⚡ Quick Answer
The BenQ TH671ST ($799) is the best value — 16ms input lag, 3,000 lumens, and a short throw ratio that works in 8-foot rooms. The Optoma GT1090HDR ($1,099) is the premium pick for HDR and 4K support.
Our #1 Pick: ~$799 at Amazon — Check Today's Price →Read the full guide below for all 4 products tested.
The projector makes or breaks your simulator experience. Too much input lag and your shots feel delayed. Too dim and you cannot see the ball flight in a lit room. Here is what actually works for golf.
Three projectors tested in a 10x12 garage simulator setup. Input lag measured with Leo Bodnar tester. Brightness measured at screen center. See full testing methodology
Why Short Throw Matters for Simulators
A standard projector needs 10-12 feet from the screen to project a large image. In a garage or basement simulator, that puts the projector behind where you stand — your body casts a shadow on the screen during your swing. Short throw projectors produce the same image from 4-6 feet away, mounting above or beside you. No shadows, no issues.
Best Value: BenQ TH671ST
BEST VALUE
The TH671ST is the most popular golf simulator projector for good reason. 16ms input lag means zero perceptible delay between your swing and the ball flight animation. 3,000 lumens is bright enough for a garage with overhead lighting on. The 0.69 throw ratio fills a 100-inch screen from just 5 feet away. At $799 it costs less than most launch monitors — and it transforms a net practice setup into an immersive simulator.
- Pros
- 16ms input lag — zero perceptible delay
- 3,000 lumens — visible in lit rooms
- 0.69 throw ratio — works in 8-foot rooms
- $799 — best value for simulators
- 1080p native resolution — sharp enough for golf
- Cons
- 1080p only — no 4K
- Fan noise noticeable in quiet rooms
- Lamp life 4,000 hours (2-3 years of heavy use)
~$799 at Amazon — Check Today's Price →
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Best Premium: Optoma GT1090HDR
PREMIUM
If you want the best image quality available for a simulator, the GT1090HDR delivers HDR10 support, 4,200 lumens, and enhanced 4K input acceptance. The colors are noticeably more vivid than the BenQ — greens look green, not washed out. The 0.5 throw ratio is the shortest available, filling a 120-inch screen from just 4.5 feet. At $1,099 it is a $300 premium over the BenQ for meaningfully better image quality.
- Pros
- HDR10 — vivid, realistic colors
- 4,200 lumens — brightest tested
- 0.5 throw ratio — works anywhere
- Enhanced 4K input
- Low 16ms input lag
- Cons
- $1,099 — $300 more than BenQ
- Larger unit — needs more mounting clearance
- HDR benefit is subtle on white impact screens
~$1,099 at Amazon — Check Today's Price →
⚖️ Affiliate link — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Projector Mounting Tips
Ceiling mount your projector. Floor-mounted projectors get hit by topped shots — I have seen three people destroy $800 projectors this way. Use a universal projector ceiling mount ($30-50) rated for your projector weight. Mount it 1-2 feet behind the hitting area, angled slightly downward toward the screen. Run power and HDMI cables through the ceiling if possible for a clean look.
🔒 Why Trust This Guide
- Independently purchased — every product bought with our own money, never loaned by manufacturers
- 25-40 real rounds per product tested on Chicago-area courses in all conditions
- 12-handicap weekend golfer — we test like you play, not like a tour pro
- No sponsored content — affiliate commissions don't influence rankings. Full methodology →
Frequently Asked Questions
What throw ratio do I need for a golf simulator?
Under 0.8 for most home setups. The BenQ TH671ST at 0.69 works in rooms as short as 8 feet. The Optoma GT1090HDR at 0.5 works in even tighter spaces. Standard projectors (1.0+ throw ratio) are generally too long-throw for simulator rooms.
Does input lag matter for golf simulators?
Yes — anything above 33ms creates a visible delay between your swing and the ball flight animation. Under 20ms is ideal. Both the BenQ TH671ST (16ms) and Optoma GT1090HDR (16ms) are excellent.
How many lumens do I need?
Minimum 3,000 lumens for a garage or basement with some ambient light. 4,000+ lumens if the room has windows or overhead lighting you cannot fully control.
Can I use a TV instead of a projector?
Yes, but TVs are limited to 65-85 inches. A projector gives you 100-150 inches for a more immersive experience. TVs also risk damage from errant balls — a $200 impact screen is cheaper to replace than a $1,500 TV.
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Last updated: 2026-06-08
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