Best short throw projector – See Top Rated Pick

Best short throw projector

Short-throw projector devices are great for those who want to easily set up a projector without worrying about getting it mounted correctly. They’re also ideal for people who want to get rid of bulky ceiling mounts and wall brackets. With these small devices, you simply place them in front of your TV or movie screen and plug them into an outlet. You’ll find that they work perfectly fine for watching movies or playing games, so you can refer to more devices from Best short throw projector – See Top Rated Pick.

Quick Comparision

Image Product
Optoma CinemaX P2 Simply Cinematic. Optoma: Optoma CinemaX P2
Editor's Rating: 9.7 Brand: Optoma Check Price
LG CineBeam HU915QE Ultra Short Throw 4K UHD Premiere Worthy. Jaime Carrillo/Futurism: LG CineBeam HU915QE Ultra Short Throw 4K UHD
Editor's Rating: 9.6 Brand: LG Check Price
BenQ TK700STi 4K HDR Short-Throw Gaming Projector Game On. Jaime Carrillo/Futurism: BenQ TK700STi 4K HDR Short-Throw Gaming Projector
Editor's Rating: 9.5 Brand: BenQ Check Price
JMGO 01 Ultra Short-Throw Projector Good Value. Hisense: JMGO 01 Ultra Short-Throw Projector
Editor's Rating: 9.2 Brand: JmGO Check Price

Top  Short-throw projector

Brief analysis

Optoma CinemaX P2 delivers stunning visuals through an ultra-compact design. With a built-in 40-watt speaker system, this compact unit offers accurate audio performance regardless of where you place it. And because it’s equipped with Pure Glass optics and a laser light engine, the image quality is truly impressive. You can project images onto any flat surface up to 80-120" diagonally, so it’s perfect for large rooms or outdoor venues. Its HDMI input lets you connect multiple devices simultaneously, including TVs, game consoles, smartphones, tablets, laptops, and digital cameras. Plus, you can easily adjust the brightness, contrast, color temperature, and hue without having to worry about software updates.

Like any great short-throw projection system, setting it up requires little training or expertise, and the user interfaces let you customize your picture controls quickly. It s also fully compatible with smart home systems like Google Assistant and Amazon Echo, so you can control the unit through voice command. The main drawback is that the applications integrated into the Optoma are somewhat limited, but that’s nothing a good media player or streaming device can't fix. At $500, the Optoma Cinema X P2 is an excellent bargain and one of the best short-throw projectors you can buy today.

The reason we choose this product

Optimo Cinema X P2 has a powerful processor and high-quality video output, plus it offers excellent value for its low cost.

Some product details

  • 4K UHD plus HDR10: Enjoy a high-quality, cinematic home theater experience with 4K Ultra HD, HDR10 technology, and an incredible 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio

  • VOICE ASSISTANT COMPATIBLE: With the Alexa smart home and custom skills or Google Action, control your CinemaX P2 projector with intuitive voice control using Amazon Echo and Google Home devices

  • EASY IMAGE SETUP: Using Optoma’s SmartFIT app, ensure an easy place and play using your smartphone; the auto geometry correction system allows hassle-free image alignment; autofocus enables simple setup


What we like
  • Easy setup
  • Compatible with smart home devices
  • A premium stereo system comes preinstalled with everything you need.
What we dislike
  • Less than ideal apps
Brief analysis

If you're going for broke with your TV room, the top-of-the-range LG CineBeam ULTRA Short-Thrown Projection System is the one to splurge on. While many short projection systems look expensive, LG CINEBEAM appears much pricier than most, but its beautiful appearance doesn't do up lackluster technology. This short-projection system is strong and brilliant. Go on, operate this projection system during the day. The image will come in with a great degree of clarity that really must be seen to be believed. Once the lights go out, the experience is as immersing as watching a film in a theatre, without the costly popcorn. Even the 40 watts of audio is optimized for immersion, meaning you don't need to spend any further on a subwoofer.

You may not know what an IPTV is, but chances are if you're reading this article then you've probably already seen one - they're everywhere! IPTV stands for "Internet Protocol Television", and is essentially internet streaming TV. They work much the same as traditional cable/satellite services, except you get access to hundreds of channels online instead of just a couple. You'll find them on smartphones, tablets, and laptops too. So how do you set yours up? We'll tell you everything you need to know about setting up your own IPTV system so you can start watching live TV straight away. Read our full Sky Go comparison guide here.

The reason we choose this product

With its ability to blend into almost any room, the LG CinemaBeam produces pictures that aren't just immersive, but unfath­omably bright.

Some product details

  • STYLISH DESIGN - This Stylish Design features a crisp white body with a premium gray fabric accent that blends into your space.

  • webOS 6.0 - Netflix, YouTube, Apple TV+, and more are available and easy to access on webOS 6.0. Internet connection and subscription to streaming services are required.

  • 0.19 ULTRA SHORT THROW RATION - Place your projector just 2.2" from the wall for a 90" screen, 3.9" away for a 100" screen, or 7.2" away for a breathtaking 120" viewing space.


What we like
  • Cinematic quality picture
  • Gorgeous aesthetics
  • Incredibly user-friendly
What we dislike
  • Massive price tag
Brief analysis

Is the BenQ TX300STi 4K really a short-throw projection system? It definitely claims so, calling itself a short-thrower, but ‘short’ in this case is extremely subjective. Still, it‘s a very impressive projector. It's made with gaming in mind and has the refresh rate to stay up with today s hardcore gaming on Xbox, Playstation, and Nintendo systems. Also, it's incredibly bright and will provide perfect serviceable pictures in dimly lighted rooms. In dark rooms, the image clarity will be pristine, in 4k no less. This short thrower comes with its own streaming box, with an incredibly simple user experience. No need to hook up another source of electricity, the streaming box obtains its energy from the device itself.

The only quibble I can find with this product is that it does resemble a conventional television set. If you're planning to hang your TV off the wall, then you'll need to get a shorter projection distance, so that you don't end up having to stand too far back. Otherwise, if you plan to place it on a table or shelf, then you should be fine.

The reason we choose this product

With its short throw distance, the BenQ 4K Short Throw Projector provides an immersive experience for gamers who want to play games on their desktops.

Some product details

  • TK700 vs TK700STi: TK700STi possesses short-throw capabilities able to project at shorter distances (100" at 6.5ft). TK700 utilizes standard throw (100" at 8.2ft). TK700STi also features Android TV while the TK700 does not.

  • EASY SET-UP: 1.2x zoom flexible throw distances, 2D Auto Vertical Keystone, Picture Rotation Adjustment for squared images

  • USER-FRIENDLY: Cast with airplay and Chromecast. No app is needed. Remote controls both Android TV and projector


What we like
  • Ultra-low latency
  • Streaming-ready
  • Big, bright picture
What we dislike
  • Required distance must be longer than average
Brief analysis

With the JMGO 01 Ultra Short Throw projector, you get an amazing picture at a reasonable cost. However, there are some drawbacks.

The obvious drawback of this budget short-throw projection system is its lack of illumination. At just 800 lumens, this project can only be used in very dimly lit environments and in darkened theaters. If you're planning on projecting images during daylight hours, make sure that no direct light is entering the room where the unit resides. Even if you do manage to get the image to display properly, the screen won't be bright enough to read comfortably. In addition, the screen resolution leaves something to be desired. While the video is crisp and clear, the image lacks sharpness and detail. The audio is also subpar, with poor volume levels and a tinny sound. Overall, the JMGO 01 doesn't offer much beyond what's offered by cheaper models. However, if you're looking for a small, portable, and affordable solution for watching movies at night, then this could be the one for you.

The reason we choose this product

It isn't as bright as the competition at a lower price point, but it still delivers excellent image quality.

Some product details

  • ULTRA SHORT THROW PROJECTOR - The JMGO short throw projector is designed with ultra-short throw technology, no need for a specific long distance to project the image on an 80" to 100" screen. Feel free to cross it without affecting the normal use of the short-throw 1080p projector. Designed with auto keystone correction, once finish installation then you can start to enjoy your movie time.

  • 800 ANSI LUMENS & CINEMATIC STEREO - We have combined 800 ANSI lumens with Dynaudio stereo, which allows you to enjoy the ultimate picture while also can enjoy the stunning stereo sound. With JMGO O1 movie projector HD, even when in small spaces can have a cinema experience.

  • A CHOICE FOR YOURSELF & YOUR FAMILY - This short throw projector 1080p is equipped with 2xUSB, 2xHDMI, 1xOptical, and 1xLan port, compatible with your phones, tablets, laptops, and desktops. If you have any questions when using this ultra short throw projector, please feel free to contact us anytime anywhere, we are always here ready to help you. (JMGO offers 360 days repair warranty, and 24/7 hours of online service. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.)


What we like
  • It works really well, even on walls
  • Art gallery mode
  • Great value
What we dislike
  • Dim picture quality

How to choose a short-throw projector

Home projects are having a bit of a moment right now, especially considering that many of the big media companies are making it easier to watch big movies from the comfort weeks after they are released in theaters. Standard projects come in various sizes and have to be best away from a projection screen, usually severe feet away. Short-throw projects are just that a projector stocks its picture up and out in front of the device, so it’s far easier to operate. Here are a few different things we considered when picking the best short-term projects.

Picture Resolution: When purchasing a short-throw projection system, one must make sure that the image produced is clear and crisp. A good rule of thumb is to ensure that the projected image does not lose clarity when viewed from various distances. For example, if your home theater setup includes a large wall-mounted TV, then the image may begin to blur as soon as you get closer than 10 feet from the display.

When choosing between different sizes for a projector, bigger is usually better. However, the position, straightening, and focus of an image from a short-thrown projector should be easy.

Usability: Would you consider replacing your main living room TV with a short-thrown projection device? Those devices cost tens of thousands of US$s, so using them shouldn’t be any more annoying than a high-quality HDTV. If a short-thrown projector has a good operating system, it is all the more excellent, particularly if it provides options for 4K and/or 8K content.

Brightness: Picture Quality is Paramount, But No Amount of Detail Will Be Worth Watching If the Brightness in a Short-Thrown Projection Is Lacking. A lot of the Higher End Models Can Perform Fantastically, Even in Darker Room With Plenty of Light, But a Projection Should At Least Provide Stellar Picture Quality in Pitch Black Room.

FAQS

Q: Are short-throw projectors better than standard projectors?
Depending on your needs, a short-throw projector may be a better choice than a normal projector. However, they’re far pricier.

Q: Are short-throw projectors worth it?
A short-throw projection system allows for theater-style viewing without having to mount a screen to a wall or floor.

Q: What should I look for in a short-throw projector?
To get the best performance from a short throw projector, you need good image quality and high light output.

Q: Is a short-throw projector better than a TV?
If you’re using a TV instead of a computer monitor, you can probably get away with replacing it with a short-throw projection system. However, if the screen isn’t bright enough for daytime viewing, then you may need to buy a new one.

Q: Is a short-throw projector better than a TV?
It doesn’t really matter which type of wall you put the projectors on; however, we recommend using a projection screen for maximum efficiency.

Q: What is the difference between short-throw and ultra-short-throw projectors?

Short-throw projector versus ultra short-throw projector: The main differences between these two types of the projector include their distance from the screen they’re projecting onto. Short-throw projectors require less space than an ultra-short-throw projectors.

Useful guide

Projector: Several Things You Need To Know Before Buying One

About Alysson Emard

Alysson Emard was born in South Africa, grew up in Texas, and attended Pomona College. He has spent more than a decade covering the technology industry from San Francisco and is a noted Silicon Valley historian.

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