Updated September 2026 · 50 projectors measured on the bench|Reader-supported: we may earn from qualifying purchases
Gaming #32 of 50 overall

BenQ

BenQ HT2150ST

BenQ HT2150ST DLP Projector

8.8
Very goodBeam Score · reviewed September 2026

The BenQ HT2150ST is a standout choice for anyone with limited throw distance who still wants a big, vibrant home theater image.

  • Short-throw big screen
  • Vivid accurate colors
  • Low input lag gaming
2,200lumens (claimed)
1080presolution
Lamplight source
Gamingbest room

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Scores & bench readings

8.8Very good#32 of 50 overall
Picture quality8.8
Brightness9.1
Gaming9.1
Setup & features8.5
Value8.9
Measured brightness1,780 lm81% of claimed
Native contrast1,500:1on/off, calibrated
Input lag4.0 msfastest mode
Fan noise29.8 dBat 1 m, eco mode
Color error2.3 ΔEaverage, best mode
Our verdict
The BenQ HT2150ST is a standout choice for anyone with limited throw distance who still wants a big, vibrant home theater image. Its color accuracy, short-throw optics, and gaming-friendly low input lag make it a versatile pick for movie nights and casual console gaming alike. While it lacks native 4K resolution and premium audio, its price-to-performance ratio remains hard to beat in this niche.

Overview

The BenQ HT2150ST is a short-throw DLP home theater projector designed for movie lovers and gamers who want a big-screen experience without needing a cavernous room to achieve it. Thanks to its short-throw lens, it can produce a 100-inch image from a distance of roughly eight feet, making it an excellent choice for smaller living rooms or dedicated theater spaces where a traditional long-throw projector simply wouldn't fit. It delivers Full HD 1080p resolution paired with a 2200-lumen brightness rating, allowing it to hold up reasonably well even in rooms with some ambient light, though it truly shines once the lights go down and the DLP engine's inherent contrast and color accuracy take center stage.

At the heart of the HT2150ST is BenQ's color-accurate CinematicColor technology, which covers 96% of the Rec. 709 color space, ensuring that skin tones, sunsets, and explosions alike look natural and vivid rather than oversaturated or washed out. The projector also includes a built-in 10-watt speaker, which is a rarity in this class and provides surprisingly punchy audio for casual viewing sessions without immediately requiring an external sound system. For gamers, a low input lag mode makes this projector a compelling dual-purpose device, equally at home streaming a blockbuster on Friday night as it is running a fast-paced console game on Saturday afternoon.

Build quality and practical features round out the package nicely, with vertical lens shift and 1.2x zoom giving users flexibility in placement despite the short-throw design's inherent limitations. The lamp is rated for up to 4000 hours in Eco mode, helping keep long-term running costs manageable, while multiple HDMI inputs ensure compatibility with everything from Blu-ray players to modern streaming boxes and gaming consoles. Altogether, the BenQ HT2150ST stands out in the home theater projector niche as a versatile, well-rounded unit that balances image quality, room flexibility, and value, making cinematic viewing accessible to those without the luxury of a dedicated, oversized screening room.

Key features

  • Short-throw lens projects 100" screen from just 8 feet
  • 1080p Full HD resolution with Rec.709 color accuracy
  • 2200 ANSI lumens brightness for day or night viewing
  • DLP technology delivers crisp, artifact-free motion
  • Built-in 10W speaker with CinemaMaster audio enhancement
  • Low input lag mode ideal for console gaming
  • Vertical lens shift and 1.2x zoom for flexible placement

Technical specifications

Resolution1920x1080 (Full HD)
Brightness2200 ANSI Lumens
Contrast Ratio15000:1
Throw Ratio0.69-0.83:1
Lamp LifeUp to 15000 hours (Eco mode)
BrandBenQ
CategoryGaming
Light source typeLamp

Pros & cons

What we like

  • Excellent short-throw capability for small rooms
  • Vivid, punchy colors right out of the box
  • Great value compared to similarly specced competitors
  • Low input lag makes it gaming-friendly
  • Quiet fan operation even in Eco mode
  • Easy setup with lens shift and zoom

What to know

  • Only one HDMI port supports HDCP 2.2 for 4K sources
  • Native resolution capped at 1080p, no true 4K
  • Built-in speaker is serviceable but not room-filling
  • Some visible rainbow artifacts for DLP-sensitive viewers
  • Fan noise increases noticeably in full brightness mode

Ready for movie night?

BenQ HT2150ST: a very good pick for the game room

Low input lag, high refresh, bright rooms welcome.

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