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10 Best Cheap Short Throw Projector 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

BenQ X500i | True 4K Gaming Console Projector Short Throw | 4ms Response Time | Auto Game Mode | Xbox, PS5, Switch | Supports eARC and S/PDF | FPS Crosshair | 5Wx2 Speaker | UHD HDR 4LED | 2200 Lumens

The BenQ X500i stands out as a solid option for those looking for a cheap short-throw projector, especially catering to gamers. It offers a true 4K resolution (3840 x 2160), ensuring sharp and vibrant visuals. The short throw ratio of 0.69~0.83 is excellent for projecting large images in smaller rooms, making it ideal for bedroom setups or compact spaces. With a brightness of 2200 lumens, it performs well in dimly lit environments, though it might struggle in very bright rooms.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,400
Throw Ratio
Brightness (Lumens)
Resolution

Most important from
25 reviews

Throw Ratio
Displaying the projector image on a 150" screen from 8ft 3 inches away, the picture quality is impressive right out of the box.
Brightness (Lumens)
Despite extensive research, the picture quality in low ambient light and dark rooms can be disappointing, appearing washed out and uneven.
Resolution
4K HDR movies look incredible, delivering a highly satisfying home theater experience.
Lamp Life
The 4LED technology offers a great picture quality and no bulb replacement, capable of lasting up to 30,000 hours.
#2
9.8 score

Optoma ZH406ST Short Throw Full HD Professional Laser Projector | DuraCore Laser Technology | High Bright 4200 lumens | 4K HDR Input | Four Corner Image Adjustment | Network Compatible

The Optoma ZH406ST is a well-built short-throw projector that delivers a crisp Full HD 1080p resolution with excellent brightness at 4200 lumens, making it suitable for environments with some ambient light, like classrooms or offices. Its throw ratio allows for a large 120-inch image from just over 4 feet away, which is great if you have limited space but still want a big display. The contrast ratio is very strong at 300,000:1, so you'll see good detail in darker scenes. One of the biggest advantages is the durable DuraCore laser light source, which lasts up to 30,000 hours without needing lamp replacements, saving you maintenance costs over time. The projector also supports 4K HDR input, enhancing image quality for compatible content, though its native resolution is 1080p.

Rating
9.8
Brightness (Lumens)
Resolution
Contrast Ratio

Most important from
85 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
The projector delivers bright, clear images even with lights on, making it perfect for large venues and well-lit rooms.
Resolution
4K content is displayed beautifully, with picture quality so impressive it rivals native 4K projectors.
Contrast Ratio
The brightness and contrast perform exceptionally well, providing vivid visuals that remain easy to see under ambient lighting.
#3
9.6 score

BenQ TH671ST 1080p Short Throw Gaming Projector | Gaming Mode for Intense Low Input Lag Action | 3000 Lumens for Lights On Entertainment | 3 Year Industry Leading Warranty

The BenQ TH671ST is a short-throw projector that offers excellent features for its price, especially for gaming enthusiasts. With a native 1080p resolution and 3000 lumens brightness, it delivers clear and bright images even in well-lit rooms. The 92% Rec. 709 color accuracy and high contrast ratio contribute to immersive picture quality, making it suitable for both cinematic and gaming experiences.

Rating
9.6
Throw Ratio
Brightness (Lumens)
Resolution

Most important from
815 reviews

Throw Ratio
The short throw capability is excellent, providing a 100-inch screen from just 5 feet away, and minimizing shadow interference even with people standing close to the screen.
Brightness (Lumens)
The BenQ TH671ST delivers an amazing entertainment experience with impressive video quality and brightness, making movies, series, and games look great.
Resolution
The projector's performance on a plain wall is so sharp that it often fools people into thinking there is an actual screen.

Top 10 Best Cheap Short Throw Projector 2025 in the United States

Optoma ZH340ST Compact Short Throw Professional Laser Projector, 3,200 Lumens

Throw Ratio: 120-inch display from 4 feet
Brightness (Lumens): 3,200 lumens
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Connectivity Options: USB, HDMI
Lamp Life: 30,000 hours

Epson PowerLite 810E Ultra Short Throw 3LCD Projector

Throw Ratio: Ultra Short-throw
Brightness (Lumens): 5000
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Connectivity Options: HDMI, WiFi Miracast
Keystone Correction: Yes
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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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