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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 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.

In terms of connectivity, this projector offers multiple options including HDMI, USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. This versatility makes it easier to connect various devices, enhancing its usability for different applications, whether for digital signage or streaming from a laptop.

It does weigh about 18.5 pounds, which might be on the heavier side for a short throw projector, making it less portable than some users might prefer. Additionally, while it has advanced features such as keystone correction, potential buyers should take into account its weight and investigate the lamp life to ensure it meets their longevity needs.

#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
72 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
72 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

Optoma 4K400STx 4K Ultra HD High Brightness Short Throw DLP Projector

The Optoma 4K400STx is a solid choice for a short throw projector, especially if you are looking for something that can produce high-quality images from a short distance. With a throw ratio that allows for a 100” image just a few feet away, it’s perfect for small rooms or spaces where you cannot place the projector far from the screen. Its 4K UHD resolution ensures a sharp and clear picture, which is great for both movies and presentations.

Additionally, the projector’s brightness of 4000 lumens means you can use it in well-lit rooms without the image washing out, making it versatile for different environments. The HDR and HLG compatibility enhances the quality of the visuals, giving you vibrant colors and better contrast. Connectivity is another strong point, with dual HDMI ports, USB power, and audio connections, making it easy to connect to various devices.

The projector is also portable and 3D ready, adding to its flexibility and entertainment options. However, the actual display resolution listed also includes 1920 x 1080, which might be a bit confusing given the advertised 4K UHD resolution. Still, as a short throw projector offering 4K resolution and high brightness, the Optoma 4K400STx stands out as a competitive option in its category.

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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