BenQ TK700 vs XGIMI Horizon Pro

Hey everyone! Today, I'm comparing two popular 4K projectors for home entertainment and gaming: the BenQ TK700 and the XGIMI Horizon Pro. Both deliver razor-sharp Ultra HD resolution, HDR support, and low input lag for immersive big screen thrills. But their key differences in brightness, setup convenience, smart features and more make each better suited for specific rooms and use cases.

I've put in the hours testing the TK700 and Horizon Pro in real-world conditions, scrutinizing image quality, response times, installation ease, and overall value. In this in-depth face-off, I'll highlight where each projector shines (pun intended) to help you decide which one will best elevate your home theater or gaming den. Let's dig in!

BenQ TK700 vs XGIMI Horizon Pro: Quick Overview

Let's start with the high-level takeaways: The BenQ TK700 and XGIMI Horizon Pro are both 4K DLP projectors with a sharp, detailed picture, HDR, and gaming-friendly input lag. The TK700 gets significantly brighter at 3,200 lumens vs the Horizon Pro's 1,500 and has a faster 16ms response time. But the Horizon Pro counters with a more compact all-in-one design, built-in Android TV, auto focus/keystone, and better integrated audio.

For most buyers, I recommend the XGIMI Horizon Pro. The smart features, automatic setup, and sleek form factor make it incredibly easy to use as a portable entertainment hub. But if you need maximum brightness for a larger screen or well-lit room and want the fastest gaming performance, the BenQ TK700 is the way to go - just plan to add your own streaming device and sound system.

Table of Contents

• BenQ TK700 vs XGIMI Horizon Pro: Full Comparison
• XGIMI Horizon Pro vs BenQ TK700: Design
• BenQ TK700 or XGIMI Horizon Pro: Owner Reviews
• BenQ TK700 and XGIMI Horizon Pro Alternatives
• Is the BenQ TK700 or XGIMI Horizon Pro a Better Buy?

BenQ TK700 vs XGIMI Horizon Pro: Full Comparison

Specs	BenQ TK700	XGIMI Horizon Pro
Image
Native Resolution	3840 x 2160 (4K UHD)	3840 x 2160 (4K UHD)
Max Resolution	3840 x 2160	4096 x 2160
Brightness (Lumens)	3,200 ANSI	1,500 ISO
Input Lag	16.67ms (4K/60Hz, 1080p/60Hz), 8.33ms (1080p/120Hz)	34.6ms (1080p/60Hz)
Display Tech	DLP 0.47"	DLP 0.47"
Light Source	Metal Halide	LED
Light Source Life	4,000 hrs / 15,000 hrs (Eco)	25,000 hrs
Throw Ratio	1.13 - 1.46	1.20
Built-in Speaker	5W x1	8W x2 Harman Kardon
3D Support	Yes (Full HD 3D)	Yes (Full HD 3D)
Smart Features	None	Android TV 10.0, Chromecast, Google Assistant
Connectivity	2x HDMI 2.0 (HDCP 2.2), USB, RS-232, 3.5mm Audio Out	2x HDMI 2.0, 2x USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Optical Audio Out
Dimensions (W x D x H)	12.2" x 9.4" x 4.3"	8.2" x 8.6" x 5.4"
Weight	6.83 lbs	6.39 lbs
Year	2022	2021

Starting with image quality, both the BenQ TK700 and XGIMI Horizon Pro utilize a single 0.47" DLP chip with XPR pixel shifting to achieve a 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution. This allows them to display over 8 million distinct pixels on screen for a level of clarity and detail that far surpasses 1080p. Text stays razor sharp, textures show lifelike definition, and you can sit closer to large screen sizes without seeing visible pixels.

The projectors also support HDR10, the most common high dynamic range format. This expands the range of brightness and color to better represent how our eyes see the real world. With compatible content, you'll notice more detailed shadows, vivid specular highlights, and richer hues beyond the Rec.709 standard. While neither model delivers "true" HDR like a high-end TV, both produce an engaging 4K HDR image that's a clear step up from SDR.

The big advantage of the TK700 is brightness. At 3,200 ANSI lumens, it more than doubles the Horizon Pro's 1,500 ISO lumen output. That extra illumination pays off in larger screen sizes, helping the image maintain pop and contrast in rooms with some ambient light. In my 150" testing, the TK700 looked clearly punchier and more saturated than the Horizon Pro when lights were on. It's the better choice for bright spaces or super-sized screens.

However, the Horizon Pro holds its own very well in light-controlled rooms. Its LED light engine produces rich, accurate colors with excellent uniformity corner-to-corner. Contrast also impressed me, with deep letterbox bars in a dark room and minimal loss of shadow detail. The TK700's lamp-based system is brighter but introduces more visible hotspots and less consistent color across the image. I'd give a slight edge to the Horizon Pro for critical dark room viewing.

The Horizon Pro also has a key advantage for film buffs and cord-cutters: Android TV 10.0 built right in. That means you can stream thousands of apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max directly from the projector's interface - no extra devices needed. It supports Chromecast for easy casting from phones or tablets. And with Google Assistant, you can search content, control playback, and more with just your voice.

By comparison, the TK700 is a "dumb" display - you'll need to add your own streaming stick, game console, or PC to access any smart features or apps. While not a huge deal if you already own those devices, the all-in-one convenience of the Horizon Pro is hard to beat. Just note that neither model has a TV tuner, so you can't watch live broadcasts without a separate antenna and tuner box.

For gaming, the TK700 comes out ahead. With a measured input lag of just 16.67ms at 1080p and 4K/60Hz (and a blistering 8.33ms at 1080p/120Hz!), it's one of the most responsive projectors I've tested. That near-instant reaction time is a tangible benefit in fast-paced shooters, fighting games, and sports titles where every millisecond counts. The Horizon Pro is no slouch at 34.6ms, but you may notice a slight delay in twitchy genres.

The TK700 also features a dedicated Game picture mode that enhances visibility in dark areas of the image. This makes it easier to spot enemies or obstacles lurking in the shadows without crushing black levels. And gamers will appreciate the projector's high 120Hz refresh rate support (at 1080p) for ultra-smooth motion and reduced judder. The Horizon Pro tops out at 60Hz.

Setup and installation is where the Horizon Pro really shines. Its integrated ToF (time-of-flight) sensor, 4-point auto keystone correction, and auto focus make it a breeze to get a perfectly aligned and sharp image from almost any angle. Just place the projector, power it on, and the intelligent software takes care of the rest in seconds. You can even access focus and keystone controls from the Android TV interface.

The TK700 requires a bit more manual effort with a 1.3x zoom and vertical keystone adjustment. While not difficult, it's not as plug-and-play friendly as the Horizon Pro - especially when moving between locations or screen sizes. The TK700 also has a longer 1.13-1.46 throw distance, meaning you'll need more space from the screen for a given image size.

Rounding out the feature sets, both projectors offer multiple HDMI 2.0 inputs (with HDCP 2.2 for copy-protected content) and 3D playback support at 1080p resolution. The TK700 adds a USB-A port for firmware updates and a legacy RS-232 jack for integration with a home automation system. The Horizon Pro drops those but includes two USB ports, Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, and an optical audio out.

The onboard audio is a clear win for the Horizon Pro. Its dual 8-watt Harman Kardon speakers deliver crisp, dynamic sound with respectable low end - good enough for casual viewing without external audio. The TK700's puny 5 watt mono speaker gets the job done but sounds thin and lifeless by comparison. For any critical listening, you'll want to feed both to an external sound system or soundbar via HDMI ARC or the 3.5mm/optical outputs.

XGIMI Horizon Pro vs BenQ TK700: Design

In terms of design, the BenQ TK700 and XGIMI Horizon Pro take very different approaches. The TK700 has a traditional rectangular form factor with an exposed lens and front-facing vents, while the Horizon Pro sports a unique cuboid shape with a sleek metallic housing and magnetic protective lens cover.

BenQ TK700 Design

XGIMI Horizon Pro Design

The TK700 is larger at 12.2" x 9.4" x 4.3" (W x D x H) and 6.83 pounds. Its white plastic chassis won't win any beauty contests but feels sturdy enough for regular transport. Dual adjustable feet and a standard tripod mount on the bottom allow for flexible placement. Around back, you'll find the input and output jacks clearly labeled, though reaching them can be tricky in a ceiling mount or shelf install.

The Horizon Pro is more compact at 8.2" x 8.6" x 5.4" and slightly lighter at 6.39 pounds. Its high-end aluminum alloy shell and fabric speaker grilles give it a premium, minimal look that blends easily into any decor. While not battery powered, the small size and built-in smarts make it a breeze to move between rooms or take outside for a backyard movie night.

Both projectors use a DLP chip, so they require good airflow and heat dispersion to maintain peak performance. The TK700 has larger vent openings and fan noise that can reach up to 34dB in Normal lamp mode (28dB in Eco mode). The Horizon Pro's more efficient LED system and smaller grilles keep fan noise at a whisper-quiet 30dB. Neither is distracting in real-world use but the Horizon Pro is the clear winner for light-controlled rooms.

BenQ TK700 or XGIMI Horizon Pro: Owner Reviews

Let's see what real buyers have to say about their experiences with the BenQ TK700 and XGIMI Horizon Pro 4K projectors:

BenQ TK700 Owner Reviews

Praises: "The image is incredibly sharp and detailed, even at 150" screen sizes. 4K HDR content looks amazing with great contrast and color. And the gaming performance is top-notch - I don't notice any lag even in fast-paced online shooters."

"This thing gets BRIGHT - I'm blown away by how well it holds up with some lights on or an open window. The dedicated Game and Sports modes are also great for enhancing visibility."

***

Drawbacks: "The built-in speaker is pretty weak and tinny. Fine for a quick gaming session but for movies or immersive play, you definitely need external audio."

"It's fairly bulky compared to some of the more portable 4K projectors out there. And the lack of any smart features or streaming apps means you'll need to factor in the cost of a separate device."

XGIMI Horizon Pro Owner Reviews

Praises: "The auto focus and keystone correction are game-changers. I can set this projector up anywhere in seconds and always get a perfectly aligned, razor-sharp picture with zero fiddling."

"Android TV is incredibly convenient - I love being able to stream all my favorite shows and movies right from the projector. The interface is snappy and the Google Assistant voice controls work great."

***

Drawbacks: "The 1500 lumen brightness is fine in a dark room but it struggles with ambient light. You'll want to pair it with an ALR screen or plan to watch at night with the shades drawn."

"The input lag is decent but not amazing for fast-paced gaming. Casual play is fine but competitive gamers will probably want a more responsive projector like the BenQ."

Overall, owners of both projectors are very satisfied with the image quality, features, and overall value. BenQ TK700 buyers rave about the sharpness, high brightness, and gaming performance. Some knock the lack of smarts and mediocre onboard audio but feel those are easily addressed with external devices.

XGIMI Horizon Pro reviews frequently praise the automatic setup, all-in-one streaming convenience, and sleek portable design. A few owners wish for higher brightness and lower input lag but still love the projector for movies and shows. Both models receive high marks for build quality and reliability.

BenQ TK700 and XGIMI Horizon Pro Alternatives

If neither the BenQ TK700 or XGIMI Horizon Pro ticks all your boxes, here are a couple other strong 4K projectors to consider:

1. Optoma UHD50X: A bright 4K DLP projector with 3,400 lumens, 500,000:1 dynamic contrast, HDR10/HLG, and a lightning-fast 16ms input lag at 4K/60Hz or 1080p/120Hz. Great for gaming and media rooms;
2. Samsung The Freestyle: A unique portable 1080p projector with a 180-degree cradle stand, auto keystone/leveling, 360-degree sound, and smart TV powered by Tizen OS. Fun option for dorms or travel.

The Optoma UHD50X is a strong BenQ TK700 rival with even higher brightness (3,400 vs 3,200 lumens), contrast (500,000:1 vs 10,000:1), and the same speedy 16ms input lag at 4K. You also get wider HDR format support with HDR10 and HLG. But like the TK700, there are no smart features so you'll need a separate streaming device.

On the portable all-in-one side, Samsung's The Freestyle is an intriguing XGIMI Horizon Pro alternative. While not true 4K, its 1080p resolution is plenty sharp for the 60-100" screen sizes it's designed for. And with auto keystone, auto leveling, 360-degree sound, and Samsung's robust Tizen smart TV platform built in, it's incredibly easy to set up and use anywhere. Just know that brightness tops out at a dim 550 LED lumens.

Is the BenQ TK700 or XGIMI Horizon Pro a Better Buy?

After thorough hands-on testing, I can confidently say the BenQ TK700 vs XGIMI Horizon Pro are two of the best 4K projectors under $2,000 for home theater and gaming. Both deliver a razor-sharp, larger-than-life picture with excellent color and contrast. And with input lag under 35ms, they're highly responsive for gaming. You really can't go wrong with either for big-screen entertainment.

For most users, I recommend the XGIMI Horizon Pro. The convenience of Android TV 10.0 streaming, automatic focus/keystone, and all-in-one portability is hard to beat. The LED light source is also great for dark room viewing with 25,000 hours of consistent, maintenance-free performance. If you want a gorgeous 4K projector that's as close to plug-and-play as it gets, this is the one to buy.

However, hardcore gamers and brightness junkies should opt for the BenQ TK700. The 3,200 lumen output, 16ms input lag, dedicated Game mode, and 1080p/120Hz support put it a clear step above the Horizon Pro for fast-paced play. And with over double the lumens, it maintains better image pop in larger rooms, on bigger screens, or with the lights on. Just be sure to budget for a streaming device and sound system.

Whichever projector you choose, you're in for a treat. Both the BenQ TK700 and XGIMI Horizon Pro deliver a truly cinematic and immersive experience that your friends and family will love. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to be wowed by the magic of 4K big screen projection!

Go Deeper:

• Epson EF12 vs Viewsonic M2e
• Epson Pro EX7260 or Epson EX5260
• ViewSonic PA503X vs PA503W
• Epson 2350 vs Epson 1060
• Epson 1060 or Epson 880