The Best Short Throw Projector For Your Home
Short-throw projectors have been revolutionary in the world of professional presentations due to their ability to eliminate issues like shadows, light on the face of a presenter, and the need for more space between the screen and the projector. Whether you’re a movie fanatic, a hardcore gamer, or an educator, there is a short-throw projector for every function and price point.
With so many options on the market, finding the best option for your requirements can be time-consuming and frustrating. Luckily, we’ve simplified the task for you by putting together reviews of the top models and best-sellers to help you find the right one for you. Read on for more details.
1- ViewSonic PJD5155 3300 Lumens SVGA HDMI Projector
You don’t have to settle for a cheap projector when you can buy the ViewSonic PJD5155 that is easy on your pocket. It also comes with enough features to make you smile.
This SVGA projector gives you a top resolution of 800 x 600 for high-definition viewing. It produces 3300 lumens of powerful brightness and has a contrast ratio of 20000:1 for images that come alive. The Super-Color Technology produces brilliant colors for a superior image quality. This projector also comes inbuilt with great sound capabilities for quality sound that matches the videos.
Its compact design not only makes it good-looking but also easy to install in tight spaces. Its brilliant design also features a hood at the back to hide or organize cables. There is also a top door for easy maintenance and replacement of the lamp.
With an HDMI port, 2 VGA ports, VGA composite RCA, S-video and mini-USB ports there are enough provisions for connectivity. This projector is compatible with both Mac and windows operating systems. Connect it to everything from Blu-ray players to DVD players to Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and more.
It is easy to install this projector as it comes with everything you need in the box and the ViewSonic Wizard CD gets you started with the set-up in no time.
This projector is backed by a 3-year limited warranty on parts and labor. The lamp comes with a 1-year warranty.
2- Epson VS240 SVGA 3LCD Projector
The Epson VS240 gives cheap short throw projectors a run for their money as it comes with an unbelievable price tag and great features to give you the best short throw projector under $300.
With a high SVGA resolution of 800 x 600, you will love what you see on your screen. Its 3LCD, 3 chip technology gives you 3 times more brightness and 3 times more vivid colors than standard DLP projectors. It comes with two brightness settings of 3000 lumens each for colors and well-lit rooms.
The lamps have a life of 10000 hours and therefore does not require you to change lamps frequently. You can go on for years together without having to worry about a replacement. The sleep mode lets you turn off the light without turning off the projector thereby saving energy and the lamp’s life.
HDMI connectivity allows you to connect your projector to a variety of devices from laptops to Blu-ray players and more for high-definition viewing.
The set-up is quick and intuitive requiring no drilling or professional installation. As the projector is light and compact, you can easily move it around in your room or even take it with you on the go for business presentations and meetings.
This projector is also environmentally safe as it is RoHS compliant and recyclable. You will also instantly fall in love with its great looks.
3- ASUS S1 Short-Throw LED Pocket Projector
The saying ‘All good things come in small packages’ can be used to best describe the Asus S1 short throw projector. It packs a ton of features and comes at an extremely pocket-friendly price to giving you more reasons to buy it.
The ASUS S1 is a truly portable projector as it comes with a 6000 mAh battery power bank to let you use your projector anywhere and everywhere. This power bank can also be used to charge your mobile devices.
With a screen resolution of 854 x 480 and a brightness of 200 Lumens this projector lets you enjoy your favorite videos in crystal clarity and rich colors. With a short throw ratio of 1; 1, you can achieve a screen size of up to 100 inches just a few meters away from the projector. It gives a 41-inch display from just a meter away. It has powerful inbuilt SonicMaster speakers for high-quality sound reproduction.
The LED lamp has whopping 30000 hours for a complete peace of mind. You can forget replacing your LED lamp for years together.
It is extremely compact weighing only 0.75 pounds and easy to carry with you wherever you go. But it is also very sturdy as it comes with a durable aluminum housing to protect it from external damage.
Connect your projector to other devices using the HDMI/MHL ports and enjoy mobile projection in this palm-sized device.
4- ViewSonic PJD7828HDL 3200 Lumens 1080p HDMI Home Theater Projector
If you are looking for an affordable short throw projector, then the ViewSonic PJD7828HDL might be a good choice for you.
This projector gives you a top resolution of 1920 x 1080 for a superior high-definition viewing. It gives a powerful 3200 lumens of brightness that brings out true colors of your images and videos. Adding to the above is a high contrast ratio of 22000:1 for sharper and eye-catching visuals. This projector can be used for everything from gaming to movies to business presentations and more.
Don’t worry about connecting your projector to an audio system as it uses the SonicExpert technology to produce clear and quality sound using the inbuilt 10W speakers. Use the Port-All, a discrete connection interface for connecting to devices using an HDMI cable.
No matter how bright your space is, you will still be able to enjoy great video quality as it uses SuperColor technology for accurate color reproduction. The lamp lasts a good 10000 hours and the Eco-mode uses a lower setting to further improve the life of the lamp.
This projector is very compact and hence won’t take up too much space. It is also very lightweight making it easy to move around or even take with you on the go for business purposes.
It comes with a 3-year limited warranty on parts and labor. The lamp comes with a 1-year warranty.
5- Optoma GT1080 1080p 3D DLP Short Throw Gaming Projector
The Optoma GT1080 will be perfect for you if you are a hardcore gamer. This is because this projector has features that have been specifically made to give you great gaming experience.
You can enjoy your games in high-definition thanks to its 1080p lens which is a must for the latest games. And because it is a short-throw projector, you can achieve a 100” image in as little as a meter’s distance.
The projector’s dynamic black technology is capable of a 25000:1 contrast ratio for accurate reproduction of colors. These colors are further enhanced with the powerful 2800 ANSI lumens for the best in brightness. Brilliant color technology produces vivid colors that look natural and is easy on your eyes. But the best part that you will love is the very short lag time that is very important for gameplay.
There are two in-built speakers for out of the box use. You can also make use of the 2 HDMI input cables to stream media from your smartphone or tablet. In addition to high-definition, you can also enjoy 3D content when connected to a 3D source. What’s even better, as the projector can accept a higher frame rate of 24fps, you can enjoy movies at true cinema-quality.
This projector comes with a 1-year limited warranty on parts and labor. The lamp comes with a 90-day warranty.
6- LG Electronics PF1000U Ultra Short Throw Smart Home Theater Projector
If you want nothing but only the best short throw projector that ticks all the boxes, then the PG1000U from LG electronics might be the right one for you.
With a throw distance of only 5 inches and a screen size of 60 inches, it truly lives up to its name as a short-throw projector. If you want a bigger picture then you can move it further away for a screen size of up to 100 inches.
This projector brings the cinema home with its 1080p resolution, 1000 lumens brightness, and an excellent contrast ratio of 150000:1.
The LED lamp not only fills your screen with vivid colors but will also last you a good 30000 hours which translates into 10 years if used for an average of 8 hours every day. Frequent lamp changes will become a thing of the past.
Use the projector like your smart TV as you can access Netflix, Vudu, and other such content. With the PF1000U you can also cast content from your smartphone over Wi-Fi and stream the sound using Bluetooth speakers or home audio systems for a true cinema-like experience.
You can also connect a number of devices such as laptops, Blu-ray players, game consoles, and more using the HDMI port.
This projector may be more expensive than other models but it chock full of features making it worth your every penny.
7- BenQ W1080ST 1080p 3D Short Throw DLP Home Theater Projector
The BenQ W1080ST lets you enjoy the cinema-like experience even in tight spaces with its short-throw capabilities.
It has an output resolution of 1080p for a true cinematic experience. It is further enhanced by the powerful 2000 ANSI lumens of brightness and a high contrast ratio of 1000:1. So whether it is playing video games or watching movies you will enjoy high-definition at its best.
It gives you a screen size of 65” just from 1m away. So you can have the projector close to the wall and forget screen obstruction forever. This projector also supports 3D content in full 1080p resolution taking your viewing to the next level.
The EcoBlank mode improves the life of your lamp by reducing the power usage by 70% during inactivity. BenQ’s SmartEco technology gives you the Smart Eco mode where the lamp power adjusts itself to reduce the amount of light required. These features, in turn, help you save up on energy costs as well as improve the life of your lamp.
Setting up the projector is easy as it has built-in speakers to get you started right out of the box. Simply connect the projector to a power source and a video source to get started in no time.
This projector is ISFccc certified and helps you to customize and calibrate the projector according to your room size and light conditions.
8- Optoma W303ST Full 3D WXGA 3000 Lumen DLP Short Throw Projector
Don’t let the price of the Optimo W303ST fool you into thinking that it is a mid-range short throw projector. You will be amazed at its features that are comparable to more expensive projectors.
It comes with WXGA resolution and 3000 ANSI Lumens of brightness for the ultimate viewing experience. You can get a large 68” image from a distance of only 68 cm away. When you move it further to a distance of 1 meter you can get an even larger image of 100”. A high contrast ratio of 18000: 1 gives sharper and clear visuals.
Connect the projector to various devices using multiple input options. What’s even better, you can even project 3D content or stream videos wirelessly from your smartphone or PC as it is Wi-Fi enabled.
Use the energy-saving mode to reduce energy usage by up to 70%. This not only saves you energy but also improves the life of the lamp giving you more cost savings in the long run. In addition to this, the projector also has an auto power-off feature that is activated after a set period of inactivity. But don’t worry as its quick resume feature allows you to instantly turn on the projector.
The lamp has a life of 10000 hours giving you freedom from frequent lamp changes. It comes with a 1-year warranty while the projector is backed by a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.
9- NEC Display Solutions NP-UM351W Ultra Short Throw Projector
The NP-UM351W-WK from the house of NEC is an advanced short throw projector that has versatility as its middle name. It incorporates a number of technologies and comes with its wall mount kit for a complete solution for all your projection needs. This projector is ideal for use in schools and for businesses.
The NP-UM351W-WK has a native resolution of 1280 x 800 and 3500 lumens of powerful brightness. It has a powerful 20W speaker built-in for great sound. The auto power on feature gives you a true plug and play experience.
There is not one but two HDMI ports for simultaneously connecting to more than one high-definition source. But if you don’t want cables everywhere, then you can enjoy wireless convenience with the wireless LAN option to wirelessly stream data from your computer.
The Eco mode improves lamp life in addition to reducing noise and giving you cost savings in the long run. The projector can be placed on a flat surface such as a table. But for a permanent and obstruction-free installation, the kit comes with a wall mount. The best part is that with this wall mount it can be fixed on the same wall where the image is projected but just above the place where you want your image.
This projector is backed by a limited 2-year warranty and a 1-year warranty lamp warranty.
10- Philips HDP1690 Screeneo Projector
The HDP1690 Screeneo comes from the house of Philips which has years of experience in making quality electronics for both home and commercial use.
This short-throw projector is capable of producing image sizes from 50” to 100” when placed just a few centimeters from the projection surface. If you are used to traditional projectors this short distance will surely make your eyes go wide with disbelief.
It employs ProGleam engine and Natural Color technology for vibrant colors and sharper images. Watch movies, play games, and much more from the comfort of your home with cinema-like quality.
The projector does not need to be connected to any audio system as it comes with its own sophisticated inbuilt audio system. This includes 2 loudspeakers and a subwoofer with a total of 26W output for a powerful and quality sound.
It comes with enough input options to connect the projector to various video sources. Connect everything from blu-ray players to set-top boxes to gaming consoles using the HDMI input for high-definition.
But if you do not want a messy wired set-up, then you can also use the Wi-Fi feature to directly stream your favorite music or videos using DLNA or Bluetooth. With the Miracast feature, you can instantly mirror your smartphone or smart devices on to the big screen.
It is so compact and good-looking that you can carry it with you wherever you go and will blend into any space.
11- iCodis CB-800 Short Throw Projector
The iCodis CB-800 is another affordable short-throw projector that we will review. Enjoy all your favorite movies on a large screen to bring a true cinema-like experience to your home.
It is a DLP (Digital Light Processing) projector that gives you screen sizes from 120 inches to 300 inches without requiring too much space between the screen and the projector. Therefore, it is ideal for home theatre setups with limited space or even for business purposes for use inside small conference rooms.
With a top resolution of 1280 x 800, you can view videos in high-definition. The LED light projects 800 ANSI lumens of powerful light for vibrant images. It also comes with a 3D playback which is a great feature for its price point.
This projector is compatible with Android OS to give you a complete computer-free projection. No need to connect your laptop with an HDMI cable and then your laptop to a power source. You can directly access various apps and stream videos directly using Android OS. It comes with multiple input options to ensure that you never run out of options to connect your projector to various devices.
Use the HDMI port for games or Wi-Fi to cast videos and images from your smart devices. It even comes with a microSD card slot giving you more options to choose from.
All in all, a great projector with high features to price ratio.
How To Choose The Best Short Throw Projector?
Use our quick guide below to help you choose the right short throw projector for your needs.
Resolution
Resolution refers to the quality of image or video projected on to the screen. For high definition viewing, look for a projector with a resolution of at least 800 x 600 p.
Throw ratio
It is the distance between the screen and the projector divided by the width of the image. A low throw ratio means that you can place the projector very close to the screen and still get a large image. Short throw projectors come with a small throw ratio of 0.38 or lesser allowing you to use your projector even in tight offices or home spaces.
Lumens
The amount of brightness that your projector transmits to the image is measured in Lumens. Look for 3000 Lumens or more brightness in your projector if you want quality images and videos. Brightness also makes the colors come to life.
Contrast ratio
This is the ratio between the brightest and the darkest areas produced by your projector. As a general rule of thumb, a higher contrast ratio translates in vibrant colors and sharper picture quality.
Connectivity
Your projector should come with enough connectivity options such as HDMI ports, USB ports, VGA ports, etc. to give you enough options to connect your projector to various devices. You should also be able to connect to the internet via Wi-Fi or cast videos and images from smart devices especially if you are going to use the projector in a home set-up.
Lamp hours
Modern short throw projectors come with LED lamps that easily last more than 10000 hours. Choose projectors with long-lasting lamps so that you can forget about frequent lamp replacements and the costs associated with it.
Easy to install
The projector should be easy to install and come with instructions for quick and easy set-up. Many short-throw projectors give you a true plug and play convenience requiring you to only connect it to power and a video source.
Finally, read other reviews once you have decided on a product to ensure that you make a wise purchase. You can also get recommendations from friends or family to help you make the right choice.
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