10 Best Cheap Short Throw Projector 2026 in the United States

The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 stands out as a powerful ultra short throw projector, offering a very bright 4,000 lumens output that works well even in rooms with some ambient light. Its throw ratio is extremely short, allowing you to place it very close to the wall or screen (around 0.16 to 0.4 feet), making it ideal for small spaces or setups where you don’t want a projector hanging from the ceiling. The 4K PRO-UHD resolution delivers sharp and detailed images, which is a big plus for home cinema and gaming. The contrast ratio of over 2,500,000:1 ensures deep blacks and vibrant colors, enhancing picture quality significantly.

Connectivity-wise, it covers essential options like HDMI, USB, and built-in Wi-Fi, supporting various devices such as gaming consoles and laptops. The 20,000-hour laser light source means you won’t need to replace lamps often, which saves money and hassle in the long run. Plus, the built-in 2.1-channel Yamaha speakers provide decent sound quality without needing external speakers, although audiophiles might prefer a dedicated sound system for richer audio.

It is a bit heavier and larger than some budget models, which might affect portability. Also, while it is listed as a renewed product, which can mean some previous use, it comes with a 2-year warranty. This Epson projector delivers excellent brightness, image quality, and convenience features for those wanting a short throw solution without breaking the bank, especially suited for home entertainment and gaming in smaller rooms.

The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 is a strong choice if you're looking for an affordable short-throw projector that doesn’t compromise much on performance. It delivers a very bright image with 4000 lumens, which means it works well even in rooms that aren’t completely dark. Its ultra-short throw ratio allows you to place the projector extremely close to the wall or screen—just a few inches away—making it ideal for small spaces or living rooms where you want a large image without long cables. The resolution is impressive at 4K PRO-UHD (3840 x 2160 pixels), providing sharp and detailed pictures suitable for movies, gaming, and general home cinema use. The contrast ratio is notably high (over 2,500,000:1), so dark scenes look rich and deep, enhancing your viewing experience.

Connectivity is versatile with HDMI, USB, and built-in Wi-Fi, allowing easy connection to gaming consoles, laptops, and streaming devices. Plus, it comes with Android TV built-in, giving you access to popular streaming apps without extra equipment. The laser light source offers a long lamp life of about 20,000 hours, meaning you won’t need frequent replacements.

The built-in 2.1-channel Yamaha speakers provide decent sound, enough for casual viewing, though for a better audio experience, external speakers would be preferable. At 27.6 pounds, it’s on the heavier side for a projector, so it’s best suited for a stationary setup rather than frequent moves. Being a renewed product, it comes at a lower price but with some risk of wear. This projector is well suited for anyone wanting a bright, high-resolution projector with ultra-short throw capabilities on a budget. Its main downsides are its weight and the sound quality if you’re looking for immersive audio, but these can be managed easily with external speakers and a fixed setup.

The BenQ AH700ST is a strong choice if you want a short-throw projector that delivers bright, clear images for uses like golf simulation or general entertainment. Its short throw ratio between 0.69 and 0.83 meters means you can place it close to a wall or screen and still get a large image up to 200 inches, which is great for small rooms. The Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution ensures sharp detail, while the 4000 ANSI lumens brightness keeps the picture vivid even in moderately lit spaces. The color accuracy is impressive, covering 95% of Rec. 709 color space and supporting over a billion colors, which helps make images look natural and lifelike.

The high contrast ratio helps to keep blacks deep and details clear. A big advantage is the laser light source with up to 20,000 hours of life, meaning less frequent bulb changes and consistent brightness over time. Connectivity is flexible, including multiple HDMI 2.0b ports and USB Type A and C options, so you can easily connect laptops, gaming consoles, or smartphones. For richer sound, external speakers may be needed as built-in speaker details are limited.

The projector also offers handy features like Auto Screen Fit for easy setup and dedicated picture modes such as 'Golf' mode to optimize visuals for specialized use. While it is not the cheapest on the market, the combination of laser technology, brightness, and short throw capability makes it an excellent option for those seeking a reliable, high-quality short-throw projector.