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10 Best Ultra Short Throw Projector 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro UST Triple Laser TV Projector, TV-Like Brightness, 150" Perfect Sharpness, Dolby Vision, 4K 3D HDR10+ Ultra-Short Throw Projector

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,240
Resolution
Brightness
Contrast Ratio

Most important from
149 reviews

Resolution
The 4K resolution produces an impressively sharp and crisp image, even on very large screens up to 135 inches.
Brightness
Brightness levels are exceptional, allowing clear daytime viewing without the need for blackout curtains when paired with a suitable screen.
Contrast Ratio
The image remains bright and detailed even with some ambient light, though a pitch-black room maximizes black levels and contrast.
Built-in Audio
The projector’s built-in center channel speaker and full Dolby Atmos 5.2.2 sound system provide clear dialogue and immersive audio without extra equipment.

The AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro is a powerful ultra-short-throw (UST) projector designed mainly for home cinema enthusiasts who want a large, bright, and sharp display without needing a dark room. It boasts a true 4K resolution (3840 x 2160), which means you get very detailed and clear images on a huge screen up to 150 inches. Its triple laser technology and HDR10+ support enhance color accuracy and contrast, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks that look great even in well-lit rooms. This brightness level is one of its key strengths, allowing daytime viewing without blackout curtains when paired with the recommended ALR screen.

A unique feature is the built-in center channel speaker, which projects clear dialogue directly from the screen, providing excellent audio without needing extra speakers. It also includes a full 5.2.2 surround sound system with Dolby Atmos, making the sound immersive. The projector supports 3D movies with active shutter glasses, which can be a fun addition for movie lovers. Connectivity is straightforward with HDMI, and integration with smart home systems is possible via PJLink IP Control, adding convenience for home automation users.

This unit weighs about 34 pounds and has a relatively large footprint, so it needs a stable, dedicated spot near your wall or screen. Keystone correction and other image adjustments are supported, but as with most UST projectors, installation alignment is important to get the best picture. The AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro is well suited for those wanting a high-end, bright, and large-screen experience with premium audio built-in. It caters to home cinema users who prefer a sleek, all-in-one solution with smart features and 3D capability, though its weight and setup requirements make it less ideal for casual or portable use.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,240
Resolution
Brightness
Contrast Ratio

Most important from
149 reviews

Resolution
The 4K resolution produces an impressively sharp and crisp image, even on very large screens up to 135 inches.
Brightness
Brightness levels are exceptional, allowing clear daytime viewing without the need for blackout curtains when paired with a suitable screen.
Contrast Ratio
The image remains bright and detailed even with some ambient light, though a pitch-black room maximizes black levels and contrast.
Built-in Audio
The projector’s built-in center channel speaker and full Dolby Atmos 5.2.2 sound system provide clear dialogue and immersive audio without extra equipment.
#2

Epson PowerLite 810E Ultra Short Throw 3LCD Projector

The EPSON PowerLite 810E Ultra Short-throw Laser Projector is a solid choice for anyone looking to create a home cinema experience without needing a lot of space. With a high resolution of 1920 x 1080, it provides crisp and clear images, making it great for watching movies or giving presentations. One of its standout features is the impressive brightness of 5000 lumens, which means it can perform well even in well-lit rooms, enhancing its versatility for various settings.

The throw ratio allows you to place the projector very close to the screen, which is fantastic for smaller areas where traditional projectors would be impractical. Additionally, it comes with useful features like keystone correction, ensuring that the image remains straight and undistorted regardless of projector placement. The built-in audio is also a plus, as it eliminates the need for external speakers in a pinch.

The projector is on the heavier side at 30.5 pounds, which may be a consideration if you plan to move it frequently. While it offers HDMI connectivity, some users might find the limited options a bit restrictive. Furthermore, it boasts smart features like Wi-Fi Miracast for wireless screen mirroring, but those looking for a fully integrated smart projector with app capabilities might feel it's lacking in that area.

#3

LG HF85JA Ultra Short Throw Laser Smart Home Theater CineBeam Projector (2017 Model - Class 1 laser product)

Rating
8.2
Resolution
Connectivity Options

Most important from
77 reviews

Resolution
Picture quality is fantastic, especially after repainting the wall to flat Universal Grey.
Connectivity Options
Works well with Chromecast and Nintendo Switch, though native software is less intuitive.

The LG HF85JA Ultra Short Throw Laser Smart Home Theater CineBeam Projector offers several compelling features for a home theater setup. With a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080, the projector delivers clear and crisp imagery, suitable for most viewing needs. Its ultra-short-throw capability allows for a 100-inch display from just 17 inches away, making it ideal for small spaces where traditional projectors might not fit.

The brightness level is up to 1,500 lumens, which should be adequate for dark rooms but may struggle in brighter environments. The impressive contrast ratio of 150,000:1 ensures deep blacks and vibrant colors, enhancing image quality. Connectivity is robust, with LG Smart TV integration offering access to various streaming services, though users might need to check specific compatibility with their favorite apps. The projector's lamp life of 20,000 hours is excellent, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Built-in audio is present, but it might not replace a dedicated sound system for audiophiles. Keystone correction is available for easier setup and alignment. Some users might find the price point higher compared to other models with similar specs. Its weight of 6.6 pounds makes it relatively portable. The LG HF85JA is a strong contender for anyone needing a high-quality home theater projector in a compact form.

Rating
8.2
Resolution
Connectivity Options

Most important from
77 reviews

Resolution
Picture quality is fantastic, especially after repainting the wall to flat Universal Grey.
Connectivity Options
Works well with Chromecast and Nintendo Switch, though native software is less intuitive.

Buying Guide for the Best Ultra Short Throw Projector

Choosing the right ultra-short-throw projector can significantly enhance your viewing experience, whether it's for home entertainment, business presentations, or educational purposes. Ultra-short-throw projectors are designed to project large images from a very short distance, making them ideal for small spaces. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your needs.
Throw RatioThe throw ratio is the distance between the projector and the screen divided by the width of the image. For ultra-short-throw projectors, this ratio is typically less than 0.4:1, meaning they can project a large image from a very short distance. This spec is crucial if you have limited space and want to avoid shadows or obstructions. If you need to place the projector very close to the screen, look for a lower throw ratio.
ResolutionResolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the image on the screen. Higher resolution means more detail and clarity. Common resolutions include 1080p (Full HD) and 4K (Ultra HD). If you plan to use the projector for high-definition content like movies or gaming, a higher resolution like 4K would be beneficial. For basic presentations or educational purposes, 1080p might suffice.
BrightnessBrightness is measured in lumens and indicates how well the projector can display images in various lighting conditions. Higher lumens mean brighter images. For dark rooms, 1500-2500 lumens may be adequate. For rooms with some ambient light, 2500-3500 lumens are better. For well-lit rooms or outdoor use, look for projectors with 3500 lumens or more. Consider your typical viewing environment to choose the right brightness level.
Contrast RatioThe contrast ratio measures the difference between the darkest and brightest parts of an image. A higher contrast ratio means deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. This is important for image quality, especially in dark scenes. Ratios like 1000:1 are basic, while 3000:1 or higher offer better image depth and color richness. If you prioritize image quality for movies or gaming, aim for a higher contrast ratio.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect your projector to other devices. Common ports include HDMI, USB, and VGA. Some projectors also offer wireless connectivity like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. If you plan to connect multiple devices like gaming consoles, laptops, or streaming devices, ensure the projector has enough and the right types of ports. Wireless options can add convenience for streaming content directly.
Lamp LifeLamp life indicates how long the projector's lamp will last before it needs replacement, usually measured in hours. Longer lamp life means less frequent replacements and lower maintenance costs. Typical lamp life ranges from 2000 to 5000 hours, with some models offering up to 20,000 hours with LED or laser technology. If you use the projector frequently, look for models with longer lamp life to reduce long-term costs.
Built-in AudioSome projectors come with built-in speakers, which can be convenient if you don't have an external sound system. However, built-in audio quality can vary. If audio quality is important to you, check the wattage and reviews of the built-in speakers. For a more immersive experience, you might still want to connect external speakers or a sound system.
Keystone CorrectionKeystone correction helps to adjust the image if the projector is not perfectly aligned with the screen, preventing distortion. This feature is especially useful for ultra-short-throw projectors, which are often placed at unconventional angles. Look for projectors with both vertical and horizontal keystone correction for maximum flexibility in placement.

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