Choosing between the BenQ TK700 and TK700STi comes down to your space and need for smart features. For most gamers seeking flexibility and value, I recommend the BenQ TK700STi. Its short-throw lens is perfect for smaller rooms, and the included Android TV dongle provides instant access to endless entertainment. It packs versatility that the standard TK700 can’t quite match, making it the superior choice for a modern gaming setup.
Why Do I Recommend The BenQ TK700STi?
When comparing the BenQ TK700 vs TK700STi, both projectors deliver an incredible 4K gaming experience. However, the TK700STi pulls ahead with several key advantages that make it a more versatile and user-friendly option, especially for those with space constraints or a desire for an all-in-one entertainment hub.
- Short-Throw Capability: The BenQ TK700STi is a short-throw projector, meaning it can create a massive 100-inch image from just 6.5 feet away. This is a game-changer for smaller rooms, apartments, or any setup where you can’t place the projector far from the screen. In contrast, the standard BenQ TK700 is a standard-throw projector, requiring 8.2 feet to project the same 100-inch image, making it better suited for larger, dedicated spaces.
- Included Android TV Dongle: A major differentiator is that the TK700STi comes bundled with a Google-certified Android TV dongle. This instantly transforms the projector into a smart entertainment system, giving you access to over 5,000 apps, movies, and shows from the Google Play Store, including Amazon Prime Video. The TK700, on the other hand, lacks this integrated smart functionality, requiring you to purchase a separate streaming device.
- Enhanced Entertainment Access: With the Android TV dongle, the TK700STi supports multi-platform casting via AirPlay and Chromecast. You can effortlessly stream content from your phone, tablet, or laptop to the big screen. Furthermore, it includes voice search and Google Assistant integration, allowing you to find content or control playback with simple voice commands. The TK700 does not offer these built-in conveniences.
- Superior Setup Flexibility: The TK700STi offers more robust image correction tools, including 2D auto vertical keystone and picture rotation adjustment. This makes it easier to achieve a perfectly squared image, even if the projector isn’t placed in the ideal central position. While the TK700 has 2D keystone, the automated and corner fit features on the STi model provide a more forgiving setup process.
- Optimized Game Modes: While both models are built for gaming, the TK700STi comes with three specialized preset game modes: FPS (First-Person Shooter), RPG (Role-Playing Game), and SPG (Sports Game). These modes are factory-calibrated to optimize the audio and visual settings for each genre, enhancing details in dark scenes and ensuring you have a competitive edge. The TK700 offers a more general “HDR Game” mode.
- Higher Price Reflects Added Value: The TK700STi is priced higher than the TK700, but this cost difference is justified by the short-throw lens, the included Android TV dongle, and advanced setup features. For users who would need to buy a separate streaming stick and potentially a different mounting solution for a standard throw projector, the all-in-one nature of the TK700STi presents a compelling value proposition.
Side By Side Comparison Chart: BenQ TK700 vs TK700STi
| Feature | BenQ TK700 | BenQ TK700STi |
| Throw Type | Standard Throw | Short Throw |
| Throw Distance for 100″ | ~8.2 feet (2.5m) | ~6.5 feet (2m) |
| Smart Features | No | Android TV Dongle included |
| Streaming Apps | Requires external device | 5,000+ apps via Google Play |
| Voice Control | No | Yes (Google Assistant) |
| Casting | Requires external device | Chromecast & AirPlay built-in |
| Brightness | 3200 ANSI Lumens | 3000 ANSI Lumens |
| Game Modes | HDR Game | FPS, RPG, & SPG Modes |
| Keystone Correction | 2D Keystone | 2D Auto Vertical Keystone, Corner Fit |
| Price | More affordable | Premium price |
What Common Features Can the BenQ TK700 and TK700STi Do?
Despite their differences, the BenQ TK700 and TK700STi are built on the same high-performance gaming core. Both projectors are engineered to deliver an exceptionally responsive and immersive big-screen experience, making either one a fantastic choice for serious gamers. They share a suite of powerful features designed to keep you competitive and bring your games to life with stunning visual fidelity. Whether you choose the standard or short-throw model, you are investing in a top-tier 4K gaming projector.
One of the most critical shared features is their true 4K UHD resolution. Both projectors display a native 3840×2160 resolution with 8.3 million distinct pixels, ensuring that every detail is rendered with incredible sharpness and clarity. From the fine textures in a character’s clothing to the sprawling landscapes of an open-world game, the level of detail is breathtaking. This high resolution turns every gaming session into a cinematic event, pulling you deeper into the virtual world.
Furthermore, both the TK700 and TK700STi are designed for lightning-fast response times, a crucial factor for competitive gaming. They boast an incredibly low input lag of just 16ms at a 4K/60Hz resolution. For gamers who prioritize frame rates, this can be pushed even further to an astonishing 4ms when running at 1080p/240Hz. This ultra-low latency means there is virtually no delay between your controller input and the action on screen, giving you the split-second advantage needed in fast-paced games.
Both models also excel in audio performance. They support eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), allowing for the pass-through of uncompressed, high-fidelity audio formats like Dolby Atmos and 7.1-channel surround sound to a compatible sound system. This feature ensures that the soundscape is as immersive as the visuals, letting you hear every footstep, explosion, and whisper with cinematic precision. Even without an external system, the built-in 5W chambered speaker provides respectable audio right out of the box.
Finally, connectivity is a strong suit for both projectors. Each is equipped with dual HDMI 2.0b ports that are HDCP 2.2 compliant, making them fully compatible with the latest gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, as well as high-end gaming PCs. This ensures you can take full advantage of 4K HDR gaming without any compatibility headaches.
Common Features of BenQ TK700 vs TK700STi
| Feature | BenQ TK700 | BenQ TK700STi |
| Display Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (True 4K UHD) | 3840 x 2160 (True 4K UHD) |
| Input Lag (4K/60Hz) | 16ms | 16ms |
| Input Lag (1080p/240Hz) | 4.16ms | 4.16ms |
| Color Coverage | 96% Rec. 709 | 95% Rec. 709 |
| Connectivity | 2x HDMI 2.0b, 1x RS232 | 2x HDMI 2.0b, 1x RS232 |
| Audio | 5W Chambered Speaker, eARC Support | 5W Chambered Speaker, eARC Support |
| 3D Ready | Yes | Yes |
| HDR Compatibility | HDR10, HLG | HDR10, HLG |
| Lamp Life (Normal/Eco) | 4,000 / 10,000 hours | 4,000 / 10,000 hours |
A Detailed Comparison Of the BenQ TK700 and BenQ TK700STi
Throw Distance
The most significant difference between these two models is the throw distance. The BenQ TK700STi is a short-throw projector, capable of projecting a 100-inch diagonal image from just 6.5 feet away. This makes it an ideal solution for apartments, smaller living rooms, or any space where distance is a luxury. You can get a massive, immersive picture without needing a cavernous room, and it reduces the chance of people walking in front of the projector and casting shadows.
Conversely, the BenQ TK700 is a standard-throw projector. To achieve the same 100-inch image, it needs to be placed approximately 8.2 feet from the screen. This is perfectly suitable for larger rooms, dedicated home theaters, or setups where a ceiling mount far from the screen is feasible. However, if your room is on the smaller side, you might struggle to achieve the large screen size you desire, making the TK700STi the more flexible option for constrained spaces.
Smart Features and Entertainment
In the realm of smart functionality, the BenQ TK700STi comes out as the clear winner. It includes a Google-certified QS01 Android TV dongle that slots neatly into a hidden compartment. This gives you instant access to the Google Play Store, with over 5,000 apps like YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. It also enables wireless casting via Chromecast and AirPlay, and voice control through Google Assistant. It’s an all-in-one entertainment package right out of the box.
The BenQ TK700 is a “dumb” projector in this regard. It has no built-in smart OS or applications. To stream content, you must connect an external device such as a Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV Stick, or a gaming console. While this gives you the freedom to choose your preferred streaming ecosystem, it is an additional purchase and another device to manage. The TK700STi’s integrated solution is more streamlined and convenient for users who want everything in one place.
Brightness
When it comes to raw brightness, the BenQ TK700 has a slight edge with 3200 ANSI lumens. This extra brightness can be beneficial in rooms with moderate to high ambient light, helping the image remain vibrant and clear even when you can’t achieve complete darkness. It allows the projector to cut through daylight more effectively, making it a strong choice for daytime viewing or gaming in a living room with windows.
The BenQ TK700STi is rated at a still very impressive 3000 ANSI lumens. While technically lower, the 200-lumen difference is almost imperceptible to the human eye in most conditions. It delivers a punchy, bright image that is more than capable of handling rooms with some ambient light. Because its short-throw nature often means it’s used in smaller, more light-controlled spaces, the 3000 lumens are perfectly adequate for delivering a brilliant and immersive picture.
Gaming Modes
Both projectors are optimized for gaming, but they approach it slightly differently. The BenQ TK700STi offers three distinct, preset game modes tailored to specific genres: FPS, RPG, and SPG. FPS mode enhances details in shadows to help you spot hidden enemies. RPG mode boosts color saturation for cinematic fantasy worlds. SPG mode focuses on realistic skin tones and lush green fields. These presets allow you to quickly optimize the picture and sound with the press of a button.
The BenQ TK700 consolidates this into a single, powerful “HDR Game” mode. This mode is designed to provide the best balance of low latency and enhanced visual detail for all types of HDR gaming. While it doesn’t offer the genre-specific presets of its sibling, it still provides an outstanding gaming experience with deep contrast and vibrant colors. For gamers who prefer a “set it and forget it” approach, this mode is excellent, but those who love to tweak settings for each game may prefer the options on the TK700STi.
Conclusion
After a thorough comparison of the BenQ TK700 vs TK700STi, the BenQ TK700STi stands out as the more complete and flexible package for the modern gamer. Its short-throw lens is a massive advantage for anyone not working with a large, dedicated theater room. The inclusion of the Android TV dongle transforms it into a smart entertainment hub, saving you the cost and hassle of an external streaming device. For these reasons, the TK700STi is well worth the premium price.
However, if you have a larger room, already own a favorite streaming device, and want to save a few hundred dollars, the BenQ TK700 remains a phenomenal choice. It offers slightly more brightness and the same core 4K gaming performance, ensuring you won’t be disappointed. Ultimately, your decision rests on your room size and desire for integrated smart features.
FAQs
- Which projector is better for a small room, the TK700 or TK700STi?
The BenQ TK700STi is unequivocally better for small rooms. Its short-throw lens can project a 100-inch screen from just 6.5 feet away, whereas the TK700 needs about 8.2 feet. This makes the TK700STi far more versatile for apartments and smaller living spaces. - Can I watch Netflix on the BenQ TK700STi’s Android TV?
The included Android TV dongle on the TK700STi provides access to thousands of apps, but Netflix is not natively supported for direct download on this specific device. However, you can cast Netflix from a laptop or mobile device, or connect a separate streaming stick like a Fire TV or Roku. - Is there a noticeable difference in the 3200 lumens of the TK700 and 3000 lumens of the TK700STi?
For most users, the 200-lumen difference is not noticeable. Both projectors are very bright and perform well in rooms with some ambient light. The TK700 has a slight technical advantage, but the TK700STi is more than bright enough for excellent picture quality in typical viewing environments. - Do both projectors support 3D content?
Yes, both the BenQ TK700 and TK700STi are 3D-ready. You will need to purchase compatible 3D glasses separately to enjoy 3D movies and games, but the projectors have the capability to display this content. - What is the main benefit of the gaming modes on the TK700STi?
The preset gaming modes (FPS, RPG, SPG) on the TK700STi automatically adjust picture and sound settings to optimize the experience for that specific genre. For example, FPS mode brightens dark areas to reveal hidden enemies, giving you a competitive advantage. - Is the input lag low enough for competitive online gaming?
Absolutely. Both projectors feature a 16ms input lag at 4K/60Hz and an even faster 4.16ms at 1080p/240Hz. This is extremely low for a projector and is on par with many high-end gaming monitors, making both models excellent for competitive online gaming. - Do I need an external sound system for these projectors?
While both projectors come with a built-in 5W speaker that is functional for casual use, an external sound system is highly recommended for an immersive experience. Both models support eARC, so you can easily connect a high-quality soundbar or AV receiver for cinematic audio. - If I already have an Apple TV or Roku, should I still get the TK700STi?
If you already have a preferred streaming device, the smart features of the TK700STi become less critical. In that case, your decision should be based primarily on throw distance. If you have enough space for a standard throw, the TK700 could be a more cost-effective choice.
Alex Turner is a dedicated product researcher and reviewer at TopBuyGuide.com, known for his clear, honest, and data-driven insights. He spends countless hours testing, comparing, and analyzing products to help readers make confident and informed buying decisions.