OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Projectors Methodology v3.0
Projectors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Projectors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Projectors Methodology v3.0

BenQ AK700ST review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£1,980Native panel resolution:3840x2160ANSI lumens:4000Throw ratio:0.69-0.83:1Lamp life:20000 hours

BenQ AK700ST Review: Compare 86 technical specifications, 4 expert and video reviews and 1 best-of list to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

BenQ AK700ST
7.6/10

Overall score

Score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 78% of models
Score components

35%

7.5

Technical score

30%

7.5

List score

25%

8.4

Reviews score

10%

5.9

Sentiment score

▲Better than 78% of projectors
5.6

Value for money

Value for money
5.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components

70%

7.6

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

▼Worse than 89%
7.5

Technical score

Technical score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 85% of models
Score components

42%

9.1

Image Quality

22%

5.2

Projection & Lens

12%

7.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.9

Audio & Features

8%

6.4

Connectivity

6%

7.5

Design & Power

▲Better than 85%
8.4

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 63% of models

80%

8.7

Average grade

20%

7.1

Popularity

Grades by review (4)
2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 2 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 63%
7.5

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (1)
List score: in 1 of 98 lists (1%)
▲Better than 76%
  • benq-ak700st
benq-ak700st
Where to buy
    N/A~ £1,980
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the BenQ AK700ST

Based on 2 · 2

Reviewers agree it's quick and easy to set up, with picture modes that look great right out of the box.
Praised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of projector BenQ AK700ST

Technical score
Technical score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 85% of models
Score components:

42%

9.1

Image Quality

22%

5.2

Projection & Lens

12%

7.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.9

Audio & Features

8%

6.4

Connectivity

6%

7.5

Design & Power

7.5
Reviews score
8.4
List score
7.5
Value for money
Value for money
5.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components:

70%

7.6

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

5.6
ANSI lumens
4,000
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 4,000 ANSI lumens, brighter than 83.9% of projectors and equal to 6.6% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
3,000,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 3000000:1, higher than 93.1% of projectors and equal to 4.5% of projectors.
Native panel resolution
3840x2160
This projector uses a native resolution of 3840x2160, higher than 91.1% of projectors and equal to 4.7% of projectors.
Output resolution
3840x2160
This projector supports output resolution up to 3840x2160, higher than 71.2% of projectors and equal to 24.6% of projectors.
Projection technology
DLP
Show more
Throw ratio
0.69-0.83:1
Min throw distance
1.8 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >1.651 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 1.8 m, longer than 92.8% of projectors and equal to 0.9% of projectors.
Max projection size
200 inch
Market range: <120 inch – >301 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 200 inch, smaller than 51.4% of projectors and equal to 12.5% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
1.2
Market range: <1.1 – >2.06
This projector offers a zoom ratio of 1.2, narrower than 59.8% of projectors and equal to 21.6% of projectors.
Motorized zoom
yes
This projector has motorised zoom. 85.4% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Input lag
8.4 ms
Market range: <8 ms – >68 ms
This projector has input lag of 8.4 ms, lower than 85.2% of projectors and equal to 1.4% of projectors.
At 1080p/240Hz.
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
no
This projector does not switch to low-latency mode automatically. 16.1% of projectors offer this.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
no
This projector does not support variable refresh rate. 1.8% of projectors offer this.
HDMI version
2
This projector supports HDMI 2, more modern than 46.1% of projectors and equal to 35.9% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
18 Gbps
Market range: <10.2 Gbps – >48 Gbps
This projector supports HDMI bandwidth up to 18 Gbps, higher than 48.9% of projectors and equal to 39.7% of projectors.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This projector has 2 HDMI port/s, more than 45.9% of projectors and equal to 47.3% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
no
This projector does not support Bluetooth. 50.7% of projectors offer this.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Show more
Smart TV features
no
This projector does not have built-in smart TV features. 43.9% of projectors offer this.
Operating system
none
Android OS
no
This projector does not run Android OS. 19.1% of projectors run Android OS.
Dedicated smartphone app
no
This projector does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 36.8% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Remote control
yes
This projector includes a remote control. 1.5% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Light source type
laser
This projector uses laser light source technology, more advanced than 75.4% of projectors and equal to 24.6% of projectors.
Laser light source
yes
This projector has a laser light source. 73.3% of projectors offer this.
Lamp life
20,000 hours
Market range: <3.5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 20,000 hours, shorter than 35.2% of projectors and equal to 25.8% of projectors.
Laser light source life.
Lamp life (eco mode)
20,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 20,000 hours, shorter than 39.4% of projectors and equal to 17.9% of projectors.
Eco mode rating.
Operating power consumption
192 W
Market range: <57 W – >390 W
This projector uses 192 W of power, less than 54.7% of projectors.
Typical power draw.
Show more

BenQ AK700ST vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • 81.8% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (4,000 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    4,000 vs 2,200
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (3000000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    3,000,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • High native resolution
    This projector has a higher native panel resolution than the average projector (3840x2160 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    3840x2160 vs 1920x1080
  • Higher output resolution
    This projector supports a higher output resolution than the average projector (3840x2160 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    3840x2160 vs 1920x1080
  • Advanced focus control
    This projector offers more advanced focus control than the average projector (auto-focus vs manual). Typical projector: manual.
    auto-focus vs manual
  • Supports HDR10+
    This projector supports HDR10+, while the average projector does not. 15.2% of projectors support HDR10+.
  • Supports pixel shifting
    This projector supports pixel shifting, while the average projector does not. 26.6% of projectors support pixel shifting.
    Via XPR technology.
  • Supports HDMI ARC
    This projector supports HDMI ARC, while the average projector does not. 35.2% of projectors support HDMI ARC.
    Via eARC on HDMI 2.
  • 13.5% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 63% of models

    80%

    8.7

    Average grade

    20%

    7.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (4)
    2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 2 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.4 vs 7.4
  • 81.8% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (4,000 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    4,000 vs 2,200
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (3000000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    3,000,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • High native resolution
    This projector has a higher native panel resolution than the average projector (3840x2160 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    3840x2160 vs 1920x1080
  • Higher output resolution
    This projector supports a higher output resolution than the average projector (3840x2160 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    3840x2160 vs 1920x1080
  • Supports HDR10+
    This projector supports HDR10+, while the average projector does not. 15.2% of projectors support HDR10+.
  • Supports pixel shifting
    This projector supports pixel shifting, while the average projector does not. 26.6% of projectors support pixel shifting.
    Via XPR technology.
  • 0.18 inch larger DMD chip
    This projector has a higher DMD chip size than the average projector (0.7 inch vs 0.47 inch). The average projector has 0.47 inch of DMD chip size.
    0.65 inch vs 0.47 inch
  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    This projector has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    120 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • Supports HLG
    This projector supports HLG, while the average projector does not. 41.2% of projectors support HLG.
  • 4 more recent release
    This projector was released more recently than the average projector (2025 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    February 2025
    2025 vs 2021
  • Advanced focus control
    This projector offers more advanced focus control than the average projector (auto-focus vs manual). Typical projector: manual.
    auto-focus vs manual
  • Motorised zoom
    This projector has motorised zoom, while the average projector does not. 14.7% of projectors support motorised zoom.
  • Motorized focus
    This projector supports motorized focus, while the average projector does not. 45.6% of projectors support motorized focus.
  • 18.6 ms lower input lag
    This projector has a lower input lag than the average projector (8.4 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    At 1080p/240Hz.
    8.4 ms vs 27 ms
  • Supports HDMI ARC
    This projector supports HDMI ARC, while the average projector does not. 35.2% of projectors support HDMI ARC.
    Via eARC on HDMI 2.
  • 2 more USB ports
    This projector has more USB ports than the average projector (3 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    3 vs 1
  • Supports Miracast mirroring
    This projector supports Miracast, while the average projector does not. 46.4% of projectors offer this.
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This projector supports Dolby Atmos, while the average projector does not. 14.1% of projectors support Dolby Atmos.
    Via eARC pass-through.
  • Includes stereo speakers
    This projector has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 47.8% of projectors have stereo speakers.
  • Laser light source
    This projector has a laser light source, while the average projector does not. 26.7% of projectors have one.
  • 0.79 m longer throw distance
    This projector has a higher throw distance than the average projector (1.8 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    1.8 m vs 1.0055 m
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks, while the average projector does. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • 50 inch smaller image size
    This projector has a lower projection size than the average projector (200 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    200 inch vs 250 inch
  • 0.1 2x narrower zoom range
    This projector has a lower zoom ratio than the average projector (1.2 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
    1.2 vs 1.3
  • 21.3% lower sentiment score
    5.9 vs 7.5
  • Narrower color gamut
    This projector has a lower color gamut coverage than the average projector (95% Rec.709 % vs 99% Rec.709 %). The average projector has 99% Rec.709 % of color gamut coverage.
    95% Rec.709 % vs 99% Rec.709 %
  • 21.3% lower sentiment score
    5.9 vs 7.5
  • 24.4% worse value for money
    BenQ AK700ST has a lower value-for-money score than the average projector (5.59 vs 6.9).
    5.59 vs 6.95
  • 3x more expensive
    BenQ AK700ST is more expensive than the average projector (£1,980 vs £660).
    £1,980 vs £660
  • Narrower color gamut
    This projector has a lower color gamut coverage than the average projector (95% Rec.709 % vs 99% Rec.709 %). The average projector has 99% Rec.709 % of color gamut coverage.
    95% Rec.709 % vs 99% Rec.709 %
  • 0.79 m longer throw distance
    This projector has a higher throw distance than the average projector (1.8 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    1.8 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 50 inch smaller image size
    This projector has a lower projection size than the average projector (200 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    200 inch vs 250 inch
  • 0.1 2x narrower zoom range
    This projector has a lower zoom ratio than the average projector (1.2 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
    1.2 vs 1.3
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks, while the average projector does. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • 1 dB louder eco mode
    This projector has a higher audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (29 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    29 dB vs 28 dB
  • 1 dB louder operation
    This projector has a higher audible noise than the average projector (32 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    32 dB vs 31 dB

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.5
Handicap Golf
≈ estimated
07/06/2025
Hands-on review · setup, wireless app use and golf simulator play
Verdict
BenQ AK700ST is a strong golf simulator projector with easy setup, and it is versatile enough for both golf and movies.
9.5
Matthew Galley
≈ estimated
13/12/2025
Hands-on review · installation and golf studio test
Verdict
BenQ AK700ST is easy to install and set up with top-tier picture quality, and it is highly recommended despite the high price.
Brand video
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Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
friendlygolfer.com
≈ estimated
09/04/2025
Hands-on review · Golf sim setup
Verdict
The BenQ AK700ST is a 4K golf simulator projector whose Auto Screen Fit sets the image in about two minutes, suiting garage sims with the lights on.
9.0
homegolfhero.com
✓ explicit
29/06/2026
Feature review · Golf sim projector
Verdict
The BenQ AK700ST is the easiest golf simulator projector to install, with 4K detail and warping for curved screens, though 4K at 60Hz adds noticeable input lag.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about BenQ AK700ST

  • True 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160) provides exceptional clarity and sharp details for both golf simulation and home cinema use.
  • High brightness of 4,000 ANSI lumens allows for vibrant images even in rooms with moderate ambient lighting.
  • Short throw ratio (0.69-0.83) enables large images in compact spaces and minimizes shadows cast by the golfer.
  • Purpose-built 'Golf Mode' enhances greens, blues, and textures for a more realistic simulation experience.
  • Maintenance-free laser light source offers a long lifespan of approximately 20,000 hours with consistent brightness over time.
  • Extremely easy setup features including one-button 'Auto Screen Fit', remote-controlled 'Quick Focus', and 3D keystone correction.
  • Operates quietly (approx. 29-32 dB), which helps maintain immersion during use.
  • Low input lag (approx. 16.7ms to 33.4ms depending on settings) ensures responsive gameplay with simulator software.
  • Flexible installation tools like digital image shrink, corner fit, and geometric warping support for curved screens.

What customers don't like about BenQ AK700ST

  • High price point, typically retailing around £2,350 to £2,400 (approx. $3,000), which may be a barrier for budget-conscious users.
  • Black levels are reported to be not as rich or deep as higher-end flagship models like the BenQ LK936ST.
  • Some debate exists among users regarding 'true 4K' vs 'pixel-shifted 4K', with some identifying it as a pixel-shifting unit despite marketing claims.
  • Requires an optional WiFi dongle for wireless projection capabilities.
  • Potential for image distortion when using the WiFi dongle with non-standard aspect ratios like 1:1 or 4:3.

Verdict

The BenQ AK700ST is a 4K UHD (3840x2160) short-throw laser projector designed specifically for golf simulation and high-end home cinema. It features a bright 4,000 ANSI lumen laser light source with a 20,000-hour lifespan and a 3,000,000:1 contrast ratio, ensuring vivid images even in well-lit rooms. Key performance characteristics include a 0.69–0.83 throw ratio for shadow-free projection, 95% Rec. 709 color accuracy, and specialized 'Golf Mode' calibration for realistic course visuals. Its main advantages are a hassle-free setup with motorized 1.2x zoom, auto screen fitting, quick focus, and an IP5X dustproof rating suitable for garage environments. However, potential drawbacks include a relatively high price point and black levels that, while strong, may not match the depth of more expensive high-end cinema flagship models.

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