10 Best Cheap Short Throw Projector 2025 in the United States

The LG HU85LA Ultra Short Throw projector is designed to deliver an impressive home cinema experience with its 4K UHD resolution and up to 2700 ANSI lumens brightness, making it suitable for various lighting conditions. Its ultra-short throw capability allows you to project a 120-inch screen from just 7.2 inches away, which is perfect for small spaces where traditional projectors might be challenging to use.

One of its major strengths is the inclusion of smart features, such as LG's webOS Lite which allows access to popular streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime directly from the projector. The projector also supports HDR10, enhancing the color and contrast for a more vibrant picture. The built-in Alexa and LG ThinQ AI enable voice recognition and smart home connectivity, adding convenience for users who enjoy a tech-savvy environment.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. While the projector offers a high resolution and decent brightness, it may not be the most affordable option in the cheap short-throw projector category. Additionally, weighing in at 26.9 pounds, it's relatively heavy compared to other projectors, which may limit portability. The keystone correction feature, while useful, may not fully cater to every setup, potentially impacting image quality if not positioned perfectly.

The BenQ TK710STi is an impressive short-throw projector that offers a lot of value for its price. With a 3200 ANSI lumens brightness, it’s capable of delivering clear and vibrant images even in a well-lit room, making it suitable for various home environments. The 4K resolution ensures sharp and detailed visuals, which is great for both movies and gaming. Its 95% Rec.709 color coverage adds to the visual appeal, providing rich and accurate colors.

The projector also features a durable laser light source, reducing the need for frequent lamp replacements, thus lowering ongoing maintenance costs. For gamers, the 4ms response time and 240Hz refresh rate at 1080p resolution promise smooth gameplay with minimal lag, enhancing the gaming experience. Additionally, it comes with Google-Certified Android TV, offering a wide range of streaming options, and built-in speakers, which add convenience. The 3D keystone correction feature helps in adjusting the image perfectly on any surface.

It’s important to note that while the projector includes Wi-Fi connectivity and built-in streaming capabilities, it might require additional external speakers for a true home theater audio experience, as built-in speakers may not be sufficient for everyone. Despite this, the BenQ TK710STi stands out as a versatile and feature-rich option for anyone looking for an affordable short-throw projector suitable for both entertainment and gaming.

The Optoma ZH406ST is a well-built short-throw projector that delivers a crisp Full HD 1080p resolution with excellent brightness at 4200 lumens, making it suitable for environments with some ambient light, like classrooms or offices. Its throw ratio allows for a large 120-inch image from just over 4 feet away, which is great if you have limited space but still want a big display. The contrast ratio is very strong at 300,000:1, so you'll see good detail in darker scenes. One of the biggest advantages is the durable DuraCore laser light source, which lasts up to 30,000 hours without needing lamp replacements, saving you maintenance costs over time. The projector also supports 4K HDR input, enhancing image quality for compatible content, though its native resolution is 1080p.

Connectivity options are comprehensive, including dual HDMI ports, VGA, audio inputs, and network control, which is perfect if you want to connect various devices or manage multiple projectors remotely. The built-in dual 10-watt speakers provide decent sound for medium-sized rooms, so you may not need extra speakers for basic presentations. On the downside, the projector is on the heavier side and may feel a bit complex to set up for casual users due to its many features and advanced settings. Also, while it’s great for business and educational use, it might be more expensive than typical “cheap” short-throw projectors aimed at home cinema buyers.

This model suits users needing reliable, bright, and flexible short-throw projection in professional or educational spaces who value long lamp life and strong connectivity.