10 Best Cheap Short Throw Projector 2025 in the United States

The BenQ TK710STi is an impressive short-throw projector that offers a lot of value for its price. With a 3200 ANSI lumens brightness, it’s capable of delivering clear and vibrant images even in a well-lit room, making it suitable for various home environments. The 4K resolution ensures sharp and detailed visuals, which is great for both movies and gaming. Its 95% Rec.709 color coverage adds to the visual appeal, providing rich and accurate colors.

The projector also features a durable laser light source, reducing the need for frequent lamp replacements, thus lowering ongoing maintenance costs. For gamers, the 4ms response time and 240Hz refresh rate at 1080p resolution promise smooth gameplay with minimal lag, enhancing the gaming experience. Additionally, it comes with Google-Certified Android TV, offering a wide range of streaming options, and built-in speakers, which add convenience. The 3D keystone correction feature helps in adjusting the image perfectly on any surface.

It’s important to note that while the projector includes Wi-Fi connectivity and built-in streaming capabilities, it might require additional external speakers for a true home theater audio experience, as built-in speakers may not be sufficient for everyone. Despite this, the BenQ TK710STi stands out as a versatile and feature-rich option for anyone looking for an affordable short-throw projector suitable for both entertainment and gaming.

The Optoma ZH406ST is a well-built short-throw projector that delivers a crisp Full HD 1080p resolution with excellent brightness at 4200 lumens, making it suitable for environments with some ambient light, like classrooms or offices. Its throw ratio allows for a large 120-inch image from just over 4 feet away, which is great if you have limited space but still want a big display. The contrast ratio is very strong at 300,000:1, so you'll see good detail in darker scenes. One of the biggest advantages is the durable DuraCore laser light source, which lasts up to 30,000 hours without needing lamp replacements, saving you maintenance costs over time. The projector also supports 4K HDR input, enhancing image quality for compatible content, though its native resolution is 1080p.

Connectivity options are comprehensive, including dual HDMI ports, VGA, audio inputs, and network control, which is perfect if you want to connect various devices or manage multiple projectors remotely. The built-in dual 10-watt speakers provide decent sound for medium-sized rooms, so you may not need extra speakers for basic presentations. On the downside, the projector is on the heavier side and may feel a bit complex to set up for casual users due to its many features and advanced settings. Also, while it’s great for business and educational use, it might be more expensive than typical “cheap” short-throw projectors aimed at home cinema buyers.

This model suits users needing reliable, bright, and flexible short-throw projection in professional or educational spaces who value long lamp life and strong connectivity.

The Optoma ZH340ST is a compact short throw projector designed for professional settings like offices and classrooms. With a brightness of 3,200 lumens, it delivers clear images even in well-lit environments, making it a strong contender for users requiring visibility without darkening the room. Its short throw lens allows for a large 120-inch display from just over 4 feet away, which is perfect for smaller spaces where mounting options may be limited. The projector's DuraCore laser technology extends lamp life to an impressive 30,000 hours, reducing maintenance concerns and eliminating the need for frequent lamp replacements. Plus, with dual HDMI and USB connectivity options, switching between devices is seamless, catering to varied presentation needs.

Some drawbacks exist. While the brightness and resolution (1920 x 1080) are commendable, the contrast ratio isn't specified, which can impact the depth of the colors displayed. Additionally, the product's weight of 6.61 pounds and dimensions, although compact, might still be a consideration for users looking for extreme portability.

The Optoma ZH340ST is a solid choice for those in need of a reliable, short throw projector for education or business use, especially in smaller spaces. Its efficient design and strong performance make it a good value, although potential buyers should consider their specific needs regarding image quality and portability.