Optoma HD146X vs BenQ TH685P: Which is the Best 1080p Gaming Projector for Your Setup?

[Serena Anderson]

Introduce​

Parameter	Optoma HD146X​	BenQ TH685P​
Picture​	​	​
Price​	$599​	$699​
Recommended Uses​	Gaming​	Gaming​
Highlight​	3D Capability: True 3D content support from multiple sources Refresh Rate: 120Hz rapid-refresh for smooth images Contrast Ratio: 500,000:1 with Dynamic Black technology Resolution: Native 1080p (1920x1080) Color Wheel: RYGCWB for home cinema calibration Keystone Correction: 40° vertical Zoom: 1.1X Connectivity: HDMI-CEC for single remote control; HDMI and USB power support Compatible Devices: Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox, Switch, PS4, set-top box​	Model: TH685P Audio: Integrated 5 watt speaker by treVolo with equalizer Resolution: 1080p HDR-enabled, 4K compatibility Brightness: 3500 ANSI lumens Image Size: 100 inches from 8.2 feet (2.5m) Color Accuracy: 95% Rec. 709 HDR Technology: HDR10 compatible Gaming Features: Low latency 8.3ms at 1080p/120Hz, Game Mode/Game Sound Mode, LumiExpert for eye strain reduction Comparison: No VGA-in or Monitor-Out vs. TH685​

Side-by-Side Comparison​

Display​

Parameter	Optoma HD146X​	BenQ TH685P​
Screen Size​	305 Inches - 301 Inches​	30 Inches - 300 Inches​
Throw Distance​	3.2 Feet - 35.37 Feet​	1.8 Feet - 1.5 Feet​
Contrast Ratio​	25000:1​	10000:1​
Display Resolution​	1080p​	1920 x 1200 Pixels​
Native Resolution​	1920 x 1080​	1920 x 1080​
Brightness​	3600 Lumen​	3500 lumen​
Display Type​	DLP​	DLP​
Picture Quality Enhancement​	-​	-​

Features​

Parameter	Optoma HD146X​	BenQ TH685P​
Video Encoding​	-​	-​
Lamp Wattage​	240 Watts​	5 Watts​
Light Source Life​	15000 Hours​	-​
Controller Type​	Remote Control​	Button Control​
Control Method​	Remote​	Voice​
Mount Type​	Ceiling Mount​	Tabletop Mount​
Noteworthy Features​	Speakers, 3d-Ready​	Speakers, Internet Ready, 3d-Ready​

Connectivity​

Parameter	Optoma HD146X​	BenQ TH685P​
Connectivity Technology​	Inputs 1 x HDMI 1.4a 3D support / Outputs 1 x Audio 3.5mm, 1 x USB-A power 1.5A​	HDMI​
Hardware Connectivity​	USB, HDMI​	VGA, HDMI​
Compatible Devices​	Gaming Console​	Smartphone​

Measurements​

Parameter	Optoma HD146X​	BenQ TH685P​
Dimensions L x W x H​	12.4"L x 9.5"W x 4.3"H​	12.28"L x 8.56"W x 4.33"H​
Item Weight​	6.2 Pounds​	6.2 Pounds​

Conclusion​

Product	PROS AND CONS​
Optoma HD146X​	Pros: • Razor sharp picture quality for 4K and 1080p streaming • Good color representation • Fairly quiet operation with non-distracting fan noise • Quick warm-up time (15-20 seconds) • Excellent performance paired with a surround sound system • Fast response and excellent refresh rate for gaming Cons: • Requires precise mounting to align with the center of the screen • Proprietary mount needed, making it difficult to use standard universal mounts • Expensive proprietary mounts with long delivery times • Additional work required to adapt existing mounts for compatibility Overall Impression: The HD146X projector delivers outstanding picture quality and performance, making it an excellent choice for home theater enthusiasts and gamers. However, potential buyers should be aware of the significant mounting challenges that may require additional time and resources to resolve. Overall, it offers great value for its performance but comes with frustrating mount compatibility issues.
BenQ TH685P​	Pros: • Excellent image quality, especially in darkened rooms • Good brightness even in well-lit environments • Ideal for gaming due to low input lag • Impressive detail and color accuracy for movie watching • Generally well-received and satisfactory performance Cons: • Lack of horizontal keystone shift can complicate setup • Requires careful placement as it projects upwards when not ceiling mounted • Generates a lot of heat, which may be a concern in small rooms • Some reliability issues reported, with failures after a short duration Overall Impression: The BenQ TH685P is a solid choice for gamers seeking low input lag and vibrant visuals, while the Epson EF 12 excels in delivering detailed imagery for movie enthusiasts. However, potential buyers should be cautious about the setup requirements and reliability concerns. Overall, it offers great performance for its price but may require some adjustments for optimal use.