Short-throw projectors have revolutionized home theaters, gaming setups, and even classrooms. Unlike traditional projectors that require 10–15 feet of distance, short-throw and ultra short-throw (UST) projectors can project a 100”+ screen from just a few inches away.
This makes them perfect for:
✅ Small rooms and apartments
✅ Bright living rooms with limited space
✅ Gamers who want low input lag
✅ Business & education presentations
✅ 4K home theater setups with Dolby Atmos
In this guide, we’ve picked the Top 3 Best Short-Throw Projectors in 2026, covering home theater, gaming, and professional use.
👉 Quick Note: Short-throw projectors are in demand. If you see a deal under retail, grab it before it sells out.
Top 3 Best Short-Throw Projectors in 2026
- Best Premium UST Projector: NexiGo Aurora Pro 4K Tri-Color Laser Projector – Dolby Vision + Atmos, 2400 lumens, cinematic audio.
- Best Gaming Short Throw: BenQ TH671ST 1080p Gaming Projector – Low input lag, 3000 lumens, fast response time.
- Best Business & Education Pick: ViewSonic PS502W Short Throw Projector – 4000 lumens, HDMI + USB connectivity, reliable classroom performance.
Quick Comparison: Best Short-Throw Projectors 2026
| Projector Model | Resolution | Brightness | Best For | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NexiGo Aurora Pro PJ92 | 4K UHD (Laser) | 2400 Lumens | Home Theater & UST Laser TV | Dolby Vision & Atmos, HDR10, Tri-Color Laser, 60W speakers | 👉 Check Price |
| BenQ TH671ST | 1080p Full HD | 3000 Lumens | Gaming & Movies | Low input lag, Gaming Mode, 3-year warranty | 👉 Check Price |
| ViewSonic PS502W | WXGA (1280×800) | 4000 Lumens | Business & Education | HDMI, USB-A, Bright projection for classrooms | 👉 Check Price |
💡 Pro Tip: If you want home theater 4K → NexiGo Aurora Pro. For gaming → BenQ TH671ST. For business/classrooms → ViewSonic PS502W.
Best Short-Throw Projectors
🔹 1. NexiGo Aurora Pro Ultra Short Throw 4K Laser Projector – Best Premium UST
- 【The Black Level】With ALPD 4.0 RGB+ technology, the Aurora Pro delivers a native contrast ratio of 3000:1. Our dynamic laser dimming technology pushes the black even further, enhancing black levels with minimal impact on color accuracy and other side effects. The dynamic black feature reduces the black level by more than 60% and provides over 30% energy savings, benefiting the environment without compromising your visual experience.
The NexiGo Aurora Pro PJ92 is one of the most advanced ultra short throw (UST) projectors in 2026. Delivering a 4K UHD tri-color laser projection, Dolby Vision & Atmos, and 2400 lumens brightness, it’s designed as a laser TV replacement for large screens.
Key Specs:
- Resolution: 4K UHD (3840 × 2160)
- Brightness: 2400 Lumens
- HDR Support: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
- Audio: 60W integrated speakers with Dolby Atmos
- Features: Active 3D, Dynamic Laser Dimming, Screen Adoption Technology
Performance:
- Picture Quality: Tri-color laser delivers rich colors + cinematic HDR.
- Room Lighting: Works well in bright rooms thanks to high lumens.
- Sound: Dolby Atmos integrated speakers eliminate need for soundbar.
- Home Theater: Ideal for replacing a 100”+ 4K smart TV.
✅ Pros:
- Dolby Vision + Atmos = true cinematic experience.
- 4K HDR with laser dimming tech.
- Active 3D support for immersive viewing.
- Short throw design fits in tight spaces.
❌ Cons:
- Premium price point.
- Needs ALR (ambient light rejecting) screen for best results.
🔹 2. BenQ TH671ST Short Throw Gaming Projector – Best for Gamers
- UNPARALLELED PICTURE QUALITY: TV Projector, comes with Native Full HD 1080p Resolution, 92% Rec. 709 Color Accuracy, 3000 Lumens and high native contrast ratio for the ultimate immersive cinematic and gaming experience.
The BenQ TH671ST is the best short-throw gaming projector in 2026, thanks to low input lag, Full HD resolution, and 3000 lumens brightness. Whether you’re playing FIFA, Call of Duty, or NBA2K, this projector ensures smooth, fast motion.
Key Specs:
- Resolution: 1080p Full HD (1920 × 1080)
- Brightness: 3000 Lumens
- Refresh Rate: Optimized for gaming performance
- Input Lag: As low as 16ms in Gaming Mode
- Warranty: 3-year industry-leading warranty
Performance:
- Gaming: Designed for low-latency performance.
- Movies: Full HD clarity with vibrant colors.
- Room Use: 3000 lumens ensures brightness in semi-lit rooms.
- Portability: Lightweight & easy to set up.
✅ Pros:
- Low input lag = best for console/PC gaming.
- 3000 lumens = works even with lights on.
- Affordable price compared to 4K laser models.
- Long 3-year warranty.
❌ Cons:
- 1080p, not 4K.
- Built-in speakers are basic (better with external sound).
🔹 3. ViewSonic PS502W Short Throw Projector – Best for Business & Education
- Short Throw DLP Lamp Projector: WXGA (1280x800p) resolution with a 0.5 throw ratio and 4,000 ANSI lumens for bright, detailed images in any space
- Vibrant Colors: SuperColor technology delivers a wide color gamut and stunningly beautiful images.
For classrooms, boardrooms, and lecture halls, the ViewSonic PS502W is a workhorse. With 4000 lumens brightness, WXGA resolution, and HDMI/USB connectivity, it’s designed for presentations and large bright spaces.
Key Specs:
- Resolution: WXGA (1280 × 800)
- Brightness: 4000 Lumens
- Connectivity: HDMI, USB Type-A
- Lamp Life: Up to 20,000 hours (SuperEco Mode)
Performance:
- Business Use: Clear presentations even with lights on.
- Education: Teachers can project large screens from short distances.
- Durability: Long-lasting lamp for daily use.
- Flexibility: Compatible with laptops, media players, and streaming sticks.
✅ Pros:
- 4000 lumens = bright enough for classrooms.
- HDMI + USB-A support.
- Long lamp life reduces maintenance costs.
- Affordable price point.
❌ Cons:
- Lower resolution (WXGA vs Full HD/4K).
- Audio not strong enough for large rooms.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Short-Throw Projector
1. Resolution
- 1080p (Full HD) → Budget & gaming projectors (BenQ).
- 4K UHD → Best for home theaters (NexiGo Aurora Pro).
- WXGA → Business/education (ViewSonic).
2. Brightness (Lumens)
- 2000–2500 Lumens: Good for dark home theaters.
- 3000–4000 Lumens: Best for living rooms, gaming, or classrooms.
3. Throw Ratio
- Short throw = 3–5 feet for 100-inch screen.
- Ultra short throw (UST) = just inches away.
4. HDR & Audio
- Dolby Vision + Dolby Atmos = best cinematic performance.
- Business projectors focus more on brightness than HDR.
5. Use Case
- Movies & Home Theater: NexiGo Aurora Pro.
- Gaming: BenQ TH671ST.
- Education & Business: ViewSonic PS502W.
❓ FAQs: Best Short-Throw Projectors 2026
Q1: What is the difference between short throw and ultra short throw (UST)?
Short throw = 3–5 feet projection distance. UST = just inches away.
Q2: Can short-throw projectors replace TVs?
Yes—premium UST projectors like NexiGo Aurora Pro are designed as laser TVs.
Q3: Which short throw projector is best for gaming?
The BenQ TH671ST with low input lag and Gaming Mode.
Q4: Do I need a special screen for short throw projectors?
For best performance, use an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen.
Q5: Which is the brightest short throw projector in this list?
The ViewSonic PS502W at 4000 lumens.
Final Recommendation
- Best Premium UST for Home Theater: NexiGo Aurora Pro PJ92 – Dolby Vision + Atmos, 4K laser projection.
- Best Short Throw Gaming Projector: BenQ TH671ST – Low latency, 3000 lumens, console/PC ready.
- Best Business/Education Projector: ViewSonic PS502W – 4000 lumens, HDMI/USB, long lamp life.
👉 Don’t settle for cramped viewing. Upgrade to one of these best short-throw projectors in 2026 for a cinematic, gaming, or professional big-screen experience—even in small spaces.
👉 Check Latest Short-Throw Projector Deals on Amazon
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