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10 Best Short Throw Projectors 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Optoma GT1080HDRx Short Throw Gaming Projector | Enhanced Gaming Mode for 1080p 120Hz Gameplay at 8.4ms | 1080p and HDR support with 4K UHD input | Bright 3,800 Lumens for Day and Night Gaming | White

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,165
Throw Ratio
Resolution
Brightness

Most important from
861 reviews

Throw Ratio
The short-throw lens allows a large 100- to 120-inch image from about four feet away, offering a more forgiving setup than ultra-short-throw models that demand perfectly flat screens.
Resolution
The support for 4K input and HDR10 enhances picture vibrancy, even though the native projection resolution remains 1080p.
Brightness
Its laser brightness at 3,800 lumens enables clear, vibrant images even with some ambient light, making it suitable for daylight or room-lit viewing.
Contrast Ratio
The projector delivers rich, accurate colors and produces eye-popping whites and deep blacks, rivaling or even surpassing many flat-screen TVs in image quality.
Keystone Correction
The projector requires careful physical positioning since keystone correction and image shift are disabled in enhanced gaming mode, necessitating precise alignment for a perfect rectangular image.
Lamp Life
Its long-lasting laser light source offers up to 15,000 hours of use and handles frequent on/off cycles without issue, which is ideal for varied and flexible usage.

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.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,165
Throw Ratio
Resolution
Brightness

Most important from
861 reviews

Throw Ratio
The short-throw lens allows a large 100- to 120-inch image from about four feet away, offering a more forgiving setup than ultra-short-throw models that demand perfectly flat screens.
Resolution
The support for 4K input and HDR10 enhances picture vibrancy, even though the native projection resolution remains 1080p.
Brightness
Its laser brightness at 3,800 lumens enables clear, vibrant images even with some ambient light, making it suitable for daylight or room-lit viewing.
Contrast Ratio
The projector delivers rich, accurate colors and produces eye-popping whites and deep blacks, rivaling or even surpassing many flat-screen TVs in image quality.
Keystone Correction
The projector requires careful physical positioning since keystone correction and image shift are disabled in enhanced gaming mode, necessitating precise alignment for a perfect rectangular image.
Lamp Life
Its long-lasting laser light source offers up to 15,000 hours of use and handles frequent on/off cycles without issue, which is ideal for varied and flexible usage.
#2

BenQ LK936ST 4K Ultra HD Short-Throw Laser DLP Projector

Rating
8.5
Resolution

Most important from
2 reviews

Resolution
Picture is as clear as being there.

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.

Rating
8.5
Resolution

Most important from
2 reviews

Resolution
Picture is as clear as being there.
#3

AWOL VISION LTV-2500 4K UHD Ultra Short Throw Triple Laser Projector with Dolby Vision & Atmos, Active 3D, 150", HDR10+, UST Laser TV Projector (Fire TV Stick 4K Max included)

Rating
8.5
Brightness
Lamp Life

Most important from
381 reviews

Brightness
Color and brightness are superb, especially compared to traditional projectors.
Lamp Life
The laser technology means there's no need to worry about changing burnt-out bulbs.

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.

Rating
8.5
Brightness
Lamp Life

Most important from
381 reviews

Brightness
Color and brightness are superb, especially compared to traditional projectors.
Lamp Life
The laser technology means there's no need to worry about changing burnt-out bulbs.

Buying Guide for the Best Short Throw Projectors

Choosing the right short-throw projector can significantly enhance your viewing experience, whether it's for home entertainment, business presentations, or educational purposes. Short-throw projectors are designed to project large images from a short distance, making them ideal for small spaces. To find the best fit for your needs, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they impact performance and usability.
Throw RatioThe throw ratio is the distance between the projector and the screen divided by the width of the projected image. This spec is crucial because it determines how close you can place the projector to the screen while still achieving the desired image size. Short-throw projectors typically have a throw ratio between 0.4:1 and 1.0:1. If you have limited space, look for a lower throw ratio, which allows you to place the projector closer to the screen. Consider your room size and how far you can place the projector from the screen to choose the right throw ratio for your setup.
ResolutionResolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the projected image, usually described as width x height (e.g., 1920x1080 for Full HD). Higher resolution means more detail and clarity. Common resolutions for short-throw projectors include 720p (HD), 1080p (Full HD), and 4K (Ultra HD). If you plan to use the projector for movies, gaming, or detailed presentations, a higher resolution like 1080p or 4K is recommended. For basic presentations or educational purposes, 720p may suffice.
BrightnessBrightness is measured in lumens and indicates how bright the projected image will be. This is important because it affects visibility, especially in well-lit rooms. Short-throw projectors typically range from 1,000 to 3,000 lumens. For dark or dimly lit rooms, 1,000 to 2,000 lumens may be adequate. For rooms with more ambient light, look for a projector with 2,500 lumens or more to ensure a clear and vibrant image.
Contrast RatioThe contrast ratio measures the difference between the darkest and brightest parts of the image. A higher contrast ratio means deeper blacks and more vibrant colors, which enhances image quality. Short-throw projectors often have contrast ratios ranging from 1,000:1 to 100,000:1. For home theater use, a higher contrast ratio is preferable to achieve better picture quality. For business or educational use, a moderate contrast ratio may be sufficient.
ConnectivityConnectivity options determine how you can connect your projector to other devices. Common inputs include HDMI, USB, VGA, and wireless options like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This spec is important because it affects the ease of setup and compatibility with your devices. If you plan to connect multiple devices, look for a projector with multiple HDMI ports and wireless connectivity. For simpler setups, a single HDMI port may be enough.
Keystone CorrectionKeystone correction allows you to adjust the image to be perfectly rectangular, even if the projector is not perfectly aligned with the screen. This is important for achieving a professional-looking image without distortion. Short-throw projectors often offer both vertical and horizontal keystone correction. If you anticipate placing the projector at an angle or off-center, look for a model with comprehensive keystone correction features to ensure a clear and properly aligned image.
Lamp LifeLamp life indicates how long the projector's lamp will last before it needs to be replaced, usually measured in hours. This is important for maintenance and long-term costs. Short-throw projectors typically have lamp lives ranging from 3,000 to 20,000 hours. If you plan to use the projector frequently, look for a model with a longer lamp life to reduce the need for replacements. For occasional use, a shorter lamp life may be acceptable.

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