If you are looking for the perfect projector for a golf simulator in your house, we’ll show you the key factors and features you should be looking for today. In this guide, we showcase the best golf simulator projectors in detail.
Brands like Optoma and BenQ sell quality projectors for affordable golf simulators. Less known brands should be okay as long as you understand key things like:
- contrast ratio
- throw distance
- lamp life
- projection size
We’ll go over all of these and more below!
What are the Best Projectors for Golf Simulators?
A breakdown of our top picks are a key feature are as follows:
| Projector | Key Feature |
|---|---|
| Optoma UHD38x | 4K UHD resolution for sharp visuals |
| Optoma HD146X | Large image size at short distance |
| BenQ TK700STi | Low input lag for responsive gameplay |
| ViewSonic PS600X | Short-throw for limited space environments |
| Epson Home Cinema 2350 | Full HD 1080p and 3D content support |
Best Golf Projectors Comparison Table
| Projector | Resolution | Brightness | Contrast Ratio | Throw Ratio | Input Lag | Lamp Life | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optoma UHD38x | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Optoma HD146X | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| BenQ TK700STi | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| ViewSonic PS600X | 3 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Epson Home Cinema 2350 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Here’s a key for the scores:
- Resolution: 5 = 4K, 4 = Full HD (1080p), 3 = XGA (1024 x 768)
- Brightness: 5 = 3800 lumens or above, 4 = Under 3800 lumens, 3 = Under 3000 lumens, 2 = 2400 lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 5 = 1,000,000:1 or above, 4 = Between 25,000:1 and 999,999:1, 3 = Under 24,999:1
- Throw Ratio: 5 = Short throw (<1:1), 4 = Medium throw, 3 = Long throw
- Input Lag: 5 = Very low (ideal for golf simulators), 4 = Sufficiently low
- Lamp Life: 5 = Up to 15,000 hours or more in Eco mode, 4 = Up to 7,500 hours
- Price: 5 = $700 or less, 4 = Between $700 and $1300, 3 = Over $1,300
Optoma UHD38x (Best Overall Projector for Golf Simulator)
The Optoma UHD38x is one of the best golf projectors you can buy today. It offers several features that meet or exceed the expectations you should have in projectors for golf.
The UHD38X boasts a 4K UHD resolution, delivering sharp, detailed images with high clarity. To achieve this resolution, the projector utilizes a DLP (Digital Light Processing) chip.
This projector offers a brightness rating of up to 3,800 ANSI lumens, which ensures vibrant and well-defined visuals even in moderately lit environments. The high brightness output makes it suitable for both dark and moderately lit rooms.
The UHD38x comes with a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, providing a wide range between dark and light areas of the image. This high contrast ratio enhances the depth and overall quality of the projected visuals.
With a short throw ratio of 1.21-1.59:1, you can place the projector approximately 1.21 to 1.59 feet away for every foot of the projected image. This throw distance allows for larger image sizes, even in smaller rooms.
Other features include 16:9 (widescreen) and 4:3 (standard) aspect ratios, 15,000 hours of lamp life in dynamic mode, low noise, and a projection image ranging from 33 inches to 300 inches diagonally.
With its short throw ratio, you can place this projector close to your simulator impact screen, which is ideal for smaller rooms. It also features a vertical lens shift, allowing for vertical image adjustment without physically moving the projector.
The price of this project is a bit on the higher side, but still reasonable. It ticks so many good boxes that it is worth considering anyways.
You can get the UHD38x golf simulator projector for $1,099.
Key Features
- A high-resolution image with exceptional clarity and detail.
- A brightness rating of 3,800 ANSI lumens
- Lamp lifespan of up to 15,000 hours in dynamic mode
- Features a vertical lens shift, which allows you to make vertical image adjustments without physically moving the projector during installation.
What I Like About Optoma UHD38x
The features above are all great reasons to call the UHD38X the best projector on this list.
The Optoma UHD38x is known for its low input lag, which is crucial for golfing. I like its fast response time, which helps reduce the delay between user input and on-screen action, resulting in a more immersive gaming experience.
I also like that it operates at a low noise level of approximately 26 decibels, minimizing distractions while you are playing a round.
Click here to view Optoma UHD38x.
- TRUE 4K ULTRA HD: Experience high-quality home cinema feel with 4K Ultra HD with 8.3 million distinct addressable on-screen pixels.Mounting type: Ceiling Mount
- LAG-FREE GAMING: Ultra-fast 240Hz gaming for blur-free visuals and unparalleled smoothness––combined with Enhanced Gaming Mode to produce a 4.2ms response time at 1080p, 16ms at 4K UHD, for the lowest input lag on a 4K projector
- HDR & HLG COMPATIBLE: Enjoy brighter whites and deeper black levels for an enhanced viewing experience of images and videos, enabled by HDR10 & HLG technologies
- ULTRA-BRIGHT: Enjoy 4,000 lumens of brightness in your home theater room, family room, gaming room – or even outdoors for backyard movie nights
- CRISP, COLORFUL PICTURE: UltraDetail technology ensures enhanced image sharpness with a higher frame rate to deliver a crystal clear picture; RGBWRGBW 8 segment color wheel increases the color ratio for richer, vivid and cinematic image
Optoma HD146X (Largest Image Size)
The Optoma HD146X is another popular golf simulation projector by Optoma that you should consider. It has a native resolution of 1080p, which means it can display Full HD content with a sharp and detailed image.
The HD146X has a brightness rating of 3,600 ANSI lumens, ensuring vibrant and clear images even in well-lit environments. This makes it suitable for use in living rooms or other areas with ambient light. The projector supports multiple aspect ratios, including 16:9 (widescreen) and 4:3 (standard), allowing you to adapt to different content and screen formats.
The high point of this project is that it can project a screen size ranging from 28 inches to 301 inches. It also has a contrast ratio of 25,000:1, enhancing the distinction between the image’s dark and light areas.
The Optoma HD146X offers a low input lag of around 16ms. Plus, it is relatively easy to set up and install. It offers keystone correction to compensate for image distortion caused by angled placement and has various connectivity options for seamless integration into your home theater or presentation setup.
While not as crisp as the UHD38x above, the price is a big perk. This projector costs only $599, allowing you to spend your money in different areas..
Key Features
- Delivers crisp and detailed Full HD image quality.
- Offers 3,600 ANSI lumens for vibrant and clear images even in well-lit environments.
- Projector screen size from 28 to 301 inches, providing versatility based on your available space.
- Supports 16:9 (widescreen) and 4:3 (standard) to accommodate various content and screen formats.
What I Like About Optoma HD146X
I like that the Optoma HD146X enables large image projection from a short distance, which makes it ideal for smaller rooms. Optoma is always really good with its setup flexibility, so you can install this projector wherever you need it in your golf simulator setup.
I also like that it emits approximately 26dB in Eco mode for a quiet viewing experience.
Click here to view Optoma HD146X.
- CINEMATIC PICTURE QUALITY: Enjoy crisp, high-definition images with a native 1080p (1920×1080) resolution and an RYGCWB color wheel for home cinema color calibration.
- PERFECT IMAGE ALIGNMENT: With the latest technology from Texas Instruments, the DLP DMD single-chip design ensures perfect image alignment combined with high-brightness for an incredible picture
- LIGHTS-ON VIEWING: Enjoy an incredible 3, 600 of brightness in any room in your home; leave the lights on or keep it dim for a cinematic experience
- FAST RESPONSE TIME: Enhanced Gaming Mode enables lightning-fast response time; Game Display Mode boosts shadows and dark scenes for greater visibility of impending obstacles
- HDMI-CEC FOR SIMPLE ON/OFF: HDMI-CEC technology enables control of the projector and connected devices using a single remote, all via the HDMI connection with the projectors HDMI-Link feature
BenQ TK700STi (Lowest Input Lag)
The BenQ TK700STi provides a solid set of features for its price range, including high resolution, brightness, contrast ratio, low input lag, and flexible installation options. It has been a popular choice for golf simulator setups.
The TK700STi has a high-definition native resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, known as 4K Ultra HD. This allows for incredibly sharp and detailed images on the screen. If you plan on watching TV on your projector too, the BenQ has a sharper image than most others.
The TK700STi has a short throw ratio, around 0.89:1. It can project a large image even when placed close to the screen or wall. The brightness level is up to 3,000 ANSI lumens and boasts a high contrast ratio of 10,000:1.
Low input lag is crucial for golfers to ensure smooth and responsive gameplay. The TK700STi offers a low input lag, usually around 16ms, minimizing unnecessary delays. It also supports multiple aspect ratios, including the standard 16:9 widescreen format.
The projector can display large screen sizes, typically ranging from 60 inches to 200 inches or more. With its short throw ratio, you can place it close to the screen or wall and achieve a large projected image. The price range for this projector is around $1,400.
Key Features
- Offers a native resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels.
- Up to 3,000 ANSI lumens provide bright and vibrant visuals, even in well-lit environments.
- Compatible with various devices, including gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and streaming devices.
- Low input lag for smooth and responsive gameplay.
- Supports various aspect ratios
What I Like About BenQ TK700STi
I like that the TK700STi utilizes a long-lasting lamp that can provide up to 4,000 hours of usage in normal mode. In eco mode, the lamp life can be extended to approximately 15,000 hours, reducing the need for frequent lamp replacements.
One other nice feature – BenQ offers a golf mode on their projector models, which makes your green colors pop.
Click here to view BenQ TK700STi.
- TK700 vs TK700STi: TK700STi possesses short-throw capabilities able to project at shorter distances (100"at 6.5ft). TK700 utilizes standard throw (100" at 8.2ft). TK700STi also features Android TV while the TK700 does not.
- 4K LOW LATENCY: Low latency 16ms at 4K/60Hz low input lag, Game Mode/Game Sound Mode to fine-tune audio and images
- PRO PERFORMANCE: Compatible with major consoles (Sony PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X, Google stadia) huge, bright, sharp images and equalized audio
- EASY SET-UP: 1.2x zoom flexible throw distances, 2D Auto Vertical Keystone, Picture Rotation Adjustment for squared images
- ENDLESS ENTERTAINMENT: Google-certified Android TV and Google Play store, with 5,000 plus of the latest Android apps, movies, shows, live sports, games, music, and more
ViewSonic PS600X (Budget Option)
ViewSonic PS600X is a short-throw projector with a native XGA (1024 x 768) resolution. It has a high brightness level of 3,500 ANSI lumens, ensuring your golf simulator software remains visible even in well-lit rooms. With a high contrast ratio of 22,000:1, the projector helps to deliver more vibrant and detailed visuals.
The short throw ratio of 0.61 allows the projector to display a large image even when placed relatively close to the screen or projection surface. It can project an image size ranging from 30 to 300 inches diagonally and supports the standard 4:3 aspect ratio.
The lamp life of the ViewSonic PS600X is up to 15,000 hours in Eco mode. It runs at a relatively low noise level. The short throw ratio and compact design of the ViewSonic PS600X make it suitable for easy installation in rooms with limited space.
You can get this unit for only $549.99, making this a good budget projector.
Key Features
- Short throw ratio allows for large image projection even in limited spaces.
- 3,500 lumens
- Light on your budget
What I Like About ViewSonic PS600X
The PS600X is a good quality projector if you want to save money. Its throw ratio and brightness are solid for most setups.
The biggest drawback is that it only has 1024 x 768 resolution. This is fine for legacy simulator software which is lower quality, but too low for HD watching.
Click here to view ViewSonic PS600X
- VERSATILE PROJECTOR: High brighness 3700 Lumens XGA projector with 0.61 short throw and advanced visual features
- EASY SETUP: 0.61 throw ratio, H/V keystone and corner adjustment
- LONG LAMP LIFE: SuperEco Mode allows the lamp to shine bright for up to 15,000 hours
- AMAZING COLOR ACCURACY: A 6 segment color wheel and dynamic lamp control capabilities provide vivid colors
- REDUCED INPUT LATENCY: A low 16ms input latency provides faster frame by frame action for smooth images without delay
Epson Home Cinema 2350 (Highest Contrast Ratio)
The Epson Home Cinema 2350 is our pick for the best image-quality golf simulator projector. It is designed to provide a high-quality cinematic experience in your home’s comfort.
With a native Full HD 1080p resolution, the Epson Home Cinema 2350 offers sharp and detailed images with vibrant colors. The contrast ratio of 70,000:1 is really good. The 2,400 lumens brightness level ensures a satisfying viewing experience in indoor lighting conditions.
This projector supports various aspect ratios, including the standard 16:9 widescreen format. It can also project large images, allowing for screen sizes ranging from 30 to 300 inches or more, depending on the projection distance.
The projector is compatible with 2D and 3D content, providing an immersive viewing experience paired with compatible 3D glasses.
The Epson Home Cinema 2350 is designed for easy installation and setup. It provides manual lens shift and zoom capabilities, allowing you to adjust the image placement and size without physically moving the projector.
Key Features
- Full HD 1080p resolution
- Brightness of up to 2,400 lumens
- Dynamic contrast ratio of up to 70,000:1
- Short throw ratio for projecting large images from a short distance
- Supports 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio
- Lamp life of up to 4,500 hours in normal mode and 7,500 hours in Eco mode
- Low noise operation
What I Like About Epson Home Cinema 2350
I like that the Epson Home Cinema 2350 is a feature-rich projector with high-resolution visuals and good brightness. The high contrast ratio provides an immersive golfing experience.
Click here to view Epson Home Cinema 2350
- 4K PRO-UHD (1) — An amazing 4K experience utilizing advanced processing for resolution enhancement, color and image processing; HDR10 (2) and HLG support produce an extraordinary range of color and detail in both bright and dark scenes
- Bright Picture — 2,800 lumens of color and white brightness (6) deliver a bright, vivid picture in a variety of lighting conditions
- Best-in-Class Color Brightness (7) — Advanced 3-chip 3LCD technology displays 100% of the RGB color signal for every frame, allowing for outstanding color accuracy while maintaining excellent color brightness without any distracting “rainbowing” or “color brightness” issues seen with other projection technologies
- Input Lag Time Under 20 ms — Low latency mode allows for responsive gaming with the latest generation of gaming consoles
- Smart Streaming Capability — Latest Android TV (3) interface with a simple-to-use remote – including voice search with built-in Google Assistant; watch all your favorite streaming channels including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, YouTube and more; even stream live TV with apps like YouTube TV (4)
How to Pick the Perfect Golf Simulator Projector
When considering a golf simulator projector, there are several factors to consider. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Resolution: This determines the picture quality and clarity of the image. The higher the resolution, the more detailed the image will be. An HD projector with a high resolution, ideally Full HD or 4K, will produce a more realistic golfing experience.
- Brightness: Measured in lumens, brightness determines how well you can see the projection on your simulator screen in different lighting conditions. A brighter projector (typically 3000 lumens or more) will provide a clearer image, especially in well-lit rooms.
- Contrast Ratio: This is the difference between the darkest black and the whitest white that the projector can produce. A higher contrast ratio results in a more vivid and detailed image.
- Throw Ratio: The throw ratio is the distance from the projector to the screen compared to the width of the screen. Short throw projectors are better if you have a smaller room.
- Input Lag: For a golf simulator, low input lag is essential as it ensures a smooth transition from your swing to the ball’s movement on the screen.
- Connectivity Options: The projector should have the necessary ports (like HDMI, VGA, USB) to connect with your devices.
- Lamp Life: Projector bulbs can be expensive to replace, so consider the projector’s lamp life. Some projectors offer a lamp life of up to 15,000 hours.
- Price: Lastly, you’ll want to consider your budget. Projector prices can vary greatly depending on the features you’re looking for.
Considering these factors compared to your specific needs and circumstances is always a good idea. You might prioritize different features based on your particular use case and environment.
Ways to Mount a Golf Simulator Projector
Mounting a golf simulator projector depends on your available space, the projector’s specifications, the type of screen, and your personal preference.
No matter the mounting method, the projector must be aligned correctly to ensure the image is straight and centered on the screen. The distance to the screen and height of the projector need to be calculated accurately, considering the projector’s throw ratio and lens shift capabilities.
Here are a few common ways to mount a golf simulator projector:
Ceiling Mount
Ceiling mounting your golf projector is the most common way to install it. A ceiling mounted projector offers several benefits, including:
- keeping the projector out of the way
- preventing any obstructions in the projected image
- preventing any shadows cast by the golfer on the screen
Special brackets are used to secure the projector to the ceiling, and the projector image is typically inverted to project the image correctly. This might be the hardest way to install things in a garage or high-ceiling room, but it offers less trouble later.
It’s important to consider the throw ratio and the distance to the screen when using this method. All popular golf simulator projector options can be ceiling mounted.
Floor Mount in an Enclosure
A floor-mounted projector is typically housed in a specially designed enclosure that protects it from impact by golf balls. This type of setup can be used when ceiling mounting isn’t an option due to ceiling height or other restrictions.
The enclosure is typically placed towards the rear of the simulator space to project onto the screen. One potential downside of this method is the possibility of the golfer’s shadow interfering with the projection.
Rear Projection
In this method, the projector is placed behind the golf simulator projector screen and projects the image from the back.
This is an ideal method to avoid shadows cast by the golfer. However, this method requires a specialized rear projection screen and ample space behind the screen to accommodate the projector.
Wall Mount
Like ceiling mounting, wall mounting involves attaching the projector to the wall, usually on a shelf or a special bracket. This can be a suitable option if ceiling mounting isn’t possible or if there’s a wall available at the right distance for the projector’s throw ratio.
Tabletop or Cart Mount
A tabletop or cart mount can be used if the space isn’t suitable for a permanent installation or needs to be multifunctional. The projector is placed on a table, a cart, or a dedicated projector stand that can be moved as needed.
Conclusion
All of the projectors for golf simulators we featured above would fit great in your indoor golf simulator room. They each tick off most of the boxes we look for, including:
- High lumens
- High display resolution
- HDMI connectivity
- A bright image
- Good in ambient and artificial lighting
- Short throw ratio
- Installation flexibility
In particular, Optoma’s golf projectors offer high quality for their price point. BenQ is another favorite, which has a dedicated golf mode built into it.
If you have another projector that you like, comment below and let us know!
Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Simulator Projectors (FAQs)
What are the top golf simulator projectors on the market?
Several great golf simulator projectors are available today, with models from brands like BenQ, Optoma, and Epson often receiving high marks. The choice of the best one depends on various factors such as budget, space, and personal preferences.
How important is the resolution for a golf simulator projector?
Resolution is very important for golf simulator projectors. Higher resolution means sharper and more detailed images, leading to a more realistic golfing experience. 4K resolution is ideal, but a minimum of 1080p is recommended for a good experience.
What is a short throw projector, and why is it used in golf simulators?
A short-throw projector can project a large image from a short distance. This is useful in golf simulators because it allows you to place the projector closer to the screen, making it easier to fit into smaller spaces and reducing the risk of shadows interfering with the image.
What is the role of brightness in a golf simulator projector?
Brightness, measured in lumens, determines how well the projector can display images in various lighting conditions. A higher lumen count is preferable, especially if you plan to use the golf simulator in a well-lit room.
Why is low input lag important in a golf simulator projector?
Low input lag ensures that the image on the screen updates quickly in response to your actions, making the golf simulation more realistic and responsive. Projectors with high input lag may cause a noticeable delay, disrupting the immersive experience.
What is the ideal screen size for a golf simulator projector?
Screen size depends on the available space and the projector’s capabilities. Generally, a screen size between 100 and 150 inches balances immersion and practicality for most home setups.
Do I need a special screen for a golf simulator projector?
While you don’t necessarily need a special screen, using a high-quality impact screen designed for golf simulators can enhance image quality and durability. These screens are designed to withstand the impact of golf balls.
Can I use a TV instead of a projector for my golf simulator?
Yes, but remember that most TVs can’t match the large screen size projectors can achieve. Also, TVs may not handle the impact of an errant golf ball, so you’ll need to install it in the right location.
What is a good contrast ratio for a golf simulator projector?
A higher contrast ratio allows for better differentiation between light and dark areas of the image, providing a more detailed and realistic picture. A contrast ratio of 20,000:1 is typically good for a golf simulator projector.
How much should I budget for a golf simulator projector?
Projectors for golf simulators vary widely in price, depending on features and quality. You can find decent projectors for around $500, while high-end models cost upwards of $2,000. Remember to factor in additional costs like a projector screen and mounting hardware.
How many lumens should a golf simulator projector have?
The recommended brightness for a golf simulator projector largely depends on the ambient light in your room. For a room with little to no ambient light, a projector with 1,500 to 2,500 lumens would suffice. If the room has moderate to high ambient light, you may need a projector with 3,000 lumens or more to ensure a clear and vibrant image.
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API