10 Best Short Throw Projectors 2025 in the United States

The BenQ LK936ST 4K Ultra HD Short-Throw Laser DLP Projector is a versatile device designed to meet both golf simulation and family home theater needs. Its 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) ensures ultra-sharp images, making it ideal for high-detail applications like golf simulations or watching movies. The projector provides 5100 lumens of brightness, which is quite high and supports clear visibility even in well-lit environments. This high brightness complements its color accuracy, delivering vivid and realistic visuals, which is crucial for both simulation and entertainment purposes.

The short-throw capability allows it to produce large images from a small distance, making it perfect for smaller spaces where a traditional projector might struggle. Additionally, it features custom color optimization for golf simulation mode, enhancing the realism of the virtual golfing experience. Connectivity is straightforward with HDMI, making it easy to hook up to various devices. While the projector is portable, weighing 20.7 pounds, it may not be the most lightweight option for frequent transport. The product dimensions are substantial (20.6 x 18.4 x 11.4 inches), so ensure you have adequate space for setup.

In summary, this projector is well-suited for those needing a high-resolution, bright, and color-accurate solution for both home entertainment and simulation purposes, provided the setup space can accommodate its size.

The Optoma ZH406ST short-throw projector is designed for professional use, offering a range of impressive features. With a throw ratio that allows for a 120-inch image from just 4 feet away, it's ideal for small spaces. The projector boasts a Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080), ensuring sharp and clear images. Its brightness level of 4200 lumens allows for clear viewing even in well-lit rooms, making it suitable for business presentations and educational settings.

The impressive 300,000:1 contrast ratio provides deep blacks and bright whites, enhancing the image quality. Connectivity options are ample, including dual HDMI, VGA, and RJ45, accommodating various devices and setups. The four-corner image adjustment feature makes installation flexible and straightforward. The DuraCore laser technology ensures a long lamp life of up to 30,000 hours, reducing maintenance costs, and the IPX6 dust resistance adds to its durability.

Additionally, the projector supports 4K HDR input, enhancing video quality for a richer viewing experience. However, the integrated speakers, while convenient, may not suffice for larger rooms, and the projector's weight (10 pounds) might be a consideration for portable use. The 2-year limited parts warranty and 5-year light source warranty offer added peace of mind for long-term investment. The Optoma ZH406ST is a robust and versatile short-throw projector that fits well in educational and business environments, providing high-quality visuals and reliable performance.

The BenQ X500i short-throw projector is an impressive option for gaming and home entertainment. With a true 4K resolution of 3840 x 2160, this projector ensures that your games and movies are displayed with exceptional clarity and detail. The short throw ratio of 0.69 to 0.83 allows you to project large images even in smaller spaces, making it ideal for bedrooms or compact rooms.

Additionally, the projector boasts a brightness level of 2200 lumens, which is suitable for most indoor environments, although it may struggle in very bright rooms. Gamers will appreciate the 4ms response time and auto game mode, ensuring a lag-free gaming experience. The built-in 5W speakers provide decent audio, but for a more immersive experience, the support for eARC and Dolby Atmos allows for advanced audio setups.

Connectivity options include HDMI, Wi-Fi, and support for AirPlay and Chromecast, making it versatile for various devices. Digital keystone correction ensures that your images are always properly aligned. One potential downside is the lack of detailed information on lamp life, which is an important consideration for long-term use. Additionally, while the projector is relatively compact, it still weighs 11 pounds, which may be a bit heavy for some users to move around frequently. The BenQ X500i is a strong contender for anyone looking to enhance their gaming and viewing experience in a confined space.