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10 Best Cheap Short Throw Projector 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 Ultra Short Throw 3-Chip 3LCD Smart Streaming Laser Projector, 4,000 Lumens, 4K PRO-UHD, HDR, 150" Class, Android TV, 2.1ch Yamaha Built-in Speakers - Black (Renewed)

The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 is a strong choice if you're looking for an affordable short-throw projector that doesn’t compromise much on performance. It delivers a very bright image with 4000 lumens, which means it works well even in rooms that aren’t completely dark. Its ultra-short throw ratio allows you to place the projector extremely close to the wall or screen—just a few inches away—making it ideal for small spaces or living rooms where you want a large image without long cables. The resolution is impressive at 4K PRO-UHD (3840 x 2160 pixels), providing sharp and detailed pictures suitable for movies, gaming, and general home cinema use. The contrast ratio is notably high (over 2,500,000:1), so dark scenes look rich and deep, enhancing your viewing experience.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,137
Throw Ratio
Brightness (Lumens)
Built-in Speakers

Most important from
40 reviews

Throw Ratio
The ultra-short throw design is a game-changer for small spaces, allowing placement just inches from the wall.
Brightness (Lumens)
Delivers extremely vivid and bright 4K video quality, even in full daylight conditions.
Built-in Speakers
HDMI audio does not support surround sound, and the internal speakers are best suited for casual listening rather than immersive audio experiences.
#2
10.0 score

Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 Ultra Short Throw 3-Chip 3LCD Smart Streaming Laser Projector, 4,000 Lumens, 4K PRO-UHD, HDR, 150" Class, Android TV, 2.1ch Yamaha Built-in Speakers - White (Renewed)

The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 stands out as a powerful ultra short throw projector, offering a very bright 4,000 lumens output that works well even in rooms with some ambient light. Its throw ratio is extremely short, allowing you to place it very close to the wall or screen (around 0.16 to 0.4 feet), making it ideal for small spaces or setups where you don’t want a projector hanging from the ceiling. The 4K PRO-UHD resolution delivers sharp and detailed images, which is a big plus for home cinema and gaming. The contrast ratio of over 2,500,000:1 ensures deep blacks and vibrant colors, enhancing picture quality significantly.

Rating
10.0
Throw Ratio
Brightness (Lumens)
Resolution

Most important from
40 reviews

Throw Ratio
The ultra short throw design is a game changer, allowing placement very close to the wall for small spaces.
Brightness (Lumens)
Delivers extremely vivid and bright 4K video quality that performs well even in full daylight.
Resolution
Delivers extremely vivid and bright 4K video quality that performs well even in full daylight.
Contrast Ratio
Excellent color accuracy and contrast deliver deep blacks and vibrant images, enhancing the viewing experience.
Built-in Speakers
Audio via HDMI lacks surround sound support, and while internal speakers are decent, a dedicated sound system is preferable.
#3
8.8 score

WEMAX Nova Pro 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector, 150" ALPD Laser TV with Smart Google TV, 2100 ISO Lumens, Dolby Audio, UST Projector for Movie, WiFi Bluetooth, Built in Google Assistant (Black)

The WEMAX Nova Pro 4K is a strong contender in the affordable ultra short throw projector space, especially if you want a big, bright 4K image without needing much room. Its ultra short throw ratio (0.23:1) means you can place it just about 19 inches from the wall and still get a massive 150-inch screen, which is ideal for small spaces. The 2100 ISO lumens brightness is solid for daylight viewing, and the 3000:1 contrast combined with HDR10 support helps deliver vibrant colors and decent blacks, making movies and games look more immersive. It uses ALPD laser technology, which generally offers good brightness and longer lamp life compared to traditional LEDs or lamps.

Rating
8.8
Throw Ratio
Brightness (Lumens)
Lamp Life

Most important from
391 reviews

Throw Ratio
Installation is clean and convenient thanks to the ultra short throw ratio, making it perfect for smaller rooms without the clutter of a large TV.
Brightness (Lumens)
This ultra short throw projector delivers a stunning big screen experience with vivid colors and excellent brightness right out of the box.
Lamp Life
The laser light source offers an impressively long lifespan, sparing users the hassle and expense of frequent bulb replacements.
Built-in Speakers
The built-in sound system is surprisingly good, providing solid audio quality that often removes the need for additional speakers.

Top 10 Best Cheap Short Throw Projector 2026 in the United States

BenQ AH700ST 4000-Lumen Full HD Short-Throw Laser DLP Golf Simulator Projector

Throw Ratio: 0.69 to 0.83 meters
Brightness (Lumens): 4000 ANSI Lumens
Resolution: Full HD 1920x1080
Contrast Ratio: High
Connectivity Options: HDMI 2.0b, USB A, USB C
Lamp Life: 20000 Hours

Optoma GT1080HDR Short Throw Gaming Projector | Enhanced Gaming Mode

Brightness (Lumens): 3,800 lumens
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Contrast Ratio: 50,000:1
Connectivity Options: 2 HDMI ports, USB
Lamp Life: 15,000 hours
Built-in Speakers: 10 watts

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
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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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