10 Best Affordable Short Throw Projectors 2025 in the United States

The Optoma ZH340ST is a compact and professional laser projector ideal for offices and classrooms. One of its major strengths is the 3,200 lumens brightness, ensuring clear and vibrant visuals even in well-lit environments. The short throw lens is another highlight, allowing you to project a large 120-inch image from just 4 feet away, making it a great choice for smaller spaces. The 1080p full HD resolution guarantees sharp and detailed images suitable for presentations and videos.

Connectivity is versatile, with dual HDMI connectors and a USB port, allowing for easy switching between multiple devices. The built-in speakers are a convenient feature, although they may not provide the highest quality sound for larger rooms or audiences. The long-lasting DuraCore laser technology offers up to 30,000 hours of maintenance-free operation, and with its low power consumption, it's an energy-efficient option that fits well into eco-friendly initiatives.

A potential downside is the limited contrast ratio which might affect the depth of darker scenes in videos. Additionally, while compact, the projector's weight of 6.61 pounds may require a sturdy mount or table. This projector is best suited for educational and business settings where space and energy efficiency are priorities, but may not be the top choice for home theater enthusiasts seeking high contrast and exceptional audio performance.

The ViewSonic LS921WU is a robust choice for those seeking an affordable short-throw projector. It features a high resolution of 1920 x 1200, ensuring sharp and clear images. The impressive 6000 lumens brightness is ideal for well-lit environments, making it suitable for both business and educational settings. Additionally, the projector supports 4K HDR HLG, providing enhanced image quality for a better viewing experience.

The short-throw capability allows you to project large images from a short distance, which is great for smaller rooms or spaces where positioning options are limited. One of its standout features is its long-lasting laser phosphor light source, boasting a lamp life of up to 20,000 hours, reducing maintenance costs over time. The 1.1x optical zoom and versatile setup options, including horizontal/vertical keystoning and wide lens shift, make it easy to install and adjust the projection to fit your screen perfectly.

The projector offers extensive connectivity options with dual HDMI, USB, integrated HDBT, and Ethernet LAN, making it compatible with various devices including PCs, Macs, and mobile devices. However, it lacks built-in speakers, which means you will need external audio solutions for a complete multimedia experience. At 14.3 pounds, it’s relatively heavy, which might be a consideration for portability. The projector is best suited for users in business or educational environments who need a reliable and versatile short-throw projector.

The LG HF85JA Ultra Short Throw Laser Smart Home Theater CineBeam Projector is an appealing choice for those looking for an affordable short-throw projector with impressive features. Its standout feature is the ultra-short throw capability, allowing you to place it just 17 inches from a wall to achieve a large 100-inch display. This makes it ideal for small spaces or setups where you can't mount the projector far from the screen.

The projector offers Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, providing clear and sharp images, which is suitable for home theater use. Additionally, the contrast ratio of 150,000:1 ensures that you will see deep blacks and vibrant colors, enhancing the viewing experience. With a brightness of up to 1,500 lumens, the HF85JA is best used in dimly lit environments to achieve optimal picture quality. This level of brightness might struggle in very bright rooms, which is something to consider based on your intended use.

One of the key advantages is the long-lasting laser lamp, which offers up to 20,000 hours of use, reducing the need for frequent replacements and adding to the product's value over time. The LG Smart TV capability also adds a layer of convenience, allowing access to various streaming services directly through the projector. However, the built-in speakers might not deliver the most powerful sound, so users who prioritize audio quality might consider external speakers for a better sound experience.

In conclusion, the LG HF85JA is a solid choice in the affordable short-throw projector category for those who value a large screen in a small space, Full HD resolution, and a durable laser lamp, but it requires a dim environment for the best viewing and might need supplementary audio support.