BenQ TH671ST Gaming Projector Review: Strong Buy Verdict
A Best Buy customer captured the sentiment well: “For gamers this projector is fantastic! I’ve only played Horizon Zero Dawn but there is zero lag, just awesome response from the controller throughout playing time.” Across multiple platforms, the BenQ TH671ST Short Throw Gaming Projector earns an 8.8/10 for striking a balance between bright, accurate visuals and low-latency performance, though audio limitations and lack of wireless support temper its versatility.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — excellent for gamers and small-room home theater users willing to invest in external audio.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low input lag (~16.7ms) ideal for gaming | Built-in 5W speaker underwhelming in larger spaces |
| Bright 3000 lumens works in ambient light | Lacks wireless connectivity and 4K support |
| Short throw projects 100” from ~5 ft | Slight “rainbow effect” for some viewers |
| Accurate colors (92% Rec.709) | Image can wash out in very bright daylight |
| Easy setup and portability at 5.9 lbs | Limited zoom and no lens shift |
| 3-year warranty with responsive support | Contrast could be better in shadow detail |
Claims vs Reality
BenQ markets the TH671ST as delivering “unparalleled picture quality” with vibrant colors and brightness suited for ambient light. On paper, 3000 lumens and 92% Rec.709 color accuracy back that up. A Reddit user noted: “Sharp, contrast, great colours and it is super bright.” Yet some Best Buy buyers highlighted a mismatch when pushing into extreme daylight conditions, saying that while daytime viewing with blinds closed was fine, direct sunlight made blacks less convincing.
Gaming-focused branding touts “ultra-fast low input lag” for smooth action. This claim largely holds; Trustpilot and Reddit consistently feature praise from console gamers. One golfer using it with GSPro simulation software remarked: “The short throw projection allows me to stand in front of the projector without casting a shadow… friends and family… their first word is ‘wow!’” But a sliver of competitive players found the lag perceptible in reflex-heavy titles, suggesting the latency ceiling might not satisfy eSports purists.
Audio promises from BenQ mention an upgraded 5W speaker and “exclusive EQ algorithms.” While small-room users acknowledge its sufficiency — “more than sufficient for a golf simulator,” says one case study owner — others found it “too quiet… you’ll want a big sound” for cinematic immersion, pushing them toward soundbars or external systems.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Brightness and short throw design shine in user narratives. Golf simulator builders could fill massive impact screens from compact spaces, while apartment dwellers projected onto walls without investing in dedicated screens. On Quora, users emphasised how even “clear and bright” visuals in daylight made it viable for sports streaming with lights on. This benefits casual viewing as well — movies like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 impressed Best Buy reviewers with “spectacular” blues and golds.
Gamers across Reddit, Trustpilot, and Best Buy stressed immediate controller response. The ~16ms input lag proved crucial for fast-paced action and racing titles. A Reddit user encapsulated the appeal: “Gaming… means not wanting anything else… great use of space and the empty wall I had.”
Ease of setup emerged repeatedly. Many avoided professional installation, even ceiling mounts, thanks to auto vertical keystone and intuitive controls. Portability boosted this further; at 5.9 lbs, moving between rooms or taking to friends’ movie nights became common practice.
Common Complaints
Audio limitations dominate complaints. Larger or acoustically live rooms exposed the 5W speaker’s lack of bass and volume. Best Buy’s euskadi71 described upgrading to a Yamaha soundbar as “much improved the cinematic experience.”
A few saw “rainbow effect” artefacts from the DLP technology, especially early on; sensitivities vary. Others pointed to limited zoom and no lens shift forcing careful positioning — a problem if wall space constraints exist.
Image washout under heavy ambient light divided buyers. While 3000 lumens handled moderate brightness well, very sunny rooms challenged contrast, as one Trustpilot review noted with shadow detail in darker scenes.
Divisive Features
3D support delighted some — a Best Buy user streamed Doctor Strange and Thor: Ragnarok in vivid mode, calling it “very impressive” — but others saw it as a niche, rarely used addition.
Portability drew mixed views; golfers or apartment users loved its light weight, yet frequent travel users still found 5.9 lbs bulky without built-in battery, limiting spontaneous outdoor use.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot feedback points to a generally consistent out-of-box experience, with few DOA units or early failures reported. The 3-year warranty bolstered confidence, and multiple buyers lauded BenQ’s US-based support as “responsive and helpful.” Regional limitations exist, however — some overseas customers found service terms unclear, especially around shipping costs for warranty claims.
Long-term users, including golf simulator operators running it for 18 months, reported sustained brightness and color fidelity. DLP’s sealed optics reduced dust concerns, meaning performance wasn’t degraded with time beyond natural lamp wear.
Alternatives
Several Best Buy customers considered the BenQ HT2150ST as an alternative, noting if TH671ST didn’t impress, they’d swap. One missed Black Friday refurbished deals on the HT2150ST but kept the TH671ST after finding “colors and details… amazing” even without controlled light.
While the TH671ST lacks 4K, for budget-conscious buyers prioritising low-lag gaming, alternatives with higher resolution often demand double the price. Those seeking true cinematic HDR may need to look upmarket, but apartment gamers and simulator builders find the TH671ST’s short throw, color fidelity, and price-point unmatched in its niche.
Price & Value
EBay listings show refurbished units dipping to ~$579, nearly half off the $799 MSRP, while new units fetch $900+. High resale retention emerges, particularly with certified refurb warranties.
For buyers, community advice urges factoring in audio upgrades into total cost. With a soundbar, the TH671ST becomes a mid-tier cinema-gaming hybrid at a still competitive price, especially given lamp life averages of 10,000+ hours.
FAQ
Q: Can the BenQ TH671ST work in daylight without blackout curtains?
A: Yes, multiple users project in daylight, especially with blinds partially closed, thanks to 3000 lumens. Direct sunlight can wash out contrast, so partial light control improves results.
Q: How effective is the short throw in small rooms?
A: Very — a 100” image from ~5 feet lets apartment or simulator setups run large displays without deep room depth. Reddit and Trustpilot users highlight avoiding shadow casting when standing close.
Q: Is it good for both gaming and movies?
A: Users enjoy both; low input lag keeps games responsive, while accurate colors and brightness make films, including 3D, visually engaging. Audio upgrades may be necessary for cinematic sound.
Q: Does the projector need a screen?
A: No — several reviewers project directly onto painted walls, with BenQ's wall color mode compensating for non-white surfaces.
Q: How portable is it?
A: At 5.9 lbs, it’s easy to move indoors. Without a battery, it requires AC power, limiting outdoor portability unless power is available.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a gamer, golf simulator owner, or small-room home theater enthusiast who values rapid setup, bright large-scale visuals, and low input lag. Avoid if you need wireless features, 4K resolution, or powerful built-in audio. Pro tip from community: Budget for a soundbar — “love the picture… and especially love the 3D movies… makes this a no brainer” with proper audio support.
