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10 Best Cheap Short Throw Projector 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

ViewSonic X2-4K UHD Short Throw Projector Designed for Xbox with Cinematic Colors, 4.2ms Response Time, 240 Hz Refresh Rate, 1.2x Optical Zoom, and HDR/HLG Support

The ViewSonic X2-4K UHD Short Throw Projector is an excellent choice for those seeking a budget-friendly projector, particularly for gaming and home cinema use. Key features include a high 4K UHD resolution (3840x2160p) and a throw ratio of 0.69-0.83, which means it can project large images from a short distance. This is ideal for small spaces. With a brightness of 2000 lumens, the projector performs well in dimly-lit environments but may struggle in very bright rooms. The 4.2ms response time and 240Hz refresh rate are standout features for gamers, ensuring smooth and responsive gameplay.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,309
Brightness (Lumens)

Most important from
31 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
The lamp's brightness diminishes significantly within a few months, resulting in washed-out colors and a green tint.
#2
9.8 score

Optoma GT3500HDR 1080p Full HD Home Laser Projector

The Optoma GT3500HDR Projector is a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly short-throw projector. One of its standout features is the ultra-short throw capability, allowing you to project a large 100-inch screen from less than a foot away, which is perfect for small spaces and eliminates shadows. With 3800 lumens of brightness, it ensures a bright and clear image even in well-lit rooms.

Rating
9.8
Brightness (Lumens)
Resolution
Connectivity Options

Most important from
298 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
The projector is bright enough for daytime viewing, though dark scenes can be challenging in well-lit environments.
Resolution
It’s a great investment for those looking for a large screen without the bulk of a large TV, offering true HD 1080p visuals.
Connectivity Options
Setup is straightforward, and the projector works well with various devices like Apple TV, Google Chromecast, and gaming consoles.
#3
9.7 score

Hisense PL1 Ultra Short Throw Home Theater Smart Projector, 80"-120", 4K UHD, Dolby Vision & Atmos, HDR10, Google TV, Netflix, 2200 ANSI Lumens

The Hisense PL1 Ultra Short Throw Home Theater Smart Projector stands out in its category with several impressive features. Its ultra-short throw capability allows you to project a large screen size of up to 120 inches without needing a lot of space, making it ideal for home use. The 4K UHD resolution ensures sharp and vibrant images, providing a cinematic experience at home. With a brightness of 2200 ANSI Lumens, it performs well in moderately lit rooms but may struggle in very bright environments.

Rating
9.7
Throw Ratio
Brightness (Lumens)
Resolution

Most important from
158 reviews

Throw Ratio
Setting up the projector is incredibly easy, requiring just a few inches of space in front of the wall to achieve the desired screen size.
Brightness (Lumens)
The projector's performance in well-lit rooms is notable, though it truly shines in darker environments.
Resolution
The 4K resolution looks stunning on a large screen, making it a great choice for an entry-level short throw projector.
Contrast Ratio
The picture quality is impressive, especially in low light areas, delivering a true theater-like experience.
Keystone Correction
Adjusting the screen size and corner points is straightforward, ensuring a hassle-free setup process.

Top 10 Best Cheap Short Throw Projector 2025 in the United States

Optoma GT3500HDR 1080p Full HD Home Laser Projector

Throw Ratio: Ultra Short Throw
Brightness (Lumens): 3800
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Contrast Ratio: 500,000:1
Connectivity Options: HDMI, USB, 3.5mm Audio
Lamp Life: 30,000 hours
Keystone Correction: horizontal and vertical keystone

Optoma ZH340ST Compact Short Throw Professional Laser Projector, 3,200 Lumens

Throw Ratio: 120-inch display from 4 feet
Brightness (Lumens): 3,200 lumens
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Connectivity Options: USB, HDMI
Lamp Life: 30,000 hours

EPSON PowerLite 810E Ultra Short-throw Laser Projector, Wifi Miracast, 5000 Lume

Throw Ratio: Ultra Short-throw
Brightness (Lumens): 5000
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Connectivity Options: HDMI, WiFi Miracast
Keystone Correction: Yes
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Buying Guide for the Best Cheap Short Throw Projector

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. Here are the main specs to consider and how to navigate them.
Throw RatioThe throw ratio is the distance between the projector and the screen divided by the width of the image. This spec is crucial because it determines how close you can place the projector to the screen while still getting a large image. Short-throw projectors typically have a throw ratio of less than 1:1. For example, a throw ratio of 0.5:1 means you can place the projector 0.5 feet away from the screen for every foot of image width. If you have a small room, look for a lower throw ratio to maximize your screen size without needing a lot of space.
Brightness (Lumens)Brightness, measured in lumens, indicates how much light the projector can produce. This is important because it affects how well the image can be seen in different lighting conditions. For a dimly lit room, a projector with 1,500 to 2,500 lumens may suffice. For rooms with more ambient light, you might need 3,000 lumens or more. Consider where you will be using the projector and choose a brightness level that ensures a clear, vibrant image in that environment.
ResolutionResolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the image, typically expressed as width x height (e.g., 1920x1080 for Full HD). Higher resolution means more detail and sharper images. For general use, a resolution of 720p (1280x720) may be adequate, but for a more detailed and immersive experience, especially for movies or gaming, 1080p (Full HD) or even 4K (3840x2160) is preferable. Consider what you will be projecting and choose a resolution that meets your quality expectations.
Contrast RatioThe contrast ratio measures the difference between the darkest and brightest parts of an image. A higher contrast ratio means deeper blacks and more vibrant colors, which is important for image quality. A contrast ratio of at least 10,000:1 is good for most uses, but if you want the best possible picture quality, look for projectors with higher contrast ratios. Think about the type of content you will be viewing and how important image depth and color accuracy are to you.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect your projector to other devices. Common connections include HDMI, USB, VGA, and wireless options like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. HDMI is essential for high-definition video and audio, while USB can be useful for direct media playback. Wireless connectivity allows for easier setup and streaming from mobile devices. Consider what devices you will be connecting to your projector and ensure it has the necessary ports and wireless capabilities.
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. A lamp life of 5,000 hours or more is typical for modern projectors. If you plan to use the projector frequently, look for models with longer lamp life to reduce the need for replacements. Consider how often you will use the projector and choose a lamp life that aligns with your usage patterns.
Built-in SpeakersBuilt-in speakers can be convenient if you don't want to set up an external sound system. However, the sound quality of built-in speakers can vary. For casual use, built-in speakers might be sufficient, but for a more immersive audio experience, you might want to connect external speakers or a sound system. Think about your audio needs and whether the convenience of built-in speakers outweighs the potential benefits of better sound quality from external speakers.

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