Short Throw Projectors

Short-Throw Projector Buying Guide 2026

Short throw decided – when is short throw the right choice? Always when the projector cannot go far enough back: because the room is small, because a lamp, beam, or vent is in the way during ceiling mounting – or because people would otherwise stand between the device and the image. Short throw is also ideal for rear projection: behind a rear projection screen with a folding frame, the projector needs only around one meter of depth depending on the model. Which models have proven themselves for which application is shown in the table below.

Our short-throw projector recommendations at a glance

Distances rounded, based on the projection distance according to the manufacturer's data sheet (usually from the lens) – plan additional housing depth and connection space. Brightness according to the manufacturer's specification (ANSI/ISO), therefore values are only limitedly directly comparable.

Short summary: Those entering short throw affordably should choose the TH671ST; for the living room with streaming, the TK705STi is the choice, those who want 4K with laser should take the UHZ36STE, and in the conference room or classroom, the laser light source of the ZH350ST and LK835ST pays off over the maintenance-free lifespan. With Epson, ViewSonic and Panasonic, bright 3LCD alternatives are also available: The EB-L210SF varies the distance via zoom optics, LSC601WU-ST and PT-VMZ7STEJ handle bright halls with 6,000 and 7,000 lumens respectively. Further short-throw models can be found in our brand categories BenQ and Optoma.

A typical consultation case: A customer wanted a 100" image in a youth room with only 2.4 m of free depth. With the TK705STi (PV 0.80:1), the projector stood just 1.8 m in front of the wall on the desk – a standard projector with 1.5:1 would have needed over 3.3 m, which the room simply did not offer. Such distances depend on the measurement point on the device; decisive is the projection distance from the manufacturer's data sheet.

Short-throw projectors with 4K resolution

The demand for 4K in short-throw projectors has grown strongly in recent years – and the range is keeping up. Models like the BenQ TK705STi and the BenQ LK835ST project 4K UHD (3,840 × 2,160 pixels) from a short distance: Fine fonts and details benefit visibly from the higher pixel density, movies and games also look detailed on 120". The TK705STi comes with Google TV streaming apps, the LK835ST sets its image itself via automatic image adjustment. With the Optoma UHZ36STE, 4K UHD is now also available as a compact laser model, which projects a 100" image from just around 1.1 m.

For simple presentations, lessons and videos, a Full HD short-throw projector (1,920 × 1,080) like the TH671ST or the ZH350ST is often sufficient – brightness counts more than the number of pixels here. As soon as fine tables, technical drawings or large 120" images with a short viewing distance come into play, 4K is worth it in the meeting and training room as well. Even more high-resolution models of all distance classes are shown in our category 4K projectors.

Short-throw projectors for gaming

Short distance and gaming go well together: The projector stands next to or behind you on the desk, no one walks through the image, and many DLP short-throw models are designed for fast signal processing – decisive is the input lag of the specific model. The BenQ TK705STi reacts with 5 ms input lag according to the manufacturer and supports ALLM, the automatic game mode of the console. The BenQ LK835ST accepts refresh rates of up to 240 Hz depending on the resolution – for particularly fluid movements in fast titles.

Experience shows that gaming customers especially underestimate the space gain: A 100" image from less than two meters distance turns a normal youth or study room into a cinema-format game room.

Special role: smart all-in-one projectors from PV 0.9

Smart lifestyle projectors like the Hisense C2 Pro and the JMGO N3 Ultimate play a special role: Your zoom starts at a projection ratio (PV) of around 0.9, so a 100" image is created from just 2 m – therefore they are gladly counted among the short-throw projectors. At home, however, they are in our category Smart TV projectors: complete home cinema packages with streaming apps, integrated sound system and automatic image setup, which thanks to zoom also work with a larger distance – as do their siblings Hisense C3 and JMGO N3 4K. Those looking for the complete living room package will find it there; those who need the shortest possible distance stick with the classic short-throw models on this page.

What is a short-throw projector?

A short-throw projector only needs a short distance to the screen, depending on the model around 0.5 to 2 m: Already from about one meter, a 100" large image is created. The name wide-angle projector comes from the built-in wide-angle lens, which handles this wide dispersion.

As with every projector, the PV determines the distance: 0.49:1 means, for example, that the projector stands 49 cm in front of the screen to produce a 1 m wide image. For a 100" image (2.21 m image width), such a model therefore stands well one meter in front of the screen. You can find the values for your desired model in the respective data sheet. The short-throw lens is built-in fixed; separate short-throw lenses are available mainly with installation projectors with interchangeable lenses.

Short throw or ultra-short throw? The rule of thumb: around 0.5 to 2 m distance, free standing or on the ceiling = short throw. Only a few centimeters to about 50 cm wall distance = ultra-short throw – read everything about this construction in the UST category.

What technology is used in short-throw projectors?

A DLP short-throw projector is usually compactly built, projects sharply and processes signals quickly – popular in the business and education sector as well as gaming. 3LCD models like the Epson EB-L210SF, the 6,000 lumen bright ViewSonic LSC601WU-ST or the Panasonic PT-VMZ7STEJ score with high color brightness – especially with ambient light, colors remain visibly vibrant.

Among the light sources, laser and LED dominate with 20,000 to 30,000 hours of service life – lamp changes and subsequent costs are eliminated. An LED short-throw projector like the TK705STi or the Optoma GT2200HDR starts quickly, delivers rich colors and is therefore particularly suitable for living rooms and gaming; laser models like the ZH350ST or the UHZ36STE are the more robust choice for training and conference rooms with their higher brightness. Classic lamps are found mainly in affordable entry-level models.

Is a short-throw projector right for me?

A short-throw projector is always worth it when the room is too small for a classic projector – and everywhere where people stand or walk between the projector and the image. Typical use cases:

• Education (school, university): Presentations and lessons at the whiteboard, without the presenter being blinded
• Business (meeting and conference room, huddle room): Presentations and video meetings without casting shadows
• At home (living room, bedroom, youth room): Home cinema and gaming on a large diagonal despite a small installation area

Most models are designed for image diagonals of 100–120", individual devices reach up to 300" (approx. 7.6 m). By the way, the most common consultation case in the education sector is not the brightness, but the shadow casting: As soon as something is shown and written on the whiteboard, the short distance is the decisive buying argument.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a short-throw projector?

Short summary: The short distance buys you installation freedom and a calm, shadow-free image – for that, plan a flat projection surface and a slightly higher budget.

What to consider when choosing a short-throw projector?

Brightness: Up to about 2,500 ANSI lumens, the projector belongs in the darkened room, 2,500 to 3,500 ANSI lumens tolerate ambient light in the evening, from 3,500 ANSI lumens the image runs also in the living room with daylight, when curtains or blinds dampen the direct light, and above 5,000 ANSI lumens a model is considered daylight-suitable. The larger the image and the brighter the room, the more reserve you should plan.

Resolution: A higher resolution usually means a higher price – whether 4K UHD is worth it for your use is clarified by the 4K section of this buying guide.

PV: It determines how far the projector stands from the screen for your desired image size. Models with zoom optics like the Epson EB-L210SF cover a distance range, instead of being fixed to a fixed value. The data sheet states the exact distances – or you leave the calculation to our consultation.

Setup and mounting: On a table or sideboard, a short-throw projector is set up in a few steps, but reacts sensitively to being moved – even a few centimeters change the image size and geometry. Permanently cleaner is the upside-down mounted ceiling solution (feet up); distance and offset you calculate beforehand. The shorter the distance, the more visible every wave in the fabric becomes: Most evenly, tightly stretched frame screens and tension screens project; also a roller screen is suitable, provided the fabric hangs flat.

Image alignment: Digital keystone correction compensates small installation angles as a last option, but scales down the image. Models with optical lens shift move the image losslessly – the more flexible choice for ceiling mounting.

Connections and extras: Modern HDMI inputs for 4K players are mandatory, USB and LAN depending on use. For the living room, a look at integrated streaming systems like Google TV is worth it, for consoles gaming features like ALLM. The operating noise level is around 30 dB(A) for many models; the Eco mode makes them quieter.

You don't want to compare yourself? Our expert advice narrows down the selection based on room, image size and budget in a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between a short-throw projector, a short-throw projector, and a wide-angle projector?

There is none: short-throw projector, short-throw projector, and wide-angle projector all refer to the same device. It always means a projector with a wide-angle lens and a PV between 0.4 and 1.0:1, which projects a large image from a short distance.

Is a short-throw projector better than a normal projector?

It is the better choice when little room depth is available or people act between the projector and the image – for example at the whiteboard or in the simulator. With large room depth and a mounting far back in the room, the standard projector remains the more flexible solution, because zoom and lens shift offer more leeway there. Better is therefore the model whose PV fits your setup.

Are there short-throw projectors with 4K?

Yes. Models like the BenQ TK705STi (with Google TV) and the BenQ LK835ST (laser, 4,000 ANSI lumens) project 4K UHD from a short distance – with the same number of pixels (3,840 × 2,160) as standard 4K projectors.

How much distance does a short-throw projector need for a 100-inch image?

Depending on the PV (0.4–1.0:1), short-throw projectors stand around 0.9 to 2 m in front of the screen to produce a 100" image with 2.21 m image width. The exact value for your model is stated in the data sheet.

Does a short-throw projector need a special screen?

A normal white screen is no problem – ideal is a particularly flat surface. Because the light hits at a flat angle, the short distance makes every wave in the fabric visible. Tightly stretched frame and tension screens therefore deliver the most even image.

Be careful with contrast screens: Classic ALR fabrics with a reflective coating are designed for the flatter light incidence of larger projection distances and may not work properly with the steep short-throw angle. The exception is the celexon GREYVISION: Its specially tuned, diffuse gray high-contrast surface works distance-independently and harmonizes as one of the few contrast screens also with short-throw projectors – the black masking also serves as a reference frame for the automatic image setup of smart projectors. Ultra-short-throw projectors and laser TVs are again a separate case: For their very steep projection angles, a CLR screen belongs in front of them.

How much does a good short-throw projector cost?

The entry starts with Full HD models with a lamp light source like the TH671ST. The mid-range with 4K resolution or laser light source is noticeably above that, installation lasers for simulation and continuous operation form the upper end. The reasonable price range is determined thereby less by the equipment list than by the fit of brightness and PV to your room.

Short-throw projector or short-throw projector – is there a difference?

No, both terms mean the same device. "Projector" is the usual designation in the German-speaking area, "projector" the technical term – manufacturers and data sheets use both.

Can I mount a short-throw projector on the ceiling?

Yes, many models can be mounted upside down (with the feet up) on a ceiling mount – at a short distance to the screen. Whether your desired model is approved for this and what distances apply is stated in the user manual; we check this for you before purchase upon request.

Buy short-throw projectors at Beamer-Discount

The large image in the small room needs more than just the right projector: screen, mount and cabling must fit the distance. Our projector specialists plan your complete setup – from the classroom to the living room cinema, tailored to the room, light and budget. → Request personal system consultation