Best Short Throw Projectors

When it comes to price to screen real estate, projectors absolutely blow traditional panel TVs out of the water. Sure, a TV is easier to set up, but projectors boast the ability to throw a much larger image for a fraction of the cost of an LED TV or OLED. Most standard projectors must be placed about 10 or so feet away from the screen to produce a 100-foot or larger image. But short throw projectors can generate a large image in a confined space. Check out the best short throw projectors in 2021!

What is a Short Throw Projector?

A short-throw projector or ultra-short-throw projector (UST) can cast a massive image from only a few feet or inches away. While the average short-throw projector typically requires about four or five feet to cast a 100-inch or larger image, UST projectors need merely a couple of inches. Placement of a short-throw unit helps in a smaller room. Instead of grappling with ceiling mounts or behind-the-couch placement, a coffee table or even an entertainment center up close to the wall works just fine.

What is a Short Throw Projector and Why Should You Buy One?

Projectors come in generally three different varieties: standard throw, short-throw, and ultra-short throw. Throw ratio provides a means of calculating screen size based on the distance between a projector’s lens and the screen. It’s written as a number, a colon, and another number.  The first number represents the distance in feet from the projector lens to the screen while the number after the colon stands for one foot of screen real estate.

For instance, a projector may have a throw ratio of 1.5:1. Therefore, to achieve a 10-foot or 120-inch screen, the projector’s lens must be 15-feet back from the screen. The smaller the first number, the shorter throw a projector has, and accordingly the closer it may be placed to the screen while still achieving a massive picture.

Most standard, or long throw, projectors require around eight to ten feet between the lens and screen to generate a 100-inch or larger image. A short-throw projector typically needs about four to five feet to produce a 100-inch or greater image. And ultra-short throw projectors necessitate mere inches to cast a 100-inch image.

Short-throw projectors can be fantastic for smaller spaces. Rather than a long-throw projector that demands a larger room to create a massive image, a short-throw projector can generate an over 100-inch picture from about four or five feet back from the screen. Because of their flexible placement options, a short-throw projector can be placed on a coffee table in front of you rather than ceiling-mounted.

Projector throw ratio: 

• Standard throw or long-throw: Requires around 8-10 feet between the projector lens and screen to create a 100-inch or larger image
• Short-throw projector: Need about 4-5 feet to create a 100-inch or bigger image
• Ultra-short throw projector: Demands just inches to make a 100-inch or greater image

Is a Short-throw Projector Better?

Short-throw projectors have many advantages over traditional standard throw or long-throw projectors. Primarily, the main benefit of a short-throw projector is the ability to cast an over 100-inch image even in a tight space. If you want to install a projector in your living room or bedroom but don’t have a large area, a short-throw projector can be a great investment.

Additionally, depending on the size of your room, a short-throw projector can be placed on a coffee table rather than ceiling-mounted. As such, short-throw projectors work well for portability since you can set them up virtually anywhere including in front of the viewer.

Do Short-throw Projectors Need a Special Screen?

The beauty of a projector is that you can get by projecting onto many surfaces including a wall or ceiling rather than a screen. Nevertheless, a dedicated screen affords many benefits such as better reflectivity and light handling. Whereas most long throw projectors can be somewhat forgiving with surfaces that aren’t completely flat, short-throw and ultra-short throw projectors are more prone to displaying a warped image when shining onto a screen that’s not completely flat.

Therefore, a fixed frame projector screen or a tab-tensioned screen works best for a short-throw projector. Since fixed projector screens are pretty rigid, they’re not as likely to appear warped. But many consumers purchase projectors for the ability to create a clean, uncluttered living area. A drop-down or pop-up screen can work well with a short-throw projector, but a tab-tensioned screen is recommended to maintain structural integrity of the screen and therefore avoid a warped picture.

Do short-throw projectors require special screens: Because of how close the lens sits to the screen, a short-throw projector works best with a fixed frame or tab-tensioned projector screen.

What to Look for in a Short Throw Projector

When selecting a short-throw projector, first figure out how much space you’ll have between the projector itself and the screen. Standard short-throw devices require about three to eight feet of space to produce a 100-inch or larger image, while UST projectors need anywhere from inches to three or four feet.

Resolution: The resolution of a projector is extremely important. 4K will offer four times as many pixels as a 1080p screen, although 1080p can still look extremely good.

Throw ratio: Most short-throw projectors have a resolution between 0.38:1 and 1.4:1. An ultra-short throw often has a throw ratio around 0.37:1 or less. Look for a lower throw ratio if you need to place your projector closer to the screen.

Brightness: Projector brightness is measured in ANSI lumens with higher meaning brighter. 3000 ANSI lumens is typically fine for lights-on viewing, although 2000 ANSI lumens and up will still look watchable albeit somewhat washed out with ambient lighting. While it’s true that all projectors look best in total darkness, a brighter projector should be able to handle more ambient light.

Frame rate/Refresh rate: If you plan to do any gaming, frame rate and refresh rate are important. Frame rate is measured in frames per second (FPS) while refresh rate is measured in hertz (Hz), though both are effectively the same. A 120Hz projector can display 120 FPS for example. You’ll also want to look for low input lag in addition to a high refresh rate or frame rate.

HDR support: While a high resolution is great, high dynamic range or HDR adds a lot of color detail that’s lacking otherwise. There are many different HDR standards including HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision. Most 4K projectors and even many 1080p projectors now support HDR.

Connectivity (I/O): Think about what devices you plan to connect to your projector, and how you will hook those up. Inputs and outputs (I/O) are essential. HDMI is the best option, and if you are using a soundbar or home theatre surround sound system, you’ll likely want audio return channel (ARC) as well for porting audio back to an external audio device. You’ll probably use HDMI for high definition devices like Blu-ray players and game consoles, but analog inputs such as component and composite may be beneficial for older devices. And you might want various audio or video outputs like TOSLink optical audio out.

Smart features: You can use a streaming box or game console for streaming from the likes of Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu. However, you may also want a projector with built-in smart features.

Audio: Though a dedicated external surround sound system or a soundbar is recommended for audio as large as the accompanying picture, a good set of onboard speakers allows for portability.

Price: Projectors can range from budget-priced options to bank-breaking high-end units. Ultimately, your budget will determine which projector is right for you.

Image adjustments (Keystone, focus, lens shift, etc.): Keystone correction, focus, and lens shift are useful projector features. With keystone correction, you can maintain a completely rectangular image even at an angle. There’s horizontal and vertical keystone. Focus lets you ensure the on-screen image is clear. Many budget and even mid-range projectors come with manual focus, although auto-focus is increasingly common on cheaper devices as well. Lens shift lets you physically move a projector’s lens diagonally, vertically, or horizontally for re-adjusting a projector image without repositioning the unit.

What to look for in a short throw projector:

• Short throw vs. UST projector
• Resolution
• ANSI lumens
• Connectivity
• Lens shift
• Focus (manual vs. automatic)
• Keystone (horizontal, vertical)
• Price

Best Short Throw Projector for Most Users – BenQ TH671ST

BenQ offers its TH671ST short-throw projector. With a 1080p resolution and 3000 ANSI lumens, the TH671ST is a solid projector that outputs a high resolution and with lumens to match. It can withstand a considerable amount of ambient lighting. And its low input lag makes the BenQ TH671ST a great choice for gaming. A 92% Rec. 709 rating ensures accurate colors. Capable of shooting a 100-inch image from five feet away, it’s perfect for plopping on a coffee table or ceiling mounting. Using BenQ’s QCast HDMI mirroring dongle, you can wirelessly stream content to the TH671ST. There’s vertical keystone correction for a perfectly rectangular image even at an angle. And a low 16ms input lag makes the TH671ST one of the best gaming projectors on the market.

Picture quality is great and should satisfy most users. However, the BenQ HT2150ST boasts a 96% Rec.709 rating versus the TH671ST’s 92% Rec.709 color coverage for lifelike colors, albeit at the expense of lumens. The 2150St has 2200 lumens to the TH671ST’s 3000 ANSI lumens. If you’re a gamer and need the low input lag or require high lumens for daytime viewing, the TH671ST is a better option. Cinephiles might critique its color reproduction which, while good, doesn’t match that of a home theatre projector like the HT2105ST. The TH671ST is an excellent all-around performer which is versatile enough to handle movies watching, live TV or sports, and gaming with equal grace.

Pros:

• 1080p resolution
• 3000 ANSI lumens
• 92% Rec. 709
• Low input lag
• 100-inch image from just 5 feet away

Cons:

• Color reproduction, black levels, and contrast ratio might not be up to cinephile standards

Best Short-Throw Projector for 4K Gaming – BenQ TK700STi

The BenQ TK700STi is an outstanding short-throw projector that delivers ultra-low input lag and 4K HDR video. Its bright 3000 ANSI lumens mean the image won’t look washed out even with lots of ambient lighting. With 4K HDR video output, the TK700STi yields 16ms of input lag while gaming at 60 Hz on 4K. Additionally, the TK700STi can handle 4K 30Hz gaming at 33ms, 1080p 60Hz on 16.67ms, 1080p 120Hz at 8.3ms, and clocks in 4ms fo 1080p 240Hz gaming. Dedicate modes provide presets for games such as RPGs, FPSes, and SPGs with optimized visual, audio, and latency settings.

Connectivity is fantastic with a pair of HDMI ports including HDMI ARC, an RS-232 input, audio out 3.5mm jack, and USB Type-A header. An Android TV dongle graces the TK700STi with smart TV capabilities. The built-in 5W speakers are surprisingly competent. While the BenQ TK700STi handles games gracefully, movies and sports look stunning as well. 100% Rec.709 color coverage and HDR10 plus HLG HDR standards make for a bold, realistic image. There’s 3D support too for an at-home cinema experience. Furthermore, vertical and horizontal keystone eliminates the trapezoid effect while picture rotation adjustments let you tweak the on-screen image for flexible placement.

Unfortunately, the TK700STi has a longer throw than most other short-throw projectors. Whereas the average short-throw projector requires about four or five feet to achieve a 100-inch image, the TK700STi needs around 6.5 feet. Moreover, there’s a catch to its low-latency gaming abilities. You’ll only hit 16ms on 4K at 60Hz. For high refresh rate, low-latency gaming you’ll need to drop down to 1080p. Despite the Android TV dongle, the TK700STi doesn’t feature Netflix functionality, so you’ll either need to cast to the projector or use a different streaming box. Nevertheless, the BenQ TK700STi is the best 4K short-throw gaming projector on the planet for high-resolution, low input lag gaming.

Pros:

• 4K 3840 x 2160 resolution
• HDR (HDR10 and HLG)
• 100% Rec.709 color coverage
• Android TV dongle
• 3000 ANSI lumens
• 3D-ready
• Vertical and horizontal keystone
• Image rotation adjustments
• 5W champer speaker
• Excellent connectivity: 2 x HDMI 2.0b one with ARC, RS-232, 3.5mm audio out, USB Type-A
• 1.2x zoom
• 0.9-1.08 throw ratio
• Low 16.67ms input lag @ 4K (33ms @ 4K 30Hz, 16.67ms @ 1080p 60Hz, 8.33ms @ 1080p 120Hz, 4ms @ 1080p 240Hz)

Cons:

• 4K low latency gaming is limited to 60Hz, high refresh rate gaming only availabel at 1080p
• Included Android TV dongle doesn’t support Netflix
• Throw ratio is on the longer end of the short-throw spectrum requiring 6.5 feet for a 100-inch image

Best Short Throw Projector for Gaming – Optoma GT1090HDR

For gaming, low input lag is essential. The Optoma GT1090HDR is the best short throw projector for gaming. Its short throw lens lets the GT1090HDR generate a large 120-inch image for just four feet away. An impressive 4300 ANSI lumens rating makes this a true light cannon. Its 1080p resolution provides a crisp, clean image. While it’s a 1080p unit, the GT1090HDR includes a 4K image and boasts HDR10 as well as HLG high dynamic range compatibility. Connectivity is top-notch with dual HDMI inputs, VGA in, VGA out, and USB. It’s 3D-compatible and touts vertical keystoning.

Although the GT1090HDR rocks high dynamic range and can accept a 4K image, it downscales to 1080p. Native 4K would be nice, particularly at almost $1,500. Still, the GT1090HDR packs quite a punch. With an exceptionally bright image, 1080p HDR, plus a short throw lens that can create a 100-inch image from about 3 feet away, it’s a solid performer. Its lengthy 30,000-hour lamp life and IPX6 dust resistance rating make the GT1090HDR a durable, long-lasting investment.

Pros:

• 1080p with HDR
• Laser projector
• 120-inch image from 4 feet away
• 4200 ANSI lumens
• Excellent connectivity (HDMI, USB, VGA, analog video in, analog audio out)
• 1.3x zoom
• ±30° vertical keystone
• 3D compatibility
• 120Hz refresh rate

Cons:

• Not 4K

Best Short Throw Projector for Cinephiles – BenQ HT2150ST

Movie buffs in need of a short-throw projector should select the BenQ HT2150ST. With a 96% Rec.709 rating, it oozes lifelike visuals with superb color reproduction. In addition to its vivid image, the BenQ HT2150ST sports low input lag. At 2200 ANSI lumens, the image withstands some ambient lighting. A 15,000:1 contrast ratio and 6x RGBRGB color wheel make its image cinephile-caliber. Capable of creating a 100-inch image from a mere three feet away, you’ve got flexible installation options.

Although the 2200 ANSI lumens should be fine for viewing in a darkened room or with a bit of ambient lighting, the BenQ HT2150ST isn’t really intended for watching with the blinds open or lights on. Rather, it’s a home theater projector designed for a completely dark environment. In cinema mode, the HT2150ST uses a default 2.2 gamma and normal color balance, as well as drops the lamp into eco mode for a 32% brightness reduction. So if you want top-tier image quality, it comes at the cost of brightness. For gamers and particularly film fanatics, the BenQ HT2150ST is a best bet.

Pros:

• 1080p
• 2200 ANSI lumens
• 96% Rec.709 rating
• 6x RGBRGB color wheel
• 15,000:1 contrast ratio
• 100-inch image at 3 feet away
• Lifelike images
• Excellent color reproduction
• Low input lag
• Great connectivity

Cons:

• Best picture, Cinema Mode, reduces brightness a lot

Best Portable Short-throw Projector – ViewSonic X10-4KE 

The ViewSonic X10-4KE features Wi-Fi connectivity, dual Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, and a built-in handle making it the best portable short-throw projector. Its 4K ultra HD (UHD) 3840 x 2160 resolution and 2400 LED lumens ensure a bright, crisp image. Excellent 125% Rec.709 color coverage and HDR make the colors really pop. Boasting an LED light source, the X10-4KE benefits from a long-lasting 30,000-hour lamp.

Tons of image adjustments including auto keystone and autofocus make set up a breeze. You’ll find tons of inputs and outputs including two HDMI ports, an SPDIF optical audio jack, audio input, audio output, microSD card slot, Ethernet LAN port dual USB headers, and a USB-C port for screen mirroring. Additionally, the X10-4KE packs Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Build quality is top-notch with a leather handle, metal construction, and a convenient leather flap to protect the lens while traveling. Oddly, despite its onus on portability, the X10-4KE doesn’t have a battery onboard. And while it’s rated at 2400 LED lumens, the perceived brightness will be much lower than a 2400 ANSI lumen projector. The black levels and contrast ratio are more than enough for most viewers, but not quite cinephile-caliber. Despite its built-in smart features, the X10-4KE lacks native Google Play store access, so a dedicated streaming box is recommended. Nevertheless, the ViewSonic X10-4KE is an excellent 4K UHD short-throw projector for backyard movie nights.

Pros:

• 2400 LED lumens
• 4K UHD with HDR10 and HLG
• LED light source
• 30,000-hour lamp life
• 3D-capable
• Harman Kardon speakers
• Autofocus and auto keystone
• 2GB RAM, 16GB storage
• Android smart features
• Great connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, USB, USB-C, SPDIF optical
• Highly portable – includes handle and lens cover
• Excellent color accuracy out-of-the-box
• Short-throw – 100 inches at 5.9 feet

Cons:

• No official Google Play Store access
• High input lag (70ms)
• No built-in battery
• Perceived brightness is lower than 2400 ANSI lumens

Best Ultra Short Throw Projector With 4K – VAVA 4K UHD Laser TV

While a short-throw projector might be convenient, ultra-short throw projectors offer even more flexible placement options. The Vava 4K ultra high definition (UHD) laser TV isn’t really a television. Instead, it’s a UST projector capable of pumping out a 100-inch image from a mere 7.2 inches away. With 4K HDR10, the VAVA shoots a gorgeous image.

What’s more, VAVA’s 4K UHD laser TV packs a Harman Kardon soundbar built-in. And there’s Android onboard for streaming from apps such as Netflix and Plex. Its 2500 ANSI lumens maintain a bright image even with some natural lighting. The 3000:1 native contrast further contributes to the excellent picture quality. A long 25,000-hour lamp life means the VAVA has longevity. Although Android is baked in, the version here isn’t ideal, so you might consider hooking up an external streaming device such as an Android TV box or Roku. Its picture quality is spectacular, the 4K resolution comes across crisp, and the VAVA shines a large image from a short distance with top-notch sound to boot.

Pros:

• Harman Kardon soundbar built-in
• Android onboard
• 2500 ANSI lumens
• 3000:1 contrast ratio
• 25,000-hour lamp life
• Laser projector
• 100-inch image from 7.2 inches away

Cons:

• Outdated version of Android

Best LED UST Projector – LG HF65LA

Compact yet competent, the LG HF65LA packs quite a punch. The short throw LED home theatre CineBeam projector features full 1080p resolution and 1000 ANSI lumens. LG bundles its Smart TV platform for a self-contained home theatre experience. As 4.3 inches, the LG HF65LA produces a 60-inch image while 15 inches from the screen results in a 100-inch picture. Its LED lighting allows for up to 30,000 lamp life hours. There’s built-in Bluetooth for audio output to speakers or headphones. And wireless screen sharing lets you easily cast content from phones, tablets, and PCs.

The 1000 ANSI lumens is respectable, but could definitely be a bit brighter. It should be fine for dark room viewing and handles small amounts of ambient lighting. However, the picture will degrade under bright settings. Still, the LG H65LA is a tiny yet mighty UST projector. LG’s webOS remains one of the best smart TV experiences on the market, and the H65LA sports an array of connectors including an RF antenna input for connecting an over-the-air (OTA) antenna for live television.

Pros:

• Small form factor
• 1080p HD
• 1000 ANSI lumens
• 60-inch image from 4.3 inches, 100-inch image from 15 inches
• 30,000 hour lamp life
• LED ultra-short throw projector
• LG’s webOS smart TV platform onboard
• Bluetooth built-in
• Excellent connectivity (HDMI with ARC, RF antenna in, USB, headphone out, USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi)

Cons:

• Not ideal for viewing with lots of ambient lighting

Best UST Projector for Audiophiles – Xiaomi Mijia Laser Projector 4K

Xiaomi is renowned for its budget-priced mobile devices that don’t compromise on quality. And its Mi Laser Projector is an absolute beast. The 4K UHD UST projector shoots up to a 150-inch image. Its ALPD 3.0 laser light source provides a crystal clear image. Colors remain accurate and brightness at a whopping 1600 ANSI lumens is superb. Lamp life is long at 25,000. Sound quality is spectacular. Like the VAVA 4K laser TV, the Xiaomi Mi projector squeezes in a soundbar that’s compatible with DTS-HD and Dolby Audio. Admittedly, it’s not going to rival an external receiver and surround sound system or even a dedicated soundbar. But the built-in Mi TV audio blows most projector onboard speakers out of the water.

Android 8.1 comes standard for streaming from apps like Netflix and Hulu. Unfortunately, that’s a bit of an outdated version of Android. Most apps should work just fine, but you might consider a dedicated streaming device instead. The 1600 ANSI lumens should be fine for most settings, although you’ll want a totally- or semi-dark room. For a slick 4K projector, the Xiaomi Mi laser TV is a neat device that produces gorgeous audio and visuals.

Pros:

• Laser lighting technology
• 25,000 hour lamp life
• Android onboard
• 1600 ANSI lumens
• Best-in-class speakers with DTS-HD and Dolby Audio processing
• 4K UHD
• 3000:1 contrast ratio
• HDR10
• 100-inch image from 9 inches away

Cons:

• Not ideal for bright settings
• Outdated version of Android

Best High-end UHD UST 4K Laser Projector – Samsung LSP9T

Samsung’s 4K UHD UST LSP9T is an incredible laser projector. Packing HDR, this ultra bright triple laser projector is capable of throwing a huge 100-inch image from just a few inches away from the screen. Its compact design still squeezes in a set of superb speakers. The onboard 4.2 channel speaker system features audio output as large as the resulting image. Its 2,800 ANSI lumens withstands a decent amount of ambient lighting. Packing an impressive 97% BT2020 and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage as well as a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, the LSP9T is a true cinephile 4K ultra-short throw projector. Moreover, Samsung graces its LSP9T with HDR10+ as well as a filmmaker mode. The only real downside for this sweet projector is its price. At almost $7,00 USD, it’s an expensive option. For the price, you could get two high-performing OLED TVs. You might also consider the slightly cheaper though still expensive LSP7T which features a lower lumens at 2,000, slightly reduced audio with dual 30W speakers instead of the 40W thumpers on the LSP9T, and a maximum screen size of 120-inches rather than 130 on the LSP9T. But if you want the biggest and the best, the Samsung LSP9T is the best ultra-short throw 4K laser projector for hardcore cinephiles.

Pros:

• HDR10+
• Filmmaker mode
• 2,800 ANSI lumens
• Up to 130-inch screen
• Ultra-short throw
• 4K UHD
• 4.2 channel audio

Cons:

• Extremely expensive

A Great 4K UHD UST Projector – Fengmi 4K Laser Projector

The Fengmi 4K laser projector is a neat UST projector. A 4K Ultra HD ultra-short-throw projector, the Fengmi laser TV boasts a slew of premium features. You’ll find 2000 ANSI lumens for a crisp, bright picture. Its onboard 64GB of storage space allows for ample app storage space. There’s a 3000:1 contrast ratio and an 8-point correction auto-keystone feature. Its 0.233:1 throw ratio can cast a massive 150-inch picture from a few inches away. With its 4K HDR10 picture, ALDP 3.0, and Dolby Atmos technology, the Fengmi UST 4K UHD laser projector is a high-performing unit.

Outfitted with laser technology, its light source has a lengthy 25,000-hour lamp life. A smattering of connector including three HDMI ports a USB, a 3.5mm audio jack, Ethernet, Bluetooth 4.0, and dual-band Wi-Fi. Android comes pre-loaded for a built-in streaming ecosystem. And one of the three HDMI inputs sports ARC for sending audio to an external receiver or soundbar. Out of the box, the Fengmi is all in Chinese although it’s easy enough to change that into English or another language. Digital keystone, high lumens, and its 4K resolution makes the Fengmi UST laser projector a solid option.

Pros:

• 2000 ANSI lumens
• 0.23:1 throw ratio
• 4K UHD resolution
• HDR10
• 3000:1 contrast ratio
• DTS certified, Dolby Atmos processing
• 8-point auto-correction
• Digital keystone
• Excellent I/O (3 x HDMI one with ARC, Ethernet, Bluetooth, dual-band Wi-Fi, USB, 3.5mm audio jack)
• Android onboard
• 64GB built-in storage space
• ALDP 3.0
• Good speakers

Cons:

• Built-in Android streaming ecosystem isn’t as good as a standalone streaming device
• Comes in Chinese out-of-the-box (may be a pro or con depending on if you need to use it in English or another language)

Brightest Ultra-short Throw Projector – ViewSonic LS810

While movie watching in a dark room is ideal, sometimes that’s not possible. Enter the ViewSonic LS810. With its 5200 ANSI lumens, the LS810 generates a bright image regardless of the circumstances. It’s perfect for classrooms, conference rooms, and home cinema use. If your living room gets a lot of natural light or you enjoy watching with a few lamps on, the ViewSonic LS810 is a great choice.

The ultra-short throw projector features a 0.23 throw ratio, horizontal and vertical keystoning, plus four corner adjustments. As such, you can place the LS810 virtually anywhere. Its lamp life clocks in at 30,000 hours. Connectivity is top-notch with HDMI, USB, VGA, component, composite, S-video, and Ethernet. A 100,000:1 constrast ratio makes images really pop. The PortAll provides a hidden compartment for connecting streaming sticks or dongles. The main downside is its price. The ViewSonic LS810 clocks in at around $4,000, although it can be found under $3,000 on sale. That’s a hefty price tag. If you don’t need 4K or 5200 lumens, the ViewSonic PX800HD is a 1080p UST projector with Rec.709 for fantastic color reproduction that’s under $1,500. Of course, it’s an impressive projector for the cost with a smattering of legacy connections like component, composite, and S-video, and a high lumens rating with 4K resolution to match.

Pros:

• 5200 lumens
• 4K
• Excellent connectivity (HDMI, VGA, USB, component, composite, S-video, Ethernet)
• Ultra-short throw

Cons:

• Expensive

Best Short-Throw Projectors – Final Thoughts

Projectors completely dominate at balancing price to screen real estate. But the long throw of most traditional projectors isn’t necessarily ideal for all living spaces. However, short-throw and ultra-short throw projectors offer the benefits of projector life with flexible placement options. The BenQ TH671ST is an awesome all-arounder that tackles movies, live TV, and gaming with equal aplomb. Alternatively, cinephiles will appreciate BenQ’s HT2150ST. VAVA and Xiaomi both make excellent ultra-short throw 4K projectors that boast best-in-class speakers. Whether you’re a movie buff, gamer, or seeking a short-throw projector for classroom and conference room use, there’s a device available for your budget and needs.

Your turn: Which short-throw projectors do you recommend?