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BEST SHORT THROW PROJECTORS OF 2026

Updated
Updated
BEST OF THE BEST
Optoma GT1080HDR
Optoma
GT1080HDR
High-Definition Excellence
Delivers stunning 1080p resolution with HDR technology, making it perfect for gaming and movies. It's designed for easy setup in small spaces.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • High-quality image
  • Low input lag
  • Easy to set up
  • Compact design
CONS
  • Limited zoom function
  • No built-in smart features
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK
BenQ HT2150ST
BenQ
HT2150ST
Gaming Powerhouse
Offers low input lag and excellent color accuracy, making it ideal for gaming and home entertainment.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Excellent for gaming
  • High color accuracy
  • Good built-in audio
  • Compact design
CONS
  • Lower brightness
  • Speakers could be better
LG HF65LA
LG
HF65LA
Compact Home Theater
Offers Full HD resolution and smart TV features in a compact, ultra-short throw design.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Built-in smart features
  • Excellent picture quality
  • Wireless connectivity
  • Compact and stylish
CONS
  • Lower brightness
  • Limited sound quality
ViewSonic PX706HD
ViewSonic
PX706HD
Bright and Vivid
Provides bright, vibrant visuals with low input lag, ideal for gaming and movies.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Bright and clear visuals
  • Smooth gaming experience
  • Easy setup
  • Compact and portable
CONS
  • Average built-in audio
  • No wireless connectivity
Epson Home Cinema 3200
Epson
Home Cinema 3200
Cinematic Experience
Offers 4K PRO-UHD technology for a true cinematic experience in your living room.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Excellent picture quality
  • Bright and vibrant images
  • No rainbow effect
  • Easy to connect devices
CONS
  • Limited zoom range
  • Higher price point
BEST OF THE BEST
Optoma GT1080HDR
High-Definition Excellence
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Brightness: 3,800 lumens
Contrast Ratio: 50,000:1
Throw Ratio: 0.49:1
Lamp Life: 15,000 hours

The Optoma GT1080HDR is a top-tier short throw projector that brings your favorite movies, games, and shows to life with its full HD 1080p resolution. HDR10 technology enhances the color and contrast, providing a rich and immersive viewing experience.

With a 120Hz refresh rate, it ensures smooth and lag-free visuals, making it an excellent choice for gamers. The GT1080HDR is capable of projecting a 100-inch image from just a few feet away, ideal for home theaters with limited space.

Its easy setup, combined with multiple connectivity options, makes it a convenient and powerful addition to any entertainment setup.

PROS
  • High-quality image
  • Low input lag
  • Easy to set up
  • Compact design
CONS
  • Limited zoom function
  • No built-in smart features
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK
BenQ HT2150ST
Gaming Powerhouse
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Brightness: 2,200 lumens
Contrast Ratio: 15,000:1
Throw Ratio: 0.69 - 0.83:1
Lamp Life: 7,000 hours

The BenQ HT2150ST is tailored for gamers and movie enthusiasts who demand top-notch performance from their projector. Featuring a short throw lens, it can project a 100-inch image from just 4.9 feet away, making it perfect for smaller rooms.

The projector’s low input lag of just 16ms ensures that your gaming experience is smooth and responsive. The HT2150ST also boasts a high native contrast ratio and Rec.709 color accuracy, providing vibrant and accurate colors for all your viewing needs.

Its built-in speakers deliver clear audio, and the versatile connectivity options allow you to hook up various devices effortlessly.

PROS
  • Excellent for gaming
  • High color accuracy
  • Good built-in audio
  • Compact design
CONS
  • Lower brightness
  • Speakers could be better
LG HF65LA
Compact Home Theater
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Brightness: 1,000 ANSI lumens
Contrast Ratio: 150,000:1
Throw Ratio: 0.29:1
Lamp Life: 30,000 hours

The LG HF65LA is a compact, ultra-short throw projector designed for home theater enthusiasts. With its ability to project a 100-inch screen from just 15 inches away, it’s perfect for small spaces. The Full HD resolution and 1000 ANSI lumens brightness ensure a clear and vivid picture.

Built-in Smart TV functionality allows you to stream your favorite content directly from popular apps like Netflix and YouTube. The HF65LA also features wireless connectivity, enabling you to share content from your smartphone or tablet effortlessly.

Its compact and sleek design blends seamlessly into any home decor, providing entertainment without compromising on space.

PROS
  • Built-in smart features
  • Excellent picture quality
  • Wireless connectivity
  • Compact and stylish
CONS
  • Lower brightness
  • Limited sound quality
ViewSonic PX706HD
Bright and Vivid
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Brightness: 3,000 lumens
Contrast Ratio: 22,000:1
Throw Ratio: 0.69 - 0.83:1
Lamp Life: 15,000 hours

The ViewSonic PX706HD is a short throw projector that excels in providing bright and vibrant visuals, perfect for both gaming and home entertainment. It projects a 100-inch image from just 5 feet away, making it suitable for smaller rooms.

With a brightness of 3000 lumens and a high contrast ratio, the PX706HD delivers clear and detailed images even in well-lit environments. The low input lag ensures a smooth gaming experience, while the built-in speakers provide decent audio output.

Its versatile connectivity options, including HDMI and USB, make it easy to connect various devices. The compact and lightweight design allows for easy setup and portability.

PROS
  • Bright and clear visuals
  • Smooth gaming experience
  • Easy setup
  • Compact and portable
CONS
  • Average built-in audio
  • No wireless connectivity
Epson Home Cinema 3200
Cinematic Experience
Resolution: 4K PRO-UHD (3840 x 2160)
Brightness: 2,900 lumens
Contrast Ratio: 40,000:1
Throw Ratio: 1.32 - 2.15:1
Lamp Life: 5,000 hours

The Epson Home Cinema 3200 is designed to bring a true cinematic experience to your home. With 4K PRO-UHD technology, this projector delivers stunningly detailed and vibrant images. The short throw lens allows you to project a large screen size from a short distance, making it perfect for home theaters with limited space.

The high brightness of 2900 lumens ensures clear and bright images even in ambient light conditions. The Home Cinema 3200 also features advanced 3-chip 3LCD technology, eliminating the rainbow effect and providing a consistent, high-quality image.

With multiple connectivity options, including HDMI and USB, it's easy to connect your favorite devices for endless entertainment possibilities.

PROS
  • Excellent picture quality
  • Bright and vibrant images
  • No rainbow effect
  • Easy to connect devices
CONS
  • Limited zoom range
  • Higher price point

How our picks compare

SpecificationOptoma GT1080HDRBenQ HT2150STLG HF65LAViewSonic PX706HDEpson Home Cinema 3200
Resolution1920 x 10801920 x 10801920 x 10801920 x 10804K PRO-UHD (3840 x 2160)
Brightness3,800 lumens2,200 lumens1,000 ANSI lumens3,000 lumens2,900 lumens
Contrast Ratio50,000:115,000:1150,000:122,000:140,000:1
Throw Ratio0.49:10.69 - 0.83:10.29:10.69 - 0.83:11.32 - 2.15:1
Lamp Life15,000 hours7,000 hours30,000 hours15,000 hours5,000 hours