Why You Can Trust CNET This BenQ Is a Pricey Gift, but It's the Best Projector for the Money
The BenQ TH685P shines when it comes to brightness and response time -- two essential projector metrics.
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I got my first projector back in college, and I'm not exaggerating when I say TVs just don't cut it for me anymore. It's not just about the huge picture -- though that does play a part. Projectors offer a truly immersive experience that's no longer limited to movie theaters with sticky floors. A projector with good speakers and curtains is like getting the experience without even having to leave the couch.
If you've had your eye on a projector for the holidays, I highly recommend the BenQ TH685P projector. It's a great value for the money you spend. Let's dig into why.
Why it's great: There are a lot of reasons why the BenQ projector is my top pick for holiday shopping, but here are just a few of them:
- Reputable brand: When shopping for a projector, you'll come across many brands with several models to choose from. BenQ is a dependable brand that's known for its quality. I can also vouch for its customer service experience. Last year our projector had some issues, and after one call with BenQ, it sent us a new one, no questions asked.
- Low response time: Response is the time between when you push a button and when you see the action. Response time isn't a huge deal for watching TV or movies, but it matters when playing video games. The last thing you want is lag while playing. On the topic of gaming, it's worth noting that this projector has HDR capabilities, which most modern gaming consoles offer.
- Good brightness: The reality is that not everyone has a home theater, but that doesn't mean they can't have a projector. The BenQ has a good brightness level, which is good for rooms with natural light. Keep in mind that darker is better for projectors. If the room is too bright, you'll get a washed-out picture with muted colors. My projector is in a room with two windows, and the picture quality is great.
- Easy-to-use adjustments: Unlike TVs, there are adjustments for projectors that allow you to tailor them to the room it's in. Keystone corrections (both vertical and horizontal) help ensure the image isn't distorted.
What you'll pay: Like TVs and other tech products, high-quality projectors aren't cheap. Once you start getting into 4K projectors, things get really pricey. BenQ has more expensive models, but for everyday use, I'm happy with my BenQ. My projector (the BenQ TH685) is a few years old, so the newer, most comparable model is the BenQ TH685P, which retails for around $800. I think it's one of the best projectors in its class, especially for the money.
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