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10 Best Short Throw Projectors 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

Optoma GT1080HDR Short Throw Gaming Projector | Enhanced Gaming Mode for 1080P 120Hz Gaming at 8.4ms | 4K UHD Support | Play HDR for 4K and 1080P | High 3800 lumens for Day & Night Gaming, White

The Optoma GT1080HDR is a solid choice for a short-throw projector mainly designed for gaming and entertainment in smaller spaces. It can project a large 120-inch image from just 4 feet away, making setup easier in rooms where space is limited. Its Full HD 1080p resolution ensures sharp and detailed images, which is excellent for gaming and movies. The brightness level of 3800 lumens allows for clear images even in moderately lit rooms, both day and night. Additionally, the contrast ratio of 50,000:1 delivers good depth between dark and bright scenes, enhancing picture quality. The projector supports HDR10, which enhances colors and brightness when viewing compatible content.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,163
Throw Ratio
Resolution
Brightness

Most important from
859 reviews

Throw Ratio
Its short-throw design is more forgiving than ultra-short-throw models, allowing flexible placement without requiring a perfectly flat screen.
Resolution
It supports 4K input and HDR10, enhancing color and brightness, though it outputs at native 1080p resolution.
Brightness
Brightness remains impressive even with some ambient light, maintaining clear images during the day or with lamps on at night.
Contrast Ratio
The projector delivers rich, accurate colors with eye-popping whites and deep blacks that rival or surpass many flat-screen TVs, creating a truly cinematic experience.
Keystone Correction
Physical placement is crucial for a perfect image when enhanced gaming mode is enabled, since keystone and zoom adjustments are disabled in this mode.
Lamp Life
Its laser light source contributes to longevity and allows frequent on/off cycles without compromising lamp life.
#2
9.6 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 short-throw projector is designed for professional use, offering a range of impressive features. With a throw ratio that allows for a 120-inch image from just 4 feet away, it's ideal for small spaces. The projector boasts a Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080), ensuring sharp and clear images. Its brightness level of 4200 lumens allows for clear viewing even in well-lit rooms, making it suitable for business presentations and educational settings.

Rating
9.6
Brightness
Contrast Ratio

Most important from
86 reviews

Brightness
The projector is bright enough to run with lights on, making it perfect for large venues.
Contrast Ratio
Excellent brightness and contrast; videos are clear even with lights on.
#3
9.3 score

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

The Optoma ZH340ST Compact Short Throw Professional Laser Projector stands out for its professional-grade capabilities. With a brightness of 3,200 lumens, it delivers clear and crisp visuals even in brightly lit spaces, which is ideal for offices and classrooms. The short throw lens can project a large 120-inch image from just 4 feet 4 inches away, making it suitable for smaller rooms and easier to install without taking up much space.

Rating
9.3
Brightness
Contrast Ratio

Most important from
86 reviews

Brightness
Bright enough to run with lights on, making it perfect for large venues.
Contrast Ratio
Brightness and contrast are very good, even with lights on.

Top 10 Best Short Throw Projectors 2025 in the United States

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

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

Epson PowerLite 810E Ultra Short Throw 3LCD Projector

Throw Ratio: Ultra Short-throw
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Brightness: 5000 lumens
Connectivity: HDMI, WiFi

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

Throw Ratio: short-throw
Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Brightness: 4000 lumens
Connectivity: USB, HDMI, audio, USB power, 12V

Epson PowerLite L630SU Short Throw 3LCD Projector - 16:10 - Ceiling Mountable

Throw Ratio: Short Throw
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Brightness: 6000 lumens
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, HDMI
Keystone Correction: Yes
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Buying Guide for the Best Short Throw Projectors

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 and usability.
Throw RatioThe throw ratio is the distance between the projector and the screen divided by the width of the projected image. This spec is crucial because it determines how close you can place the projector to the screen while still achieving the desired image size. Short-throw projectors typically have a throw ratio between 0.4:1 and 1.0:1. If you have limited space, look for a lower throw ratio, which allows you to place the projector closer to the screen. Consider your room size and how far you can place the projector from the screen to choose the right throw ratio for your setup.
ResolutionResolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the projected image, usually described as width x height (e.g., 1920x1080 for Full HD). Higher resolution means more detail and clarity. Common resolutions for short-throw projectors include 720p (HD), 1080p (Full HD), and 4K (Ultra HD). If you plan to use the projector for movies, gaming, or detailed presentations, a higher resolution like 1080p or 4K is recommended. For basic presentations or educational purposes, 720p may suffice.
BrightnessBrightness is measured in lumens and indicates how bright the projected image will be. This is important because it affects visibility, especially in well-lit rooms. Short-throw projectors typically range from 1,000 to 3,000 lumens. For dark or dimly lit rooms, 1,000 to 2,000 lumens may be adequate. For rooms with more ambient light, look for a projector with 2,500 lumens or more to ensure a clear and vibrant image.
Contrast RatioThe contrast ratio measures the difference between the darkest and brightest parts of the image. A higher contrast ratio means deeper blacks and more vibrant colors, which enhances image quality. Short-throw projectors often have contrast ratios ranging from 1,000:1 to 100,000:1. For home theater use, a higher contrast ratio is preferable to achieve better picture quality. For business or educational use, a moderate contrast ratio may be sufficient.
ConnectivityConnectivity options determine how you can connect your projector to other devices. Common inputs include HDMI, USB, VGA, and wireless options like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This spec is important because it affects the ease of setup and compatibility with your devices. If you plan to connect multiple devices, look for a projector with multiple HDMI ports and wireless connectivity. For simpler setups, a single HDMI port may be enough.
Keystone CorrectionKeystone correction allows you to adjust the image to be perfectly rectangular, even if the projector is not perfectly aligned with the screen. This is important for achieving a professional-looking image without distortion. Short-throw projectors often offer both vertical and horizontal keystone correction. If you anticipate placing the projector at an angle or off-center, look for a model with comprehensive keystone correction features to ensure a clear and properly aligned image.
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. Short-throw projectors typically have lamp lives ranging from 3,000 to 20,000 hours. If you plan to use the projector frequently, look for a model with a longer lamp life to reduce the need for replacements. For occasional use, a shorter lamp life may be acceptable.

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