The 4 Best Short-Throw Projectors - Summer 2024 Reviews

Looking for the best short-throw or ultra-short-throw projector? Look no further than the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800. It projects an 80-inch image at a distance of only 0.9 inches: that's almost flush with the wall! If you're looking for a bigger image, it can project up to a 150-inch image at a distance of 9.9 inches. It's one of the brightest projectors we've tested, so you don't need to worry about turning off the lights when using it, but it also performs well in pitch-black rooms due to its decent contrast. It projects a sharp image through its 4k pixel-shifting technology, and its color gamut and accuracy are both satisfactory, so ultimately, this projector has no real weaknesses regarding image quality.

It's packed with features, including built-in Android TV with full Chromecast integration. It even has a decent 2.1 speaker system from Yamaha, although we recommend a home theater speaker system for maximum impact. When it comes to ports, there's a bit of everything here: two USB 2.0 data ports, a 3.5mm audio jack, an optical out connection, and a 2.0A DC Out USB port, which is helpful if you want to power a dongle. It also has three HDMI ports, including an ARC port. All HDMI ports can accept a 4k @ 60Hz signal, but the third one also projects a 1080p @ 120Hz signal. The projector also supports Bluetooth 5.0 and comes with Wi-Fi 5. Overall, the LS800 is the most well-rounded ultra-short-throw projector and has something for everyone.

If you're looking for a projector solely to use in a dark room, the NexiGo Aurora Pro is a better option than the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800. While it doesn't get nearly as bright, its contrast is vastly superior; it has some of the best contrast of any projector we've tested. It's also much more colorful, which is especially noticeable when watching HDR content. Unfortunately, the NexiGo's color accuracy is poor out of the box; it won't bother many users, but those who care about color accuracy will want to calibrate it for the best possible experience. It's capable of projecting an 80-inch image at a distance of four inches and up to 150 inches at a distance of 17.3 inches, which isn't nearly as good as the Epson but is good enough to give you a ton of versatility when it comes to placement.

Regarding smart features, the NexiGo comes with a barebones smart OS, requiring a streaming dongle if you want to access any apps. It does, however, have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and is cast capable. The NexiGo supports 4k @ 60Hz signals on all three HDMI ports, has three USB data ports if you want to play files directly from a USB key, and has both a line-out jack and an optical out port. Overall, as long as you invest in a good calibrator, this projector won't disappoint, as it's the best ultra-short-throw projector for home theater.

If you don't need the absolute best, consider the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS300. Unlike the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800, it doesn't support 4k pixel shifting, so its image isn't as sharp, but it's otherwise almost as good. What's especially impressive about the cheaper Epson is its pre-calibration color accuracy, which is truly excellent. Plus, its brightness is great, and its contrast is alright, although they both fall slightly short of the LS800. It's decently colorful, although it looks a bit washed out in HDR. Regarding projection distance, it's an ultra-short-throw projector like the more expensive Epson. Still, its minimum throw ratio is a bit higher at 0.27, so you need to install it a bit further away from the screen; it projects a 60-inch image at a distance of about one inch, up to a 120-inch image at a distance of 15.2 inches.

When it comes to features, the unit has built-in Android TV with full Chromecast integration and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support. It comes with an integrated 2.1 speaker system from Yamaha, but you'll get better sound from it with a soundbar or speaker system connected to its ARC port, which is its second HDMI port. Both HDMI ports can projector a 1080p @ 60Hz signal, and it has one USB-A data port through which you can stream files from a USB portable drive. There's also an optical-out audio port if you prefer that option over ARC. Overall, this projector offers many, but not all, of the features of the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 but at a much lower price.

You don't need to empty your bank account to get a satisfactory short-throw projector, as the BenQ TH671ST offers a satisfactory experience for a budget price. Its brightness is mediocre, so it looks washed out when the lights are on. Luckily, its contrast is satisfactory, so it offers a pleasant viewing experience in darker rooms. It's also colorful, and its pre-calibration color accuracy is great. It projects a 60-inch image at a distance of about three feet and up to a 180-inch image at about nine feet, which is a much longer projection range than the picks above, so plan accordingly. This unit is the only one on this list to use a traditional lamp as its light source; while lamps don't last nearly as long as lasers, you can change them when they burn out.

This model is compact and weighs only 5.9 pounds, making it much smaller than the other picks above; useful if you wish to move it around. It's a bit light on features: it doesn't support Bluetooth or Wi-Fi out-of-the-box, and it doesn't have a smart OS. It has only one 5W speaker, so you need a soundbar to get adequate sound. When it comes to ports, it has two HDMI 1.4 ports, and both can project up to 1920x1200 or 1080p @ 60Hz. The second HDMI port has MHL support, so you can directly plug your phone or tablet into that port to stream your screen to the projector. This is good, as the unit doesn't have a USB data port. Instead, it has a mini USB service port and a USB Type-A port for power delivery. Ultimately, this model is of great value as long as you can deal with its longer projection range.