Sony VPL-XW5000ES vs BenQ AK700ST

The Sony VPL-XW5000ES is the better choice for a dedicated dark-room home theater where picture quality comes first. Its native 4K SXRD panels, X1 Ultimate processing and wide DCI-P3 color give deeper blacks and more accurate film images than the BenQ. The BenQ AK700ST is far brighter and short-throw, so it suits golf simulators, bright living rooms and tight spaces where the projector sits close to the screen. Build differs too: the Sony is a heavy 13 kg long-throw unit with lens shift, while the BenQ is a 3.4 kg portable short-throw with auto screen fit.

• Choose the Sony VPL-XW5000ES if you have a dark, dedicated room, a long throw distance and want the most cinematic native 4K image with strong black levels.
• Choose the BenQ AK700ST if you need a bright short-throw projector for a golf simulator, a bright room or a small space, and want easy auto setup.