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

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

LG HU85LA Ultra Short Throw 4K UHD Laser Smart Home Theater Cinebeam Projector with Alexa built-in, LG Thinq AI, and LG webOS Lite Smart TV

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,390
Throw Ratio
Resolution
Brightness

Most important from
121 reviews

Throw Ratio
The ultra-short throw capability is incredibly convenient, allowing for a large 120-inch image from just 7.2 inches away.
Resolution
Picture quality is fantastic, with 4K HDR working exceptionally well, even in broad daylight or with lights on.
Brightness
The projector's 3 laser lights deliver vibrant and bright colors, significantly enhancing the visual experience.
Connectivity
The built-in Alexa and Google Home integration show a commitment to smart home connectivity.
Keystone Correction and Lens Shift
Setting up the projector can be challenging and requires precise alignment, especially to achieve perfect edge adjustment.

The LG HU85LA Ultra Short Throw 4K UHD Laser Projector is a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their home theater experience without needing a lot of space. With its impressive resolution of 3840x2160, you can expect a sharp and clear picture that brings your favorite movies and shows to life. The ultra-short throw capability is particularly advantageous, allowing you to project a large 120-inch image from just 7.2 inches away, making it ideal for smaller rooms. Additionally, the brightness level of up to 2700 ANSI Lumens means that it performs well even in moderately lit environments, which is a big plus for versatility in viewing conditions. The HDR10 support further enhances picture quality, providing vibrant colors and better contrast in your viewing experience.

On the connectivity front, the projector offers Bluetooth support and a range of smart features through LG's webOS, allowing easy access to popular streaming services directly. The built-in Alexa voice recognition is an added convenience for users who enjoy smart home integration. The projector is relatively heavy at almost 27 pounds, which may be cumbersome for some users when setting it up. The ambient noise level can also be noticeable, operating at 26 to 30 dB, which could be a concern in very quiet settings. While the projector's price reflects its premium features, it may not fit everyone's budget.

The LG HU85LA is a commendable choice for home cinema enthusiasts, particularly those with space constraints, but it’s essential to weigh its weight, price, and noise level against your specific needs.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,390
Throw Ratio
Resolution
Brightness

Most important from
121 reviews

Throw Ratio
The ultra-short throw capability is incredibly convenient, allowing for a large 120-inch image from just 7.2 inches away.
Resolution
Picture quality is fantastic, with 4K HDR working exceptionally well, even in broad daylight or with lights on.
Brightness
The projector's 3 laser lights deliver vibrant and bright colors, significantly enhancing the visual experience.
Connectivity
The built-in Alexa and Google Home integration show a commitment to smart home connectivity.
Keystone Correction and Lens Shift
Setting up the projector can be challenging and requires precise alignment, especially to achieve perfect edge adjustment.
#2

ViewSonic PX748-4K UHD 4K Projector with 4000 Lumens, 240 Hz, 4.2ms, HDR Support, Auto Keystone, Dual HDMI, and USB C for Home Theater, Stream Netflix with Dongle

Rating
9.6
Resolution
Brightness
Keystone Correction and Lens Shift

Most important from
996 reviews

Resolution
The 4K picture quality is literally stunning, providing a crisp, beautiful, and bright screen.
Brightness
This projector delivers a very bright and crisp image, with vibrant colors and solid HDR10 performance.
Keystone Correction and Lens Shift
The keystone correction works well, making it possible to project on a curved screen and achieve a clear picture.

The ViewSonic PX748-4K is a robust short-throw projector that offers a 4K UHD resolution of 3840 x 2160, delivering sharp and detailed images. With a high brightness of 4000 lumens, it performs well even in well-lit rooms, and its high contrast ratio ensures deep blacks and vibrant colors, enhancing the viewing experience. The projector shines in gaming due to its low input lag of 4.2ms and a 240Hz refresh rate, making fast-paced games smooth and responsive. Additionally, it supports HDR content, which provides richer color details and depth in videos and movies.

The setup is user-friendly, featuring a 1.3x optical zoom, auto horizontal and vertical keystone correction, and anti-warping stabilization, ensuring flexibility in installation and a clear picture on both flat and curved surfaces. Connectivity is versatile with dual HDMI ports, USB-C, and other options, allowing easy connection to various devices like media players, gaming consoles, and PCs. However, it lacks a built-in streaming service, meaning you'll need a dongle to stream Netflix and other online content. This projector is relatively lightweight at 2.8 pounds and compact, making it portable and easy to move around.

It is well-suited for home theaters and gaming enthusiasts who value high performance and ease of use. However, it might be overkill for users who only need a basic projector for occasional presentations or movie nights. Its high brightness, low input lag, and versatile connectivity make it an excellent choice for an immersive home entertainment experience.

Rating
9.6
Resolution
Brightness
Keystone Correction and Lens Shift

Most important from
996 reviews

Resolution
The 4K picture quality is literally stunning, providing a crisp, beautiful, and bright screen.
Brightness
This projector delivers a very bright and crisp image, with vibrant colors and solid HDR10 performance.
Keystone Correction and Lens Shift
The keystone correction works well, making it possible to project on a curved screen and achieve a clear picture.
#3

Optoma ZH406ST Short Throw Full HD Professional Laser Projector | DuraCore Laser Technology | High Bright 4200 lumens | 4K HDR Input | Four Corner Image Adjustment | Network Compatible

Rating
9.3
Brightness
Contrast Ratio
Keystone Correction and Lens Shift

Most important from
84 reviews

Brightness
The brightness and contrast are very good, making it easy to see even with the lights on.
Contrast Ratio
The brightness and contrast are very good, making it easy to see even with the lights on.
Keystone Correction and Lens Shift
Easy to adjust after installation, with a wide range of picture sizes.

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.

Rating
9.3
Brightness
Contrast Ratio
Keystone Correction and Lens Shift

Most important from
84 reviews

Brightness
The brightness and contrast are very good, making it easy to see even with the lights on.
Contrast Ratio
The brightness and contrast are very good, making it easy to see even with the lights on.
Keystone Correction and Lens Shift
Easy to adjust after installation, with a wide range of picture sizes.

Buying Guide for the Best Short Throw Projector 4k

Choosing the right short-throw 4K projector can significantly enhance your viewing experience, whether it's for home entertainment, gaming, or professional presentations. Short-throw projectors are designed to project large images from a short distance, making them ideal for smaller spaces. When selecting a projector, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure it meets your needs and provides the best performance for your intended use.
Throw RatioThe throw ratio of a projector determines the distance from the projector to the screen relative to the width of the image. A short-throw projector typically has a throw ratio of less than 1:1, meaning it can project a large image from a short distance. This is important for small rooms or spaces where you can't place the projector far from the screen. If you have limited space, look for a projector with a lower throw ratio to ensure you can achieve the desired image size without needing a lot of distance.
ResolutionResolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the image on the screen. A 4K projector has a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, providing incredibly sharp and detailed images. This is especially important for watching movies, playing video games, or displaying detailed presentations. If you want the best image quality and clarity, a 4K resolution is the way to go. However, ensure that the content you plan to watch or display is available in 4K to fully benefit from this high resolution.
BrightnessBrightness is measured in lumens and indicates how much light the projector can produce. This is crucial for ensuring that the image is visible and vibrant, even in well-lit rooms. For home theaters with controlled lighting, a projector with 1500-2500 lumens may suffice. For rooms with more ambient light or larger spaces, consider a projector with 3000 lumens or more. Your choice should depend on the lighting conditions of the room where you plan to use the projector.
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 enhances the overall image quality. For a more immersive viewing experience, especially in darker environments, look for a projector with a high contrast ratio. If you plan to use the projector in a room with some ambient light, a moderate contrast ratio may still provide good image quality.
Input LagInput lag is the delay between the input signal (such as pressing a button on a game controller) and the projected image. This is particularly important for gamers who need quick response times for a smooth gaming experience. For casual gaming, an input lag of 30-50 milliseconds may be acceptable. However, for competitive gaming, look for a projector with an input lag of 20 milliseconds or less to ensure minimal delay and a more responsive experience.
ConnectivityConnectivity options determine how you can connect your projector to other devices, such as Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, or streaming devices. Common connections include HDMI, USB, and wireless options like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Ensure the projector has the necessary ports and connectivity options to match your devices. If you plan to stream content wirelessly, look for projectors with built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities for added convenience.
Keystone Correction and Lens ShiftKeystone correction and lens shift are features that help you adjust the image to fit the screen properly, even if the projector is not perfectly aligned. Keystone correction allows you to correct the image shape, while lens shift lets you move the image vertically or horizontally without moving the projector. These features are important for flexible placement and ensuring a properly aligned image. If you have limited placement options, look for a projector with good keystone correction and lens shift capabilities.

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