10 Best Short Throw Projectors 2025 in the United States

The Optoma GT1080HDRx is a solid choice for gamers and home cinema fans looking for a short-throw projector. Its short-throw lens lets you project a large 120-inch image from just about four feet away, which is great if you don’t have a lot of room to set up. The projector supports full HD 1080p resolution with HDR10 compatibility, so you get sharp and vibrant images with good color accuracy thanks to its advanced color wheel.

Brightness is strong at 3,800 lumens, making it suitable for use in rooms with some ambient light during the day or night. The contrast ratio of 50,000:1 helps deliver deeper blacks and more detailed images, enhancing picture quality. Connectivity-wise, it offers dual HDMI ports that support various devices like gaming consoles and streaming sticks, which is convenient. One standout feature is the gaming mode that reduces input lag to 8.4ms at 120Hz, providing smooth and responsive gameplay for a better gaming experience.

The lamp life is impressive, rated up to 15,000 hours, which means less frequent replacements and long-term value. It does not include advanced keystone correction options, so careful positioning of the projector may be needed for optimal alignment. While it handles 1080p natively and supports 4K input, it does not project in 4K resolution itself. If you want a reliable, bright, and quick-reacting projector mainly for gaming and casual home cinema use in smaller spaces, the Optoma GT1080HDRx is a fitting option.

The Yaber K300s Triple Laser Projector is a solid choice for those looking for an ultra short throw projector that fits well in small spaces. Its standout feature is the extremely short throw ratio of 0.18:1, allowing you to project a large 100-inch image from just under 10 inches away—great for cramped rooms or apartments. The projector offers a Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080), which is decent for movies and gaming, though it doesn't have native 4K despite supporting 4K inputs. Brightness is rated at 1,000 ANSI lumens, which is good for moderately lit rooms but might struggle in very bright environments.

The contrast ratio of 1,500:1 helps deliver reasonably deep blacks and vibrant colors, especially with the triple RGB laser system that covers 150% NTSC color gamut and supports HDR content for more lifelike visuals. Sound quality is a strong point here, with powerful 30W JBL speakers and Dolby 360° audio that will save you from buying additional speakers. Connectivity options are generous, including WiFi 6 for smooth streaming, Bluetooth 5.1 for wireless audio devices, Ethernet, HDMI, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The built-in Google TV platform comes with many apps pre-installed, removing the need for extra streaming devices.

Setup is very user-friendly, thanks to the AI-powered auto-focus and keystone correction that work quickly and accurately. Safety features like eye protection make it family-friendly. One downside is the relatively moderate brightness compared to some competitors, which might limit use in rooms with strong sunlight. The Yaber K300s is best for home cinema enthusiasts in smaller spaces who want sharp, colorful images with great sound and easy setup, but it’s less ideal if you need very high brightness or native 4K resolution.

The Optoma GT1080HDR is a solid choice for a short-throw projector mainly designed for gaming and entertainment in smaller spaces. It can project a large 120-inch image from just 4 feet away, making setup easier in rooms where space is limited. Its Full HD 1080p resolution ensures sharp and detailed images, which is excellent for gaming and movies. The brightness level of 3800 lumens allows for clear images even in moderately lit rooms, both day and night. Additionally, the contrast ratio of 50,000:1 delivers good depth between dark and bright scenes, enhancing picture quality. The projector supports HDR10, which enhances colors and brightness when viewing compatible content.

For gamers, the fast 8.4ms response time combined with a 120Hz refresh rate reduces lag and motion blur, providing a smoother experience. Connectivity options include two HDMI ports, allowing easy connection of gaming consoles, streaming devices, or media players. The vertical keystone correction feature enables image adjustment if the projector is off-center, reducing the need to physically move the device. The lamp life is rated up to 15,000 hours, supporting years of average daily use. The built-in 10-watt speaker offers decent sound for casual use, though it may not replace a dedicated sound system.

While the projector supports 4K input, it displays at a 1080p resolution, so it does not show native 4K detail. It weighs about 6.6 pounds, which is moderate but not ultra-portable. If you want a bright, responsive projector suitable for gaming and general entertainment with easy setup in smaller rooms, the Optoma GT1080HDR fulfills those requirements effectively. However, if you require true 4K resolution or a very compact device, other options might be more appropriate.