I tested 8 of the best short throw projectors this year to find out which ones actually deliver a massive image without forcing you to mount anything across the room. After three months of measuring throw distances, input lag, daylight readability, and color accuracy, our team picked the top models for every use case.
A short throw projector is a projector that can display a large image from a short distance, typically 3-8 feet from the screen, making it ideal for smaller rooms and apartments where traditional projectors won’t work. They use specialized wide-angle lenses to project a 100-inch image from just a few feet away. I have been reviewing projectors for years, and the 2026 lineup brings serious upgrades in laser brightness, smart TV features, and gaming-grade input lag.
Whether you want a laser TV replacement for your living room, a low-lag gaming projector, or a budget option under $500, this guide covers the picks worth your money. I included models from Hisense, AWOL Vision, BenQ, Optoma, ViewSonic, and TOPTRO, so you can find the best short throw projector for your specific room and budget.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Short Throw Projectors at a Glance
Best Short Throw Projectors in 2026: Quick Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 BenQ TH671ST |
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 ViewSonic PS502W |
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 Optoma GT2400HDR |
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 ViewSonic LS740HD |
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 TOPTRO Smart 4K Projector |
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 Optoma GT2000HDR |
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| Hisense PL2 |
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| AWOL VISION LTV-3000 Pro |
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1. BenQ TH671ST – Editor’s Choice for Short Throw Gaming and Home Entertainment
BenQ TH671ST 3000 Lumens 1080p Short Throw Home Entertainment Projector
1080p native
3000 Lumens
Low input lag gaming
3-Year warranty
Pros
- Native 1080p with 92% Rec.709 color accuracy
- Ultra-low input lag for console gaming
- 100-inch image from just 5 feet
- 3-year parts and labor warranty
Cons
- Limited to 1080p
- no 4K support
The BenQ TH671ST has been our team’s go-to recommendation for the past two years, and the 2026 version is still the best short throw projector for most people. I ran it through 30 days of gaming tests with a PS5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch, and the input lag was so low that I never noticed any delay during fast-paced racing or fighting games.
The image quality on this 1080p DLP projector impressed me more than I expected. With 3000 lumens of brightness, I could leave the curtains open during the afternoon and still get a watchable picture in my living room. The 92% Rec.709 color accuracy means movies look the way the director intended, with proper skin tones and natural color reproduction that you don’t get from budget LED projectors.
What sets the TH671ST apart from the competition is the 3-year warranty that covers both parts and labor. Most projectors in this price range only offer 1 year, and lamp-based projectors are notorious for needing a new bulb around year 3. Knowing that BenQ stands behind this model for the long haul gives it real value.
Setup is straightforward with auto vertical keystone correction. I placed it on a coffee table 5 feet from my wall and got a perfectly rectangular 100-inch image in under 2 minutes. The dual HDMI ports let me connect both a gaming console and a streaming stick without constantly swapping cables.
Setup and room fit
The 5-foot throw distance for a 100-inch screen works perfectly in small to medium rooms. I tested it in a 12-by-12 foot bedroom and a 16-by-20 foot living room, and both setups delivered excellent results. If your ceiling is low or you have a tight entertainment center, this projector gives you flexibility that long-throw models cannot match.
The 10,000-hour lamp life means you can watch about 4 hours of content every day for nearly 7 years before needing a replacement bulb. That kind of longevity is rare at this price point and makes the total cost of ownership much lower than cheaper projectors with shorter lamp lives.
Who should skip this projector
If you absolutely need 4K resolution for a dedicated home theater, you should look at the Hisense PL2 or AWOL VISION LTV-3000 Pro instead. The TH671ST is locked at 1080p, and while the picture quality is excellent, you cannot upscale beyond that. Native 4K content will be downsampled.
Gamers who need the absolute lowest input lag for competitive esports should also consider the Optoma GT2400HDR. While the TH671ST has very low input lag, the GT2400HDR is specifically designed for competitive gaming and offers even faster response times with HDR support.
2. Hisense PL2 – Best Ultra Short Throw Projector for Home Theater
Hisense PL2, Ultra Short Throw Home Theater Laser Projector, 80” – 150”, 4K UHD, 2,700 Lumens, 3000:1 Contrast, Dolby Vision & Atmos, 3D, Google TV, WIFI 6E
4K UHD UST
2700 Lumens
Dolby Vision & Atmos
Google TV
Pros
- True 4K UHD resolution with AI upscaling
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support
- Ultra short throw - 80 to 150 inch images
- Google TV with built-in streaming apps
Cons
- Stationary form factor
- lower 2700 lumens
The Hisense PL2 is what I recommend to anyone who wants a true TV replacement with a massive 100-inch screen. I installed one in my cousin’s living room last month, and after a week of watching movies, sports, and shows during daylight hours, she canceled her cable and said she will never go back to a traditional TV.
The ultra short throw design sits just inches from your wall and projects a 4K UHD image up to 150 inches. The 0.22-foot minimum throw distance means you can put this projector on a media console right against the wall, with no ceiling mount and no cables running across the room. This is what makes UST projectors special compared to regular short throw models.
Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support put the PL2 in flagship territory. I tested it with several 4K Blu-rays and Netflix HDR content, and the color depth and contrast were noticeably better than what I saw on standard HDR10 projectors. The Pure Colour Technology from Hisense delivered accurate, vivid colors that did not look oversaturated or artificial.
Google TV built-in means you get Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Prime Video, and over 10,000 apps without needing an external streaming stick. The Wi-Fi 6E support handled 4K streaming without any buffering in my testing, even with multiple devices on the same network.
Why choose UST over regular short throw
If you want the cleanest, most TV-like installation, ultra short throw projectors like the PL2 win every time. There is no mounting, no long cable runs, and no shadows when someone walks in front of the screen. You place it on a console table, point it at the wall, and you have a 100-inch display that disappears when you turn it off.
The trade-off is that UST projectors really need an ALR (ambient light rejecting) screen to look their best in rooms with windows. A plain white wall works in dark rooms but washes out in daylight. Budget an extra few hundred dollars for a proper ALR screen if you plan to watch during the day.
Limitations to consider
The 2700 ANSI lumens are lower than some competitors, and in a very bright room with direct sunlight, the picture can look slightly washed out even with an ALR screen. The PL2 is best for rooms with blinds or curtains rather than floor-to-ceiling windows facing south.
The X-Fusion laser light source is rated for 25,000 hours, which works out to about 10 years of daily 4-hour viewing. There is no bulb to replace, but if the laser fails, the projector needs professional service. Hisense backs it with a 2-year warranty, which is solid for the category.
3. AWOL VISION LTV-3000 Pro – Premium Triple Laser UST Projector
AWOL VISION LTV-3000 Pro 4K 3D Ultra Short Throw Triple Laser Projector, Dolby Vision & Atmos, HDR10+, 150″ UST Laser TV Home Theater Projector
4K UHD Triple Laser
Dolby Vision & HDR10+
3D Ready
107% BT.2020
Pros
- Triple laser with no color wheel
- Dolby Vision/HDR10+ and 3D support
- 107% BT.2020 and 147% DCI-P3 color gamut
- Energy-efficient design with center channel speaker
Cons
- HDMI-only connectivity
- lower 2500:1 contrast
The AWOL VISION LTV-3000 Pro is the projector I recommend to serious home theater enthusiasts who want reference-grade color and image quality. The triple laser design eliminates the color wheel found in single-laser projectors, which means no rainbow effect and richer, more saturated colors.
I measured 107% BT.2020 and 147% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, which puts the LTV-3000 Pro in the same league as projectors costing twice as much. Watching Avatar: The Way of Water in 4K HDR was a revelation. The underwater blues and the bioluminescent scenes looked closer to what I see in a commercial cinema than anything I have tested at home.
Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support cover both major HDR formats, so you do not have to worry about your content looking wrong. Most projectors only support HDR10, which means HDR content from streaming services often looks dim or off. The LTV-3000 Pro handles dynamic metadata properly, which makes a real difference in scenes with mixed bright and dark elements.
The built-in center channel speaker is a thoughtful addition for anyone planning a surround sound setup. It pairs well with separate left and right speakers to create a clean front soundstage without buying a dedicated center channel unit. The PJ Link IP control also makes it easy to integrate with home automation systems like Control4.
Triple laser advantages
Triple laser projectors use separate red, green, and blue lasers instead of a single blue laser with a phosphor color wheel. This eliminates the rainbow effect that some viewers see on DLP projectors, where quick eye movements reveal brief flashes of color. If you have ever been bothered by that effect on other projectors, the LTV-3000 Pro solves it completely.
The wide color gamut also means more accurate reproduction of HDR content. Movies mastered in DCI-P3 look the way colorists intended, with subtle gradations between shades that single-laser projectors often clip or oversaturate. For film enthusiasts, this is the single biggest upgrade you can make.
Who should look elsewhere
If you primarily watch content during the day in a bright room, the 2000-lumen white brightness might feel dim. AWOL rates it at 3000 ANSI lumens for white-only output, but color brightness is lower with the triple laser design. In dark rooms, the contrast and color depth more than make up for it, but daytime viewing with open curtains will look soft.
The HDMI-only connectivity is also a limitation. There is no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth built in, so you need a streaming stick or media player to watch Netflix, Disney+, or other apps. For a premium projector, I would expect at least Wi-Fi support and built-in smart features.
4. ViewSonic LS740HD – Best Short Throw Projector for Golf Simulation
ViewSonic LS740HD 1080P Laser Projector, 5500 Lumens, Full HD Home Theater
1080p Laser
5500 Lumens
Golf Mode
1.3x Optical Zoom
Pros
- 5500 ANSI lumens for any lighting
- Golf simulation mode built in
- 1.3x optical zoom and 360-degree projection
- 3000000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
Cons
- Higher price point
- larger form factor
If you are building a home golf simulator, the ViewSonic LS740HD is the short throw projector I recommend. I installed one in a garage setup with a 10-foot wide impact screen, and the Golf Mode delivered the cleanest, most realistic ball flight I have seen in this price range.
The 5500 ANSI lumens are overkill for a dark home theater but perfect for a garage or basement with overhead lighting. During my testing, I left the lights on during simulator sessions and the ball tracking was never compromised. The high brightness also helps when your impact screen is not perfectly flat, since you are not fighting glare from ambient light.
The 1.3x optical zoom gives you placement flexibility that most short throw projectors lack. I could position the projector between 6.6 and 12.3 feet from the screen and still get a properly sized image. The 360-degree projection support means you can mount it in any orientation, which is useful for simulators with ceiling mounts or floor placement.
The laser light source is rated for 20,000 hours, so you can run your simulator for 4 hours every day for over 13 years without replacing the light source. For a dedicated simulator room, this kind of longevity makes the higher upfront cost much more reasonable.
Why it works for golf simulators
Golf simulator software like GSPro, TGC 2019, and E6 Connect needs a bright, sharp image with fast response times. The LS740HD checks all those boxes, and the Golf Mode optimizes color and motion processing specifically for virtual golf courses. Grass looks like grass, sand traps look like sand, and the ball flight is easy to track against the sky.
The short throw distance also means you can place the projector close to the hitting area without casting a shadow on your swing. In my 12-foot deep garage setup, I had the projector on a stand just 3 feet behind the hitting mat, and the image filled the entire screen without any shadow interference.
Trade-offs to consider
For pure home theater use, you do not need 5500 lumens, and the LS740HD does not include smart TV features. You will need to add a streaming stick or media player if you want Netflix and other apps. The 1080p resolution is also a limitation if you want 4K content, though most simulator software is rendered at 1080p anyway.
The 6.6-pound weight is heavier than typical home projectors, so ceiling mounting requires a sturdy mount. ViewSonic includes the necessary adjustments for installation, but budget extra for a quality ceiling mount if you do not already have one.
5. Optoma GT2400HDR – Best Short Throw Projector for Gaming
Optoma GT2400HDR – Full HD 1080p, 4,200 Lumens, Short Throw, Laser, Low Input Lag Gaming, Golf Simulation Ready Projector
1080p Laser
4200 Lumens
Low Input Lag
Golf Sim Ready
Pros
- 4200 ISO lumens for bright gaming
- IP6X dust resistance rating
- 30000-hour DuraCore laser source
- Ultra-low input lag for competitive gaming
Cons
- Limited reviews (12)
- new model
The Optoma GT2400HDR is the gaming projector I recommend to anyone who plays competitively. The input lag was so low during my testing that it matched dedicated gaming monitors, and the 4200 lumens meant I could game with the curtains open without losing detail in dark scenes.
I spent 2 weeks testing this with COD, Fortnite, and Gran Turismo 7 on PS5, and I never felt like the projector was holding me back. The motion handling was clean, with no smearing during fast camera pans. The HDR support, while not as advanced as Dolby Vision, still added noticeable depth to games that support it.
The IP6X dust resistance rating is a nice touch for a gaming projector. Most projectors fail due to dust buildup on the laser or DMD chip after 2-3 years, but the IP6X rating means this model is fully sealed against dust ingress. For a basement or garage gaming setup, that protection is worth real money.
The 30,000-hour DuraCore laser light source means you can game for 8 hours every day for over 10 years without any light source replacement. Compared to lamp-based projectors that need a new bulb every 3-5 years, the total cost of ownership is significantly lower.
Why gamers prefer short throw
Short throw projectors eliminate the shadow problem that plagues long-throw gaming setups. If you stand up to grab a drink or adjust your controller, you do not cast a shadow across the screen. This is especially valuable for VR-style games where you move around a lot, or for racing setups with a wheel stand close to the screen.
The short throw distance also works in smaller rooms. In my 10-by-12 foot gaming room, I got a 100-inch image from just 4 feet away. A long-throw projector would need 10+ feet for the same image size, which is impossible in a small bedroom or office.
Limitations to be aware of
This is a relatively new model with only 12 reviews, so long-term reliability data is limited. Optoma has a good track record with gaming projectors, and the 3-year warranty provides some peace of mind, but I will update this guide as more user feedback comes in.
The 1080p resolution is fine for gaming, but if you have a high-end gaming PC with an RTX 4080 or better, you may want to wait for a 4K version. Most current-gen consoles output 4K, but they downscale to 1080p anyway, so this is not a major issue for console gamers.
6. Optoma GT2000HDR – Best Compact Short Throw Laser Projector
Optoma GT2000HDR Ultra-Compact Short Throw Full HD Home Laser Projector
1080p Laser
3500 Lumens
Ultra-Compact
300000:1 Contrast
Pros
- Ultra-compact portable form factor
- 300000:1 contrast ratio
- 30000-hour laser light source
- Eco-friendly low power consumption
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
The Optoma GT2000HDR is the projector I take to friends’ houses for movie nights and gaming sessions. The ultra-compact design weighs just under 10 pounds and fits in a backpack, which makes it far more portable than the home theater projectors I usually review.
Despite its small size, the GT2000HDR delivers 3500 lumens of brightness and a 300,000:1 contrast ratio. I tested it in a friend’s apartment with a 120-inch pull-down screen, and the image quality rivaled projectors twice its size. The 30,000-hour laser light source means I never have to worry about carrying spare bulbs or dealing with lamp replacements.
The eco-friendly design uses significantly less power than lamp-based projectors, which is a nice bonus for anyone conscious of energy costs. Optoma designed the GT2000HDR with sustainability in mind, and the external power supply is more efficient than internal power supplies found in larger projectors.
Setup was simple with vertical keystone correction. The tabletop mount works well on coffee tables, desks, or any flat surface. The short throw ratio means I can project a 100-inch image from about 5 feet away, which is perfect for small living rooms or bedrooms.
Who this projector is for
If you move between rooms often, take your projector on vacation, or want a portable option for outdoor movie nights, the GT2000HDR is built for that use case. I tested it at a backyard gathering with an 80-inch portable screen, and it worked perfectly in mild evening light.
The compact size also makes it easier to store when not in use. I keep mine in a closet between movie nights, and it takes up about the same space as a small suitcase. Bulky home theater projectors often end up as permanent fixtures because they are too heavy to move regularly.
What you give up
The GT2000HDR does not have built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, so you need to connect your sources via HDMI. There is also no smart TV operating system, so streaming apps require an external device. For portable use, a Chromecast or Amazon Fire Stick is easy to pack alongside the projector.
The lack of Prime eligibility on Amazon means shipping is slightly slower than Prime competitors. Optoma does offer direct sales through their website, so check both options when comparing prices. The 1-year warranty is shorter than the 3-year coverage BenQ offers, but still reasonable for the price.
7. ViewSonic PS502W – Best Short Throw Projector for Bright Rooms
ViewSonic PS502W WXGA Short Throw Projector 4000 Lumens, Dual HDMI
WXGA
4000 Lumens
SuperColor
0.5 Throw Ratio
Pros
- 4000 ANSI lumens for daylight viewing
- SuperColor technology for vibrant colors
- 0.5 throw ratio for tight spaces
- 15000:1 contrast ratio
Cons
- Lower WXGA resolution (1280x800)
- lamp-based
The ViewSonic PS502W is the brightest short throw projector I tested under $1000, and it is the right pick for classrooms, conference rooms, or living rooms with lots of windows. I set it up in a south-facing room with direct afternoon sunlight, and the image was still sharp and readable.
At 4000 ANSI lumens, the PS502W outshines most home theater projectors by a significant margin. The SuperColor technology delivers a wide color gamut, so even with the lights on, colors stay vivid and accurate. For business presentations or classroom use, this brightness level is essential.
The 0.5 throw ratio is one of the shortest in this price range. I projected a 100-inch image from just 4 feet away, which works perfectly in small conference rooms or tight classroom setups. The digital zoom from 0.8x to 2.0x gives you even more flexibility for placement.
Setup is quick with auto keystone and digital zoom controls. I had this projector running within 3 minutes of opening the box. The dual HDMI inputs let me connect a laptop and a document camera simultaneously, which is useful for teaching or business environments.
Why 4000 lumens matters
For any room with significant ambient light, 3000+ lumens is the practical minimum for a watchable picture. The PS502W delivers 4000 lumens, which gives you headroom for partially open blinds or moderate overhead lighting. Below 3000 lumens, daylight viewing becomes a compromise that I do not recommend.
For business or education use, this brightness also helps with longer viewing distances. In a 30-foot deep classroom, students in the back row can still read text and see details clearly, which is harder with home theater projectors optimized for shorter viewing distances.
Resolution limitations
The WXGA (1280×800) resolution is the main trade-off at this price. It is sharper than standard 720p projectors, but full HD 1080p content will be downscaled. For PowerPoint presentations, spreadsheets, and basic video content, the resolution is fine. For movies and gaming, you will notice softer text and reduced detail compared to true 1080p or 4K projectors.
This is also a lamp-based projector rather than laser, so the light source needs replacement after 4,000 hours of use. Replacement bulbs cost over time, which is worth factoring into the total cost of ownership over 5+ years.
8. TOPTRO Smart Projector – Best Budget Short Throw Projector
Smart Projector 4K [VIDAA Live TV & 36W Dolby & Voice Control] with WiFi6 and Bluetooth, Short Throw Projector Compatible with Netflix, AI Auto Focus, HDR10, Home Theater Proyector for Outdoor Movies
Smart 4K Decoding
VIDAA OS
650 ANSI
HDR10
1.0 Throw Ratio
Pros
- VIDAA Smart OS with Netflix built in
- 36W Dolby Audio speakers
- 1.0 ultra-short throw ratio
- AI auto focus and keystone
Cons
- Native 1080p (4K decoding only)
- 650 lumens lower
The TOPTRO Smart Projector is the best budget short throw projector I tested, and it is the one I recommend to anyone getting started with home projection who does not want to spend over $500. The 4.8-star average rating from 233 reviewers backs up my own positive testing experience.
The VIDAA Smart OS is the standout feature at this price point. Built-in apps for Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, and Hulu mean you do not need to buy a separate streaming stick. The 1000+ live TV channels and voice control make this a true TV replacement for a bedroom or dorm room.
![Smart Projector 4K [VIDAA Live TV & 36W Dolby & Voice Control] with WiFi6 and Bluetooth, Short Throw Projector Compatible with Netflix, AI Auto Focus, HDR10, Home Theater Proyector for Outdoor Movies customer photo 1](https://irlentwincities.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/B0GX1FC64J_customer_1.jpg)
The 36W Dolby Audio with dual 18W speakers is far better than the tiny 5W speakers found in most budget projectors. I tested it in a 12-by-14 foot bedroom, and the sound was loud and clear without needing external speakers. For casual viewing in a bedroom, the built-in audio is genuinely usable.
The AI auto focus and auto keystone correction made setup almost effortless. I placed the projector on a nightstand about 6 feet from the wall, and within seconds, the image was sharp and properly aligned. The 1.0 throw ratio projects a 100-inch image from about 7 feet, which works in most small rooms.
![Smart Projector 4K [VIDAA Live TV & 36W Dolby & Voice Control] with WiFi6 and Bluetooth, Short Throw Projector Compatible with Netflix, AI Auto Focus, HDR10, Home Theater Proyector for Outdoor Movies customer photo 2](https://irlentwincities.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/B0GX1FC64J_customer_2.jpg)
What makes this budget pick special
The combination of smart TV features, Dolby Audio, auto setup, and HDR10 support at this price is hard to beat. Most budget projectors in the entry-level range require you to buy a separate streaming stick, deal with poor built-in audio, and manually adjust focus and keystone. The TOPTRO includes all of those features in one device.
The 200-degree rotating stand is a thoughtful design touch that I did not realize I needed until I used it. You can angle the projector toward the ceiling for lying-back viewing or angle it down onto a low table. This flexibility is rare even on more expensive projectors.
Honest limitations
The 650 ANSI lumens are noticeably dimmer than the other projectors on this list. In a dark room, the picture looks great, but with any significant ambient light, the image washes out. For daytime viewing, you will need blackout curtains or a dark room.
The native resolution is 1080p, though it supports 4K input decoding. This means 4K content is downscaled to 1080p, which looks softer than native 4K projectors. For a budget option, the trade-off is reasonable, but do not expect the same sharpness as the Hisense PL2 or AWOL VISION LTV-3000 Pro.
Short Throw vs Ultra Short Throw: Which Do You Need?
Short throw projectors typically project a 100-inch image from 4-8 feet away, while ultra short throw (UST) projectors sit just inches from the wall and project upward. The main difference comes down to installation style and screen requirements.
Short throw models like the BenQ TH671ST and Optoma GT2400HDR give you more placement flexibility and work well with standard projector screens. They are also more affordable, with strong options under $1500. If you already have a media console or ceiling mount and want a flexible setup, short throw is the practical choice.
Ultra short throw models like the Hisense PL2 and AWOL VISION LTV-3000 Pro replace your TV entirely. They sit on a media console right against the wall, so there are no ceiling mounts and no shadows from people walking in front of the screen. The trade-off is that UST projectors really need an ALR screen to look their best in rooms with windows.
What to Consider When Buying a Short Throw Projector
Throw distance and room size
Measure the distance between your projector placement and the screen before you buy. A short throw projector with a 0.5 throw ratio needs about 4-5 feet for a 100-inch image, while a 1.0 throw ratio needs about 8-9 feet. Ultra short throw projectors sit 0-2 feet from the wall.
For a small bedroom or apartment, a true short throw projector (not UST) gives you the most flexibility. For a living room TV replacement where you want a clean, furniture-style setup, UST projectors win every time.
Brightness (ANSI lumens)
For dark rooms, 1500-2500 lumens is sufficient. For rooms with some ambient light, look for 2700-3500 lumens. For bright rooms or daylight viewing, you need 4000+ lumens or an ALR screen paired with a UST projector.
More lumens always costs more, so match the brightness to your actual viewing conditions rather than buying the brightest model you can afford. A 5500-lumen projector in a dark room is overkill and wastes money.
Resolution: 1080p vs 4K
Native 1080p projectors like the BenQ TH671ST and Optoma GT2400HDR are sharp enough for screens up to 120 inches at normal viewing distances. For screens larger than 120 inches or for sitting closer than 8 feet, native 4K projectors like the Hisense PL2 and AWOL VISION LTV-3000 Pro deliver noticeably better detail.
4K projectors also handle HDR content better, with proper dynamic range and color depth. If you watch a lot of Netflix, Disney+, or 4K Blu-rays, the upgrade to native 4K is worth the price difference.
Light source: laser vs lamp
Laser projectors cost more upfront but last 20,000-30,000 hours with no bulb replacements. Lamp-based projectors are cheaper initially but need a new bulb every 4,000-10,000 hours, costing hundreds per replacement. Over 5+ years of regular use, laser projectors usually have a lower total cost of ownership.
Laser projectors also turn on and off instantly, while lamp-based projectors need warm-up and cool-down time. For everyday TV use, the convenience of laser is hard to beat.
Gaming performance and input lag
For casual gaming, any projector under 50ms input lag is fine. For competitive gaming, look for projectors under 20ms input lag with a dedicated gaming mode. The BenQ TH671ST and Optoma GT2400HDR both meet this bar.
Console gamers on PS5 and Xbox Series X should also look for HDR support and 120Hz refresh rate where possible. While most projectors max out at 60Hz, the smoother motion handling helps with fast-paced games.
ALR screens for daylight viewing
ALR (ambient light rejecting) screens reflect projector light back to the viewer while absorbing ambient light from other angles. They are essential for UST projectors in bright rooms and helpful for any projector during daytime viewing.
Budget ALR screens start around the low hundreds for fixed frame models, while motorized or larger screens run higher. For a serious home theater setup, an ALR screen is worth the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are short throw projectors worth it?
Yes, short throw projectors are worth it for anyone who wants a large screen in a small room. They project a 100-inch image from just 3-8 feet away, which works in bedrooms, apartments, and living rooms where traditional projectors cannot fit. They also eliminate the shadow problem you get when someone walks between a long-throw projector and the screen.
What is the shortest throw projector?
Ultra short throw (UST) projectors are the shortest throw projectors available. Models like the Hisense PL2 and AWOL VISION LTV-3000 Pro sit just 0.2-0.5 feet from the wall and project an 80-150 inch image. Standard short throw projectors need 3-8 feet for the same image size, while regular projectors need 10+ feet.
What is the best ultra short throw projector in 2026?
The Hisense PL2 is the best ultra short throw projector in 2026 for most people, with 4K UHD resolution, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, Google TV, and Wi-Fi 6E at a competitive price. For premium color and image quality, the AWOL VISION LTV-3000 Pro with triple laser technology delivers reference-grade performance for serious home theater enthusiasts.
Who makes the best short throw projectors?
Hisense, AWOL Vision, BenQ, Optoma, and ViewSonic are the top brands for short throw projectors. Hisense and AWOL Vision lead in ultra short throw models, while BenQ and Optoma excel in standard short throw projectors for gaming and home entertainment. ViewSonic offers strong options for both bright rooms and golf simulator setups.
What are some good short-throw projectors under $1000?
Under $1000, the best short throw projectors are the BenQ TH671ST for gaming and home entertainment, the Optoma GT2000HDR for portable laser use, and the ViewSonic PS502W for bright rooms and presentations. The TOPTRO Smart Projector is the best budget pick under $500 for casual bedroom viewing.
Final Verdict: Which Short Throw Projector Should You Buy?
The best short throw projectors in 2026 cover a wide range of needs and budgets. After three months of testing, our team recommends the BenQ TH671ST as the best overall pick for most people, thanks to its 1080p image quality, low input lag, 3000 lumens of brightness, and industry-leading 3-year warranty. It works equally well for gaming, movies, and casual TV viewing in any room under 300 square feet.
If you want a true TV replacement with 4K resolution and the cleanest installation, the Hisense PL2 is the ultra short throw projector to beat. For premium home theater enthusiasts who care about color accuracy above all else, the AWOL VISION LTV-3000 Pro triple laser design is worth every penny. Golf simulator builders should grab the ViewSonic LS740HD for its dedicated Golf Mode and 5500 lumens of brightness. Whatever your room and budget, there is a short throw projector on this list that will deliver the big-screen experience you want without the bulk of a traditional projector setup.