10 Best Short Throw Projectors 2025 in the United States

The BenQ LK936ST 4K Ultra HD Short-Throw Laser DLP Projector is a versatile device designed to meet both golf simulation and family home theater needs. Its 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) ensures ultra-sharp images, making it ideal for high-detail applications like golf simulations or watching movies. The projector provides 5100 lumens of brightness, which is quite high and supports clear visibility even in well-lit environments. This high brightness complements its color accuracy, delivering vivid and realistic visuals, which is crucial for both simulation and entertainment purposes.

The short-throw capability allows it to produce large images from a small distance, making it perfect for smaller spaces where a traditional projector might struggle. Additionally, it features custom color optimization for golf simulation mode, enhancing the realism of the virtual golfing experience. Connectivity is straightforward with HDMI, making it easy to hook up to various devices. While the projector is portable, weighing 20.7 pounds, it may not be the most lightweight option for frequent transport. The product dimensions are substantial (20.6 x 18.4 x 11.4 inches), so ensure you have adequate space for setup.

In summary, this projector is well-suited for those needing a high-resolution, bright, and color-accurate solution for both home entertainment and simulation purposes, provided the setup space can accommodate its size.

The Optoma GT1080HDRx is a solid choice for gamers and home cinema fans looking for a short-throw projector. Its short-throw lens lets you project a large 120-inch image from just about four feet away, which is great if you don’t have a lot of room to set up. The projector supports full HD 1080p resolution with HDR10 compatibility, so you get sharp and vibrant images with good color accuracy thanks to its advanced color wheel.

Brightness is strong at 3,800 lumens, making it suitable for use in rooms with some ambient light during the day or night. The contrast ratio of 50,000:1 helps deliver deeper blacks and more detailed images, enhancing picture quality. Connectivity-wise, it offers dual HDMI ports that support various devices like gaming consoles and streaming sticks, which is convenient. One standout feature is the gaming mode that reduces input lag to 8.4ms at 120Hz, providing smooth and responsive gameplay for a better gaming experience.

The lamp life is impressive, rated up to 15,000 hours, which means less frequent replacements and long-term value. It does not include advanced keystone correction options, so careful positioning of the projector may be needed for optimal alignment. While it handles 1080p natively and supports 4K input, it does not project in 4K resolution itself. If you want a reliable, bright, and quick-reacting projector mainly for gaming and casual home cinema use in smaller spaces, the Optoma GT1080HDRx is a fitting option.

The BenQ X500i short-throw projector is an impressive option for gaming and home entertainment. With a true 4K resolution of 3840 x 2160, this projector ensures that your games and movies are displayed with exceptional clarity and detail. The short throw ratio of 0.69 to 0.83 allows you to project large images even in smaller spaces, making it ideal for bedrooms or compact rooms.

Additionally, the projector boasts a brightness level of 2200 lumens, which is suitable for most indoor environments, although it may struggle in very bright rooms. Gamers will appreciate the 4ms response time and auto game mode, ensuring a lag-free gaming experience. The built-in 5W speakers provide decent audio, but for a more immersive experience, the support for eARC and Dolby Atmos allows for advanced audio setups.

Connectivity options include HDMI, Wi-Fi, and support for AirPlay and Chromecast, making it versatile for various devices. Digital keystone correction ensures that your images are always properly aligned. One potential downside is the lack of detailed information on lamp life, which is an important consideration for long-term use. Additionally, while the projector is relatively compact, it still weighs 11 pounds, which may be a bit heavy for some users to move around frequently. The BenQ X500i is a strong contender for anyone looking to enhance their gaming and viewing experience in a confined space.