10 Best Short Throw Projectors 2025 in the United States

The Optoma GT1080HDRx is a solid choice for gamers and home cinema fans looking for a short-throw projector. Its short-throw lens lets you project a large 120-inch image from just about four feet away, which is great if you don’t have a lot of room to set up. The projector supports full HD 1080p resolution with HDR10 compatibility, so you get sharp and vibrant images with good color accuracy thanks to its advanced color wheel.

Brightness is strong at 3,800 lumens, making it suitable for use in rooms with some ambient light during the day or night. The contrast ratio of 50,000:1 helps deliver deeper blacks and more detailed images, enhancing picture quality. Connectivity-wise, it offers dual HDMI ports that support various devices like gaming consoles and streaming sticks, which is convenient. One standout feature is the gaming mode that reduces input lag to 8.4ms at 120Hz, providing smooth and responsive gameplay for a better gaming experience.

The lamp life is impressive, rated up to 15,000 hours, which means less frequent replacements and long-term value. It does not include advanced keystone correction options, so careful positioning of the projector may be needed for optimal alignment. While it handles 1080p natively and supports 4K input, it does not project in 4K resolution itself. If you want a reliable, bright, and quick-reacting projector mainly for gaming and casual home cinema use in smaller spaces, the Optoma GT1080HDRx is a fitting option.

The AWOL VISION LTV-2500 is a cutting-edge short-throw projector that boasts impressive capabilities for home cinema enthusiasts. With its 4K UHD resolution and triple laser technology, it delivers vivid colors and sharp images, catering well to users seeking a high-quality viewing experience. The projector supports advanced features such as Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, ensuring an immersive audio-visual experience that can make movie nights more enjoyable. Its ability to project up to 150 inches while maintaining clarity is a significant plus, especially for those looking to recreate a theater-like atmosphere at home.

One standout feature is the innovative integration of a center channel speaker, which enhances dialogue clarity and reduces the need for additional audio equipment. The whisper-quiet operation is another advantage, making it suitable for environments where noise could be distracting.

There are some considerations to keep in mind. While the brightness is decent, it may not perform as well in bright rooms compared to some higher-end models, particularly if you don't have the recommended ALR screen. The model lacks certain smart control features found in pricier versions, which might be a drawback for those seeking more connectivity options.

The AWOL VISION LTV-3000 Pro 4K projector stands out in the short-throw projector category, particularly for home cinema enthusiasts looking for an immersive experience. With a remarkable resolution of 3840 x 2160 and the ability to project up to 150 inches, it delivers sharp and vibrant images that can perform well in various lighting conditions. The advanced triple laser technology ensures bright visuals even during the day, making it a suitable replacement for larger TVs.

One of its notable strengths is the integration of Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, which enhances both the picture and sound quality for a fully immersive experience. The projector's support for 3D content adds another layer of entertainment, making it appealing for movie lovers who enjoy cinematic experiences at home. The projector also features convenient connectivity options, particularly HDMI, and offers smart home integration through PJ Link IP control, which is perfect for users who have automated home systems.

The power-saving capability is a significant advantage, as it consumes less energy than traditional TVs, saving on electricity bills over time. On the downside, the high initial price and weight of 33.9 pounds might deter some users who are looking for more portable or budget-friendly options. Additionally, while the projector excels in audio-visual quality, the requirement for compatible screens (like ALR screens) means that users need to invest further to maximize performance.