ViewSonic PA503HD vs BenQ TH685P
The Two Cheapest Serious Gaming Projectors
ViewSonic PA503HD
BenQ TH685P
Quick Verdict
Jump to Final VerdictChoose the ViewSonic PA503HD:
- • Brighter image for a lower price
- • Huge 22,000:1 contrast ratio for a DLP projector this cheap
- • Long, 15,000-hour rated lamp life
Choose the BenQ TH685P:
- • Meaningfully lower input lag for gaming
- • Accepts 4K input and downscales to 1080p
- • Backed by BenQ’s 3-year warranty
Spec-by-Spec Comparison
| Specification | ViewSonic PA503HD | BenQ TH685P |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $640 | $975 |
| Resolution | 1080p | 1080p |
| Brightness | 4,000 lumens | 3,500 lumens |
| Input Lag | 16ms | 8.3ms |
| Max Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Contrast Ratio | 22,000:1 | 6,000:1 |
| Technology | DLP | DLP |
| Throw Type | Standard | Standard |
| Light Source Life | 15,000 hrs | 6,000 hrs |
| Weight | 6 lbs | 6.2 lbs |
| Owner Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Reviews | 148 | 79 |
Bold marks the better value per row. Prices and ratings update from Amazon automatically; blank cells mean the spec isn't verified for that model.
Final Verdict
The PA503HD is the price hero — brighter and noticeably cheaper, with a huge contrast-ratio spec for the money. The TH685P justifies its premium with meaningfully lower input lag and 4K input support, making it the sharper pick for consoles. Tight budget or office pull-double-duty: ViewSonic. Want the lowest lag for gaming: BenQ.
Get the ViewSonic PA503HD — $640
Get the BenQ TH685P — $975
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