10 Best Short Throw Projectors 2025 in the United States

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.

The ViewSonic X2-4K UHD Short Throw Projector is designed for both home cinema and gaming, making it highly versatile. With a 4K UHD resolution (3840x2160p), it delivers sharp and detailed images, and its 2000 lumens brightness ensures clear visibility even in moderately lit rooms. The short throw ratio (0.69-0.83) allows for large projections in small spaces, ideal for home theaters or gaming setups.

For gamers, the 4.2ms response time and 240Hz refresh rate provide a smooth and responsive experience, especially tailored for Xbox users. Vivid colors are produced thanks to the Cinema SuperColor technology and 125% Rec. 709 color gamut, ensuring lifelike visuals. Built-in Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers enhance the audio experience, although external audio systems might still be preferred for audiophiles. The projector is easy to set up with features like 1.2x optical zoom, vertical/horizontal keystone correction, and 4-corner adjustment, allowing for flexible placement.

Connectivity options are abundant, including dual HDMI, Wi-Fi, USB-C, and USB inputs, making it compatible with various media players, PCs, Macs, and mobile devices. One of the standout features is the extended lamp life of up to 60,000 hours, which reduces maintenance worries. However, at 7.9 pounds, it is relatively heavy, which may affect portability. For those seeking a high-quality, versatile projector for movies and gaming in small to medium rooms, the ViewSonic X2-4K is a strong contender.