8 Best Short Throw Projectors in 2024 - Best Gadgets and Tools

A short throw projector is similar to a usual projector, but it can operate at a distance between 3 to 8 feet without compromising on quality. Generally, their lenses create a much larger picture from short distances. The best short throw projector is bought to be placed in small or middle-sized rooms where the regular projectors fail.

Due to short throw projectors, the viewers won’t suffer from constant interruption when someone stands up in the middle of a movie and the shadow appears on the screen. Also, projector wires won’t be an issue now.
The short throw projector might have various functions and scope of use, but it has a set of specs attesting to their quality. The following models described ensure a bright picture and good resolution to either enjoy movies or make clear video presentations. They are portable and easy to install.
Each short throw projector review highlights the affordable model to use it independently or as a part of home theatres, as well as to transmit videos or pictures from laptops and mobile devices.

Short Throw Projector Reviews

BenQ TH671ST

The BenQ short throw projector is equipped with the latest TI DLP color wheel and BenQ exclusive color management firmware to reproduce 92% on its projected image in terms of color accuracy. The unit features the 16ms super low input lag for console gamers that makes a controller completely synchronize with the TV. It has good brightness, black levels, focus uniformity, but its competitors do it better. However, the rainbow effect is still noticeable because of the color wheel that spins at 2x speed.
Due to its compactness, great brightness, and low input lag, the TH671ST is a decent model for gaming. Its size is 11.65 x 4.6 x 9.5 inches and 5.9 pounds. It has two USB ports (Type-A and mini), two 3.5mm stereo input and output jacks, RS-232 control port, VGA input and output, and two HDMI ports (one with NHL support).
This short throw projector supports wireless connectivity via Bluetooth, so it’s possible to use the Bluetooth speakers. One can also plug a TV and a Blu-ray into the projector since it comes with 2 built-in HDMI ports. Use the remote to toggle between the devices. If having active shutter glasses and a 3D Blu-ray player, one can enjoy 3D content. For this purpose, a player should be connected to a projector via HDMI cable.
To have a good picture, remove the lens cover and adjust two dials. One of them zooms in and out and it makes the image a little bigger or smaller. The other dial focuses on the image. It’s better to set it with the main unit rather than from the remote controller. Its brightness is enough to use it in lightroom, besides, it has automatic light adjustment. The device can be placed on the table. Ceiling mounting is also possible but it requires a low profile ceiling mount that it’s necessary to buy separately.

Pros

Its lamp has 4,000-hour life at full power.
The projector has a good 5W speaker that produces high-quality audio with a good volume.

Cons

It has no vents on top or bottom that’s why it heats up too much.
Its USB port isn’t designed to read files from the flash drive but only from HDMI dongle for Wi-Fi streaming from the home network.
The fan is not the quietest one, if you sit right next to it, the noise is heard.

Video BenQ TH671ST

BenQ HT2150ST

This Benq HT2150ST review deals with a model that has seven preset picture modes where the Game mode is activated by default. However, the most natural-looking picture is possible in the Cinema mode.
As a rule, a dark wall improves the black levels and contrast overall, but this model displays black color even when projecting to the light surface. The unit demonstrates a good contrast and brightness without any additional adjustments in average viewing conditions. However, they are not perfect in direct light.
Besides, it can boast great gray uniformity to watch sports, as well as a minimum rainbow effect due to the 6x RGBRGB color wheel. This short throw projector has a good response time that’s why the pixels on the screen can quickly change color black to white and no blurring is visible.
The unit comes with digital, vertical keystone, and the usual set of gamma, color, contrast, and some other settings. In addition, it has the color correction option to adjust the image based on the color of the surface the user is projecting upon. This model comes with great connectivity for advanced automation. For example, it has 12VDC output to hook up a computer, educational facilities, and even medical equipment.
The short throw lens has a more rounded front part than many other models to provide a square image at short distances, making it suitable for small spaces and any room configuration. Its keystone correction allows changing the angle up to 20 degrees.

Pros

The picture is not fading, but it stays sharp from corner to corner.
Quiet fan performance.

Cons

It could run a bit cooler.

Video BenQ HT2150ST

ViewSonic PJD7828HDL

This short throw projector in 1080p is equipped with two HDMI to use such streaming devices such as Apple TV, Roku, or Amazon Fire Stick via a Smart TV. One can also play video games, enjoy Blu-ray movies, and 3D movies (however the 3D picture isn’t as bright as 2D). Its 16.4ms input lag ensures flawless gaming experience.
The unit features a crisp focus across the entire screen that is great for home theaters. The projector has a short throw lens to enjoy picture on a 120-inch diagonal screen from as little as 6-feet distance. The colors are accurate and the brightness is good.
It’s suitable for business presentations, as it is lightweight to move it around and it comes with a USB Type-C port. Its front leg works as a knob to adjust the height.
The internal speaker isn’t enough to provide good sound, so it’s possible to use the cable box audio out to make a projector a part of a theater surround sound system. The unit also supports stereo audio through the 3.5mm jack.

Pros

The device has the option to blank the screen on both the projector and the remote control.
The keystone settings will be kept when switching to gaming mode.
No significant fan noise. It’s a bit audible in the silent scenes.

Cons

The projector runs extremely hot. When using it, no blockage should be around the vents.
Direct sunlight on the screen washes out the image.
No wireless connectivity or Bluetooth.

Video ViewSonic PJD7828HDL

ASUS S1

A cheap short throw projector features similar characteristics compared to models that are more expensive. For example, its DLP LED tech lets the lamp serve up to 30,000 hours (as manufacturer assures) and provides low heat of the projector. Furthermore, the projector can be connected to a gaming console. It has built-in speakers that are surprisingly loud and clear.
It’s a good projector for both watching movies and making business presentations since all the texts, videos, images look accurate and bright enough. Remember that the image is clear if it is projected to no more than 6 feet. It loses quality in a large well-lit room. The image projection is good in a dark room, even when shining on a textured wall.
The unit doesn’t have an optical zoom, but it’s possible to change the size of the projected picture by changing the distance between the projector and the screen.
The unit is compatible with both Android and Apple mobile devices. Note that if you connect iPhone, it’s necessary to get the Apple adapter to HDMI. Android smartphones/tablets require dedicated adapters as well.

Pros

It allows displaying an entire feature-length movie on a single battery charge, without the need for an external battery bank.
It’s very small and light. One can take this projector even on backpacking trips or use it in the RV.
No noise from the fan.

Cons

It has no leveling legs or adjustments.
The USB is designed for charging devices. It can’t play media directly.

Video ASUS S1

Optoma GT1080HDR

This model might be the best short throw projector in 4K since it is produced on the base of the Darby processor. It ensures a clear bright picture even in a well-lit room and enhances the details in video games. So, it’s a great device for both watching movies and gaming from the PC and PS4 (in a specifically developed mode with 16ms of latency).
The perfect distance to enjoy the top-notch picture is 4 feet away from the projector background. Note that it can zoom out, i.e. decrease image size for throw distance.
It’s possible to use a wireless HDMI adapter, but it negatively impacts response time, especially if it is placed in a high-interference location.
The Optoma short throw projector is easy to set up. Plug it in and then, plug a computer or a gaming console in, and turn the projector on. Find the optimal spot for the unit that depends on the preferred screen size (the chart is in manual). Then, adjust the keystone to choose the appropriate angle and focus. There’s the opportunity for making all the adjustments with the remote control.
This Optoma GT1080 review can’t miss some sound characteristics. So, the sound is loud and clear but lacks bass and volume. It doesn’t matter if you use headphones or not. However, a surround sound system or a soundbar is recommended for using the Optima in a dedicated theatre room.

Pros

Projectors can get hot but this model features good airflow and the cooling fan works completely quietly.
The model comes in a nice carry case that is similar to laptop cases.

Cons

This projector does not support 360-degree orientation, but it can be placed on each side.
The adapter is required to connect any Apple laptop directly to the projector.

Video Optoma GT1080HDR

Epson Home Cinema 1060

The Epson short throw projector features a crisp, bright picture, and excellent color balance making it a good model for either watching sports or doing business presentations. It has a zoom in and out option. The accurate distance range that is needed to fill a screen can be determined if using the Epson projection distance calculator (it’s available on the Downloads tab).
The unit comes with a built-in speaker for HD entertainment and it can’t be connected with the external speaker wirelessly. It’s possible to connect the stereo system to this model by sending the signal through your receiver. For example, one can hook the game system, DVD player, etc. into the AVR, and then send the video to the projector.
Besides, there’s an opportunity for connecting an HDMI to the optical splitter. It’s also compatible with a soundbar if you output the sound to external speakers by connecting them directly to the video equipment or computer hooked up to the Epson. The 12V Trigger input would come in handy to dispense separate remotes for the screen and the projector.
This projector can be mounted on a standard tripod, but it would be great to buy a dedicated mounting kit.

Pros

It can be mounted upside down. It’s possible to change the image format in the setup menu to the “Ceiling” mode for getting the picture right side up when the projector is mounted upside down. The ceiling mounting bracket screw holes are located on the bottom of the projector.
The fan doesn’t produce much noise.

Cons

This model cannot play MP4 or MTS media files from a USB flash drive.
It doesn’t support such 3D content as 3D Bluray movies. It only plays movies that support old school anaglyph 3D with red/blue glasses.

Video Epson Home Cinema 1060

ViewSonic PX706HD

Pros

The device has the option to blank the screen on both the projector and the remote control.
The keystone settings will be kept when switching to gaming mode.
No significant fan noise. It’s a bit audible in the silent scenes.

Cons

The projector runs extremely hot. When using it, no blockage should be around the vents.
Direct sunlight on the screen washes out the image.
No wireless connectivity or Bluetooth.

Video ViewSonic PX706HD

LG PF1000UW

The LG PF1000UW review is about a projector based on WebOs 3.0 that has enough options to watch movies and videos on different channels e.g. YouTube, Netflix, Vudu, etc via the app. Still, if it is not enough, it’s always possible to connect a projector to a smart TV.
It’s one of the best short throw projectors in its segment since the picture quality is very crisp and amazing. The unit’s brightness is great for a dark room and stays good with little ambient light. This model gives a huge screen just a few inches away from the wall. However, to keep a projector at a true 1080p resolution and save brightness at the same time, the max picture size shouldn’t exceed 120 inches. The projector comes with an LED lamp that features 30,000 hours of life (according to the manual) and prevents the device from heating.
This model supports Bluetooth. One can connect Bluetooth earphones, soundbar, or any powered speakers with Bluetooth connection. It’s also possible to use an external amplifier with speakers or a soundbar with optical input (a projector has optical output). It’s highly recommended, since the built-in speakers aren’t very loud and they don’t sound very good, even at full volume. The unit has a built-in Wi-Fi and it works flawlessly with a Fire Stick to stream content.
The projector has digital audio out making it simple to hook up any amp or AVR that has a digital audio input. Two HDMI ports allow connecting a Blu-ray player or gaming console.

Pros

The device comes with two USB ports to connect the external drives and stream content directly.
The unit is portable and lightweight to change its location effortlessly.

Cons

It does not have 3D capability.

Video LG PF1000UW

Buyer’s Guide

Guide to Buying Short Throw Projectors

When looking for the best short throw projector as a part of the home theater system, consider the number of HDMIs to connect speakers, receiver, and other elements. If you are planning to use the projector for business or even trips, pay attention to portable models that can be installed on the tripod or on the desk. A decent inbuilt-speaker is meaningful in this case since it allows dispensing external speakers. The opportunity to mount the device on the ceiling is crucial if it’s necessary to install it permanently in the room.
Pick the model with a low input lag to play advanced video games with no issues. Sports fans should consider flawless gray uniformity and minimum motion blur.

Technical Specs

Each of the projectors has its own throw ratio. It means the right choice of the distance between the device and the wall relative to the screen size. The manufacturer points out this spec in the manual. The average ratio of the short throw models is 0.38:1 – 1.4:1, meaning that it’s possible to get a 60-inch image if placing a projector at 1.4 feet from the screen for example. Many merchants offer calculators on their websites to define the image size for various distances.
The other spec to consider is the lamp. The common bulb’s lifespan isn’t long, but it’s replaceable. LED lamps cannot be replaced, but they can work up to 10 years. To choose the appropriate tech, inquire into how much the replacement will cost.

Resolution and Brightness

The projectors should come with a high-quality lens to provide good brightness and uniformity within their short throw capabilities. Lumens indicates the devices’ brightness. The good number is 2.800 –3.300 lumens (some model mentioned above feature even 3.800 lumens), meaning that a projector features good brightness in both dark and well-lit room. The resolution also determines the picture’s quality. The common short throw projector resolution is 1280 x 800 pixels that is also typical for smartphones and laptops or 1920 x 1080 pixels (full HD) to provide a sharp and extremely detailed image.