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BenQ TH685 Review | 85 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£620
  • Avg. price in US: ~$800
  • ANSI lumens: 3500
  • Native panel resolution: 1920x1080
  • Throw ratio: 1.127-1.46:1

BenQ TH685 review. Compare 85 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among projectors and if it is worth buying.

6.2

Overall score

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 components:

90.0%

5.9

Technical Score

10.0%

8.8

User score

Good
5.9

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the projector's technical performance, covering eight key areas: image quality, brightness, contrast, connectivity, gaming features, smart features, audio, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

42.0%

7.5

Image Quality

22.0%

5.3

Projection & Lens

12.0%

6.0

HDMI & Gaming

10.0%

3.5

Audio & Features

8.0%

3.4

Connectivity

6.0%

3.8

Design & Power

Good
8.8

User score

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 components:

70.0%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

9.8

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(83)
amazon
4.1
(75)
amazon
4.1
(57)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Excellent
  • 9.0
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    10

    Input lag

    25.0%

    10

    Refresh rate

    20.0%

    8.6

    Output Resolution

    10.0%

    10

    HDR10 support

    10.0%

    2.5

    Audio output power

  • 5.2
    Portable

    Score components:

    35.0%

    9.0

    Weight

    20.0%

    ?

    Has A Built-In Speaker

    15.0%

    1.0

    Bluetooth connectivity

    15.0%

    1.0

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    15.0%

    1.0

    Smart TV features

  • 7.1
    Home theatre

    Score components:

    30.0%

    8.6

    Output Resolution

    25.0%

    10

    HDR10 support

    20.0%

    1.0

    Dolby Vision support

    15.0%

    9.5

    ANSI lumens

    10.0%

    3.8

    Audible noise

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Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

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.

Technical Specifications of BenQ TH685

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the projector's technical performance, covering eight key areas: image quality, brightness, contrast, connectivity, gaming features, smart features, audio, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

42.0%

7.5

Image Quality

22.0%

5.3

Projection & Lens

12.0%

6.0

HDMI & Gaming

10.0%

3.5

Audio & Features

8.0%

3.4

Connectivity

6.0%

3.8

Design & Power

5.9
BenQ TH685 has a technical score of 5.91 points, which is higher than 51.3% of projectors.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

9.8

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(83)
amazon
4.1
(75)
amazon
4.1
(57)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

8.8
BenQ TH685 has a user score of 8.84 points, which is higher than 87.5% of projectors.
Popularity
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.
9.8
BenQ TH685 has a popularity of 9.8 points, which is higher than 83.6% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

6.2

Overall score

40.0%

7.2

Price

6.5
BenQ TH685 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.5 points, which is higher than 66.6% of products in this category.
ANSI lumens
What it is: Brightness output measured in ANSI lumens.
When it matters: When you watch with ambient light or on a large screen, higher brightness matters.

Importance: HIGH

3,500
BenQ TH685 reaches 3500 ANSI lumens, brighter than 79% of projectors and equal to 3.1% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
What it is: Ratio of brightest white to darkest black displayed by the projector.
When it matters: When you watch movies in a dark room, stronger contrast matters.

Importance: HIGH

10,000:1
BenQ TH685 has a contrast ratio of 10000:1, higher than 44% of projectors and equal to 6.8% of projectors.
Native panel resolution
What it is: Native resolution of the display panel or imaging device.
When it matters: When picture sharpness matters enough that you want to know the projector's true native imaging resolution, not just supported input formats.

Importance: HIGH

1920x1080
BenQ TH685 uses a native resolution of 1920x1080, higher than 26.2% of projectors and equal to 60.1% of projectors.
Output Resolution
What it is: The resolution the projector can actually display through its imaging system.
When it matters: When you want to know the actual image detail the projector can put on screen rather than just the source format it accepts.

Importance: HIGH

1920x1080
BenQ TH685 supports output resolution up to 1920x1080, higher than 24.9% of projectors and equal to 41% of projectors.
Supports 4K input.
Projection technology
What it is: Projection imaging technology used by the projector.
When it matters: When color character, contrast behavior, and overall image personality matter before you compare brightness alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

DLP
Show more
Throw ratio
What it is: Ratio between projection distance and image width.
When it matters: When room size and screen size have to match properly instead of guessing whether the projector will fit the space.

Importance: MEDIUM

1.127-1.46:1
Min throw distance
What it is: Minimum distance required between projector and screen.
When it matters: When room depth is limited and you still need a large image from a short placement distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.75 m
BenQ TH685 needs a minimum throw distance of 0.75 m, shorter than 77.6% of projectors and equal to 0.8% of projectors.
Max projection size
What it is: Maximum supported image size for projection, measured diagonally.
When it matters: When you want a cinema-size picture, maximum projection size matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

300 inch
BenQ TH685 supports projection sizes up to 300 inch, larger than 51.8% of projectors and equal to 38% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
What it is: Optical zoom capability expressed as a ratio.
When it matters: When projector placement is not ideal and you need optical zoom to frame the image correctly.

Importance: MEDIUM

1.3
BenQ TH685 offers a zoom ratio of 1.3, wider than 39.5% of projectors and equal to 13.7% of projectors.
Motorized zoom
What it is: Motorized control of the optical zoom function.
When it matters: When the projector position is fixed but screen size or framing still needs to be adjusted from a distance.

Importance: LOW

no
BenQ TH685 does not have motorized zoom. 16.3% of projectors have motorized zoom.
Show more
Input lag
What it is: Time delay between input signal and displayed image, measured in milliseconds.
When it matters: When gaming responsiveness matters and you want controls to feel more immediate on fast titles.

Importance: MEDIUM

8.3 ms
BenQ TH685 has input lag of 8.3 ms, lower than 87.7% of projectors and equal to 1.1% of projectors.
In 1080P.
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
What it is: Automatically reduces input lag when gaming.
When it matters: When you play fast games, lower latency matters.

Importance: LOW

no
BenQ TH685 does not support ALLM. 20.3% of projectors support ALLM.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
What it is: Support for variable refresh rate to reduce screen tearing.
When it matters: When gaming matters and you want the projector to handle variable frame rates with less tearing or stutter.

Importance: LOW

no
BenQ TH685 does not support VRR. 1.9% of projectors support VRR.
HDMI version
What it is: Version of the HDMI standard supported.
When it matters: When source devices push newer HDMI features, refresh rates, or bandwidth levels that older ports may limit.

Importance: LOW

2.0
BenQ TH685 supports HDMI 2.0, more modern than 45.5% of projectors and equal to 36.7% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
What it is: Maximum bandwidth supported by HDMI inputs, measured in Gbps.
When it matters: When newer consoles, gaming PCs, or media boxes need more HDMI throughput than older projectors can handle.

Importance: LOW

18 Gbps
BenQ TH685 supports HDMI bandwidth up to 18 Gbps, higher than 48.1% of projectors and equal to 40% of projectors.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
What it is: Number of available HDMI input ports.
When it matters: When you need a console, streamer, set-top box, and another source connected at the same time without swapping cables.

Importance: LOW

2
BenQ TH685 has 2 HDMI port/s, more than 45.5% of projectors and equal to 47% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Support for Wi-Fi network connectivity.
When it matters: When the projector should handle network features, updates, or streaming functions without needing wired Ethernet only.

Importance: LOW

no
BenQ TH685 does not support Wi-Fi. 52.7% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: Supported Wi-Fi standard version.
When it matters: When wireless stability and throughput matter for streaming, updates, or projector ecosystem features.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Support for Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
When it matters: When you plan to pair wireless speakers, headphones, remotes, or other accessories directly with the projector.

Importance: LOW

no
BenQ TH685 does not support Bluetooth. 50% of projectors support Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Supported Bluetooth version.
When it matters: When wireless accessory compatibility and connection quality matter beyond Bluetooth being a simple checkbox.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Show more
Smart TV features
What it is: Includes built-in Smart TV functions or operating system.
When it matters: When you prefer built-in apps and streaming convenience instead of adding an external media stick or box.

Importance: LOW

no
BenQ TH685 does not have smart TV features. 43.8% of projectors have smart TV features.
Operating system
What it is: The built-in software platform that runs the projector interface, streaming apps, and smart features.
When it matters: When you care about which apps are available, how modern the smart interface feels, and whether the projector includes a built-in streaming platform.

Importance: LOW

none
Android OS

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Dedicated smartphone app
What it is: Availability of a dedicated smartphone control app.
When it matters: When you want setup, input switching, or basic control handled from your phone without always reaching for a remote.

Importance: LOW

no
BenQ TH685 does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 35.6% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Remote control
What it is: Comes with a dedicated remote control for operation.
When it matters: When you want easier everyday control without extra gear, built-in convenience features matter.

Importance: LOW

yes
BenQ TH685 includes a remote control. 1.6% of projectors include a remote control.
Show more
Light source type
What it is: Type of light source used by the projector.
When it matters: When maintenance expectations, startup behavior, brightness stability, and long-term running costs all matter in the buying decision.

Importance: LOW

lamp
BenQ TH685 uses lamp light source technology, less advanced than 67.1% of projectors and equal to 33% of projectors.
Laser Light Source
What it is: Whether the projector uses a laser light source instead of a traditional lamp.
When it matters: When lower maintenance, faster startup, and a lamp-free light engine matter over the long term.

Importance: LOW

no
BenQ TH685 does not use a laser light source. 28.1% of projectors use a laser light source.
Lamp life
What it is: Expected operational lifespan of the lamp in standard mode, measured in hours.
When it matters: When you care about running costs and maintenance intervals, light-source lifespan matters.

Importance: LOW

4,000 hours
BenQ TH685 offers lamp life of 4000 hours, longer than 77.2% of projectors and equal to 9.9% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
What it is: Expected operational lifespan of the lamp in eco mode, measured in hours.
When it matters: When you care about running costs and maintenance intervals, light-source lifespan matters.

Importance: LOW

10,000 hours
BenQ TH685 offers eco-mode lamp life of 10000 hours, longer than 69.5% of projectors and equal to 6.8% of projectors.
SmartEco mode rating.
Operating power consumption
What it is: Average power consumption during normal operation.
When it matters: When electricity use and heat output matter because the projector runs for long sessions or frequent daily use.

Importance: LOW

297 W
BenQ TH685 uses 297 W of power, more than 66.6% of projectors and equal to 0.5% of projectors.
Show more

BenQ TH685 vs the average projector

  • 59.1% brighter image
    BenQ TH685 has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (3,500 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    What it is: Brightness output measured in ANSI lumens.
    When it matters: When you watch with ambient light or on a large screen, higher brightness matters.

    Importance: HIGH

    BenQ TH685 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
  • Supports geometric warping
    BenQ TH685 supports geometric warping, while the average projector does not. 8.6% of projectors support geometric warping.
    What it is: Support for geometric image warping on irregular surfaces.
    When it matters: When the projector must work on an off-angle setup or irregular surface instead of a perfectly aligned flat screen.

    Importance: LOW

    BenQ TH685 supports geometric warping, while the average projector does not. 8.6% of projectors support geometric warping.
  • 18.7 ms lower input lag
    BenQ TH685 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.
    What it is: Time delay between input signal and displayed image, measured in milliseconds.
    When it matters: When gaming responsiveness matters and you want controls to feel more immediate on fast titles.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    BenQ TH685 has a lower input lag than the average projector (8.3 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.8.3 ms vs 27 ms
  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    BenQ TH685 has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    What it is: Number of screen refreshes per second, measured in hertz.
    When it matters: When motion clarity matters for gaming, sports, or fast-moving video instead of slower cinematic content only.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    BenQ TH685 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
  • 0.31 m shorter throw distance
    BenQ TH685 has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.8 m vs 1.06 m). The average projector has 1.06 m of throw distance.
    What it is: Minimum distance required between projector and screen.
    When it matters: When room depth is limited and you still need a large image from a short placement distance.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    BenQ TH685 has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.8 m vs 1.06 m). The average projector has 1.06 m of throw distance.0.75 m vs 1.06 m
  • 1 more audio input ports
    BenQ TH685 has more audio input ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    What it is: Number of analog audio input ports available.
    When it matters: When you connect several devices at the same time, port count matters.

    Importance: LOW

    BenQ TH685 has more audio input ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.1 vs 0
  • Supports HLG
    BenQ TH685 supports HLG, while the average projector does not. 42.7% of projectors support HLG.
    What it is: Support for HLG HDR broadcast format.
    When it matters: When broadcast-style HDR compatibility matters in addition to movie-focused HDR formats.

    Importance: LOW

    BenQ TH685 supports HLG, while the average projector does not. 42.7% of projectors support HLG.
  • 50 inch larger image size
    BenQ TH685 has a higher projection size than the average projector (300 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    What it is: Maximum supported image size for projection, measured diagonally.
    When it matters: When you want a cinema-size picture, maximum projection size matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    BenQ TH685 has a higher projection size than the average projector (300 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.300 inch vs 250 inch
  • 59.1% brighter image
    BenQ TH685 has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (3,500 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    BenQ TH685 has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
  • Supports HLG
    BenQ TH685 supports HLG, while the average projector does not. 42.7% of projectors support HLG.
  • Supports geometric warping
    BenQ TH685 supports geometric warping, while the average projector does not. 8.6% of projectors support geometric warping.
  • 0.31 m shorter throw distance
    BenQ TH685 has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.8 m vs 1.06 m). The average projector has 1.06 m of throw distance.
  • 50 inch larger image size
    BenQ TH685 has a higher projection size than the average projector (300 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
  • 18.7 ms lower input lag
    BenQ TH685 has a lower input lag than the average projector (8.3 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
  • Includes VGA
    BenQ TH685 includes VGA input, while the average projector does not. 43.1% of projectors include VGA input.
  • 1 more audio input ports
    BenQ TH685 has more audio input ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.

Total
Overall
Image Quality
Projection & Lens
HDMI & Gaming
Connectivity
Audio & Features
  • Narrower color gamut
    BenQ TH685 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.
  • 55 % less vertical lens shift
    BenQ TH685 has fewer vertical lens shift than the average projector (5 % vs 60 %). The average projector has 60 % vertical lens shift.
  • Limited HDMI format
    BenQ TH685 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.
  • No Wi-Fi support
    BenQ TH685 does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.6% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
  • No sleep timer
    BenQ TH685 does not have a sleep timer, while the average projector does. 80.8% of projectors have a sleep timer.
  • 50% weaker audio output
    BenQ TH685 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.
  • Basic light source
    BenQ TH685 has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
  • 5 dB louder operation
    BenQ TH685 has a higher audible noise than the average projector (35 dB vs 30 dB). The average projector has 30 dB of audible noise.
  • 16,000 hours shorter lamp life
    BenQ TH685 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.
  • 10,000 hours shorter eco lamp life
    BenQ TH685 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.
  • 1 dB louder eco mode
    BenQ TH685 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.
  • 63.1 W higher power use
    BenQ TH685 uses more power than the average projector (297 W vs 233.9 W). The average projector uses 233.9 W of power.
  • Basic light source
    BenQ TH685 has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    What it is: Type of light source used by the projector.
    When it matters: When maintenance expectations, startup behavior, brightness stability, and long-term running costs all matter in the buying decision.

    Importance: LOW

    BenQ TH685 has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.lamp vs laser
  • No Wi-Fi support
    BenQ TH685 does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.6% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
    What it is: Support for Wi-Fi network connectivity.
    When it matters: When the projector should handle network features, updates, or streaming functions without needing wired Ethernet only.

    Importance: LOW

    BenQ TH685 does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.6% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
  • 55 % less vertical lens shift
    BenQ TH685 has fewer vertical lens shift than the average projector (5 % vs 60 %). The average projector has 60 % vertical lens shift.
    What it is: Vertical lens shift adjustment range for image positioning.
    When it matters: When you want installation flexibility without depending only on digital keystone correction.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    BenQ TH685 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
    BenQ TH685 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.
    What it is: Highest HDMI input format supported by the projector.
    When it matters: When you want to confirm the exact signal format the projector can accept from high-end modern sources.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    BenQ TH685 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
  • 5 dB louder operation
    BenQ TH685 has a higher audible noise than the average projector (35 dB vs 30 dB). The average projector has 30 dB of audible noise.
    What it is: Sound level produced during operation, measured in decibels.
    When it matters: When you watch in a quiet room close to the projector, lower noise matters.

    Importance: LOW

    BenQ TH685 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
  • No sleep timer
    BenQ TH685 does not have a sleep timer, while the average projector does. 80.8% of projectors have a sleep timer.
    What it is: Feature that automatically turns off the projector after a set time.
    When it matters: When you want the projector to shut itself down automatically after a viewing session instead of staying on unnecessarily.

    Importance: LOW

    BenQ TH685 does not have a sleep timer, while the average projector does. 80.8% of projectors have a sleep timer.
  • 16,000 hours shorter lamp life
    BenQ TH685 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.
    What it is: Expected operational lifespan of the lamp in standard mode, measured in hours.
    When it matters: When you care about running costs and maintenance intervals, light-source lifespan matters.

    Importance: LOW

    BenQ TH685 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.4000 hours vs 20000 hours
  • 50% weaker audio output
    BenQ TH685 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.
    What it is: Total audio output power of built-in speakers, in watts.
    When it matters: When you use the projector without external speakers, built-in audio matters.

    Importance: LOW

    BenQ TH685 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
Total
Image Quality
Projection & Lens
HDMI & Gaming
Connectivity
Audio & Features
Design & Power

Graphic comparison of BenQ TH685 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
83 Reviews
amazon
4.1
75 Reviews
amazon
4.1
57 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

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 dislike 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

Expert reviews

C
cnet.com
25/07/2020
BenQ TH685: Ginormous image specialized for gaming - CNET

The BenQ TH685 is a specialized 1080p DLP projector tailored specifically for gaming, offering a massive, exceptionally bright display with an impressive 16.4ms low input lag in Game Mode. It is highly capable of accepting 4K HDR signals and scaling them down to 1080p, while delivering surprisingly accurate out-of-the-box colors in its Cinema mode and hitting a solid 1,641 lumens....Read more

P
pcmag.com
08/01/2021
BenQ TH685 Review - PCMag

The BenQ TH685 is an excellent, budget-friendly 1080p DLP projector designed for both gaming and multimedia viewing in environments with ambient light. Priced at an MSRP of $799, it stands out by accepting 4K HDR10 and HLG input signals and downconverting them to its native 1080p resolution while preserving HDR data for an enhanced sense of image dimensionality. Driven by a 3,500...Read more

T
techradar.com
17/09/2020
BenQ TH685 1080p projector review - TechRadar

The BenQ TH685 is an affordable, long-throw DLP projector designed specifically for gamers looking for a highly responsive big-screen experience without breaking the bank. Released in February 2020 for $749, this 1080p beamer sets itself apart with an exceptional input lag of under 10ms and a dedicated Game Mode that automatically optimizes brightness and maximizes the refresh rate...Read more

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hometheaterreview.com
20/07/2020
BenQ TH685 Console Gaming Projector Reviewed

The BenQ TH685 Console Gaming Projector review highlights it as a highly capable, budget-friendly 1080p display option that avoids the poor performance typical of sub-$1,000 projectors. Priced at $788.99, its standout pros include an impressive out-of-the-box color accuracy (particularly in Cinema mode), excellent light output that makes it usable in rooms with high ambient light,...Read more

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rapidreviewsuk.com
08/01/2021
BenQ TH685 HDR Projector Review

The Rapid Reviews UK review highlights the BenQ TH685 as a high-performance gaming projector, featuring 3500 ANSI Lumens for daytime viewing, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an ultra-low 8.3ms input lag. Key pros include detailed 1080p HDR graphics, a dedicated Game Mode for enhanced visibility in dark scenes, and a surprisingly capable 5W built-in speaker. Cons identified include...Read more

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uk.pcmag.com
08/01/2021
BenQ TH685 - Review 2021 - PCMag UK

The BenQ TH685 is a highly capable 1080p DLP projector designed for gaming and casual viewing, distinguishing itself by accepting 4K input and downconverting it to its native 1080p resolution while preserving HDR content. Retailing at an affordable price point, the projector boasts a rated brightness of 3,500 lumens, making it powerful enough to handle rooms with moderate ambient...Read more

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trustedreviews.com
06/09/2021
BenQ TH685 Review: Gamer friendly - Trusted Reviews

The Trusted Reviews evaluation of the BenQ TH685 highlights it as an exceptionally gamer-friendly Full HD DLP projector that delivers clean, sharp imagery and a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth motion. Its strengths include a bright picture capable of handling HDR, and a cooling system that remains quiet even during demanding operation. Trusted Reviews However, the projector lacks...Read more

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homecinemachoice.com
05/02/2022
BenQ TH685 Full HD DLP projector review - Home Cinema Choice

The BenQ TH685, reviewed by Home Cinema Choice, is an affordable £650 Full HD DLP projector, specifically targeted at gamers due to its 3,500-lumen brightness, low input lag, and 120Hz refresh rate support. It effectively handles HDR, providing vibrant, punchy visuals for gaming and efficiently downscales 4K signals to 1080p, all while operating with minimal noise. Conversely, the...Read more

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imtest.de
30/06/2021
BenQ TH685 review: The budget projector put to the test

The IMTEST review rates the BenQ TH685 as a budget-friendly gaming projector that delivers solid value for its €699 price point, earning a "satisfactory 3.2" score. It is highly optimized for modern gamers, featuring a fast 120 Hz refresh rate and an ultra-low latency of 10ms to ensure fluid, lag-free gameplay. Physically, the device weighs just 2.8 kilograms and has a compact...Read more

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mondoprojos.fr
13/06/2020
BenQ TH685 Review: Gregory's Verdict - Mondoprojos.fr

The BenQ TH685 is a compact, 1080p DLP gaming projector priced at €699 that stands out for its impressive image accuracy and brightness. Equipped with a 0.47-inch Texas Instruments DMD chip, it lacks native 4K simulation but is backward compatible with 4K HDR via downscaling, yielding exceptionally sharp letters and numbers without the chromatic aberrations found in more expensive...Read more

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maison-et-domotique.com
21/12/2020
BenQ TH685 Review: A projector specially designed for...

The BenQ TH685 is a budget-friendly 1080p DLP projector optimized for gaming, offering a high 3,500 ANSI lumens brightness suitable for lit rooms. Key advantages include an ultra-low latency with a 8.3ms response time at 120Hz for a fluid, lag-free experience, along with 4K HDR downscaling support. Limitations noted in reviews include a reliance on native 1080p resolution rather...Read more

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johncouscous.com
29/12/2020
BenQ TH685 Gaming Projector Review

The BenQ TH685 is a gaming-centric DLP projector that stands out for its high utility and plug-and-play simplicity, making it accessible even for first-time projector owners. A major highlight of the device is its exceptionally low input lag of 8.3ms, which ensures near-instantaneous response times during fast-paced gameplay. Additionally, it offers a robust brightness of 3,500 ANSI...Read more

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n-gamz.com
20/05/2020
BenQ TH685: Complete Video Review... of the best gaming projector on the market

The BenQ TH685 is hailed as an exceptional Full HD HDR gaming projector that sets a high standard for the market at a convincing price point of €600 to €700. The reviewer awards it a perfect 5/5 score, highly praising its hyper-responsive 8.3 ms input lag and smooth 120 Hz refresh rate, which eliminate latency and make it a flawless companion for console gamers. Beyond its unrivaled...Read more

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elchapuzasinformatico.com
12/05/2020
BenQ TH685 Review: Full HD Projector

The El Chapuzas Informático review highlights the BenQ TH685 as a budget-friendly, 1080p DLP projector capable of creating up to a 300-inch image, making it a viable alternative to large TVs. Key strengths include exceptional gaming performance with 8.3ms input lag at 120Hz and high brightness (3,500 ANSI lumens) suitable for bright rooms, along with a 15,000-hour maximum lamp life....Read more

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afdigitale.it
14/08/2020
BenQ TH685 – Gaming Projector

The BenQ TH685 is a budget-friendly DLP gaming projector that stands out for delivering performance well above typical entry-level models. It features a native Full HD 1080p resolution, but it can accept and downconvert 4K UHD signals with HDR support, allowing for enhanced color fidelity when connected to modern media players or consoles. The device features a powerful 245-watt...Read more

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afdigitale.it
23/09/2022
Gaming projectors: from 720p to 4K without breaking the bank

This article from AF Digitale reviews four affordable gaming projectors ranging from €400 to €1700, focusing on key performance metrics like input lag, refresh rates, and portability. The BenQ TH685 (€800) is praised for its low 8.3 ms input lag, bright light source, and 120Hz fluid playback, but it suffers from shallow black levels and potential "rainbow effect" issues due to its...Read more

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