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10 Best Cheap Short Throw Projector 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

BenQ TK710STi 4K HDR Laser 3200 Lumens Movie and Gaming Short Throw Projector with 4ms Response Time | 240Hz Refresh Rate | HDR10 & HLG | Android TV with Netflix Chromecast & AirPlay | 3D Keystone

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,181
Resolution
Contrast Ratio

Most important from
370 reviews

Resolution
The projector is a significant upgrade from 1080p models, as individual pixels are not visible even on a 150" screen.
Contrast Ratio
The image quality is impressive, with a noticeable difference in contrast ratio, particularly excelling in dark scenes.

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.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,181
Resolution
Contrast Ratio

Most important from
370 reviews

Resolution
The projector is a significant upgrade from 1080p models, as individual pixels are not visible even on a 150" screen.
Contrast Ratio
The image quality is impressive, with a noticeable difference in contrast ratio, particularly excelling in dark scenes.
#2

Optoma GT2100HDR Short Throw Full HD Home Laser Projector

Rating
9.7
Throw Ratio
Brightness (Lumens)
Resolution

Most important from
116 reviews

Throw Ratio
The short throw feature is ideal for smaller spaces, providing a large, clear image close to the screen, enhancing immersive experiences.
Brightness (Lumens)
The Optoma GT2100HDR is perfect for golf simulators, delivering a bright and clear picture even with ambient light, making it feel truly high definition.
Resolution
Crisp visuals with 1080p resolution and 4K HDR input make for a highly immersive and realistic simulation experience.
Built-in Speakers
The built-in speakers are a downside; they are described as hollow and lacking dynamic sound adjustments, suggesting the use of external speakers for better audio quality.

The Optoma GT2100HDR is an affordable short-throw projector that stands out for its Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080) and impressive brightness of 4200 lumens, making it suitable for different lighting conditions. With a short throw ratio, it can project large images from a short distance, perfect for small spaces—ideal for home cinema, gaming, education, and business uses. An eco-friendly design and DuraCore Laser Technology promise longevity and energy efficiency, reducing maintenance costs over time.

Connectivity is well-covered with USB and HDMI options, allowing easy connection to various devices. Built-in speakers are handy for basic sound needs, although external speakers might be preferred for a more immersive audio experience. At 6.61 pounds and compact dimensions, it is portable and easy to set up.

This projector is a solid choice for those needing an affordable, versatile, and easy-to-use short-throw projector.

Rating
9.7
Throw Ratio
Brightness (Lumens)
Resolution

Most important from
116 reviews

Throw Ratio
The short throw feature is ideal for smaller spaces, providing a large, clear image close to the screen, enhancing immersive experiences.
Brightness (Lumens)
The Optoma GT2100HDR is perfect for golf simulators, delivering a bright and clear picture even with ambient light, making it feel truly high definition.
Resolution
Crisp visuals with 1080p resolution and 4K HDR input make for a highly immersive and realistic simulation experience.
Built-in Speakers
The built-in speakers are a downside; they are described as hollow and lacking dynamic sound adjustments, suggesting the use of external speakers for better audio quality.
#3

BenQ TK700ST 4K HDR 3000 Lumens Short Throw Movie & Gaming Projector 4ms Response Time | 240Hz Refresh Rate | HDR10 & HLG | ARC/eARC Support | 2D Keystone | 1.2X Zoom | HDR Game Modes

Rating
9.4
Brightness (Lumens)
Throw Ratio
Resolution

Most important from
4 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
Delivers bright and clear images even in rooms with moderate lighting, making it versatile for various environments.
Throw Ratio
The short-throw design allows placement close to the wall, saving space in smaller rooms without compromising image quality.
Resolution
Sharp 4K resolution combined with vivid color coverage creates an immersive viewing experience perfect for movies and gaming.

The BenQ TK700ST is a strong choice if you're looking for a short-throw projector that delivers sharp 4K resolution and bright images. With 3000 ANSI lumens, it performs well even in rooms with some ambient light, which is great for casual movie watching and gaming without needing complete darkness. Its short throw design means you can place it closer to the screen or wall, saving space in smaller rooms. The 4K resolution combined with 96% Rec.709 color coverage offers vivid and detailed visuals, giving an immersive experience especially for home cinema and gaming enthusiasts.

Speaking of gaming, it supports a high 240Hz refresh rate at 1080p and low 4ms response time, which helps reduce lag and makes fast-paced games smoother. On the audio side, it supports ARC and eARC for enhanced sound options like 7.1 surround and Dolby Atmos, so external speakers might be needed for the best audio experience. Connectivity includes Bluetooth support. The projector includes handy features like 2D keystone correction and 1.2X zoom for flexible setup and image adjustment.

Considering these points, the BenQ TK700ST suits users wanting a bright, sharp short-throw projector focused on 4K movie viewing and gaming, especially in moderate lighting, though users looking for long lamp life or built-in speaker strength might want to consider additional equipment.

Rating
9.4
Brightness (Lumens)
Throw Ratio
Resolution

Most important from
4 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
Delivers bright and clear images even in rooms with moderate lighting, making it versatile for various environments.
Throw Ratio
The short-throw design allows placement close to the wall, saving space in smaller rooms without compromising image quality.
Resolution
Sharp 4K resolution combined with vivid color coverage creates an immersive viewing experience perfect for movies and gaming.

Buying Guide for the Best Cheap Short Throw Projector

Choosing the right short-throw projector can significantly enhance your viewing experience, whether it's for home entertainment, business presentations, or educational purposes. Short-throw projectors are designed to project large images from a short distance, making them ideal for small spaces. To find the best fit for your needs, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they impact performance. Here are the main specs to consider and how to navigate them.
Throw RatioThe throw ratio is the distance between the projector and the screen divided by the width of the image. This spec is crucial because it determines how close you can place the projector to the screen while still getting a large image. Short-throw projectors typically have a throw ratio of less than 1:1. For example, a throw ratio of 0.5:1 means you can place the projector 0.5 feet away from the screen for every foot of image width. If you have a small room, look for a lower throw ratio to maximize your screen size without needing a lot of space.
Brightness (Lumens)Brightness, measured in lumens, indicates how much light the projector can produce. This is important because it affects how well the image can be seen in different lighting conditions. For a dimly lit room, a projector with 1,500 to 2,500 lumens may suffice. For rooms with more ambient light, you might need 3,000 lumens or more. Consider where you will be using the projector and choose a brightness level that ensures a clear, vibrant image in that environment.
ResolutionResolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the image, typically expressed as width x height (e.g., 1920x1080 for Full HD). Higher resolution means more detail and sharper images. For general use, a resolution of 720p (1280x720) may be adequate, but for a more detailed and immersive experience, especially for movies or gaming, 1080p (Full HD) or even 4K (3840x2160) is preferable. Consider what you will be projecting and choose a resolution that meets your quality expectations.
Contrast RatioThe contrast ratio measures the difference between the darkest and brightest parts of an image. A higher contrast ratio means deeper blacks and more vibrant colors, which is important for image quality. A contrast ratio of at least 10,000:1 is good for most uses, but if you want the best possible picture quality, look for projectors with higher contrast ratios. Think about the type of content you will be viewing and how important image depth and color accuracy are to you.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect your projector to other devices. Common connections include HDMI, USB, VGA, and wireless options like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. HDMI is essential for high-definition video and audio, while USB can be useful for direct media playback. Wireless connectivity allows for easier setup and streaming from mobile devices. Consider what devices you will be connecting to your projector and ensure it has the necessary ports and wireless capabilities.
Lamp LifeLamp life indicates how long the projector's lamp will last before it needs to be replaced, usually measured in hours. This is important for maintenance and long-term costs. A lamp life of 5,000 hours or more is typical for modern projectors. If you plan to use the projector frequently, look for models with longer lamp life to reduce the need for replacements. Consider how often you will use the projector and choose a lamp life that aligns with your usage patterns.
Built-in SpeakersBuilt-in speakers can be convenient if you don't want to set up an external sound system. However, the sound quality of built-in speakers can vary. For casual use, built-in speakers might be sufficient, but for a more immersive audio experience, you might want to connect external speakers or a sound system. Think about your audio needs and whether the convenience of built-in speakers outweighs the potential benefits of better sound quality from external speakers.

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