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Top 9 Best Short Throw Projectors In 2023 Reviews

For a theatre-like experience in your home, you are going to want a projector. When you think of a projector, you might be thinking that you need a large amount of space to accommodate it.

Some of the Best Short Throw Projectors in the market are not only small but also require very little space between it and the wall it is projecting on. Therefore, you can have the same immersive experience you do at the cinemas right in your living room, bedroom, or even in the backyard.

So let’s go through a selection of the very best and find the perfect short throw projector for you…

Top 9 Best Short Throw Projectors In 2023 Reviews

Contents

Best Short Throw Projectors In 2023 – Top 9 Rated Reviews

ProductNative ResolutionScreen SizeInput ConnectivityPrice
Native Resolution
854 x 480
Screen Size
30” to 100”
Input Connectivity
HDMI/MHL
Price
$
Native Resolution
1920 x 1080
Screen Size
60” to 300”
Input Connectivity
HDMI, PC D-sub, RS232
Price
$$
Native Resolution
1920 x 1080
Screen Size
30” to 300”
Input Connectivity
Component, RCA, HDMI
Price
$$
Native Resolution
1920 x 1080
Screen Size
45.3” to 303.2”
Input Connectivity
HDMI/MHL
Price
$$
Native Resolution
1920 x 1080
Screen Size
80” to 100”
Input Connectivity
Composite, VGA, RS232C, HDMI, USB, RJ-45
Price
$$$
Native Resolution
1280 x 800
Screen Size
48” to 80”
Input Connectivity
Mini D-sub, HDMI, RCA
Price
$$
Native Resolution
1920 x 1080
Screen Size
90” to 120”
Input Connectivity
Wi-Fi Direct, HDMI, USB, RJ-45
Price
$$$
Native Resolution
3840 x 2160
Screen Size
40” to 150”
Input Connectivity
Wi-Fi Direct, HDMI, USB, RJ-45
Price
$$$$
Native Resolution
1920 x 1200
Screen Size
70” to 130”
Input Connectivity
HDMI, USB, RJ-45, RS232C, Monitor Out, RCA
Price
$$$$

1 ASUS S1 Portable Mini Projector HDMI/MHL with Speakers| Ultra-short throw | Up to 3 hours Battery | Power Bank | 2 Years Warranty – Best Portable Short Throw Projector

The ASUS S1 uses DLP® technology to project images at a native resolution up to 854 x 480 pixels while providing a contrast ratio of 1000:1. The LED light source has a lifespan of up to 30,000 hours and can display up to 16.7 million different colors.

How short is short?

If you position the S1 a meter from what it will be projecting on, you will get a 41” diagonal image. This can increase up to 100 inches, but you will want to be in a dark room when doing so. This is because the maximum light output is only 200 lumens. You will notice that images will start to look washed out if you are in a bright room.

Connection options are limited to HDMI and MHL. You will find both types of cables included in the box with the projector.

Portability…

The S1 only weighs 1.18lbs and is just over an inch tall. This projector has a built-in 22Wh battery. Once you charge up the battery, you can take it with you and project cable-free if you want. The S1’s battery holds enough juice to allow it to run for up to three hours.

Located on the bottom of the projector is even a tripod socket for use in case you don’t have a stable surface to place it on. You can even use this projector as a power bank to charge your devices even when it is turned off. It works the same as a 6000mAh power bank would.


ASUS S1 Portable Mini Projector

Our rating:4.3 out of 5 stars (4.3 / 5)

Pros

  • Lightweight and portable.
  • Can be used as a power bank.
  • The internal battery provides up to three hours of cable-free playback.
  • HDMI and MHL cables included.

Cons

  • Resolution and brightness could be better.

2 BenQ HT2150ST 1080P Short Throw Projector | 2200 Lumens | 96% Rec.709 for Accurate Colors | Low Input Lag Ideal for Gaming | Stream Netflix & Prime Video, White – Best Gaming Short Throw Projector

The HT2150ST from BenQ is a Full HD 1080p short-throw projector that can project a 100” image from 1.5 meters away. It has a contrast ratio of 15000:1 and can produce 1.07 billion colors. The bulb has a lifespan of 7000 hours and produces up to 2200 lumens.

This projector has exceptionally low input lag making it ideal for gaming. It features two specific operating modes just for gaming called Game and Game Bright. By using these settings, you will find your games to have the optimum amount of brightness and contrast, allowing you to see even the smallest of details.

The third dimension…

If you are a fan of watching movies in 3D, this projector has you covered. It is capable of displaying frame sequential, frame packing, top-bottom, and side by side 3D images.

Connectivity…

This BenQ allows you to connect in multiple ways. You have access to HDMI, PC D-sub, and an RS232 input. While the HT2150ST does have two 10-watt speakers on hand, you can also connect this to a home cinema system if you want to. Next to the video input ports, you will find a 3.5mm audio input and output connections.

You will need a bit of room to set this projector up since it is 15” long by 4.8” tall and has a width 10.9”. It also weighs 7.27lbs. You can also purchase a wireless HD kit for this projector, allowing you to stream directly to the projector from up to 100 feet away. The kit comes in two parts. One piece of it connects directly to your projector, while the other allows you to connect up to four different sources via HDMI.


BenQ HT2150ST

Our rating:4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

Pros

  • Low latency makes it great for gaming.
  • 1080p resolution.
  • 3D playback.
  • Multiple inputs.

Cons

  • No integrated wireless connectivity.

3 BenQ HT2050A 1080P Home Theater Projector | 2200 Lumens | 96% Rec.709 for Accurate Colors | Low Input Lag Ideal for Gaming | 2D Keystone for Flexible Setup – Best Home Theatre Projector

Next up of our Best Short Throw Projectors reviews is another projector from BenQ. The HT205A has the same number of lumens on hand, as well as offering 1080p resolution as the earlier model we looked at.

Accurate not matter what…

It covers 96% of the Rec.709, producing very accurate colors no matter what you are watching. You also have access to two different gaming modes that allow for latency as low as 16ms.

Component video connections are on offer, along with standard RCA connections and two HDMI inputs. Audio input and output are accessible from two 3.5mm jacks. The HT2050A has one integrated 10-watt speaker. It features CinemaMaster Audio+ 2, which provides you game, cinema, music, and sports sound modes.

Bulb life…

The bright 2200 lumen bulb this comes with has a lifespan that varies depending on the power mode the projector is using. You will have a choice between SmartEco, Economic, and Normal power modes. SmartEco can provide you up to 7000 hours of bulb life, while Normal mode will only give you 3500 hours.

For this projector to display a 100” picture, you will need to place it 2.5 meters away from the wall. It features a vertical lens shift assist technology. This will give you the ability to raise or lower the projection up or down without losing quality.


BenQ HT2050A

Our rating:4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

Pros

  • Full HD 1080p resolution.
  • Incorporates CinemaMaster Audio+ 2 with four preset modes.
  • Three different power modes allow for optimum bulb life.

Cons

  • A 100” projection needs 2.5 meters of distance from the wall.

4 Optoma GT1080Darbee Short Throw Projector for Gaming, Movies and Sports, 3000 Lumens, Low Input Lag of 16ms, 3D, Darbee Technology for Sharper Image – Best Optoma Short Throw Projector

Optoma’s GT1080 Darbee projector is able to produce a very respectable 3,000 lumens of brightness. It projects pictures at up to 1080p using DLP® technology or WXUGA graphics at a resolution of 1920 x 1200. With a contrast ratio of 28000:1, you can expect lovely deep black images as well as crisp, bright ones. This is further increased with DarbeeVision image processing technology.

DarbeeVision’s image technology enhances textures, makes skin tones more natural, and even removes any artifacts that shouldn’t be in the image. You have a couple of inputs available such as HDMI and MHL. HDMI 1.4a 3D support is also on hand. Input latency sits at 16ms. A high refresh rate of up to 144Hz makes this projector suitable for gaming as well as sports.

Versatile and practical…

Full 3D playback is available on the GT1080 Darbee. Whether you are watching a 3D broadcast or a 3D Blu-ray, this projector will be able to handle it. DLP® 3D glasses are needed for this but are not included, unfortunately.

This Optoma projector can display images as large as 303.2” inches in size. It only takes as little as four feet of space to project a 100” image. 3.5mm jacks are available for audio output. The GT1080 does have two 10-watt speakers built-in, but we didn’t find them to be loud nor clear enough for most uses. Overall, this projector doesn’t take up too much room measuring in at just over 12 by 8 inches. It also only weighs 6.1lbs.


Optoma GT1080Darbee

Our rating:4.1 out of 5 stars (4.1 / 5)

Pros

  • The bulb can last up to 8000 hours.
  • 3,000 lumens of brightness available.
  • Can display extended-widescreen images at 1920 x 1200 resolution.
  • 144Hz refresh rate available.

Cons

  • The on-screen display could be better.

5 Optoma GT5600 Ultra Short Throw Gaming and Movie Projector, 3000 Lumens for Ambient Lighting, Easy Setup with Auto Keystone, 100 inch Image from Few Feet, White – Best Short Throw Gaming Projector

The GT5600 from Optoma allows for a 100” image to be displayed from only 6 to 9 inches away. Image size is limited between 80 and 100 inches, though. As far as brightness is concerned, you will have 3,600 lumens on hand. The bulb can even last for up to an incredible 15,000 hours.

On the rear of the projector, you have tons of connectivity options available to you. From HDMI with MHL to composite, RS-232C, VGA, and even an RJ-45 connection. You will also have a USB port for adding an optional wireless dongle. This USB port is also compatible with USB storage devices or wireless mice

Adjustability…

You can set this projector up on almost any surface. Each of the four corners projected can be fine-tuned individually. This also makes it easy to set this projector up at an angle as well. Once you have your display size and angle squared away, you will love the picture it displays.

Thanks to the significant amount of brightness on hand, images are produced well even in rooms with ambient light. While movies and tv shows look exceptional when using this projector, we didn’t find gaming to be as good as we would have liked. The max refresh rate of the GT5600 is capped at 60Hz at 1080p.


Optoma GT5600

Our rating:4.3 out of 5 stars (4.3 / 5)

Pros

  • Ultra-short throw only requiring 6 inches.
  • Produces a bright image with excellent contrast.
  • 3,600 lumens.
  • USB input for a wireless mouse.

Cons

  • The screen refresh rate could be higher.

6 Ricoh PJ WX4130 Ultra Short Throw Projector – Best Ultra Short Throw Projector

Ricoh’s PJ WX4130 is a vertically standing projector. You can place this projector as little as 4.6” away from the surface you want to project on and still have a 48” image available. If you move it 9.8” away from the wall, the image size can increase up to 80”. The picture displayed will be at a maximum resolution of 1280 x 800, though.

The projector bulb supplies 2,500 lumens and should last you for up to 4,000 hours of playback. You can connect this up to a DVD player or computer through HDMI. The picture quality is on par with other projectors we have tested. It even performs well enough to be used in rooms with ambient light even though it only has 2,500 lumens on hand.

But there’s a catch…

The extremely short throw distance of this projector is helpful, and it enables you to fit this in pretty much any size room. The integrated 2-watt speaker really doesn’t provide much, in our opinion. Unfortunately, you will only find a 3.5mm jack for audio input as well.

Without a more robust integrated speaker, we find this projector to be better suited towards presentations instead of watching movies. The small form factor of this projector is excellent. It only measures 10 by 8 inches, making it easy to toss into a backpack and take it from one presentation to the next.


Ricoh PJ WX4130

Our rating:5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)

Pros

  • Works well in rooms with ambient light.
  • 48” inch picture only takes 4.6” of space to display.

Cons

  • The integrated speaker is very underwhelming.
  • It only has a resolution of 1280 x 800.

7 LG HF85LA Ultra Short Throw Laser Smart TV Home Theater CineBeam Projector Class 1 laser product White – Best Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector

Not all of the top short throw projectors use a lightbulb-type lamp. The LG HF85LA uses a laser diode light and a phosphor wheel. The throw distance for a 120” projection is only 7.9”. Framing up your projection is easy, thanks to both the digital and manual four corner keystone correction available. It lacks a bit in terms of brightness and is only capable of 1500 lumens. What it doesn’t have a short amount of is contrast.

You will have a 150,000:1 contrast ratio available. From movies to sports, the picture quality is great thanks to LG’s TruMotion technology. LG’s TruMotion technology allows for a smoother picture. In fast-paced games, movies, or sports, the framerate of the projection will increase, allowing for a more seamless experience.

LG Smart TV…

If you have ever owned an LG Smart TV, you will have heard of their webOS interface. This comes integrated into the HF85LA projector. With this Smart TV type operating system, you have direct access to popular apps like YouTube through the integrated App Store. For access to the internet, all you have to do is plug in a standard ethernet cable in the port provided on the projector.

What you will also have available is wireless connectivity through Wi-Fi Direct and Miracast. This will allow you to stream wirelessly from your mobile device or laptop, for example.

You also have a choice…

You can also connect via HDMI or play files directly from the two USB ports available. These USB ports also allow you to connect a keyboard or mouse as well. For audio, LG has supplied a couple of built-in 3-watt speakers to use. Bluetooth audio out is also available for you to connect to your Bluetooth headphones, soundbar, or surround sound system.

It’s also a very portable projector that can easily be moved from room to room since it only weighs 6.6lbs.


LG HF85LA

Our rating:3.8 out of 5 stars (3.8 / 5)

Pros

  • The laser lamp lasts up to 20,000 hours.
  • Features the LG Web Smart TV platform.
  • Wireless connectivity built-in.
  • Bluetooth.

Cons

  • Limited to 1500 lumens.

8 LG HU80KA 4K UHD Laser Smart TV Home Theater CineBeam Projector – 2500 Lumens, Black – Best 4K Short Throw Projector

The simplistic design of the LG HU80KA is stunning. The black looking box holding the projector measures 6.5 x 6.5 inches while standing 18.5 inches tall. On top of the box, you will find an easy to open lid that protects the projector lamp. Speaking of the projector lamp, this is another laser diode and phosphor wheel unit.

Like the other laser projector we looked at, this one also has a bulb lifespan of 20,000 hours. It only produces 2,500 lumens, unfortunately, but this should still be enough unless you’re in a very well lit room.

For connectivity…

You have the usual HDMI and USB ports that other high-end projectors offer. Wireless connectivity is possible through Miracast and Wi-Fi-Direct. Audio is provided by two 7-watt speakers that offer stereo sound. You can also output audio through the 3.5mm jack, Bluetooth, or the S/PDIF Optical port.

Are you ready for 4K?

So far, in this roundup, the max resolution we have experienced is 1920 x 1080. With the LG HU80KA, we are moving up to 3840 x 2160 4K resolution! Not only does this dramatically increase the detail in whatever you watch, but it is also capable of HDR10. HDR stands for High Dynamic Range.

With HDR10, you will have a much wider arrangement of colors available. Whites are whiter, and blacks are blacker, to say the least. It gives your videos a much more realistic look to them. The HU80KA is able to produce a 150” picture or as little as a 40” one. It doesn’t have the shortest throw, though.

Large or small…

You will need 14.1 feet of distance to project that 150” image. Fortunately, as little as 3.6 feet are required to display a 40” picture. This projector also comes with LG’s Smart TV operating system. To control this projector, LG has even included what they call a Magic Remote.

You might think you are holding a wand when using this remote. You can simply point and click across the display to go through menus or change settings. In case you might want to take this projector from one room to another, LG has also integrated a carrying handle right on the case.


LG HU80KA 4K

Our rating:4 out of 5 stars (4 / 5)

Pros

  • HDR10 compatible.
  • 4K resolution.
  • 150,000:1 contrast ratio.
  • Easy to use remote control.

Cons

  • Requires more throw distance than other projectors.

9 Epson Home Cinema LS100 3LCD Ultra Short-throw Projector, Digital Laser Display with Full HD and 100% Color Brightness – Best Premium Projector for Home Cinema

Epson’s LS100 3LCD projector is our last short throw projector review. The LS100’s ultra-widescreen 1920×1200 resolution provides a movie theatre type experience.

This is another projector that features a laser type bulb that supplies 4,000 lumens. You can use this projector with or without a screen backdrop. Screen size can range from 70 to 130 inches. It comes with a rather bulky remote control that can fully adjust every aspect of the projector.

2,500,000:1

We have seen contrast ratios from 15,000:1 to 150,000:1 so far. Well, the LS100 takes it to a whole new level offering a contrast ratio of 2,500,000:1! The amazing amount of contrast this projector offers is really something you need to see in person.

In a dark room, you can typically find non-uniform levels of black throughout an image that can be distracting. The contrast ratio this projector offers eliminates that worry.

No rainbows here…

Epson has also used a 3LCD chip design, which eliminates the rainbow effect that some projectors have. This makes all of the bright scenes and colors just pop off the screen even more. On the projector itself, you will find three HDMI ports as well as USB, RS232C, Monitor Out, and RCA connectivity. There is even an RJ-45 Ethernet port as well.

With all the technology on board, you might find this projector to be bulky. It weighs 24.3lbs. So, it definitely isn’t the most portable projector out there. This is also the most expensive projector in this review. While the picture quality is top-notch, you will still have to go out and buy video cables to get this up and running.


Epson Home Cinema LS100

Our rating:3.7 out of 5 stars (3.7 / 5)

Pros

  • 2,500,000:1 contrast ratio.
  • Numerous methods of wired connectivity.
  • Can be used with or without a backdrop.

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Bulky.

Best Short Throw Projectors Buying Guide

A short-throw projector is meant to be able to project a large image from a short distance away. Some short-throw projectors only need as little as 4” to display an 80” picture. You can find short-throw projectors that can display images anywhere from 40 to over 300 inches in size. Image size will vary depending on how far you place the projector from the wall.

Because you don’t need much space to produce large images, a short-throw projector is suitable for numerous sized rooms. Most short throw projectors have a resolution varying from 854 x 480 to 1920 x 1080. Some can also produce extended ultrawide images known as WXUGA at a resolution up to 1920 x 1200.

  • Resolution

ASUS S1 Portable Mini Projector

he higher the resolution of the projector, the more detail you will see. This is also affected by the resolution of the material you are inputting to the projector as well. To get optimal results, you would ideally want to play media that is at the same resolution of your projector. You can playback lower resolution content on a 1080p projector and vice versa.

Some details may even look sharper when playing 4K content on a 1080p projector, for example.

  • Brightness

LG HF85LA Ultra Short Throw Laser Smart

The brightness at which your projector shows content is measured in lumens. The bulb of the projector may have 2,000 lumens, or it could have 4,000 lumens. The more lumens a projector has on offer, the better it will perform in a brightly lit room. You will notice images will tend to wash out if your room is too bright, though.

Bulb life can also range from a few thousand hours to tens of thousands of hours. Most projectors have different power modes that can increase the overall life span of its bulbs by decreasing the brightness of it.

  • Contrast

Contrast is also very essential for picture quality. Projector contrast can vary greatly. With a higher contrast ratio, blacks will look blacker while making all of the brighter images in the screen more vibrant.

  • Connectivity

BenQ TH685 1080p Gaming Projector

Most projectors allow for multiple methods of connectivity. The most common are HDMI, VGA, and composite, to just name a few. Some even have USB ports allowing them to playback media directly. You can also find projectors that can connect wirelessly to different sources.

To get wireless connectivity out of the majority of projectors, you are going to need to buy additional wireless dongles or kits.

  • Sound

One last thing to consider when buying a short-throw projector is sound. Most projectors have integrated speakers. Most projector speakers have 10 watts of power, while some may only supply 2-watts. If you want to get the best cinema-like experience, these integrated speakers might not offer enough immersion for you.

A lot of projectors have audio output jacks that allow you to connect to surround sound systems, for example. Some have Bluetooth capability as well. This will allow you to wirelessly connect your soundbar or surround system for even better audio quality.

Before We Reveal Our Favorite Short Throw Projector…

If you’re looking for some other high-quality tech, then check out our ASUS VG248QE Gaming Monitor Review, our Best Gaming Desks Review, our Best Computer Speakers reviews, and our Best Budget Gaming Chairs Under 200 Reviews.

Or, If You’re Looking For More Ffun?

Then take a look at our Best Bean Bag Chairs Reviews, our Best Camera Drones Reviews, our Best Ergonomic Computer Desks reviews, and our Best Ergonomic Keyboards Reviews.

So, What Are The Best Short Throw Projectors?

Which short throw projector makes us feel like we are in the cinema? Well, the…

LG HU80KA 4K UHD Laser Smart TV Home Theater CineBeam Projector

…comes away with the win, in our opinion. Thanks to the laser type bulb system incorporated 4K UHD movies, games, and TV shows look breathtaking. With a contrast ratio of 150,000:1 and a brightness of 2,500 lumens available, the HU80KA is able to handle ambient light very well.

Since you have wireless connectivity available and the LG Smart TV operating system on hand setup is super easy. It also allows for multiple types of wired connections, as well as Bluetooth audio output connections. Its portability is also exceptional, thanks to the integrated handle and the relatively small dimensions of the projector, you can quickly move it from one place to another.

Happy movie, TV, or game watching.

About Paul S. Brunet

Known as the "Tech Lover", Paul is an expert of current and trending technology. Here at TinyGrab, he makes "tech" easy to understand for the average person.

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