You can’t go wrong with BenQ projectors for your golf simulator. But should you choose the BenQ LK830ST vs AK700ST? We help customers figure this out all the time, as they’re two of the most popular models in our lineup here at Indoor Golf Outlet.

The BenQ LK830ST Laser Golf Simulator Projector is $2,499, and the BenQ AK700ST Laser Golf Simulator Projector is $2,899. You’d think the extra $400 buys you a better projector, but that may not actually be the case. The LK830ST outperforms the AK700ST in many ways!

We’ll compare and contrast the BenQ AK700ST vs LK830ST for you, putting them head-to-head on the things that matter most in golf simulator rooms: throw ratio, connectivity, and convenience. Learn more below, or get in touch with Indoor Golf Outlet for personalized help!

BenQ LK830ST vs AK700ST At a Glance

Where the BenQ LK830ST and AK700ST Overlap

Let’s start with how these golf simulator projectors are similar before we get into the differences. They have pretty much the same foundation. And a lot of the same features/capabilities.

For example, they each deliver 4,000 ANSI lumens and have 4K UHD native resolution, with built-in Golf Mode to create the most realistic-looking course conditions possible, from every blade of grass to the bunkering, ripples in the water, and wind through the trees.

Each projector’s laser light source is rated for 20,000 hours, so these are well worth the money. Both use DLP projection with 3,000,000:1 contrast ratios and 30-bit color depth (1.07 billion colors). Each weighs right around 7.5lbs.

They’re technically both considered short-throw projectors for golf simulators, too. The question is how short, which is where the really important differences between the BenQ LK830ST vs AK700ST surface. 

So How Do I Choose Between the BenQ AK700ST vs LK830ST?

You can narrow it down between these projectors based on where you’re planning on installing them. More specifically, how much room you have to work with. The type of connections you use will come into play, too. Here are all the nuances you need to know. 

Throw Ratio

This is what you need to focus on first because it influences how well each projector fits in your space. The LK830ST has an ultra-short throw ratio of 0.5, which is how it projects a full 4K image from just inches away from the screen. The AK700ST ranges from 0.69 to 0.83. 

So either way, you’re getting a short-throw projector - but the AK700ST needs noticeably more depth to fill the same image size. Both will work just fine in rooms with more than 18 feet of depth. But it matters if you’re in a tighter garage or basement layout. 

Optical Zoom 

The AK700ST has a cool 1.2x motorized zoom feature that lets you resize the image on your screen using a remote, without having to touch the mount itself. On the other hand, the LK830ST has a fixed lens. You’d have to move the unit (or the screen) to get the image to appear bigger or smaller. 

Connectivity

One of the other major differences between the BenQ LK830ST vs AK700ST is in the connections they offer. 

You hook up the BenQ LK830ST through hardwiring only. In contrast, you get wireless projection with the BenQ AK700ST through an optional dongle and the included USB-C port. There’s a DisplayPort for connecting external streaming or casting devices, too.

Again, this stuff might not sway you one way or the other. Most people just end up connecting their projector to the launch monitor via HDMI. However, it’s nice to be able to use your simulator space for other purposes from time to time, like streaming content, mirroring a phone for swing video review, or casting from a tablet. The AK700ST gives you that flexibility. 

Built-In Speakers

You’ll probably want to invest in a separate sound system for your golf simulator at some point, but both BenQ projectors have built-in speakers:

• BenQ LK830ST: 15W speaker
• BenQ AK700ST: 10W speaker, BUT, it adds eARC with 7.1-channel audio return over HDMI.

In actual real-world use, that means the BenQ LK830ST is louder out of the box. The BenQ AK700ST makes it easier to connect to a soundbar or surround system.

Cost Comparison

The price difference between the BenQ LK830ST vs AK700ST is usually not enough to be the deciding factor - $2,499 vs $2,899. That’s only $400. And honestly, a lot of our customers end up going with the BenQ LK830ST because it performs more than capably for a golf simulator space. The extra $400 is really only buying you motorized zoom and some extra connections.

For what it’s worth, Indoor Golf Outlet has the lowest prices online on either side of the BenQ AK700ST vs LK830ST comparison. So, what are you waiting for now that you have the full scoop?

Get the Right Projector For Your Golf Simulator! 

We specialize in all things golf simulator design and installation, whether you’re looking to create a place to play in your basement or you’re building a commercial training studio. We stock all the top brands and their most sought-after models, backed by world-class customer service.

You can read our BenQ AK700ST review if you want a closer look at this best-seller. Or, you can simply connect with our experts today for one-on-one support and a personalized recommendation!

Related Resources 

BenQ AH700ST vs AK700ST | BenQ LU935ST vs LK936ST | BenQ AK700ST vs TK710ST