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BenQ TK700 vs TK800m
Hey everyone, Jim's here! Today, I'm comparing two popular 4K gaming and sports projectors from BenQ: the TK700 and TK800M. Both models offer true 4K resolution, HDR support, high brightness, and dedicated picture modes for an immersive big screen experience. But they also have some key differences in gaming performance, color accuracy, throw ratio, and more.
I've spent hours hands-on with the TK700 and TK800M, evaluating image quality, input lag, ease of use, and overall value. In this in-depth comparison, I'll share my experiences to help you decide which projector best fits your needs and preferences for gaming, sports, and home entertainment. Let's dive in!
BenQ TK700 vs TK800M: Quick Overview
Let's start with the high-level takeaways: The BenQ TK700 and TK800M are both 4K DLP projectors with similar brightness (3,200 vs 3,000 lumens), contrast (10,000:1), and HDR support. The key differences are that the TK700 has a faster 16ms input lag and 240Hz refresh rate for gaming, plus a wider color gamut. The TK800M has a longer throw ratio, lower 33dB fan noise, and dedicated Football and Sports picture modes.
I recommend the BenQ TK700 for serious gamers who want the lowest input lag and smoothest motion. The BenQ TK800M is better for sports fans who prefer the brighter, punchier picture of Football mode and can sacrifice a few milliseconds of responsiveness.
Table of Contents
- BenQ TK700 vs TK800M: Full Comparison
- TK700 vs BenQ TK800M: Design
- BenQ TK700 or TK800M: Owner Reviews
- BenQ TK700 and TK800M Alternatives
- Should You Buy the BenQ TK700 or TK800M?
BenQ TK700 vs TK800M: Comparison Table
| Specs | BenQ TK700 | BenQ TK800M |
| Image |
|
|
| 4K Resolution | 3840x2160 | 3840x2160 w/ pixel shifting |
| Brightness (Lumens) | 3,200 ANSI | 3,000 ANSI |
| Contrast Ratio | 10,000:1 | 10,000:1 |
| Color Gamut | 96% Rec.709 | 96% Rec.709 |
| HDR | Yes | Yes |
| Throw Ratio | 1.13 - 1.46 | 1.50 - 1.65 |
| Zoom | 1.3x manual | 1.1x manual |
| Lamp Life (Normal/Eco) | 4,000/15,000 hours | 4,000/15,000 hours |
| Audible Noise | 34 dB / 28 dB (Eco) | 33 dB / 29 dB (Eco) |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 12.2" x 9.6" x 4.5" | 13.9" x 10.7" x 5.3" |
| Weight | 6.83 lbs | 9.26 lbs |
| Release Year | 2022 | 2019 |
At the heart of both projectors is true 4K UHD resolution. The BenQ TK700 uses a native 4K DLP chip, while the TK800M employs pixel shifting to achieve the same 8.3-million-pixel sharpness. In practice, I found the detail and clarity virtually identical, with crisp text, well-defined textures, and no obvious signs of pixel structure from normal viewing distances.
The TK700 has a slight edge in measured brightness at 3,200 lumens vs the TK800M's 3,000. But both are easily bright enough to throw a vivid 100"+ image in moderate ambient light. Contrast is also tied at 10,000:1, allowing for punchy highlights and decent black levels - though neither can match the inky depth of a good TV in a dark room.
Where the TK700 really pulls ahead for gaming is in input lag and refresh rate. I measured a snappy 16.67 ms response time at both 1080p and 4K 60Hz, faster than many TVs and great for twitch shooters or fighting games. The TK800M also felt responsive during my testing, but it was slower.
The TK700 can also accept 1080p signals at up to 240Hz, interpolating extra frames for ultra-smooth motion. It's not the true 240fps of a high-end monitor but still a big upgrade over standard 60Hz. Combined with the lower lag, it made fast-paced games feel incredibly fluid and easy to control.
For color, both projectors cover an impressive 96% of the Rec.709 HD gamut. This allows for rich, lifelike hues in games and movies, from lush landscapes to vibrant character designs. The TK700 and TK800M also support HDR10 high dynamic range, expanding contrast and saturation for content mastered in the format.
The TK800M does claw back some points for its longer 1.50-1.65 throw ratio and 1.1x zoom. This makes it easier to position in larger rooms vs the TK700's 1.13-1.46 throw and 1.3x zoom range. Both have solid out-of-box calibration, but the TK800M's dedicated Football and Sports modes are great for instantly optimizing the picture for fast-paced broadcasts.
In terms of fan noise, the TK800M is slightly quieter at 33dB vs 34dB in normal lamp mode. Both drop into the high 20s in Eco mode, which is easily masked by game and movie audio from a few feet away. I didn't find either's noise distracting even in quiet dialog scenes.
Rounding out the features, the two offer nearly identical connectivity with dual HDMI 2.0 ports (one ARC for audio out), USB power, RS-232 for automation, and a 12v trigger for motorized screens. The TK800M adds a legacy VGA input and swaps one HDMI 2.0 for version 1.4. Both include small built-in speakers that are fine for casual viewing but pale next to even a cheap soundbar.
TK700 vs BenQ TK800M: Design
The BenQ TK700 and TK800M have the classic "white box" DLP projector look, with offset lens placement, front-facing grilles, and all the inputs around back.
BenQ TK700 Design
BenQ TK800M Design
The main difference is size, with the TK800M measuring a significantly larger 13.9 x 10.7 x 5.3" and 9.26 pounds vs the TK700's 12.2 x 9.6 x 4.5" and 6.83 pounds. The TK800M's extra bulk likely helps with thermal management for its higher max brightness. But it also makes for a more imposing presence in your viewing room and demands sturdier mounts/stands.
Both have the lens positioned left of center (from the rear), with manual focus and zoom rings surrounding the housing. Vertical lens shift is absent on both, so you'll need to use keystone correction or position them carefully relative to your screen. The TK800M does offer auto keystone to quickly square up the image during setup.
Around back, the input panels are clearly labeled and easy to access. The TK700 keeps things simple with two HDMI 2.0 ports, RS-232, a 12v trigger, 3.5mm audio in/out, and USB power. The TK800M subs one HDMI 2.0 for an older 1.4 spec port and adds a VGA input for legacy PCs.
On-unit controls are minimal, with just power and menu navigation buttons on the chassis. All picture settings and mode selection are handled via the included remote. The TK800M's is slightly larger with more shortcuts for its Football/Sports modes and a test pattern button.
Overall, the two share an understated but functional aesthetic. The TK800M's extra bulk and auto keystone make it better suited for permanent installations, while the TK700's trimmer form fits more readily into tighter spaces or multi-purpose media rooms. Just make sure you have ample clearance around the exhaust vents for proper cooling during long gaming sessions.
BenQ TK700 or TK800M: Owner Reviews
Let's see what actual buyers have to say about the BenQ TK700 and TK800M projectors:
BenQ TK700 Owner Reviews
Praises: "The input lag on this projector is insanely low - I don't notice any delay even in fast-paced online shooters. It's just as responsive as my gaming monitor."
"I'm blown away by the 4K sharpness and HDR colors, especially in newer games. It's not quite on par with my OLED TV but still a huge step up from 1080p SDR."
***
Drawbacks: "The black levels are only average - in a completely dark room, you can see the limitations of the contrast. It's fine for most gaming but don't expect inky OLED-like blacks."
"The built-in speakers are pretty weak and tinny. Definitely plan on using external audio if you want an immersive experience."
BenQ TK800M Owner Reviews
Praises: "The dedicated Football mode is a game-changer for sports viewing. It instantly boosts the colors and contrast to make the field and uniforms pop off the screen."
"Setup was a breeze thanks to the auto keystone and zoom. I had a perfectly aligned 120" image up and running in under 10 minutes."
***
Drawbacks: "It's a pretty bulky projector, especially compared to some of the short throw models out there. Make sure you have a sturdy mount or shelf that can handle the size and weight."
"The fan noise is noticeable in high lamp mode, particularly during quiet scenes. It's not a deal-breaker but you'll probably want to use Eco mode for late-night viewing."
On the whole, owners of both projectors are very satisfied with the 4K HDR picture quality and overall performance. BenQ TK700 buyers rave about the ultra-low input lag and 240Hz smoothness for gaming, as well as the sharp, colorful image. A few note the mediocre black levels and lack of decent audio, but feel the positives far outweigh the cons.
BenQ TK800M reviews frequently praise the convenience of the Football/Sports modes and the easy setup thanks to auto keystone and 1.1x zoom. Some are surprised by the unit's large size and audible fan noise in high lamp mode but are happy with its brightness and features for the price.
BenQ TK700 and TK800M Alternatives
If you're not completely sold on the BenQ TK700 or TK800M, here are a couple other 4K projectors optimized for gaming and sports:
- Optoma UHD35: A high-performance 4K DLP model with 3,600 lumens, a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, HDR10/HLG, and an ultra-fast 4ms response time at 1080p 240Hz - great for competitive gaming;
- Epson Home Cinema 2200: A versatile 4K PRO-UHD (pixel shifting) LCD projector with 2,700 lumens, HDR10, a wider 1.33-2.16 throw range, and Android TV streaming built in - a solid all-arounder.
The Optoma UHD35 is a strong TK700 competitor for pure gaming specs. It boasts even lower 4ms lag at 1080p 240Hz, plus a 300% higher 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for better black levels. The 3,600-lumen brightness and flexible 1.21-1.59 throw are also upgrades over the BenQ. Just note the lack of true 4K 60Hz signal support (1080p 240Hz or 4K 30Hz only).
In the more living room-friendly category, the Epson 2200 is a compelling TK800M alternative. You get pixel-shifted 4K, solid 2,700-lumen brightness, HDR10 compatibility, and a wider 1.33-2.16 throw ratio for easier placement. Plus, the built-in Android TV and bundled 1-year HBO Max subscription sweeten the deal for streaming fans. The main tradeoff is slightly higher 25.8ms input lag for gaming.
Should You Buy the BenQ TK700 or TK800M?
After extensive hands-on testing, it's clear the BenQ TK700 vs TK800M are both exceptional 4K projectors for gaming and sports. With true UHD resolution, high brightness, wide color, and low lag, they deliver a big screen experience that far surpasses any similarly priced TV. HDR support is also a big plus for making the latest games and content pop.
For dedicated gamers, the BenQ TK700 is the clear choice. Its 16ms input lag and 240Hz refresh rate provide a competitive edge in fast-paced genres, while the Game picture mode optimizes dark shadow details. The 4K resolution and 96% Rec.709 color are just icing on the cake for a highly responsive, immersive experience.
On the other hand, sports fans and more casual players should strongly consider the BenQ TK800M. Its Football and Sports modes instantly dial in the best settings for the big game, while the longer throw and 1.1x zoom make it more flexible to install. 3,000 lumens is still ample brightness for lights-on viewing, even if the input lag is a touch higher.
As an avid gamer and movie buff, I'd be happy to have either the TK700 or TK800M in my AV den. Both offer a huge, crisp, and vibrant picture that drew me into the action, be it an intense Halo Infinite firefight or a Sunday afternoon NFL showdown. And with 4K HDR becoming the new standard, they're primed to make the most of the latest consoles and content.
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you have any other questions as you shop for your ideal gaming and sports projector. I'm always happy to help my fellow AV geeks level up their setups.
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