10 Best Cheap Short Throw Projector 2025 in the United States

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 BenQ X500i stands out as a solid option for those looking for a cheap short-throw projector, especially catering to gamers. It offers a true 4K resolution (3840 x 2160), ensuring sharp and vibrant visuals. The short throw ratio of 0.69~0.83 is excellent for projecting large images in smaller rooms, making it ideal for bedroom setups or compact spaces. With a brightness of 2200 lumens, it performs well in dimly lit environments, though it might struggle in very bright rooms.

The projector's 4ms response time and auto game mode are fantastic for lag-free gaming, providing a smooth experience with consoles like Xbox, PS5, and Switch. Connectivity options are ample, with HDMI, eARC, and S/PDF ensuring easy connections to various devices. Additionally, built-in speakers with 7.1-channel Dolby Atmos support offer a decent audio experience without needing external speakers.

The digital keystone correction is a helpful feature that allows you to adjust the image for proper alignment. With built-in Wi-Fi and smart features like Android TV, AirPlay, and Chromecast, it works well as an all-in-one entertainment hub. Weighing 11 pounds and featuring a compact design, it is portable and easy to set up. The BenQ X500i is a strong choice for gamers and home entertainment enthusiasts who need a short-throw projector with excellent resolution and gaming features.

The Optoma ZH340ST is a compact short throw projector designed for professional settings like offices and classrooms. With a brightness of 3,200 lumens, it delivers clear images even in well-lit environments, making it a strong contender for users requiring visibility without darkening the room. Its short throw lens allows for a large 120-inch display from just over 4 feet away, which is perfect for smaller spaces where mounting options may be limited. The projector's DuraCore laser technology extends lamp life to an impressive 30,000 hours, reducing maintenance concerns and eliminating the need for frequent lamp replacements. Plus, with dual HDMI and USB connectivity options, switching between devices is seamless, catering to varied presentation needs.

Some drawbacks exist. While the brightness and resolution (1920 x 1080) are commendable, the contrast ratio isn't specified, which can impact the depth of the colors displayed. Additionally, the product's weight of 6.61 pounds and dimensions, although compact, might still be a consideration for users looking for extreme portability.

The Optoma ZH340ST is a solid choice for those in need of a reliable, short throw projector for education or business use, especially in smaller spaces. Its efficient design and strong performance make it a good value, although potential buyers should consider their specific needs regarding image quality and portability.