OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Projectors Methodology v1.0
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Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Projectors Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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BenQ TH685 Review | 84 Data compared

Avg. price:~£620Native panel resolution:1920x1080ANSI lumens:3500Throw ratio:1.127-1.46:1Lamp life:4000 hours

BenQ TH685 Review: Compare 84 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

BenQ TH685
6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the projector's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best projectors on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 61% of models
Score components

90%

6.6

Technical score

10%

9.2

User score

â–²Better than 61% of projectors
7.0

Value for money

Value for money
7.0/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 70% of models
Score components

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

7.2

Price

â–²Better than 70%
6.6

Technical score

Technical score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Projectors category across these key areas: Image Quality, Projection & Lens, HDMI & Gaming, Connectivity, Audio & Features, Design & Power.
When it matters
When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 54% of models
Score components

42%

7.9

Image Quality

22%

5.6

Projection & Lens

12%

7.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.4

Audio & Features

8%

5.2

Connectivity

6%

4.2

Design & Power

â–²Better than 54%
9.2

User score

User score
9.2/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the projector.
When it matters
When you want to know how a projector performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 97% of models
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

9.2

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
★Better than 97%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What owners say about the BenQ TH685

Based on 33 owners sharing their experience in online comments

61%positive12%mixed27%negative

Owners value the immersive gaming and picture experience, while lamp reliability and visible image defects cause the main frustration.

What owners dislike

  • Some owners report lamps failing far sooner than the rated hours, one after under 900 hours. Long 5 to 8 hour sessions were blamed.4
  • Owners report a bright frame around the image, a white haze on light walls, occasional dots from the picture processor, and flickering during play.4

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Technical Specifications of projector BenQ TH685

Technical score
Technical score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Projectors category across these key areas: Image Quality, Projection & Lens, HDMI & Gaming, Connectivity, Audio & Features, Design & Power.
When it matters
When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 54% of models
Score components:

42%

7.9

Image Quality

22%

5.6

Projection & Lens

12%

7.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.4

Audio & Features

8%

5.2

Connectivity

6%

4.2

Design & Power

6.6
User score
User score
9.2/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the projector.
When it matters
When you want to know how a projector performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 97% of models
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

9.2

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
9.2
Popularity
Popularity
9.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the projector.
When it matters
When you prefer to buy a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 83% of models
Popularity:
BenQ TH685 has a popularity score of 9.2 points, which is higher than 82.7% of projectors.
9.2
Value for money
Value for money
7.0/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 70% of models
Score components:

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

7.2

Price

7.0
ANSI lumens
3,500
Market range: <250 – >4k
This projector reaches 3,500 ANSI lumens, brighter than 79% of projectors and equal to 3.1% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
10,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 10000:1, higher than 44% of projectors and equal to 6.8% of projectors.
Native panel resolution
1920x1080
This projector uses a native resolution of 1920x1080, higher than 26.2% of projectors and equal to 59.7% of projectors.
Output Resolution
1920x1080
This projector supports output resolution up to 1920x1080, higher than 24.9% of projectors and equal to 41% of projectors.
Supports 4K input.
Projection technology
DLP
Show more
Throw ratio
1.127-1.46:1
Min throw distance
0.75 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >2 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 0.75 m, shorter than 76.5% of projectors and equal to 0.9% of projectors.
Max projection size
300 inch
Market range: <100 inch – >300 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 300 inch, larger than 51.9% of projectors and equal to 37.9% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
1.3
Market range: <1.1 – >2.1
This projector offers a zoom ratio of 1.3, wider than 39.5% of projectors and equal to 13.7% of projectors.
Motorized zoom
no
This projector does not have motorized zoom. 16.3% of projectors have motorized zoom.
Show more
Input lag
8.3 ms
Market range: <8 ms – >68 ms
This projector has input lag of 8.3 ms, lower than 87.5% of projectors and equal to 1.1% of projectors.
In 1080P.
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
no
This projector does not support ALLM. 17.2% of projectors support ALLM.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
no
This projector does not support VRR. 1.6% of projectors support VRR.
HDMI version
2
This projector supports HDMI 2, more modern than 45.3% of projectors and equal to 36.8% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
18 Gbps
Market range: <10 Gbps – >50 Gbps
This projector supports HDMI bandwidth up to 18 Gbps, higher than 47.7% of projectors and equal to 40.1% of projectors.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
2
Market range: <1 – >6
This projector has 2 HDMI port/s, more than 45% of projectors and equal to 47.7% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This projector does not support Wi-Fi. 52.9% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
no
This projector does not support Bluetooth. 50.5% of projectors support Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Show more
Smart TV features
no
This projector does not have smart TV features. 43.8% of projectors have smart TV features.
Operating system
none
Android OS
no
This projector does not run Android OS. 18.8% of projectors run Android OS.
Dedicated smartphone app
no
This projector does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 35.2% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Remote control
yes
This projector includes a remote control. 1.6% of projectors include a remote control.
Show more
Light source type
lamp
This projector uses lamp light source technology, less advanced than 67.1% of projectors and equal to 33% of projectors.
Laser Light Source
no
This projector does not use a laser light source. 28.1% of projectors use a laser light source.
Lamp life
4,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 4,000 hours, longer than 77.2% of projectors and equal to 9.9% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
10,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 10,000 hours, longer than 66.3% of projectors and equal to 7.8% of projectors.
SmartEco mode rating.
Operating power consumption
297 W
Market range: <50 W – >400 W
This projector uses 297 W of power, more than 66.5% of projectors and equal to 0.5% of projectors.
Show more

BenQ TH685 vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • 59.1% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (3,500 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    3,500 vs 2,200
  • 18.7 ms lower input lag
    This projector has a lower input lag than the average projector (8.3 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    In 1080P.
    8.3 ms vs 27 ms
  • 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
  • 1 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    1 vs 0
  • 0.28 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.8 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.025 m of throw distance.
    0.75 m vs 1.025 m
  • Supports HLG
    This projector supports HLG, while the average projector does not. 42.7% of projectors support HLG.
  • 53.5 inch larger image size
    This projector has a higher projection size than the average projector (300 inch vs 246.5 inch). The average projector has 246.5 inch of projection size.
    300 inch vs 246.5 inch
  • 14.8% higher user score
    User score
    9.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the projector.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a projector performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    BenQ TH685
    the average projector
    BenQ TH685 has a higher user score than the average projector (9.18 vs 8.000).
    9.18 vs 8
  • 14.8% higher user score
    User score
    9.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the projector.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a projector performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    BenQ TH685
    the average projector
    BenQ TH685 has a higher user score than the average projector (9.18 vs 8.000).
    9.18 vs 8
  • 89.1% more popular
    BenQ TH685 has a higher popularity than the average projector (9.21 vs 4.9).
    9.21 vs 4.87
  • 59.1% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (3,500 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    3,500 vs 2,200
  • 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. 42.7% of projectors support HLG.
  • 0.28 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.8 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.025 m of throw distance.
    0.75 m vs 1.025 m
  • 53.5 inch larger image size
    This projector has a higher projection size than the average projector (300 inch vs 246.5 inch). The average projector has 246.5 inch of projection size.
    300 inch vs 246.5 inch
  • 18.7 ms lower input lag
    This projector has a lower input lag than the average projector (8.3 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    In 1080P.
    8.3 ms vs 27 ms
  • Includes VGA
    This projector includes VGA input, while the average projector does not. 45.3% of projectors include VGA input.
  • 1 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    1 vs 0
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    lamp vs laser
  • 55 % less vertical lens shift
    This projector has fewer vertical lens shift than the average projector (5 % vs 60 %). The average projector has 60 % vertical lens shift.
    5 % vs 60 %
  • No Wi-Fi support
    This projector does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.9% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
  • No Bluetooth support
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.5% of projectors support Bluetooth.
  • 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.
    Higher-resolution input is downscaled to the native image.
    4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • 5 dB louder operation
    This projector has a higher audible noise than the average projector (35 dB vs 30 dB). The average projector has 30 dB of audible noise.
    35 dB vs 30 dB
  • 16,000 hours shorter lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life than the average projector (4,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life.
    4,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • No sleep timer
    This projector does not have a sleep timer, while the average projector does. 80.6% of projectors have a sleep timer.
  • 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 %
  • 55 % less vertical lens shift
    This projector has fewer vertical lens shift than the average projector (5 % vs 60 %). The average projector has 60 % vertical lens shift.
    5 % vs 60 %
  • 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.
    Higher-resolution input is downscaled to the native image.
    4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • No Wi-Fi support
    This projector does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.9% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
  • No Bluetooth support
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.5% of projectors support Bluetooth.
  • No sleep timer
    This projector does not have a sleep timer, while the average projector does. 80.6% of projectors have a sleep timer.
  • 50% weaker audio output
    This projector has a lower audio output power than the average projector (5 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
    5 W vs 10 W
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    lamp vs laser
  • 5 dB louder operation
    This projector has a higher audible noise than the average projector (35 dB vs 30 dB). The average projector has 30 dB of audible noise.
    35 dB vs 30 dB
  • 16,000 hours shorter lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life than the average projector (4,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life.
    4,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 10,000 hours shorter eco lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (10,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.
    SmartEco mode rating.
    10,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 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
  • 62 W higher power use
    This projector uses more power than the average projector (297 W vs 235 W). The average projector uses 235 W of power.
    297 W vs 235 W

Video reviews

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

9.0
9to5Toys
≈ estimated
16/05/2020
Hands-on review · gaming tests, brightness and noise
Verdict
BenQ TH685 is an excellent gaming projector; it lacks 4K, but it is well worth a look for its low lag.
9.5
TheTanelChannel
✓ explicit
13/05/2020
Hands-on review · 120Hz gaming, brightness and noise
Verdict
BenQ TH685 suits gaming on a huge screen well, though 1080p resolution and fan noise hold it back.
9.0
Candid Tech TV
≈ estimated
11/05/2020
Full review · picture, sound, lighting and gaming tests
Verdict
BenQ TH685 has a crisp picture and strong built-in sound, plus plenty of setup options.
9.0
caitlinV3
≈ estimated
10/04/2020
First look · setup and first impressions
Verdict
BenQ TH685 is easy to set up and shows a very impressive picture, though the fan is loud.
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Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

cnet.com
25/07/2020
Measured review · Gaming projector
Verdict
The BenQ TH685 is a bright, low-lag gaming projector for a huge wall, but its flat contrast and short throw make it weaker for general movie watching.
pcmag.com
08/01/2021
Hands-on test · HDR projector
Verdict
The BenQ TH685 is a bright 1080p projector with good color and HDR10 and HLG support, suited to lit rooms, though focusing takes patience.
techradar.com
17/09/2020
Hands-on test · Gaming projector
Verdict
The BenQ TH685 is a fast 1080p projector for gamers who can control the room's light, though low contrast and no 4K limit its appeal.
H
hometheaterreview.com
20/07/2020
Summary of the review
BenQ TH685 Console Gaming Projector Reviewed
rapidreviewsuk.com
08/01/2021
Hands-on test · Console gaming
Verdict
The BenQ TH685 is a bright, vivid 1080p projector for console gamers in a dark room, though it runs warm and its fan is noticeable.
uk.pcmag.com
08/01/2021
Lab test · HDR gaming projector
Verdict
The BenQ TH685 is a bright 1080p projector that accepts 4K HDR and HLG, with good color and low lag, but sharp focus is fiddly to set.
trustedreviews.com
06/09/2021
Hands-on review · Gaming projector
Verdict
The BenQ TH685 is a bright, low-lag gaming projector, but its lack of 4K and weak dark-scene performance limit its appeal.
homecinemachoice.com
05/02/2022
Magazine review · Gaming projector
Verdict
The BenQ TH685 is a bright, quick gaming projector small enough for a coffee table, but its Full HD picture and mixed movie performance favor gamers over film fans.
projectortop.com
17/03/2022
Written review · Gaming projector
Verdict
The BenQ TH685 is a bright, responsive projector whose Full HD resolution and lower contrast make it better for gaming than for home cinema.
imtest.de
30/06/2021
Measured test · Gaming and films
Verdict
The BenQ TH685 is a bright, smooth gaming projector with 120 Hz support, but its Full HD resolution and low contrast show its age.
mondoprojos.fr
13/06/2020
Hands-on test · Home cinema projector
Verdict
The BenQ TH685 delivers sharp, accurate film playback, but its bright border is the biggest flaw.
maison-et-domotique.com
21/12/2020
Full test · Gaming projector
Verdict
The BenQ TH685 is a gaming projector with very low lag that's bright enough for a lit room, but it has no built-in streaming.
johncouscous.com
29/12/2020
Hands-on test · Console gaming
Verdict
The BenQ TH685 is an easy-to-set-up gaming projector that stays bright in daylight, though it's 1080p only and its built-in sound is average.
n-gamz.com
20/05/2020
Video test · Gaming HDR projector
Verdict
The BenQ TH685 is a bright, low-lag Full HD projector with HDR and 3D that suits gamers and film fans, but it runs a little warm.
elchapuzasinformatico.com
12/05/2020
Hands-on test · Gaming projector
Verdict
The BenQ TH685 is a bright, low-lag Full HD projector for large gaming screens in lit rooms, though its built-in speaker is weak.
A
afdigitale.it
14/08/2020
Summary of the review
BenQ TH685 – Gaming Projector
(Translated)Show original
A
afdigitale.it
23/09/2022
Summary of the review
Gaming projectors: from 720p to 4K without breaking the bank
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: October 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about BenQ TH685

  • Ultra-low input lag (8.3ms at 120Hz) ideal for competitive gaming
  • High 3500-lumen brightness effective in rooms with ambient light
  • Good color accuracy (95% Rec.709) and sharp 1080p image quality
  • Supports HDR10 and HLG content, with 4K input downconversion
  • Surprisingly robust built-in 5W chamber speaker
  • Compact and lightweight design for easy portability
  • Flexible setup with 1.3x zoom and digital lens shift

What customers don't like about BenQ TH685

  • Poor native contrast and mediocre black levels, which can look grey
  • Noticeable rainbow artifacts (RGB flashes) for sensitive viewers
  • Noisy cooling fan, especially in high-brightness modes
  • Lacks horizontal keystone adjustment, limiting angled placement
  • Manual focus can be finicky and difficult to sharpen perfectly
  • Does not support direct file playback from USB memory sticks
  • Lacks native smart features or built-in streaming apps

Verdict

The BenQ TH685 is a high-brightness DLP projector specifically engineered for console gaming, featuring a native 1080p resolution and a high output of 3,500 ANSI lumens that allows for effective use in moderately lit rooms. Its standout performance characteristics include an ultra-low input lag of 8.3ms at a 120Hz refresh rate, support for HDR10 and HLG, and the ability to downconvert 4K input signals. Main advantages include exceptional responsiveness for fast-paced gaming, vibrant 95% Rec.709 color accuracy, and a long lamp life of up to 15,000 hours in LampSave mode. However, notable drawbacks include relatively average black levels that can appear 'milky' in dark rooms, the potential for 'rainbow effect' artifacts common to single-chip DLP systems, and a loud cooling fan during high-brightness operation.

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