Are you looking for a cinematic viewing experience, but don’t have the space for a traditional home theater projector? Maybe you live in a studio or dorm and don’t have the range needed for a long-distance projector. Or maybe you need to give a presentation in class or at work and there are no projectors provided. In each of these circumstances, a short-throw projector is ideal. Short throw projectors provide a clearer and wider image in smaller spaces than long throw ones.
As with any type of projector, short shots vary greatly in specification and quality. Here we have compiled our recommendations for the best short throw projectors. If you’re looking for a home theater experience, check out our picks for the best home theater projectors. If you need a projector on the go, we’ve also compiled a list of the best short throw projectors.
Best Short Throw Projector
Table of Contents
To enjoy a good home theater session, large format TVs are fine, but there is nothing like the immersive experience provided by a projector and a huge screen above 80-90 inches.
However, given the current typical homes, we can not always install one in our living rooms, being a usual problem the lack of length to the screen so that the projector can generate the image properly. If this is your case today we propose five new-generation models of the so-called “short throw” with which to enjoy the cinema in a big way.
Best Short Throw Projector | Comparison Table 2022
Image | Title | Buy | |
---|---|---|---|
Optoma GT1080HDR Short Throw Gaming Projector | Enhanced Gaming Mode for 1080P 120Hz Gaming at 8.4ms | 4K UHD Support | Play HDR for 4K and 1080P | High 3800 lumens for Day & Night Gaming, White | Optoma | Check Price | |
ViewSonic PX706HD 1080p Short Throw Projector with 3000 Lumens 22,000:1 DLP Dual HDMI USB C and Low Input Lag, Stream Netflix with Dongle | ViewSonic | Check Price | |
Optoma EH412ST Short Throw 1080P HDR Professional Projector | Super Bright 4000 Lumens | Business Presentations, Classrooms, or Meeting Rooms | 15,000 Hour lamp Life | Speaker Built in | Portable | Optoma | Check Price | |
Short Throw Projector, XGIMI Halo True 1080p Portable Projector for Outdoor Movie Night, 800 ANSI Lumen, Harman Kardon Speakers, WiFi Bluetooth, Auto Focus, Auto Keystone Correction, Android TV 9.0 | XGIMI | Check Price | |
Optoma CinemaX P2 Ultra Short Throw 4K UHD Laser Projector for Home Theater | 3000 Lumens | Superior Image with Laser & 6-Segment Color Wheel | Smart | Integrated Soundbar | Works with Alexa & Google | Optoma | Check Price | |
BenQ MW632ST WXGA Short Throw Projector | 3200 Lumens | 3D | 10W Speaker | Keystone | 1.2X Zoom | BenQ | Check Price | |
WEMAX Nova Short Throw Laser Projector – 4K Resolution UHD HDR10 Display – Smart Laser Projector for Movies, Video, Gaming, High FPS Rate – Voice Command Remote – 5K+ Apps Wireless Connectivity | WEMAX | Check Price | |
Epson Home Cinema LS100 3LCD Ultra Short-Throw Projector, Digital Laser Display with Full HD and 100% Color Brightness (Renewed) (V11H879520-N) | Epson | Check Price | |
Epson EpiqVision Ultra Short Throw LS300 3LCD Smart Laser Projector, 3600 Lumens Color & White Brightness, HDR, Android TV, Yamaha Speakers, Bluetooth, Sports, Gaming, Movies & Streaming - Black | Epson | Check Price |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Best Short Throw Projector | 2022 Products Overview
1. Optoma GT1080HDR Short Throw Projector
- HDR COMPATIBLE: HDR10 technology (with 4K input) enable brighter whites and deeper black levels; a 6-segment color wheel (RYGCWB) produces accurate color with sRGB and REC. 709 color profile
- Fast response time: enhanced gaming mode enables Lightning-fast response time of 8. 4ms with a 120Hz refresh rate
- Short throw lens: experience a large 120 Image projected from 4 feet away, allowing placement closer to the screen – ideal for smaller spaces and easier installation
- Bright, razor-sharp images: 3, 800 Lumens, 50, 000: 1 contrast ratio, and full HD 1080p (1920 x 1080) Enable a detailed, clear image
- Long lamp life: Enjoy up to 15, 000 hours of lamp life enabling an average of 4 hours of viewing time every day 10 plus years. Projection distance - 1. 3’ – 11. 3’
- Flexible connectivity: connect to gaming consoles, media players and other HDMI devices such as Google Chromecast, Fire stick and Apple TV; inputs include dual HDMI (1. 4a 3D support)
- Easy image set-up: vertical keystone correction +/- 40 degrees allows the GT1080HDR to be off-center without having to elevate it to project the image onto the screen, resulting in an easy, more flexible image set-up
- Versatile PROJECTOR: The GT1080HDR including a 10-watt speaker is ideal in a variety of environments including family rooms, theater rooms and game rooms, as well as outdoor spaces such as backyards, camping, tailgating and more
- Full 3D: The GT1080HDR displays True 3D content from almost any 3D source, including 3D Blu-ray Disc players, 3D broadcasting, and the latest-generation game consoles; support for 144Hz rapid-refresh Rate provides ultra-smooth flicker-free images; 3D glasses required
2. ViewSonic PX706HD Best Ultra short throw projector 4K
- SUPERSIZED MOVIES AND GAMES: Immersive theater-like experience in Full HD (1920x1080p) on a screen up to 300-inches
- CINEMATIC COLORS: Exclusive Color technology offers a wide color gamut for beautiful image production in nearly any environment
- SHORT THROW: With a short throw lens, this projector can be placed just inches away from a wall or screen to give you a huge image
- REDUCED INPUT LATENCY and Gaming Mode: Ideal for intense action-packed gaming, this projector delivers smooth images without delay
- LONG LAMP LIFE: Eco Mode allows the lamp to shine bright for up to 15,000 hours
- POWERFUL VERSATILITY: TV projector integrates seamlessly with Roku, Fire TV stick and ChromeCast for effortless programming for education, entertainment or business environments
- FLEXIBLE CONNECTIVITY: Supports most media players, gaming consoles, PCs, Macs, and mobile devices with input options such as HDMI, USB Type-C, and more
- INCLUDED IN THE BOX: PX706HD Projector, Power Cable, VGA Cable, and Remote Control
3. Optoma Professional Best Short Throw Projector
- High brightness: enjoy an incredible 4, 500 lumens of brightness in well lit meeting rooms, conference rooms, training rooms, classrooms and more
- 4K HDR input: enjoy vibrant colors, Brighter whites, deeper black levels and sharper images when paired with the latest 4K HDR video sources or 1080P hdr gaming contents
- Vivid color: 50, 000: 1 contrast and the sRGB color profile enables rich accurate color, based on the primaries of rec. 709 HDTV specification when used with a PC, Mac, or any sRGB compatible source
- Easy image set-up: a 1. 3x zoom enables flexible placement in any environment, at throw ratio 1. 2-1. 47: 1. Vertical keystone correction +/- 40 degrees allows the EH412 to be off-center without having to elevate it to project the image onto the screen, resulting in an easy, more flexible image set-up;
- Extensive connectivity options: The EH412 features an array of connectivity options including 2x HDMI, VGA in & out, audio-in & out, RS232, and USB-A
- Integrated speaker: a 10-watt built-in speaker enhances presentations with sound and simplifies the set-up without the need for external speakers; loud enough for small-to-medium classrooms and meeting rooms
- Long LAMP life: with a Lamp Life of up to 15, 000 hours, get extended viewing time with lower cost of Ownership – an average of 5 hours of viewing time every day for 8+ years
- Portable size: weighing less than 8 pounds in a small form factor, The portable EH412 is easy to take from room to room making sharing easy
- Full 3D 1080P support: display true 3D content from almost any 3D source, including 3D Blu-ray Disc players, 3D broadcasting, and the latest-generation game consoles; 3D glasses purchase required
4. XGIMI Top Short Throw Projector
- 1080p Image 800 ANSI Lumens: Native 1080p FHD resolution paired with bright 800 ANSI lumens, 225% clearer than mainstream 720p projectors.
- Android Tv: Access 5000+ apps via Google Play, including YouTube, Prime Video, Hulu, Disney +, HBO Max, and more! Please note that our product does not stream the native Netflix app.
- High Capacity Built-In Battery: Take Halo anywhere thanks to a strong built-in battery providing 2HRS of playtime on a 150 screen.
- 10W Harman Kardon Sound: Dual 5W Harman Kardon speakers provide premium sound quality. Users can also wirelessly connect soundbars and Bluetooth headphones.
- Automatic Keystone Correction: ±40 automatic vertical and manual horizontal keystone correction and autofocus ensures a crystal-clear picture, hassle-free.
5. Optoma CinemaX P2 Ultra Short Throw Projector
- 4K UHD plus HDR10: Enjoy a high-quality, cinematic home theater experience with 4K Ultra HD, HDR10 technology and an incredible 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio
- 6-SEGMENT COLOR WHEEL: Experience richer colors and enhanced brightness with the six-segment color wheel; The RGBRGB color wheel brings accurate cinematic color to your home, reproducing movies, TV and games the way the director envisioned it
- BRIGHT, RELIABLE LASER: Laser technology delivers outstanding brightness up to 30,000 hours of light source life that maintains stunning image quality throughout its lifespan; 3,000 lumens of brightness enable lights-on viewing in a variety of rooms, any time of day
- ULTRA-SHORT THROW: The CinemaX P2’s space-saving, ultra-short throw design provides convenient placement for a huge screen experience – up to 120 image from only inches away
- EASY IMAGE SETUP: Using Optoma’s SmartFIT app, ensure easy place and play using your smartphone; the auto geometry correction system allows hassle-free image alignment; auto focus enables simple setup
- VOICE ASSISTANT COMPATIBLE: With the Alexa smart home and custom skills or Google Action, control your CinemaX P2 projector with intuitive voice control using Amazon Echo and Google Home devices
- IFTTT SUPPORT: Seamless connectivity with thousands of other smart devices; for example, the CinemaX P2 can be programmed to mute when your smart doorbell rings
- PREMIUM SOUNDBAR BUILT IN: An integrated 40W soundbar produces detailed sound with superior dialogue clarity; the combination of two full-range drivers and two woofers deliver smooth mid-range frequencies, crystal-clear vocals and deep bass
- GAMING MODE: By bypassing the image processing and motion compensation engine, the CinemaX P2 provides a pure, direct path from the video source to the projection screen for more responsive gameplay
- PEACE OF MIND: The CinemaX P2 includes a 2-year parts and labor limited protection on the projector and a 5-year or 12,000 hour light source protection (whichever comes first)
6. BenQ MW632S Best budget short throw projector
- EXECUTIVE QUALITY PROJECTOR – WXGA resolution (1280x800) offers 2x more resolution than SVGA for a better experience during your presentations, movies, and pictures.
- DESIGNED FOR ANY ENVIRONMENT – With it’s 3, 200 lumens and a high native contrast ratio, enjoy more accurate, vivid color, even in well-lit rooms.
- EXTENDED LAMP LIFE – Up to an impressive 10, 000 hour lamp life, your projector should last over 10 years, even if you give a 2 hour presentation every day.
- BIG PICTURE IN SMALL SPACES – 0. 9 Short throw lens design prevents you from getting blinded by light when giving presentations.
- STANDARD CONNECTIVITY – 2 HDMI ports provide exceptional audio and video quality in one cable; Clear Image Size (Diagonal): 60~120; Image Size: 30~300
7. WEMAX Nova best Short Throw Laser Projector
- 4K UHD LASER PROJECTOR – Superior Resolution might be an understatement. With 4K UHD and bright 2100 ANSI lumens (5000 lumen light source), you get 4x resolution of full HD or 1080p. Nova is built with industry-leading patented ALPD 3.0 and TI DLP technology. ALPD allows for light to be used more efficiently for finer detail across a wider color gamut and deeper vibrance for breathtaking video resolution. Short throw projector reduces eyestrain by diffusing light without losing picture quality.
- MAX 150-INCH PROJECTOR SCREEN SIZE - With the WeMax Nova laser projector, you can choose from four different projector sizes. A massive screen size of up to 150” will be the center piece of your home theater. Choose the right size for your setting beginning at 80 inches, 100 inches, 120 inches, and 150 inches to project from. The 8-Point keystone correction dials in image quality, making micro adjustments for the perfect home cinema experience.
- POWERFUL SOUND – The Nova laser projector offers more than just stunning picture quality; it also boasts powerful 30W DTS HD speakers by Dolby Audio. This stereo provides crystal-clear audio precision tuned to accentuate the home theatre experience. If you already have a home cinema sound system, the Nova laser projector can be connected via HDMI output for best audio experience.
- SMART PROJECTOR, 5K APPS BUILT-IN – The Nova is a smart projector that comes loaded with thousands of apps at your fingertips powered by Android TV. Stream your favorite shows from Hulu, HBO Max, Showtime, Disney+, and many more. Use the voice command button to tell Nova what you want to watch. NOTE: Netflix supported but requires Fire TV stick or similar streaming device.
- MULTI-DEVICE VIDEO COMPATIBLE – Wireless casting to Nova with Bluetooth connection, compatible in projecting from iPhone, Android, iPad, Laptop, tablets, and other streaming devices. Recommend pairing with Fire TV stick for Netflix workaround. Multiple HDMI video slots, USB, built-in casting for video mirroring. Connect soundbar or stereo system flawlessly via HDMI.
8. Epson LS100 Ultra Short Throw Projector
- Two-year projector limited and 90-Day lamp limited
- Transcendent viewing experience — place the projector just inches from the wall and get sharp, life-size images in Full HD resolution up to 10 diagonal — with no long cables, no shadows, and no glare — for a modern entertainment solution that won’t detract from your décor.
- Ultra bright laser technology — with a powerful 4, 000 lumens of equal color and white brightness (1) for 100% Color Brightness, plus Instant ON/OFF.
- Deep Black contrast ratio — features an extraordinary contrast ratio up to 2, 500, 000: 1, for exceptionally deep blacks and brilliant, vivid colors. Focal Length: 4. 2 mm
- Advanced 3-chip design — 3LCD technology ensures no color wheels, no white segments and no rainbow effect. Dimensions Including feet- 19. 4 x 17. 2 x 7. 4 inches (W x D x H)
- Included Components: Power Cord, Remote Control, Quick Setup Guide
- Power Source Type: Corded Electric
9. Epson Epiq Vision Ultra Short Throw Projector 2022
- Stunning Picture Quality up to 120 – Delivers an immersive, bright viewing experience for TV shows, sporting events, gaming and movies by accepting content up to 4K – for an amazing Full-HD HDR picture (1).
- Sound by Yamaha — Custom-designed audiophile 2.1 speaker system offers a powerful and emotional performance that rivals soundbars; connect via Bluetooth to use as standalone speaker.
- Built-In Android TV (2) – Latest Android TV interface with a simple-to-use remote – including voice search with built-in Google Assistant. Watch all your favorite streaming channels including Hulu, HBO, Disney-plus, YouTube and more (3). Even stream live TV with apps like YouTube TV (3).
- Ultra-Short Throw Laser Array Technology — Unique multi-array laser diode technology produces an exceptional level of brightness while significantly enhancing the black density.
- Elegant Design — Designed with simplicity in mind, the Epson EpiqVision LS300 Streaming Laser Projector has a clean and modern aesthetic to beautifully fit within any décor.
- True 3-Chip Projector Design — Advanced 3LCD technology displays 100% of the RGB color signal for every frame. This allows for outstanding color accuracy while maintaining excellent color brightness, without any distracting “rainbowing” or “color brightness” issues seen with other projection technologies.
- Chromecast Built-In — Wirelessly cast your favorite content directly from your smart phone, tablet, or computer – including from popular Android and Apple devices (4).
- Advanced Scene Adaptive Color Correction — Automatic scene-based color correction produces a clear and natural picture – regardless of the content being played.
- Even Better with a Screen — When used with an optional ALR screen, the visual performance is stunning and rivals the picture quality of the best televisions.
- Award-Winning Service & Support — Standard 2-year limited warranty, full-unit replacement, along with free technical phone support for the life of the product.
How to choose the best short throw projector for your home | Unrivaled Guide 2022
There are a few things you want to keep in mind when choosing which short throw projector is best for your needs. Here is a breakdown of some technical details to keep in mind while shopping.
Types of short-throw projectors
There are two main types of projectors: DLP (digital light processing) and LCD (liquid crystal display). 3D projectors are sometimes marketed as a separate model, the reality is that 3D is simply an ability that most DLP and LCD projectors can support today.
The DLP projectors offer great contrast and tend to be lightweight, which is ideal for portable models. They are also perfect for displaying fast-moving images, and higher quality models, such as 3-chip DLP projectors, offer better image quality.
On the other hand, the LCD projectors project a sharper, brighter, and more vibrant image. The LCD guns tend to offer a better picture, are quieter and more energy-efficient than their DLP counterparts.
There is also a third type of projector, LCoS (liquid crystal on a reflective silicon base), which has all the advantages of DLP and LCD guns. LCoS tend to be very expensive and are available only in the higher range.
With a home theater projector, you can live a movie night in the comfort of your own home. With HD projectors and state-of-the-art technology, you can now enjoy a cinematic experience without sacrificing image quality.
Projection distance
Projection distance is the minimum / maximum distance the projector can reach from a surface to project a desirable image. Short throw projectors are nice because they don’t need as much space to display a large image as standard projectors. The average throw distance for a short-throw projector is around 4 feet or 1 meter, although some of the best can project large images at much shorter distances. Our overall choice, for example, can project an image from just over 7 inches away.
Lumen
Brightness is critical for projectors, as it determines how clear the image will be and how dark the room must be to see it properly. Brightness is measured in lumens, although ANSI lumen is a common measure in DLP (digital light processing) projectors.
There is no hard and fast way to measure lumens, so actual lumen rating may vary from model to model. Generally, the most common brightness for dedicated projectors is between 2,500 and 3,200 lumens. Portable projectors are usually much dimmer, but that’s largely due to the smaller lighting fixture in the compact form factor.
Resolution
Resolution naturally determines the clarity of the image. This is measured in the same way as on televisions and monitors. However, it is important to read the small print when purchasing a projector. Many boast 4K or 1080p resolutions but refer to the content supported by the projector, different from the native resolution of the projector. Many cheaper projectors will promote HD resolutions, but will only have a native resolution of 840×480 (DVD quality).
Whenever you shop, check the native resolution to get a clear idea of what the image will look like.
Connectivity
Projectors these days usually come with a good amount of ports for connecting Blu-ray players, game consoles, and streaming devices. They are usually essential, even if the projector has a built-in SmartTV interface. These interfaces are generally clunky and outdated, so you’ll always have a better experience by connecting an external media device.
You will also need to make sure the projector has audio-out jacks. Projector speakers are generally weak, assuming they have speakers. To get the best experience, we recommend connecting a soundbar or home theater system.
If you want to go wireless, some projectors support AirPlay or Chromecast, although this is far from a universal feature. But you can get any projector to stream video by connecting an AppleTV, Chromecast, or other streaming stick.
Uses of Best Short Throw Projector
The main use of projectors has always been in corporate and educational environments, with almost no use in homes. This trend is changing and more and more people want a home theater projector. The short-throw projectors or short-range is a great option for home use because they allow the issuance of a large image at a really short distance.
They are an excellent alternative to conventional projectors and very useful in cases where we do not want or can place a video projector at a much greater distance with projectors of medium shot or long shot. This echo in addition to the price reduction of short-range projectors makes it a very attractive option to create a cinema experience with really economic projectors.
In case we need to place the projector at a distance still lower than the short-throw projectors, they have ultra-short-throw projectors, which allow the emission of the content on the projection screen to a few centimeters.
Movie at home
These projectors of short or ultrashort distance (short or ultra-short throw) are especially useful in domestic use. If we wanted to generate an image of about 80 inches in our living room, a conventional projector should be at a distance of not less than 2 meters. In most cases, this is difficult, in addition to leaving many wires insight if we have not thought about their installation before.
Where to place the projector
With a short-throw or ultra-short-throw projector, we can place the device in a piece of furniture attached to the wall, with the video projector just above it. This would also avoid the shadows that can be created if someone passes in front of the projector.
TV formats are growing, but nothing can really compare to a home theater projector. If you want an unparalleled cinema feel in the comfort of your living room, investing in a projector is worth it.
In recent years, projector technology has grown by leaps and bounds, and the image quality of the best projectors is now the highest quality TVs. When searching for your new projector, keep the following tips in mind.
Size of the room
This is probably your most important consideration. For starters, if you want to install a projection screen on your wall or paint your wall with a screen finish, make sure you have enough wall space to do it. Alternatively, you can also buy a portable screen or drop-down that will be attached to the ceiling.
The size of the room will help to determine the projection ratio. The projection ratio determines how far the projector should be from the screen. Most ordinary projectors need to be at least 10 feet away, but if you do not have much space, there are short focal length models that work a few meters away from the screen.
Also, think about how far you will be from the image, as it can be uncomfortable and difficult for the eyes if you have to sit a few meters away from it.
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