10 Best Short Throw Projectors 2026 in the United States

The Optoma GT1080HDR is a solid choice for a short-throw projector mainly designed for gaming and entertainment in smaller spaces. It can project a large 120-inch image from just 4 feet away, making setup easier in rooms where space is limited. Its Full HD 1080p resolution ensures sharp and detailed images, which is excellent for gaming and movies. The brightness level of 3800 lumens allows for clear images even in moderately lit rooms, both day and night. Additionally, the contrast ratio of 50,000:1 delivers good depth between dark and bright scenes, enhancing picture quality. The projector supports HDR10, which enhances colors and brightness when viewing compatible content.

For gamers, the fast 8.4ms response time combined with a 120Hz refresh rate reduces lag and motion blur, providing a smoother experience. Connectivity options include two HDMI ports, allowing easy connection of gaming consoles, streaming devices, or media players. The vertical keystone correction feature enables image adjustment if the projector is off-center, reducing the need to physically move the device. The lamp life is rated up to 15,000 hours, supporting years of average daily use. The built-in 10-watt speaker offers decent sound for casual use, though it may not replace a dedicated sound system.

While the projector supports 4K input, it displays at a 1080p resolution, so it does not show native 4K detail. It weighs about 6.6 pounds, which is moderate but not ultra-portable. If you want a bright, responsive projector suitable for gaming and general entertainment with easy setup in smaller rooms, the Optoma GT1080HDR fulfills those requirements effectively. However, if you require true 4K resolution or a very compact device, other options might be more appropriate.

The LG HF85JA Ultra Short Throw Laser Smart Home Theater CineBeam Projector is a compact and powerful option for those looking to create a home theater experience in a small space. One of its standout features is its ultra-short throw capability, which allows you to project a 100-inch image from just 17 inches away from the wall. This makes it an excellent choice for tight spaces where traditional projectors might be impractical. The projector offers a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, ensuring clear and detailed images, while the 150,000:1 contrast ratio allows for vivid and dynamic visuals, enhancing your viewing experience.

With a brightness of up to 1,500 lumens, it performs well in dimly lit environments but might struggle in very bright rooms. A significant advantage is its laser lamp, which has a long life of up to 20,000 hours, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Additionally, the projector is LG Smart TV enabled, providing access to a variety of streaming services without requiring additional devices. Keystone correction features help in adjusting the image to fit perfectly on the screen, ensuring flexibility in setup.

However, there are some downsides to consider. The projector's brightness might not be sufficient for rooms with a lot of ambient light. Also, being a 2017 model, it may lack some of the latest features found in newer projectors. Despite these minor drawbacks, the LG HF85JA is a highly capable short-throw projector that offers excellent image quality and convenience for home theater enthusiasts.

The Optoma GT2100HDR is a strong choice for anyone looking for a short-throw projector, especially for home cinema, gaming, or educational use. It delivers a sharp Full HD resolution (1920x1080), which means images and videos will look clear and detailed. The brightness at 4200 lumens is quite high for a projector in its class, ensuring vibrant and visible images even in rooms with some ambient light. It also uses laser technology, which tends to offer longer lamp life and consistent brightness compared to traditional lamps.

The projector’s external power supply helps reduce heat and noise, creating a more comfortable viewing experience. Connectivity options include USB and HDMI, covering the most common devices like laptops, gaming consoles, and media players. The compact design makes it easy to move or install in tight spaces. Some users might find the weight a bit on the heavier side for portability, but it's still manageable.

This projector suits users who want bright, sharp images with reliable laser technology in a short-throw format, but might need to consider room setup carefully due to limited image adjustment features.