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 an ultra-short-throw (UST) or short-throw (ST) projector. A UST projector can be installed as close as one foot from your screen and still project a big image, making it a great option for small spaces. Its proximity to the screen also makes cable management easier. ST models typically require at least four feet of space between the projector and your screen, so you need more space in your room. However, ST models are typically more affordable than UST models, and there are more options at different price points. 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 100 projectors, and below, you'll find the best UST and ST 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 projectors 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 100 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 projectors 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 Ultra-Short-Throw Projector
Home TheaterOutdoorsBedroomGamingBrightnessContrastPortabilityColorGaming ResponsivenessMinimum Throw Ratio:Maximum Throw Ratio:Native Resolution:Pixel Shift 4kSee all our test resultsLight Source:LaserThe AWOL Vision Aetherion Pro is the ultra-short-throw pick for people who want a high-end projector that lives right against the wall and performs best in a dark room. It has outstanding contrast that leads to deep blacks, fantastic judder handling for smooth motion, and strong handling of the rainbow effect (RBE) to cut down on the color flashes some people see on DLP projectors. It's bright enough for the image to look punchy in a dark room, but it's not quite bright enough to handle glare in a room with ambient lighting. Its pixel-shifted 4k image looks sharp, and its color vibrancy is exceptional. Still, the projector's pre-calibration image accuracy is underwhelming, as it's way too warm out of the box. Most users aren't likely to care, but purists will want to calibrate the unit.
This projector has very low input lag, so gaming feels responsive, and it supports high-refresh 1080p modes up to 240Hz for smoother, faster PC gaming. It even supports VRR to reduce screen tearing, so it offers a ton for gaming. It also has Google TV built-in, which gives you access to a large catalog of apps to watch movies and shows. If you like this projector but wish it were brighter, you can step up to the AWOL Vision Aetherion Max. However, it performs almost identically aside from brightness and is significantly more expensive, so the extra cost isn't worth it for most people.
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Best Mid-Range Ultra-Short-Throw Projector
Home TheaterOutdoorsBedroomGamingBrightnessContrastPortabilityColorGaming ResponsivenessMinimum Throw Ratio:Maximum Throw Ratio:Native Resolution:Pixel Shift 4kSee all our test resultsLight Source:LaserThe XGIMI MIRA is the best ultra-short-throw option if the AWOL Vision Aetherion Pro is too expensive. It's dimmer than the AWOL, so the image doesn't look as punchy, but it avoids looking too dim in a dark room. Its contrast is also a step down in darker scenes, so blacks aren't as deep, but it's still good enough to avoid looking washed out. Unfortunately, this model can only remove judder by dropping the resolution to 1080p, so you lose the extra sharpness that 4k pixel-shifting provides if you want the smoothest motion. It also can't remove judder from international content filmed in 25 fps, so motion in shows like "The Crown" looks a bit choppy. RBE is more noticeable on this model, which will likely bother those who are sensitive to it.
Colors are actually slightly more vibrant on this model, and they're more accurate out of the box, so even enthusiasts likely won't feel the need to calibrate it. Its throw ratio is also a bit lower, so you can place it a bit closer to your wall than the AWOL. It offers the same refresh rates as our top pick, and you still get VRR to reduce screen tearing. However, its input lag is higher, so gaming doesn't feel quite as snappy, but it's still low enough to avoid feeling sluggish. Like the AWOL, it utilizes the Google TV OS, so finding movies and shows to watch is easy.
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Best Budget Ultra-Short-Throw Projector
Home TheaterOutdoorsBedroomGamingBrightnessContrastPortabilityColorGaming ResponsivenessMinimum Throw Ratio:Maximum Throw Ratio:Native Resolution:Pixel Shift 4kSee all our test resultsLight Source:LaserIf 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. It's a lot dimmer than the XGIMI MIRA, so you really need to use it in a pitch-black room to avoid a washed-out image. Its contrast is a big step down too, so the image doesn't have as much depth. Although colors aren't as vibrant or accurate as they are on the XGIMI, they still look rich, so movies and shows don't look dull. Unfortunately, it doesn't remove judder at all, so motion looks a bit choppy. That's not to say the LG doesn't look good, since its pixel-shifted 4k image looks sharp and detailed.
The LG's primary 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. It runs LG's webOS platform, with a ton of built-in apps and casting support, which adds to its portability. Setup is helped by autofocus, auto keystone, and automatic screen fit, so it doesn't take much time to align the image. Gaming on this model isn't very impressive, since it's limited to 60Hz, doesn't support VRR to reduce screen tearing, and has very high input lag that makes gaming feel slow. Still, if you want an affordable, compact UST for dark-room movie nights, the LG CineBeam S is a good budget option.
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Best Short-Throw Projector
Home TheaterOutdoorsBedroomGamingBrightnessContrastPortabilityColorGaming ResponsivenessMinimum Throw Ratio:Maximum Throw Ratio:Native Resolution:Pixel Shift 4kSee all our test resultsLight Source:LaserIf you want the best short-throw projector, one that prioritizes black levels and depth but with a longer throw ratio than a UST projector, 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 any truly noticeable artifacting. It also has fantastic judder handling, so camera pans in movies look smooth without any obvious choppiness, and its RBE reduction feature does a great job reducing the color flashes some people notice on DLP projectors. Add in its exceptional color volume and strong enough brightness for dim-room viewing, and movies look rich, saturated, and punchy once you turn the lights down.
It's also more flexible to place than many short-throw projectors. Its lens lets it sit closer to the screen than a traditional projector, and its motorized zoom and vertical lens shift give you room to resize and line up the image without moving the whole unit or relying as much on digital correction. It also comes loaded with smart features, including a built-in streaming platform, casting support, and wireless connectivity. Gaming performance is great too, with low input lag and high-refresh-rate support, making games pretty responsive. Overall, the VisionMaster Max is the standout short-throw pick if you want premium movie performance, excellent contrast, smooth motion, and a full feature set.
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Best Mid-Range Short-Throw Projector
Home TheaterOutdoorsBedroomGamingBrightnessContrastPortabilityColorGaming ResponsivenessMinimum Throw Ratio:Maximum Throw Ratio:Native Resolution:Pixel Shift 4kSee all our test resultsLight Source:LaserIf you want a solid short-throw projector for less than the Valerion VisionMaster Max, the JMGO N3 Ultimate is the pick to get. The Valerion is still the better dark-room home theater projector if movies are your top priority: it has deeper contrast, a useful dynamic contrast feature, fantastic judder handling, and a very effective feature to reduce RBE. The JMGO doesn't quite match that level of movie refinement, but it's brighter, very colorful, and still has strong enough contrast to give movies, shows, and games good depth in a dim room. Its pixel-shifted 4k image also looks crisp, so it still delivers the sharp, high-end-looking image you'd expect at this price.
This projector's biggest advantage is gaming. It feels very responsive at 4k @ 60Hz for consoles, and it can also run at 1080p @ 120Hz or 1080p @ 240Hz if you want smoother motion and a quicker feel for faster PC games. It's also easy to set up thanks to its two-axis gimbal stand, autofocus, automatic keystone correction, and screen alignment tools, so aiming and squaring the image doesn't take much effort. The main drawback is judder: it doesn't handle it very well, so camera pans look uneven if you're sensitive to choppy motion. Overall, it's the better pick if you want a brighter, gaming-focused short-throw projector that still looks great for everyday movies and shows, while the Valerion remains the stronger choice for dark-room movie enthusiasts.
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Best Lower Mid-Range Short-Throw Projector
Home TheaterOutdoorsBedroomGamingBrightnessContrastPortabilityColorGaming ResponsivenessMinimum Throw Ratio:Maximum Throw Ratio:Native Resolution:Pixel Shift 4kSee all our test resultsLight Source:LEDIf you want a short-throw projector and would rather pay less than the JMGO N3 Ultimate, consider the BenQ X500i. By stepping down from the JMGO, you give up a lot of that premium all-around image quality, especially brightness, color richness, and the more cinematic look that the JMGO's contrast provides. There's a bit more RBE on this projector, so people who are sensitive to it will be bothered by it. However, the X500i still puts a sharp 4k (pixel-shifted) image on screen and is easy to place in smaller rooms thanks to its short-throw lens. Fortunately, it can remove judder from devices with frame rate matching, so motion looks smoother when using a modern streaming device.
Although the JMGO is a better option for gaming, it still stands out as a very good gaming projector. Its input lag is higher, but it's still low enough for gaming to feel responsive, especially at 120Hz and 240Hz. It includes an Android TV 11 QS02 dongle with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, Chromecast, and Apple 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.
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Best Budget Short-Throw Projector
Home TheaterOutdoorsBedroomGamingBrightnessContrastPortabilityColorGaming ResponsivenessMinimum Throw Ratio:Maximum Throw Ratio:Native Resolution:1080pSee all our test resultsLight Source:LampIf 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 alternative. You give up a lot by stepping down, including the X500i's much sharper pixel-shifted 4 K image, built-in streaming, and especially its high-refresh 1080p @ 120Hz and 240Hz with very low input lag. It's best used in dim lighting due to its alright but not exceptional brightness, but its contrast is decent for the price, and its out-of-the-box accuracy is strong enough that movies, TV shows, and games look natural without much tweaking. Its color volume is just good enough that most games don't look dull, especially when using the projector in a dark room.
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 @ 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 an entry-level option for dark-room movie nights and occasional gaming, and you don't mind adding your own streaming and audio gear.
Notable Mentions
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Hisense PX3-PRO:
The Hisense PX3-PRO is a solid alternative to the AWOL Vision Aetherion Pro if you're looking for a brighter projector that works well in brighter rooms, and you don't care so much about top-tier gaming performance. Still, for most people, the AWOL's contrast and extremely responsive input lag put it ahead.
See our review -
Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS300:
The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS300 is a decent alternative to the XGIMI MIRA 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 -
Anker Nebula X1:
The Anker Nebula X1 is a fun short-throw alternative to the JMGO N3 Ultimate 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 JMGO and Valerion are better living-room options with better gaming performance and more input options.
See our review -
Hisense C2 Ultra:
The Hisense C2 Ultra is a good alternative to the JMGO N3 Ultimate if you need a projector that can remove judder. However, the JMGO is brighter, has better contrast, and offers superior gaming performance, so only go with the Hisense if you want the smoothest motion possible when watching movies and shows.
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, more colorful image, and superior out-of-the-box accuracy.
See our review
Recent Updates
Sep 23, 2026:
We replaced the XGIMI AURA 2 with the XGIMI MIRA in the 'Best Mid-Range Ultra-Short-Throw' section, since the latter offers better image quality and performance while also being cheaper. We also eliminated the 'Best Upper Mid-Range Short-Throw' category and moved the JMGO N3 Ultimate, which previously occupied that spot, to the 'Best Mid-Range Short-Throw' category, replacing the Hisense C2 Ultra. The price difference between the two is negligible, and the JMGO offers better overall performance. We moved the Hisense to the Notable Mentions as an alternative for those who want a projector that can remove judder.
Jul 03, 2026:
The JMGO N3 Ultimate is now the Best Upper Mid-Range Short-Throw Projector due to its fantastic brightness and best-in-class gaming features; all other picks were pushed downward on the list. Also, the AWOL Vision Aetherion Pro replaces the Hisense PX3-PRO as the Best Ultra-Short-Throw Projector due to its stellar contrast and top-tier gaming responsiveness.
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.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best short-throw and the best ultra-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 choose for yourself, here's a list of projectors that can be set up very close to your screen or wall. 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.