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10 Best Short Throw Projectors 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

WEMAX Nova 4K UHD Ultra Short Throw Projector, 150" ALPD Laser TV with Smart Android TV, HDR10 Home Theater, Dolby Audio DTS-HD, UST Projector for Movie, WiFi Bluetooth, Built in Google Assistant

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,479
Brightness
Contrast Ratio
Keystone Correction

Most important from
382 reviews

Brightness
The Nova's colors pop and brightness is impressive, making it a better buy compared to more expensive models.
Contrast Ratio
Image quality is excellent, with vibrant colors, good contrast, and a crisp, sharp picture.
Keystone Correction
The setup process is very easy, with a guided setup that helps fine-tune the picture using keystone correction.

The WEMAX Nova 4K UHD Ultra Short Throw Projector is designed to transform your home into a high-quality cinema experience. It boasts a 4K UHD resolution, offering four times the resolution of standard Full HD, ensuring sharp and vibrant visuals. The ALPD 3.0 and TI DLP technology further enhance its picture quality by expanding the color gamut and improving detail clarity. The projector's brightness is rated at 1300 ANSI lumens, which should suffice for most home settings, though it might struggle in very bright rooms.

The projector can project images up to 150 inches, making it versatile for various room sizes. The 8-point keystone correction allows for precise image alignment, which is crucial for maintaining image quality on large screens. Connectivity is robust with options for both wireless (WiFi, Bluetooth) and wired (HDMI, USB) connections, enabling easy integration with various devices. Integrated Android TV allows access to a wide range of streaming apps, though Netflix usage requires a workaround.

The built-in 30W Dolby Audio DTS-HD speakers provide good sound quality, but audiophiles might prefer connecting their sound systems via HDMI for a superior audio experience. Weighing 16 pounds and with a compact design, it is relatively easy to set up. The WEMAX Nova is a strong contender in the short-throw projector category, suitable for home cinema enthusiasts who value high resolution, smart features, and flexible connectivity options, though it may require some adjustments for optimal performance in very bright environments.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,479
Brightness
Contrast Ratio
Keystone Correction

Most important from
382 reviews

Brightness
The Nova's colors pop and brightness is impressive, making it a better buy compared to more expensive models.
Contrast Ratio
Image quality is excellent, with vibrant colors, good contrast, and a crisp, sharp picture.
Keystone Correction
The setup process is very easy, with a guided setup that helps fine-tune the picture using keystone correction.
#2

XGIMI AURA Series UST Laser Projector, Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, 1,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio, 0.177:1 Throw Ratio, Harman Kardon, 2300 Lumens AURA 2 ATV White

Rating
9.4
Throw Ratio
Resolution
Brightness

Most important from
145 reviews

Throw Ratio
The ultra-short throw ratio allows placement just inches from the wall, making it ideal for small spaces without sacrificing image size or clarity.
Resolution
Delivers the highest quality ultra short throw projection at an affordable price point, outperforming competitors in brightness, footprint, and quietness.
Brightness
Delivers the highest quality ultra short throw projection at an affordable price point, outperforming competitors in brightness, footprint, and quietness.
Connectivity
Runs on Android TV with fast startup times and smooth, user-friendly software that supports WiFi 6 connectivity.
Keystone Correction
Automatic keystone correction and autofocus simplify setup and maintain perfect image alignment even if the projector or furniture moves slightly.

The XGIMI AURA 2 is a strong choice if you're looking for a short-throw projector mainly for home cinema use. Its ultra-short throw ratio of 0.177:1 means you can place it very close to your wall—just under 18 cm—and still get a large 100-inch image, which is great for small rooms or limited space. The 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) delivers sharp and detailed pictures, ideal for movie enthusiasts who want clear visuals.

Brightness is rated at 2300 ISO lumens, which should be sufficient for dim to moderately lit rooms, ensuring vibrant colors and clear images. The extremely high dynamic contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 helps produce deep blacks and bright highlights, enhancing image depth. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HDMI, allowing easy connection to various devices like streaming sticks, gaming consoles, or sound systems.

The projector includes advanced keystone correction and focus adjustments through its Intelligent Screen Adaption 5.0 technology, simplifying setup and keeping the image perfectly aligned even if the projector isn't placed exactly level. Built-in Harman Kardon speakers and support for Dolby Atmos add to an immersive sound experience right out of the box. At nearly 20 pounds, it's somewhat heavy for a portable setup, and the brightness might fall short in very bright rooms. The XGIMI AURA 2 offers impressive image quality, excellent short-throw capability, and smart features that simplify use, making it a great fit for those wanting a high-end home cinema experience without complicated setup or large space requirements.

Rating
9.4
Throw Ratio
Resolution
Brightness

Most important from
145 reviews

Throw Ratio
The ultra-short throw ratio allows placement just inches from the wall, making it ideal for small spaces without sacrificing image size or clarity.
Resolution
Delivers the highest quality ultra short throw projection at an affordable price point, outperforming competitors in brightness, footprint, and quietness.
Brightness
Delivers the highest quality ultra short throw projection at an affordable price point, outperforming competitors in brightness, footprint, and quietness.
Connectivity
Runs on Android TV with fast startup times and smooth, user-friendly software that supports WiFi 6 connectivity.
Keystone Correction
Automatic keystone correction and autofocus simplify setup and maintain perfect image alignment even if the projector or furniture moves slightly.
#3

BenQ TK710STi 4K HDR Laser 3200 Lumens Movie and Gaming Short Throw Projector with 4ms Response Time | 240Hz Refresh Rate | HDR10 & HLG | Android TV with Netflix Chromecast & AirPlay | 3D Keystone

Rating
9.4
Resolution
Brightness
Contrast Ratio

Most important from
370 reviews

Resolution
The TK710STi offers a noticeable upgrade in image quality over 1080p projectors, delivering a sharp 4K resolution where individual pixels are hard to see even on a 150" screen.
Brightness
The projector's high brightness ensures vibrant images even in moderately lit rooms, and eco mode helps reduce fan noise while maintaining good brightness.
Contrast Ratio
HDR capabilities and a significantly higher contrast ratio enhance gaming and movie experiences, presenting deep blacks without noticeable banding.

The BenQ TK710STi is a versatile short-throw projector well-suited for both movies and gaming. With a 4K resolution (3840 x 2160), it delivers stunning visuals, making it perfect for a home theater setup. Its brightness of 3200 ANSI lumens ensures clear and vibrant images even in well-lit rooms. Coupled with the HDR10 & HLG support, it promises rich and dynamic picture quality.

Gamers will particularly appreciate the low latency and quick response time of 4ms at 1080p with a 240Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth and immersive gaming experience. Connectivity is robust with HDMI, Wi-Fi, and built-in Chromecast & AirPlay, offering multiple ways to stream content conveniently. The 3D Keystone correction feature allows for flexible installation, ensuring a properly aligned image even in tricky setups.

The laser light source is durable and offers superior color saturation, reducing the need for frequent replacements and maintenance. On the downside, the projector weighs 8.8 pounds and is quite sizable (16 x 13.3 x 6.7 inches), which might be a consideration for users with limited space. Also, while it includes built-in speakers, dedicated external audio systems may be needed for a more immersive sound experience.

Rating
9.4
Resolution
Brightness
Contrast Ratio

Most important from
370 reviews

Resolution
The TK710STi offers a noticeable upgrade in image quality over 1080p projectors, delivering a sharp 4K resolution where individual pixels are hard to see even on a 150" screen.
Brightness
The projector's high brightness ensures vibrant images even in moderately lit rooms, and eco mode helps reduce fan noise while maintaining good brightness.
Contrast Ratio
HDR capabilities and a significantly higher contrast ratio enhance gaming and movie experiences, presenting deep blacks without noticeable banding.

Buying Guide for the Best Short Throw Projectors

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 and usability.
Throw RatioThe throw ratio is the distance between the projector and the screen divided by the width of the projected image. This spec is crucial because it determines how close you can place the projector to the screen while still achieving the desired image size. Short-throw projectors typically have a throw ratio between 0.4:1 and 1.0:1. If you have limited space, look for a lower throw ratio, which allows you to place the projector closer to the screen. Consider your room size and how far you can place the projector from the screen to choose the right throw ratio for your setup.
ResolutionResolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the projected image, usually described as width x height (e.g., 1920x1080 for Full HD). Higher resolution means more detail and clarity. Common resolutions for short-throw projectors include 720p (HD), 1080p (Full HD), and 4K (Ultra HD). If you plan to use the projector for movies, gaming, or detailed presentations, a higher resolution like 1080p or 4K is recommended. For basic presentations or educational purposes, 720p may suffice.
BrightnessBrightness is measured in lumens and indicates how bright the projected image will be. This is important because it affects visibility, especially in well-lit rooms. Short-throw projectors typically range from 1,000 to 3,000 lumens. For dark or dimly lit rooms, 1,000 to 2,000 lumens may be adequate. For rooms with more ambient light, look for a projector with 2,500 lumens or more to ensure a clear and vibrant image.
Contrast RatioThe contrast ratio measures the difference between the darkest and brightest parts of the image. A higher contrast ratio means deeper blacks and more vibrant colors, which enhances image quality. Short-throw projectors often have contrast ratios ranging from 1,000:1 to 100,000:1. For home theater use, a higher contrast ratio is preferable to achieve better picture quality. For business or educational use, a moderate contrast ratio may be sufficient.
ConnectivityConnectivity options determine how you can connect your projector to other devices. Common inputs include HDMI, USB, VGA, and wireless options like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This spec is important because it affects the ease of setup and compatibility with your devices. If you plan to connect multiple devices, look for a projector with multiple HDMI ports and wireless connectivity. For simpler setups, a single HDMI port may be enough.
Keystone CorrectionKeystone correction allows you to adjust the image to be perfectly rectangular, even if the projector is not perfectly aligned with the screen. This is important for achieving a professional-looking image without distortion. Short-throw projectors often offer both vertical and horizontal keystone correction. If you anticipate placing the projector at an angle or off-center, look for a model with comprehensive keystone correction features to ensure a clear and properly aligned image.
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. Short-throw projectors typically have lamp lives ranging from 3,000 to 20,000 hours. If you plan to use the projector frequently, look for a model with a longer lamp life to reduce the need for replacements. For occasional use, a shorter lamp life may be acceptable.

FAQ