Imagine watching your favorite movies on a 150-inch 4K screen with rich colors, stunning detail, and immersive surround sound — all without needing a huge room or ceiling mount. That’s the magic of a short throw 4K projector.
Unlike traditional projectors that need 10–15 feet of distance, short throw and ultra short throw (UST) projectors can create 100–150” screens from just inches away from the wall. They deliver cinema-grade visuals, smart streaming, HDR support, and built-in audio, all while saving space and looking sleek in your home theater setup.
This guide highlights the best short throw 4K projectors for home theater in 2026, chosen for their picture quality, throw distance, brightness, gaming performance, and overall value. If you want massive screen size without needing a massive room, these are your top choices.
Why Choose a Short Throw 4K Projector
Short throw projectors are the perfect upgrade for home theaters, living rooms, and even bedrooms because they offer:
- Huge Screens in Small Spaces: 100–150” from just 6–18 inches away
- True 4K Resolution: Razor-sharp detail with HDR10 and wide color gamut
- Bright & Vivid Picture: 2500–3500 lumens to stay clear even in ambient light
- Low Latency for Gaming: Great for big-screen console or PC gaming
- Built-in Smart TV Features: Stream Netflix, Prime, Disney+, YouTube directly
- Sleek & Modern Design: Sits against the wall like a soundbar
They combine cinematic immersion with small-space practicality, making them ideal for any modern home.
Quick Comparison Table
| Projector | Highlights | Picture & Audio Specs | Ideal For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WEMAX Nova 4K UHD Ultra Short Throw Projector | Massive 150” screen from inches away, Android TV, Dolby Audio | 4K UHD, ALPD laser, 2100 lumens, HDR10, Android TV, DTS-HD sound | Movie lovers & families building a living room cinema | [Check Price] |
| BenQ TK710STi 4K HDR Laser Short Throw Projector | Short throw lens, ultra-low input lag, 240Hz refresh, Android TV | 4K UHD, 3200 lumens, HDR10/HLG, 4ms, 240Hz, 3D Keystone, Netflix | Gamers & movie enthusiasts needing versatility | [Check Price] |
| AWOL VISION LTV-2500 4K UHD Ultra Short Throw Triple Laser Projector | Dolby Vision & Atmos, 150″ display, stunning HDR color | 4K UHD, 2600 lumens, triple-laser, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Fire TV included | Premium home theaters & cinematic setups | [Check Price] |
Best Short Throw 4K Projector for Home Theater
1. WEMAX Nova 4K UHD Ultra Short Throw Projector — Best All-Around UST for Home Theater
- 【4K UHD Laser Projector】 Superior Resolution might be an understatement. With 4K UHD, you get 4x resolution of full HD or 1080p. Nova is built with industry-leading patented ALPD 3.0 and…
Picture Quality & Performance
The WEMAX Nova delivers a massive 150” 4K UHD image from just 9 inches away, making it perfect for living rooms, apartments, or small home theaters. Its ALPD laser light engine produces 2100 ANSI lumens of brightness and over 1 billion colors, while HDR10 support enhances contrast and depth.
It also runs on Android TV with built-in Google Assistant, so you can stream Netflix, Prime, Disney+, and YouTube directly without external devices.
Audio & Build Quality
This projector includes integrated Dolby Audio and DTS-HD surround sound, delivering surprisingly rich, room-filling sound without needing an external soundbar. The chassis is low-profile and modern, blending into your media console like a premium sound system.
Everyday Use
Perfect for movie nights, binge-watching shows, or casual gaming, the WEMAX Nova gives you cinema-size visuals in tight spaces with zero hassle.
Pros
- 150″ display from just inches away
- Bright 2100-lumen ALPD laser
- Android TV + voice control built-in
- Dolby Audio & DTS-HD sound
Cons
- No native 120Hz support (for high-FPS gaming)
- Requires ALR screen for best performance in bright rooms
[Check Price on Amazon] — Best All-Around Short Throw 4K Projector
2. BenQ TK710STi 4K HDR Laser Short Throw Projector — Best for Gaming & Movies Combo
- BRIGHTEN YOUR LIVING ROOM: This Tv projector is great addition to your home theater set up. Experience movies and games with lights on, with a 3200 ANSI lumens laser light source in your living space.
Picture Quality & Performance
The BenQ TK710STi offers ultra-sharp native 4K UHD resolution with HDR10 and HLG support, producing lifelike contrast and vibrant color. With 3200 ANSI lumens brightness, it’s bright enough for daytime viewing in living rooms.
It shines for gaming with its ultra-low 4ms input lag and 240Hz refresh rate, delivering buttery-smooth motion for fast-paced console or PC games. It also supports 3D Keystone and corner correction, letting you position it easily on shelves or tables.
Audio & Build Quality
The projector is sleek, compact, and lightweight, and comes with built-in Android TV for streaming. It’s quieter than many models thanks to efficient cooling fans, and includes dual HDMI 2.0 ports for multiple devices.
Everyday Use
This is the perfect choice for gamers who also love home theater, delivering both high-speed performance and cinematic visuals in a small footprint.
Pros
- 3200 lumens for bright rooms
- 4ms response & 240Hz refresh = gamer-friendly
- Android TV streaming built-in
- 3D Keystone for flexible placement
Cons
- Not ultra short throw (needs ~3–5 feet distance)
- Fan gets noticeable at full brightness
[Check Price on Amazon] — Best Short Throw 4K Gaming Projector
3. AWOL VISION LTV-2500 4K UHD UST Projector — Best Premium Dolby Vision Home Theater Experience
- The World’s 1st UST Projector and Center Channel Speaker in One: featuring our innovative center speaker mapping. Delivering crystal-clear dialogue and immersive audio directly from the…
Picture Quality & Performance
The AWOL Vision LTV-2500 delivers stunning cinematic visuals with triple-laser 4K UHD projection, supporting HDR10+ and Dolby Vision for extreme color depth and contrast. It can produce a vivid 150” image from just 6–8 inches away, perfect for tight spaces yet big-screen impact.
It also boasts 2600 lumens of brightness, enough for ambient light rooms, and supports Active 3D for immersive movie experiences.
Audio & Build Quality
Integrated Dolby Atmos sound system delivers rich, spatial audio that rivals soundbars. It comes bundled with a Fire TV Stick 4K Max, turning it into a smart TV out of the box with instant streaming access. The premium build quality and sleek design make it a centerpiece in any home theater.
Everyday Use
Ideal for dedicated home cinemas or luxury living rooms, this is the closest you’ll get to a true theater experience without leaving your home.
Pros
- Triple-laser 4K image with Dolby Vision
- Dolby Atmos built-in sound
- Fire TV included for streaming
- Active 3D support
Cons
- Premium pricing (but worth it for the performance)
- Larger footprint than compact short throws
[Check Price on Amazon] — Best Premium UST Projector with Dolby Vision
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Short Throw 4K Projector
- Throw Ratio: Look for UST (<0.25:1) to project 100”+ from under 10 inches
- Resolution: True native 4K (3840×2160) for ultra-sharp detail
- Brightness: 2500–3500 ANSI lumens is ideal for rooms with ambient light
- HDR Support: HDR10 or Dolby Vision boosts contrast and realism
- Color Technology: Laser or ALPD engines provide vivid, long-lasting colors
- Input Lag: Under 20ms for casual gaming, under 5ms for competitive gaming
- Built-in Smart Features: Android TV or Fire TV saves space and adds convenience
- Audio Quality: Integrated Dolby/DTS audio is great if you don’t have a soundbar
- Size & Placement: UST models sit flush against the wall, while short-throw units need 3–5 feet distance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What’s the difference between short throw and ultra short throw?
Short throw needs 3–5 feet to create 100”, while ultra short throw needs just 6–12 inches.
Q2. Are UST projectors good for gaming?
Yes, if they have low input lag. The BenQ TK710STi is ideal for gaming, while others are better for movies.
Q3. Do I need a special screen?
An ALR (ambient light rejecting) screen boosts contrast and brightness, especially in bright rooms.
Q4. How long do laser projectors last?
Most last 20,000–30,000 hours with virtually zero maintenance.
Q5. Can I replace my TV with a UST projector?
Yes — many people do. They provide bigger screens and smart features, but need dimmer lighting for best results.
Final Verdict
- Best All-Around: WEMAX Nova 4K UST Projector — space-saving design, big 150″ screen, Android TV, Dolby Audio
- Best for Gaming & Movies: BenQ TK710STi — bright, ultra-fast 4ms input, 240Hz refresh for buttery gaming
- Best Premium Experience: AWOL Vision LTV-2500 — Dolby Vision + Atmos, triple-laser brilliance, ultimate cinematic quality
[Check Today’s Best Deals on Amazon] — Bring the cinema home with these top-rated short throw 4K projectors for 2026.
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