Best Short Throw Projectors For Small Rooms: 5 Picks Compared

A short-throw projector can make a large picture possible without placing a projector far across the room. That can be a real advantage in a small den, bedroom, classroom, or gaming space—but throw distance, resolution, brightness, and intended use still matter. These five picks range from a 1080p home entertainment model to brighter laser projectors designed for business use and golf simulation.

Our Picks: Best Short Throw Projectors For Small Rooms reviews

BenQ TH671ST: A 1080p pick for home entertainment and gaming

The BenQ TH671ST is a short-throw home entertainment projector built around native 1080p resolution. It offers 3,000 lumens and 92% Rec. 709 color accuracy, making it a strong fit if your priority is a detailed picture for movies, shows, and games.

Its short-throw design can produce a 100-inch image from about five feet away, and it can project images up to 300 inches. That gives you more flexibility in a small room than a standard projector that needs to sit farther from the screen. The listed low input lag and refresh rate support are also aimed at responsive gameplay.

This is the most home-focused option in the group. Its Full HD resolution is a good match for movies and console gaming, while the 3,000-lumen rating gives you some flexibility when the room is not fully dark. For the best viewing experience, you should still plan for a suitable screen and control as much ambient light as practical.

A potential limitation is that the product details do not specify its exact throw ratio or every installation adjustment. Measure your available distance before buying, and check that the projector’s placement works with your room. BenQ lists a three-year limited parts-and-labor warranty.

Pros:

• Native 1080p resolution for home viewing and gaming
• Projects a 100-inch image from about five feet
• Low input lag and gaming-focused refresh rate support
• Three-year limited parts-and-labor coverage is listed

Cons:

• The listed 100-inch distance may still be too far for some very tight setups
• Room placement and ambient light can affect the final picture

Verdict: Choose the BenQ TH671ST if you want a 1080p short-throw projector mainly for movies and gaming, and can place it roughly five feet from the screen for a 100-inch image.

ViewSonic LS560WH: A presentation projector for tight workspaces

The ViewSonic LS560WH is an LED short-throw projector aimed at business, classroom, and conference-room use. Its native WXGA resolution is 1280 × 800, so it is better suited to slides, documents, and general presentations than to shoppers who specifically want Full HD video.

The 0.5 throw ratio is designed to create a large picture from a short distance. ViewSonic lists a 100-inch image from about 3.5 feet, with image sizes from 80 to 150 inches. Its 3,000 ANSI lumens are intended to keep content readable in moderately lit spaces, while its 120Hz refresh rate and 16ms input latency support smoother motion for video-heavy material.

Setup options include horizontal and vertical auto-keystone, four-corner adjustment, digital zoom, and 360-degree projection. These features can help when the projector cannot be positioned perfectly square to the screen, though digital correction and zoom should not replace careful placement when you can avoid it.

The main trade-off is resolution: WXGA does not provide the same detail as the 1080p models in this guide. Consider it for compact presentation rooms rather than as your first choice for a home theater. Product availability can change, so check the listing before planning a purchase.

Pros:

• 0.5 throw ratio suits rooms with limited projector-to-screen distance
• Can project a 100-inch image from about 3.5 feet
• 3,000 ANSI lumens are suited to moderately lit presentation spaces
• Includes multiple image-adjustment and mounting options

Cons:

• WXGA resolution is lower than Full HD
• Its business and classroom focus may not suit a home-theater-first setup

Verdict: The LS560WH makes sense for presentations in a small room when close placement and setup flexibility matter more than Full HD resolution.

ViewSonic LSD400HD-ST: A bright Full HD laser option for simulation

The ViewSonic LSD400HD-ST is a 1080p short-throw laser projector made for business, classroom, and golf-simulation spaces. It is rated at 4,000 ANSI lumens, a step up in brightness from the 3,000-lumen home and presentation models in this guide.

ViewSonic lists a 100-inch Full HD image from 1.1 meters away. That close placement can help in a compact simulator or training room, though you should confirm the distance works with your screen and room layout before choosing a mounting spot. Its dedicated Golf Mode is designed to emphasize greens and blues in course visuals.

The projector also has an IP6X-rated sealed optical engine and is designed for continuous operation. Its laser light source is lamp-free, and the product details list a 3,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. Network integration features include Crestron and Q-SYS certification, with compatibility for AMX, Extron, and PJ Link.

This model is more specialized than a typical living-room projector. Its brightness, golf mode, and professional AV features may be useful in a simulator or managed installation, but they could be unnecessary if you only want a simple movie setup. Its listed 100-inch distance is 1.1 meters, so it is not the closest-placement option in this group.

Pros:

• Native 1080p resolution with 4,000 ANSI lumens
• Projects a 100-inch image from 1.1 meters
• Dedicated Golf Mode is designed for simulation visuals
• Sealed IP6X optical engine and lamp-free laser design

Cons:

• Golf and professional AV features may be more than a basic home setup needs
• The stated 100-inch projection distance may not fit the tightest rooms

Verdict: Pick the LSD400HD-ST if you need Full HD and strong brightness for a compact golf-simulation or business space, rather than a simple home projector.

Optoma GT2000HDR: A compact Full HD laser projector for home use

The Optoma GT2000HDR is described as an ultra-compact, short-throw Full HD home laser projector. Its listed brightness is 3,500 lumens, placing it between the 3,000-lumen BenQ and ViewSonic LS560WH and the brighter laser options in this guide.

The compact design may appeal if you want a home-focused projector without a large unit taking up space. Its laser light source and external power supply are part of the listed design, and the product description also notes an eco-friendly design.

The supplied details are limited, however. They do not state the throw ratio, image size at a particular distance, input lag, or specific setup adjustments. Those details matter in a small room, so check the product listing and measure your space before deciding. This projector is also marked unavailable in the supplied product data, so confirm current listing status before making plans.

Compared with the BenQ TH671ST, the Optoma is described as a laser home model, while the BenQ provides more specific information about gaming response and projection distance. The GT2000HDR may be worth considering if its compact form and Full HD laser design fit your needs, but the limited published specifications make placement planning less straightforward.

Pros:

• Full HD resolution for home viewing
• Short-throw design is intended for smaller spaces
• Listed brightness of 3,500 lumens
• Ultra-compact laser design with an external power supply

Cons:

• The supplied information does not give a throw ratio or projection distance
• Availability should be confirmed before purchase

Verdict: Consider the GT2000HDR if you want a compact Full HD laser projector for home use, but verify its throw distance and current availability before choosing it for a tight room.

Optoma GT2400HDR: A high-brightness laser pick for gaming and golf

The Optoma GT2400HDR is a short-throw 1080p laser projector aimed at gaming and golf simulation. It is rated at 4,200 ISO lumens, the highest stated brightness in this group, and its listed features include low input lag.

Its laser light source is rated for 30,000 hours, and the projector has IP6X-rated dust protection. Those features may be useful in a frequently used setup, such as a dedicated gaming space or simulator. The product is also described as golf-simulation ready.

Compared with the BenQ TH671ST, the Optoma lists higher brightness and a laser light source, while BenQ provides a specific example of the image size and throw distance. The Optoma details supplied here do not state how far away it must sit for a particular screen size, so measure carefully and confirm the full placement specifications before buying.

The 4,200 ISO-lumen rating may help when you cannot fully darken the room, but brightness alone does not guarantee the best picture. Screen choice and room lighting still matter. If you are shopping mainly for everyday movies, the GT2400HDR’s gaming and simulation focus may be more than you need.

Pros:

• 1080p resolution and 4,200 ISO lumens
• Short-throw laser design with low input lag listed
• 30,000-hour DuraCore laser light source
• IP6X-rated dust protection and golf-simulation readiness

Cons:

• The supplied details do not give a specific throw distance for a target image size
• Gaming and simulation features may be unnecessary for basic movie viewing

Verdict: Choose the GT2400HDR if you want a bright 1080p laser projector for gaming or golf simulation and can confirm that its placement fits your room.

How to Choose a Short-Throw Projector for a Small Room

Measure the throw distance before choosing a model

Throw distance is the space between the projector and the screen. In a small room, this is often the first specification to check. Look for a stated distance at the image size you want, then measure from the planned projector position to the screen. For example, the BenQ lists a 100-inch image from about five feet, while the ViewSonic LS560WH lists the same image size from about 3.5 feet. Do not assume every short-throw model will fit the same spot.

Match resolution to what you plan to watch

Native 1080p is a sensible target for movies, shows, and detailed game visuals. WXGA can work well for slides and presentations, but it has less detail than Full HD. If your main use is home entertainment, compare the projector’s native resolution rather than relying only on broad labels such as “HD.”

Think about room lighting and brightness

Brightness ratings can help you compare models, but the viewing environment still matters. A room with windows or overhead lights can make a projected picture look less vivid than a darkened room. The options here range from 3,000 to 4,200 listed lumens, with some descriptions specifying ANSI or ISO lumens. Keep the unit and rating type in mind when comparing specifications, and plan to manage ambient light when possible.

Choose features for your main use

For gaming, low input lag can help keep on-screen action responsive. For business or classroom use, readable slides, adjustment tools, and network integration may be more important. Golf simulation can call for a dedicated image mode and enough brightness for the room. A projector with specialized features may be a poor value for your needs if you will not use them.

Consider the light source and expected use

Some models in this guide use laser or LED light sources, while the BenQ’s supplied details focus on its picture and gaming features. The Optoma GT2400HDR lists a 30,000-hour DuraCore laser light source, and the ViewSonic LSD400HD-ST is described as lamp-free. Check the manufacturer’s full specifications for operating life and care requirements before you buy.

Plan for installation and image adjustment

Decide whether the projector will sit on a shelf, table, or ceiling mount, and check that the image can reach your screen from that position. Keystone correction and corner adjustment can help square an image when placement is limited, but they do not change the projector’s actual throw distance. Confirm that the connections and mounting options fit your setup as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a projector short throw?

A short-throw projector is designed to create a large image from a shorter distance than a standard projector. The exact distance depends on the model and the screen size, so check the manufacturer’s throw information before setting up your room.

Can a short-throw projector work in a small bedroom?

Yes, if the projector’s required distance fits the space between your planned mounting spot and the screen. Measure the room and compare that measurement with the model’s stated throw distance for your desired image size.

Is WXGA good enough for a home theater?

WXGA can be fine for presentations and general content, but it does not provide as much detail as native 1080p. If movies and games are your main use, a Full HD model is the better match among these picks.

Does a brighter projector always look better?

Not always. More brightness can help in a room with ambient light, but picture quality also depends on the screen, image settings, and room conditions. A darker room can make it easier to see contrast and color.

Which projector is best for gaming?

The BenQ TH671ST and Optoma GT2400HDR both list gaming-focused features. BenQ specifies low input lag and support for a refresh rate that matches the maximum output of Xbox One X and PS4 Pro. Optoma lists low input lag, but the supplied details do not give a specific latency figure.

Are laser projectors a good choice for frequent use?

They can be a practical option for frequent use, but compare each model’s stated light-source details and intended operating conditions. For example, the Optoma GT2400HDR lists a 30,000-hour DuraCore laser light source, while the ViewSonic LSD400HD-ST is described as lamp-free and designed for continuous operation.

Final Recommendation

For a small home theater or gaming room, the BenQ TH671ST is the most straightforward choice in this group because it combines native 1080p, gaming-focused features, and a stated 100-inch image at about five feet. If your room needs a closer presentation setup, consider the ViewSonic LS560WH, while shoppers building a brighter golf-simulation space should compare the ViewSonic LSD400HD-ST and Optoma GT2400HDR. Before buying any of them, measure your room and confirm the projector’s throw distance for your screen size.