10 Best Affordable Short Throw Projectors 2025 in the United States

The BenQ X500i is a short-throw projector that offers a lot for gamers and home entertainment enthusiasts. One of its standout features is the 4K resolution, providing clear and detailed images. The short throw ratio of 0.69~0.83 means you can place it close to the screen and still get a large image, making it ideal for smaller spaces like bedrooms.

With a brightness of 2200 lumens, it performs well in moderately lit rooms, but might struggle in very bright environments. The 4ms response time ensures lag-free gaming, which is a big plus for gamers using consoles like Xbox, PS5, or Switch. Connectivity options are robust, including HDMI and support for eARC and S/PDF, enhancing the audio experience for users who want immersive sound.

The built-in 5Wx2 speakers offer decent audio, though not as powerful as a dedicated sound system. At 11 pounds, it’s relatively lightweight but may still be a bit cumbersome for some users to move around frequently. The digital keystone correction and auto-focus features help with easy setup and adjustment. Given its features and price point, the BenQ X500i is a solid choice for gamers and home cinema enthusiasts looking for a high-quality, short-throw projector without breaking the bank.

The Optoma GT3500HDR is an affordable short-throw projector ideal for gamers and home entertainment enthusiasts. One of its standout features is the ultra-short throw capability, allowing it to project a large 100-inch image from less than a foot away, which is excellent for small spaces. It also supports 1080p Full HD resolution and 4K HDR input, ensuring clear and vibrant visuals with a high 500,000:1 contrast ratio. Additionally, the projector boasts a brightness of 3800 lumens, making it suitable even in bright rooms. Gamers will particularly appreciate the enhanced gaming mode, providing a low 8ms input lag at 1080p 120Hz for responsive gameplay.

The DuraCore Laser technology ensures a long lamp life of up to 30,000 hours, reducing maintenance costs over time. Connectivity is versatile with two HDMI ports, USB-A, audio out, RS232, and RJ45, supporting a variety of devices. The built-in 15W speaker offers decent sound quality, although audiophiles might still prefer an external sound system. The projector is also compact and 28% smaller than previous models, making it easy to move and install.

On the downside, while the built-in speaker is convenient, it may not suffice for those looking for a more immersive audio experience. Additionally, despite the high brightness, the projector's performance might not be as impressive in very well-lit environments. The projector's resolution is capped at 1080p, but the 4K HDR input provides some future-proofing. The Optoma GT3500HDR is a versatile and budget-friendly choice for gamers and home theater setups, offering excellent image quality and easy installation despite a few minor drawbacks.

The ViewSonic PX701-4K projector offers a high-resolution 4K UHD display with a brightness of 3200 lumens, making it suitable for home theater use and gaming. Its 4.2ms low input lag and 240Hz refresh rate are particularly beneficial for gamers looking for a responsive experience. The projector also supports HDR and HGL, enhancing color and contrast for a more vibrant viewing experience.

With a high contrast ratio and SuperColor technology, it promises cinematic colors that stand out, even in darker scenes. The projector's lamp life of up to 20,000 hours in SuperEco Mode ensures long-term usage without frequent replacements.

The flexible connectivity options include dual HDMI ports and a powered USB-A, making it easy to connect to various devices like gaming consoles, PCs, and streaming dongles for services like Netflix. Setup is simplified with a 1.1x optical zoom, anti-warping stabilization, and horizontal/vertical keystone correction, allowing for projection on both flat and curved surfaces. The ViewSonic PX701-4K stands out as a versatile and high-performing option for those seeking an affordable short-throw projector.