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 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 Optoma ZH340ST Compact Short Throw Professional Laser Projector stands out for its professional-grade capabilities. With a brightness of 3,200 lumens, it delivers clear and crisp visuals even in brightly lit spaces, which is ideal for offices and classrooms. The short throw lens can project a large 120-inch image from just 4 feet 4 inches away, making it suitable for smaller rooms and easier to install without taking up much space.

This compact projector also boasts a Full HD 1080P resolution, ensuring high-quality image clarity for presentations and educational content. The DuraCore laser technology promises up to 30,000 hours of maintenance-free operation, reducing the need for frequent lamp and filter replacements, which is a significant cost and hassle saver. Moreover, its IPX6 dust resistance rating enhances its durability, ensuring longevity in different environments.

Connectivity options are robust, with dual HDMI connectors and a USB port, allowing seamless integration with laptops and other streaming devices. Additionally, its low power consumption (just 45% of typical lamp-based projectors) helps reduce energy costs and its environmental impact. Its design, ease of installation, and energy efficiency make it a solid choice for professional use in educational and business settings.