Best Short‑Throw and Ultra‑Short‑Throw Projectors

TL;DR: The BenQ TH671ST delivers a bright 3000‑ANSI‑lumens 1080p image from just 1.5 m, with ultra‑low 16.67 ms input lag, making it a solid budget short‑throw choice for gamers and bright‑room setups.

This projector’s standout spec is its 0.69 shortest throw ratio, letting you throw a 100‑inch picture from only 1.5 m (4.9 ft). Coupled with 3000 ANSI lumens and a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, the image stays vivid even when ambient light is high. The built‑in LumiExpert system automatically tweaks brightness, and the DMD response time and 16.67 ms input lag (8 ms at 120 Hz) keep motion smooth for fast‑paced games.

Compared with the other six models, the TH671ST is heavier than the Optoma ML1080UST’s 3.8 lb but lighter than the Optoma GT2100HDR’s 6.61 lb and far lighter than Samsung’s 20.3 lb unit. Its 3000‑lumens output outshines the ML1080UST’s 1200‑lumens and matches the Hisense PX3‑PRO’s 3000‑lumens, while the Samsung model sits a bit lower at 2400 lumens. Audio power is modest at 5 W stereo, which is less than the 20 W of the ML1080UST and the 15 W mono of the GT2100HDR, but comparable to many entry‑level projectors.

Reviewers consistently praise the ease of setup – the short‑throw distance means you'll place the unit on a desk without a ceiling mount. Gamers love the ultra‑low lag and the auto‑brightness feature that keeps the picture consistent as lighting changes. A recurring downside is the lamp‑based light source: users report having to replace the lamp after the normal 4000‑hour life (or 10 000 hours in Eco mode), and many find the 5 W speaker insufficient for a full home‑theater experience. The lack of HDR support also limits the projector for the newest high‑dynamic‑range content.

Best for: Budget‑conscious gamers and home‑theater fans who need a bright image in a small space.

Avoid if: You prioritize laser light sources, HDR content, or a robust surround‑sound audio setup.

TL;DR: The NexiGo Aurora Pro delivers true‑4K UST projection with 2400 ANSI lumens, 107% BT.2020 color gamut and 60 W Dolby Atmos audio, but its fixed lens and modest contrast suit darker rooms.

The Aurora Pro’s ultra‑short‑throw ratio of 0.233:1 lets you place the projector just 21.54 in from the wall and still fill 80–150 inches of screen, while its 3840 × 2160 resolution and 2400 ANSI lumens brightness keep images vivid even in moderately lit spaces. The projector highlights color accuracy with a ΔE≈1 rating and 107% BT.2020 coverage, and its built‑in 60 W Dolby Atmos/DTS‑HD speaker array adds immersive sound without a separate system.

Compared with its peers, the Aurora Pro matches Samsung’s 2400 ANSI lumens output but tips the scales at 22 lb versus Samsung’s 20.3 lb chassis. Hisense’s PX3‑PRO pushes brighter at 3000 ANSI lumens and weighs a bit less at 19.8 lb, while the BenQ TH671ST also hits 3000 ANSI lumens but offers only a 5 W speaker setup. Optoma’s GT2100HDR dazzles with 4,200 lumens yet is under half the weight at roughly 9.26 lb, and the ultra‑portable Optoma ML1080UST delivers just 1,200 lumens (HK) with a 20 W mono speaker. The lightweight Optoma UHD35STx (8.77 lb) lacks the brightness and audio power of the Aurora Pro, underscoring the Aurora’s premium positioning.

Reviewers consistently praise the projector’s vivid colors and ultra‑low input lag of 4.2–9 ms, especially when paired with its 120 Hz 4K refresh rate for smooth gaming. Users also appreciate the all‑in‑one audio, noting the built‑in Dolby Atmos feels “surprisingly powerful.” The main criticisms revolve around the native 3000:1 contrast ratio, which can struggle with deep blacks in brighter rooms, and the fixed‑focus lens that offers no shift or zoom, limiting placement flexibility. Additionally, Android TV’s limited app library frequently draws complaints.

Technical highlights include a dynamic contrast capability exceeding 6,000:1 (up to 30,000:1) and a lamp life of 25,000 hours, reducing long‑term maintenance. Connectivity includes three HDMI 2.1 ports, Wi‑Fi 6 dual‑band, and Bluetooth, while the projector’s compact footprint—16.04 in wide, 4.81 in high, and 21.54 in deep—fits neatly into tight living spaces.

Best for: Home‑entertainment enthusiasts with limited space who want a premium all‑in‑one 4K UST solution.

Avoid if: You need bright‑dayroom viewing, deep black performance, or a highly portable projector.

TL;DR: The Hisense PX3‑PRO delivers true 4K ultra‑short‑throw performance with 3000 ANSI lumens brightness, 110% BT.2020 color gamut and low‑lag gaming, but its fixed lens and premium $2797.97 price make it a high‑end choice.

What really stands out is the combination of 3000 ANSI lumens brightness and a 0.22:1 throw ratio, letting you fill an 80‑150‑inch screen from just 0.8‑2.4 ft away. The projector also hits a Delta‑E 0.9 color accuracy rating and a 110% BT.2020 color gamut, which professional reviewers note produces cinema‑grade color fidelity.

Compared with the other six UST options, the PX3‑PRO is brighter than the NexiGo Aurora Pro and Samsung LPU7D, both listed at 2400 ANSI lumens. It weighs 19.8 lb, making it lighter than the NexiGo (22 lb) and Samsung (20.3 lb) but heavier than the Optoma and BenQ models that sit under 9 lb. Its 50 W audio output from the Harman Kardon system also exceeds the 30 W speaker in the Samsung unit.

Reviews point out the downside: precise placement is required because the fixed‑focus lens offers no lens shift, and a few users say the fan can become audible in very quiet rooms.

The projector relies on an RGB TriChroma laser light source rated for 25,000+ hours of life, and Hisense’s Pro AI upscaler promises real‑time brightness and contrast enhancement. HDR support includes Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG and IMAX Enhanced, and the built‑in Google TV platform gives instant access to Netflix and other streaming apps.

Best for: Home‑theater enthusiasts seeking a large 4K screen in a compact room and console gamers who need low lag.

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $2797.97.

TL;DR: The Optoma GT2100HDR delivers 4,200‑lumens brightness and ultra‑low 8.6 ms input lag in a compact short‑throw design, but its modest 15 W speaker and lack of smart OS may limit all‑in‑one use.

At the heart of the GT2100HDR is a laser‑phosphor DLP light source that pushes 4,200 lumens, paired with a 0.496:1 throw ratio that lets you fill a 0.91‑7.42 m screen from just 0.4 m away. The native Full HD resolution of 1920 × 1080 and HDR‑enhanced color gamut of 1,073.4 million colors give vivid images, while the 8.6 ms input lag in gaming mode keeps fast‑action titles responsive.

Compared with the other six models in this roundup, the GT2100HDR is brighter than the Optoma ML1080UST (≈1,200 lumens) and the BenQ TH671ST (3,000 lumens), and it outshines the Samsung LPU7D and NexiGo Aurora Pro (both around 2,400 lumens). It’s in the middle of the weight spectrum: lighter than the Optoma UHD35STx at 8.77 lb but heavier than the ML1080UST (3.8 lb) and BenQ TH671ST (5.9 lb), with a net weight of 6.61 lb.

Reviewers consistently note that the projector performs well in bright rooms, praising the “bright images” and “vivid color reproduction.” Gamers appreciate the ultra‑low input lag, and the 30,000‑hour laser lifespan highlights long‑term sustainability. On the downside, users and professional reviewers point out the 15 W mono speaker feels weak, and the fixed zoom without lens shift restricts placement options. The unit also lacks a built‑in smart TV operating system, so external streaming devices are required.

The GT2100HDR packs a 300,000:1 native contrast ratio (2,000,000:1 dynamic) and 75% uniformity, while keystone correction of ±15° helps fine‑tune the picture. Features such as 3D capability, digital zoom, and eco‑friendly design round out a solid short‑throw package for budget‑conscious buyers.

Best for: Entry-level buyers or those on a tight budget

Avoid if: You want the best value-per-dollar in its price range

TL;DR: The Optoma Photon Go ML1080UST delivers a 100‑inch ultra‑short‑throw 1080p image from under 10 inches, weighs just 3.8 lb, but its 650‑lumens output limits bright‑room use.

The standout spec is its 0.18:1 throw ratio, letting you place the projector less than 10 inches from the wall and still get a 60‑100‑inch image. Weighing only 3.8 lb and measuring 157 mm × 252 mm × 65 mm, it’s truly portable, and the built‑in 20 W Dolby Audio plus 1.5‑hour battery let you set up a quick movie night anywhere.

Compared with the other six models, the Photon Go is the lightest – BenQ’s TH671ST tips the scales at 5.9 lb and Optoma’s GT2100HDR comes in at 6.61 lb. Its 20 W speaker outpaces BenQ’s 5 W but sits below Samsung’s 30 W, NexiGo’s 60 W and Hisense’s 50 W solutions. Its brightness falls short: 650 lumens (ISO) is far dimmer than BenQ’s 3000 ANSI lumens, Optoma GT2100’s 4200 lumens, or Samsung’s 2400 ANSI lumens, making it best suited for dim environments.

Reviewers love the portability and the convenience of built‑in Google TV, auto‑focus and auto‑keystone that keep setup painless. The 2,500,000:1 contrast ratio and 20,000‑hour lamp life receive praise for deep blacks and long‑term reliability, while the DLP “rain” effect and low brightness in well‑lit rooms draw common complaints. Connectivity is generous with Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, HDMI, USB‑C, USB‑A and an Ethernet port, all powered by a 100 W input.

Best for: Portable entertainment fans, small‑apartment dwellers, or business professionals who need a lightweight projector with built‑in streaming and quick setup.

Avoid if: You require high brightness for bright rooms or daytime outdoor viewing, or you need a powerhouse built‑in speaker system.

TL;DR: Samsung’s LPU7D ultra‑short‑throw projector delivers a 120‑inch image from just 14.9 in, offers 2400 ANSI lumens brightness, and packs a 30 W Dolby Atmos sound system, but its manual focus and modest 3.6‑star rating may deter power users.

The standout spec is its ultra‑short‑throw capability: a 120‑inch picture appears from a throw distance of only 14.9 in, letting you place the unit just above a TV‑sized rug. It uses a 2500‑ISO‑lumen laser source and a DLP chip that pixel‑shifts to 3840 × 2160 4K, delivering bright, detailed images even in well‑lit rooms.

Compared with the other six entries, the LPU7D sits near the top in brightness—matching the NexiGo Aurora Pro’s 2400 ANSI lumens but outshining the Optoma GT2100HDR’s 4200 lumens thanks to its laser efficiency. At 20.3 lb it’s lighter than the NexiGo’s 22 lb but a touch heavier than the Hisense PX3‑PRO’s 19.8 lb. Its built‑in 30 W 2.2‑channel Dolby Atmos speakers give it more audio punch than the Optoma ML1080UST’s 20 W mono driver, though it lacks the motorized focus and lens shift that higher‑end true‑4K rivals include.

User feedback averages 3.6 stars from 23 reviews. Reviewers love the ability to create a cinema‑size screen in a small bedroom without a ceiling mount, and they note the laser’s longevity—20,000 hours of lamp life. The same reviewers point out the manual focus knob and the absence of lens shift make exact alignment a bit fiddly, and a few mention the occasional rainbow effect typical of DLP projectors.

Beyond picture size, the LPU7D runs on Tizen, offering SmartThings integration, voice control via Alexa, Bixby, or Google Assistant, and a Gaming Hub for low‑latency play. It runs quietly at 32 dB, consumes up to 320 W while projecting, and drops to just 0.5 W in standby, making it suitable for late‑night movie sessions.

Best for: Families or casual viewers who want a large 90‑120‑inch screen in a small room and appreciate built‑in smart features.

Avoid if: You need native 4K, motorized lens adjustments, or are highly sensitive to DLP rainbow artifacts.

TL;DR: The Optoma UHD35STx costs $1549.00, carries a 3.8‑star rating from 433 reviewers, and lands near the bottom of the seven‑model shortlist.

Optoma’s UHD35STx sits at the $1549 price point and earned a 3.8‑out of 5 rating based on 433 user reviews, making it the lowest‑ranked entry in this short‑throw roundup. The brand’s reputation for solid home‑theater gear helps balance its modest score.

Reviewers consistently highlight the projector’s bright image and very low input lag, calling it a good fit for gaming and bright‑room viewing. At the same time, users point out that pixel‑shifting produces the advertised “4K” rather than native 4K panels, and they miss the flexibility of lens shift or optical zoom.

Given its price and rating, the UHD35STx lands as a budget‑oriented option among Optoma’s short‑throw lineup. It may appeal to gamers and bright‑room users who prioritize brightness and quick response over native‑resolution detail and extensive adjustment features.

Best for: Most users seeking a balanced, mainstream option