10 Best Short Throw Projector 4k 2025 in the United States

The Optoma UHZ35ST is a compact short-throw 4K projector that shines in both home theater and gaming environments. With its 4K UHD resolution, it provides sharp and detailed visuals, making your movies and games look impressive. One of its standout features is the DuraCore laser light technology, which offers up to 30,000 hours of maintenance-free operation, eliminating the need for lamp and filter replacements. Additionally, its IPX6 dust resistance ensures long-lasting durability.

The short-throw lens is particularly beneficial for smaller spaces, allowing you to project a large 120-inch screen from just a little over four feet away. This makes installation hassle-free in tight spaces. The projector boasts a high brightness of 3,500 lumens, ensuring clear images even in well-lit rooms, and a 500,000:1 contrast ratio that enhances picture quality with deeper blacks and brighter whites.

Gamers will appreciate the enhanced game mode, which delivers very low input lag across various resolutions, ensuring smooth and responsive gameplay. Connectivity options are robust, featuring USB, HDMI, and audio ports, which make it versatile for different setups. However, while the projector excels in many areas, it is relatively heavy at 6.61 pounds, which might be a consideration for those looking for a more portable option. Additionally, the lack of extensive keystone correction or lens shift options may pose installation challenges in certain room configurations. The Optoma UHZ35ST is a solid choice for anyone seeking a high-quality short-throw projector for home entertainment and gaming.

The Optoma ZH406ST is a solid choice for those seeking a short-throw projector, particularly in educational and business settings. One of its standout features is the DuraCore laser light source, which offers up to 30,000 hours of use without needing lamp replacements—making it both cost-effective and low-maintenance. With a brightness of 4,200 lumens and a contrast ratio of 300,000:1, it can deliver clear images even in well-lit rooms, enhancing presentations and classroom activities. Additionally, the projector supports 4K HDR input, allowing for richer colors and better detail when paired with compatible sources.

Its short throw lens is quite impressive, projecting a large 120-inch image from just over 4 feet away. This feature is particularly useful for smaller spaces where placement flexibility is essential. The inclusion of four corner image adjustments and digital zoom allows for easier setup and optimal image positioning.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The native resolution is 1920 x 1080, which, while decent, means it won't fully utilize the 4K HDR input capabilities unless you’re playing specifically compatible content. Also, while the integrated speakers are helpful for medium-sized rooms, serious audio requirements may necessitate external speakers for larger audiences.

The extensive connectivity options are a plus, making it easy to connect various devices. This projector also includes features like portrait mode and network control, which are great for digital signage and larger installations. On the downside, the price point may be higher compared to non-laser projectors in the same category, so it’s worth considering if those features align with your needs.

The Optoma ZH406ST proves to be an ideal choice for users looking for a reliable, high-performance short-throw projector, especially in environments where brightness and image quality are key factors.

The Hisense L9Q Ultra Short Throw Projector is a strong choice if you're looking for a high-quality 4K projector that can display a very large image from a short distance. With a throw ratio as low as 0.18, it can project up to a 200-inch screen from close to the wall, which is ideal for small rooms or limited space setups. Its 3840 x 2160 resolution ensures sharp, detailed pictures suitable for movies, gaming, and presentations. Brightness is impressive at 5,000 ANSI Lumens, meaning it performs well even in rooms with some ambient light, while the 5,000:1 contrast ratio provides good depth, with clear distinction between dark and bright scenes. The projector uses triple laser technology validated by Pantone, so colors look vibrant and natural, including accurate skin tones, which enhances the viewing experience for movies and TV shows. It also features AI-powered image enhancement to automatically improve picture quality in real time.

Connectivity is versatile, offering Bluetooth, Ethernet, HDMI, USB, and Wi-Fi, so it can connect to various devices and networks easily. Plus, Google TV support adds smart TV functionality without needing extra devices. The product weight and size—at over 28 pounds and fairly large dimensions—make it less portable than some other projectors. The Hisense L9Q is a solid pick for home cinema enthusiasts and users wanting a bright, large, and colorful 4K image from a compact, ultra-short throw projector, especially suited to well-lit rooms and fixed installations.