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BenQ TK860i vs XGIMI Horizon Ultra
Hey everyone, it's Jim from Gagadget. Today, I'm comparing two feature-packed 4K projectors: the BenQ TK860i and the XGIMI Horizon Ultra. Both offer stunning Ultra HD resolution, built-in streaming smarts, and voice control for the ultimate big screen experience. But they also have some key differences in brightness, audio, installation options, and more.
I've spent hours testing the TK860i and Horizon Ultra, evaluating picture quality, ease of use, gaming performance, and overall value. In this in-depth comparison, I'll share my experiences to help you decide which projector will best elevate your home entertainment. Let's get started!
BenQ TK860i vs XGIMI Horizon Ultra: Quick Overview
I respect your time and aim to provide only the essential information, skipping the fluff.
If you're in a hurry, here's my quick take: The BenQ TK860i is the clear choice for maximum brightness and contrast, with 3,300 ANSI lumens and a 50,000:1 ratio. The XGIMI Horizon Ultra prioritizes all-in-one convenience with a shorter throw, wider zoom range, more powerful speakers, and more smart features like auto focus.
I recommend the BenQ TK860i for dedicated home theaters and living rooms where brightness and contrast are the top priorities. But if you want a flexible, feature-rich projector for more casual viewing, the XGIMI Horizon Ultra is the better buy.
Table of Contents
- BenQ TK860i vs XGIMI Horizon Ultra: Full Comparison
- XGIMI Horizon Ultra vs BenQ TK860i: Design
- TK860i or Horizon Ultra: Owner Reviews
- BenQ TK860i and XGIMI Horizon Ultra Alternatives
- Should You Buy the BenQ TK860i or XGIMI Horizon Ultra?
BenQ TK860i vs XGIMI Horizon Ultra: Comparison
| Specs | BenQ TK860i | XGIMI Horizon Ultra |
| Image |
|
|
| Native Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K) | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Brightness | 3,300 ANSI lumens | 2,300 ISO lumens |
| Display Tech | DLP x 1 | 1 cm DLP x 1 |
| Light Source | Metal Halide lamp | Laser/LED Hybrid |
| Light Source Life | 4,000 hrs / 15,000 hrs (Eco) | 25,000 hrs |
| Input Lag (4K/60Hz) | 17.9 ms | 18 ms |
| Zoom | 1.3x manual | 1.25x powered |
| Throw Ratio | 1.13 - 1.47 | 1.20 - 1.50 |
| Lens Shift | Vertical +10% | No |
| Speakers | 5W x 2 | 12W x 2 (Harman Kardon) |
| Noise Level | 30 dB / 28 dB (Eco) | 28 dB |
| Dimensions | 14.9" x 10.2" x 5.1" | 10.2" x 8.6" x 6.7" |
| Weight | 9.3 lbs | 11.5 lbs |
| Release Date | May 2023 | August 2023 |
Starting with image quality, both the BenQ TK860i and XGIMI Horizon Ultra deliver stunning 4K resolution from a single 0.47" DLP chip. Fine details like hair, fabric textures, and skin pores are beautifully resolved, especially on large 100"+ screens. I couldn't discern any pixel structure from my 8-10 ft viewing distance. BenQ has the edge in processing though, with 10-bit color vs XGIMI's unspecified depth.
The TK860i also gets considerably brighter at 3,300 ANSI lumens vs the Horizon Ultra's 2,300 ISO lumens. In my moderately lit living room, the BenQ consistently produced a more vivid, contrasty image on my 120" ALR screen. The Horizon Ultra still looked great, but required drawing the curtains for maximum pop.
The Horizon Ultra claws back some points for installation flexibility though. Its shorter 1.2:1 throw and wider 1.25x zoom lens make it easier to position in small to mid-sized rooms. At 15 ft from a 120" screen, the TK860i needed to be ceiling mounted for optimal geometry. The Horizon Ultra fit neatly on a media console.
Both projectors offer powered focus but only the TK860i has lens shift - a modest 10% vertical that still helps fine tune the image without digital distortion. The Horizon Ultra relies entirely on keystone correction, which is best avoided for maximum sharpness. That said, XGIMI's 8-point correction is more advanced than BenQ's 4-point system. I found it easier to dial in on my imperfect basement wall.
For gaming, the projectors are evenly matched with right around 18ms of 4K/60Hz input lag. That's quick enough for all but the most hardcore competitive players. Just note that neither supports 4K/120Hz or variable refresh rates, so PS5 and Xbox Series X users will need to lock the output to 60Hz. I spent a few hours playing Elden Ring on both and was very satisfied with the big screen experience.
Audio is a key differentiator, with the Horizon Ultra sporting dual 12W Harman Kardon speakers vs the TK860i's dual 5W drivers. XGIMI's chamber speakers produced clearer dialogue, smoother mids, and more impactful bass in my tests. They're still no substitute for a proper surround setup, but fine for casual viewing. BenQ's are smaller and sound more strained at higher volumes.
The Horizon Ultra also offers more lifestyle perks like auto focus, auto keystone, built-in Chromecast, and WiFi for downloading streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube right to the projector. The TK860i has streaming apps too but requires a separate Android TV dongle or game console. Both respond to Google Assistant voice commands via the Bluetooth remotes.
One area where BenQ pulls ahead is lamp life, with up to 15,000 hours quoted in SmartEco mode vs 25,000 hours for XGIMI's fixed laser/LED light source. That's still 4+ years at 4 hours per day, but BenQ owners will need to factor in the eventual cost of a new lamp. The TK860i also offers a bit more install flexibility with its 12v trigger and optical audio ports.
Aesthetically, I prefer the Horizon Ultra's sleeker, more rounded design and felt carrying handle. The TK860i looks boxy and bland by comparison. But both are well-made and run quietly, never topping 30dB in my measurements. Just give them ample clearance as these 4K models can throw some serious heat after a 2-hour movie.
Ultimately, both projectors represent the cutting-edge of 4K DLP technology. The BenQ TK860i is the clear winner for dedicated light-controlled theaters where maximum brightness and contrast take precedence. But the XGIMI Horizon Ultra's shorter throw, smarter features, and superior audio make it the better choice for more casual mixed-use spaces. Let's dive deeper into each use case.
XGIMI Horizon Ultra vs BenQ TK860i: Design
Both the BenQ TK860i and XGIMI Horizon Ultra sport the classic rectangular projector design, but with some key differences in dimensions, materials, and styling. I find the Horizon Ultra to be the more premium and living room-friendly of the two.
BenQ TK860i Design
XGIMI Horizon Ultra Design
The TK860i has a fairly plain matte white plastic housing with large front and rear vents for cooling the lamp. Size-wise, it's on the larger side at 14.9" W x 10.2" D x 5.1" H and weighs a substantial 9.3 lbs. That's still reasonable for ceiling mounting but you'll definitely want a sturdy shelf if table-top positioning.
In contrast, the Horizon Ultra opts for a more sculpted design with rounded edges, a felt carrying handle, and a perforated aluminum speaker grille. The matte gray housing and gold trim accents also give it a higher-end look suitable for modern decor. It's more compact at 10.2" W x 8.6" D x 6.7" H but a bit heavier at 11.5 lbs.
Both have manual zoom/focus rings flanking the offset lens, but only the TK860i offers a vertical lens shift dial for fine tuning the image position without keystone. The Horizon Ultra relies on motorized focus and digital keystone correction only. I prefer having the shift option for maximum optical clarity.
The back panels are similar, with dual HDMI 2.1 ports (one ARC/eARC), optical and analog audio outputs, and powered USB ports for streaming sticks and other accessories. The TK860i adds a third HDMI 2.0 port, a 12v trigger for motorized screens, and an RS-232 port for automation systems - helpful for more complex installs.
The Horizon Ultra loses those legacy connectors but gains an ethernet jack and built-in dual-band WiFi for connecting to home networks. That enables downloading streaming apps and Chromecast capabilities without any external devices. It's the more elegant all-in-one solution vs BenQ's bring-your-own-media-player approach.
From a design and usability perspective, the XGIMI Horizon Ultra gets my vote for its more stylish chassis, integrated smarts, and wider installation options. But the BenQ TK860i is no slouch with its comprehensive I/O and shift-assisted setup. It's really a matter of priorities - the Horizon Ultra is the slicker lifestyle product while the TK860i is the more no-nonsense theater machine.
TK860i or Horizon Ultra: Owner Reviews
Let's see what actual buyers have to say about their experiences with the BenQ TK860i and XGIMI Horizon Ultra 4K projectors:
BenQ TK860i Reviews
Praises: "The brightness and contrast on this projector are absolutely stunning. HDR content in particular looks phenomenal with inky blacks and vivid highlights. It's a true theater-quality image."
"Setup was a breeze thanks to the vertical lens shift and 1.3x zoom. I had a perfectly aligned 150" picture up on my wall in under 15 minutes. The Android TV dongle was also plug-and-play."
***
Drawbacks: "The built-in speakers are pretty weak and tinny. Fine for a quick YouTube video but for any serious viewing, plan to use external audio."
"I wish BenQ included the Android TV dongle in the box rather than selling it separately. For the price, it really should be an all-in-one package."
XGIMI Horizon Ultra Reviews
Praises: "I'm blown away by the smart features and audio quality on this projector. The auto focus and keystone make it so easy to set up anywhere, and the Harman Kardon speakers sound fantastic for built-ins."
"The short throw is a game-changer for my small apartment living room. I'm getting a huge 100"+ picture from just 6-7 feet away, with no long cables or ceiling mounts needed."
***
Drawbacks: "The fan noise is definitely noticeable in quiet scenes, even in the lower lamp mode. It's not a deal-breaker but it is there if you're sensitive to that sort of thing."
"I miss having lens shift for fine tuning the geometry. The 8-point keystone works well but I can tell it's not quite as pixel-perfect as a purely optical solution."
Overall, owners of both projectors are thrilled with the big screen 4K experience. BenQ TK860i buyers rave about the exceptional brightness and contrast, which many compare favorably to flatpanel TVs. The easy setup and Android TV integration also earn high marks, though a few wish the dongle was included at this price.
XGIMI Horizon Ultra reviewers are equally impressed with the sharp, vivid image and ultra-short throw for large pictures in small spaces. The smart features like auto focus and integrated streaming are also very popular. A few users note some fan noise in quiet scenes and miss having optical lens shift, but still feel the convenience and all-in-one design justify the premium.
Both models receive praise for their build quality and overall reliability. While no projector is perfect, the general consensus is that the BenQ TK860i and XGIMI Horizon Ultra deliver on their promises of stunning 4K visuals and user-friendly features. Just be prepared to invest in some external speakers or a soundbar for the full home theater effect.
BenQ TK860i and XGIMI Horizon Ultra Alternatives
If you're not quite sold on the BenQ TK860i or XGIMI Horizon Ultra, here are a couple of other 4K UST projectors worth considering:
- Samsung LSP9T Premiere: A tri-laser 4K model with 2,800 ANSI lumens, HDR10+ support, and a 0.19:1 ultra-short throw for 130" images from just a few inches away. An integrated 40W 4.2 channel audio system rounds out this premium all-in-one projector;
- Optoma CinemaX D2: Another tri-laser 4K contender with 3,000 lumens, a 1,800,000:1 contrast ratio, and a 0.25:1 throw for similar ultra-close placement. Includes a 40W soundbar and smart features like auto geometric correction.
The Samsung LSP9T is a strong alternative for those seeking the absolute shortest throw and most integrated experience. The 0.19:1 ratio allows for 130" images with the projector placed nearly flush against the wall or screen - ideal for console-style setups. It's also the only model here with true HDR tone mapping, making the most of 4K Blu-rays and streaming. Just be prepared for some laser speckle and a hefty price tag.
On the more affordable end, the Optoma CinemaX D2 splits the difference between the BenQ and XGIMI in brightness and throw while adding conveniences like auto geometry correction and an all-in-one soundbar. The 8-segment color wheel and dynamic contrast also promise exceptionally wide gamut coverage and deep blacks. Lamp life is on the shorter side at 20,000 hours, however.
Should You Buy the BenQ TK860i or XGIMI Horizon Ultra?
After extensive testing, it's clear the BenQ TK860i vs XGIMI Horizon Ultra represent two of the best values in 4K home theater projection today. While not perfect, both deliver incredibly sharp, bright, and colorful images that far exceed similarly-priced TVs in immersion and wow factor. And with integrated smart features and user-friendly designs, they're easier than ever to set up and enjoy without complex wiring or components.
For the most discerning theater enthusiasts and ambient-light-challenged rooms, I recommend the BenQ TK860i. Its class-leading 3,200 lumen brightness, 50,000:1 contrast ratio, and 10-bit color processing provide the most consistent pop and depth across content. The vertical lens shift and wider connectivity also make it the better choice for permanent installs with drop-down screens or light-controlled basements.
On the flip side, the XGIMI Horizon Ultra is my pick for mixed-use living rooms and spaces where aesthetics and lifestyle features are the priority. Its ultra-short throw, sleek chassis, and all-in-one streaming and audio capabilities are tailor-made for fast, flexible setup. Keystone-based geometry correction is a downgrade from lens shift but the eight-point system gets the job done for most screen shapes.
Ultimately, you can't go wrong with either projector for big screen gaming, sports, movies, and shows. The BenQ TK860i and XGIMI Horizon Ultra both punch well above their price in picture quality and features, with the former optimized for pure performance and the latter for convenience. If you can control your viewing environment, get the BenQ, but for more impromptu sessions, the XGIMI is the smarter buy.
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you have any other questions as you shop for your next 4K projector. I'm always happy to help you find the perfect fit for your space and needs.
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