Top-10 Cheap Short Throw Projector
Loved in the USA

The Optoma GT1080HDR is a solid choice if you're looking for an affordable short-throw projector, especially for gaming or entertainment in smaller spaces. Its short throw lens lets you project a large 120-inch image from just 4 feet away, which is perfect if you have limited room. The image quality is sharp thanks to full HD 1080p resolution, 3,800 lumens brightness, and a strong 50,000:1 contrast ratio, producing vibrant colors supported by HDR10 technology. This means you'll get bright whites and deeper blacks, making movies and games look more engaging.

For gamers, the projector shines with an enhanced gaming mode that delivers a fast 8.4ms response time and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, reducing lag and motion blur. It also supports 3D content, which is a bonus if you want immersive experiences. Connectivity is flexible with two HDMI ports and USB, so you can easily hook up gaming consoles, streaming devices, or media players.

The lamp life is impressive, rated up to 15,000 hours, meaning you can enjoy many years of use before worrying about replacement. Built-in speakers are included but at 10 watts, they’re enough for casual use but might not satisfy those wanting rich audio without external speakers. The projector also offers simple setup with vertical keystone correction, letting you place it off-center without much hassle. Although it weighs over 6 pounds and is somewhat bulky for a portable setup, the GT1080HDR offers a feature-packed, budget-friendly option for gamers and home entertainment in small rooms or outdoor settings, but it is not 4K native, so it won't fully meet ultra-high definition needs.

The LG HU85LA Ultra Short Throw projector is designed to deliver an impressive home cinema experience with its 4K UHD resolution and up to 2700 ANSI lumens brightness, making it suitable for various lighting conditions. Its ultra-short throw capability allows you to project a 120-inch screen from just 7.2 inches away, which is perfect for small spaces where traditional projectors might be challenging to use.

One of its major strengths is the inclusion of smart features, such as LG's webOS Lite which allows access to popular streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime directly from the projector. The projector also supports HDR10, enhancing the color and contrast for a more vibrant picture. The built-in Alexa and LG ThinQ AI enable voice recognition and smart home connectivity, adding convenience for users who enjoy a tech-savvy environment.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. While the projector offers a high resolution and decent brightness, it may not be the most affordable option in the cheap short-throw projector category. Additionally, weighing in at 26.9 pounds, it's relatively heavy compared to other projectors, which may limit portability. The keystone correction feature, while useful, may not fully cater to every setup, potentially impacting image quality if not positioned perfectly.

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.