Please note that this is a meta-review prepared by the Simple Home Cinema team. Our meta-reviews analyse and cross-check data across multiple sources including professional reviews, user reviews and user forums to arrive at our analysis and review scores, and are useful to get an overall – and hopefully balanced – picture for a specific product. We will specifically state if we had the product tested by one of our team. Please do let us know, should you find any errors.
The BenQ TH685P sets out to deliver a premium gaming-first experience while doubling as a home theater projector for movies and TV. Boasting standout features like 1080p resolution, 3500 ANSI lumens of brightness, and ultra-low input lag, it’s designed to meet the demands of avid gamers and casual viewers alike. But does the BenQ TH685P deliver on its promises in a highly competitive market?
This in-depth review evaluates whether this projector is a worthy investment or if there are better alternatives.
If you are into high-end home theater, check out our Display and Audio Calibration Guides to maximize your experience.
Key Features of the BenQ TH685P
The BenQ TH685P offers an array of impressive features aimed at gamers and cinephiles. Here’s a breakdown of its core specifications:
- Resolution: Full HD 1080p (1920 x 1080), with downscaled support for 4K HDR content.
- Brightness: Rated 3500 ANSI lumens, ideal for both bright and dimly lit environments.
- Input Lag: An incredibly fast 8.3ms at 1080p/120Hz, making it a top choice for competitive gaming.
- HDR Compatibility: Supports HDR10 and HLG, enhancing color range, brightness, and contrast.
- Color Accuracy: Delivers 95% Rec. 709 cinematic color coverage, ensuring accurate and vibrant visuals.
- Audio: Integrated 5W chamber speaker tuned by BenQ’s treVolo audio tech, providing clean sound with game-specific enhancements.
- Flexible Placement: Features 1.3x zoom, digital lens shift, and auto vertical keystone correction, simplifying installation and adaptability for various setups.
- Gaming Optimization: Equipped with Game Mode to improve visibility in dark scenes, perfect for competitive gaming scenarios.
These design elements make the TH685P a powerhouse of features, potentially covering gamers, movie enthusiasts, and event organizers. Let’s evaluate how it performs in real-world applications.
Performance Analysis: Versatility Meets Specificity
1. Gaming Performance: Built for Precision
The BenQ TH685P is purpose-built for gamers and delivers on a number of fronts:
What Works:
- The 8.3ms input lag at 1080p and 120Hz refresh rate ensures that actions feel instantaneous, a critical requirement for competitive gaming. Whether engaged in a fast-paced FPS or a sports game, the response feels as smooth as using a high-end monitor.
- Game Mode enhances visibility during nighttime levels or shadow-heavy terrains by improving contrast without overexposing brightly lit areas.
- The projector is compatible with next-gen consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X, handling their performance needs admirably within its resolution limits.
Room for Improvement:
- At 4K/60Hz, the input lag increases to 33ms, which, while acceptable for casual play, could deter competitive players. It’s worth noting that the resolution is limited to 1080p, with 4K content downscaled.
For gamers prioritizing low latency and screen real estate, the TH685P strikes an excellent compromise between performance and features.
2. Movie and TV Viewing: Immersive but Not Flawless
What Works:
- The HDR10 and HLG support significantly enhances brightness and shadow details, providing a vibrant, realistic picture. When tested with richly detailed movies like Avatar, colors popped while dynamic shadow details remained expressive.
- 3500 lumens brightness makes the TH685P one of the most versatile projectors in its range, even overcoming ambient light in living rooms. It truly shines in darker spaces where details in night scenes appear much richer.
- The 95% Rec. 709 color gamut brings accurate cinematic visuals, ensuring any content viewed achieves lifelike tones.
Room for Improvement:
- The contrast ratio of 10,000:1 is sufficient for daytime viewing but leaves dark scenes (e.g., from The Dark Knight) feeling slightly washed out in dim rooms compared to projectors like the BenQ HT2050A.
- Some users report minimal rainbow artifacts characteristic of DLP projectors, particularly in high-motion scenes. While not distracting for all viewers, other technologies like LCD avoid this entirely.
3. Audio Performance: Compact Yet Surprisingly Robust
Audio is often a weak point for projectors, but the BenQ TH685P offers a balanced experience thanks to its treVolo-tuned 5W speaker.
What Works:
- The speaker is surprisingly capable for its size, delivering clean mids and trebles. Dialogue, in particular, remains clear even in louder action scenes.
- Game Sound Mode adjusts audio to enhance in-game effects like footsteps or gunfire, which is especially effective for competitive games like Call of Duty.
Room for Improvement:
- The built-in speaker lacks bass depth, leaving explosions or cinematic soundtracks feeling underwhelming.
- Users who rely on Bluetooth audio will be disappointed, as the projector lacks native Bluetooth transmission, requiring additional hardware to connect external systems.
For small-to-medium spaces or casual use, the sound system suffices. For a true cinematic experience, external audio systems are recommended.
4. Practical Setup Features for Every Space
The setup process with the BenQ TH685P scores high for flexibility and convenience.
What Works:
- 1.3x zoom and digital lens shift provide great flexibility for positioning, ideal for tight spaces or unconventional setups.
- Auto vertical keystone correction ensures squared images on uneven surfaces, reducing manual tweaking time.
- Its compact, lightweight design (6.2 lbs) makes it truly portable, ensuring it can be moved easily between rooms or locations.
Room for Improvement:
The cooling fan can get noticeably loud during bright modes, slightly detracting from immersion in quiet scenes.
Lacking horizontal keystone adjustment limits its adaptability if lateral projection is required. This can be inconvenient depending on your available mounting options.
PRICE CHECK
Use the below links to check the most up-to-date product price.
| Retailers |
|---|
| Amazon.com |
| ProjectorScreen.com |
Competitor Showdown
| Projector | Price | Resolution | Input Lag | Brightness | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BenQ TH685P | $749 | 1080p | 8.3ms (1080p/120Hz) | 3500 lumens | Gaming and mixed use. |
| BenQ HT2050A | $799 | 1080p | ~16ms | 2200 lumens | Cinematic contrast. |
| Optoma HD39HDR | $899 | 1080p | ~8ms | 4000 lumens | Bright environments. |
| Epson HC 2250 | $999 | 1080p | ~27ms | 2700 lumens | High contrast, no DLP issues. |
The TH685P shines brightest as a gaming-centric projector, offering performance perks like ultra-low input lag and excellent brightness at an affordable price.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the BenQ TH685P suitable for outdoor use?
Yes, the 3500 lumens brightness performs admirably in dim or nighttime outdoor settings. However, for optimal visuals, pair it with a proper projector screen and avoid housing it in direct sunlight.
2. How does it compare to the BenQ HT2050A?
The TH685P has better brightness and lower input lag, making it a strong choice for gaming-centric setups. Conversely, the HT2050A wins with its superior contrast and image depth, ideal for cinema enthusiasts.
3. How long does the lamp last?
In Normal mode, the lamp life is approximately 4,000 hours, while Eco mode extends it up to 10,000 hours. For heavy users, this equates to several years before requiring replacement.
4. Can I use the projector for 3D content?
Yes, the TH685P supports Full HD 3D content, but you will need compatible DLP-Link 3D glasses, which are sold separately.
5. Can the fan noise become distracting?
The fan is audible in operation, particularly in Bright mode, but it’s relatively comparable to other projectors in this category. Users concerned with noise should consider Eco mode, which is quieter.
PRICE CHECK
Use the below links to check the most up-to-date product price.
| Retailers |
|---|
| Amazon.com |
| ProjectorScreen.com |
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the BenQ TH685P?
The BenQ TH685P is an exceptional gaming projector that also handles casual home theater viewing competently. It’s an especially strong contender for users who prioritize low input lag, vibrant brightness, and ease of setup. Its limitations, such as the absence of Bluetooth and middling contrast, are minor trade-offs when considering its price point.
Recommended For:
- Gamers seeking competitive performance and screen versatility.
- Casual movie enthusiasts needing a projector adaptable to varying light conditions.
- Users looking for value under $800 without sacrificing key features.
Think Twice If:
- You need high-contrast visuals for dark movie scenes.
- You require versatile audio connectivity like Bluetooth.
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