Short Throw Projectors for Small Rooms Tested
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- Source：OrientDeck
If you've been dreaming of a big-screen experience but live in a cozy apartment or have a cramped living room, short throw projectors are your new best friend. Forget pulling out the measuring tape to calculate how far your projector needs to be from the wall—these compact powerhouses can throw a massive image from just inches away. We tested the top models on the market to help you find the perfect fit for tight spaces.
Why Short Throw Beats Long Throw in Small Spaces
Traditional projectors need at least 8–12 feet to project a 100-inch screen. Not exactly ideal if your couch is already hugging the back wall. Short throw projectors, on the other hand, can deliver the same size image from just 3–4 feet away. Ultra-short throw (UST) models? They sit right under your screen and blast a 120-inch picture from mere inches away.
According to recent market data, sales of UST projectors grew by 34% in 2023 alone, with brands like Epson, BenQ, and Samsung leading the charge. Why? Because they’re designed for real life—not showroom fantasies.
Top 5 Short Throw Projectors Compared
We tested brightness, clarity, setup ease, and sound quality across five popular models in a 12x10 ft room. Here’s how they stacked up:
| Model | Throw Distance (ft) | Max Screen Size (inches) | Brightness (ANSI lumens) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson LS800 | 0.5 | 150 | 4,000 | $2,799 |
| Samsung Premiere LSPR2 | 0.6 | 130 | 2,800 | $3,499 |
| BenQ HT3500 | 3.5 | 120 | 3,500 | $2,499 |
| Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser | 1.2 | 120 | 2,400 | $1,899 |
| XGIMI Horizon Pro | 3.0 | 120 | 2,200 | $1,499 |
The Verdict: Best Bang for Your Buck
The Epson LS800 took the crown. With laser-powered 4K HDR, zero maintenance, and vibrant colors even in ambient light, it’s built to impress. It’s not cheap, but when you factor in its 20,000-hour lamp life, it pays for itself over time.
On a budget? The XGIMI Horizon Pro delivers solid performance with Android TV built-in and auto-focus—perfect for plug-and-play simplicity.
Pro Tips for Setup Success
- Wall color matters: Use a white or gray ambient-light-rejecting (ALR) screen for best contrast.
- Avoid ceiling mounts: UST projectors belong on a flat surface directly in front of the screen.
- Sound it out: Most short throw projectors have weak built-in speakers. Pair with a soundbar for cinematic immersion.
In short? If you want theater-sized visuals without the square footage, short throw projectors aren’t just an option—they’re the future. Test one. You’ll never go back to flat panels again.