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10 Best Cheap Short Throw Projector 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

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

The Optoma ZH340ST is a compact short throw projector designed for professional settings like offices and classrooms. With a brightness of 3,200 lumens, it delivers clear images even in well-lit environments, making it a strong contender for users requiring visibility without darkening the room. Its short throw lens allows for a large 120-inch display from just over 4 feet away, which is perfect for smaller spaces where mounting options may be limited. The projector's DuraCore laser technology extends lamp life to an impressive 30,000 hours, reducing maintenance concerns and eliminating the need for frequent lamp replacements. Plus, with dual HDMI and USB connectivity options, switching between devices is seamless, catering to varied presentation needs.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,429
Brightness (Lumens)
Contrast Ratio

Most important from
83 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
Bright enough to run with lights on, making it perfect for large venues.
Contrast Ratio
Brightness and contrast are very good, even with the lights on.
#2
9.6 score

LG HU85LA Ultra Short Throw 4K UHD Laser Smart Home Theater Cinebeam Projector with Alexa built-in, LG Thinq AI, and LG webOS Lite Smart TV

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.

Rating
9.6
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.
#3
9.5 score

Epson PowerLite L630SU Short Throw 3LCD Projector

The Epson PowerLite L630SU is a short throw projector that stands out in its category, particularly due to its impressive brightness of 6000 lumens and WUXGA resolution. These features make it ideal for environments where ambient light can be an issue, such as classrooms or corporate settings, as it delivers clear and vibrant images even in well-lit spaces. The 3LCD technology ensures that colors are accurate and lifelike, which is a significant plus for presentations and entertainment purposes.

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

#1

Winner

9.8 score

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

Chosen by 1429 this week

Epson PowerLite L630SU Short Throw 3LCD Projector

Brightness (Lumens): 6000
Resolution: WUXGA
Connectivity Options: HDMI, USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi
Keystone Correction: Yes

Optoma GT3500HDR 1080p Full HD Home Laser Projector

Throw Ratio: Ultra Short Throw
Brightness (Lumens): 3800
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Contrast Ratio: 500,000:1
Connectivity Options: HDMI, USB, 3.5mm Audio
Lamp Life: 30,000 hours
Keystone Correction: horizontal and vertical keystone

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

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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