Are you cramped for space? Do you have a massive room and don't want your projector to stick out right in the middle of it? Consider a short-throw (ST) or ultra-short-throw (UST) projector. These projectors can be installed very close to the wall or screen you wish to project on, as an alternative to the traditional long-throw projectors, which you have to install far from the screen. Short-throw projectors have numerous advantages; they don't require as much space, their proximity to the screen helps with cable management, and they offer a more minimalist setup compared to traditional projectors. However, short-throw projectors are often more expensive than other projector types, so be aware of this when shopping. If you're unsure about the size of screen you can accommodate at your distance, you can also use our projector throw calculator to determine how each model fits your room.
We're here to help. We've purchased and tested over 80 projectors, and below, you'll find the best ST and best UST projectors to buy. However, we only cover consumer models, not high-end products intended for enthusiasts. If you're shopping for a home theater projector and don't care whether it's a short-throw projector, check out the best models for home theater use. If you find these projectors too expensive for what they offer and would prefer a cheaper option, check out the best budget and cheap projectors. Taking your projector on the patio? Consider our picks for the best outdoor projectors. And don't forget that you can vote on which projectors you'd like us to purchase and put to the test!
We've independently bought and tested over 80 projectors and published detailed results for each, so you can decide which one to buy. These have all been tested under the same standardized methodology, allowing you to compare them side by side. We still have all these projects in our lab, so we can continually go back and compare them to ensure our reviews are still accurate. All our test methodologies are also public on our website, so you can validate the results yourself.
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Best Short-Throw Projector
MoviesGamingBrightnessNative ContrastMinimum Throw RatioMaximum Throw RatioPortabilityLight SourceLaserSee all our test resultsNative ResolutionPixel Shift 4kIf you want the best short-throw projector, especially one that prioritizes black levels and depth, the Valerion VisionMaster Max is the one to get. Its native contrast is amazing, giving dark scenes real weight and separation, and it's one of the rare projectors where the dynamic contrast option is genuinely worth using, since it can deepen blacks without constantly calling attention to itself. Combined with its extremely wide color gamut and strong brightness, movies and games look rich, saturated, and punchy once you dim the lights.
Setup is also more flexible than most in this category. You get autofocus and auto keystone for quick positioning, plus a motorized zoom lens, a 0.90 to 1.50:1 throw range, and generous vertical lens shift to make placement far less finicky than a typical short throw. It also comes loaded with smart features, including a built-in streaming platform and wireless connectivity for easy app playback, casting, and quick pairing with wireless audio devices. Connectivity is strong too, with three HDMI inputs including two 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 ports, and responsive input lag with high refresh rate support for smoother PC play. Overall, if contrast is your top priority and you still want a bright, feature-rich projector for movies, streaming, and games, the VisionMaster Max is the standout pick.
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Best Upper Mid-Range Short-Throw Projector
MoviesGamingBrightnessNative ContrastMinimum Throw RatioMaximum Throw RatioPortabilityLight SourceLaserSee all our test resultsNative ResolutionPixel Shift 4kIf you want a short-throw projector that delivers a premium-looking image without paying flagship prices, the Hisense C2 Ultra is the best upper mid-range pick. It's a clear step down from the Valerion VisionMaster Max above in two areas: you don't get the same best-in-class contrast for the darkest scenes, and out-of-the-box accuracy isn't quite as dialed in. Still, the C2 Ultra is bright, colorful, and punchy, with a very wide color gamut and strong contrast that looks great on a large screen once the lights go down, and it calibrates nicely if you want to fine-tune it.
It's also one of the most well-rounded short-throw gaming options in this price tier. Input lag is low at 4k @ 60Hz for responsive console play, and it stays snappy at high refresh 1080p for PC gaming, so it feels quick whether you are playing story games or something faster. The short-throw lens makes placement easier in tighter rooms, and the rotating gimbal stand, plus autofocus, auto keystone, and obstacle avoidance, help you get aligned quickly. VIDAA is built-in with official Netflix support, plus Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support, so you can stream without a dongle. You also get Wi-Fi and Ethernet, a punchy 2.1-channel 40W JBL system, and HDMI eARC for easy soundbar or AVR upgrades. Overall, the C2 Ultra is the sweet spot if you want short-throw flexibility, excellent image quality, and legit gaming responsiveness without moving up to the top price bracket.
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Best Mid-Range Short-Throw Projector
MoviesGamingBrightnessNative ContrastMinimum Throw RatioMaximum Throw RatioPortabilityLight SourceLEDSee all our test resultsNative ResolutionPixel Shift 4kIf you mainly want a short-throw projector for competitive gaming and would rather pay less than the Hisense C2 Ultra, the BenQ X500i is the best mid-range pick. By stepping down from the Hisense, you give up some of that premium all-around image quality, especially brightness, color richness, and the more cinematic look the C2 Ultra can deliver, but the X500i still puts a sharp 4k (pixel shift) image on screen and is easy to place in smaller rooms thanks to its short-throw lens. Contrast is solid for a gaming-focused DLP. The BenQ also includes a Android TV 11 QS02 dongle, with Wi Fi 6, Bluetooth, Chromecast, and AirPlay, so streaming is covered without buying extra hardware. Connectivity is also strong, with multiple HDMI inputs including one with eARC, plus a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alt Mode for direct connection from compatible laptops or handhelds.
Where the X500i really stands out is high-refresh-rate gaming. At 60Hz, the Hisense C2 Ultra is actually a bit faster, so there's no huge advantage for 60 fps console play. But once you step up to 120Hz or 240Hz, the X500i pulls clearly ahead of the Hisense, with noticeably lower input lag and a more responsive feel. If you care about competitive play at 1080p/120 or 1080p/240, it's the strongest short-throw option. If responsive high-refresh-rate gaming is your main priority, the BenQ X500i is the smartest buy on this list.
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Best Budget Short-Throw Projector
MoviesGamingBrightnessNative ContrastMinimum Throw RatioMaximum Throw RatioPortabilityLight SourceLampSee all our test resultsNative Resolution1080pIf you like the short-throw flexibility and gaming focus of the BenQ X500i but want to spend much less, the BenQ TH671ST is a solid budget alternative. You give up a lot by stepping down, including the X500i's much sharper pixel-shifted 4k image, HDR support, built-in streaming, and especially its high refresh 1080p at 120Hz and 240Hz with very low input lag, but the TH671ST still solves the same core problem: it can fill a big screen from close range in a smaller room. It's best used in dim lighting, since it doesn't have the same punchy image quality as the X500i, but its contrast is decent for the price, and its out-of-the-box accuracy is strong enough that movies and TV shows look natural without much tweaking.
It's also a simple, no-frills projector. There's no smart platform, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth, so most people will want a streaming stick and external speakers. For gaming, it tops out at 1080p at 60Hz, but with Game Mode enabled, it's responsive enough for casual play and slower competitive titles at 60 fps. Overall, the TH671ST is the pick if you want inexpensive short-throw placement for dark-room movie nights and occasional gaming, and you don't mind adding your own streaming and audio gear.
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Best Ultra-Short-Throw Projector
MoviesGamingBrightnessNative ContrastMinimum Throw RatioMaximum Throw RatioPortabilityLight SourceLaserSee all our test resultsNative ResolutionPixel Shift 4kIf you want a true TV replacement that sits right up against the wall instead of a short-throw model on a table, the Hisense PX3-PRO is the best ultra-short-throw projector we've reviewed. Compared with similarly priced short-throw picks like the Valerion VisionMaster Max, you give up some overall image quality, but in return, you get the main UST advantage: a huge screen from just inches away, ideal for a low media console where a coffee table setup isn't practical. Its TriChroma RGB laser light engine still delivers very good contrast for a UST and one of the widest color gamuts we have measured, so HDR movies and sports look rich and vibrant once the lights are down. Out of the box, accuracy is only decent, but it calibrates well, and paired with a proper UST ALR screen, it looks punchy in typical living room lighting.
For gaming, it accepts 4k at 60Hz and up to 1080p at 240Hz. Input lag is noticeably higher at 4k at 60Hz than the best short-throw options, but it gets much snappier at 120Hz and 240Hz, making it a strong choice if you want a gaming-friendly UST. Feature support is also excellent, with Google TV built in, Dolby Vision and HDR10+, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth, Chromecast, and AirPlay 2. Three HDMI ports cover a console-heavy setup, including an eARC port for a soundbar or AVR if you outgrow the integrated speakers. Overall, if you specifically want a clean UST setup that hugs the wall and fills a huge screen, the PX3-PRO is a great fit, even if the best image quality per dollar is found in the short-throw picks above.
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Best Mid-Range Ultra-Short-Throw Projector
MoviesGamingBrightnessNative ContrastMinimum Throw RatioMaximum Throw RatioPortabilityLight SourceLED + LaserSee all our test resultsNative ResolutionPixel Shift 4kIf you like the idea of a premium UST setup like the Hisense PX3-PRO but want to spend much less, the XGIMI AURA 2 is the best mid-range ultra-short-throw projector to get. You give up the Hisense's biggest home theater advantage, as the PX3-PRO has a much wider color gamut, so HDR movies look richer and more saturated. The Hisense is also the more flexible gaming projector thanks to its 120Hz and 240Hz support at 1080p, while the AURA 2 is limited to 60Hz signals. That said, the XGIMI's input lag is much lower at 4k @ 60Hz, so it can be the better choice if you only care about casual console gaming at standard 60Hz. It's bright enough for dim-room viewing, has solid contrast, and is quite accurate out of the box, so movies and shows look natural without requiring much setup.
As for features, the AURA 2 has a bit of everything. Its built-in Google TV platform gives you proper app support, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+, so you can use it as an all-in-one living room display without immediately budgeting for a separate streamer. It also includes Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, Chromecast, AirPlay, and 3D support, plus XGIMI's Intelligent Screen Adaptation 5.0 tools to help with focus, keystone correction, screen alignment, obstacle avoidance, and eye protection. Once it's set up, its HDMI inputs and eARC support make it easy to connect external sources and route audio to a soundbar or AVR, while the built-in Harman Kardon speakers are fine if you want to keep the setup simple. If you want a UST without paying flagship money, the XGIMI AURA 2 is the mid-range model that makes the most sense.
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Best Budget Ultra-Short-Throw Projector
MoviesGamingBrightnessNative ContrastMinimum Throw RatioMaximum Throw RatioPortabilityLight SourceLaserSee all our test resultsNative ResolutionPixel Shift 4kIf you want an ultra-short-throw projector at a more entry-level price, the LG CineBeam S is the best budget UST projector we've tested. UST projectors are expensive by nature, so it still costs more than many other 'budget' projectors, but it's much cheaper than stronger models like the XGIMI AURA 2. The trade-off is performance: the XGIMI is much brighter, more accurate out of the box, better for gaming, and generally delivers a more convincing big-screen image. The LG's advantage is that it's much smaller and lighter, so it works better if you want a compact UST that you can move around more easily or fit into a smaller space. Just keep your expectations in check: it has strong contrast and a wide color gamut, but its dim brightness means it's best used in a dark room with the curtains drawn.
That's not to say that it doesn't look good. Its pixel-shifted 4k image looks sharp, and its 0.25 throw ratio lets it project a big image from very close to the wall, including up to 100 inches from about 22 inches away. It runs LG's webOS platform, with built-in apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video, plus AirPlay 2 and Miracast Screen Share for wireless casting. Setup is helped by autofocus, auto keystone, screen scaling and shifting, and wall color adjustment, which is useful if you're projecting onto a wall instead of a proper screen. Connectivity is simple, with one HDMI 2.0 port with eARC and two USB-C ports, and it has 2x4W built-in speakers with Dolby Atmos support. It's too dim and too laggy to be a great all-purpose projector, but if you want an affordable, compact UST for dark-room movie nights, the LG CineBeam S is an interesting budget option.
Notable Mentions
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Anker Nebula X1:
The Anker Nebula X1 is a fun short-throw alternative to the Hisense C2 Ultra or Valerion VisionMaster Max if you care more about outdoor use and portability. It has a built-in handle, strong speakers, and an outdoor-friendly design. Still, the Hisense and Valerion are better living-room options with better gaming performance and more input options.
See our review -
BenQ TK700STi:
The BenQ TK700STi is a good alternative to the BenQ X500i if you want a cheaper short-throw gaming projector. It offers similarly low input lag at 1080p @ 240Hz and 4k @ 60Hz, but the X500i still wins overall thanks to its better contrast, wider color gamut, and superior out-of-the-box accuracy.
See our review -
Formovie THEATER:
The Formovie THEATER is a strong alternative to the Hisense PX3-PRO if you're building a dark-room UST setup. It delivers even better native contrast and deeper blacks, but the Hisense is brighter, has a wider color gamut, and offers a more rounded feature set for gamers and streamers, so we still recommend the Hisense for most people.
See our review -
NexiGo Aurora Pro:
The NexiGo Aurora Pro is another good UST option if you mostly watch in darker rooms, as its contrast is excellent and it looks very cinematic once the lights are down. However, its minimalist Android TV implementation and very inaccurate out-of-the-box picture make it harder to live with than the Hisense PX3-PRO.
See our review -
Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS300:
The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS300 is a decent alternative to the XGIMI AURA 2 if brightness is your top priority. The XGIMI is the better projector in almost every other way, but the Epson gets much brighter, so it can make more sense if you're setting up in a very bright room and want a UST projector that can better fight through ambient light. Otherwise, stick with the XGIMI.
See our review
Recent Updates
Apr 29, 2026:
The XGIMI AURA 2's current price makes it a much stronger mid-range UST pick, so it replaces the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS300 as our 'Best Mid-Range Ultra-Short-Throw Projector.' The LS300 moves to the Notable Mentions as a much brighter option for very bright rooms. We've also added the LG CineBeam S as our 'Best Budget Ultra-Short-Throw Projector' thanks to its compact design, low price for a UST unit, and decent dark-room performance.
Feb 20, 2026:
We added the Valerion VisionMaster Max as our new top pick for its amazing contrast and top-notch features. We've also converted our article to a price tier format. The other picks were lightly rewritten to clarify what you're gaining and losing when stepping down a tier.
Nov 19, 2025:
The Hisense C2 Ultra is now the 'Best Short-Throw Projector' due to its versatility and gaming prowess, while the BenQ X500i is now the 'Best Gaming Short-Throw Projector.' All other picks stay the same, but have been rewritten for clarity. The Notable Mentions have also been expanded.
Apr 14, 2025:
We made sure that our recommendations are still accurate and available for purchase.
Jan 15, 2025:
Ensured that our picks are all still available for purchase.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best short-throw projectors for most people to buy. We factor in the price (a cheaper projector wins over a pricier one if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no models that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
If you'd like to do the work of choosing yourself, here's the list of the best short-throw projector reviews. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. While no projector is perfect, many are good enough for most uses; however, avoid the worst models to ensure adequate quality.