10 Best Cheap Short Throw Projector 2025 in the United States

The BenQ X500i stands out as a solid option for those looking for a cheap short-throw projector, especially catering to gamers. It offers a true 4K resolution (3840 x 2160), ensuring sharp and vibrant visuals. The short throw ratio of 0.69~0.83 is excellent for projecting large images in smaller rooms, making it ideal for bedroom setups or compact spaces. With a brightness of 2200 lumens, it performs well in dimly lit environments, though it might struggle in very bright rooms.

The projector's 4ms response time and auto game mode are fantastic for lag-free gaming, providing a smooth experience with consoles like Xbox, PS5, and Switch. Connectivity options are ample, with HDMI, eARC, and S/PDF ensuring easy connections to various devices. Additionally, built-in speakers with 7.1-channel Dolby Atmos support offer a decent audio experience without needing external speakers.

The digital keystone correction is a helpful feature that allows you to adjust the image for proper alignment. With built-in Wi-Fi and smart features like Android TV, AirPlay, and Chromecast, it works well as an all-in-one entertainment hub. Weighing 11 pounds and featuring a compact design, it is portable and easy to set up. The BenQ X500i is a strong choice for gamers and home entertainment enthusiasts who need a short-throw projector with excellent resolution and gaming features.

The BenQ TK710STi is an impressive short-throw projector that offers a lot of value for its price. With a 3200 ANSI lumens brightness, it’s capable of delivering clear and vibrant images even in a well-lit room, making it suitable for various home environments. The 4K resolution ensures sharp and detailed visuals, which is great for both movies and gaming. Its 95% Rec.709 color coverage adds to the visual appeal, providing rich and accurate colors.

The projector also features a durable laser light source, reducing the need for frequent lamp replacements, thus lowering ongoing maintenance costs. For gamers, the 4ms response time and 240Hz refresh rate at 1080p resolution promise smooth gameplay with minimal lag, enhancing the gaming experience. Additionally, it comes with Google-Certified Android TV, offering a wide range of streaming options, and built-in speakers, which add convenience. The 3D keystone correction feature helps in adjusting the image perfectly on any surface.

It’s important to note that while the projector includes Wi-Fi connectivity and built-in streaming capabilities, it might require additional external speakers for a true home theater audio experience, as built-in speakers may not be sufficient for everyone. Despite this, the BenQ TK710STi stands out as a versatile and feature-rich option for anyone looking for an affordable short-throw projector suitable for both entertainment and gaming.

The Optoma GT1090HDR is a standout option for those seeking a reliable, short-throw projector that doesn't break the bank. One of its notable strengths is the laser light source, which offers up to 30,000 hours of maintenance-free operation, eliminating the hassle and cost of frequent lamp replacements. Its impressive 4,200 lumens of brightness make it suitable for both day and night use in various environments, from living rooms to outdoor settings.

The short throw lens can project a large 120” image from just over 4 feet away, making it ideal for smaller spaces where traditional projectors struggle. The 1080p resolution with support for 4K input ensures sharp and detailed images, further enhanced by HDR10 and HLG technologies for better contrast and color depth. The 300,000:1 contrast ratio also contributes to the vivid picture quality. Connectivity is versatile with HDMI and 3.5mm jack options, making it easy to connect to media players, gaming consoles, and streaming devices.

Keystone correction and four-corner adjustments simplify installation, and the low operational noise of 32dB in eco-mode ensures minimal distractions during use. On the downside, while the projector supports 4K input, it only displays in 1080p resolution, which might be a consideration for those specifically wanting native 4K. Additionally, while it is 3D-ready, the required 3D glasses are sold separately, adding to the overall cost. Weighing 10 pounds, it is not the lightest option, which could be a slight drawback for portable use. Nevertheless, its combination of advanced features, brightness, and convenient short-throw capability make it a compelling choice for home cinema enthusiasts and gamers alike.