Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
November 25, 2025: With this update, we added the Hisense L9Q as our new Best Premium Ultra Short Throw Projector. The rest of our existing picks were vetted for currency and availability. Since our last update, we tested and evaluated five projectors for inclusion in this roundup and our other projector roundups.
(Credit: M. David Stone)
(Credit: M. David Stone)
Pros & Cons
4K resolution using TI’s XPR fast-switch pixel shifting
Triple-laser technology delivers a wide color gamut
HDR support includes Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG
Rated at 3,000 ANSI lumens
Uses Google TV for streaming
First UST projector with a Designed for Xbox certification
Limited 3D support excludes 3D Blu-ray discs
Out-of-box settings need minor tweaking to get good shadow detail
Why We Picked It
The PX3-PRO starts with all the strengths that made its predecessor (the PX2-PRO) a top pick and then adds to them. Its strongest feature, and one key reason to put it on your shortlist, is its top-tier image quality for both SDR and HDR content, with HDR support for all four current HDR variations: HDR10, HLG, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision.
A close second for gamers is that it’s the first UST projector to earn a “Designed for Xbox” certification, thanks to features that include a state-of-the-art short lag and support for 1440p resolution, which is increasingly popular among gamers. It also delivers many additional features, including Google TV for streaming, a powered focus, and myriad useful settings options. All this makes it a triple winner: for image quality, feature set, and gaming.
Who It’s For
Serious videophiles: Suitable for both casual TV viewing and traditional home theater use in dark rooms, the PX3-PRO is for discerning videophiles who want the best image quality and don’t see (or don’t mind seeing) the occasional rainbow artifact that DLP projectors tend to show.
PC gamers and Xbox users: The PX3-PRO is also an obvious choice for gamers (PC and console) who want the benefits of a UST lens in a projector designed with gaming in mind.
Specs & Configurations
Engine Type
DLP
Rated Brightness
3000 ANSI lumens
Native Resolution
3840 by 2160 using 1920 by 1080 DLP chip with XPR fast-switch pixel shifting
Maximum Resolution
3840 by 2160 120Hz; 1920 by 1080, 240Hz
Inputs and Interfaces
HDMI 2.1, HDMI 2.0, eARC, Bluetooth, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB 2.0, USB 3.0
Dimensions (HWD)
4.8 by 21.7 by 11.7 inches
Weight
19.8 lbs
Warranty
2 years
Learn More
Hisense PX3-PRO TriChroma Laser Projector Review
(Credit: M. David Stone)
(Credit: M. David Stone)
Pros & Cons
Laser-phosphor light source with high brightness
4K resolution
Notably short throw distance, even for an ultra short throw projector
HDR10 and HLG HDR support
Three-chip LCD design means no rainbow artifacts
No built-in streaming or 3D support
Requires external audio system
Pricey
Why We Picked It
The best UST projector for professional installation, the QS100 is designed from the ground up for high-end home theater setups where brightness, calibration, and long-term reliability are paramount. At 4,500 ISO lumens, it delivers enough punch to stand up to ambient light while maintaining excellent detail and contrast, especially when paired with the right ALR screen.
Unlike the more consumer-friendly LS800, the QS100 lacks built-in audio or streaming capabilities, but it does offer full calibration controls and other installer-focused features. That makes it the clear choice for serious buyers who want the flexibility to fine-tune their image to reference-level standards in a professionally designed home theater.
Who It’s For
Home theater enthusiasts and videophiles: This projector is right for home-cinema hounds and videophiles who are working with an integrator to set up their space and want a centerpiece display as part of a custom installation.
Motivated home theater DIY enthusiasts: The QS100 is also a great option for tech-savvy users who don’t mind setting up their own external sound system and streaming devices, while taking advantage of its calibration features. It’s not ideal for casual plug-and-play buyers, but for those who demand big, bright, finely tuned projection in a dedicated space—and who are willing to invest the money and effort—the QS100 is a top-tier pick.
Specs & Configurations
Engine Type
LCD
Rated Brightness
4500 ISO Lumens (Equivalent to ANSI)
Native Resolution
Equivalent to 3840 by 2160 using Epson’s 4K PRO-UHD technology
Maximum Resolution
3840 by 2160 60Hz, HDR
Inputs and Interfaces
HDMI, USB 2.0, Ethernet (control only)
Dimensions (HWD)
6.2 by 27.4 by 13.4 inches
Weight
26.5 lbs
Warranty
3 years
Learn More
Epson QS100 4K PRO-UHD 3LCD Laser Projector Review
(Credit: M. David Stone)
(Credit: M. David Stone)
Pros & Cons
4K resolution
Bright; rated at 5,000 ANSI lumens
Notably short throw, even for a UST projector
Supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and IMAX Enhanced
Triple-laser technology delivers a wide color gamut
Expensive
Shows rainbow artifacts often
Why We Picked It
The Hisense L9Q is expensive, at $5,997.97 list, and well worth it. Rated at 5,000 ANSI lumens, it’s the brightest ultra-short-throw (UST) model we’ve seen, giving it the edge in rooms with windows and lights on. Its lens is also the first we’ve seen that’s rated for up to a 200-inch image size—larger than anyone would need in a home setting—and the throw is even shorter than for most other UST projectors, so you won’t have to pull your furniture away from the wall to get a seriously big picture.
Beyond that, L9Q delivers a stunning image, thanks to 4K resolution, a wide color gamut (110% of the standard for UHD TVs and projectors), and excellent support for every current version of HDR. It also offers all the settings you need for a full calibration or simply adjusting its predefined picture modes to taste. It even has an impressive 116-watt onboard audio system, built around 10 speakers, including two subwoofers. Odds are you won’t need an external sound system to improve on it.
Who It’s For
Home users who want top performance: The L9Q is obviously of most interest to those who want top performance and are willing to pay for it.
People who watch movies in 3D: The L9Q not only offers higher brightness than its closest competition, but it’s the only high-brightness UST model at this writing that supports full HD 3D. If you have a library of 3D movies or want the brightest, high-quality picture available in a UST model, the L9Q is almost certainly the projector you want.
Specs & Configurations
Engine Type
DLP
Rated Brightness
5000 ANSI lumens
Native Resolution
3840 by 2160 using 1920 by 1080 DLP chip with XPS fast-switch pixel shifting
Maximum Resolution
3840 by2160 60Hz, 1080p/240Hz, Full HD 3D
Inputs and Interfaces
HDMI (eArc, ALLM), USB-A, USB-C, Ethernet, Wi-Fi
Dimensions (HWD)
6.5 by 24.6 by 12.5 inches
Weight
28.4 lbs
Warranty
2 years
Learn More
Hisense L9Q Review
(Credit: Epson)
(Credit: Epson)
Pros & Cons
Bright enough against ambient light
4K PRO-UHD image essentially matches 4K resolution
HDR10 and HLG HDR
Three-chip LCD design avoids rainbow artifacts
Fully integrated Android TV
Suitably short input lag for casual gaming
No Ethernet connector
No 3D support
Why We Picked It
The Epson LS650 is the least-expensive UST projector we’ve seen that uses a three-LCD chip design (guaranteeing you won’t see any rainbow artifacts), and it offers impressive value. Epson rates the brightness at 3,600 lumens—enough to light up the 120-inch maximum size screen the projector’s rated for and still stand up to the ambient light typical of a family room.
Beyond that, although it’s actually putting fewer pixels on screen than are in a 4K (3,840-by-2,160-pixel) image, its level of detail is virtually indistinguishable from 4K. It also offers fully integrated Android TV, with support for both HDR and HLG, as well as good onboard audio quality from its two 5-watt full-range speakers and a 10-watt subwoofer. Additionally, it has short enough input lag for casual gaming. (We measured it at 27.1 milliseconds for both 4K and 1080p input at 60Hz.)
Who It’s For
Shoppers seeking a smart TV replacement: This projector can be a great fit for those who want a TV substitute that’s as easy to set up and use as a flat screen TV. In our tests, it delivered a highly watchable image with default settings, even in the brightest picture mode, and even better quality in modes tuned for quality rather than brightness. (Note: The lack of 3D support will rule out the LS650 for some, and its lack of settings to allow a full calibration may rule it out for others.)
Budget-minded viewers sensitive to rainbow artifacts: This Epson model is the obvious choice for anyone who finds rainbow artifacts annoying enough to rule out projectors that can show them, but also wants to spend as little as possible for the benefits of a UST projector.
Specs & Configurations
Engine Type
LCD
Rated Brightness
3600 ISO Lumens (Equivalent to ANSI)
Native Resolution
Equivalent to 3840 by 2160 using Epson’s 4K PRO-UHD technology
Maximum Resolution
3840 by 2160 60Hz
Inputs and Interfaces
HDMI 2.0, USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct
Dimensions (HWD)
6.2 by 18.3 by 15.7 inches
Weight
16.3 lbs
Warranty
2 years
Learn More
Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 Smart Streaming Laser Projector Review
(Credit: M. David Stone)
(Credit: M. David Stone)
Pros & Cons
Ultra short throw gives a big picture at just inches from a screen or wall
Small and lightweight
1080p native resolution; supports 4K input at 30Hz
Good shadow detail
Limited image quality adjustments
No 3D support
Feeble built-in streaming capability
Why We Picked It
The AAXA M8 is our favorite budget UST projector for its balance of portability, ultra short throw convenience, and affordability in a projector niche that has few compelling low-cost options. It delivers a solid 1080p image with good shadow detail and some HDR benefits, making it well-suited for casual home entertainment or small-business use. It isn’t bright enough to replace a living room TV, and it falls short for gaming or color purists, but its compact design, easy setup, and versatile connectivity give it an edge.
Who It’s For
Budget shoppers sold on a UST projector: For anyone specifically seeking a UST projector on a tight budget, the M8 offers the most practical mix of features and value we’ve seen so far.
Casual users: The M8 is best for unfussy movie watchers, families, or small businesses that need a portable, easy-to-set-up projector for presentations or occasional entertainment in dimly lit rooms.
Specs & Configurations
Engine Type
DLP
Rated Brightness
1100 Laser Lumens
Native Resolution
1920 by 1080 using 960-by-540 DLP chip with XPR fast-switch pixel shifting
Maximum Resolution
3840 by 2160 30Hz
Inputs and Interfaces
HDMI 1.4, USB-C, TF/microSD card slot
Dimensions (HWD)
3.0 by 4.8 by 8.1 inches
Weight
2.7 lbs
Warranty
2 years
Learn More
AAXA M8 Ultra Short Throw Projector Review
(Credit: Epson)
(Credit: Epson)
Pros & Cons
Bright laser-phosphor light source
Three-chip LCD design means no rainbow artifacts
Fully integrated Android TV
Short input lag for gaming
Good sound quality
No Ethernet port; streaming requires Wi-Fi
No 3D support
Why We Picked It
The Epson LS800 takes the key advantage of UST projectors to the extreme by offering the shortest throw we’ve yet seen. So, while most UST models force you to pull your furniture a few inches from the wall to accommodate a 120-inch wall-mounted screen, the LS800 allows you to fill the screen and leave the furniture where you really want it.
Also, the LS800 employs a laser light source with a brightness rating of 4,000 ANSI lumens, a three-LCD design that guarantees it can’t show rainbow artifacts. You get a high-quality image with good color accuracy and contrast, plus—as a bonus for gamers—short input lag for a 4K-class UST projector. It even offers a robust stereo audio system, with two 5-watt speakers and a 10-watt subwoofer.
Who It’s For
UST seekers that need the shortest throw possible: The LS800 lacks 3D support, as well as options that allow a full calibration, so you’ll have to look elsewhere if you consider either feature essential. But if your projecting space mandates the shortest throw you can get, shortlist this projector.
Viewers sensitive to rainbow artifacts: For those who can’t abide rainbow artifacts, the fact that the LS800 can’t show them will be enough by itself to make it a strong contender.
Shoppers looking for a no-fuss TV replacement: More generally, the LS800 is a sterling choice for anyone looking for a TV replacement, thanks to its excellent image quality straight out of the box, a level of detail that’s virtually indistinguishable from a 4K image (using fewer pixels, but enough so the eye can’t see the difference), notably short input lag for gaming, and, as mentioned, an equally notable short throw even for a UST projector.
Specs & Configurations
Engine Type
LCD
Rated Brightness
4000 ISO Lumens (Equivalent to ANSI)
Native Resolution
Equivalent to 3840 by 2160 using Epson’s 4K PRO-UHD technology
Maximum Resolution
3840 by 2160 60Hz, HDR
Inputs and Interfaces
HDMI 2.0, USB
Dimensions (HWD)
6.2 by 27.4 by 13.4 inches
Weight
27.6 lbs
Warranty
2 years
Learn More
Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 3-Chip 3LCD Smart Streaming Laser Projector Review
(Credit: Optoma)
(Credit: Optoma)
Pros & Cons
4K native resolution
Short input lag for gaming
Laser light source rated at 3,500 ANSI lumens
No built-in streaming apps or bundled dongle
Shows frequent rainbow artifacts
Image quality for HDR isn’t as good as for SDR
Pricey for what it delivers
Why We Picked It
There’s actually no single use for which the proficient, versatile Optoma UHZ35ST is best suited. While you can limit this native 4K model to a single purpose, it earns our recommendation as a flexible crossover model that’s easy to transition between different types of use.
Optoma markets the UHZ35ST primarily as a home entertainment and gaming projector, but the company also lists it on its website in both the business and education categories. That’s for good reason. The 3,500-lumen laser-phosphor light source, which makes it bright enough for gaming or viewing movies in a family room with ambient light, also makes it bright enough for presentations in an office or classroom. And the combination of compact size and 6.6-pound weight makes it easy to carry back and forth between home and office.
Who It’s For
Buyers with multiple usage needs from one projector: The UHZ35ST will be of particular interest to those who need a projector primarily for one of its uses but also want to use it occasionally for another. One scenario would be needing a projector to use mostly at home, but also to take occasionally to your office or school for a presentation. Another would be needing one primarily for presentations at your office, but also planning to bring it home for special occasions like watching a big game or hosting a movie night.
Home users: Note that some features, including support for 3D and state-of-the-art short input lag for gaming, are geared toward home use. That makes the UHZ35ST most suitable for scenarios that peg its primary location at home.
Specs & Configurations
Engine Type
DLP
Rated Brightness
3500 ANSI lumens
Native Resolution
Equivalent to 3840 by 2160 using Epson’s 4K PRO-UHD technology
Maximum Resolution
3840 by 2160 60Hz, HDR; Full HD 3D
Inputs and Interfaces
HDMI 2.0b, USB-A (power only), Ethernet (control only)
Dimensions (HWD)
4.5 by 10.8 by 8.5 inches
Weight
6.6 lbs
Warranty
1 year
Learn More
Optoma UHZ35ST Review
(Credit: BenQ)
(Credit: BenQ)
Pros & Cons
4K native resolution
Short input lag (supports up to 120Hz refresh rate)
Separate video modes for three categories of gaming
Android TV 11 dongle included for streaming
LED light source rated at 2,200 ANSI lumens
Wi-Fi is the only network connection option
Shows rainbow artifacts
Initial setup requires a screwdriver
Out-of-box HDR settings need tweaking
Why We Picked It
At the time of writing, the BenQ X500i offers the best value for the money among 4K (3,840-by-2,160-pixel) gaming projectors, regardless of throw range. The list of key features starts with (of course) state-of-the-art short input lag. For 1080p, we measured the lag at 16.9ms at 60Hz; we registered 8.5ms at 120Hz, and 4.2ms at 240Hz. For 4K/60Hz, it came in at 16.7 milliseconds (ms). It also supports 1440p (2,560-by-1,440-pixel) resolution (increasingly popular for gaming) at up to 120Hz.
Beyond that, the menus offer separate modes for each of three types of game—role-playing game (RPG), first-person shooter (FPS), and sports player game (SPG)—or six modes if you count the HDR and SDR versions of each separately. Each mode automatically adjusts both picture and audio settings to enhance the visual aspects and sound quality for the type of game it’s named after. Other key features include an LED light source, a maximum brightness of 2,200 ANSI lumens, support for full HD 3D, and an included Android TV 11 dongle that allows you to also use the projector as a smart TV.
Who It’s For
Gamers, gamers, and other gamers: Some gaming projectors are designed just as much for home entertainment—watching movies and video—and are worth considering even if you don’t expect to ever use them for gaming. The X500i isn’t one of them. If you’re not a devoted gamer, choosing it would mean paying extra for lots of features you don’t need. If you take your gaming seriously, however, and you want a short-throw gaming projector, the X500i is the one to measure the competition against.
Specs & Configurations
Engine Type
DLP
Rated Brightness
2200 ANSI lumens
Native Resolution
3840 by 2160 using 1920 by 1080 DLP chip with XPR fast-switch pixel shifting
Maximum Resolution
3840 by 2160 60Hz, HDR; Full HD 3D
Inputs and Interfaces
HDMI 2.0b, USB 2.0, USB-C
Dimensions (HWD)
4.6 by 14.4 by 9.6 inches
Weight
7.9 lbs
Warranty
3 years
Learn More
BenQ X500i Review
Best Short Throw Gaming Projector for High Brightness
BenQ TK700STi
Pros & Cons
4K resolution using TI’s XPR fast-switch pixel shifting
Short lag times for both 4K and 1080p
Good out-of-box color accuracy
Supports HDR10 and HLG HDR
Integrated Android TV 9.0 for streaming
Relatively high black level
Rainbow artifacts were more frequent and more obvious than usual for DLP projectors
Why We Picked It
The bright BenQ TK700STi offers 4K resolution, support for HDR10 and HLG HDR, as well as full HD 3D, and suitably short input lag. (We recorded it at roughly 16.8ms for both 4K and 1080p at 60Hz, and 8.5ms for 1080p/120Hz; plus, it’s rated at 4.16ms at 240Hz.) It also provides menu choices for first-person shooter (FPS), role-playing game (RPG), and sports game (SPG) modes, which let you adjust the image, audio, and latency for each type of game simply by selecting the appropriate mode.
And when you’re not gaming, you can use it for home entertainment, thanks in part to the included Android TV dongle. The dongle is integrated with the projector, eliminating the need for a second remote.
Who It’s For
Users seeking both strong gaming and video-watching capabilities: The TK700STi offers sufficient capability for both gaming and home entertainment to make it a strong contender for those interested in either use case.
Buyers seeking to project a large image in a room with ambient light: The TK700STi’s lack of support for 1440p will be an issue for gamers who want that feature, while its throw-ratio range—from the high end of short throw to the low end of standard throw—will rule it out for anyone who wants as short a throw as possible. But if neither of those issues is a deal killer, and particularly if you can benefit from having a high enough brightness for a bigger image (compared with the competition) in a room with lots of ambient light, it can easily be your preferred choice.
Specs & Configurations
Engine Type
DLP
Rated Brightness
3000 ANSI lumens
Native Resolution
3840 by 2160 using 1920 by 1080 DLP chip with XPR fast-switch pixel shifting
Maximum Resolution
3840 by 2160 HDR; Full HD 3D
Inputs and Interfaces
Analog VGA
Dimensions (HWD)
4.3 by 12.2 by 9.6
Weight
6.8 lbs
Warranty
3 years
Learn More
BenQ TK700STi Review
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The Best Short Throw and Ultra Short Throw Projectors for 2025
Compare Specs
Buying Guide: The Best Short Throw and Ultra Short Throw Projectors for 2025
If you’re considering buying a projector with a shorter-than-standard throw distance, it’s helpful to understand the categories of short throw and UST in the context of all four options in terms of throw ranges.
What’s deemed a standard throw is what you’ll find on most projectors. Long-throw lenses and short-throw lenses are harder to manufacture well enough to project a high-quality image, which makes them, and the projectors that use them, more expensive. However, if you need to place the projector far away from the screen—as in, a movie theater—you require a long-throw lens to produce a small enough image to fit the screen. Short-throw lenses do the opposite, projecting a large image from close to the screen, while UST lensing systems (which usually add a mirror to the mix of optical elements) will fill any given screen size from even closer distances. That brings us to the question of why you might want a short-throw or UST projector in the first place.
What Are Short-Throw Projectors Good For?
Any number of situations make being able to get a big image from close to the screen useful or even necessary. If you’re setting up the projector in a small room, for example, or for a retail store window display, you may not have enough room with a longer throw to achieve the desired image size. And even when the space is large enough for a standard or long-throw projector to provide the right image size, you may not have the option of mounting it on the ceiling. Keeping the projector close to the screen may be the only way to avoid casting shadows on the screen if people stand up during a presentation.
UST projectors can sit even closer to the screen than short-throw models, delivering images from just inches away that can be as large as 150 inches (measured diagonally) in many cases or even 160 inches. So, if you want to use a projector to replace a large-screen TV at home and you don’t want to deal with mounting it on the ceiling or running cables through walls, a UST projector is the ideal solution.
(M. David Stone)
UST models can also be useful in business and education settings. Mount one just above a screen, and you can get close enough to the image to point to text or graphics you want to draw attention to without casting a shadow, much as you would with a whiteboard. You can even purchase an interactive UST projector with sensors that transform the image into an interactive screen, enabling you to draw on the image and issue commands.
How Do I Choose Between a Short Throw and an Ultra Short Throw?
Both short throws and USTs are good choices for a room that’s too small to accommodate a standard throw projector at a distance that provides the desired image size. Either can help avoid the problem of people standing up and casting shadows on the screen in situations where a standard throw projector can’t be positioned to avoid that—a common issue not just for rooms with low ceilings but also for ad hoc setups for gaming, home entertainment, or presentations. To choose between them, however, it helps to know a little about their different designs.
It’s hard to distinguish a short-throw model from a standard-throw model without seeing the lens (or even with seeing the lens, if you’re unfamiliar with what a short-throw lens looks like). In fact, some standard-throw and short-throw models from the same manufacturer are literally the same projector with different lenses. You can usually spot these near-twins, because they typically have almost the same model name—except that one includes “ST” in the name and the other doesn’t. The only other difference is that the short-throw version will cost more because of the more expensive lens.
In contrast, most UST models are easily identifiable. The vast majority are designed with the lensing system at what you would probably think of as the back of the projector, meaning the side facing away from the screen, but which manufacturers insist on calling the front. (That’s because projector makers define the front by where the lens is.) In most designs, the optics are fully contained inside the box. Typically, the top surface features a depressed area near the side farthest from the screen, containing a glass window that allows the image to shine through and directly reach the screen. Other designs feature a raised lens pointing to the screen on that side, or a mirror, so the image bounces off the mirror before reaching the screen.
Some projectors with lenses on the side facing the screen are listed by their manufacturers as UST models, but are—at best—on the borderline between short throw and UST. (We’ll come back to this issue in the next section.) However, those projectors give up one of the big advantages of putting the lens on the other side: Namely, If the image emerges from the side farthest from the screen, the projector itself is closer to the screen, with nearly the entire depth of the projector sitting between the lens and the screen. So while a UST lens lets the projector sit closer to the screen than a short-throw lens, the most common UST designs put it closer still. And the less distance you want between the projector and the screen—whether simply to save space or to avoid the need for running cables over or through walls, ceilings, and floors—the more likely you want a UST model with the more typical UST lens placement.
What Is the Shortest-Throw Projector?
The projector industry does not posit firm definitions for each level of throw—or at least no universally accepted ones—which means manufacturers’ marketing departments are free to draw the line between categories wherever they like. But one related standard spec, called the throw ratio, can help. The spec is based on objective measurement, so knowing the throw ratio for a projector will give you a good sense of which category it falls into.
The throw ratio is the ratio between the distance to the screen and the width of the image. For example, if the lens needs to be 100 inches from the screen for a 100-inch-wide image (the approximate width of a 115-inch-diagonal 16:9 screen), the throw ratio would be 1.0. (That will show as “1.0:1” in some spec sheets, and just “1.0” in others.) Similarly, if the distance were 200 inches, the throw ratio would be 2.0 (200/100), and for a 50-inch distance, it would be 0.50 (50/100).
The range from 1.0 to (but not including) 2.0 is a standard throw by anyone’s definition. But while some peg a long throw at 2.0 and above, others draw the line at a higher number. Similarly, many manufacturers call anything below 1.0 a short throw, and anything below roughly 0.4 a UST, while others call anything below 0.5 a UST. Most of the current UST models we’ve tested—and all of the UST models mentioned here—offer throw ratios of 0.28 or lower. Specs for the short-throw models included here range from 0.49 to 0.9, but again, some manufacturers would call a projector with a 0.49 throw ratio a UST model.
(Credit: Epson)
Zoom lenses add a twist to all this. Because an optical zoom changes image size, projectors equipped with zoom lenses have a range of throw ratios. One projector we’ve tested (but not included here) has a range of 0.9 to 1.08, for example, barely qualifying as short throw at the low end of its range. However, the manufacturer refers to it as a short-throw projector. Some manufacturers also list a range of throw ratios for digital zooms, but keep in mind that digital zooms that affect image size should be ignored whenever possible. They can only shrink the image from the full size the lens allows, and they do so by using a smaller area of the imaging chip, which also lowers brightness and can add artifacts.
The moral here? You can use manufacturer claims for the throw category as a starting point, but you should also look at some numbers. At the very least, comparing the throw-ratio specs for two projectors will tell you which one has the shorter throw, which will let you put it closer to the screen for any given size image. Often, the manufacturer will have a chart in its marketing material showing the distance for common screen sizes, particularly for UST models. And in virtually all cases, the information should be included in a user setup guide, available for download from the company’s website.
If you can’t find this information on the manufacturer’s website or in a user guide, you can easily calculate how far the projector will be from the screen for a given image width if you know the model’s throw ratio (Distance = Throw Ratio times Width). For UST projectors, keep in mind that you are calculating the distance to the lens, not to the projector body itself. To find the distance to the projector, you’ll also need to know the distance from the lens to the side of the projector closest to the screen. If you don’t know the exact distance for UST models that put the lens near the side facing away from the screen, you can get a close approximation by using the projector’s depth, minus three to four inches to account for the distance between the lens and the edge of the unit.
What Are the Advantages of Short-Throw Projectors Over Ultra-Short-Throw Projectors?
Short-throw projectors are less expensive than equivalent UST projectors, which means that unless you have a compelling reason to pick a UST model instead, a short-throw is usually the obvious choice.
Some types of projectors are available in UST form but are rare—for example, mini projectors and other portables that are a little larger but small and light enough to bring with you if needed, or at least carry easily from room to room or to the backyard for a movie night. Keep in mind also that because short-throw projectors sit farther from the screen than UST models, they’re easier to position and focus, an important consideration for any application that requires repeated setup, even if you’re just moving the projector from a shelf to a conference room table.
What Are the Advantages of Ultra Short-Throw Projectors Over Short-Throw Projectors?
The two key advantages of UST models are already mentioned above. They let you position the projector much closer to the screen than short-throw models without risking casting shadows, and when used as TV replacements, they don’t demand any more effort to hide power and data cables than any TV does.
(Credit: Epson)
Both of these characteristics are essential to the category of UST projectors that are specifically designed to replace TVs. Most of these models use lasers as their light source and include fully integrated smart TV features. Some include TV tuners, as well, and some manufacturers even tout them as “laser TVs” rather than projectors. Most of the UST models included here are TV replacements.
Other Projector Specs: What Else to Pay Attention to With Short Throw and UST?
One specification, in addition to the throw ratio, that you should check for short-throw and UST models is the supported image size for the lens. All lenses have a maximum size image they can throw without distortion or other image-quality issues, and both the maximum and minimum are usually listed on the projector’s spec sheet.
With standard throw lenses, the maximum image size is typically larger than you’d consider using with most of the projectors that we cover, given their brightness. But the shorter the throw, the less likely that is to be true. Many, if not most, projectors at the lower end of the short-throw range and in the UST range are easily bright enough to throw a bigger usable image than the lens can handle well, especially in a dark room. Manufacturers tend to be conservative on this front, so you can often get away with slightly larger images than the spec says, or see only a hint of a problem if you opt for a somewhat larger size. But don’t count on it.
What Is the Lifespan of a Short-Throw Projector?
Almost all other issues about the projectors themselves—from contrast and brightness, to imaging technology, to connection options, and more—are the same for short-throw and UST models as for standard-throw projectors. However, one issue worth particular mention is lifespan. As with most projectors, short-throw and UST models will typically last long enough that you’re more likely to replace them because you want new technology, like higher resolution, when it becomes available, than because something goes wrong with the projector. That’s not to say that a fan motor can’t burn out or a chip can’t fail, but it’s no more likely than for a computer or a flat screen TV.
More and more projectors today use solid-state light sources—such as LEDs or lasers—that are usually not meant to be replaced. The typical lifetime for either type of light source is 20,000 to 30,000 hours, which translates to approximately seven to 10 years, assuming they are run eight hours a day, seven days a week. If you choose a projector that uses a lamp, the lamp’s lifetime can vary from just a few thousand hours to as much as 10,000 hours. Unlike LEDs and lasers, however, lamps are meant to be replaced. (For lots more detail on other specs that apply to all projectors, check out our roundup of top overall projector picks.)
The other issue you’ll want to consider is the screen to pair with the projector. In particular, for UST projectors that you plan to use in rooms with ambient light, you’ll want an ambient light rejection (ALR) screen, and you’ll need one that’s designed for UST models, as discussed in our guide to How to Choose the Right Screen for Your Projector.
So, What Is the Best Short-Throw or UST Projector to Buy?
The list of projectors we started with, and the spec breakout for them below, covers our picks for some of the best short-throw and UST projectors available for some of the most common usage cases. For more tips on features to consider before buying, as well as some additional top-pick projectors we’ve tested, see our screen and general projector guides mentioned above, as well as our roundup of the best home projectors.
