BenQ AH700ST Laser Golf Simulator Projector

A powerful short throw golf simulator projector with ultra-efficient laser DLP light engine.

The BenQ AH700ST, which retails for $1899, is a Full-HD, native (1,920 x 1,080p), short-throw, DLP (digital light processing) laser projector designed primarily for the golf simulation market. It offers a manufacturer-rated 4,000 ANSI lumens of brightness, a 3,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, and a blue laser phosphor light source that allows the projector to display 90% of the Rec. 709 color space.

The projector is another vital component of a golf simulator, as it determines the quality of the image displayed on the screen. When choosing a projector, brightness, and resolution are key factors to consider. A projector with high lumens (brightness) and high resolution (clarity) will provide a clear and vibrant image.

For golf simulators, a projector with at least 3000 lumens and a resolution of 1080p or higher is recommended to ensure the display is bright and detailed, even in well-lit environments.

BenQ has determined that installation ease is becoming a priority for potential golf sim owners in business and at home. To address these concerns, BenQ has added a motorized, short throw lens with zoom capabilities and automated tools that simplify projector setup. These tools automatically detect screen size, adjust zoom, correct for tilt, and focus the image perfectly onto the screen.

Short-throw projectors are particularly well-suited for golf simulators, especially in smaller spaces. They can project a large image from a short distance, minimizing shadows and providing a clearer view of the simulation. Standard throw projectors, on the other hand, require more distance and space, which might not be feasible in all setups.

The AH700ST offers advanced connectivity options, featuring two 16.7 ms high-speed, low-lag HDMI ports and an integrated USB-C port. When purchasing an optional adaptor, the projector supports wireless connectivity, allowing the use of a range of peripherals used in golf and sports simulations.

The AH700ST is bright, colorful, and fast. It is available now at authorized BenQ resellers for an MSRP of $1,899. The AH700ST is a great projector option for someone looking to build a complete golf /sports simulation system for under $5000.

BenQ AH700ST

Suggested Retail Price: $1899

Ratings Based On Comparable Models

Brightness

Color Reproduction

Contrast

Sound Quality

Pros

+ Low Price

+ 4,000 ANSI Lumens

+ Short Throw Lens

+ Low Input Lag

+ Auto Focus and Screen Fit modes

Cons

- Mediocre Black Levels

- No Optical Lens Shift

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Overview

BenQ AH700ST "Ace" Laser Tech - Projector Reviews Images

Despite still being in a state of global recovery, the golf simulator market is projected to grow from 2.36 billion dollars (as of 2025) to 4.43 billion by 2034. This impressive growth rate (CAGR) of 7.22% is during the forecast period (2025 - 2034). The BenQ AH700ST is a high-performance, short-throw, Digital Light Processing (DLP) laser projector designed specifically for the golf simulation market, and it will help the industry achieve those projections.

BenQ AH700ST "Ace" Auto Modes - Projector Reviews Images

BenQ has listened to their customers and built a golf simulator projjector that is easy to setup.

BenQ has designed the AH700ST to address customers' concerns, such as making installation as quick and simple as possible. Regardless of how big or small (within limits) your space is and whether it's mounted on the ceiling or positioned on the floor, the AH700ST offers remarkable flexibility to fit a variety of simulator setups.

BenQ has equipped the AH700ST with powerful yet user-friendly features that streamline installation and setup. The ONE BUTTON SETUP feature makes it easy to get up and running by automatically adapting to nearly any screen. AUTO SCREEN FIT takes the guesswork out of alignment by detecting the impact screen’s aspect ratio and adjusting the image accordingly, supporting 16:9, 16:10, 4:3, and 1:1 formats for optimal resolution. Additionally, the QUICK FOCUS mode lets users fine-tune sharpness with a single press of a button on the remote, ensuring a crisp, well-defined image.

These automation features set a new standard for ease of use, so regardless of whether you're a DIY installer or a professional setting up a dedicated simulator space, the AH700ST simplifies the process so you can start playing faster and with less hassle.

BenQ AH700ST "Ace" Short Throw - Projector Reviews Images

The BenQ AH700ST's short throw lens allows it to be mounted in almost any golf sim configuration.

The BenQ AH700ST features a short-throw, motorized lens designed for golf simulation. This lens allows the projector to be mounted safely away from the hitting area, eliminating shadows on the screen and ensuring uninterrupted gameplay. This lens design enhances the user experience and protects the projector from accidental impacts during club swings.

The motorized lens includes a 1.2x optical zoom capability, making adjusting the screen size from the remote control easy. If this were a fixed-lens projector, you would need to move the projector to project a different screen size, requiring reinstallation. Whether you’re fine-tuning the image for a smaller space or maximizing the screen size for a more immersive experience, the AH700ST maintains high picture quality throughout the adjustment process. This is a huge benefit for both commercial golf simulators and home simulators.

BenQ AH700ST "Ace" Screen Size Chart - Projector Reviews Images

With the 1.2x zoom ratio and a throw ratio ranging from 0.69 to 0.83, the BenQ ‘Ace’ is highly adaptable to various room sizes and screen dimensions, offering flexibility in installation and positioning.

The BenQ AH700ST’s laser light makes golf sims look real while lasting long and using less power. With 4,000 lumens of brightness and 95% Rec. 709 color accuracy, the AH700ST looks great, whether playing in a well-lit living room or fine-tuning your game in a dedicated, low-light simulator space. BenQ also provides a dedicated GOLF mode that fine-tunes colors to match the greens, fairways, and skies of the world’s best courses, so every round feels real.

The AH700ST has a sealed, dustproof case that keeps it safe in garages and basements, where dust and heat could cause harm. Its long-life laser shines for 20,000 hours, so you won’t need to change lamps. Plus, it uses 15% less power than old-style lamp projectors. Built with recycled parts and TUV and UL safety marks, the AH700ST is a strong, smart, and green pick for golf fans who want big-screen fun with no fuss.

BenQ Model Comparison
AH500ST	AH700ST	AK700ST
$1,899 (MSRP)	$1,899 MSRP	$2,499 MSRP
4,000 ANSI Lumens	4,000 ANSI Lumens	4,000 ANSI Lumens
Blue Laser Phosphor	Blue Laser Phosphor	Blue Laser Phosphor
Full HD (1,920 x 1,080)	Full HD (1,920 x 1,080)	4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160)
Fixed Zoom	1.2X Zoom	1.2X Zoom
11.2 lbs	7.2 lbs	7.4 lbs
12.5" x 5.1" x 10.1"	11.9" x 4.4" x 9.2"	11.9" x 4.4" x 9.2"
Quick Focus, Hot Key for Screen Fit	Focus & Screen Fit	Focus & Screen Fit

HARDWARE

The BenQ AH700ST is black, which eliminates a potential source of light spill via reflection onto the screen. This projector features a more traditional front-projector design while still being stylish. The AH700ST measures (WxHxD) 11.95" x 4.43" x 9.23" inches (303.5 x 112.4 x 234.5 mm) and weighs 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg). This is reasonably small, lightweight, and excellent for a simulator projector. The front panel houses the lens, camera, sensor suite, and an exhaust vent for the projector's cooling system.

There are cooling vents on both the projector’s right and left sides. The input and connectors panel is on the projector's rear panel. The AH700ST has a control panel on top. The lightweight design, intuitive controls, and connection placement make this projector easy to lift, maneuver, and operate.

BenQ AH700ST "Ace" Connections Panel - Projector Reviews Images

The AAXA M8L features multiple inputs on the side panels and a control panel on top.

The BenQ AH700ST features an inputs and connectors panel in a single row. From left to right, there is a USB Type-A connector designed to provide the optional Wi-Fi dongle, a USB Type-C port, two HDMI inputs, a second USB Type-A connector, an RS-232 input, and a 3.5mm audio output.

The top of the chassis has a push-button control panel with a Power On/Off button. A D-pad with an “OK” button allows easy directional control. An Eco Blank button to momentarily turn off the light source, an Input button, a Menu button, a Mode button, and a Back button round out the control panel. The AH700ST also includes a well-designed remote control that is backlit, making it easy to use in the dark.

The BenQ AH700ST features a high-quality motorized lens that projects a sharp image from corner to corner. The lens offers 1.2x optical zoom, has a throw ratio of 0.69 ~ 0.83 degrees, and can project up to a 200-inch image from 10 to 12.1 feet away. To simplify setup, the AH700ST includes autofocus along with auto keystone correction.

The projected image is sharp and clear with only minimal softening of the focus at about 80% out from the center and in the corners. You have to be inside the projector's throw to notice this, and even then, I found a happy medium to balance the overall image. The projector's Full HD resolution looked good overall, although with high-contrast images, the projected contents' edges sometimes appeared jagged or stair-stepped. Sitting a little further back mitigated this.

BenQ provides a significant range of digital image shifting, shrinking, and zooming to avoid obstructions or obstacles. Although we at Projector Reviews only use them when necessary, using the extensive digital adjustments BenQ has provided may be inevitable, especially if this projector is used as a golf simulator. Among the wide range of digital adjustments, the AH700ST provides keystone correction on both horizontal and vertical. The Corner Fit control can adjust each corner. Digital Image Shrinking and Shift lets installers shrink the image to 75% of the original size in 0.5% increments via the OSD menu.

The test screen used in this review was a Da-Lite 110-inch, 16:9 aspect ratio Tensioned Designer Contour Electrol screen system using the company's ultra-white HD Progressive 1.1 screen surface designed for high-resolution video up to 16K.

The Tensioned Designer Contour Electrol screen system is excellent for environments where a traditional behind-the-wall installation is difficult. It offers all the benefits of an electric screen but with the flexibility of wire-free installation. The screen has a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery-powered motor that Da-Lite calls Agility.

PERFORMANCE

COLOR REPRODUCTION

The BenQ is a great pick for golf simulators or watching movies, even in moderately bright rooms.

The BenQ AH700ST produces the signature bold colors and deep contrast the company is known for, making it a great pick for golf simulators or watching movies, even in moderately bright rooms.

Out of the box, the picture is warm, with deep reds and yellows. Here at Projector Reviews, we test projectors as they come, and the AH700ST does a great job with its preset modes. For those who want more control, BenQ has added an excellent color management system that makes it easy to have the projector professionally calibrated to your personal preferences. The preset modes I preferred the most for movies and TV were sRGB and USER mode, which kept colors true. The projector also lets users tweak white balance, gamma, and color temp, helping to get the best SDR image.

A big challenge for a golf simulator projector is showing a good image on a screen made to take hits from fast golf balls. These impact screens are not made for top video quality, but BenQ has built a mode designed to maximize the image projected onto them. The GOLF mode boosts blue and green, making grass and sky pop without throwing off the whole picture. While this mode is not the best for movies, it works great for golf and makes the game feel real.

The BenQ AH700ST is a top pick for golf simulators and home entertainment with its bold colors, high brightness, golf-friendly preset, and manual fine adjustments.

For those who want to adjust things like BRIGHTNESS and CONTRAST to optimize the M8L to their room, several free test patterns are available on Murideo’s website and YouTube channel. Check out our YouTube video on utilizing several of these test patterns on the Projector Review YouTube channel.

Here are links to several free test patterns on the Murideo website and their YouTube channel. Murideo also has detailed written instructions for using its test patterns in the resource section of its website. Also, check out our YouTube video on utilizing several test patterns called Optimize The Image of a Projector or TV Using Free Murideo Test Patterns.

BRIGHTNESS

The AH700ST produced a very bright image almost meeting it's BenQ rated 4,000 SNSI lumens.

BenQ lists the AH700ST brightness rating as 4,000 ANSI lumens. How close did the projector come to displaying that specification? I set the projector’s picture mode to BRIGHT, the AH700ST’s brightest, and the light mode to NORMAL. Then, I took 3-4 readings from the center of the screen.

The AH700ST's brightness is excellent for use in environments where users cannot control ambient light sources. It is a powerhouse that can compensate for moderate amounts of uncontrolled ambient light while maintaining decent on-screen color.

For entertainment content like movies, television, and console gaming, the AH700ST’s brightness and warm, slightly oversaturated colors provide the same benefits in living rooms where lights-on viewing is the norm rather than an exception.

In light-controlled rooms, the projector preset modes like BRIGHT and PRESENTATION are too bright. Modes like sRGB, CINEMA, and USER 1&2 did not require any adjustment and worked well in my space.

The BenQ AH700ST measured 3,812 ANSI lumens, which is slightly less than its rated brightness. I also measured the brightness of the remaining preset picture modes and listed them in the chart below.

BRIGHT	3,812 lumens
GOLF	2,187 lumens
CINEMA	2,110 lumens
GAIN	2,113 lumens
sRGB	2,111 lumens
USER#1	2,287 lumens
USER#2	2,287 lumens
HDR10	1,289 lumens

BLACK LEVEL AND SHADOW DETAIL

The BenQ AH700ST focuses more on color and brightness rather than dark blacks.

The BenQ AH700ST lists its contrast performance as 3,000,000:1, which is typical for BenQ projectors recently. Still, unlike many of those other BenQ models, this projector does not come close to that level of contrast and black performance. The BenQ AH700ST has a big contrast claim. The fact is that the blacks on this projector are grayer than claimed. You can see this in the shots in the slideshow above. The projector’s performance is similar to other BenQ golf simulation projectors I’ve reviewed. I’m referring to performance in a light-controlled space since uncontrolled ambient light hitting the screen takes a big bite from any projector's contrast and black level detail. Even when watching HDR encoded content, blacks are mid to lighter gray if you want to display dark area details.

I know I’ve already said that we focus on out-of-the-box performance in our reviews, and we do, but I was curious if I could achieve darker blacks without sacrificing a lot of dark area detail. I found that I could not. The only way to meaningfully lower the black floor was to reduce the projector's light output. I found, especially with content that challenges a projector's black level performance, that the difference between gray and crushed black was less than 3 points of adjustment on the projector's BRIGHTNESS setting. Depending on the picture preset mode, black level detail disappears into crushed blacks when adjusting the projector’s BRIGHTNESS setting from 50 to 47 regardless of the preset mode you are in.

In a perfect world, I would prefer to see solid black levels with excellent dark area detail, but it’s not an ideal world, and it's unlikely we will get this from a projector in this price range built for use in a golf simulator. BenQ knew what they were doing with this one. They focused on what golfers need – bright, vivid colors. Sure, the blacks aren't going to blow you away, but when you're trying to read a virtual green, you're not exactly worried about cinematic contrast, are you? It's about getting the experience right for the user, and they nailed it for golf.

GOLF SIMULATION

BenQ is a familiar name in home entertainment projection, and for many years now, its projectors have found a niche in the burgeoning golf simulator market. With its easy installation features, the AH700ST is a significant offering, and it delivers rich, vibrant colors, even in extremely challenging lighting conditions.

Now, let's address the elephant in the room: impact screens. These screens, essential for protecting your space from errant golf balls, are not optimized for the nuanced image quality demanded by home theater enthusiasts. Golf simulator impact screens are designed for durability, prioritizing their ability to absorb the force of a golf ball. This often means they're made of thicker, woven materials that diffuse light differently than a smooth, dedicated projection screen. These materials reduce image sharpness, color vibrancy, and overall image fidelity.

BenQ understands this challenge, and the AH700ST is engineered to compensate for screens incapable of delivering the image fidelity of a screen engineered for home theater applications. This is where the projector truly shines. I don’t have an impact screen in my inventory, but I do have several lower-end portable screens that come close to mirroring the limitations of a golf simulator impact screen.

The GOLF preset picture mode is a testament to BenQ's understanding of the golf simulation market. This mode strategically boosts blue and green hues, injecting life into virtual fairways and skies without overwhelming the color balance. While this mode is not intended for cinematic viewing, it delivers a remarkably impactful and visually engaging golf simulation experience.

At the press of a button, the projector virtually installs itself.

SOUND QUALITY

The fan noise produced by the AH700ST is more noticeable than that of other high-brightness BenQ projectors I’ve reviewed. This is likely directly related to the projector's small body size, requiring its fans to work harder to keep it cool. I don’t think the increased fan noise is a problem when used in the golf simulator setup. The BENQ AH700ST produces 33 dB in NORMAL mode and 29 dB in ECO light mode. In a home golf simulator setup, the 33 dB of fan noise should not be a distraction from your game. When watching a movie, especially a quieter one, the 33 dB of noise will not be noticeable.

We do not conduct formal sound output measurements at Projector Reviews. The perception of how a projector sounds is influenced by the projector's performance and the acoustic characteristics of the testing environment, which may differ significantly from individual user spaces.

The AH700ST's integrated 10-watt monaural speaker provides plenty of volume for golf simulator applications. While the speaker's output is sufficient for movie playback, it lacks the stereo separation and dynamic range typically found in home entertainment projectors. For an enhanced cinematic experience, connect the projector to an external soundbar or dedicated audio system. I connected to an ARC-enabled audio system without sound quality or sync issues. It worked just fine.

SUMMARY

The BenQ AH700ST, or as BenQ marketing has branded it, the ‘Ace,’ is another solid entry into its 1,080p Full HD, laser-powered short throw projectors designed for the booming golf simulator market. This projector is aimed squarely at the golfer who wants to bring the links to a virtual practice space indoors. Think dedicated simulator rooms, garages, or even multi-purpose spaces.

BenQ AH700ST "Ace" Golf Color - Projector Reviews Images

BenQ engineers' key goal for the AH700ST was to make setting up the projector for use in a golf simulator as simple as possible. Calling this projector flexible is an understatement. The AH700ST can be easily adapted for both ceiling-mounted and floor-mounted setups. It addresses one of the biggest challenges facing users: the possible space constraints of setting it up in a home environment. The AH700ST has easy setup features, making it a quick install in a spare bedroom, living room, garage, or the backyard. BenQ's ONE BUTTON SETUP allows the projector to adapt to nearly any screen, drastically reducing setup time. The AUTO SCREEN FIT mode intelligently detects and adjusts to your screen’s aspect ratio – supporting 16:9, 16:10, 4:3, and even 1:1. And finally, the QUICK FOCUS mode, activated with a simple remote button press, refines image sharpness with subtle adjustments so you don’t have to.

These features represent a significant leap in automation, empowering everyone from seasoned installers to complete DIY novices to quickly and easily set up the BenQ AH700ST. BenQ is clearly betting that the "ACE" will be the go-to projector for those seeking a hassle-free, immersive golf simulator experience, and based on my testing, I think that’s a bet they will win.

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Under the hood, BenQ uses a single-chip DLP system. DLP is a proven technology providing excellent performance and long-term reliability. This feature is critical for any projector owner, but since this projector is likely to run longer and possibly in more demanding environments, reliability is even more crucial. BenQ’s use of a Texas Instruments DLP chip, featuring a native Full HD resolution, eliminates pixel shifting, thus contributing to the projector’s high-quality imaging. DLP technology has earned its reputation as the preferred choice among projector manufacturers due to its unmatched quality, speed, and overall performance standards.

The AH700ST uses a solid-state blue laser diode light source, offering longevity, brightness, and color consistency. This projector boasts a brightness of 4,000 ANSI lumens, a critical factor, especially when you must produce vibrant images in the varying lighting conditions it will surely encounter in many home-based installations. During my testing, the AH700ST measured an impressive 3,812 ANSI lumens.

The BenQ AH700ST’s compact size and light weight make it incredibly easy to move around and install, a welcome feature for virtual golf simulation enthusiasts in both homes and businesses. Access to connections and controls is straightforward, contributing to a user-friendly experience.

Testing this Full HD projector on a 110-inch screen revealed its strengths. The Full HD (19920 x 1,080p) projected images held up remarkably well. Though not as razor-sharp as a native 4K display, the detail was more than adequate for its intended purpose. Upscaled 720p content looked excellent, and standard-definition content was handled with above-average proficiency.

Color accuracy is a significant strength of the AH700ST, likely attributable to BenQ's phosphor wheel system and color science expertise. The projector's ability to cover 95% of the BT.709 color gamut results in rich, warm color, allowing the AH700ST to deliver a commendable image in various challenging environments.

The dedicated GOLF mode effectively boosts green and blue hues, enhancing the vibrancy of virtual golf courses. The out-of-the-box color quality is also quite good. It's important to note that this projector is designed for high brightness and good color rather than deep, inky blacks and extreme detail, which is a trade-off at this price point.

While the AH700ST isn't the most budget-friendly option, its $1,899 MSRP feels justified. It delivers a compelling combination of portability, user-friendly features, and impressive image quality, making it a solid choice for golf simulator enthusiasts.

Competition

Optoma ZH450ST $1,999 MSRP

The Optoma ZH450ST is a $1,999 (MSRP) short-throw projector that can display 1,080p Full HD (1,920x1,080p) video in sizes as large as 292 inches diagonally. This 4,200-lumen, high-brightness professional projector has a native contrast of 300,000:1 (2,000,000:1 dynamic). These brightness and contrast ratings on paper are in the ballpark with the BenQ, but the Optoma is brighter. While color performance on both these projectors offered similar quality, the Optoma provided better black levels and contrast, even in spaces where lights-on viewing is the norm, not the exception. The BenQ and the Optoma are among an increasing number of professional-grade projectors with a 16:9 native aspect ratio and support for HDR-encoded content.

Both projectors offer a very robust CMS (Color Management System) and overall excellent color performance,

Compared to the BenQ's two, the ZH450ST features three HDMI inputs, but both projectors can accept signals up to 4K @ 60 fps. An Optoma DuraCore laser diode powers the ZH450ST, which has an estimated light-source life of 30,000 hours in ECO mode, similar to that of the BenQ projector.

The BenQ AH700ST is slightly larger and heavier than the Optoma ZH450ST, but not by much. It is roughly one inch wider and deeper and one pound heavier.

The BenQ comes with a robust backlit remote control that massively outclasses the small credit card-style remote that comes with the Optoma.
The ZH450ST seems perfect for conference rooms, boardrooms, and other corporate spaces. The short throw lens lets the projector be a few feet from any wall. It is also excellent for use in golf simulators and immersive installations.

The bottom line is that this projector is very bright and should work incredibly well when used in various environments. The AH700ST’s higher brightness means it can create a colorful image with decent color even when used in a space with a moderate amount of uncontrolled ambient lighting. Be mindful that even the brightest projector’s ability to punch through uncontrolled light sources depends on how much light directly spills onto the screen. In my space, the AH700ST was able to effectively handle light from a range of sources, including windows to the side of the screen as well as ceiling and free-standing floor lamps, while maintaining a very watchable and colorful image.

BenQ AH700st - Specifications

Full Specifications
Projector Model	AH700ST
Price	$1,899 MSRP
Imager Type	065-Inch DLP
Displayed Resolution	1920 x 1080 pixels
Native Resolution	1920 x 1080 pixels
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)	4,000 ANSI lumens
Light Source Type	Blue Laser Phosphor
Light Source Life	20,000+ hours
Contrast Ratio	3,000,000:1 (Dynamic)
Zoom Lens Ratio	1.2x
Power Zoom/Focus	Yes - Focus
Lens Shift	No
Interchangeable Lens	No
Ultra Short Throw	No
Native Aspect Ratio	16:9 (Widescreen)
HDR	Yes
3D	Yes
Speakers	10 watts Mono
Noise Level (-db)	30 dB
Low Lag Gaming	16 ms
Smart Functionality	BenQ OS
Business/Classroom	Yes
Portable	Yes
Special Features	Auto Fit (Focus and Alignment), Short Throw, 4,000 ANSI Lumens
Networking	Wi-Fi
Dimensions (WxDxH)	(WxHxD) 11.95" x 4.43" x 9.23" inches (303.5 x 112.4 x 234.5 mm)
Weight	7.3 lbs (3.3 kg)
Warranty	3 Year Warranty limited