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10 Best Cheap Short Throw Projector 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

EPSON PowerLite 810E Ultra Short-throw Laser Projector, Wifi Miracast, 5000 Lume

The EPSON PowerLite 810E Ultra Short-throw Laser Projector is a solid choice for those looking to set up a home cinema without needing a lot of space. With a resolution of 1920 x 1080, it delivers sharp and clear images, making it suitable for movie nights and presentations alike. Its impressive brightness of 5000 lumens ensures that it performs well even in moderately lit rooms, which is a significant strength for users wanting versatility in lighting conditions.

One of the standout features is its ultra-short throw capability. This allows you to project large images from a very close distance, which is ideal for those with limited wall space. Additionally, the projector includes connectivity options such as HDMI, and the WiFi Miracast feature enhances its usability by allowing wireless streaming from compatible devices.

However, the product does have some drawbacks. At 30.5 pounds, it's relatively heavy, which may hinder portability for users who desire a more lightweight option for traveling or moving it around the house. The item dimensions also suggest that it may occupy substantial space during setup. In terms of lamp life, it’s important to verify how often the lamp will need replacement as that can add to long-term costs. The keystone correction feature is beneficial for adjusting the image depending on the projector's placement, but if you're looking for more advanced adjustment capabilities, you might want to compare with other models. The EPSON PowerLite 810E is well-suited for home cinema enthusiasts looking for a powerful and space-efficient short-throw projector but may not be ideal for those needing a highly portable or budget-friendly option.

#2

Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 Ultra Short Throw 3-Chip 3LCD Smart Streaming Laser Projector, 4,000 Lumens, 4K PRO-UHD, HDR, 150", Android TV, 2.1ch Yamaha Built-in Speakers - White

Rating
9.8
Brightness (Lumens)
Resolution
Contrast Ratio

Most important from
73 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
The projector performs beautifully even in bright sunlight, delivering vibrant and sharp visuals.
Resolution
Absolutely stunning device! You can't even tell it's a projected image when paired with a UST ALR screen; it looks like a giant LCD TV.
Contrast Ratio
This projector is fantastic with great color, amazing blacks and whites, and keeps up with gaming with no trouble.
Keystone Correction
Square alignment is possible but can be time-consuming due to the sensitivity of minor adjustments.

The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 is a feature-packed ultra short throw projector that excels in several key areas. With a 4,000-lumen brightness, it projects a vibrant image even in well-lit rooms, making it suitable for various environments. The 4K PRO-UHD resolution ensures sharp and detailed visuals, and the 10-bit HDR processing enhances the color accuracy and depth, delivering an impressive viewing experience for movies, sports, and gaming on a large screen up to 150 inches.

Its ultra short throw design allows for hassle-free placement near the projection surface, saving space and reducing setup complexity. The projector offers robust connectivity options, including three HDMI ports, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB, making it compatible with a wide range of devices. The built-in 2.1ch Yamaha sound system provides quality audio, negating the need for external speakers for most uses.

While the LS800 boasts impressive features, it may not fully align with the 'cheap' category due to its advanced technology and higher price point. Additionally, its size and weight (27.6 pounds) could be cumbersome for frequent relocation. Users looking for a high-quality, immersive viewing experience in a stationary setup will find this projector very appealing, but those prioritizing budget-friendly options might need to look elsewhere.

Rating
9.8
Brightness (Lumens)
Resolution
Contrast Ratio

Most important from
73 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
The projector performs beautifully even in bright sunlight, delivering vibrant and sharp visuals.
Resolution
Absolutely stunning device! You can't even tell it's a projected image when paired with a UST ALR screen; it looks like a giant LCD TV.
Contrast Ratio
This projector is fantastic with great color, amazing blacks and whites, and keeps up with gaming with no trouble.
Keystone Correction
Square alignment is possible but can be time-consuming due to the sensitivity of minor adjustments.
#3

LG HU85LA 120” 4K UHD Resolution (3840 x 2160) Laser Smart Home Theater CineBeam Ultra Short Throw Projector, 2700 ANSI Lumen, Smart TV enabled, Alexa Built-in, HDR10, with Magic Remote - White

Rating
9.8
Throw Ratio
Brightness (Lumens)
Contrast Ratio

Most important from
121 reviews

Throw Ratio
Installation can be tricky due to the sensitivity of the ultra-short throw to screen quality and flatness. Even minor changes in temperature can affect image size.
Brightness (Lumens)
The HU85LA's colors really pop, thanks to its three laser lights, and it's slightly brighter than previous models.
Contrast Ratio
Dark scenes can lose detail, particularly with Dynamic Tone Mapping turned on, making some scenes harder to watch compared to OLED screens.
Keystone Correction
The edge adjustment can be cumbersome, requiring precise manual adjustments, which can be frustrating if needed frequently.

The LG HU85LA Ultra Short Throw projector is designed to deliver an impressive home cinema experience with its 4K UHD resolution and up to 2700 ANSI lumens brightness, making it suitable for various lighting conditions. Its ultra-short throw capability allows you to project a 120-inch screen from just 7.2 inches away, which is perfect for small spaces where traditional projectors might be challenging to use.

One of its major strengths is the inclusion of smart features, such as LG's webOS Lite which allows access to popular streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime directly from the projector. The projector also supports HDR10, enhancing the color and contrast for a more vibrant picture. The built-in Alexa and LG ThinQ AI enable voice recognition and smart home connectivity, adding convenience for users who enjoy a tech-savvy environment.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. While the projector offers a high resolution and decent brightness, it may not be the most affordable option in the cheap short-throw projector category. Additionally, weighing in at 26.9 pounds, it's relatively heavy compared to other projectors, which may limit portability. The keystone correction feature, while useful, may not fully cater to every setup, potentially impacting image quality if not positioned perfectly.

Rating
9.8
Throw Ratio
Brightness (Lumens)
Contrast Ratio

Most important from
121 reviews

Throw Ratio
Installation can be tricky due to the sensitivity of the ultra-short throw to screen quality and flatness. Even minor changes in temperature can affect image size.
Brightness (Lumens)
The HU85LA's colors really pop, thanks to its three laser lights, and it's slightly brighter than previous models.
Contrast Ratio
Dark scenes can lose detail, particularly with Dynamic Tone Mapping turned on, making some scenes harder to watch compared to OLED screens.
Keystone Correction
The edge adjustment can be cumbersome, requiring precise manual adjustments, which can be frustrating if needed frequently.

Buying Guide for the Best Cheap Short Throw Projector

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. Here are the main specs to consider and how to navigate them.
Throw RatioThe throw ratio is the distance between the projector and the screen divided by the width of the image. This spec is crucial because it determines how close you can place the projector to the screen while still getting a large image. Short-throw projectors typically have a throw ratio of less than 1:1. For example, a throw ratio of 0.5:1 means you can place the projector 0.5 feet away from the screen for every foot of image width. If you have a small room, look for a lower throw ratio to maximize your screen size without needing a lot of space.
Brightness (Lumens)Brightness, measured in lumens, indicates how much light the projector can produce. This is important because it affects how well the image can be seen in different lighting conditions. For a dimly lit room, a projector with 1,500 to 2,500 lumens may suffice. For rooms with more ambient light, you might need 3,000 lumens or more. Consider where you will be using the projector and choose a brightness level that ensures a clear, vibrant image in that environment.
ResolutionResolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the image, typically expressed as width x height (e.g., 1920x1080 for Full HD). Higher resolution means more detail and sharper images. For general use, a resolution of 720p (1280x720) may be adequate, but for a more detailed and immersive experience, especially for movies or gaming, 1080p (Full HD) or even 4K (3840x2160) is preferable. Consider what you will be projecting and choose a resolution that meets your quality expectations.
Contrast RatioThe contrast ratio measures the difference between the darkest and brightest parts of an image. A higher contrast ratio means deeper blacks and more vibrant colors, which is important for image quality. A contrast ratio of at least 10,000:1 is good for most uses, but if you want the best possible picture quality, look for projectors with higher contrast ratios. Think about the type of content you will be viewing and how important image depth and color accuracy are to you.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect your projector to other devices. Common connections include HDMI, USB, VGA, and wireless options like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. HDMI is essential for high-definition video and audio, while USB can be useful for direct media playback. Wireless connectivity allows for easier setup and streaming from mobile devices. Consider what devices you will be connecting to your projector and ensure it has the necessary ports and wireless capabilities.
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. A lamp life of 5,000 hours or more is typical for modern projectors. If you plan to use the projector frequently, look for models with longer lamp life to reduce the need for replacements. Consider how often you will use the projector and choose a lamp life that aligns with your usage patterns.
Built-in SpeakersBuilt-in speakers can be convenient if you don't want to set up an external sound system. However, the sound quality of built-in speakers can vary. For casual use, built-in speakers might be sufficient, but for a more immersive audio experience, you might want to connect external speakers or a sound system. Think about your audio needs and whether the convenience of built-in speakers outweighs the potential benefits of better sound quality from external speakers.

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