Best Short-Throw Projectors

The Samsung brand multimedia projector in terms of functionality is almost indistinguishable from modern TVs. It features the proprietary Tizen OS with a user-friendly interface and access to popular OTT services, including YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, etc. The model supports AirPlay 2 and Tap View streaming features. The latter option allows video display from a smartphone by tapping the Samsung The Premiere LSP7T body. Additionally, a digital TV tuner is available for watching terrestrial, cable, or satellite channels.

The projector is equipped with a laser lamp, combining a long working life (20,000 hours) with a decent brightness level (2200 ANSI lumens). Therefore, comfortable viewing is possible even in light.

Thanks to the DLP matrix, it is possible to project an image with 4K detail. In addition, support for HDR content, Filmmaker Mode cinema mode (with a refresh rate of 24 fps), and proprietary "enhancements" such as PurColor and Contrast Enhancer are declared. However, the static contrast is at a basic level of 1000:1, which may not satisfy viewers who are demanding for the quality of black and its shades.

The model looks impressive thanks to the fabric finish on the front surface of the body. Behind it is a quality 30-watt acoustic system with a pair of speakers and subwoofers.

The device is notable for its short-throw projection ratio of 0.25:1, which, when placed 30 cm away, provides a 100-inch picture. There should also be no difficulties with setting up the projection: motorized focus is provided, plus automatic correction of keystone distortions is implemented.

The drawbacks include a small range of available diagonals compared to competitors — from 90 to 120 inches. Otherwise, the Samsung The Premiere LSP7T is a decent short-throw projector with great functionality and equipment.

The 2024 debutant in Hisense's lineup is a laser 4K projector with a Premium X-Fusion light source. It boasts an impressive working life of 25 thousand hours and increased brightness compared to its predecessor PX1-PRO — 2400 lm (compared to 2200 lm). Plus, the image will delight with an expanded color gamut covering 107% of the Rec.2020 space (which provides twice as many shades as Rec.709). It is claimed that no flat-screen TV on the market can boast such color reproduction parameters.

In addition to high Ultra HD clarity, Hisense PX2-PRO bonuses include Dolby Vision HDR standard support and an upscaling feature to scale lower-detail content.

The model connects to the internet using Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), and the VIDAA U6 proprietary shell is offered as an operating system, with access to popular streaming services, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast support, and the ability to interact via voice commands.

For pairing with various devices, a Bluetooth module and standard wired interfaces, including HDMI 2.1 with eARC, are available. The sound accompaniment is by default provided by a 30-watt stereo system with Dolby Atmos.

The projector does not require a large distance to deploy a large image. Positioned at 32 cm away from a wall or screen, it can provide a 100-inch image. Keystone correction is performed automatically.

The model's drawbacks include not the greatest range of available diagonals — from 90 to 130 inches, and the minuses include modest contrast (the static indicator is 1000:1). This value will be insufficient if you're a demanding cinephile who values convincing and realistic dark shades in the frame.

In any case, the Hisense PX2-PRO is a high-class projector with a short throw distance, clear image, and smart features.

A representative of Epson's model range — an ultra-short-throw projector for home theater and multimedia entertainment. The throw ratio from 0.25:1 allows for large image deployment (from 60 to 120 inches diagonally) from a distance of 32 to 70 cm, eliminating installation problems. Yes, and image setup is quite simple thanks to auto keystone.

Thanks to the 3LCD matrix, the Epson EH-LS650 supports 4K resolution, characterized by vibrant color reproduction (coverage of 1 billion shades), high brightness (3600 ANSI lumens) sufficient for comfortable daytime viewing. The projector can be used for movies, sports broadcasts, and even games, as low input lag (up to 20 ms) and HDMI 2.1 ports are claimed.

The trio of laser lamps in the model will last at least 20 thousand hours or about 10 years with daily 5-hour use. The device should also please with its durability since it comes with an extended warranty — either 5 years or at least 12 thousand hours of operation.

The smart functionality of the projector is revealed by the Android TV 11.0 platform with its traditional advantages — an abundance of multimedia services, an intuitive interface, and features such as Chromecast and voice assistant support. The equipment bonuses include a 20-watt acoustic system from Yamaha: it includes three speakers and a subwoofer for balanced frequency sound reproduction.

The Epson EH-LS650 is a reliable and functional projector with 4K and a short throw.

The Viewsonic X2000B-4K model is equipped with wireless communication modules Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for connecting to the internet and pairing with various devices, including headphones or other acoustics. The smart status of the projector is complemented by a proprietary operating system with access to popular streaming services, AirPlay support, and the ability for remote control using the mobile app ViewSonic vCastSender.

Inside the body is hidden an acoustic system Harman Kardon with a pair of 20-watt speakers and two subwoofers with a total power of 30W. The surround sound effect is ensured by supporting Dolby and DTS technologies.

A strong point of the model is the throw ratio of 0.22:1, which requires just 23 cm distance for a 100-inch picture. The minimum projection distance is 8 cm and allows displaying a 65-inch picture (from 54 cm, it will result in a maximum of 150"). Easy installation is complemented by simple setup — with focus from the remote control and flexible keystone distortion adjustments.

The projector is equipped with a Nichia laser lamp with a working life of 20 thousand hours and a brightness of 2000 ANSI lumens. The DLP matrix ensures Ultra HD detailing. Furthermore, it has HDR format support and stereoscopic imaging, with a good color gamut claimed with 100% coverage of the cinematic Rec.709 space.

The Viewsonic X2000B-4K is an ultra-short-throw projector, which is primarily recommended for demanding movie enthusiasts. For games, only the 4K@60Hz format is available.

The XGIMI Aura 2 projector came as a replacement for the previous version XGIMI Aura and brought with it more modern standards of video and audio quality. The model complies with IMAX Enhanced certification and ensures maximum immersion in what is happening on the screen. To achieve this, the manufacturer offers 4K detailed resolution, quality enhancement algorithms HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, and a powerful (60W) Harman Kordon audio system of 4 speakers with DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Atmos surround sound codec support. Compatibility with 3D content is implemented and can be accessed both using the built-in smart system and through external devices (network storage, USB flash drive). Modern connectivity technologies Wi-Fi 6 and Chromecast provide wireless synchronization with mobile gadgets and streaming of high-resolution content.

The optical sensor DLP is responsible for shaping the high-quality projection. Its main advantages are a small focal distance (from 14 to 39 cm) and support for large screens up to 150 inches. The matrix works in tandem with the hybrid lighting system Dual Light 2.0 Continous Spectrum, which ensures good brightness of 2300 lumens for comfortable daytime viewing and image clarity (noise reduction mechanisms and glare control). The comprehensive set of software and technical solutions Advanced Intelligent Screen Adaption 5.0 includes factory color calibration, the Rembrandt Portrait Engine intelligent algorithms for processing face contours, skin colors, the interpolation technology to eliminate the blurring of dynamic frames MEMC, analysis and adaptation to the surface of the wall or screen Wall Flatness Adaption, automatic focus and keystone distortion correction. The color gamut according to the DCI-P3 model reaches 99%, so any content will look vibrant and lively. Among other things, the game mode with a signal delay of 20 ms stands out. The design includes a protective shutter from dust and scratches for the lens, which automatically opens when the equipment is turned on. The projector allows for creating a professional home theater in a home setting, but the cost of such pleasure is very high.