BenQ AH700ST vs AK700ST
These two golf-specific projectors are far more alike than different. Both use a 4,000-ANSI-lumen laser light source, the same 0.69–0.83 short-throw range, 1.2x optical zoom, Auto Screen Fit, Quick Focus, Screen Fill, Golf Mode, 95% Rec.709 color coverage, and a three-year warranty. The buying decision comes down mainly to 1080p value versus native 4K detail—plus a few advanced geometry and high-refresh features on the AK700ST.
AH700ST for value. AK700ST for the premium build.
For a dedicated garage simulator where golf is the main use, the AH700ST is the better value. You get the same published brightness, throw ratio, zoom, screen-fill ratios, Auto Screen Fit, Golf Mode, color coverage, basic connectivity, light-source life, chassis dimensions, noise rating, and warranty for about $600 less.
The AK700ST is the better projector overall when you will actually use native 4K. Its 3840 × 2160 resolution, 3D keystone with rotation, image warping support, and additional high-refresh input options make more sense in a premium simulator, larger high-quality screen, or simulator-and-entertainment room.
BenQ AH700ST vs AK700ST comparison table
The similarity is the story here. BenQ uses nearly the same physical platform and golf-simulator installation concept, then differentiates the AK700ST mainly through 4K resolution and additional digital geometry/performance features.
| Feature | BenQ AH700ST | BenQ AK700ST | Garage Golf Impact | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BenQ U.S. direct price* | $2,299 | $2,899 | AH saves about $600 for the room budget. | AH700ST |
| Native resolution | 1920 × 1080 FHD | 3840 × 2160 4K UHD | AK produces more image detail from a true 4K source. | AK700ST |
| Brightness | 4,000 ANSI lumens | 4,000 ANSI lumens | No published brightness advantage. | Tie |
| Light source | Laser | Laser | Both avoid traditional lamp replacement. | Tie |
| Light-source life | 20,000 hours | 20,000 hours | Same published long-term light-source rating. | Tie |
| Throw ratio | 0.69–0.83 | 0.69–0.83 | Same approximate lens position for the same image width. | Tie |
| Optical zoom | 1.2x | 1.2x | Same physical installation flexibility. | Tie |
| Projection offset | 102.5% | 102.5% | Same basic vertical geometry. | Tie |
| Screen Fill | 16:9, 16:10, 4:3, 1:1 | 16:9, 16:10, 4:3, 1:1 | Both suit common garage impact-screen shapes. | Tie |
| Auto Screen Fit | Yes | Yes | Both automate screen detection, zoom/focus, and fit assistance under supported conditions. | Tie |
| Quick Focus | Yes | Yes | Both avoid repeated ladder trips for fine focus. | Tie |
| Keystone | 2D: vertical/horizontal ±30° | 3D: vertical/horizontal/rotation ±30° | AK adds rotation correction for more difficult geometry. | AK700ST |
| Warping | Not listed as an AH700ST feature | Yes; selectable matrix warping | AK is the clear choice for a curved-screen project. | AK700ST |
| Rec.709 coverage | 95% | 95% | Same published golf/course color coverage. | Tie |
| Golf & Cinema modes | Yes | Yes | Both are built for golf and multipurpose viewing. | Tie |
| Input lag | 16.7 ms 1080p/120; 33.4 ms 1080p/60 | 8.4 ms 1080p/240; 16.7 ms 1080p/120; 33.4 ms 1080p/60; 33.4 ms 4K/60 | AK supports more source modes; golf itself does not require 240Hz. | AK700ST |
| HDMI | 2 × HDMI 2.0b / HDCP 2.2 | 2 × HDMI 2.0b / HDCP 2.2 | Same basic wired-source flexibility. | Tie |
| USB-C | DisplayPort + 5V/1A PD | DisplayPort + 5V/1A PD | Same connection option. | Tie |
| Audio | 10W speaker; eARC 7.1 | 10W speaker; eARC 7.1 | Same basic room-audio capability. | Tie |
| Typical power | 192W | 212W | AK uses slightly more power according to BenQ’s spec pages. | AH700ST |
| Noise | 32 dB / 29 dB eco | 32 dB / 29 dB eco | No published noise advantage. | Tie |
| Dimensions | 11.94 × 4.43 × 9.23 in | 11.94 × 4.43 × 9.23 in | Same chassis footprint for mount planning. | Tie |
| Weight | 7.28 lb | 7.48 lb | Difference is negligible for a properly rated mount. | Tie |
| U.S. warranty | 3 years | 3 years | Same standard limited warranty term, subject to BenQ conditions. | Tie |
*Direct prices shown were listed on BenQ’s U.S. site at the time of this August 16, 2026 update and can change.
You do not buy the AK700ST for more brightness or a shorter throw.
This matters because many projector upgrades change several things at once. Here, the AK700ST does not give you a brighter image rating, a shorter throw ratio, a larger zoom range, longer laser life, better published Rec.709 coverage, or a different basic chassis.
4,000 ANSI lumens
Both carry the same brightness rating, so the AK’s extra cost should not be justified as a brightness upgrade.
0.69–0.83 throw
For the same image width, both use essentially the same lens-to-screen range.
1.2x optical zoom
Both have the same published optical zoom flexibility for placement and image sizing.
Auto Screen Fit
Both use BenQ’s camera/sensor-based setup system and support common golf-screen ratios.
95% Rec.709
BenQ publishes the same color-gamut coverage for both projectors.
20,000-hour laser
Neither projector gives you a longer published light-source-life advantage.
Screen Fill
Both support 16:9, 16:10, 4:3, and 1:1 Screen Fill modes.
3-year warranty
Both are covered by BenQ’s U.S. standard limited projector warranty when its terms are met.
1080p vs 4K: this is the reason to pay more.
The AH700ST has a native 1920 × 1080 image. The AK700ST is native 3840 × 2160 4K UHD. That gives the AK700ST about 8.3 million addressable pixels versus roughly 2.1 million in 1080p. The practical benefit depends on screen size, screen smoothness, viewing distance, source resolution, software settings, and the PC driving the simulator.
Full HD 1080p
Still entirely usable for golf simulation. It reduces graphics workload and can look very good from normal hitting distance, especially on impact-screen material where surface texture already limits fine detail.
Best when golf is the main purpose and you would rather put the $600 into the screen, enclosure, mat, launch monitor, or computer.Native 4K UHD
The stronger choice for large high-quality impact screens, detailed course textures, crisp text and menus, movie nights, sports, and a premium room where the projector is doing more than displaying shot data.
To realize the benefit, use a source, cable path, software configuration, and PC capable of delivering the desired 4K output.4K is most compelling when the rest of the room can show it.
A premium smooth impact screen, larger image, capable simulator PC, and multipurpose entertainment use strengthen the case for the AK700ST. A lower-cost screen, smaller image, golf-only use, or budget PC strengthens the case for the AH700ST.
Is the AK700ST worth about $600 more?
The AH700ST is the better value when:
- You mainly play golf rather than watch 4K movies
- Your impact screen is modest in size or image smoothness
- Your simulator PC is optimized around 1080p
- You want the same 4,000-lumen brightness and throw geometry
- The room still needs money for mat, screen, enclosure, protection, or wiring
The AK700ST is easier to justify when:
- You are already building a premium $10,000+ simulator room
- You plan to run golf software at 4K
- The room doubles as a theater, sports room, or gaming space
- You have a large high-quality impact screen
- You want warping or the extra rotation correction
- You prefer to buy once and keep native 4K for the long term
Both projectors fit the garage from the same basic lens range.
The AH700ST and AK700ST both have a 0.69–0.83 throw ratio and 1.2x optical zoom. For planning, lens-to-screen distance is approximately image width multiplied by the throw ratio. This makes the two projectors effectively interchangeable from a basic horizontal throw-distance perspective.
Approximate lens-to-screen range
| Image Width | Approx. Minimum | Approx. Maximum | Difference Between Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ft | 6.9 ft | 8.3 ft | None from published throw ratio |
| 12 ft | 8.3 ft | 10.0 ft | None from published throw ratio |
| 14 ft | 9.7 ft | 11.6 ft | None from published throw ratio |
| 16 ft | 11.0 ft | 13.3 ft | None from published throw ratio |
Auto Screen Fit is not a reason to choose one over the other.
Both the AH700ST and AK700ST use BenQ’s camera-and-sensor-based Auto Screen Fit system. BenQ says the system can identify common golf-screen shapes, use the motorized lens and focus, and help fit 16:9, 16:10, 4:3, and 1:1 screens.
Screen detection
Both use the screen border/surrounding contrast to help the camera identify the projected area.
Motorized fit and focus
Both pair Auto Screen Fit with optical zoom and Quick Focus to reduce manual setup work.
Impact-screen ratios
Both list Screen Fill support for 16:9, 16:10, 4:3, and 1:1.
The AK700ST has the stronger digital correction toolbox.
2D keystone + Corner Fit
BenQ lists vertical and horizontal keystone correction up to ±30 degrees. That is enough for many conventional flat-screen ceiling installations when the physical mount is already reasonably aligned.
3D keystone + warping
The AK700ST adds rotation correction to its ±30-degree vertical/horizontal keystone specification and BenQ specifically lists image warping with selectable matrix options for curved-screen simulation.
There is no published brightness or Rec.709 advantage.
BenQ rates both projectors at 4,000 ANSI lumens, 3,000,000:1 FOFO contrast, 30-bit display color, and 95% Rec.709 coverage. Both also include Golf Mode and Cinema Mode.
Brightness
4,000 ANSI lumens on both models.
Color coverage
95% Rec.709 on both models.
Golf Mode
Both provide BenQ’s golf-oriented picture mode.
Detail
The AK’s advantage comes from native 4K resolution, not a higher lumen rating.
Do not confuse resolution with brightness.
The AK700ST can look more detailed because it displays more pixels, but BenQ does not rate it brighter than the AH700ST. Garage-lighting control still matters with either model: light the golfer while minimizing direct light on the impact screen.
The AK700ST makes more sense when the simulator is also an entertainment room.
Both models include Cinema, Game, Golf, HDR10, HLG, eARC, a 10W speaker, two HDMI 2.0b inputs, and USB-C DisplayPort input. The AK700ST’s native 4K resolution is the larger advantage for movies and sports, while its input modes also include 1080p at 240Hz.
AH700ST is enough for many rooms
Golf simulation does not require 240Hz, and a well-set-up 1080p image remains entirely functional for course play and practice.
AK700ST becomes more attractive
Native 4K is easier to appreciate on movies, sports broadcasts, menus, text, and a large screen used from different seating distances.
AK700ST has more input modes
BenQ lists 1080p/240Hz support at 8.4 ms on the AK700ST in addition to 1080p/120Hz and 4K/60Hz modes.
BenQ AH700ST and AK700ST buying options
BenQ AH700ST — 1080p Golf Simulator Projector
Choose the AH700ST when you want the golf-specific installation platform without paying for native 4K. The existing Lasso card below can show current Amazon pricing and availability.
A golf-specific 1080p laser short-throw projector designed for dedicated simulator bays. Its brightness, automatic screen-fit features, quick setup tools, and golf-oriented design make it a strong overall choice when ease of installation matters more than 4K resolution.
BenQ AK700ST — Native 4K Golf Simulator Projector
Choose the AK700ST when native 4K, warping, rotation correction, and multipurpose entertainment value justify the higher price.
BenQ AK700ST 4K Short-Throw Laser Golf Projector
4K UHD, 4,000 ANSI lumens, 0.69–0.83 throw ratio, 1.2x optical zoom, Auto Screen Fit, Screen Fill, Golf Mode, 3D keystone, and image warping.
Check AK700ST at BenQWhich BenQ projector should you buy?
Same brightness, throw, zoom and screen-fit tools for less money.
Buy only if 4K detail itself matters to you.
Functional, but 1080p becomes the more obvious compromise.
Better match for a room designed around visual quality.
Still works, but entertainment is limited to native 1080p detail.
Native 4K provides the stronger multipurpose experience.
Not our pick; BenQ does not list the AK-style warping feature here.
Explicitly supports selectable matrix image warping.
Put the $600 savings into the parts that affect safety and practice quality.
Harder to justify if the rest of the simulator is being compromised.
Supports 1080p/120Hz at BenQ’s listed 16.7 ms.
Adds 1080p/240Hz support at a listed 8.4 ms and native 4K/60 support.
Both use the same 0.69–0.83 throw ratio.
Room geometry—not resolution—should drive this decision.
Do not pay $600 for 4K and then run everything at 1080p.
If you choose the AK700ST, plan the entire signal chain around the benefit you are buying: simulator PC, graphics settings, output resolution, HDMI path, software, screen quality, and image size. Otherwise the AH700ST may deliver nearly the same practical garage experience for less.
AH700ST vs AK700ST strengths and tradeoffs
Why choose the 1080p model?
- About $600 less at BenQ’s current direct pricing
- Same 4,000 ANSI-lumen rating
- Same 0.69–0.83 throw ratio
- Same 1.2x optical zoom
- Same Auto Screen Fit and Screen Fill concept
- Same 95% Rec.709 coverage
- Same 20,000-hour laser rating
- Same three-year U.S. standard limited warranty term
- Slightly lower published typical power use
Main compromises
- Native 1080p rather than 4K
- 2D rather than 3D keystone specification
- No AK700ST-style warping feature listed
- Fewer high-refresh source modes
Why choose the 4K model?
- Native 3840 × 2160 4K UHD
- More detailed course textures, menus, text, movies, and sports
- 3D keystone adds rotation correction
- Matrix warping for curved-screen projects
- 1080p/240Hz input mode listed at 8.4 ms
- 4K/60 input support
- Same golf-specific brightness and throw platform as the AH700ST
Main compromises
- About $600 more at current BenQ direct pricing
- No published lumen advantage
- No shorter throw-ratio advantage
- 4K benefit depends on source, software, PC, screen and image size
- Slightly higher typical power rating
We compared what changes the garage—not just the spec sheet.
Golf Garage Guide compared the two models using current BenQ U.S. product specifications, direct pricing, warranty information, Auto Screen Fit guidance, screen-fill support, throw-ratio math, connectivity, image-control features, and the way those differences affect a real impact-screen simulator.
BenQ AH700ST vs AK700ST FAQs
What is the biggest difference between the BenQ AH700ST and AK700ST?
Resolution is the biggest difference. The AH700ST is native 1920 × 1080 Full HD, while the AK700ST is native 3840 × 2160 4K UHD. The AK700ST also adds 3D keystone rotation correction, image warping, and additional high-refresh input modes.
Are the AH700ST and AK700ST the same brightness?
Yes. BenQ rates both at 4,000 ANSI lumens. The AK700ST’s higher price is not buying a higher published lumen rating.
Do the AH700ST and AK700ST have the same throw ratio?
Yes. Both are rated at 0.69–0.83 with 1.2x optical zoom and 102.5% projection offset. A given image width therefore uses the same basic published lens-to-screen range on either model.
Is the AK700ST worth $600 more?
It is easier to justify in a premium simulator, large high-quality impact screen, 4K-capable computer, multipurpose theater, or curved-screen build. If the room is golf-only and 1080p is acceptable, the AH700ST provides most of the same installation features for less.
Does the AH700ST have Auto Screen Fit?
Yes. Both models support BenQ Auto Screen Fit, Quick Focus, and Screen Fill for 16:9, 16:10, 4:3, and 1:1 golf impact-screen shapes.
Which is better for a 4:3 or 1:1 impact screen?
Both support 4:3 and 1:1 Screen Fill and Auto Screen Fit. The AK700ST does not gain a basic aspect-ratio advantage here. Your decision should instead focus on whether you need 4K and its additional geometry features.
Which projector is better for a curved golf simulator screen?
The AK700ST. BenQ specifically lists matrix image warping for curved-screen simulation on the AK700ST. BenQ also notes feature interactions between warping, Auto Screen Fit, Corner Fit, Keystone, and non-16:9 Screen Fill modes, so plan the curved system carefully.
Which is better for gaming?
The AK700ST has the stronger specification set because BenQ lists 1080p/240Hz at 8.4 ms, 1080p/120Hz at 16.7 ms, and 4K/60 at 33.4 ms. The AH700ST lists 1080p/120Hz at 16.7 ms and 1080p/60 at 33.4 ms.
Which uses less power?
BenQ lists typical 110V power consumption at 192W for the AH700ST and 212W for the AK700ST. That difference is small compared with the total simulator-room electrical load, but the AH700ST is lower on the published specification.
Do both projectors have the same warranty?
BenQ’s U.S. warranty pages list the standard limited projector warranty as three years from the original retail purchase date, subject to its terms, exclusions, purchase source, and service requirements.
Should I buy the projector before the impact screen?
Usually no. Finalize the viewable screen dimensions, aspect ratio, enclosure, hitting position, and room geometry first. Then confirm throw distance and mount location with the exact projector before drilling or buying permanent hardware.
Related garage golf guides
Official BenQ references used for this comparison
- BenQ AH700ST official specifications — resolution, brightness, throw ratio, zoom, Screen Fill, color, input lag, I/O, power, dimensions, weight, and noise
- BenQ AK700ST official specifications — 4K resolution, brightness, throw ratio, 3D keystone, input modes, I/O, power, dimensions, weight, and noise
- BenQ AH700ST official product page — Golf Mode, Cinema Mode, Auto Screen Fit, laser platform, and entertainment features
- BenQ AK700ST official product page — native 4K, Auto Screen Fit, warping, Golf Mode, and multipurpose features
- BenQ Auto Screen Fit guidance — screen border, ambient-light, aspect-ratio, and setup conditions for AH700ST and AK700ST
- BenQ AH700ST U.S. buy page — direct pricing and current availability
- BenQ AK700ST U.S. buy page — direct pricing and current availability
- BenQ AH700ST U.S. warranty
- BenQ AK700ST U.S. warranty
- BenQ Golf Sim-room Planner — screen size, throw distance, room layout, and projector position
Buy the AH700ST for the golf room. Buy the AK700ST for the premium golf-and-entertainment room.
The AH700ST is the value winner because it preserves nearly all of the projector characteristics that determine whether a normal garage simulator works: 4,000 ANSI lumens, 0.69–0.83 throw ratio, 1.2x optical zoom, 102.5% offset, Auto Screen Fit, Screen Fill, Quick Focus, Golf Mode, 95% Rec.709 coverage, laser life, chassis size, connectivity, and warranty.
The AK700ST is the better projector when its differences will actually be used. Native 4K, rotation correction, matrix warping, 4K/60 support, and expanded high-refresh modes are meaningful upgrades in a high-end room. If your simulator is already being built to that level, the roughly $600 premium is easier to justify.