Best Short Throw Projectors for Home and Gaming
The BenQ TK700STi is the best short throw projector for most buyers who want a bright, sharp image for movies and gaming without placing the projector far from the screen. Its 4K input support, low-latency gaming features and flexible short-throw setup make it a strong all-round choice, though it costs more than basic 1080p models.
What to Look For
“Short throw” describes how close a projector can sit to make a given image size; it does not mean the same thing as ultra-short throw. Check the throw ratio and the screen size you actually plan to use. A model with a 0.9:1 ratio needs roughly 7.5 feet to create a 100-inch-wide image, while a 0.5:1 model needs about half that distance. Use each manufacturer’s calculator for exact placement, since lens position and zoom range matter.
Brightness is important in rooms with ambient light. Projector makers quote lumens using different standards and modes, so treat figures as a starting point rather than a perfect comparison. A darker, controlled room lets you use a lower-brightness model and often produces better perceived contrast. For daytime viewing, consider a brighter projector and a suitable screen; no projector can fully overcome strong light on the screen.
Resolution and image processing affect detail. Native 4K costs more; many projectors described as 4K use pixel-shifting to display a 4K image from a lower-resolution imaging chip. That can still look detailed, but it is not the same as a native 4K panel. Check supported input formats as well as native resolution.
For games, look for measured input lag at the resolution and refresh rate you intend to use, plus the ports needed by your console or PC. HDR support is not a guarantee of impressive HDR: brightness, contrast and tone mapping determine how convincing it looks. Also compare installation options, fan noise, lamp or laser light source, warranty and replacement-part availability.
BenQ TK700STi: Best Overall
The TK700STi is a practical pick for a multipurpose room where gaming matters as much as films. It supports 4K signals, offers a short-throw lens and includes gaming-oriented low-latency modes. Its brightness is useful when the room is not completely dark, and Android TV functionality is included for streaming.
The trade-offs are its price, audible fan noise in some modes and the limitations of a single-chip DLP design, which can show a rainbow effect to sensitive viewers. It is not a full substitute for a television in a bright room, and its built-in streaming experience may be less convenient than a separate device. Choose it if you want one projector for console gaming, sports and occasional movie nights.
Optoma UHD35STx: Best for Fast Gaming
The UHD35STx is a short-throw 4K-input DLP projector aimed at players who value responsive gameplay and high refresh-rate options. It can produce a large image from a relatively close position, making it easier to fit into a bedroom or gaming space than a standard-throw model.
Its strongest case is gaming rather than cinematic image quality: black levels and HDR impact are limited compared with more expensive home-theater models, and the precise refresh-rate and resolution combinations should be checked against your source. It also lacks the convenience of integrated smart TV features. It suits buyers who already use a console, PC or streaming stick and want a big, quick image.
BenQ TH690ST: Best 1080p Gaming Value
The TH690ST uses a short-throw lens and a 1080p display resolution, with a solid-state light source rather than a conventional replaceable lamp. It is a sensible lower-cost route to a large gaming image, especially if your seating and screen distance make a regular projector awkward.
You give up 4K detail, and its image still benefits from a darkened room. As with other DLP models, rainbow artifacts are possible for some viewers. Compare its current price with 4K-input options before buying: if you sit close to a very large screen, extra resolution may be worth paying for. It best suits gamers who prioritize placement and response over maximum movie detail.
Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800: Best Ultra-Short-Throw Option
The LS800 is an ultra-short-throw laser projector designed to sit close to the wall, typically on a low cabinet rather than across the room. Its high stated brightness, 4K enhancement and smart TV platform make it useful in living rooms where a ceiling mount is unwelcome. It is a lifestyle-oriented alternative to a large television.
It is expensive, and ultra-short-throw installation is less forgiving than it appears: a small change in cabinet height or screen alignment can distort the image. For the best result, use a flat, suitable screen and carefully follow the placement chart. Ambient-light-rejecting screens can help in brighter spaces but add cost and need to match the projector’s geometry. Choose it when close placement is essential and budget allows.
Hisense PX2-Pro: Best for a Dedicated UST Setup
The PX2-Pro is another ultra-short-throw laser option, with 4K display capability, a smart TV interface and a wide color gamut. It can replace a conventional projector setup in a media room or living room without running a long throw distance. Its laser light source also avoids routine lamp replacement.
It is still a substantial investment, and its picture depends heavily on a carefully aligned screen and controlled lighting. Like other UST models, it is not a portable projector to casually move between rooms; recalibration may be needed after moving it. Check current input, gaming and streaming requirements before purchase, since features vary by region and firmware. It suits buyers committed to a fixed, close-to-wall installation.
How to Choose
Start with the room. Measure from the intended lens position to the screen, not merely from the back of the projector. Confirm the desired diagonal size and use the manufacturer’s throw calculator. Leave room for cables, ventilation and the projector body. If you cannot place a conventional short-throw projector far enough away, look at UST models; if you can, a standard short-throw unit is often less costly.
Set a realistic budget. Entry-level 1080p models can make sense for gaming and casual viewing, while 4K-capable projectors cost more and vary widely in contrast and HDR performance. Include the screen, mount or cabinet, audio, streaming device and replacement lamp if applicable. A projector’s advertised price alone does not show the cost of a usable setup.
Match it to the main use. For fast gaming, prioritize input lag, refresh-rate support and the ports your system needs. For films, favor a dark room, good contrast and accurate placement over an inflated brightness number. For shared living spaces, brightness and simple streaming may matter more, but a television will generally handle daylight better.
Accept the trade-offs. Short throw makes placement easier but can reveal screen texture, wall imperfections and alignment errors. DLP can look crisp but may show rainbow artifacts; LCD avoids that effect but different models have different contrast and pixel structure. Laser light sources reduce lamp maintenance but do not automatically mean better black levels. If possible, review the exact model in a room resembling yours and check its return policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a short throw projector better than a regular projector?
Not inherently. It is better when you need a large picture from a shorter distance; a regular-throw model may offer better value if you have space.
How far away should a short throw projector be?
It depends on the model’s throw ratio and your image size. Use the manufacturer’s placement calculator rather than relying on a general distance estimate.
Can I use a short throw projector in daylight?
You can, but sunlight and room lighting wash out the image. A brighter model and an appropriate screen help, while a darkened room gives better results.
Do I need a special screen for ultra-short throw?
No screen is strictly required, but a flat, compatible screen improves consistency. An ambient-light-rejecting UST screen may help in a bright room, at extra cost.
Is 4K worth it for a projector?
It can be, particularly on a large screen or from close seating. Compare actual image quality and supported formats; “4K” may refer to pixel-shifted display rather than native 4K resolution.
Bottom Line
For most buyers wanting a versatile short-throw projector, the BenQ TK700STi is the strongest starting point because it balances 4K input support, gaming features and practical brightness. Pick the Optoma UHD35STx or BenQ TH690ST if gaming value matters more than 4K detail. Choose the Epson LS800 or Hisense PX2-Pro only when an ultra-short-throw living-room setup is worth the higher cost and careful installation.
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