Projectors can allow you to watch all your favorite movies on large screens. However, one of the biggest problems with projectors is the fact that they need a lot of space to projector throw distance. These features allow you to choose one of the top short-throw projectors’ best buy guides.
- Screen Size: A short-throw projector has a large screen, which is one of the greatest benefits. Screen sizes of 100 inches and 120 inches are common. A larger screen size offers immersive experiences.
- Distance: short-throw projector should be able to operate in a limited space. It is important to verify the distance your projector throws. The projectors below have a throw distance of between 3 and 4 feet, which is manageable.
- Screen Resolution: A large screen is not enough. You also need a sharp and clear image. It is a good idea to verify the resolution of your projector as a 4K UHD projector will offer better image quality than an FHD model.
These features are great for short-throw projectors, but there’s more. These specifications and important features are listed along with detailed descriptions for each short-throw projector. “Buying Guide” This list will help you find short-throw projectors’ best buy guide by the time you reach the end.
Best Short Throw Projector Reviews
1. Optoma Short Throw Laser Home Theater Projector
Optoma is a well-known brand of projectors and offers many models, including short-throw high-performance projectors such as the one shown here.
This Optoma GT1090HDR short-throw projector is at the top of this list because it can be a great option for many buyers. This projector can display a 120-inch screen with a throw distance of just 4 feet 4 inches.
This FHD projector can produce clear images in all situations, even dark ones. It uses a powerful 4200 lumens projected lamp. Many connectivity options are available, including VGA, HDMI, USB, and VGA. Unfortunately, Optoma is a small brand, so the warranty lasts only one year.
Features of Optoma Short Throw Laser Home Theater Projector
- Up to 120 inches of screen size.
- The throw distance is 4 feet 4 inches.
- Image resolution 1920 x 1080 FHD.
- Uses a projection lamp with 4200 lumens.
- Warranty period: 1 Year.
Pros:
- Short throw: Can project a 100-inch image from just 7.5 feet away.
- Bright image: 3,000 lumens, great for watching movies in a dark room.
- Long lifespan: Laser light source is rated to last for 20,000 hours.
- Wireless streaming: Miracast and AirPlay support.
- HDR support: HDR10 and HLG.
Cons:
- Price: Relatively expensive.
- Fan noise: Can be noisy, especially for long periods of time.
- Limited zoom: Limited zoom range.
- No lens shift: Requires perfect level for centered image.
2. BenQ Short Throw Projector
BenQ is best known for its computer monitors. However, there are a few projectors that can be used for presentations.
BenQ’s short-throw projector HT2150ST is ranked 2nd on this listicle because it is one of the most affordable. In addition, it’s a decent screen size at 100 inches and a throw distance of 3 feet.
The FHD resolution is excellent for the price, especially when combined with the 2200 lumens projected lamp. Although you get VGA, HDMI, and audio ports on its back, there are only a few ports. The best thing about the BenQ projector is the 3-year warranty.
Features of BenQ Short Throw Projector
- Up to 100 inches of screen size
- Throw a distance of 3 feet
- 1920 x 1080 FHD Image Resolution
- Uses a 2200 lumens project lamp
- Warranty period: 3 years
Pros:
- Bright image (2200 lumens)
- Short throw (can project a 100-inch image from 3 feet away)
- Wireless streaming (Miracast and AirPlay)
- Long lifespan (lamp rated to last 10,000 hours)
- Affordable
Cons:
- Fan noise
- Limited zoom
- No lens shift
3. ViewSonic Smart LED 4K LED Projector
ViewSonic is well-known for its high-performance monitors and projector models, including this short-throw model perfect for watching movies.
The ViewSonic X100-4K is the short throw projector we chose to rank third in this article. This is because it offers the most impressive image quality. However, its 8ft and 9-inch throw distance is too short for the 100-inch screen.
You will be pleased with the projector’s image quality. It combines a 2900-lumen projected lamp with a 4K UHD 3840×2160 resolution. This projector is designed for media consumption. It also includes various ports such as HDMI, USB, and VGA. In addition, ViewSonic offers a 3-year warranty, which is reasonable considering the price.
Features of ViewSonic Smart LED 4K LED Projector
- Up to 100 inches of screen size
- Throw distance of 8 feet 9 in
- Image Resolution: 3840×2160 4K UHD
- Uses a 2900 lumens project lamp
- Warranty period: 3 years
Pros:
- 4K resolution: Sharp, detailed image
- HDR support: HDR10 and HLG.
- Short throw: Project a 100-inch image from 8.2 feet away.
- Smart TV features: Built-in Wi-Fi and Android TV.
- Long lifespan: LED light source rated to last 30,000 hours.
- Harman Kardon speakers: Built-in Harman Kardon speakers provide high-quality audio.
Cons:
- Fan noise: Can be noisy, especially for long periods of time.
- Limited zoom: Limited zoom range.
- No lens shift: Need to make sure projector is perfectly level for centered image.
4. ASUS F1 LED Projector
If you are looking for a high-quality and affordable projector, Asus can be your best choice.
The Asus F1 projector has a short throw distance of just 2 feet 1 inch. It is among the most affordable options but still delivers excellent performance. It has a large screen of 210 inches and works at a distance of 2 feet 1 inch. This is a significant improvement over other projectors.
This projector is comparable to other FHD options in terms of image quality. The projection lamp has a lumen rating of just 1200 lumens, which results in an average brightness. The connectivity options available are decent, with the price being what it is, including VGA, HDMI, VGA and audio. Asus is a trusted computer brand so you get a 2-year warranty.
Features of ASUS F1 LED Projector
- Screen size up to 210 inches
- Throw distance of 2 feet 1″
- Image resolution 1920 x 1080 FHD
- Uses a 1200 lumens project lamp
- Warranty period: 2 years
Pros:
- Bright image: 1200 lumens brightness is great for watching movies or playing games in a dark room.
- Full HD resolution: Produces a sharp and detailed image.
- Short throw: Can project a 100-inch image from just 25 inches away.
- Harman Kardon speakers: Built-in Harman Kardon speakers provide high-quality audio.
- Long lifespan: 20,000 hour LED light source.
Cons:
- No zoom: Limited zoom range.
- No lens shift: Need to make sure that the projector is perfectly level in order to get a centered image.
- No 3D support: Does not support 3D content.
Short Throw Projectors Best Buy Guide:
A projector is essential for both movie viewing and presentation. Traditional projectors need a lot of space to project images, but this is not true with the top short throw projectors.
You can enjoy a large screen experience with a very short throw distance, thanks to the features and options described above. This detailed buying guide will provide all the information you need about short throw projectors.
Screen Size
The screen size of your projector is the first thing you should consider when purchasing a projector. To make your projector more practical than a TV or monitor, you will want a larger screen.
Short-throw projectors typically offer screens sizes of 100 or 120 inches, with some even offering screen sizes up to 200 inches. Of course, a larger screen size is better, but you must also consider the size of the projection screen you are using.
Throw Distance
You should make sure the projector can project large screens within a very short distance. This is essential for practical reasons, as there may not be enough space in your home to project large images. You will see most short-throw projectors have a throw distance of between 3 and 4 feet. There are a few models that can offer shorter throw distance ratings, but they are still practical.
Screen Resolution
You want sharp and crisp images, regardless of whether you use a standard or short-throw projector. You should also check the screen resolution rating for your short-throw projectors. A higher resolution will always give you better image quality, just like a TV or monitor. 4K UHD short-throw projectors provide excellent image quality compared to FHD projectors. These projectors offer a great way to enjoy your movies on large screens without losing quality.
Brightness
The maximum brightness output of a short-throw projector can also have a significant impact on the image. The brightness rating for short-throw projectors can be expressed in lumens, just like other brightness ratings. There are ratings such as 1500, 2500, and 4000 lumens. The highest brightness rating, 4000 lumens, is the best. This high brightness output is ideal for situations when you need the projector in rooms not darkened by the darkness.
Speakers
Many projectors come with built-in speakers, even though surround sound speakers are highly recommended for the best movie experience. Inbuilt speakers are a great option for people who use their projectors to give presentations in a conference hall. You can choose from 3 watts, 5, and 8-watt speakers for different short throw projectors. The 8-watt rating, the highest wattage option, offers the most audio output and makes it more practical.
Connectivity
You must connect your projector to your computer, laptop, or another device before it can be used. You may also want to connect speakers to your projector to make it even more immersive. Therefore, it is important to verify the connectivity options of your short throw projector. You should check for ports such as HDMI, VGA, and USB. You can use multiple connectivity ports on your projector to make it more versatile.
Warranty
You don’t want your projector to break down, and you will need it to last as long as possible. You can check the warranty on your short-throw projector to make sure this is the case. For great reliability, most short-throw projectors come with a 2-year or 3-year warranty. The lamp life rating is an indicator of how long the projector’s projection bulb will last. The lamp’s lifetime rating can range from 20000 to 30000 hours, depending on which model you choose. Of course, a higher rating is always better.
Conclusion
As you can probably guess by the name, a short-throw projector essentially allows you to use it within a short amount of space. Due to this, you can get a pretty large screen size even if you are using it in a fairly small room.
Hence, a few of the best short throw projectors have already been stated up above. Along with these various projectors, you will also find their important details and information stated above and a comprehensive buying guide. And keeping these things in mind, here are our ideal picks for the best short throw projectors:
The ViewSonic X100-4K short throw projector is the best performer option stated above. Just per the name, this is a 4K UHD projector that can offer a 100-inch screen size along with a throw distance of 8 feet 9 inches. You also get excellent image quality and colors from its 2900 lumens lamp, along with various connectivity options making it highly versatile.
Those of you who are on a tight budget can consider the Asus F1 short throw projector. Even though it is the cheapest option stated above, you get a massive screen size of 210 inches while having a very short throw distance of just 2 feet 1 inch. This FHD projector uses a decent 1200 lumen bulb combined with inbuilt 2.1 11 watt stereo speakers.