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 TH690ST review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£970Native panel resolution:1920x1080ANSI lumens:2300Throw ratio:0.69-0.83:1Lamp life:20000 hours

BenQ TH690ST Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 18 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

BenQ TH690ST
7.5/10

Overall score

Score
7.5/ 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 74% of models
Score components

35%

6.9

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

8.6

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

▲Better than 74% of projectors
6.9

Value for money

Value for money
6.9/ 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 54% of models
Score components

70%

7.5

Overall score

30%

5.4

Price

▼Worse than 54%
6.9

Technical score

Technical score
6.9/ 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 66% of models
Score components

42%

8.0

Image Quality

22%

5.4

Projection & Lens

12%

7.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.5

Audio & Features

8%

5.6

Connectivity

6%

6.1

Design & Power

▲Better than 66%
8.6

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.6/ 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 78% of models

80%

8.5

Average grade

20%

8.9

Popularity

Grades by review (18)
12 reviews: 7 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 6 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 78%
?

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 (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
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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 reviewers say about the BenQ TH690ST

Based on 10 · 6

Reviewers love it for gaming with good sound and colour, but the lower resolution and clunky controls draw criticism.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of projector BenQ TH690ST

Technical score
Technical score
6.9/ 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 66% of models
Score components:

42%

8.0

Image Quality

22%

5.4

Projection & Lens

12%

7.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.5

Audio & Features

8%

5.6

Connectivity

6%

6.1

Design & Power

6.9
Reviews score
8.6
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.9/ 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 54% of models
Score components:

70%

7.5

Overall score

30%

5.4

Price

6.9
ANSI lumens
2,300
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 2,300 ANSI lumens, brighter than 50.6% of projectors and equal to 0.9% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
500,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 500000:1, higher than 82.5% of projectors and equal to 1.8% of projectors.
Native panel resolution
1920x1080
This projector uses a native resolution of 1920x1080, higher than 27% of projectors and equal to 59.2% of projectors.
Output resolution
1920x1080
This projector supports output resolution up to 1920x1080, higher than 25.9% of projectors and equal to 42.3% of projectors.
Projection technology
DLP
Show more
What reviewers say
Throw ratio
0.69-0.83:1
Min throw distance
0.92 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >1.651 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 0.92 m, shorter than 61.6% of projectors and equal to 0.7% of projectors.
Max projection size
300 inch
Market range: <120 inch – >301 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 300 inch, larger than 51.5% of projectors and equal to 38% 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
no
This projector does not have motorised zoom. 14.8% of projectors offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Input lag
8.3 ms
Market range: <8 ms – >68 ms
This projector has input lag of 8.3 ms, lower than 86.8% of projectors and equal to 1.2% of projectors.
At 1080P/120Hz.
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
What reviewers say
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
What reviewers say
Light source type
led
This projector uses led light source technology, more advanced than 33.6% of projectors and equal to 39.9% of projectors.
Laser light source
no
This projector does not have a laser light source. 26.8% 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.
LED light source life.
Lamp life (eco mode)
30,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 30,000 hours, shorter than 64% of projectors and equal to 31.9% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
140 W
Market range: <57 W – >390 W
This projector uses 140 W of power, less than 62.3% of projectors and equal to 1.2% of projectors.
Show more
What reviewers say

BenQ TH690ST vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • Wider color gamut
    This projector has a higher color gamut coverage than the average projector (84% DCI-P3, 98% Rec.709 % vs 99% Rec.709 %). The average projector has 99% Rec.709 % of color gamut coverage.
    84% DCI-P3, 98% Rec.709 % vs 99% Rec.709 %
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (500000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    500,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 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.
    At 1080P/120Hz.
    8.3 ms vs 27 ms
  • Includes stereo speakers
    This projector has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 47.8% of projectors have stereo speakers.
  • Has S/PDIF output
    This projector supports S/PDIF output, while the average projector does not. 16.6% of projectors support S/PDIF output.
  • 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.
    At 1080p.
    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
  • 16.2% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.6/ 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 78% of models

    80%

    8.5

    Average grade

    20%

    8.9

    Popularity

    Grades by review (18)
    12 reviews: 7 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 6 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.
    8.6 vs 7.4
  • Wider color gamut
    This projector has a higher color gamut coverage than the average projector (84% DCI-P3, 98% Rec.709 % vs 99% Rec.709 %). The average projector has 99% Rec.709 % of color gamut coverage.
    84% DCI-P3, 98% Rec.709 % vs 99% Rec.709 %
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (500000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    500,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 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.
    At 1080p.
    120 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • Supports HLG
    This projector supports HLG, while the average projector does not. 41.2% of projectors support HLG.
  • 50 inch larger image size
    This projector 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
  • 0.09 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.9 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    0.92 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 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.
    At 1080P/120Hz.
    8.3 ms vs 27 ms
  • Has S/PDIF output
    This projector supports S/PDIF output, while the average projector does not. 16.6% of projectors support S/PDIF output.
  • Includes stereo speakers
    This projector has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 47.8% of projectors have stereo speakers.
  • 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
  • 10,000 hours longer eco lamp life
    This projector has a higher lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.
    LED light source life.
    30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (led vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    led vs laser
  • 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.
    Higher-resolution input is downscaled to the native image.
    4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • No sleep timer
    This projector does not have a sleep timer, while the average projector does. 82.4% of projectors have one.
  • 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
  • 2 dB louder operation
    This projector has a higher audible noise than the average projector (33 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    33 dB vs 31 dB
  • 69 mm wider body
    This projector is wider than the average projector (366 mm vs 297 mm). The average projector has a width of 297 mm.
    366 mm vs 297 mm
  • 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.
    Higher-resolution input is downscaled to the native image.
    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.
  • No sleep timer
    This projector does not have a sleep timer, while the average projector does. 82.4% of projectors have one.
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (led vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    led vs laser
  • 2 dB louder operation
    This projector has a higher audible noise than the average projector (33 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    33 dB vs 31 dB
  • 69 mm wider body
    This projector is wider than the average projector (366 mm vs 297 mm). The average projector has a width of 297 mm.
    366 mm vs 297 mm
  • 20.8% heavier weight
    This projector is heavier than the average projector (3.6 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    3.6 kg vs 2.98 kg

Video reviews

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

9.0
logan․local
≈ estimated
10/09/2022
Full review and demo · PS5, Switch and movie tests
Verdict
BenQ TH690ST is a very good 1080p gaming projector for the money, and a top pick for console gamers.
9.5
all things tech
≈ estimated
04/09/2022
Hands-on review · input lag, gaming and picture tests
Verdict
BenQ TH690ST is built for gamers, combining very low input lag with a sharp image.
9.0
GAMEROOMTHEATER
≈ estimated
18/08/2022
Hands-on review · movies, gaming and short-throw setup
Verdict
BenQ TH690ST is a versatile short-throw projector that offers good value for movies and gaming.
9.0
Madlittlepixel
≈ estimated
18/08/2022
Hands-on review · gaming, picture and sound tests
Verdict
BenQ TH690ST is a strong gaming projector with few real complaints, especially for console players.
9.0
FLXtv
≈ estimated
21/11/2022
Hands-on review · gaming setup and latency tests
Verdict
BenQ TH690ST is a bright, low-latency gaming projector the reviewer would buy, though positioning limits its setup.
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
projectorcentral.com
✓ explicit
19/09/2022
Lab test · Gaming projector
Verdict
The BenQ TH690ST is a short-throw 1080p gaming projector that looks great once calibrated, but it lacks HDR brightness and lens shift.
9.5
hometheaterhifi.com
≈ estimated
03/10/2022
Hands-on test · Compact short-throw projector
Verdict
The BenQ TH690ST is a compact short-throw projector that suits gamers and movie fans alike, with strong contrast and accurate color but needs a streaming stick.
9.5
projectorreviews.com
≈ estimated
09/10/2022
Quick review · Console gaming projector
Verdict
The BenQ TH690ST is a console gaming projector with low input lag and a 100-inch picture from under five feet, suits smaller rooms, but it has no smart features.
8.0
projectorreviews.com
≈ estimated
09/10/2022
Lab test · Gaming projector
Verdict
The BenQ TH690ST is a bright, fast-responding 1080p gaming projector for shared rooms, but its blacks look grey and its brightness falls short of the claim.
8.0
homecinemachoice.com
✓ explicit
23/01/2023
Hands-on test · Short-throw gaming projector
Verdict
The BenQ TH690ST is a short-throw Full HD projector that suits console gamers and cinema fans, with good black levels in Smart Eco but shows rainbow flickers.
7.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
11/02/2023
Hands-on test · Gaming projector
Verdict
The BenQ TH690ST is a solid low-lag gaming projector with good out-of-box color, but its HDR looks weaker than regular video and rainbows appear often.
7.0
uk.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
11/02/2023
Lab test · Short-throw gaming projector
Verdict
The BenQ TH690ST suits movie and gaming fans who want a short-throw 1080p projector with low input lag, but rainbow flashes and modest brightness are the trade-offs.
8.0
7review.com
✓ explicit
05/12/2022
Quick review · Gaming projector
Verdict
The BenQ TH690ST is a gaming projector with a 100-inch picture from under five feet, good for dark-room shooters, but without built-in apps it needs a streaming stick.
9.0
av-magazin.de
≈ estimated
30/11/2022
Hands-on test · Short-throw projector
Verdict
The BenQ TH690ST is a light, low-power short-throw projector that fills a large wall from close range, though its early firmware still has rough edges.
9.8
lite-magazin.de
✓ explicit
07/10/2022
Hands-on test · Gaming projector
Verdict
The BenQ TH690ST is a quiet, low-power projector that throws a big picture from close range, suited to gamers who also watch Blu-ray films.
9.0
mondoprojos.fr
≈ estimated
15/08/2022
Lab test · LED home cinema projector
Verdict
The BenQ TH690ST is an accurate, high-contrast LED projector that suits home cinema, but its fan noise and lack of motion smoothing hold it back.
7.0
actugaming.net
✓ explicit
07/11/2022
Hands-on test · Console gaming projector
Verdict
The BenQ TH690ST is a compact gaming projector with low input lag and vivid colors, best in dark rooms, but fan noise and Full HD hold it back.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about BenQ TH690ST

  • Ultra-low input lag (8.3ms at 1080p/120Hz), making it excellent for fast-paced gaming
  • Short-throw lens allows for a 100-inch image from just 4.9 feet away, ideal for small spaces
  • Excellent color accuracy out of the box with 98% Rec.709 coverage and 4LED technology for long-lasting vibrancy
  • Strong audio performance for its size with dual 5W treVolo chamber speakers that provide a solid mid-range
  • Long light source lifespan of up to 30,000 hours in Eco mode, eliminating frequent bulb replacements
  • Highly versatile with multiple picture modes (HDR10, Game, Cinema) and effective shadow detail

What customers don't like about BenQ TH690ST

  • Native resolution is limited to 1080p, which may be a drawback compared to 4K alternatives in a similar price range
  • Measured brightness (around 1,743–1,762 lumens) often falls below the advertised 2,300 ANSI lumens specification
  • Susceptible to 'rainbow artifacts' characteristic of single-chip DLP projectors, which can be distracting to sensitive viewers
  • The included remote control lacks a backlight, making it difficult to use in dark viewing environments
  • Lack of integrated smart OS or streaming apps, requiring an external dongle for built-in connectivity
  • Black levels can appear more dark gray than true deep black in certain lighting conditions

Verdict

The BenQ TH690ST is a 1080p HDR short-throw gaming projector featuring a 4LED light source that delivers 2,300 ANSI lumens and an expansive 30,000-hour lifespan in Eco mode. Optimized for console gaming, it boasts a 500,000:1 contrast ratio, 84% DCI-P3 color coverage, and an ultra-low input lag of 8.3ms at 120Hz, capable of projecting a 100-inch image from just 4.9 feet away. Main pros include its exceptional color accuracy, high-quality dual 5W treVolo chamber speakers, and versatile short-throw lens with 1.2x zoom. However, it lacks 4K native resolution and lens shift, has relatively low brightness for well-lit rooms, and some users may notice minor DLP rainbow artifacts.

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