10 Best Short Throw Projectors For Small Spaces
An ultra short throw projector upgrades your home theater or gaming setup. It’s a unique kind of projector placed right up against the projected surface.
Ultra short throw projectors project a picture far more significant than a regular projector.
They work well with interactive whiteboards & therefore, they are an excellent option for educational purposes.
You may create a 100-inch or larger display with a projector. As a result, an ultra short throw projector is an excellent option for creating a movie theater experience at home.
Before moving on and examining some top options, let’s look at some of the key features.
What is an Ultra Short Throw Projector
An ultra short throw projector has an extensive-angle lens and a throw ratio of less than 0.4, allowing you to position the projector under or slightly above the screen.
Typically, it can project a 100 to 120-inch image from a distance of under a foot from the screen.
You don’t have to be concerned about someone passing in front of the screen and blocking the protective light route that causes shadows. This is because an ultra short throw projector is positioned in front of the viewer and close to the screen.
Installation of an ultra-short-throw projector is quick because you don’t have to worry about installing the projector above your head or in the room’s rear. Placement is crucial since ultra short throw lenses typically have little to no zoom range or shift.
Superior ultra-short projectors have horizontal/vertical keystone correction and 4-corner adjustments to help the image properly align to the screen.
Are Ultra Short Throw Projectors Better?
Ultra short throw projectors are placed only a few inches from the screen, unlike typical projectors with long throws that need to be mounted to the ceiling or placed on a shelf behind the viewing area. Consequently, you won’t have to struggle to run wires around the space.
Installing an ultra short throw projector is simpler than conventional long or short throw projectors. Additionally, ultra short throw projectors produce large, brilliant, high-contrast images that withstand natural daylight.
Furthermore, the projection area matters more with ultra short throw projectors, so you will need a specialized ultra-short throw projector screen.
Ultra Short Throw Projector Screen Considerations
Ultra short throw projectors need particular projection surfaces to produce the best images.
So, you need to ensure that the wall you are projecting has a flat surface. You’ll need a fixed or tensioned screen because an ultra-short throw makes uneven surfaces more obvious. The screen doesn’t bend at all and stays precisely upright.
ALR extreme short-throw projector screens are another thing you should have. Lenticular ridges are used extensively in ultra-short throw ALR screens so that light from the projector is reflected adequately toward the audience while absorbing ambient light.
Factors to Consider Before Buying an Ultra Short Throw Projector
There are several factors to consider while choosing an ultra short throw projector. You’ll need to consider factors like connectivity, price, required resolution, and more.
Onboard Audio
TVs and projectors frequently have poor built-in speakers. The massive audio should fit the big screen. The best sound is produced by an external soundbar or surrounds sound system.
However, many ultra-short-throw projectors offer excellent onboard speakers that may compete with soundbars in terms of audio quality.
Smart Features
Many projectors come with a pre-installed operating system that allows streaming from apps like Netflix and Hulu.
However, since many ultra short throw projectors ship with an unauthorized version of pre-installed Android, a specialized external streaming device is still the best option.
Connectivity
Look for required connectivity, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HDMI inputs. Consider which devices you want to connect and the number of devices.
An audio return channel may be required for relaying audio to a soundbar or receiver (ARC).
Resolution
4K resolution is a common feature of ultra short throw projector. That’s not always native 4K, though.
Pixel shifting is a common technique projectors use that upgrades a 1080p chip to a 4K resolution. Although it still appears clear and vibrant, native 4K can look even better.
There are also 1080p ultra short throw projectors available.
Price
Ultra short throw projectors typically cost well over $2,000.
Comparison of Best Ultra Short Throw Projector
IMAGE | MODEL | BRIGHTNESS | OTHER FEATURES | COST | RATING |
 | JMGO U2 | 2400 lumens | Supports HLG HDR as well as HDR10, 9.44” short throw distance, 4K UHD laser projector | CHECK PRICE | 4.4 / 5 |
 | LG HU85LA | 2700 lumens | Fine-tuning of 12 adjustment areas on the screen, Three channel laser technology, Supports wider color coverage | CHECK PRICE | 5 / 5 |
 | Samsung Laser TV | 2800 lumens | Experience crystal clear colors, Powerful 40W speakers, UHD processor | CHECK PRICE | 4.4 / 5 |
 | BenQ Short Throw Projector | 3000 lumens | 709 color accuracy, High native contrast ratio, Ultra-fast low input lag | CHECK PRICE | 4.6 / 5 |
 | EliteProjector MosicGO UST Projector | 1000 lumens | 20,000:1 contrast ratio, Native Full HD (1920X1080), OSRAM 25,000 lamp life LED | CHECK PRICE | 4.6 / 5 |
 | Vava 4K Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector | 6000 lumens | Contrast Ratio 3000:1, HDMI hardware interface, Tabletop mount | CHECK PRICE | 4.2 / 5 |
 | Optoma GT5600 Ultra Short Throw | 3600 lumens | Enjoy 15, 000 hours lamp life, Support for 144Hz rapid-refresh rate, VGA, HDMI & 3.5mm Audio hardware interface | CHECK PRICE | 4.3 / 5 |
 | Epson LS300 | 3600 lumens | Custom-designed audiophile 2.1 speaker system, Unique multi-array laser diode technology, Automatic scene-based color correction | CHECK PRICE | 4.3 / 5 |
 | Optoma CinemaX P2 | 3000 lumens | 4K Ultra HD, HDR10 technology, Allows hassle-free image alignment, Compatible with voice assistant | CHECK PRICE | 3.9 / 5 |
 | Xiaomi Ultra Short Throw Projector | 2000 lumens | 25,000-hour light source life, Mi laser projector, USB hardware interface | CHECK PRICE | 3.8 / 5 |
 | Epson LS500 | 4000 lumens | Dynamic Contrast Ratio of 2,000,000:1, Stunning picture quality up to 130″, 4K PRO-UHD projection technology | CHECK PRICE | 3.8 / 5 |
Let us explore each of the listed ultra short throw projectors.
Top Ultra Short Throw Projector You Can Buy Right Now.
JMGO U2
Suitable for watching films and playing games at home
SPECIFICATIONS
- Bluetooth, HDMI, USB 3.0, 802.11 ac/b/g/n, USB 2.0 hardware interface
- 4K resolution, 3D, & Motion Estimation and Motion Compensation
- 2 inbuilt full-range speakers and 2 tweeter speakers
- Offers unmatched viewing experience
- Supports HLG HDR as well as HDR10
- 9.44” short throw distance
- 4K UHD laser projector
- 30W immersive audio
- 2400 ANSI Lumen brightness
- Table mount
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
JMGO U2 is an affordable tri-color laser ultra short throw projector. It has a triple laser light source that is astoundingly bright—114% REC.2020 and 2400 ANSI lumens.
The JMGO U2 creates a brilliant, color-accurate image with a 4K ultra-high pixel-shifting resolution. During my tests, I was impressed by the JMGO U2’s exceptional visual quality, lively appearance, and potent speakers.
An Ethernet LAN port, an optical TOSLink audio output, two HDMI ports (one with ARC), and a USB port are among the many hookups available.
It’s decent for streaming and uses a dedicated streaming device like the Chromecast with Google TV or NVIDIA Shield.
Excellent image quality and color accuracy are present. Its built-in Dynaudio speaker sounds good and has Dolby Audio processing. Even while I still advise getting a soundbar or surround sound system, the U2 can provide rich, complete audio on its own.
JMGO U2 is visually stunning 3D stuff. Input lag in Computer mode is reduced to a more than playable 42ms from its extreme default value of over 100ms. You’ll need a sizable media cabinet to display the JMGO U2.
LG HU85LA
Perfect for gaming
SPECIFICATIONS
- Achieve a 120″ image from 7.2″ away from the screen or wall
- XPR processing technology to create UHD images
- Two 5W speakers built-in, plus a wired analog audio output
- Two HDMI inputs provide wired connectivity
- Fine-tuning of 12 adjustment areas on the screen
- Three-channel laser technology
- Supports wider color coverage
- 2700 Lumen brightness
- USB hardware interface
- Wall mount
- Remote control feature
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
LG HU85LA is one of the best ultra-short throw projectors on the list. It offers a 2700 ANSI lumen 4K laser projector and can blast a 120-inch image from as close as seven inches to the wall.
You can see a 90-inch image from just two inches away from the screen. Its sizable 4K DLP chip offers superior pixel shifting and fantastic contrast. The in-built speakers are good.
The HU85LA’s internal LG webOS, AI ThinQ, and magic remote make it unique. LG’s webOS turns the HU85LA into a big smart TV.
The LG HU85LA offers excellent brightness, realistic colors, and dynamic HDR10 tone mapping.
However, HLG HDR support is not included. Some home theater fans may be disappointed by the lack of 3D capabilities.
The LG HU85LA is a well-rounded high-end short-throw laser TV that offers a stunning picture, top-notch 4K performance, and a tremendous built-in streaming environment.
Samsung Laser TV
A must-have for a full theater experience
SPECIFICATIONS
- Cutting-edge triple laser technology and ultra-bright 4K resolution
- Comes with multiple voice assistants
- Experience crystal clear colors
- Powerful 40W speakers
- UHD processor
- 2800 lumens brightness
- HDMI hardware interface
- Compact minimal design
- Wall mount
- 40 watts
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
The Samsung LSP9T is a 4K UST projector that offers an experience similar to television. Onboard audio quality is outstanding, and the onboard image quality is quite good.
The Samsung LSP9T laser projector can resist a respectable amount of ambient lighting with 2800 lumens. It has excellent HDR tone mapping and can output in 4K HDR.
A triple laser configuration produces increased brightness and color gamut. The built-in speakers also compete with the majority of soundbars.
Furthermore, its innovative TV features are pretty good. Support for Android and Apple AirPlay casting, voice control, and Tizen smart TV user interface are all included.
Even though Samsung’s LSP9T laser TV isn’t inexpensive, it comes with a complete set and can take the place of your current TV.
BenQ Short Throw Projector
Best projector for gaming
SPECIFICATIONS
- VGA, HDMI, USB 2.0 Type A hardware interface
- Native Full HD 1080p Resolution
- Projects up to 300 inches
- 709 color accuracy
- High native contrast ratio
- Ultra-fast low input lag
- 3000-lumen brightness
- Flexible connectivity
- Ceiling mount
- 320 watts
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
The BenQ TH671ST is a dependable short-throw projector with fast input lag for gaming. The HD 1080p resolution provides unmatched picture quality for its price range.
The projector’s 3000-lumen output will perform reasonably well in bright sunlight. It is the best option for a fully immersive home cinematic experience with its high contrast ratio and 709 color fidelity.
The low input lag makes your gaming experience incredibly dynamic and enjoyable. The refresh rate matches the output of Xbox One X and PS4 Pro.
The BenQ TH671ST will allow you to impress your loved ones with its impressive high-ground gaming feature, color vibrancy, and lack of motion blur.
EliteProjector MosicGO UST Projector
Perfect projector for gaming
SPECIFICATIONS
- 1000 ANSI lumens brightness
- 20,000:1 contrast ratio
- Native Full HD (1920X1080)
- OSRAM 25,000 lamp life LED
- USB hardware interface
- DLP technology
- Tripod mount
- 8 watts
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
The EliteProjector MosicGO ultra short throw projector offers a very short throw ratio.
You can operate on battery power with a 37200mAh power bank, which serves as a USB-A and USB-C device power supply.
Little to no maintenance is needed because of the 25,000-hour lamp life. A screen and a carrying case are also included.
You may use the dual 8w speakers on the MosicGO as Bluetooth speakers for streaming music.
Image quality is excellent, with a native 1080p resolution and a 20,000:1 contrast ratio.
The MosicGO is one of the best ultra-short throw projectors for gaming with a low 17ms input lag. In my tests, the MosicGo impressed me with its fantastic picture, low lag gaming skills, good brightness, and superb usability.
Vava 4K Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector
Impressive sound quality with this projector
SPECIFICATIONS
- 4K UST laser projector with HDR (HDR10)
- Built-in audio with 60-watt Harman Kardon speakers
- Projection distance is 5-50cm
- 6000-lumen brightness
- Contrast Ratio 3000:1
- HDMI hardware interface
- Tabletop mount
- 60 watts
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
The Vava 4K ultra short throw projector illuminates any screen with a large, bright, and stunning image. The resulting image is exceptionally bright with its laser light source. It has a long life of 25,000 hours.
Vava 4K can be used in bright environments to produce stunning images due to its 2500 ANSI lumens and 3000:1 contrast ratio.
The built-in audio performs awesome in creating a home theater experience, with a 60 Watt Harman Kardon soundbar and Dolby audio and DTS-HD processing.
Vava 4K offers three HDMI ports, ARC with a soundbar or receiver, and excellent optical audio connectivity. Even though there is a pre-installed Android operating system (OS), it is more of a touchscreen-optimized version of Android than a genuine Android TV OS.
You might need to relocate the Vava 4K closer to the ceiling because the vertical offset is rather considerable. It depends on how high your projector screen is.
Hardcore gamers won’t be able to use it, but it probably won’t be too apparent for single-player games and some slower-paced video games. Still, for most users, the Vava 4K laser TV is, without a doubt, the most fantastic ultra-short throw projector.
It offers a brilliant image with excellent color accuracy and fantastic speakers for an incredible price.
Optoma GT5600 Ultra Short Throw
Excellent projector for extremely short throw distances
SPECIFICATIONS
- Experience a large 100″ diagonal image projected
- Auto keystone sensors and four-corner correction
- VGA, HDMI, 3.5mm Audio hardware interface
- Enjoy 15, 000 hours of lamp life
- Support for 144Hz rapid-refresh rate
- 3,600 lumens brightness
- 20,000: 1 contrast ratio
- Bright, razor-sharp images
- 1080p resolution
- Table mount, Wall mount
- 16 watts
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
There is value in this product. The Optoma GT5600 Ultra Short Throw offers a lot of fantastic features.
You may use Optoma GT5600 with 3,600 lumens to play your favorite games, even with open windows.
Additionally, it features a solid 20,000:1 contrast ratio, providing excellent picture quality for your preferred kind of home entertainment.
The Optoma GT5600 Ultra Short Throw has several connection inputs to connect your preferred game system or any other entertainment device. In addition to USB and screen mirroring, HDMI is supported.
The Optoma GT5600 Ultra Short Throw projector can create an image as large as 100 inches with a resolution similar to 1080 HD. Although it does have a 16-watt speaker built in, I usually advise connecting your device to a second audio system.
Epson LS300
Excellent visuals from this ultra short throw projector
SPECIFICATIONS
- Advanced 3LCD technology displays 100% of the RGB color signal
- Stunning visual performance with an optional ALR screen
- Custom-designed audiophile 2.1 speaker system
- Unique multi-array laser diode technology
- Automatic scene-based color correction
- Astonishing picture quality up to 120″
- Clean and modern aesthetic design
- 3600-lumen brightness
- Remote control feature
- Wall mount
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
The most amazing ultra-short throw projector for 1080p is the Epson LS300. This smart streaming laser projector can accept a 4K signal and downscale it to 1080p while keeping HDR and a native 1080p resolution.
It has an astounding 1,500,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 3600 ANSI lumens, pre-installed Android, and top-notch Yamaha speakers.
The Epson LS300 can project a sizable, bright, and precise image as close to the wall as a few inches. The LS300 provides excellent value for your money even though it forgoes 4K in favor of 1080p.
Optoma CinemaX P2
An excellent home cinema projector
SPECIFICATIONS
- Experience richer colors & enhanced brightness with a six-segment color wheel
- Provides a pure, direct path for more responsive gameplay
- Ultra-short throw up to 120″ image from only inches away
- 4K Ultra HD, HDR10 technology
- Allows hassle-free image alignment
- Compatible with voice assistant
- Incredible 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio
- 3,000 lumens of brightness
- 30,000 hours of light source life
- Integrated 40W soundbar
- USB hardware interface
- Tabletop mount
- 360 watts
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
One of the best 4K ultra short throw projectors is the Optoma CinemaX P2. A laser light source is connected to an RGBRGB 6-segment color wheel and an incredibly bright 3000 ANSI lumens. As a result, the Optoma CinemaX P2 produces a breathtaking image with unmatched color accuracy.
The Optoma CinemaX P2 is a true cinephile-caliber ultra-short throw projector with a staggering 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio and 120% REC.709 coverage that can provide some severe visual candy.
Hardcore gamers may not prefer the 67ms response time that a game option offers, but it is relatively respectable.
Its built-in speakers are comparable to those of most soundbars, and you can add a powered subwoofer for more bass by connecting it to the audio out socket.
The excellent speakers, high brightness, exceptional color accuracy, and stellar contrast make Optoma CinemaX an incredible projector. It is the top movie projector with an ultra-short throw.
Xiaomi Ultra Short Throw Projector
One of the best ultra short throw projector
SPECIFICATIONS
- 4K UHD laser projector with HDR (HDR10)
- Two 30W woofers and two high-frequency tweeters
- 2000 ANSI lumens brightness
- 25,000-hour light source life
- Mi laser projector
- USB hardware interface
- Wall mount
- 250 watts
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
The best affordable super short throw projector is Xiaomi’s Mijia laser TV. It’s a 4K HDR projector with 2000 ANSI lumens.
Two 30W subwoofers and two high-frequency tweeters are available.
The picture quality is fantastic. The 8 million pixel picture of the Xiaomi Mi laser TV is produced by pixel shifting, but the colors are bold and brilliant with good brightness.
Unfortunately, the onboard version of Android isn’t pure Android TV, so some apps won’t stream effectively, but an external streaming device can quickly fix this.
The Xiaomi isn’t the best gaming projector for fast-paced action. However, the Xiaomi Mi laser TV is the best 4K ultra-short throw projector for the money on the market, providing an excellent audiovisual experience that satisfies most users.
Epson LS500
One of the top ultra short throw projector
SPECIFICATIONS
- Real-time 12-bit analog-to-digital video processing
- Latest 18 Gbps HDMI 2.0 with the ARC support
- Dynamic Contrast Ratio of 2,000,000:1
- Stunning picture quality up to 130″
- 4K PRO-UHD projection technology
- 4,000 lumens brightness
- 75 Inches screen size
- 3-Chip 3LCD display technology
- Outstanding color accuracy
- 4K resolution
- 60 Hz refresh rate
- HDMI connectivity
- 16:9 aspect ratio
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
Epson LS500 4K ultra short throw projector offers a 4K resolution with 10-bit HDR. A brilliant image is produced by a powerful 4000 lumens.
With its 3-chip 3LCD technology and excellent Rec.709 color coverage, the picture quality is extraordinary, and the color accuracy is exceptional. Both HDR and SDR videos have excellent 3D handling and look great. A dynamic contrast ratio of 2.5 million:1 adds to its outstanding performance.
The Epson LS500 looks magnificent and prevents a washed-out picture even in a lot of ambient light with high brightness. As a result, the Epson LS500 is a genuine TV replacement.
The Epson LS500 boasts 16.7ms of input lag, the lowest in its class. Therefore, this 4K ultra-short throw projector is ideal for ardent gamers.
While many projectors have smart features, the Epson LS500 does not have a built-in streaming environment.
An Android TV streaming dongle is instead included with the LS500. Although it functions adequately, an Android TV box like the Nvidia Shield TV or Chromecast with Google TV performs best.
In conclusion, the Epson LS500 is a great projector that is adaptable enough to handle everything quickly, from movies and TV to sports and games.
FAQs on Best Ultra Short Throw Projector
1. What is a ultra short throw projector?
Ultra-short-throw projectors generate a huge image from a very short distance and have smaller footprints than any TV. It can project a 100- to 120-inch image from a distance of under a foot from the screen.
2. What’s the difference between short throw and ultra short throw projectors?
With a shorter throw distance, short throw projectors may produce an image of the same size (roughly 4 feet). The same-sized image can be shown in a couple of inches with extremely short throw projectors.
3. Is short throw projector better than TV?
Short throw projector has a much higher contrast ratio than TVs. The projector can be used almost anywhere. Short-throw projectors might appear washed out in more vital illumination.
4. Are short throw laser projectors worth it?
Short-throw projectors use mechanical lens shift and keystone correction to project an image at a sharp angle without compromising visual quality. The best ultra-short throw projectors can produce images comparable to many of the best conventional projectors.
5. Is projector better for eyes than screen?
Direct blue light from TV screens harms the eyes. Whereas indirect blue light from a projector is significantly easier on the eyes. Projectors are the greatest option for eye health and other safety aspects.
6. What is the brightest ultra short throw projector?
Epson’s EpiqVision Ultra LS 500 is the brightest ultra short throw projector. It has a brightness rating of up to 4,000.
7. How do I choose an ultra short throw projector?
Here’s how you can choose an ultra short throw projector:
- Brightness- The image will be produced with a higher lumen count
- Size- When selecting a projector, the dimensions of the screen, weight of projectors, and distance from the screen should be taken into account.
- System- For making streaming simple and enjoying a first-rate home theater experience. The Android TV projector is a fantastic option.
- Sound Quality- With larger projectors, you may mount more prominent speakers for enhanced sound quality.
8. How long do ultra short throw projectors work?
Ultra-short throw projectors work for typically 20,000 hours at least, versus 2000-5000 hours for lamps.
9. How many lumens is a short throw projector?
The short throw projector offers 3,600 lumens, a 20,000:1 contrast ratio, and a projection size of 80 to 100 inches.
10. How many lumens is projected in daylight?
You need at least 2,500 lumens of projector bulb brightness to be projected in daylight.
11. Do you require a special screen for an ultra short throw projector?
Ultra short throw projectors are placed only a few inches from the wall and shine their light on the screen at a sharp angle. In this situation, the screen must be specially constructed to reflect the projector’s light directly into the room without obscuring the image.
13. How far should an ultra short throw projector be from the wall?
This sort of throw is viewed from projectors positioned on the wall, the ceiling closer to a wall, or a table projecting downwards, and it virtually eliminates shadows and eye glare. Ultra-short-throw projects at a distance of 0 to 4 feet from projector to screen.
14. Why are ultra short throw projectors expensive?
Ultra short throw projectors are expensive because expensive lenses are needed for them. On the other hand, conference rooms and huge rooms are ideal for long-throw projectors. You can see a clean, 100-inch image even if the projector is 10 feet away.
Related Topics:
- 11 Best iPhone Projector In 2022 [Compared & Reviewed]
- 7 Best Projector Stand For Your Home Theater Setup
Conclusion
You should have gathered enough information to choose which projector to buy. You may now be able to dispel the technology’s rumors and discover how accurate it is.
Knowing how you liked the ultra short throw projectors I listed here would be nice.
In conclusion, if you choose one of the 12 ultra short throw projector listed above, you will make a good decision.
Comment down your opinions in the comment box.
Mark Dalio
Mark is a tech-obsessed serial entrepreneur who also enjoys reading and writing. He has a strong urge to keep learning and talking about technology, which led him to become an author. Mark has co-founded two successful startups, one of which was acquired in 2018.
