10 Best Cheap Short Throw Projector 2025 in the United States

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.

The ViewSonic LS921WU is a high-brightness short throw projector, boasting 6000 Lumens, which ensures a clear and vibrant display even in well-lit environments. Its WUXGA resolution (1920 x 1200) provides sharp and detailed images, making it suitable for both business presentations and home cinema use. The projector supports 4K HDR HLG, enhancing the visual experience with richer colors and contrast.

With a throw ratio designed for short distances, it can project large images in smaller spaces, ideal for compact rooms or offices. Additionally, its impressive 20,000-hour lamp life guarantees long-term use without frequent maintenance. Versatility is a strong suit here with dual HDMI ports, USB, and Ethernet connections, ensuring compatibility with various devices.

The 1.1x optical zoom, H/V keystone correction, and wide lens shift make setup and adjustments straightforward, while the 360-degree projection capability adds flexibility in installation. Remote management through LAN control is also a notable feature for effortless scheduling and operation. However, at 14.3 pounds, it might be bulkier compared to some portable models, and its higher price point may not align with the 'cheap' category for all budgets. Its features and performance make it a versatile choice for both educational and business environments.

The Optoma 4K400STx is a solid choice for a short throw projector, especially if you are looking for something that can produce high-quality images from a short distance. With a throw ratio that allows for a 100” image just a few feet away, it’s perfect for small rooms or spaces where you cannot place the projector far from the screen. Its 4K UHD resolution ensures a sharp and clear picture, which is great for both movies and presentations.

Additionally, the projector’s brightness of 4000 lumens means you can use it in well-lit rooms without the image washing out, making it versatile for different environments. The HDR and HLG compatibility enhances the quality of the visuals, giving you vibrant colors and better contrast. Connectivity is another strong point, with dual HDMI ports, USB power, and audio connections, making it easy to connect to various devices.

The projector is also portable and 3D ready, adding to its flexibility and entertainment options. However, the actual display resolution listed also includes 1920 x 1080, which might be a bit confusing given the advertised 4K UHD resolution. Still, as a short throw projector offering 4K resolution and high brightness, the Optoma 4K400STx stands out as a competitive option in its category.