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10 Best Cheap Short Throw Projector 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

LG HU85LA 120” 4K UHD Resolution (3840 x 2160) Laser Smart Home Theater CineBeam Ultra Short Throw Projector, 2700 ANSI Lumen, Smart TV enabled, Alexa Built-in, HDR10, with Magic Remote - White

The LG HU85LA Ultra Short Throw projector is designed to deliver an impressive home cinema experience with its 4K UHD resolution and up to 2700 ANSI lumens brightness, making it suitable for various lighting conditions. Its ultra-short throw capability allows you to project a 120-inch screen from just 7.2 inches away, which is perfect for small spaces where traditional projectors might be challenging to use.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,298
Throw Ratio
Brightness (Lumens)
Contrast Ratio

Most important from
122 reviews

Throw Ratio
Installation can be tricky due to the sensitivity of the ultra-short throw to screen quality and flatness. Even minor changes in temperature can affect image size.
Brightness (Lumens)
The HU85LA's colors really pop, thanks to its three laser lights, and it's slightly brighter than previous models.
Contrast Ratio
Dark scenes can lose detail, particularly with Dynamic Tone Mapping turned on, making some scenes harder to watch compared to OLED screens.
Keystone Correction
The edge adjustment can be cumbersome, requiring precise manual adjustments, which can be frustrating if needed frequently.
#2
9.6 score

BenQ TK710STi 4K HDR Laser 3200 Lumens Movie and Gaming Short Throw Projector with 4ms Response Time | 240Hz Refresh Rate | HDR10 & HLG | Android TV with Netflix Chromecast & AirPlay | 3D Keystone

The BenQ TK710STi is an impressive short-throw projector that offers a lot of value for its price. With a 3200 ANSI lumens brightness, it’s capable of delivering clear and vibrant images even in a well-lit room, making it suitable for various home environments. The 4K resolution ensures sharp and detailed visuals, which is great for both movies and gaming. Its 95% Rec.709 color coverage adds to the visual appeal, providing rich and accurate colors.

Rating
9.6
Resolution
Contrast Ratio

Most important from
362 reviews

Resolution
The projector is a significant upgrade from 1080p models, as individual pixels are not visible even on a 150" screen.
Contrast Ratio
The image quality is impressive, with a noticeable difference in contrast ratio, particularly excelling in dark scenes.
#3
9.4 score

Optoma ZH406ST Short Throw Full HD Professional Laser Projector | DuraCore Laser Technology | High Bright 4200 lumens | 4K HDR Input | Four Corner Image Adjustment | Network Compatible

The Optoma ZH406ST is a well-built short-throw projector that delivers a crisp Full HD 1080p resolution with excellent brightness at 4200 lumens, making it suitable for environments with some ambient light, like classrooms or offices. Its throw ratio allows for a large 120-inch image from just over 4 feet away, which is great if you have limited space but still want a big display. The contrast ratio is very strong at 300,000:1, so you'll see good detail in darker scenes. One of the biggest advantages is the durable DuraCore laser light source, which lasts up to 30,000 hours without needing lamp replacements, saving you maintenance costs over time. The projector also supports 4K HDR input, enhancing image quality for compatible content, though its native resolution is 1080p.

Rating
9.4
Brightness (Lumens)
Resolution
Contrast Ratio

Most important from
86 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
The projector delivers bright, clear images even with lights on, making it perfect for large venues and well-lit rooms.
Resolution
4K content is displayed beautifully, with picture quality so impressive it rivals native 4K projectors.
Contrast Ratio
The brightness and contrast perform exceptionally well, providing vivid visuals that remain easy to see under ambient lighting.

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

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 3LCD Projector

Throw Ratio: Ultra Short-throw
Brightness (Lumens): 5000
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Connectivity Options: HDMI, WiFi Miracast
Keystone Correction: Yes

Optoma 4K400STx 4K Ultra HD High Brightness Short Throw DLP Projector

Throw Ratio: 100” image a few feet away
Brightness (Lumens): 4000 lumens
Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Connectivity Options: USB, HDMI
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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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