You really can’t go wrong choosing between the BenQ AH500ST vs AH700ST. They’re manufactured by one of the best brands in the entire industry. And they’re honestly really tight on paper. They’re both 4,000-lumen, 1080P laser projectors with Golf Mode built in. Even price isn’t really the deciding factor:

• BenQ AH500ST 4000-Lumen Short Throw 1080P Laser Golf Simulator Projector - $1,999
• BenQ AH700ST 4000-Lumen Short Throw 1080P Laser Golf Simulator Projector - $2,299

That’s only a $300 difference. So what are you paying for with the AH700ST that you don’t get in the AH500ST? We’ll compare and contrast the BenQ AH700ST vs AH500ST based on throw ratio, zoom, color accuracy, and physical size to help you make the right choice. 

Just know Indoor Golf Outlet carries both golf simulator projectors at the lowest prices online, and we’re happy to talk it over with you on the phone if you’d rather get personalized support. Reach out today, or learn more below! 

BenQ AH500ST vs AH700ST (Quick Comparison)

First, How Are the BenQ AH500ST and AH700ST Similar? 

You’ll see a ton of overlap when you put the BenQ AH500ST vs AH700ST side-by-side, as we did above. They have the exact same: 

• Brightness (lumens)
• Resolution 
• Light source

Both projectors feature BenQ’s Golf Mode as well. That feature specifically calibrates color output to present the most realistic-looking turf and sand on your impact screen, so your favorite courses look legit. 

Each has a 1P5X dustproof sealed engine to preserve image quality over time, too. They share the same two HDMI 2.0 inputs with HDCP 2.2. You can use either with an impact screen up to 200 inches wide. 

You’re getting an exceptional short throw projector for golf simulator, regardless of your choice between the BenQ AH500ST vs AH700ST. They spit out a massive image without asking for too much depth, which obviously matters within the tight confines of a basement/garage golf simulator. The 4,000 lumens is more than enough to keep that image sharp even if there’s some light leaking through into the room, too.

So, how do you choose between the BenQ AH700ST vs AH500ST, then?

Key Differences Between the BenQ AH700ST vs AH500ST

Really, choosing between these projectors comes down to how and where you mount it in your simulator space. There are a few other subtle nuances that are easy to overlook as well. 

Light Source Life

Each projector is rated for 20,000 hours in normal mode. But interestingly enough, the AH500ST has an ECO mode that changes the rating to 38,000 hours. The AH700ST only lasts 30,000 hours in ECO mode. 

So while you’re saving on replacement bulb costs either way, the cheaper model in this BenQ AH500ST vs AH700ST actually stretches your budget further as far as lifespan goes. 

Throw Ratio

This is likely going to be the deciding factor for most people shopping for a golf simulator projector - how far away do you have to mount it? 

The AH500ST is considered an ultra-short throw projector with a ratio of only 0.499. You can mount it just inches away from the screen and get a full image. The AH700ST's throw ratio ranges from 0.69 to 0.83. Still short throw, but it does need more room to put out a full image.

This is another advantage for the AH500ST - it just gives you a little more placement flexibility.

Zoom Ratio

The AH500ST has a fixed lens, meaning you can’t zoom in or out to get the perfect image. You have to mount it in the right place - or move your impact screen. 

On the other hand, the AH700ST has 1.2x motorized zoom, so you can effortlessly adjust image size without remounting anything. That’s a massive convenience benefit. 

Physical Size

Size matters! The AH700ST is the more compact projector at only 7.27lbs and 11.94" x 4.42" x 9.23". In contrast, the AH500ST is 11.2lbs and 12.6" x 5.1" x 10.0". This means less strain on your ceiling mount with the AH700ST, which translates to less stress on the bracket/joists.

Unique Features

There are a few other nuanced differences between the BenQ AH500ST vs AH700ST. Here are some noteworthy features each brings to your golf simulator room:

• BenQ AH500ST: Screen Fill technology automatically adjusts the aspect ratio and supports 120Hz output (8.3ms input lag). It’s the faster projector.
• BenQ AH700ST: One-Button Setup automatically aligns the screen, and Corner Fit fine-tunes the projected image. You also get 95% Rec. 709 color coverage compared to the AH500ST's 83%. That translates to better image realism on your favorite courses.

Then there’s the noise discrepancy. It’s not much, but the AH500ST is rated at 35 dB in normal mode and 32 dB in ECO. The AH700ST runs at 32 dB in normal mode and 29 dB in ECO. This lets you enjoy the experience to the fullest without the buzz of a projector overhead. 

Price 

We’re talking a $300 difference between the BenQ AH500ST vs AH700ST, which isn’t enough to really be the deciding factor. That being said, there are plenty of aspects in which the AH500ST is the better projector at a lower price. The main area it falls short in is image quality. 

So, Which is Right For You? 

Only you can decide which is the ideal projector for your golf simulator space, but we hope this BenQ AH700ST vs AH500ST comparison has left you with a clear idea of which it is! Either way, you’re getting a premium short-throw projector that will provide years of enjoyment.

The AH500ST is a really good pick if value for the money is your main criteria. It’s more flexible and can last longer in ECO. On the other hand, the AH700ST brings more realistic course play to your impact screen so you can appreciate the details of every course you load up.

Indoor Golf Outlet stocks the full BenQ projector lineup at the lowest prices online, backed by world-class customer service every step of the way. You can even look into some of the 4k projectors for golf simulator setups we carry! 

Shop now or reach out for a personalized recommendation. 

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BenQ AH700ST vs AK700ST | BenQ LU935ST vs LK936ST