Choosing between the Optoma ZH450ST and the BenQ LH600ST is one of the most common decisions for buyers looking for a short-throw, laser-based, bright projector for classrooms, business rooms, and golf simulators.
Both models target the same type of user but come with different strengths. This in-depth comparison breaks down brightness, installation flexibility, image quality, gaming performance, cost of ownership, and real-world use cases to help you choose the right model.

This page uses real-world measurements, manufacturer specifications, and hands-on usage feedback to provide a clear verdict for 2025.

1. Quick Comparison: ZH450ST vs LH600ST

In simple terms:
Optoma wins brightness, durability, and pro-grade features.
BenQ wins price, zoom flexibility, and color accuracy for presentations.

2. Design & Installation Flexibility

Throw Distance

This is the biggest practical difference between these two projectors.

Optoma ZH450ST

• Throw ratio 0.496:1

• Produces a 100-inch image from about 1.1 meters

• Perfect for tight spaces and golf simulators

BenQ LH600ST

• Throw ratio 0.69–0.83:1

• Needs more distance than Optoma

• More flexible thanks to 1.2x zoom

Verdict:

• Best for tiny rooms → Optoma ZH450ST

• Best for flexible placement → BenQ LH600ST

Size & Portability

Both are compact laser models, but Optoma is slightly smaller and more eco-designed (PCR plastics, recyclable packaging).

3. Brightness & Image Performance

Brightness (Measured vs Rated)

• Optoma ZH450ST measured 4,296 lumens (slightly above spec)

• BenQ LH600ST typically measures around 3,800–4,000 lumens

More brightness means:

• Better performance with lights on

• Better visibility for presentations

• More stable color in golf simulators

Winner: Optoma (clear advantage)

Contrast & Black Levels

Optoma’s dynamic contrast of 2,000,000:1 gives deeper blacks, especially in dark scenes.
BenQ’s contrast is lower, but its default color tuning is more accurate for SDR presentations.

Winner: Optoma for contrast
Winner: BenQ for factory color calibration

Color Accuracy

BenQ has long been known for accurate out-of-the-box colors.

• BenQ LH600ST provides well-balanced, natural presentations

• Optoma ZH450ST tends to run slightly warm (red-tinted skin tones)

For classrooms & business: BenQ
For brightness + contrast: Optoma

4. Laser Engine & Maintenance

Optoma ZH450ST

• DuraCore laser

• 30,000-hour life

• IP6X sealed optical engine

• 24/7 operation certified

BenQ LH600ST

• Laser engine rated for 20,000 hours

• Not IP6X sealed

This matters for dust-heavy usage (golf simulator rooms, industrial environments).

Winner: Optoma — longer life, fully sealed engine, lower TCO

5. Connectivity & Control

Optoma ZH450ST

• Dual HDMI

• LAN port with Optoma Management Suite (OMS)

• RS232, HDBaseT

• Designed for IT fleet management

BenQ LH600ST

• HDMI + USB

• RS232

• Stronger wireless casting compatibility (via optional accessories)

Winner for schools with many classrooms: Optoma
Winner for simple BYOD meeting rooms: BenQ

6. Gaming & Input Lag

• BenQ advertises low-latency mode (~17ms)

• Optoma ZH450ST is not gaming-optimized

If the projector will be used occasionally for gaming or simulators where responsiveness matters:

Winner: BenQ LH600ST

7. Sound & Fan Noise

• Optoma’s 15W speaker is louder and cleaner

• Fan noise similar, Optoma slightly louder in Bright mode

• BenQ is quieter but less powerful in audio output

Classroom projector winner: Optoma
Quiet meeting room winner: BenQ

8. Price & Value

• BenQ LH600ST: ~$1,099–$1,299

• Optoma ZH450ST: ~$1,999

Price difference is significant.

Value Summary:

• BenQ = Best budget short-throw laser for business/classrooms

• Optoma = Premium short-throw for pro installations and simulators

9. Use-Case Recommendations

Choose Optoma ZH450ST if you want:

• Maximum brightness

• The shortest throw distance

• Best contrast levels

• 24/7 durability and IP6X dustproof engine

• OMS management for IT departments

• Golf simulator installation

• Projection in rooms with lights on

Choose BenQ LH600ST if you want:

• A cheaper short-throw laser projector

• More flexible placement (thanks to zoom)

• Quiet operation

• Better color accuracy out-of-box

• Occasional gaming use

• Small office presentations

10. Final Verdict: Which One Is Better?

Both projectors are excellent, but they serve slightly different users.

⭐ Best for Professional Installations & Golf Simulators → Optoma ZH450ST

It offers:

• Higher brightness

• Shorter throw

• Better contrast

• Longer laser life

• IP6X dustproof engine

• OMS IT management tools

⭐ Best for Price-to-Performance & Typical Classrooms → BenQ LH600ST

It delivers:

• Lower price

• Great color tuning

• Flexible placement

• Quiet operation

• Better gaming latency

If your room is small, bright, or requires 24/7 operation, Optoma is the clear winner.
If budget matters and you want simple clean color for teaching or meetings, BenQ is unbeatable at the price.

11. FAQ

Is the Optoma ZH450ST worth the higher price?

Yes, if you need maximum brightness, short throw, dust-proofing, and IT management capabilities.

Is BenQ LH600ST good enough for bright rooms?

Yes — though not as bright as Optoma, its 4,000 lumens perform well for most classrooms and meeting spaces.

Which model is better for golf simulators?

Optoma ZH450ST.
The shorter throw and higher brightness give a more immersive, shadow-free image.

Which projector is quieter?

BenQ LH600ST is slightly quieter in normal mode.

Which one lasts longer?

Optoma ZH450ST with its 30,000-hour DuraCore laser.