A short throw projector puts a big picture on the wall from only a few feet away. That makes it a practical fit for apartments, smaller living rooms, game rooms and garage golf bays where a standard projector would need far more distance.
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6 Best Short Throw Projectors in 2026
The Epson Home Cinema LS7500 leads our short throw projector picks, with options for streaming, gaming, bright rooms, golf simulators and a 1080p laser option.
T
Technobezz
Editorial Team
Updated November 11, 2026Nov 11, 2026
•11 min read
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The Epson Home Cinema LS7500 is the best overall pick. It pairs a 3LCD laser engine rated at 3,500 lumens of color and white brightness with manual lens shift, a native 120Hz refresh rate and images up to 300 inches.
This page is for US buyers who want a large screen without a long room. The other picks cover built-in streaming, console gaming, bright rooms, golf simulators and 1080p value.
At a Glance
| Category | Product | Why We Picked It |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Epson Home Cinema LS7500 | 3LCD laser, 3,500 lumens, manual lens shift and 120Hz |
| Best for streaming | BenQ TK705STi | Built-in Google TV, 4K and 3,000 ANSI lumens for small rooms |
| Best for gaming | BenQ X500i | 4.16ms input lag at 1080p/240Hz and dedicated game modes |
| Best for bright rooms | Optoma GT3900UHD | 4K with a 4,000-lumen rating and a 0.496 throw ratio |
| Best for golf simulators | BenQ AH700ST | Auto Screen Fit, motorized 1.2x zoom and an IP5X sealed engine |
| Best value | Optoma GT2300HDR | 1080p laser with 3,600 lumens and 100 to 300-inch images |
How we chose
We compared the maker specifications of short throw projectors, including throw ratio, brightness rating, resolution, light source, input lag, connections and setup tools. We matched each model to a specific kind of buyer and checked that every pick is sold new on Amazon.
The best Short Throw Projectors right now
Epson Home Cinema LS7500 - Best overall
The Epson Home Cinema LS7500 is the most complete all-rounder here for a living room or media room. It uses a 3-chip 3LCD engine with a laser array light source, and Epson rates it at "3,500 Lumens of Equal Color and White Brightness." Its 4K display technology puts 8.29 million pixels on screen, with 10-bit color processing for HDR10 and HLG content and a 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio.
Epson says the short throw lens lets it sit up to three feet closer to the wall, and it supports images up to 300 inches in aspect ratios from 16:9 to 21:9. Manual lens shift of plus or minus 21% horizontal and 59% vertical gives more placement freedom than the two Optoma picks, which list no lens shift. Two HDMI ports support up to 120Hz, one with eARC, and Epson lists ALLM and input lag below 20 ms.
Key highlights
- 3-chip 3LCD engine with laser array light source
- 3,500 lumens color and white brightness
- 4K display technology, 8.29 million pixels on screen
- HDR10 and HLG with 10-bit color processing
- Manual lens shift: plus or minus 21% horizontal, 59% vertical
- Two HDMI ports up to 120Hz, one with eARC
- Bluetooth 6.0 audio streaming
Pros
- Equal color and white brightness rating
- Manual lens shift eases placement on a shelf or ceiling
- Images up to 300 inches, including 21:9 widescreen
- Native 120Hz refresh rate with ALLM for consoles
Cons
- Input lag is quoted only as below 20 ms
- Epson's product page does not list a laser life rating or built-in streaming apps
- 2-year limited warranty, shorter than the 3 years BenQ lists for the TK705STi and X500i
- No HDR10+ or Dolby Vision listed
Who it is for: Buyers who want one premium short throw projector for movies, TV and casual console gaming with flexible placement.
Skip if
You play competitive games and want the lowest possible input lag, or you want streaming apps built into the projector.
BenQ TK705STi - Best for streaming
The BenQ TK705STi suits a small room where the projector doubles as the main TV. Google TV is built in, giving access to Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video and more, and BenQ rates the 4K UHD projector at 3,000 ANSI lumens from a 4LED light source.
BenQ sums up the 0.8 throw ratio as "0.8 short throw brings 4K big-screen fun to small rooms," with images up to 150 inches. Auto 2D Keystone, digital shift and digital zoom help with setup. For sports and games, BenQ lists MEMC motion smoothing, a Sports Mode, HDMI 2.1 with ALLM and 5 ms input lag at 4K/60Hz, all backed by a 3-year warranty.
Key highlights
- 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution
- 3,000 ANSI lumens, 4LED light source
- 0.8 throw ratio, images up to 150 inches
- Built-in Google TV
- HDMI 2.1 with ALLM
- 5 ms input lag at 4K/60Hz
- MEMC and Sports Mode
- 3-year warranty
Pros
- Streaming apps built in, no external stick needed
- Very low quoted input lag at 4K/60Hz
- Auto 2D Keystone simplifies setup
- 3-year warranty, the longest here, matched by the X500i
Cons
- 0.8 throw ratio needs more distance than the 0.496:1 Optoma models
- BenQ's page does not list light source life or speaker output
- HDR formats are not named on the product page
- Lower brightness rating than the Epson and Optoma picks
Who it is for: Small-room households that want a 4K projector with streaming built in and strong gaming specs.
Skip if
Your wall is very close to the seating area, or the room gets a lot of daylight.
BenQ X500i - Best for gaming
The BenQ X500i is built around console and PC gaming. BenQ lists 4.16ms input lag at 1080p/240Hz, 8ms at 1440p/120Hz and 16ms at 4K/60Hz (the TK705STi is quoted lower at 4K/60Hz, 5 ms), along with RPG, SPG and FPS game modes and an FPS Crosshair feature that projects a targeting reticle onto the screen.
It is a 4K UHD 4LED projector rated at 2,200 ANSI lumens with 84% DCI-P3 color coverage. A throw ratio of 0.69 to 0.83 and 1.2x zoom let it project a 95-inch image from 1.44 meters, about 4.7 feet, with the exact distance depending on the zoom setting. BenQ quotes "Up to 30,000-hour life span and no lamp replacement," and eARC passes 7.1-channel and Dolby Atmos audio to a sound system.
Key highlights
- 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution
- 2,200 ANSI lumens, 4LED light source
- 4.16ms at 1080p/240Hz, 8ms at 1440p/120Hz, 16ms at 4K/60Hz
- Throw ratio 0.69 to 0.83 with 1.2x zoom
- 84% DCI-P3 color coverage
- Dual HDMI 2.0b, eARC with 7.1-channel and Dolby Atmos passthrough
- Google-licensed Android TV through the included QS02 dongle
- 3-year warranty
Pros
- Lowest quoted input lag here at 1080p/240Hz
- 240Hz and 120Hz modes for PC and console play
- Up to 30,000-hour light source life
- Zoom adds placement flexibility
Cons
- Lowest brightness rating here at 2,200 ANSI lumens
- HDMI 2.0b only, no HDMI 2.1
- Speaker output is not listed in watts on BenQ's page
Who it is for: Gamers who want a big screen in a dim game room and care most about response time.
Skip if
The room has a lot of daylight, or you need HDMI 2.1.
Optoma GT3900UHD - Best for bright rooms
The Optoma GT3900UHD pairs 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution with a 4,000-lumen rating, the most brightness offered with 4K resolution in this list. Its DuraCore laser is rated for up to 30,000 hours in Eco mode, and it accepts HDR10 and HLG content.
Optoma calls it "0.49:1 Short Throw: Big Picture, Small Footprint," and the 0.496 throw ratio delivers a 100 to 150-inch image from 3.6 to 5.4 feet away. Input lag is listed at 4.3ms at 1080p/240Hz, 8.6ms at 1080p/120Hz and 16.7ms at 4K/60Hz. There is a dedicated Golf Mode, a 15W speaker and two HDMI 2.0 ports, one with eARC.
Key highlights
- 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution
- 4,000 lumens
- 0.496 throw ratio, 100 to 150 inches from 3.6 to 5.4 feet
- DuraCore laser, up to 30,000 hours (Eco mode)
- HDR10 and HLG
- 4.3ms at 1080p/240Hz, 16.7ms at 4K/60Hz
- Two HDMI 2.0 ports, one with eARC
- 15W speaker
Pros
- Highest brightness rating among the 4K picks
- Shortest throw ratio here, tied with the GT2300HDR
- Long laser life rating in Eco mode
- Golf Mode makes it a dual-use pick for sim setups
Cons
- No zoom and no lens shift, so placement has to be exact
- No built-in streaming apps; Optoma points to an HDMI dongle such as Google Chromecast
- HDMI 2.0 only
Who it is for: Living rooms with daylight or lamps on, where a bright 4K picture from a short distance matters most.
Skip if
You want streaming built in or need lens shift to fit an awkward mounting spot.
BenQ AH700ST - Best for golf simulators
The BenQ AH700ST is designed for golf bays. Its Auto Screen Fit feature "Automatically detects and adjusts to your impact screen's aspect ratio," covering 16:9, 16:10, 4:3 and 1:1, and a Golf Mode is included among its picture modes. The 1080p laser projector is rated at 4,000 ANSI lumens.
A 0.69 to 0.83 throw ratio pairs with a motorized lens and 1.2x optical zoom, which helps fine-tune image size without moving the mount. BenQ lists an IP5X dustproof sealed engine that operates from 32 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, laser life of up to 20,000 hours, HDR10 and HLG modes, and eARC with 7.1-channel audio.
Key highlights
- 1080p Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution
- 4,000 ANSI lumens, laser light source
- Throw ratio 0.69 to 0.83, 1.2x motorized optical zoom
- Auto Screen Fit for 16:9, 16:10, 4:3 and 1:1 screens
- IP5X dustproof sealed engine, 32 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit
- Up to 20,000 hours laser life
- HDR10 and HLG, eARC with 7.1 channel
Pros
- Golf-focused setup tools, including square 1:1 screen support
- Optical zoom avoids moving the projector to resize the image
- Sealed engine suits dusty garages
- High 4,000 ANSI lumen rating
Cons
- 1080p resolution, not 4K
- Quoted input lag of 16.7 ms at 1080p 120Hz is higher than the GT2300HDR's 8.4ms
- Laser life rating of 20,000 hours is below the Optoma models' 30,000 hours in Eco mode
- Warranty is not stated on BenQ's product page
Who it is for: Golfers building a garage or basement simulator who want screen-fitting tools and a sealed engine.
Skip if
The projector is mainly for movies or gaming in a living room, where a 4K pick fits better.
Optoma GT2300HDR - Best value
The Optoma GT2300HDR keeps the essentials of a laser short throw projector while sticking to 1080p Full HD output. Optoma describes "Full HD 1080p with 3,600 lumens even with ambient light," and the DuraCore laser is rated up to 30,000 hours in Eco mode.
Its 0.496:1 throw ratio projects 100 to 300 inches from about 4 to 11 feet away. It accepts 4K UHD and HDR input, displays HDR10 and HLG content, and lists 8.4ms input lag at 1080p 120Hz. Optoma pitches it for both home entertainment and golf simulators, with two HDMI 2.0 ports and a 15W speaker.
Key highlights
- 1080p Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution
- 3,600 lumens
- 0.496:1 throw ratio, 100 to 300 inches from about 4 to 11 feet
- DuraCore laser, up to 30,000 hours (Eco mode)
- Accepts 4K UHD and HDR input; HDR10 and HLG
- 8.4ms input lag at 1080p 120Hz
- Two HDMI 2.0 ports, 15W speaker
Pros
- Laser light source in a 1080p model
- Very large maximum image size
- Low quoted input lag at 1080p 120Hz
- Works for both movies and golf simulation
Cons
- 1080p output, so 4K sources are shown at 1080p
- Fixed zoom lens
- No built-in streaming apps listed on Optoma's page
Who it is for: Buyers who want a bright 1080p laser short throw for movies, sports, games or a golf net.
Skip if
Sharp 4K detail matters to you, or you need zoom to fit the room.
How to Choose
- Measure your throw distance first. Throw distance is roughly the throw ratio multiplied by the image width, so a 0.496:1 model needs much less room than one at 0.8 for the same screen size.
- Match brightness to room light. Rooms with daylight need more lumens. Makers use different ratings, with BenQ quoting ANSI lumens and Epson quoting ISO and IDMS figures, so compare them loosely.
- Check the resolution wording. Some models list 4K UHD at 3840 x 2160, Epson describes 4K display technology, and 1080p models such as the GT2300HDR accept 4K input but output 1080p.
- Read input lag at the mode you will use. Lag figures change with resolution and refresh rate, so a 4ms number at 1080p/240Hz does not apply at 4K/60Hz.
- Plan for streaming and sound. The TK705STi has Google TV built in and the X500i comes with BenQ's QS02 Android TV dongle; the others may need a streaming stick. eARC helps if you use a soundbar or AV receiver.
- Look at placement tools. Lens shift and optical zoom adjust the image without distortion, while keystone and digital zoom correct it electronically. Models without zoom or shift need precise mounting.
FAQ
What makes a projector short throw?
A short throw projector has a throw ratio below about 1.0, so it can fill a large screen from a few feet away. The picks here range from 0.496:1 on the Optoma models to 0.69 to 0.83 on BenQ's zoom models.
How far from the wall does a short throw projector sit?
It depends on the model and image size. Optoma lists a 100 to 150-inch image from 3.6 to 5.4 feet for the GT3900UHD, and BenQ lists a 95-inch image from 1.44 meters, about 4.7 feet, for the X500i with its zoom.
Is short throw the same as ultra short throw?
No. Ultra short throw projectors sit just inches from the wall, usually on a console below the screen. Short throw models sit a few feet back, often on a table, shelf or ceiling mount.
Are short throw projectors good for golf simulators?
They are a common choice because they can sit closer to the screen. The BenQ AH700ST, Optoma GT3900UHD and Optoma GT2300HDR are all marketed by their makers for golf simulation.
Do I need a streaming stick?
Not with the BenQ TK705STi, which has Google TV built in, or the BenQ X500i, which comes with BenQ's QS02 Android TV dongle. For the other picks, plan on a streaming device or another HDMI source.
Published November 11, 2026 Last updated November 11, 2026
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