10 Best Cheap Short Throw Projector 2025 in the United States

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.

The ViewSonic X2-4K UHD Short Throw Projector is an excellent choice for those seeking a budget-friendly projector, particularly for gaming and home cinema use. Key features include a high 4K UHD resolution (3840x2160p) and a throw ratio of 0.69-0.83, which means it can project large images from a short distance. This is ideal for small spaces. With a brightness of 2000 lumens, the projector performs well in dimly-lit environments but may struggle in very bright rooms. The 4.2ms response time and 240Hz refresh rate are standout features for gamers, ensuring smooth and responsive gameplay.

The AAXA M8 UST2 stands out as a compact ultra-short throw projector, designed to project a large 100-inch image from just about a foot away, which is impressive for tight spaces. Its 0.2 throw ratio and native Full HD 1080p resolution deliver sharp and vibrant images, thanks to its advanced RGB laser light source that outperforms many LED projectors in color brightness and quality. With 1100 laser lumens, it provides good brightness for dim to moderately lit rooms, but it might struggle in very bright environments, so using a flat ALR (ambient light rejecting) screen is recommended to get the best picture quality. Contrast and color accuracy benefit from the DLP technology, which is cinema-grade, making it suitable for home cinema, gaming, and presentations.