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 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 BenQ TK700ST is a short-throw projector designed to deliver an impressive 4K HDR experience, making it suitable for both home entertainment and gaming. One of its key strengths is the 3000 ANSI lumens brightness, which allows for clear and vibrant visuals even in well-lit rooms, catering to users who want flexibility in their viewing environments. The 4K resolution ensures crisp and detailed images, enhanced by the 96% Rec.709 color coverage, which provides a wider color range for more lifelike scenes. This projector's standout feature is its gaming capability, boasting a fast 4ms response time at 1080p and a refresh rate of 240Hz, ensuring smooth gameplay with minimal lag—a significant advantage for gamers who prioritize performance.

In terms of connectivity, the BenQ TK700ST supports HDMI inputs, ARC, and eARC, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with advanced audio systems like Dolby Atmos for a more immersive audio experience. The inclusion of a built-in speaker is convenient, although external speakers are recommended for a more robust sound.

The projector's 2D keystone correction offers some flexibility in installation, but it might not be as versatile as some competitors with 3D or advanced adjustment options. Additionally, the weight and dimensions suggest it might be slightly bulky, which could affect portability if you plan on moving it around frequently. This projector would be an excellent choice for users who are looking to enhance their home entertainment system, especially those who want to combine movie watching with high-quality gaming experiences. The features make it a versatile option for both casual viewers and dedicated gamers.