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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 TK850 Review | 84 Data compared

Avg. price:~£1,000Native panel resolution:1920x1080ANSI lumens:3000Throw ratio:1.13-1.47:1Lamp life:4000 hours

BenQ TK850 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 TK850
7.1/10

Overall score

Score
7.1/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

90%

6.9

Technical score

10%

8.6

User score

▲Better than 69% of projectors
6.5

Value for money

Value for money
6.5/ 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
Score components

70%

7.1

Overall score

30%

5.2

Price

▼Worse than 53%
6.9

Technical score

Technical score
6.9/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

42%

8.1

Image Quality

22%

5.7

Projection & Lens

12%

6.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.4

Audio & Features

8%

7.3

Connectivity

6%

4.7

Design & Power

▲Better than 66%
8.6

User score

User score
8.6/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.1

User ratings

30%

9.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
▲Better than 79%
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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 TK850

Based on 33 owners sharing their experience in online comments

33%positive12%mixed55%negative

Owners like the strong big-screen picture, but recurring faults, heat problems, and loud fan noise make reliability a concern.

What owners dislike

  • Owners report color wheels shattering with a bang, lamps failing well before the rated life, and stuck white pixels on the chip.11
  • Some owners see grainy, noisy picture with 4K Blu-rays from an Xbox, and find yellow tones too strong out of the box.5
  • Owners get an overheating warning and find the unit very hot, with one finding a loose heat sink behind the cover.4
  • Some owners find the fan so loud the projector is unwatchable, and a high-pitched whine from the power supply or color wheel is also reported.3

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

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Technical Specifications of projector BenQ TK850

Technical score
Technical score
6.9/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

42%

8.1

Image Quality

22%

5.7

Projection & Lens

12%

6.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.4

Audio & Features

8%

7.3

Connectivity

6%

4.7

Design & Power

6.9
User score
User score
8.6/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.1

User ratings

30%

9.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.6
Popularity
Popularity
9.5/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
BenQ TK850 has a popularity score of 9.5 points, which is higher than 85.2% of projectors.
9.5
Value for money
Value for money
6.5/ 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
Score components:

70%

7.1

Overall score

30%

5.2

Price

6.5
ANSI lumens
3,000
This projector reaches 3,000 ANSI lumens, brighter than 64.2% of projectors and equal to 9.1% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
30,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 30000:1, higher than 64.2% of projectors and equal to 1% of projectors.
Full on/off contrast ratio.
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.
Uses XPR pixel-shifting for 4K output.
Output Resolution
3840x2160
This projector supports output resolution up to 3840x2160, higher than 69.1% of projectors and equal to 26.1% of projectors.
Via XPR pixel shifting.
Projection technology
DLP
Show more
Throw ratio
1.13-1.47:1
Min throw distance
0.75 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
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
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
83.34 ms
This projector has input lag of 83.34 ms, higher than 93.7% of projectors and equal to 0.5% of projectors.
At 4K/60Hz.
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
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
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
?
Bluetooth version
4.2
This projector supports Bluetooth 4.2, more modern than 56.1% of projectors and equal to 6.8% of projectors.
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
?
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
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
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 10,000 hours, longer than 66.3% of projectors and equal to 7.8% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
340 W
This projector uses 340 W of power, more than 80.2% of projectors and equal to 1.1% of projectors.
Typical power draw.
Show more

BenQ TK850 vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • Higher output resolution
    This projector supports a higher output resolution than the average projector (3840x2160 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    Via XPR pixel shifting.
    3840x2160 vs 1920x1080
  • Supports pixel shifting
    This projector supports pixel shifting, while the average projector does not. 28.4% of projectors support pixel shifting.
    Via XPR technology.
  • 36.4% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (3,000 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    3,000 vs 2,200
  • Supports HDMI ARC
    This projector supports HDMI ARC, while the average projector does not. 36% of projectors support HDMI ARC.
  • 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 frame interpolation
    This projector supports frame interpolation, while the average projector does not. 37.1% of projectors support frame interpolation.
    Via Motion Enhancer.
  • Built-in stereo speakers
    This projector has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 48.9% of projectors have stereo speakers.
  • Includes S/PDIF output
    This projector has an S/PDIF output, while the average projector does not. 17.2% of projectors have an S/PDIF output.
    Optical S/PDIF.
  • 6.9% higher user score
    User score
    8.6/ 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
    ▼
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    BenQ TK850
    the average projector
    BenQ TK850 has a higher user score than the average projector (8.55 vs 8.000).
    8.55 vs 8
  • 95.1% more popular
    BenQ TK850 has a higher popularity than the average projector (9.5 vs 4.9).
    9.5 vs 4.87
  • Higher output resolution
    This projector supports a higher output resolution than the average projector (3840x2160 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    Via XPR pixel shifting.
    3840x2160 vs 1920x1080
  • 36.4% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (3,000 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    3,000 vs 2,200
  • Supports pixel shifting
    This projector supports pixel shifting, while the average projector does not. 28.4% of projectors support pixel shifting.
    Via XPR technology.
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (30000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Full on/off contrast ratio.
    30,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 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.
    60 Hz at 4K.
    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
  • Supports frame interpolation
    This projector supports frame interpolation, while the average projector does not. 37.1% of projectors support frame interpolation.
    Via Motion Enhancer.
  • Supports HDMI ARC
    This projector supports HDMI ARC, while the average projector does not. 36% of projectors support HDMI ARC.
  • 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
  • Includes S/PDIF output
    This projector has an S/PDIF output, while the average projector does not. 17.2% of projectors have an S/PDIF output.
    Optical S/PDIF.
  • Modern USB standard
    This projector supports a newer USB standard than the average projector (USB 3.2 Gen 1 vs USB 2). The average projector supports USB USB 2.0.
    Also includes USB 2 ports.
    USB 3.2 Gen 1 vs USB 2.0
  • Includes VGA
    This projector includes VGA input, while the average projector does not. 45.3% of projectors include VGA input.
  • Built-in stereo speakers
    This projector has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 48.9% of projectors have stereo speakers.
  • 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
  • 56.34 ms higher input lag
    This projector has a higher input lag than the average projector (83.3 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    At 4K/60Hz.
    83.34 ms vs 27 ms
  • No Wi-Fi support
    This projector does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.9% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
  • 50 % less vertical lens shift
    This projector has fewer vertical lens shift than the average projector (10 % vs 60 %). The average projector has 60 % vertical lens shift.
    10 % 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.
    4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • 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.
  • 105 W higher power use
    This projector uses more power than the average projector (340 W vs 235 W). The average projector uses 235 W of power.
    Typical power draw.
    340 W vs 235 W
  • 50 % less vertical lens shift
    This projector has fewer vertical lens shift than the average projector (10 % vs 60 %). The average projector has 60 % vertical lens shift.
    10 % vs 60 %
  • 56.34 ms higher input lag
    This projector has a higher input lag than the average projector (83.3 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    At 4K/60Hz.
    83.34 ms vs 27 ms
  • 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 support
    This projector does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.9% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
  • No sleep timer
    This projector does not have a sleep timer, while the average projector does. 80.6% of projectors have a sleep timer.
  • 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
  • 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
  • 105 W higher power use
    This projector uses more power than the average projector (340 W vs 235 W). The average projector uses 235 W of power.
    Typical power draw.
    340 W vs 235 W
  • 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.
    10,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 80 mm wider body
    This projector is wider than the average projector (380 mm vs 300 mm). The average projector has a width of 300 mm.
    380 mm vs 300 mm
  • 118 mm thicker body
    This projector is thicker than the average projector (263 mm vs 145 mm). The average projector has a thickness of 145 mm.
    263 mm vs 145 mm
  • 35.5% heavier weight
    This projector is heavier than the average projector (4.2 kg vs 3.1 kg). The average projector weighs 3.1 kg.
    4.2 kg vs 3.1 kg

Video reviews

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

9.0
The Daingeon
≈ estimated
07/09/2021
Hands-on review · HDR, SDR and black level tests
Verdict
BenQ TK850 is recommended for 4K content at a good price and works best with an ALR screen in a controlled room.
9.0
9to5Toys
≈ estimated
18/12/2020
Hands-on review · picture, sound, fan noise and input lag
Verdict
BenQ TK850 is clear, bright and vivid, a great home theatre addition, though it's an expensive buy.
9.5
Bench House
≈ estimated
15/10/2020
Hands-on review · picture, sound and gaming tests
Verdict
BenQ TK850 is the best projector the reviewers have tested and earned a highly recommended award for picture and sound.
9.0
all things tech
≈ estimated
02/07/2020
Hands-on review · multi-use room, movies, gaming and sport
Verdict
BenQ TK850 is an excellent all-round projector for multi-use living rooms, though not a dedicated dark cinema.
8.0
AVForums
≈ estimated
20/05/2020
Hands-on review · picture, HDR and motion tests
Verdict
BenQ TK850 is a strong multi-use projector for everyday rooms, sports and gaming, though not for critical movie viewing.
9.0
Tech Savvy Buyer
≈ estimated
24/02/2020
Hands-on review · noise, image and sound tests
Verdict
BenQ TK850 is solid value for the money and best suited to sports and TV in bright living rooms.
9.0
JoelsterG4K
≈ estimated
05/02/2020
Hands-on review · image, gaming and 3D tests
Verdict
BenQ TK850 is recommended for sports fans and bright rooms, with a short SDR-to-HDR switching delay as its main drawback.
9.0
Joe N Tell
≈ estimated
09/09/2020
Comparison with HT3550 · brightness, HDR and daylight use
Verdict
BenQ TK850 is brighter, with a more convincing HDR effect, making it the better pick for rooms with some ambient light.
Overview video
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Overview video
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Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

techradar.com
12/03/2020
Hands-on test · Bright living room projector
Verdict
The BenQ TK850 is a bright 4K projector for living rooms, with strong HDR and sports modes, but it has no built-in streaming apps.
howtogeek.com
05/04/2020
Hands-on test · Sports projector
Verdict
The BenQ TK850 is a bright, sports-friendly 4K projector, but it needs devices switched on in a set order or the picture may not appear.
avforums.com
20/05/2020
Lab test · Calibration and measurements
Verdict
The BenQ TK850 calibrates to a very accurate picture, but its out-of-the-box colors look yellow and 4000-nit HDR content can look blotchy.
homecinemachoice.com
05/10/2020
Expert review · Sport-focused projector
Verdict
The BenQ TK850 is a bright, colorful projector that suits sport and lights-on viewing, though its blacks are limited.
F
fullsync.co.uk
30/06/2021
Summary of the review
T
techaeris.com
21/05/2020
Summary of the review
stereonet.com
04/06/2020
Calibrated test · Home entertainment projector
Verdict
The BenQ TK850 suits rooms with modest light, has bright Sports and Bright modes, though fan noise is noticeable up close.
digitalcameraworld.com
04/02/2022
Expert review · Everyday all-rounder
Verdict
The BenQ TK850 is a strong all-round projector for movies, games and sport, with rich color and contrast, but it lacks built-in streaming apps.
tech.hindustantimes.com
30/09/2020
Hands-on review · Home theater setup
Verdict
The BenQ TK850 is a bright, easy-to-use projector that turns a bare wall into a 100-inch screen, but it has no smart features and weak audio.
9to5toys.com
18/12/2020
Video review · Home theater
Verdict
The BenQ TK850 is a bright, vivid projector that is easy to adjust, but fan noise and input lag hold back gaming.
wccftech.com
14/09/2020
Hands-on test · Living room projector
Verdict
The BenQ TK850 is a bright, true 4K living-room projector that suits lit rooms with an ALR screen, though blacks and color depth stay modest.
hifitest.de
21/04/2020
Lab test · Living-room projector
Verdict
The BenQ TK850 is a bright living-room projector with vivid HDR, but Sport mode colors are off, so Cinema mode is the better choice.
B
beisammen.de
21/09/2020
Summary of the review
rehders.de
21/09/2020
Long-term test · Living-room projector
Verdict
The BenQ TK850 is a bright living-room projector with plenty of afternoon brightness and sharp Full HD films, but its blacks look gray in dark scenes.
connect-living.de
29/04/2020
Hands-on test · UHD living-room projector
Verdict
The BenQ TK850 is a bright UHD projector that gives strong HDR and smooth motion in a lit living room, though its color range is limited.
lite-magazin.de
19/07/2020
Product test · Sport and HDR
Verdict
The BenQ TK850 is a compact projector for football and Formula 1 on a big living-room screen, with bright HDR but grayish blacks.
av-magazin.de
23/09/2020
Picture test · Measurements
Verdict
The BenQ TK850 is bright enough for sunny afternoons and looks natural in Cinema mode, though its night-time blacks stay gray.
on-mag.fr
10/10/2020
Hands-on test · Living-room projector
Verdict
The BenQ TK850 gives sharp, smooth pictures that stay usable in daylight, but fan noise and a red-leaning default color hold it back.
mondoprojos.fr
08/06/2020
Hands-on test · Home cinema projector
Verdict
The BenQ TK850 has good contrast and color out of the box, but split-screen, HDR and noise problems mean it cannot yet be recommended.
univers-lampe.fr
29/12/2024
Hands-on test · Living-room cinema
Verdict
The BenQ TK850 is a bright, sharp projector that suits daytime sport and evening films, but its lens adjustments are limited.

Third-party reviews

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

What customers like about BenQ TK850

  • High brightness (3,000 lumens) makes it effective for rooms with ambient light.
  • Excellent sharpness and detail due to its high-quality 4K lens and pixel-shifting technology.
  • Dedicated 'Sports Mode' provides vibrant colors and smooth motion handling.
  • A dynamic iris feature significantly improves contrast and shadow detail over previous models.
  • Great for 3D content, as the high brightness offsets the dimming caused by 3D glasses.
  • Includes helpful setup features like vertical lens shift and a backlit remote.

What customers don't like about BenQ TK850

  • Limited black level performance; dark scenes can appear dark grey rather than true black.
  • High input lag (over 70ms in some tests), which may be noticeable for competitive gamers.
  • Audible fan noise, particularly when operating in the high-brightness HDR mode.
  • Lack of built-in smart apps or streaming platforms, requiring external devices like a Fire Stick or Roku.
  • Potential for the 'rainbow effect' (RBE) due to the 4-segment DLP color wheel, which affects sensitive viewers.
  • Occasional reports of software bugs, such as video source synchronisation issues or posterisation with certain HDR content.

Verdict

The BenQ TK850 is a high-brightness DLP projector designed for living room environments, offering true 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160) with 8.3 million pixels. It features 3,000 ANSI lumens of brightness, a 30,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio with a dynamic iris, and 98% Rec.709 color gamut coverage. Key pros include its exceptional performance in well-lit rooms, dedicated Sports and HDR-PRO modes for enhanced contrast, and flexible installation tools like 1.3x zoom and 10% vertical lens shift. However, notable cons include limited black level depth compared to dedicated theater models, relatively high input lag for competitive gaming (approximately 83ms), and potential 'rainbow effect' artifacts inherent to its 4-segment RGBW color wheel.

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