π In a hurry? Here’s our #1 pick:
What is the best Short Throw Projector?
If you’re looking for the best Short Throw Projector – hereβs our top pick: VAVA 4K UHD Laser.
The best short throw projectors make it easy to broadcast clear images in a small space. Ultra short throw projectors (1080p) can also save you more money than buying an LCD TV. A short throw projector can broadcast a 100-inch image for about $1,000. Meanwhile, an 80-inch TV could cost you around $1,500.Β
But what makes the best short throw projectors? A good projector will have the right combination of lumens, resolution, contrast, and inputs. Lumens are crucial because they measure how bright the projector’s light bulb is.Β
Resolution is how the picture compares to the pixels of a TV, and contrast will help produce a crisp picture. Finally, a projector should have a variety of inputs like HDMI, audio out, and USB ports. Some home projectors even support screen mirroring through WIFI, now.
Is a Short Throw Projector Better?
Whether a short throw projector is better depends on your needs. Long throw projectors work best for large auditoriums or presentations. However, a short throw projector is fantastic if you live in a small space like an apartment.
Many people use short-throw projectors for video games and sports. The screen size flexibility and vibrance makes it fun for broadcasting huge pictures. You can play multiplayer games on it and host people for sports watch parties more easily than with a TV.
If you want something that light can't disrupt, you might prefer a TV. But when it comes to color and pixels, alternatives like Sony Ultra Short Throw Projectors will give you a run for your money.
Our Top 7 Best Short Throw Projectors
In this list, we looked at the highest-rated short throw projectors based on these features. You’ll find an option for gamers, movie-enthusiasts, and also for travelers.
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The 7 Best Short Throw Projectors In 2021
- 1. VAVA 4K UHD Laser - Best Quality Picture
- 2. BenQ TH671ST 1080p Short Throw Gaming - Best for Gaming
- 3. Bomaker 4K UHD Laser TV Projector - Easiest to Use
- 4. ViewSonic 1080p Projector - Best Value
- 5. Optoma CinemaX P2 Smart 4K - Most Versatile
- 6. Optoma GT5600 Ultra Short Throw - The Brightest Projector
- 7. ASUS S1 Portable Mini Projector - Most Portable
| VAVA 4K UHD Laser - Best Quality Picture |
| BenQ TH671ST 1080p Short Throw Gaming - Best for Gaming |
| Bomaker 4K UHD Laser TV Projector - Easiest to Use |
| ViewSonic 1080p Projector - Best Value |
| Optoma CinemaX P2 Smart 4K - Most Versatile |
| Optoma GT5600 Ultra Short Throw - The Brightest Projector |
| ASUS S1 Portable Mini Projector - Most Portable |
What is the best Short Throw Projector?
This ultra-short throw projector delivered the best-quality sound, picture, and usability of all. The Bomaker 4K UHD was a close runner-up. But the VAVA projector has a stronger, more reliable reputation for just a few hundred dollars more.
Frequently Asked Questions
If this is your first time shopping for a projector, all the jargon can make it confusing. Below, we’ll answer some of the most popular questions about what short throw projectors can do.
A standard short throw projector broadcasts images from 3β to 8β away. You can install these on the wall, on a table, or the roof.
An ultra short throw project projects the same image even closer to the screen. You can place it between 0.5β to 4β feet away to get a theater-quality image. These projectors operate best from a coffee table, or a surface right under the wall/screen.
Compare these to long-throw projectors, which can throw from 15β+ away.
Yes, short throw projectors don't need as many lumens as long throw projectors. Long throw projectors can have from 3000 to 7000 lumens. At the upper range, movie theater projectors can even use 20,000 lumens.
But a small living room space only needs between 1000 to 3000 lumens. A short-throw projector is closer to the wall, so it doesn't need as many lumens to compensate for space in between.
Not always. If you have a smooth wall with white color, you might find the projector works just fine. But some drywall has texture or colors that can disrupt the image quality.
Some people buy ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screens to fix this issue. These screens reduce the washout effect of ambient light.Β
ALR screens can come with gray or white backgrounds. White screens present a smooth canvas if you have textured walls. But grey screens are better if you want to counter ambient lighting, not just texture.
Usually, short throw projectors include an audio system. However, they tend not to offer a surround sound experience. Before buying a projector, make sure it has an audio out port so you can connect external speakers.
You may not need speakers if you'll watch videos a short distance from the projector. But if you're watching from a couch, it can be beneficial to replace your TV.
Check out our Best Home Theater Speaker article if you want to see the best audio systems for your home theater.
