Ultra short throw projectors are a game-changer for home theater enthusiasts and anyone who wants a big-screen experience without the limitations of a traditional TV. As the name suggests, these innovative projectors can produce a massive image when placed just inches away from a wall or screen. This unique capability, combined with impressive image quality, easy setup, and stylish designs have made ultra short throw projectors increasingly popular in recent years.
If you‘re in the market for one of these up-close marvels, you‘ve come to the right place. As a technology expert with a passion for digital entertainment, I‘ve thoroughly tested and researched the top models to bring you the definitive list of the 6 best ultra short throw projectors you can buy today. Let‘s dive in!
- Best Overall: Samsung LSP7T The Premiere 4K Smart Laser Projector
The Samsung LSP7T sits at the top of the ultra short throw projector pack and for good reason. This sleek, premium powerhouse delivers stunning 4K HDR10+ pictures at up to 120 inches in size, all from a distance of just a few inches from the wall.
Samsung‘s potent laser projection system pumps out 2200 ANSI lumens of brightness, enough to provide a visible picture even in moderately lit rooms. The projector also features an excellent built-in 30-watt speaker system with Acoustic Beam technology, allowing it to function as its own sound system.
Other strengths include the intuitive Tizen smart TV interface for streaming apps, a compact, stylish design that blends nicely into any room, built-in Alexa and Bixby voice control, and an impressively low 47ms input lag for gaming.
While not cheap at around $3500, the LSP7T earns its price tag by delivering across-the-board excellence. If you want the ultimate ultra short throw experience and have the budget, the Samsung LSP7T is the projector to beat. But it‘s not the only game in town…
- Best Large Screen: WEMAX Nova 4K Laser Projector
If you crave the biggest possible picture, the WEMAX Nova has you covered. This ultra short throw beast can produce a whopping 150-inch image, significantly larger than any consumer TV on the market. Despite the super-sized screen, the Nova only needs to sit about 19 inches from the wall.
The Nova‘s laser light engine serves up 4K resolution with HDR10 for spectacular clarity and color. 2100 ANSI lumen brightness is on par with the Samsung. Like the Samsung, it also has an excellent onboard speaker system with 30 watts of output and Dolby Audio.
Android TV is built-in, providing access to all the major streaming platforms. The Nova has an elegant white chassis with a fabric speaker grill that looks great. At around $2700, it‘s also a bit more affordable than the LSP7T, making it a compelling alternative for those who want maximum screen real estate.
- Best Audio: Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS300
Most projectors are lacking in the sound department, but not the Epson LS300. This ultra short throw dynamo boasts an audiophile-grade speaker system designed by renowned Japanese audio company Yamaha. The unique multi-speaker array with a dedicated woofer delivers powerful, precise sound that rivals many standalone speakers.
But the LS300‘s charms extend beyond its outstanding audio. The 3LCD laser projection system outputs a bright, colorful 120-inch 1080p picture with high dynamic range. While not true 4K, pixel shifting enhances clarity.
Running on the Android TV platform, the LS300 offers plenty of smarts and streaming options. It has an industrial yet appealing aesthetic with some retro flair. At around $2000, the Epson isn‘t cheap, but its high-end sound and excellent overall performance justify the price for discerning buyers.
- Best Budget: LG HF65LA
Ultra short throw projectors are pricey in general, but the LG HF65LA is a relative bargain at around $1000. While it lacks some bells and whistles compared to pricier models, the core performance is very solid.
The 1080p laser projection system produces a bright, colorful 100-inch picture with respectable 1000 ANSI lumens. Setup is simple and the projector only needs to be placed about 4-5 inches from the wall for a 60-inch picture, or around 10 inches for the maximum 100-inch size.
Unlike most competitors, the HF65LA lacks a built-in smart TV system. But it does have networking capabilities for casting content from mobile devices. Two onboard 5W speakers provide usable if unremarkable sound. Overall, it‘s a great entry point into ultra short throw projection.
- Best for Movies: Optoma CinemaX P2
With the CinemaX P2, Optoma has created an ultra short throw projector that excels for immersive movie watching. The key is superior contrast and image processing for enhanced shadow detail, color, and motion clarity.
The P2 uses a laser light source to generate a sharp 4K picture up to 120 inches in size. 3000 lumens of brightness provide plenty of pop, even in less than ideal lighting conditions. HDR10 compatibility and a wide DCI-P3 color gamut yield brilliant, lifelike images.
Making movie night even better are the integrated 40W Dolby Digital 2.0 soundbar and compatibility with Dolby Atmos for immersive 3D sound. A premium glass lens array ensures optimal light transmission and picture uniformity.
Like many of the best ultra short throws, the P2 has a polished, minimalist look. It runs on the Android OS with Alexa and Google voice commands supported. Input lag is low enough for casual gaming. Overall, it‘s a fantastic choice for discerning movie lovers, especially at a reasonable $3300 price point.
- Best for Gaming: Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS500
If gaming is your passion, the Epson LS500 is the ultra short throw for you. This high-performance machine checks all the right boxes, including 4K resolution, HDR, a blazing 4000 lumens of color and white brightness, and an input lag of just 16ms for lightning-quick response.
The LS500 can project a stunning 130-inch picture and provides a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for blur-free motion in fast-paced games. A unique 3-chip laser projection design ensures maximum sharpness and color accuracy.
Epson didn‘t skimp on smarts either. The LS500 has Android TV on board with Google Assistant and Chromecast built-in. Sound comes courtesy of powerful dual 10W speakers. A three-year warranty provides peace of mind.
Priced at a hefty $4000, the LS500 is best suited for hardcore gamers. But if you want the ultimate big screen gaming experience, accept no substitutes.
Choosing Your Ultra Short Throw Projector
With so many compelling options, selecting the right ultra short throw can seem daunting. To help you decide, consider the following:
• Budget – Ultra short throws range from around $1000 up to $5000 or more. Having a firm budget in mind will immediately narrow your choices. Deciding which features you‘re willing to compromise on can also help.
• Picture Quality – Resolution, brightness, contrast, color accuracy and HDR are the main factors in picture quality. 4K is ideal, but a good 1080p ultra short throw may be fine depending on your viewing distance and content. For brightness, look for at least 2000 lumens unless your room is very dark.
• Maximum Screen Size – While all ultra short throws can produce a big picture, some can go larger than others. Consider the size of your wall and how large a screen you really need.
• Sound – If you don‘t have a surround sound system or soundbar, prioritize an ultra short throw with better built-in audio. But keep in mind, any internal speakers won‘t rival a good dedicated sound setup.
• Smart Features – Having the Android TV or Tizen OS and voice control can be very convenient. But they aren‘t essential if you plan to use external media sources.
• Aesthetic – Let‘s face it, you‘ll be looking at your ultra short throw even when it‘s turned off. The Samsung, WEMAX, and Optoma are among the most stylish, but it mostly comes down to personal preference.
Setup and Usage Tips
While easier to install than a traditional long-throw projector, ultra short throws require some know-how to get the most out of them. A few tips:
• Placement is key. Make sure your projector is on a flat, stable surface and is properly aligned with the wall or screen. Take time to get the geometry just right as the image can easily look skewed.
• Use a screen if possible. Ultra short throws can work with any flat surface, but a proper screen will provide the optimal viewing experience. An ALR (ambient light rejecting) screen is best for rooms with ambient lighting.
• Dial in your settings. All ultra short throws have various picture modes and settings. Spend some time tweaking things like contrast, brightness, color temperature, and motion smoothing to suit your room and content.
• Control lighting and sound. The darker the room, the better your picture quality will be. Blackout curtains or shades can make a huge difference. Likewise, ultra short throw projectors have quiet fans, but any noise will seem louder when the projector is so close. Damping any sound reflection can help.
From personal experience, I can confidently say that watching a movie, playing a game, or viewing photos on a 100"+ screen with an ultra short throw projector is a revelation. It provides a true theatrical experience that no TV can match, yet without the installation hassles of a traditional projector setup. Plus, ultra short throws are much more flexible, allowing you to easily move them around to different rooms or take on the go (though you‘ll need a large enough wall).
My biggest piece of advice is not to skimp on screen size. One of the joys of an ultra short throw is being fully immersed in the onscreen action. Go as big as you can! At the same time, be realistic about how much you‘ll use the projector. If you only watch movies occasionally, one of the more affordable models may be smarter than overspending on features you won‘t often use.
Conclusion
Ultra short throw projectors have evolved into highly capable, user-friendly display devices suitable for all kinds of homes and users. With incredible convenience, stunning image size and quality, integrated speakers and smarts, and stylish designs, these short-throw marvels provide outsized entertainment with a minimum of fuss.
While a good ultra short throw is still a significant investment compared to a TV, the ability to bring a mammoth screen to almost any space can easily justify the expense, especially for movie buffs and gamers.
The models covered in this guide represent the cream of the crop, each with its own particular strengths. You can‘t go wrong with any of them. But for my money, the Samsung LSP7T is the best overall choice thanks to its cutting-edge laser projection, rich smart TV platform, elegant design, and impeccable all-around performance. Close runners up are the WEMAX Nova for sheer screen size and the Epson LS500 for gamers.
Whichever ultra short throw you choose, prepare to be wowed when you fire it up for the first time. Trust me, there‘s nothing quite like seeing a giant, breathtakingly detailed picture materialize before your eyes, all from a projector right under your nose. It‘s enough to make you wonder how you ever settled for a "small" screen!
