A great golf simulator setup lives or dies by the quality of your projector. It’s what actually brings every drive, approach, and putt to life on the screen in front of you. So, can you use any projector for golf simulator? Not at all. You need to invest in quality!
While we carry quite a few great golf simulator projector brands here at Indoor Golf Outlet, BenQ is among our best sellers. It’s not hard to see why. These are purpose-built for indoor golf simulator setups.
One comparison we see made across the lineup is the BenQ AH700ST vs AK700ST projectors. Both are designed for this exact purpose with bright laser projection, short throw ratios that perfectly meet the mounting requirements for most golf simulator setups, and low input lag for smooth shot tracking.
So what’s the difference between the BenQ AH700ST vs AK700ST? Ultimately, it comes down to resolution. The AH700ST delivers excellent 1080P performance at a lower price, while the AK700ST steps things up with native 4K resolution and enhanced image control features.
You really can’t go wrong either way. We carry both the BenQ AK700ST and the BenQ AH700ST at the lowest prices online, guaranteed - and backed by world-class customer service from A to Z. Reach out now for a personalized recommendation, or read more below!
Quick Comparison of the BenQ AH700ST vs AK700ST
|
Feature |
BenQ AH700ST |
BenQ AK700ST |
|
Resolution |
1920 x 1080 (Full HD) |
3840 x 2160 (True 4K UHD) |
|
Brightness |
4,000 ANSI lumens |
4,000 ANSI lumens |
|
Throw Ratio |
0.69 – 0.83 |
0.69 - 0.83 |
|
Light Source |
Laser (20,000 hrs) |
Laser (20,000 hrs) |
|
Input Lag |
16.7 ms |
16.7 ms |
|
Golf Mode |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Keystone Adjustment |
2D, Vertical ± 30°, Horizontal ± 30° |
3D, Vertical ± 30°, Horizontal ± 30°, Rotation ± 30° |
|
Contrast Ratio |
3,000,000:1 |
3,000,000:1 |
|
Price |
$2,299.00 |
$2,899.00 |
Overview of the BenQ AH700ST
The AH700ST is built for golfers who want a sharp, high-brightness laser projector without stepping into 4K territory. You still get outstanding 1080P clarity with enough brightness (4,000 lumens) to hold up in rooms that aren’t pitch-black.
The 0.69 - 0.83 short throw ratio is perfect for golf simulator setups where the projector is positioned slightly behind the hitting area, which is our recommended mounting location. You can easily project a large image even in smaller simulator bays. BenQ’s signature Golf Mode is baked in, too, so you get enhanced color rendering tailored specifically to the greens and fairways of simulator software like E6 CONNECT or GSPro.
Plus, the 16.7 ms input lag means responsive ball tracking without lag. This plug-and-play option works great for first-time sim builders or anyone who wants dependable performance on a budget.
Overview of the BenQ AK700ST
The AK700ST takes everything that’s great about the AH700ST and levels it up with true 4K resolution. That makes a massive difference for golfers who want to see ultra-fine detail in their simulator software: green contours, changes in weather, and fairway textures pop like never before.
Despite the higher resolution, BenQ keeps the AK700ST just as bright (4,000 lumens), with the same laser durability and an identical short-throw form factor. It also has HDR10 support and stronger image correction tools for more control over screen alignment and visual tuning.
But, is it worth paying another $600? That’s really the ultimate question in our comparison of the BenQ AH700ST vs AK700ST. Let’s take a closer look at the nuances between these short-throw projectors for golf simulator setups below.
BenQ AH700ST vs AK700ST: Key Differences to Consider
We want to be clear in saying you can’t go wrong either way choosing between the BenQ AH700ST vs AK700ST. These are among the most compelling short-throw projectors in the golf simulator space. But, there are two important nuances to consider:
- Resolution
- Cost
The second distinction is the result of the first. You are really choosing between affordability and image clarity. So whether you’re building your first sim or upgrading your current setup, let’s unpack the most important details between the BenQ AH700ST vs AK700ST below.
Resolution
The AH700ST delivers 1080P Full HD resolution, which is plenty for a clean, sharp image in most setups. It’s clear, crisp, and has enough pixel density to bring simulator visuals to life, especially if you’re not standing inches from the screen.
But, the AK700ST is a true 4k projector for golf simulator setups. The UHD resolution (3840 x 2160) isn’t pixel-shifted “fake 4K.” You get full detail. That matters in premium sim software like GSPro, where fine textures, contours, and weather visuals benefit from the added clarity.
Image Quality and Sharpness
Both models use the same 4,000 ANSI lumens laser light source, but this isn’t a wash between the BenQ AH700ST vs AK700ST. The latter pulls ahead slightly in overall image refinement.
That’s because it supports HDR10, giving it an edge in dynamic contrast and brightness variation. Translation: whiter whites, deeper blacks, and more vibrant greens. This becomes even more noticeable in dark sim environments or when you're projecting a very large image.
The AH700ST lacks HDR, but it’s no slouch. It’s still impressive with color performance thanks to its dedicated Golf Mode, which enhances green tones and fairway texture.
Price and Value
As we said earlier, this is the other major difference between the BenQ AH700ST vs AK700ST: cost. The AH700ST ($2,299) is more affordable than the AK700ST ($2,899). It’s a great value pick for budget-conscious buyers or those just starting out with a home simulator.
On the other hand, the AK700ST commands a premium, but it earns it. You're getting 4K clarity, HDR compatibility, and more advanced image tuning features. It’s a smart long-term investment if you’re building a high-end simulator and don’t want to upgrade again in a year or two. The other factor to consider is where golf simulator software resolution is headed in the future. Our bet is that most golf simulator software will be produced in 4K resolution moving forward and with the AK700ST, you are well-hedged against technology.
Setup and Adjustability
Both models feature digital keystone correction and support vertical and horizontal lens shift. The AK700ST gives you a little more in terms of image alignment tools, though. It comes with 3D keystone correction so you can square the image even in more complex or imperfect installations.
The AH700ST is still pretty easy to set up, but falls short of some of that fine-tuning control and only provides 2D keystone adjustment. That’s not a dealbreaker however for standard ceiling or floor mounting where the projector is placed in the center of the impact screen. But, it matters if you plan to wall mount or mount the projector off-center. The AK700ST gives you more flexibility to work with in this regard.
Which Projector Fits You Best?
So which is the right choice between the BenQ AH700ST vs AK700ST?
Choose the BenQ AH700ST if:
- You’re building your first sim and want a reliable, high-brightness projector without breaking the bank.
- You’re okay with 1080P and don’t need 4K-level detail.
- You’re focused on simplicity, fast setup, and solid all-around performance.
Go with the BenQ AK700ST if:
- You want the sharpest, most lifelike golf sim visuals available.
- You plan to build a premium setup with high-end software and detailed graphics.
- You value features like HDR, 4K, and advanced correction tools and want to future-proof your space.
Remember, you’re getting top-tier performance backed by BenQ’s quality engineering either way. And here at Indoor Golf Outlet, you can find both models at the lowest prices online backed by incredible customer service every step of the way!
Shop Both BenQ Models at the Lowest Prices Online Today!
Here at the Indoor Golf Outlet, we’re obsessed with helping customers get the right gear for their space, goals, and budget. So if you’re still on the fence between the BenQ AK700ST vs AH700ST, don’t hesitate to reach out for one-on-one support.
We don’t push one-size-fits-all solutions or drown you in tech jargon. We test every projector we sell, we know the nuances, and we’ll walk you through what actually matters. Whether that’s resolution, throw distance, or simply confirming that the projector will pair well with your golf simulator impact screen size and desired mounting location, we’re here for you.
We ship fast (and often free), and we’ll price match any competitor who has a better deal available right now. So, shop now and experience the difference of working with a team that actually knows golf sim gear inside and out!
Wrapping Up Our BenQ AK700ST vs AH700ST Comparison
Choosing between the BenQ AH700ST vs AK700ST really comes down to what matters most in your golf sim setup. You can’t go wrong either way. So, what’s the difference?
The AH700ST gives you incredible value with sharp 1080P visuals and reliable laser performance, while the AK700ST levels up the detail with true 4K resolution and enhanced fine-tuning for those who want the most optimized image possible.
Both are purpose-built for golf, but the right one depends on your desired resolution and budget. Regardless of which suits your goals, we’ve got you covered.
Our expert advice does not stop with projector comparisons; you can explore some launch monitor comparisons, such as Foresight vs Trackman or Uneekor EYE MINI vs SkyTrak+ in our blog if you’d like. Otherwise, the only thing left to do is choose between the BenQ AH700ST vs AK700ST and make the investment at Indoor Golf Outlet!
