10 Best Short Throw Projectors

The Epson EH-LS500B Android TV Edition is a solid choice for a home cinema short-throw projector. It boasts a 4K PRO-UHD resolution, which means you get very clear and detailed images, enhancing your viewing experience significantly. The brightness of 4000 lumens ensures that your content remains vivid and clear, even in well-lit rooms, which is particularly useful for daytime viewing or in rooms with windows.

One of the standout features is its ultra-short throw capability, allowing you to place it very close to your display area (65-130 inches) while still getting a large, immersive image. This is ideal if you have limited space. The Android TV integration provides easy access to streaming services, games, and apps, making it versatile for various entertainment needs. Connectivity includes three HDMI inputs and Bluetooth, letting you connect multiple devices like a sound system, gaming console, or additional streaming devices.

However, at 9.3 kg, it is on the heavier side, so it's not very portable. The built-in Wi-Fi is a nice touch, facilitating easy setup without extra cables. Durability is another plus with a laser light source rated for up to 20,000 hours in Eco mode, likely giving you years of daily use without needing a replacement. One minor drawback could be the price, but the high specs and features make it highly suited for users seeking a high-quality home cinema experience with minimal space requirements.

The BenQ TK700STi stands out in the short-throw projector category, especially for gaming and home entertainment purposes. With a throw ratio capable of projecting a 100-inch image from just 6.5 feet away, it’s ideal for small spaces. Its high resolution, delivering 4K HDR visuals, ensures sharp and vibrant images, complemented by the bright 3000 ANSI Lumens output which should perform well even in moderately lit rooms. The 96% Rec. 709 color accuracy enhances the cinematic experience with lifelike colors. For gaming enthusiasts, the projector's low input lag is impressive, offering 16ms at 4K/60Hz and as low as 4ms at 1080p/240Hz, making it well-suited for fast-paced games on all major consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X.

Connectivity is robust with HDMI 2.0b support and eARC, ensuring excellent audio and video quality transmission. The inclusion of Google-certified Android TV provides access to a wide range of apps, making the TK700STi versatile beyond gaming, also serving as a hub for streaming content. While the 1.2x zoom and keystone corrections make setup flexible, users seeking more extensive lens shift options might find it slightly limited.

The BenQ TK700STi is a compelling choice for those who want a high-quality projection experience in small to medium spaces, balancing high-performance gaming needs with everyday viewing.

The ViewSonic X2000B-4K is a strong choice if you're looking for a short-throw projector that fits well in a home entertainment setup. It offers true 4K UHD resolution, delivering sharp and detailed images that bring movies and games to life with vibrant colors thanks to its Cinema SuperColor Technology. Its ultra-short throw design means you can place it just about 23 cm from the wall and still get a large 100-inch picture, which is great if space is limited.

Brightness at 2,000 ANSI lumens is suitable for darker rooms or controlled lighting, though it might struggle in bright daylight conditions. HDR support helps provide depth and color dynamics. Connectivity options are versatile, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless streaming and audio connections, plus USB and HDMI ports for plugging in various devices. A nice bonus is the built-in Harman Kardon speakers with Dolby and DTS support, giving you richer sound without needing external speakers. The projector also supports easy image adjustments with corner and point corrections to fit uneven surfaces.

One possible downside is that at 6.8 kg and with its size, it’s not very portable and is designed more as a stationary home cinema device. Additionally, the 2,000 lumens brightness is average for projectors and may require dimmer environments for the best picture quality. If you want a high-resolution, compact, and smart short-throw projector mainly for watching movies or casual gaming in a dim room, the ViewSonic X2000B-4K is a solid pick.