A short-throw projector can give you a big gaming image without needing a long room or placing the projector far behind your couch. The right choice depends on how much space you have, how bright the room is, and whether you care most about responsive play, 4K detail, or easy setup. Below, we compare five models with short-throw designs and explain the trade-offs that matter in a small room.
Quick Comparison
| Projector | Resolution | Key gaming and room features |
|---|---|---|
| BenQ TH671ST | 1080p | 3,000 lumens; 100-inch image from 5 feet; low input lag |
| Optoma GT2400HDR | 1080p | 4,200 ISO lumens; laser light source; IP6X-rated dust protection |
| Optoma GT1080HDR | 1080p; accepts 4K HDR input | 3,800 lumens; 100-inch image from just over 3 feet; low input lag |
| BenQ TK710STi | 4K | 3,200 ANSI lumens; laser; 4ms response at 1080p and 240Hz |
| Optoma GT3900UHD | True 4K UHD | 4,000 lumens; laser; supports 1080p at 240Hz and 4K at 60Hz |
Our Picks: Best Short Throw Gaming Projectors For Small Rooms reviews
BenQ TH671ST: A 1080p Gaming Pick for a Compact Setup
The BenQ TH671ST is a 1080p short-throw projector aimed at gaming and home entertainment. Its stated 3,000-lumen brightness and low-input-lag design make it a straightforward option if you want responsive play without stepping up to a 4K model.
Its room-friendly claim is specific: it can project a 100-inch image from 5 feet away, and it can project images up to 300 inches. That makes it easier to plan around a modest room than a standard projector that needs more distance. The listing also highlights vertical auto adjustment, which may help with setup, though you should still check the projector’s placement and image geometry against your room before buying.
Compared with the brighter Optoma models here, the TH671ST has a lower stated lumen figure. It may be a better fit for a room where you can manage ambient light than for a bright space where lights stay on. The supplied availability information marks it unavailable, so check the listing before making it your plan A.
Pros:
- 1080p resolution and a gaming-focused low-input-lag design
- Projects a 100-inch image from 5 feet away
- 3,000-lumen brightness and vertical auto adjustment
- Three-year limited parts and labor coverage is listed
Cons:
- Lower stated brightness than the Optoma GT2400HDR and GT1080HDR
- The supplied availability information marks it unavailable
Verdict: Choose the TH671ST if you want a focused 1080p gaming projector and its 5-foot placement suits your room, but confirm availability before settling on it.
Optoma GT2400HDR: A Bright Laser Option for Gaming
The Optoma GT2400HDR pairs a 1080p image with a short-throw design, a laser light source, and low input lag for gaming. Its listed 4,200 ISO lumens make it the brightest model by the stated number in this group, which could be useful if your gaming space is not fully dark.
Its laser light source is rated for up to 30,000 hours, and the listing specifies IP6X-rated dust protection. Those details may appeal if you want a projector designed for long-term use and are concerned about dust in the room. The product data does not include a specific throw distance or screen size at a set distance, so measure your space and confirm placement details before purchase.
Unlike the two 4K options, the GT2400HDR is a 1080p pick. That can be a sensible trade if responsive gaming and brightness matter more to you than native 4K detail. The supplied information lists it as available.
Pros:
- 4,200 ISO lumens for a bright image
- Laser light source rated for up to 30,000 hours
- Low input lag and a short-throw design
- IP6X-rated dust protection
Cons:
- 1080p resolution rather than native 4K
- The supplied product details do not specify an image size at a particular throw distance
Verdict: Pick the GT2400HDR if brightness, laser longevity, and a gaming-oriented feature set matter more to you than 4K resolution.
Optoma GT1080HDR: A Short-Throw 1080p Projector for Tight Spaces
The Optoma GT1080HDR is a 1080p short-throw projector with 4K HDR input compatibility. It is designed to put a large picture in a small space: the listed projection distance for a 100-inch image is just over 3 feet. That makes it one of the clearest fits here if the projector must sit close to the wall or screen.
Its 3,800-lumen brightness is intended to support viewing with some ambient light, while low input lag is aimed at responsive console and PC gaming. The projector also has dual HDMI inputs, USB power for streaming devices, VGA, and a built-in 10W speaker. These connections can simplify a mixed gaming and movie setup, though the built-in speaker is best treated as a convenience rather than a reason to skip planning your audio.
The GT1080HDR has a lamp light source, with up to 15,000 hours of lamp life in Eco+ mode. That differs from the laser models in this selection, which list longer light-source life. The supplied availability data marks this model unavailable, so confirm that it can be purchased before choosing it.
Pros:
- Projects a 100-inch image from just over 3 feet away
- 3,800 lumens and low input lag for gaming
- Accepts 4K HDR input while displaying at 1080p
- Dual HDMI, USB power, VGA, and a built-in 10W speaker
Cons:
- Native resolution is 1080p, not 4K
- The supplied availability information marks it unavailable
Verdict: If your main challenge is getting a 100-inch image from very close range, the GT1080HDR is a compelling fit, provided the listing is available.
BenQ TK710STi: 4K Detail with Fast 1080p Gaming
The BenQ TK710STi combines a short-throw design with 4K HDR visuals and a laser light source. It is a strong match for someone who wants one projector for games, movies, and streaming instead of prioritizing gaming alone. The listed 3,200 ANSI lumens are intended to keep the image bright in a living room with some ambient light.
For fast play, BenQ lists a 4ms response time at 1080p and 240Hz. That specification applies to that resolution and refresh-rate mode, so it should not be read as a promise of the same response at every setting. The projector also includes Google-certified Android TV, which gives you access to streaming services without needing a separate streaming device, according to the product description.
Compared with the 1080p models, this BenQ offers 4K detail and a laser light source but may be more than you need if you mainly play competitive games at 1080p. The supplied availability data marks it available.
Pros:
- 4K HDR picture with 95% Rec. 709 color coverage listed
- 3,200 ANSI lumens and a laser light source
- 4ms response time at 1080p and 240Hz
- Google-certified Android TV is included
Cons:
- The 4ms response specification is tied to 1080p at 240Hz
- Its 3,200 ANSI-lumen figure should not be compared directly with figures using other lumen standards
Verdict: Choose the TK710STi if you want a versatile 4K laser projector with a clearly stated fast 1080p gaming mode and built-in streaming.
Optoma GT3900UHD: True 4K and Laser Performance
The Optoma GT3900UHD is the most resolution-focused model in this selection, with true 4K UHD and HDR compatibility. Its 0.496:1 short-throw lens is designed to create a large image from a shorter distance, helping you make better use of limited room space. The product description also highlights golf simulator setups, where keeping the projector out of the swing zone can matter.
For gaming, the GT3900UHD supports 1080p at 240Hz and 4K at 60Hz with low input lag. Those modes give you a choice between a high refresh rate at 1080p and 4K resolution at a lower refresh rate. Its 4,000-lumen rating and DuraCore laser light source, rated for up to 30,000 hours, add to its appeal for regular use.
This Optoma combines high resolution, brightness, and laser longevity, but the supplied availability information marks it unavailable. Its 4,000-lumen figure also uses no ANSI or ISO label in the provided description, so do not treat it as directly comparable with the explicitly labeled lumen figures of the other models.
Pros:
- True 4K UHD resolution with HDR compatibility
- 0.496:1 short-throw lens for space-conscious placement
- Supports 1080p at 240Hz and 4K at 60Hz with low input lag
- Laser light source rated for up to 30,000 hours
Cons:
- The supplied availability information marks it unavailable
- The stated 4,000-lumen figure is not labeled with a measurement standard in the supplied details
Verdict: The GT3900UHD is the one to watch if true 4K and flexible gaming modes are your priorities, but confirm availability and placement details before planning your setup around it.
How to Choose a Short-Throw Gaming Projector for a Small Room
Measure the throw distance before you choose
Throw distance is the space between the projector and the screen or wall. A short-throw model can make a large image from closer range, but the exact distance varies by projector. For example, the GT1080HDR lists a 100-inch image from just over 3 feet, while the TH671ST lists 100 inches from 5 feet. Measure the space where the projector will sit, then compare it with the model’s placement details and the screen size you want.
Match resolution and refresh rate to the games you play
A 1080p projector can be a practical choice for gaming, especially if responsive play matters more to you than extra detail. The TK710STi lists 4ms at 1080p and 240Hz, while the GT3900UHD supports 1080p at 240Hz and 4K at 60Hz. Check the exact mode you plan to use, along with what your console or PC can output. Also distinguish between native resolution and input compatibility: the GT1080HDR accepts 4K HDR input but displays at 1080p.
Look at brightness, but compare the labels carefully
More brightness can help when you cannot fully darken a room. The models here list figures from 3,000 to 4,200 lumens, but some use labels such as ANSI lumens or ISO lumens and others do not specify a standard in the supplied details. Treat those figures as product specifications, not as perfectly comparable measurements. Room lighting, screen size, and wall or screen surface also affect how bright the image looks.
Choose between lamp and laser light sources
Several projectors in this group use lasers, with the Optoma GT2400HDR and GT3900UHD listing a light-source life of up to 30,000 hours. The GT1080HDR uses a lamp and lists up to 15,000 hours in Eco+ mode. A longer stated light-source life may reduce how often you need to think about replacements, but it should be weighed alongside image quality, gaming modes, and fit for your room.
Plan for connections and sound
Think about what you will connect, such as a console, PC, or streaming device. The GT1080HDR lists dual HDMI inputs, USB power, VGA, and a built-in 10W speaker. The TK710STi includes Google-certified Android TV for streaming. Other product descriptions do not provide the same level of connection detail, so confirm the ports and audio options on the product listing if they are important to your setup.
Check the screen size and image placement in your room
A short-throw projector can reduce the distance needed between the projector and the image, but you still need to plan where it will sit and where people will move. Consider whether a table, shelf, or other stable surface can hold it at the right distance, and check the product’s supported image-size range. Avoid assuming that every model will produce the same picture size from the same spot.
Confirm availability and the exact product specifications
Availability can change, and the supplied listing information marks the TH671ST, GT1080HDR, and GT3900UHD unavailable. Check the current product page before making a decision. It is also worth confirming throw distance, resolution modes, ports, and any warranty details directly on the listing, particularly when those specifics are not included in the product information above.
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 conventional projector. The exact distance depends on the model and desired image size, so check the product’s throw specifications before buying.
Which projector here is best for the tightest space?
The Optoma GT1080HDR has the clearest stated placement figure for a small room: it can project a 100-inch image from just over 3 feet away. The GT3900UHD also lists a short-throw ratio, but the supplied details do not provide a specific distance for a 100-inch image.
Is 1080p enough for gaming on a projector?
1080p can be enough if your priority is a large gaming image and responsive play rather than 4K detail. The BenQ TH671ST, Optoma GT2400HDR, and Optoma GT1080HDR are 1080p models. The BenQ TK710STi and Optoma GT3900UHD offer 4K options.
Does 4K input compatibility mean a projector displays native 4K?
No. The Optoma GT1080HDR accepts 4K HDR input but has a 1080p display resolution. The GT3900UHD is described as true 4K UHD, and the BenQ TK710STi is listed as a 4K projector.
Can I use a short-throw projector with the lights on?
Higher brightness can help with some ambient light, and several models here are described for lights-on use. The picture will still depend on the room, screen size, and light level. For the strongest image, reducing light on the screen is generally helpful.
Which models use a laser light source?
The Optoma GT2400HDR, BenQ TK710STi, and Optoma GT3900UHD are listed with laser light sources. The GT1080HDR uses a lamp, with up to 15,000 hours listed in Eco+ mode.
Final Recommendation
For a small room where placement is the main challenge, the Optoma GT1080HDR stands out for its stated ability to create a 100-inch image from just over 3 feet, though its supplied availability status is unavailable. If you want a currently listed 4K choice with fast 1080p gaming and built-in streaming, consider the BenQ TK710STi. For higher stated brightness and a long-life laser source in a 1080p model, the Optoma GT2400HDR is the clearest fit. Before buying any of them, measure your room and verify current availability and throw-distance details.