Which brands make the best short throw projectors?
The best short throw projector brands are as follows.
- Hisense (Average overall score: 7.6)
- BenQ (Average overall score: 7)
- Epson (Average overall score: 7)
The chart below compares short throw projector brands by average overall score.
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What is a short throw projector?
A short throw projector is a projector designed to create a large image from much closer to the wall or screen than a standard model. In practical terms, that usually means a throw ratio somewhere around 0.4:1 to 0.7:1 rather than the more common 1.1:1 to 1.5:1 range.
The benefit is easier placement in smaller rooms, where you may not have enough distance for a normal projector. It does not automatically make the projector better overall, but it can make a big-screen setup much more realistic in tighter spaces.
How much distance does a short throw projector need?
A short throw projector usually needs roughly 1 to 2 metres of distance to create an image around 90 to 120 inches, though the exact result depends on the model and its throw ratio. That is much closer than a standard projector, which often needs several metres for the same screen size.
Because the ratios vary, it is still important to check the specific projection calculator or distance chart for the model you want. The whole reason to buy short throw is placement flexibility, so the exact distance matters more here than it does in many other categories.
Is a short throw projector good for small rooms?
Yes, a short throw projector is often a very good fit for a small room because it can produce a large image without forcing you to place the projector far back. That makes it easier to avoid awkward room layouts, people walking through the beam, and long cable runs.
The main limit is that a small room still needs enough wall or screen space, and some short throw models are more sensitive to alignment than people expect. Even so, for tight spaces they are usually far easier to live with than standard long-throw projectors.
How bright are short throw projectors?
Short throw projectors are usually fairly bright, with many stronger models landing around 2,000 to 3,500 ANSI lumens. That suits the category well because these projectors are often used in living rooms or mixed-light spaces where flexible placement matters more than a dedicated dark cinema room.
Brightness still has to be balanced with contrast and setup quality. A short throw model can be bright enough for everyday use, but if the optics and black levels are weak, the image will still feel less cinematic than a darker-room specialist projector.
How much do short throw projectors cost?
Short throw projectors usually start around £600 with simpler 1080p models at the low end and sharper 4K options higher up. At this level, a lot of the price is going toward the short-throw optics themselves, so picture quality is not always as rich as a similarly priced standard projector.
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The middle of the market, roughly £860 to £1,500 is where short throw models tend to make the most sense. That is where you begin to get better brightness, cleaner detail, and more reliable auto setup without paying full premium prices for laser hardware.
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Once prices move beyond about £1,700 the gains are usually in refinement rather than throw distance alone. Extra spend often buys laser light, stronger HDR, quieter running, and a more polished home cinema image for living-room use.
