Best Projector For Golf Simulator

Updated Jan 12, 2023

Are you looking for the best projector for golf simulator fun?

Whether you’re new to golf simulators, or you have been using them at home for years, you are in the right place. We have put together a list of the highest rated projectors for golf simulator so you can easily set it up and enjoy the incredible features.

The best golf simulator projectors offer a bright image and excellent sharpness. Therefore, it is essential to buy one that gets you a high quality image. All in all, don’t compromise on quality just to buy more affordable projectors.

Therefore, to avoid any inconvenience for you, we have done our homework, read reviews of the best home golf simulator projectors, and made this list for you!

Before you buy a projector make sure you check this detailed and ultra helpful guide to help you decide according the best projector for you according to your personal needs: How to Choose the Right Projector for Different Room Sizes & Uses

Buying Guide For The Best Projector for Golf Simulator

Response Time

The response rate is the primary factor you have to focus on with digital projection of this quality. The machine with the quickest response rate, and enhanced gaming mode options will be best for you.

So, if you find a projector with a square shape lowest resolution, or any basic projector, then you may get frustrated. You will want an excellent response rate. The range of 7.5 to 8.5 ms is known as the best response rate in projector devices.

Laser projector options, ultra short throw projector brands, short throw projectors, as well as long throw projectors are all great choices. However, you will want a response time that matches your optimal throw ratio.

Image Quality and Throw Ratio

An extremely important factor is picture quality. A projector is useless if you don’t see a clear or crisp view. Therefore, find the one with excellent resolution, and fantastic picture quality.

A big factor in image quality is throw distance. It is the distance between the screen and projector. Measuring your space will be extremely important. If your screen is about 20 feet then you should keep the projector about 5 feet away from the screen. Thus the throw ratio will be 0.25:1.

It is because the gap between screen and projector also decides the screen resolution. If you have a small room then you have a shorter throw distance. An ultra short throw projector or a short throw projector would work best.

If you have a larger space, then you can use a long throw projector. Projector mounts will help with long throw projectors as well. You can opt for a floor mount enclosure, or even a ceiling mount to help keep the picture still and high quality.

There isn’t 1 throw ratio that fits every room, so be certain to measure your space and you will have the best picture quality.

Resolution and Aspect Ratio

Resolution and aspect ratio are other key factors to look upon. The aspect ratio is the ratio between the height and width of the reflected image. For the best golf simulator projectors, you will need to find a projector that offers the best aspect ratios.

Your screen size will also effect golf simulators. Essentially, you’re looking for an aspect ratio of aspect ratio of 16:9 or 16:10. The optimal throw ratio and the best aspect ratios will make a huge difference. The best golf simulator projectors have 1800 resolution aspect ratio and a clear screen view.

Lumens for Golf Simulator Projectors

Lumens determine how bright the image of the projector display will be. The higher the lumen the brighter the picture. Lamp projectors, laser projectors, and digital light processing all influence your quality picture and brightness.

Look for something that has a high native contrast ratio, as well as projector models with high lumens. An HD projector with a good quality projector screen will make for a projector for a golf lover.

For dark settings find a light output between 2.5 k to 3.5 k lumens. For reduced lightning, you can find a projector with high lumens. Usually, for the room with low light 33k lumen work best.

Throw Distance Options

Usually, throw distance is categorized into three types. These are short throw, long, and ultra short throw. One of the best short throw projector options work well with at home golf simulators.

• Long Throw Projector – For the wide areas where there is no space issue, you can use the projector with a long throw distance.
• Short Throw Projector – For compact rooms or condos where you have limited space, do prefer the short-throw. Thus you will be able to get a clear image and will have an excellent golf practicing experience.
• Ultra Short Throw Projector – For the offices and very small cabins, the super short throw makes the perfect option. It offers a good resolution and a crisp image to the player.

HDMI Connectivity

Another superb feature that is present in the projectors includes HDMI connectivity. Now you can connect devices with your laptop or Pc to have the best golf simulation experience. High resolution HDMI connectivity is extremely important. Not only for your home theater projector and mobile devices, but also for golf projectors!

Shop indoor golf simulator projectors that have excellent connectivity in order to have the most effective picture quality the projector produces!

Top 12 Best projectors for golf simulator

1. Optoma GT1090HDR – Editor’s Choice

Brightness: 4200 Lumens | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Lamp Life: 30,000 hours | Contrast Ratio: 300,000:1 | Native Resolution: 1080p

Optoma GT1090HDR is the best projector for golf simulator overall. It is a quality golf simulator projector thanks to the stellar specs including a super bright 4200L brightness.

You can confidently use the projector in both dark rooms and rooms with ambient light.

It is a laser projector, which means long lasting brightness over extended periods of usage, less maintenance, and colors are better contrasted compared to lamp source projectors.

For example, the older version in the series, the Optoma GT1080HDR doesn’t stack up to the GT1090HDR’s brightness, lamp life & contrast ratio and is missing a laser projector source.

The GT1090HDR is slightly pricier but the 4200L brightness and impressive 300,000:1 contrast ratio justify the cost. The high contrast ratio makes content on-screen pop, with deeply contrasted darks and lights for detailed scenes.

Adding on to the stunning visuals, the GT1090HDR supports HDR10 with 4K inputs and HLG. This helps enhances details and contrasting colors for vivid images and video. The major drawback of the GT1090HDR is the missing native 4K resolution.

But 4K input support helps remedy that by enhancing image quality as much as possible when viewing 4K content. The GT1090HDR will last you a long time, rated for up to 30,000 hours on a single lamp.

The laser light source helps regulate this and enhances durability. It also features IPX6 dust resistance, auto keystone & 4-corner correction, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a full port array.

Everything included on the Optoma GT1090HDR is amazing value at the price tag. The only thing lacking is native 4K resolution, but otherwise, the GT1090HDR is a capable performer and is unequivocally the best choice for your golf simulator setup.

2. Optoma UHZ50 – Best Premium Projector For Golf Simulator

Brightness: 3000 Lumens | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Lamp Life: 30,000 hours | Contrast Ratio: 2,000,000:1 | Native Resolution: 4K

For the Best Premium Golf simulator projector category, we’ve got the Optoma UHZ50. The projector features a 3000L lamp brightness which is great for dark or dimly lit rooms and a 4K UHD native resolution.

That’s 8.3 million pixels on-screen, resulting in sharp and clear projections.

The best feature of the UHZ50 is the excellent contrast rating of 2,000,000:1. Images are well-contrasted and have cinema-like quality when displaying darks and lights. Color accuracy gets a boost as well and allows the UHZ50 to project true-to-life, vivid colors.

The UHZ50’s top competitor is the LG HU810PW which comes with the same contrast rating.

However, the UHZ50 has a higher max brightness, lamp life, and better sound quality speakers. The UHZ50 also performs better when gaming with a speedy 240HZ refresh rate and 4ms (1080p) and 16.9ms (4K) response times.

They’re both similarly priced and for golf simulation, you need a projector that can consistently perform, making the UHZ50 the right projector for you.

Additionally, the Optoma UHZ50 has a long-lasting 30,000-hour lamp life. You don’t need to maintain the UHZ50 as often, ideal for an exclusive golf mode projector.

The audio quality on the UHZ50 is also fantastic thanks to the dual 10W speaker setup and eARC support. eARC enables accurate, deep-sounding audio with wider source support.

The projector also supports Wi-Fi screen mirroring, Google Assistant and Alexa voice commands, and IFTTT integration. It also has a full array of ports including 3x HDMI, USB-A, Audio, and RS-323.

A major plus point to the UHZ50 is the flexible and easy setup options including Vertical/Horizontal & 4-corner correction, vertical lens shift function, 1.3x zoom, and 3×3 image alignment.

You won’t need to worry about space constraints and can adjust the image as necessary. Not many projectors include this many options for adjustment so it’s commendable Optoma included all of this.

Everything we’ve gone over indicates the Optoma UHZ50 is an excellent projector for Golf simulation. It’s on the pricier side, but if you’ve got the cash, you can’t do better than the UHZ50.

3. ViewSonic PX701-4K – Best Budget Golf Simulator Projector

Brightness: 3200 ANSI Lumens | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Lamp Life: 20,000 hours | Contrast Ratio: 12,000:1 | Native Resolution: 4K

Moving on to the best budget projector for Golf Simulators, the ViewSonic PX701-4K is the best in the category. This is a powerful projector that has many flagship features but retains a mid-range projector price tag.

There’s a tonne of value here and it’s a great option for gaming consoles or golf simulator packages on a budget. The PX701-4K features a high 3200 ANSI Lumens brightness and 4K UHD native resolution.

You don’t often see 4K in this price range which is a great advantage to the PX701-4K.

For example, the predecessor of the PX701-4K, the ViewSonic PX701HD is around the same price but is a 1080p Full HD projector.

The PX701-4K also supports HDR and has dedicated gaming features like 4.2ms response time and 240HZ refresh rate. The PX701-4K is just slightly more expensive than the PX701HD, so it’s the clear choice in this price range.

Adding on to the impressive spec sheet, the PX701-4K supports HDR and HLG for deep contrast and SuperColor technology for vivid, true-to-life colors. The wide color gamut is impressive, but the downside is the contrast rating which maxes out at 12,000:1.

So colors won’t look as good compared to a flagship 4K projector but it’s still very impressive for the price. You can project up to 300″ image size to fill in your projector screen and 20,000-hour lamp life.

Lamp life is on the lower end, but for the price, we can’t complain. For a convenient setup, the PX701-4K has a 1.1x optical zoom and automatic vertical/horizontal keystone correction. Setting up and adjusting the projection is easy and expansive.

There’s also a 10W speaker built-in so you don’t need an external soundbar when using golf simulators. But another big problem with the PX701-4K is lacking port selection. It comes with only 2x HDMI, 1 USB-A, Audio, and R323 ports which can be lacking for some.

But otherwise, there’s a lot to love with the PX701-4K and it’s the budget champ on our list. You’re getting flagship features at mid-range prices and barely any downsides. What more could you ask for?

4. Epson EX9240

Brightness: 4000 Lumens | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Lamp Life: 12,000 hours | Contrast Ratio: 16,000:1 | Native Resolution: 1080p

Next up, we’ve got another capable performer, the Epson Pro EX9240. This projector from Epson has a great spec sheet with a focus on brightness. The Pro EX9240 comes with a staggering 4000L brightness, ideal for brightly lit rooms, with even better performance in dark rooms.

It also comes with a 1080p native resolution so it can function as a home theater. Sadly, there’s no 4K input support for enhanced 4K content. But if you needed a projector solely for golf simulation, it shouldn’t be much of a problem.

The Pro EX9240 also features 3-chip 3LCD technology which helps project 100% RGB consistently without lowering color brightness and accuracy. It also helps with issues like rainbowing or low color brightness.

It’s a welcome addition to enhance color reproduction alongside the 16,000:1 contrast ratio which isn’t the best but is good enough for daily use.

Compared to the previous iteration, the Epson Pro EX7280, the Pro EX9240 upgrades the native resolution, brightness, and speakers.

It has a higher 1080p resolution and 4000L brightness assuring consistently bright and sharp images. The 16W speakers are excellent and work well enough on its own, without external speakers.

It is slightly more expensive, but it’s a welcome upgrade to the core feature set.

Furthermore, the EX9240 also features wireless connectivity options with Miracast and a decent port selection for wired connectivity. It’s easy to set up with the built-in picture skew sensor, auto vertical correction, and 1.6x optical zoom.

With these features, adjusting the frame on screen is simple without the need to completely revamp the settings.

Overall, the Epson Pro EX9240 is a great projector for the price. It would’ve ranked higher with native or 4K input support, but nonetheless, everything it has to offer is plenty for most users.

5. Epson Home Cinema 1080

Brightness: 3400 Lumens | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Lamp Life: 12,000 hours | Contrast Ratio: 16,000:1 | Native Resolution: 1080p

The next projector on the list is the Epson Home Cinema 1080, an excellent budget option that does the basics right. It’s a mid-range projector and is priced accordingly and features similar specs to the Epson Pro EX9240 showcased earlier.

Nevertheless, the 1080 does things a bit differently and features a lower 3400L brightness which is still plenty for daily usage in dimly lit rooms. The projector has a native 1080p Full HD resolution for crisp details and optimized data processing for gaming and sports.

It ha a 16,000:1 contrast ratio and features Epson’s 3LCD technology for 100% RGB on every frame. Color brightness and accuracy are great even if the contrast is lower than we’d like.

Projected images are still sharp and vibrant thanks to the combination of resolution and advanced processing technology.

There’s another model, the Epson Home Cinema 880, it’s quite similar to the 1080 but it still doesn’t match up completely.

The glaring difference between the two is the lens type. The 880 has a fixed lens and a cheaper price but the 1080 has a moving lens for a slightly higher price.

A moving lens allows the 1080 to operate a 1.2x manual zoom to calibrate the perfect projection.

Even though it’s cheaper, the 880’s fixed lens may cause problems when setting up your projector, so it’s best to invest a little extra for the 1080’s full feature set.

Additionally, the Epson 1080 features a built-in picture skew sensor to automatically analyze & correct the keystone and 4 ready to use color modes; Dynamic, Bright Cinema, Game, and Cinema. Setting up and using the 1080 is easy so it scores extra points for convenience.

For the price the Epson Home Cinema 1080 is a dependable performer to run golf simulators. It might not have the absolute best features, but it’s reliable and will get the job done.

6. BenQ TH671ST Projector – Best for High Contrast Resolution!

Next on our list of the best projector for golf simulators is the BenQ TH671ST Short Throw Projector. With 1080p resolution, 3000-lumen brightness, and high contrast ratio you get outstanding results, making your experience more enjoyable.

To make it more user-friendly, this projector comes with an extremely low input lag perfect for your games. There is no in-between stutter, which gives you smooth, relaxed playtime.

There’s another model from BenQ, the BenQ HT2050A which houses similar gaming features.

But the TH671ST kicks things up a notch with an enhanced gaming mode, brighter 3000 Lumen lamp, longer lamp life, and larger projected image size. You can project a massive screen as large as 300 inches to truly experience the professional golf field.

On top of that, the TH671ST is a short-throw projector which is ideal as a projector for a golf simulation in smaller spaces and rooms.

The flexible connectivity options let you connect your PC, mobile, and all other devices. The HDMI, and USB input ports.

You can experiment with various built-in gaming modes to enhance the display performance. Tune the graphics to omit shadows, bringing out deep, vivid visuals. The sensors automatically detect your light conditions to adjust the brightness accordingly. This way you can enjoy long screen hours without any headache or eye strains.

7. Optoma EH412 Professional Projector – Most Quiet!

This projector for golf simulator requires a good resolution, brightness, as well as a fast processor. With the Optoma EH412 Professional Projector, you get all this and a lot more. This 1080p resolution projector comes with a brilliant 4500-lumen brightness that caters to all types of lighting. The compact size adds to the worth of this piece.

The best part is the 4K video support. You can enjoy all 4K video sources without any lag or blur. This is especially important if you are using this projector for golf simulations. Moreover, the high contrast ratio of 50,000:1 and sRGB color gamut enables high picture quality. The vibrant and sharp graphics are just as amazing as any expensive, thousand-dollar projector.

There’s a cheaper version from Optoma, the Optoma EH335, which downgrades the brightness & contrast ratio and misses out on 4K support.

The EH412 also supports HDR which means you’ll get amazing visual fidelity and vivid colors with all these features combined. The differences are substantial, especially the brightness; 4500L brightness on the EH412 compared to 3600L on the EH335.

While the EH412 is noticeably pricier, the upgrades are worth the additional cost to get the best image quality for golf simulator owners.

The zoom and keystone correction features make it convenient for you to adjust the position without having to change the distance. This comes to use if your field of play is small and compact. You can connect it to your mobile and laptops through the HDMI, or VGA input options.

The long lamp life of 15000 hours ensures maintenance-free use for a long time. The 10 W sound system is nothing less amazing giving you a boost during recess.

8. ViewSonic PG800HD Projector – Best for Extra Features!

Another great addition to the list of the best projector for golf simulators is the ViewSonic PG800HD Projector. The high resolution in support with the massive 5000-lumen brightness and 50000:1 contrast ratio makes for the perfect visual display. Furthermore, it provides various adjustment features like zoom, centered lens, vertical lens shift, and vertical keystoning adding to the flexibility.

The six-segment color wheel results in sharp pictures, perfect for indoor gaming. Be it video gaming, or golf simulation; ViewSonic PG800HD Projector gives the best result for all.

Compared to the cheaper ViewSonic PG800W, the PG800HD has a higher resolution.

The higher resolution is very noticeable in daily usage as content looks crisper, and sharper on screen. This can make all the difference for your golf simulator setup to create a stunning, realistic golfing experience.

It comes with multiple input options to connect your devices for streaming. The HDMI, and USB ports come to use in this regard.

The sleek, compact design provides easy handling in the field. It makes use of the Super Color Technology and Sonic Expert technology to give you both a high definition display as well as a sound system. The dual speakers along with the amplifiers take the sounds to next level.

This all-in-one projector would be the perfect fit for all your indoor leisure activities. Play golf, watch movies, or video games with your friends on this large screen for the ultimate experience.

Check More: Best Projector For Bright Rooms

9. VANKYO Leisure 3 Pro Mini Projector – Best Budget!

VANKYO Leisure 3 Pro Mini Projector is another great product among the best projectors for your golf simulator. This portable and affordable projector performs extraordinarily well in projecting large displays from a small distance. The wifi compatibility relieves you from the worries of dangling wires. You can easily connect your mobile, laptop, and other devices wirelessly.

Furthermore, the zoom and keystone adjustments align the screen perfectly, according to your playing field. You can get a display ranging from 33 inches to 176 inches that fits your wall perfectly from a distance of 3 to 18 feet.

You can use this versatile projector for movie nights, golf games, video games, and a lot more. The flexible connectivity options allow you to connect it with your TV Stick, Chromecast, PC, laptop, Xbox, TF card, etc. hence, it is not specified for one use rather for multi-purposes.

The 1080p resolution in support with a high contrast ratio results in a crisp, and sharp image quality.

Compared to a similar projector, the FANGOR F506, the VANKYO Leisure 3 Pro has commendable performance with high resolution and screen size.

The FANGOR F506 is also noticeably pricier than the Leisure 3 Pro, and doesn’t have a dedicated cooling system for stable performance.

The cooling system also works efficiently to cool the system without the production of any unwanted noise.

10. Optoma EH412ST Projector – Best for DLP Tech!

Optoma produces high-quality projectors for both indoor and outdoor purposes. EH412ST Professional Projector is also one of the best short throw projectors for golf simulators released by Optoma. It makes for a great selection for small places with its ability to project a massive 120-inch display from 4.5 feet away.

The older version in the series, the Optoma EH200ST, is similarly priced but the EH412ST upgrades the brightness & contrast ratio and supports 4K HDR input.

The 4000-lumen brightness makes it suitable for use in dark as well as bright environments. It also has a great contrast ratio of 50,000:1 which results in a fantastic screen display. The vibrant and detailed images are the reason for its amazing reviews.

The EH412ST is a complete upgrade over the EH200ST and modernizes the projector, perfect for running a simulated golf course.

The HDMI, VGA, USB, and other ports supply ample connectivity options for your ease.

It comes with a 10 W built-in speaker that amplifies the sound and enhances the user experience. You will not require an external speaker, since the projector itself produces amazing quality audio. The 15,000 hours lamp life ensures long maintenance-free use.

It is extremely lightweight and can easily be carried anywhere. The DLP technology elevates the visual performance, response time, and pixel structure for a premium experience.

11. Optoma EH460ST Golf Simulator Projector

Optoma EH460ST is considered one of the best choices for a golf simulator. This projector comes with dimensions of 8.66 x 12.2 x 3.93 inches. It weighs about 6.75 pounds. It offers a short-throw HD projection. It has a projection lens having a short throw ratio of 0.5:1 which allows you to enjoy the high definition graphics. The short-throw ratio also lets you project bigger images within a limited or short space. This makes it one of the best projectors for golf simulators.

Compared to the previous version in the series, the Optoma EH200ST, the EH460ST upgrades the brightness and has an expansive port selection.

Optoma EH460ST comes with 4200 Lumens brightness which provides bright colors for users. It has a high contrast ratio of 20,000:1 which helps in getting sharp and detailed images.

The EH460ST is an excellent performer for golf simulation and can be hooked up to almost any device you have. This versatility and bright image projections are the main reason the EH460ST earns a spot on our list.

This projector comes with a built-in speaker of 10W which lets you enjoy the music along with the sharp and detailed images. Remote control is optional, but reviews state the buttons on the device are easy to use. It provides a Full HD display in 1080p resolution without any downscaling of images.

You can also share your videos on a larger screen by using the MHL connectivity feature. This projector lets you adapt according to your desire. The only thing you need to consider is its price, apart from that it will provide you with every feature and function you wish for.

12. Optoma UHD38 Golf Simulator 4K Projector – Best for 4K!

Optoma UHD38 is one of the best projectors for golf simulators. This projector comes with dimensions of 10.6 x 12.4 x 4.6 inches. It weighs about 9.25 pounds. It has 4k resolution which combines with black contrast and provides detailed and clear images. You can feel like you are playing on the field outside.

It comes with 4000 lumens which is excellent for outdoor places. This helps you get enough brightness for your shots to be displayed.

Comparing brightness to earlier versions from Optoma, the Optoma UHD 30 and the UHD 35, the UHD38 has upgraded brightness and is a better performer overall.

This makes it easier for image adjustment in varying light conditions and is great for versatility. The UHD 38 also improves on the Enhanced Gaming Mode for a mere 4.2ms response time, compared to the UHD 30’s 16ms in 1080p.

It also improves the contrast ratio to 1,000,000:1 compared to the UHD30’s 500,000:1. While the UHD38 is pricier, the upgrades are worth the additional cost.

You may need to mount the projector to the ceiling since it is a standard throw projector. As mentioned earlier, it is a very lightweight device which makes it highly user-friendly.

There is a feature of keystone correction in both horizontal and vertical directions. There are multiple options of connectivity including HDMI allowing connecting with PC based simulators.

Check More: Best projector for sports bar

Final Verdict on Your Golf Simulator Projector

All things considered, there are lots of options on our list that could suit any avid golfer. If you want something that is 4k with excellent picture, then choose either the Optoma UHD38, or the ViewSonic PG800HD, and the Optoma GT1090HDR.

Trying to find something that will work well with your smaller space? The Optoma EH460ST5, Epson Home Cinema 1080, and the Optoma UHZ50 will work best.

The most affordable prices will be the VANKYO Leisure 3, Optoma EH412, and the Epson EX9240. While more top of the line models include the ViewSonic PX701-4K, the Optoma GT1090HDR, and the BenQ TH671ST.

No matter your needs, our selections have something for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Can You Use a Golf Simulator Outside?

You can adjust the golf simulator to be played outdoors. You have to set it during the evening, or in a low light area to enjoy the clear view of the simulator.

What is the Best Screen Distance You Can Use to Place the Golf Simulator Projector?

The best projector offers a hitting area of about 9-10 feet from the screen. Measure your room for an accurate throw distance.

Is a Golf Simulator Projector Useful for Golf Practice?

A golf simulator allows you to practice your golf game all year round. You can adjust the field and practice your shots just like on a golf course.

What Room Area is Ideal to Use the Golf Simulator Projector?

A 10 x 12 x 9 is an ideal space to set the projector and enjoy the simulation. They have their best display in small rooms and compact, low light areas

What is Lumen or Brightness is Best for a Golf Simulator Projector?

Brightness is measured in lumens. For the dark rooms lumen of the projector must be 1.5 to 2.5k while for the moderate light rooms the ideal lumen is of 3.5k.