorgeous. 3D videos played flawlessly with no evidence of crosstalk.

Set up is a breeze thanks to a short throw ratio that lets you shoot a 100-inch image from 6.5-feet back from the screen. There’s a 1.2x manual zoom and a manual focus wheel. Image adjustments like  ± 40 degree vertical and vertical keystone as well as rotation let you quickly configure a properly rectangular picture. Plus, you’ll find three adjustable feet on the bottom of the unit.

The TK700STi includes BenQ’s QS01 Android TV streaming dongle which fits neatly into a hidden compartment on the back of the projector. I found it snappy and a breeze to use. Most of my favorite apps were available including Disney+, Hulu, YouTube TV, Plex, Paramount+, and Peacock. Unfortunately, there’s a glaring omission: Netflix. Although you can cast from a laptop or desktop to the QS01, I recommend using a separate device like an NVIDIA Shield TV, Roku, or Fire TV. Of course, since the TK700STi is a gaming projector, you can always use a PlayStation, Xbox, or gaming PC to access Netflix.

Although color reproduction is great, it’s not perfect. Since the TK700STi uses an RGBWRGBW color wheel rather than an RGBRGB color wheel, it pumps in more white light for an impressively bright image at the slight expense of color accuracy. Blacks look a bit more grey, and certain colors don’t look as natural when compared with, say, an OLED TV.

Nevertheless, the BenQ TK700STi brings a lot to the table. Its short throw ratio makes it better suited for smaller rooms, the 4K UHD image looks stunning, and there’s extremely low input lag for top-tier gaming support on consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. While the TK700STi is arguably the best gaming projector on the market, its high brightness makes is a compelling choice for use in a living room with lots of ambient light. And the short throw means it’s a good choice for folks tight on space. Overall, the BenQ TK700STi is a fantastic option for gamers and movie lovers alike.

BenQ TK700STi Specs

• Resolution: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) with HDR10
• Brightness: 3000 ANSI lumens
• 10,000:1 contrast ratio
• Light source: Lamp
• Throw ratio: 0.9-1.08 (100-inch image from 6.5-feet back from the screen)
• 1.2x zoom
• 110% projection offset
• Image adjustments:  ± 40 degree vertical,  ± 40 degrees horizontal,  ± 40 degrees rotation
• 3D support
• 96% Rec.709 color coverage
• Image modes: Bright, Cinema, Game, HDR, HDR Game, HLG, Living Room, Sport, User
• Inputs/outputs: 3x HDMI (including 1x with eARC), 1x RS232, 1x 3.5mm headphone jack
• Input lag: 1.6ms (4k 60Hz, 1080p 60Hz), 4.2ms (1080p 240Hz), 8.3ms (1080p 120Hz)
• Audio: 1x 5W Trevolo speaker

BenQ TK700STi Video Quality

With its pixel-shifting 4K UHD image, the BenQ TK700STi creates a true 8 million pixel 3840 x 2160 image. HDR images are pure eyecandy. “Raya and the Last Dragon” really pops on-screen with its vivid color palate.

Live action content like “Thor: Love and Thunder” is gorgeous. I was wowed by scenes in films like “Avatar” and shows like “Stranger Things” by the stunning level of detail. You’ll enjoy a crisp, lifelike image out-of-the-box. 3D Blu-rays like “Captain America: The First Avenger” play flawlessly with no crosstalk.

Sports and live TV with fast motion remain smooth, so watching football, soccer, or basketball matches at home is incredibly immersive. Its high 3000 ANSI lumens of brightness prevented a washed out image even when watching videos during the day or with a lamp on in the room. Black levels are decent, but look slightly more grey. Thankfully, this is a detail almost all but hardcore cinephiles will miss. Ultimately, the TK700STi is a superb projector for watching videos.

BenQ TK700STi Gaming Performance

Since it’s a dedicated gaming projector, the BenQ TK700STi sports a host of features to enhance the gaming experience. There’s super low input lag of 16ms at 4K 60Hz, 4ms at 1080p 240Hz, and 8ms on 1080p 120Hz. Swinging around New York City in Spider-Man: Remastered on my PlayStation 5, I was shocked at the buttery-smooth gameplay. Button mashing is near-instantaneous for an unparalleled gaming experience.

With my gaming PC hooked up, I was able to play at 1080p 240Hz and 120Hz which, while lower resolution, was incredibly enjoyable thanks to the low lag and blazing-fast refresh rate. Unfortunately, there’s no 1440p support, but that’s an issue plaguing nearly all projectors. If you want to game on the big screen, the BenQ TK700STi is a fantastic companion for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and gaming PCs alike.

You’ll find three different game modes, FPS, SPG, and RPG:

• FPS (first person shooter) enhances details for better on-screen visibility of enemies hidden in the shadows and better surround sound to hear footsteps or detect the direction of gunshots.
• RPG (role playing) offers cinematic colors and theatre-like sound for an immersive audiovisual experience.
• SPG (sports) includes accurate colors and boosts vocals to highlight in-game announcer voices.

BenQ TK700STi Audio Quality

Generally, built-in projector speakers suck. Although you’re better served by a soundbar or surround sound system, the TK700STi’s single 5W Trevolo tuned speaker was shockingly competent. It satisfactorily filled up a small room with decent mids, highs, and bass response. In a pinch, the speaker works just fine, although I preferred pumping audio out over its ARC connection to my Vizio Dolby Atmos surround soundbar or enjoying gaming sessions with my Audeze Penrose headset (one of the best PlayStation 5 headsets).

BenQ QS01 Android Streaming Stick Experience

BenQ provides its QS01 Android TV streaming stick in the box. The QS01 slots nicely into a hidden compartment on the back of the projector. I liked that the included remote worked for both the projector and QS01, as well as other connected devices like my NVIDIA Shield TV with CEC enabled. Streaming quality was good, and I was able to install almost all the apps I wanted such as Plex, Peacock, Paramount+, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+.

Disappointingly, Nextflix won’t work, though I’ve yet to test a smart projector that’s compatible with Netflix. Thankfully, you can easily hook up another streaming device, or just use a game console (after all, this is a gaming projector).

Image Adjustments and Installation

With a short throw ratio, the BenQ TK700STi casts a large 100-inch image from around 6.5-feet back from the screen. That’s shorter than most traditional long throw projectors that require around 8 to 10 feet of space for a 100-inch image. Still, it’s longer than BenQ’s TH671ST which needs just around 5 feet.

There’s no auto keystone and autofocus, but you get manual 1.2x zoom and focus wheels. You’ll also find ± 40 degree vertical and horizontal keystone plus rotation. Three adjustable legs on the bottom of the unit let you level the projector, and I found it took mere minutes to dial in a stunning picture. You can use the TK700STi from the front, ceiling mount it, or project from the rear.

BenQ TK700STi Design and Build

In the front of the unit, you’ll find the projector lens.

Around the sides, you’ll find plenty of ventilation and a single 5W speaker. Around back, there’s a pair of HDMI ports, a hidden streaming dongle compartment, RS232, and 3.5mm audio out headphone jack.

On top of the unit, you’ll find a few physical controls as well as manual focus and zoom controls.

Underneath, there’s a set of three adjustable legs alongside M4 screw holes for use with an optional (sold separately) ceiling mount.

BenQ TK700STi vs. BenQ TK700: Which Gaming Projector is Right for You?

	BenQ TK700STi	BenQ TK700
Resolution	4K 3840 x 2160	4K 3840 x 2160
Contrast ratio	10,000:1	10,000:1
Brightness	3,000 ANSI lumens	3,200 ANSI lumens
Input lag	16ms (4K 60Hz, 1080p 60Hz) 8ms (1080p 120Hz) 4ms (1080p 240Hz)	16ms (4K 60Hz, 1080p 60Hz) 8ms (1080p 120Hz) 4ms (1080p 240Hz)
Throw ratio	0.9-1.08 (100 inches at 6.5-feet)	1.127-1.46 (100 inches at 9..8 feet)
Lamp life	4,000 hours	4,000 hours
Game Modes	FPS, RPG, SPG	FPS
Black Detail Enhancement	No	Yes
Includes BenQ QS01 Android TV dongle	Yes	No

From a first glance, the BenQ TK700STi and BenQ TK700 (our BenQ TK700 review) are nearly identical. Indeed, both projectors feature most of the same features. The BenQ TK700STi is a short throw projector better suited to tighter spaces requiring just 6.5 feet to cast a 100-inch image (compare that to 9..8-feet necessitated by the TK700). The TK700 is marginally brighter.

Both projectors feature low input lag and a 4K resolution. While the TK700 features BenQ’s Black Detail Enhancement, it only packs FPS game mode, while the TK700STi lacks Black Detail Enhancement but offers FPS, RPG, and SPG game modes. The STi gets you BenQ’s QS01 streaming dongle while the TK700 lacks smart features but does offer a streaming dongle compartment.

Overall, you can’t go wrong with either the TK700STi or TK700. We generally recommend the TK00STi for serious gamers and folks tight on space. The TK700 is a better choice for casual gamer cinephiles who prefer slightly improved black levels over a slew of gaming features.

BenQ TK700STi: Best for gamers and smaller rooms

BenQ TK700: Best for cinephiles and gamers

For a more detailed analysis, check out our BenQ TK700 vs. TK700STi comparison.

BenQ TK700STi Review FAQs

BenQ TK700STi Review – Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the BenQ TK700STi is a phenomenal projector. While the highlight is clearly gaming, I found the TK700STi a fantastic choice for watching movies on big screen at home. Its high brightness makes it a great option for use in a living, and the short throw means it works well in tighter spaces. The eye-popping level of detail produced by the TK700STi competes with pricier 4K projectors. Black levels could be improved a bit and the Android TV dongle doesn’t support Netflix, but the biggest issue is that the BenQ TK700STi will absolutely ruin gaming on a TV or computer monitor: once you go big, you can’t go back.