A golf simulator makes it possible to play golf virtually without going out. As one of the important parts of the golf simulator, the projector plays a critical role in the overall experience. In this guide, we collect and select carefully the top 6 best gold simulator projectors in 2022, helping you to narrow the list and make a wise decision.
Best Golf Simulator Projector 2023
| Best Overall Golf Simulator Projector | Epson EB-PU1006W |
| Best Image Golf Simulator Projector | BenQ LK936ST |
| Best Indoor Golf Simulator Projector | Optoma UHD38 |
| Best WUXGA Golf Simulator Projector | Panasonic PT-VMZ50U |
| Best Short Throw Golf Simulator Projector | VAVA Chroma |
| Best Budget Golf Simulator Projector | ViewSonic PX748-4K |
Best Overall Golf Simulator Projector: Epson EB-PU1006W
- Price: $6,790
- Brightness: 6,000 lumens
- Resolution: WUXGA (1920 x 1200)
- Contrast: 2,500,000:1
- Keystone: Vertical: ±45 ˚; Horizontal: ±30 ˚
- Throw Ratio: Optional 0.35:1-10.11
Epson EB-PU1006W is a premium and compact laser projector suitable for golf simulators. It has a high resolution of WUXGA (1920 x 1200) and contrast of 2,500,000:1, bringing a sharp image with rich details of the golf course.
More importantly, the projector is rated at 6,000 lumens and projects images with high brightness. You can even use the projector under ambient light. Don’t forget to choose one lens with a short throw as the projector has 11 optional powered lenses.
| Pros | Cons |
| High brightness Laser light source Good Image High contrast Convenient Keystone | Higher price Only 1 HDMI interface |
Best Image Golf Simulator Projector: BenQ LK936ST
- Price: $4,899
- Brightness: 5,100 ANSI lumens
- Resolution: 4K UHD (3840×2160)
- Contrast: 3,000,000:1
- Keystone: 3D keystone, Horizontal & Vertical
- Throw Ratio：0.81~0.89
BenQ LK936ST is a 4K projector suitable for both home theater and purpose golf simulation. The projector features 92% coverage of REC. 709, 4K resolution, and 5,100 ANSI lumens, which bring sharp images with rich details and good color reproduction. It adopts a maintenance-free laser as the light source, which has a long lamp of 20,000 hours.
It has 3D keystone and corner fit correction, and useful correction features for golf course images. Regarding the interface, BenQ LK936ST is equipped with dual HDMI interfaces, DisplayPort 1.2a for High Resolution and accurate color transmission, S/PDIF for 5.1 audio channel surround sound output, RS-232 and LAN signal control signals, etc.
| Pros | Cons |
| 4K resolution High brightness Good color coverage 3D keystone Laser light source The giant screen of up to 300” | Longer throw |
Best Indoor Golf Simulator Projector: Optoma UHD38
- Price: $1,449
- Brightness: 4,000 ANSI lumens
- Resolution: UHD 4K (3840×2160)
- Contrast: 1,000,000:1
- Keystone: Horizontal & Vertical: +/-40°
- Throw Ratio:1.5:1 ~ 1.66:1
Optoma UHD38 features 4K resolution and high brightness of 4,000 ANSI lumens, which is suitable for simulating playing golf. With a dynamic contrast of 1,000,000:1, the projector brings rich details of the golf course.
It has a low input lag of 4.2ms, providing a smooth moving experience. The four-corner correction feature makes image adjustment easy and quick. Optoma UHD38 is equipped with various interfaces, including 2 HDMI interfaces, a S/PDIF interface, and more, which are compatible with various external devices.
| Pros | Cons |
| The ultra-low input lag of 4.2ms 4K resolution High contrast 300” giant screen | Lamp light source Longer throw |
Best WUXGA Golf Simulator Projector: Panasonic PT-VMZ50U
- Price: $2499
- Brightness: 5,000 lumens
- Resolution: WUXGA (1920 x 1200)
- Contrast: 3,000,000:1
- Keystone: Vertical: ±25°, Horizontal: ±35°
- Throw Ratio：1.09:1 – 1.77:1
Panasonic PT-VMZ50U is a 3LCD projector with a laser light source, which requires no repeated lamp replacement and maintenance. The projector has WUXGA (1920 x 1200) resolution and 5,000 lumens, whose projection image is bright and clear.
It supports both vertical and horizontal keystones, making image adjustment quick and convenient. The 1.6x zoom helps you to catch the details of the image.
| Pros | Cons |
| High brightness Laser light source 3LCD display technology 300” screen | Longer throw |
Best Short Throw Golf Simulator Projector: VAVA Chroma
- Price: $3,499
- Brightness: 2,200 ANSI Lumen
- Resolution: UHD 4K (3840×2160)
- Contrast: 1,500,000:1
- Keystone: 8-point keystone
- Throw Ratio: 0.233:1
VAVA Chroma is a popular 4K UST resolution, which features a laser light source and smart features. The projector is powered by an Android TV system and supports an 8-point keystone, making image adjustment easy and convenient.
The 4K projector has 106% REC. 2020 and contrast of 1,500,000:1, bringing images with good color reproduction and rich details and making your simulated golf course vivid and life-like.
| Pros | Cons |
| Ultra-short throw 4K resolution Smart Android system Dolby audio | Less bright in the list |
Best Budget Golf Simulator Projector: ViewSonic PX748-4K
- Price: $1069
- Brightness: 4,000 ANSI Lumens
- Resolution: UHD 4K (3840×2160)
- Contrast: 12,000:1
- Keystone: Horizontal & Vertical
- Throw Ratio: 1.13:1 – 1.47:1
ViewSonic PX748-4K is the best budget projector for the golf simulator on the list. The projector has 4,000 ANSI lumens, a contrast of 12,000:1, and 4K resolution, whose image is bright and clear.
The projector can project a max screen of 300 inches, bringing a joyful and immersive viewing experience. The horizontal and vertical keystones can help you to adjust the image quickly. In addition, the projector has an ultra-fast input of 4.2ms, making the motion and movement smooth.
| Pros | Cons |
| High brightness 4K resolution 300” giant screen Low input lag of 4.2ms Cheaper price | Longer throw in the list |
Top Considerations for Golf Simulator Projector
In this section, we conclude the top factors to consider before buying a projector for a golf simulator.
Brightness
Brightness is the top parameter when you choose a projector for a golf simulator. If the projector is not bright enough, the image may be dim and blurry, and you have to turn all lights off when you use the projector to achieve a better effect. The brightness should be higher than 2,000 ANSI lumens to achieve a good viewing effect.
Resolution and Contrast
Resolution refers to the pixels in the projection image. The higher the resolution, the more pixels in the image. The image contrast determines the color gradation and details in the image. The higher the contrast, the richer details in the image.
Light Source
Generally, projectors with high brightness on the market use a traditional lamp or laser as the light source. Compared with a common lamp, the laser has a longer life span and requires less maintenance.
Throw Ratio
If you have a narrow room, you need to pick a projector with a short throw so that the projector can project a giant screen within a short distance. If the projector has a long throw, your shadow may be cast on the projection screen, which greatly affects the overall experience.
Keystone
If the projector supports keystone correction, you can quickly adjust the image without tiresome manual work. Generally, the projector should have both vertical and horizontal keystones to make the projection image rectangular.
Screen Size
The screen size of the projector is also critical for the golf simulator. You can check the screen size range of the projector before making decisions. Generally, the max screen size of the projector for a golf simulator should be no less than 120 inches to achieve an immersive and true-to-life effect.
Conclusion
The brightness, resolution, and contrast of projectors contribute to good image quality for golf simulators. The throw ratio and screen size are critical for the viewing experience. In addition, keystone features and light source types determine the user experience and maintenance.
