Imagine transforming your living room into a giant movie theater without rearranging all your furniture. Sounds amazing, right? But when you start looking for a short throw laser projector, it can feel overwhelming. There are so many choices, and figuring out which one is best for your space and budget can be tricky. You want a big picture, but you don’t want a projector that takes up too much room or is too complicated to set up.
Choosing the right short throw laser projector is all about finding that sweet spot between incredible visuals and practical use. This guide is here to make that choice easy. We’ll break down what makes these projectors so special and what you need to consider before you buy. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for to bring that big-screen magic home, even in smaller spaces.
Our Top 5 Short Throw Laser Projector Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Short Throw Laser Projector Detailed Reviews
1. ViewSonic LS740HD 5000 Lumens 1080p Laser Projector with 1.3x Optical Zoom
Rating: 9.5/10
The ViewSonic LS740HD projector brings big-screen excitement to any room. With its super bright 5,000 lumens and sharp Full HD 1080p resolution, your presentations, movies, and even golf games will look amazing. It’s built for large spaces like auditoriums and conference rooms, but it works great at home too. Plus, setting it up is a breeze thanks to its smart adjustment features.
What We Like:
- Super bright 5,000 ANSI lumens make images pop, even in well-lit rooms.
- Full HD 1080p resolution delivers clear, detailed pictures.
- Golf Mode adds a fun, realistic touch for virtual golf simulations.
- You can project a huge screen, from 80 inches all the way up to 150 inches.
- Easy to adjust the picture with 1.3x optical zoom, keystone correction, and 4-corner adjustment.
- Starts and stops instantly, so no more waiting.
- Can project in any direction, even upside down or sideways, thanks to 360-degree projection.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1.1-1.5 throw ratio means you need a bit of distance to get a large image.
- While great for golf, the dedicated Golf Mode might not be useful for everyone.
The ViewSonic LS740HD is a powerful and versatile projector. It handles bright rooms and offers flexible setup options, making it a solid choice for professional and entertainment needs.
2. ViewSonic LS711HD 4200 Lumens 1080p Laster Projector with 0.49 Short Throw Ratio
Rating: 9.0/10
The ViewSonic LS711HD is a powerful and versatile laser projector that brings big-screen entertainment and serious simulation to any room. Its bright 4,200 ANSI lumens and sharp 1080p resolution create stunning, detailed images, even in well-lit spaces. The 0.49 short-throw ratio means you can get a huge picture from just a few feet away, making it ideal for smaller rooms or tight setups.
What We Like:
- Bright and clear Full HD (1920x1080p) picture with 4,200 lumens.
- 0.49 short-throw ratio lets you project a huge screen from close up.
- Special Golf Mode makes golf simulators incredibly realistic for immersive play.
- Projects huge screens from 80″ to 150″ for an amazing viewing experience.
- Easy to set up with H/V keystone, 4-corner adjustment, and 360-degree projection.
- Instant power on/off is super convenient.
What Could Be Improved:
- The digital zoom is a bit limited at 0.8x-2.0x.
- While versatile, it might be overkill for basic home theater use if you don’t need the golf feature.
The ViewSonic LS711HD projector is an excellent choice for gamers and golf enthusiasts, but it also works well for home and office presentations. Its impressive features and ease of use make it a standout option.
3. MIMONO Portable Laser Projector
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready for amazing movie nights and presentations anywhere with the MIMONO Portable Laser Projector. This projector is small but mighty, bringing big-screen fun wherever you go.
What We Like:
- The latest 5-color laser technology makes pictures super bright and colorful.
- It’s really small and light, so you can take it camping or on trips.
- You don’t need a tripod! It automatically makes the picture clear no matter where you put it.
- It can show pictures from a tiny 4 inches all the way up to a huge 160 inches.
- The battery lasts for 4 hours, or you can plug it in for endless watching.
- It works with almost everything, like your phone, laptop, or gaming console, using HDMI.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the display is HD, it might not be as sharp as projectors that cost much more.
- The built-in speaker quality is okay, but for the best sound, you’ll want to use your own external speakers.
The MIMONO Portable Laser Projector offers a fantastic portable entertainment experience for its price. It’s a fun way to enjoy movies and games, both indoors and out.
4. BenQ TH671ST 1080p Short Throw Gaming Projector
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready to level up your entertainment with the BenQ TH671ST 1080p Short Throw Gaming Projector. This projector brings the big screen experience right into your home, whether you’re battling aliens or watching your favorite movies. Its special gaming mode makes sure you don’t miss a single moment of the action, and you can even keep the lights on while you play! Plus, with a super long warranty, you can relax and enjoy your new setup.
What We Like:
- Amazing picture quality with Full HD 1080p resolution and bright 3000 lumens.
- Super fast for gaming with low input lag, so your actions happen instantly.
- You can project a huge 100-inch screen from just 5 feet away – perfect for smaller rooms!
- It’s won awards for being one of the best projectors for gaming.
- Comes with an awesome 3-year warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The fan can be a little noisy sometimes, which might distract from quiet movie scenes.
- While great for gaming, some super advanced users might want even higher refresh rates for competitive esports.
The BenQ TH671ST projector is a fantastic choice for gamers and movie lovers who want an impressive display without breaking the bank. Its ease of use and excellent gaming features make it a standout product.
5. AWOL VISION LTV-2500 4K UHD Ultra Short Throw Triple Laser Projector with Dolby Vision & Atmos
Rating: 9.3/10
The AWOL VISION LTV-2500 is a 4K UHD Ultra Short Throw Triple Laser Projector that brings a true cinematic experience right into your living room. It projects a massive 150-inch screen with stunning clarity and vibrant colors. This projector is designed to be the centerpiece of your home entertainment, offering incredible visuals and immersive sound without needing a separate sound system.
What We Like:
- The world’s first UST projector with a built-in center channel speaker, delivering clear dialogue and immersive audio directly from the screen.
- It features Triple Laser technology for incredibly vibrant colors, reaching 107% of the BT.2020 color gamut and 147% of DCI-P3.
- Enjoy breathtaking visuals with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, plus active 3D capabilities for an immersive movie experience.
- The projector is whisper-quiet thanks to its pure RGB triple laser system, eliminating color wheel noise and rainbow effects.
- It offers excellent value, packing many features found in higher-end models, especially when paired with ALR screens for use in brighter rooms.
- A Fire TV Stick 4K Max is included, giving you easy access to your favorite streaming apps.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for controlled lighting, it doesn’t reach the same peak brightness as some other models, which might be a factor for very bright rooms without an ALR screen.
- Smart control features are less advanced compared to AWOL’s higher-tier projectors.
This projector is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a high-quality, immersive home theater experience with a fantastic picture and sound. It truly elevates movie nights to a whole new level.
Your Guide to Short Throw Laser Projectors
Want a big screen experience without a giant room? A short throw laser projector is your answer! These cool gadgets project a huge image from just a few feet away. This guide helps you pick the best one.
Why Choose a Short Throw Laser Projector?
Traditional projectors need a lot of space to show a big picture. Short throw projectors solve this. They bring the cinema to your living room, even if it’s not huge. Laser technology means they last a long time and give bright, clear pictures.
What to Look For: Key Features
1. Brightness (Lumens)
Brightness is measured in lumens. More lumens mean a brighter picture. If you plan to use it in a room with lights on, look for at least 2,500 lumens. For a dark room, 1,500-2,000 lumens might be enough.
2. Resolution
Resolution is how clear the picture is. Full HD (1080p) is good. 4K UHD offers even sharper images. For movies and games, higher resolution is better.
3. Contrast Ratio
Contrast ratio tells you how well the projector shows dark and light colors. A higher contrast ratio means deeper blacks and brighter whites. This makes the picture look more realistic.
4. Throw Ratio
This is super important for short throw projectors. It tells you how far back the projector needs to be to create a certain screen size. A lower throw ratio means it can be closer. For example, a 0.4:1 throw ratio can make a 100-inch screen from less than two feet away.
5. Laser Light Source
Laser projectors last much longer than lamp projectors. They don’t need bulb changes. This saves you money and hassle over time. They also turn on and off quickly.
6. Connectivity
Check the ports. You’ll need HDMI ports to connect your devices like gaming consoles, laptops, and streaming sticks. USB ports are also handy.
Important Materials and Build Quality
Most projectors use durable plastic for their bodies. The lens is usually made of glass. Good build quality means the projector feels solid and will last. Check reviews for comments on how well they are made.
Factors That Affect Picture Quality
What Makes it Better?
- High Lumens: A brighter picture looks good even with some light.
- Good Resolution: Sharp details make everything look real.
- Excellent Contrast: Deep blacks and bright whites create depth.
- Accurate Color: Colors that look natural make movies and shows pop.
- Low Input Lag: This is key for gamers. It means less delay between your action and what you see on screen.
What Makes it Worse?
- Low Lumens: The picture looks washed out in a bright room.
- Low Resolution: The image looks blurry or pixelated.
- Poor Contrast: Blacks look gray, and whites are dull.
- Rainbow Effect: Some older projectors can show distracting color fringes.
- Noise: A loud fan can be annoying during quiet scenes.
User Experience and Use Cases
Short throw laser projectors are easy to set up. You can place them on a table or mount them on a wall. They are great for:
- Home Cinema: Turn your living room into a movie theater.
- Gaming: Enjoy games on a massive screen with minimal lag.
- Presentations: Project clear images in meeting rooms without needing to be far away.
- Kids’ Rooms: Create a fun, big-screen experience for cartoons and educational content.
The laser light source means you won’t have to worry about replacing bulbs for many years, often over 20,000 hours. This makes them a smart, long-term investment for entertainment and more.
Short Throw Laser Projector FAQs
Q: What is a short throw projector?
A: A short throw projector is a projector that can create a large image from a very close distance to the screen.
Q: What does “laser” mean in a projector?
A: It means the projector uses a laser light source instead of a lamp. Lasers last much longer and are often brighter.
Q: How far away does a short throw projector need to be?
A: It depends on the projector’s throw ratio, but they can often create a 100-inch screen from just a few feet away.
Q: Do I need a special screen for a short throw projector?
A: While you can use a plain wall, a projector screen will give you the best picture quality.
Q: Are short throw projectors good for gaming?
A: Yes, many short throw projectors have low input lag, which is great for gaming.
Q: How long do laser projectors last?
A: Laser light sources typically last for 20,000 hours or more, which is many years of use.
Q: Can I use a short throw projector in a bright room?
A: Yes, if the projector has high brightness (lumens). For bright rooms, look for at least 2,500 lumens.
Q: What is resolution?
A: Resolution is how many pixels make up the image. Higher resolution means a clearer, sharper picture.
Q: What is input lag?
A: Input lag is the delay between when you do something (like press a button on a controller) and when you see it on the screen. Lower is better for gaming.
Q: Are short throw laser projectors expensive?
A: They can be more expensive upfront than lamp projectors, but their long lifespan and low maintenance can make them more cost-effective over time.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.