10 Best Cheap Short Throw Projector 2025 in the United States

The Optoma ZH340ST is a compact short throw projector designed for professional settings like offices and classrooms. With a brightness of 3,200 lumens, it delivers clear images even in well-lit environments, making it a strong contender for users requiring visibility without darkening the room. Its short throw lens allows for a large 120-inch display from just over 4 feet away, which is perfect for smaller spaces where mounting options may be limited. The projector's DuraCore laser technology extends lamp life to an impressive 30,000 hours, reducing maintenance concerns and eliminating the need for frequent lamp replacements. Plus, with dual HDMI and USB connectivity options, switching between devices is seamless, catering to varied presentation needs.

Some drawbacks exist. While the brightness and resolution (1920 x 1080) are commendable, the contrast ratio isn't specified, which can impact the depth of the colors displayed. Additionally, the product's weight of 6.61 pounds and dimensions, although compact, might still be a consideration for users looking for extreme portability.

The Optoma ZH340ST is a solid choice for those in need of a reliable, short throw projector for education or business use, especially in smaller spaces. Its efficient design and strong performance make it a good value, although potential buyers should consider their specific needs regarding image quality and portability.

The EPSON PowerLite 810E Ultra Short-throw Laser Projector is a solid choice for those looking to set up a home cinema without needing a lot of space. With a resolution of 1920 x 1080, it delivers sharp and clear images, making it suitable for movie nights and presentations alike. Its impressive brightness of 5000 lumens ensures that it performs well even in moderately lit rooms, which is a significant strength for users wanting versatility in lighting conditions.

One of the standout features is its ultra-short throw capability. This allows you to project large images from a very close distance, which is ideal for those with limited wall space. Additionally, the projector includes connectivity options such as HDMI, and the WiFi Miracast feature enhances its usability by allowing wireless streaming from compatible devices.

However, the product does have some drawbacks. At 30.5 pounds, it's relatively heavy, which may hinder portability for users who desire a more lightweight option for traveling or moving it around the house. The item dimensions also suggest that it may occupy substantial space during setup. In terms of lamp life, it’s important to verify how often the lamp will need replacement as that can add to long-term costs. The keystone correction feature is beneficial for adjusting the image depending on the projector's placement, but if you're looking for more advanced adjustment capabilities, you might want to compare with other models. The EPSON PowerLite 810E is well-suited for home cinema enthusiasts looking for a powerful and space-efficient short-throw projector but may not be ideal for those needing a highly portable or budget-friendly option.

The Optoma EH412ST short-throw projector is a versatile choice for those needing a large display in small spaces. With a throw ratio of 0.5:1, it projects a 120-inch image from just 4.5 feet away, making it perfect for classrooms, meeting rooms, and other compact settings. Its brightness of 4000 lumens ensures clear visibility even in well-lit environments, great for business presentations and educational purposes.

The resolution of 1920x1080 and a contrast ratio of 50,000:1 provide sharp and vibrant images, enhancing the viewing experience with rich colors and deep blacks. Connectivity is also a strong point, offering options like 2 HDMI ports, VGA in and out, audio in and out, RS232, and USB-A, making it easy to connect various devices. The built-in 10-watt speaker adds convenience, though it may not be sufficient for larger spaces where external speakers could be needed.

The projector supports 3D content, which can be a plus for gaming or multimedia use. One of its standout features is the long lamp life of up to 15,000 hours, which translates to lower maintenance costs and extended usage. At less than 8 pounds, it is portable enough to move around as needed. Some users might find that its 1080P resolution, while good, is not as future-proof as 4K projectors. Additionally, it lacks advanced keystone correction features, which could be a drawback in achieving perfect image alignment in certain setups. The Optoma EH412ST is an excellent, cost-effective choice for those needing a bright, high-quality short-throw projector with extensive connectivity and long-lasting performance, suitable for smaller spaces.