BenQ MW826STH vs Optoma HZ40HDR
Prices updated hourly. Check retailer for current availability.
Choosing between the BenQ MW826STH and Optoma HZ40HDR? Both compete in the Projector segment. Here’s how they compare across the specs that matter most for your home theater.
Pricing for both models is currently unavailable. Check the retailer links below for current deals.
Looking at overall performance dimensions: The BenQ MW826STH scores higher in value. The Optoma HZ40HDR leads in video quality, gaming performance, form factor, room fit. They score similarly in ease of use.
The Optoma HZ40HDR offers higher brightness at 4000 ANSI lumens vs 3500. More lumens means a brighter image, critical if you can't fully darken your room. Below 2000 lumens needs a dedicated dark room; 3000+ handles ambient light. In a dedicated dark room, contrast ratio and color accuracy may matter more than raw brightness.
The Optoma HZ40HDR holds an advantage across more performance dimensions, but the BenQ MW826STH may still be the better pick depending on which specs matter most to your setup. See the detailed comparison table below for the full breakdown.
For most home theaters, the Optoma HZ40HDR is the stronger choice — it leads in 4 of 6 scored dimensions. The BenQ MW826STH makes more sense if you prioritize the 1 dimension where it leads.
Performance Overview
Scores based on specs and category benchmarks (0–100 scale)
BenQ MW826STH
Optoma HZ40HDR
Detailed Specifications
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | N/A | N/A |
| Native Resolution | WXGA | 1080p |
| Technology | DLP | DLP |
| Throw Ratio Min | 0.49 | 1.48 |
| Throw Ratio Max | 0.49 | 1.62 |
| Lens Shift V | — | 16% |
| Lens Shift H | — | — |
| ANSI Lumens | 3500 | 4000 |
| CLO Lumens | — | — |
| Contrast Ratio | 20000:1 | 300000:1 |
| HDR Support | HDR10, HLG | |
| Input Lag | 34ms | 8.6ms |
| Lamp Life | 15000hrs | 30000hrs |
| Light Source | lamp | laser |
| Lens Quality | — | — |
| Tone Mapping | — | — |
| Ultra Short Throw | Yes | No |
| Chip Size | — | 0.65" |
| Color Depth | 30bit | 10bit |
| Zoom Ratio | 1 | 1.1 |
| Zoom Type | fixed | manual |
| Focus Type | — | Manual |
| Noise (Normal) | 33dB | 34dB |
| Noise (Eco) | 29dB | 27dB |
| Power Draw | — | 139W |
| HDMI Inputs | 2 | 2 |
| HDMI Version | 1.4 | 2.0 |
| 3D Support | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes | Yes |
| Speaker Power | 10W | 15W |
| Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Streaming Apps | Yes | No |
| Lens Memory | No | No |
| 12V Trigger | No | No |
| Ethernet | Yes | No |
| Frame Interpolation | No | No |
| Native Aspect | — | 16:9 |
Key Differences
- Contrast Ratio: BenQ MW826STH at 20000:1 vs Optoma HZ40HDR at 300000:1
- Native Resolution: BenQ MW826STH at WXGA vs Optoma HZ40HDR at 1080p
- Input Lag: BenQ MW826STH at 34ms vs Optoma HZ40HDR at 8.6ms. Sub-20ms is excellent for gaming. Above 40ms feels sluggish. Only matters for interactive content — film and TV don't benefit from low input lag.
- Throw Ratio Max: BenQ MW826STH at 0.49 vs Optoma HZ40HDR at 1.62
- Throw Ratio Min: BenQ MW826STH at 0.49 vs Optoma HZ40HDR at 1.48
Which Should You Choose?
Choose BenQ MW826STH if you want:
- + better throw ratio min
- + better noise (normal)
Choose Optoma HZ40HDR if you want:
- + better ansi lumens — more lumens means a brighter image, critical if you can't fully darken your room
- + better contrast ratio
- + better input lag — sub-20ms is excellent for gaming
- + better lamp life
See Where These Rank
Check our editorial rankings to see how BenQ MW826STH and Optoma HZ40HDR compare to the rest of the field.
Best Projector RankingsRelated Calculators
Specifications sourced from manufacturer datasheets and verified against retailer listings. Prices updated hourly from authorized retailers. Scoring uses our open methodology — products are never ranked, promoted, or suppressed based on affiliate commission rates.
Related Comparisons
CinemaConfig may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. See our affiliate disclosure.