Discovering the best budget short throw projector can open up a world of immersive content without requiring a lot of space or breaking the bank. While top-tier projectors often come with hefty price tags, it's entirely possible to find high-quality options that are both affordable and efficient. This guide is here to help you navigate through the best budget-friendly short throw projectors available today.
It's important to remember that "budget" can be a relative term, especially in the world of the best budget projectors. However, we've carefully curated a list of projectors that offer the perfect balance between cost and features, ensuring you get excellent value without compromising on performance. Let's dive into our top picks and help you find the ideal projector for your needs.
Best cheap short throw projectors
- BenQ HT2150ST - best projector overall
- iSinbox Projector - a great wireless option
- FATORK Mini 5G WiFi DLP - a miniature delight
- EliteProjector MosicGO - best ultra short throw choice
- GooDee Pocket Projector - a great option to pair with your phone
1. BenQ HT2150ST
Best budget short throw projector overall
Where to buy *
* prices are accurate at the time of last update
For those seeking a versatile projector that offers a well-rounded performance, the BenQ HT2150ST stands out as an excellent choice, albeit it may lean toward the higher end of your budget.
What sets this projector apart is its 2200 ANSI lumen brightness, paired with a crisp HD 1080p resolution, guaranteeing a captivating and high-quality visual experience. With a maximum throw distance of 25 feet, it's incredibly adaptable, fitting seamlessly into various setups and environments.
Additionally, the projector features low input lag and specialized game mode settings, making it an enticing option for gaming enthusiasts. While it may not match the image quality of the best budget 4K monitors, the unique thrill of projecting your gameplay onto a wall is an experience in itself.
The BenQ HT2150ST impresses with its combination of potent performance, adjustable throw distance, and an attractive price point, making it a compelling choice for those in search of a feature-packed projector that won't break the bank.
Reasons to buy:
- It can deliver a very bright, crisp, and detailed picture
- Boasts low input lag and a specialised game mode if you need it
Read More: Best gaming projectors
2. iSinbox Projector
Best budget wireless short throw projector
Where to buy *
- Amazon - $199.99 / £497.44
* prices are accurate at the time of last update
A lot of projectors find themselves weighed down by wires, and limited because of that. If you want to avoid that hassle, you'll want to grab a good wireless projector, like this one from iSinbox.
This wireless projector works really well with Bluetooth 2.0 and is suitable to use across WiFi6 as well. That makes it very easy to set up and use no matter where you are, with its range capable of projecting as close as 4.6 feet, and as far as 23.3 feet if you need it too.
The picture quality goes up to 1920x1080, and it has a huge number of apps to choose from when it comes to what you use natively on it as well.
It's a beast of a device, and it's not too expensive either.
Reasons to buy:
- Its wireless connection makes it versatile and free of wires
- Can project from both a short- and long-distance
Read More: Best budget portable projectors
3. FATORK Mini 5G Wi-Fi DLP
Best budget mini short throw projector
Where to buy *
- Amazon - $219.99
* prices are accurate at the time of last update
When it comes to portability, the FATORK 5G Wi-Fi DLP is tough to beat. Its tiny size makes this projector a top-tier choice for transportation, yet it doesn't sacrifice in quality as the FATORK still boasts a 1920x1080p image.
Its small throw distance should not underestimated, as many of us need something that can project from just a few feet. And, if you are considering purchasing one of best mini projectors, this should be high up on your list.
It's perhaps best used in dark environments as it can create a brighter image than standard LCD versions. The FATORK 5G Wi-Fi DLP is simply a great option, and until the day we see a high-power product of this size, it will remain one of the best choices if a mini short throw is what you're after.
Reasons to buy:
- It's incredibly small and great for travelling
- It can work very well in low-light situations
Read More: Best gaming monitors
4. EliteProjector MosicGO
Best budget ultra short throw projector
Where to buy *
- Amazon - $599.00
* prices are accurate at the time of last update
While short throw projectors are cool, there's been a big increase in the number and quality of ultra short throw projectors recently, which can be placed absurdly close to a wall.
While a little pricier than some other options on this list, that price covers what's needed to help it throw from as little as 3.8 inches away. Aside from that ridiculously short throw distance, it also boasts an impressive 1500 lumens, 1080p resolution, and an input lag of just 17ms.
It can be connected in a few different ways too, and the projector actually comes with a special tripod stand and a carry bag to make it easier to transport and set up. It's a good little projector that'll make you proud.
Reasons to buy:
- It boasts an ultra-short throw projection distance
- It comes with a handy tripod to mount it to
Read More: Best budget ultrawide monitors
5. GooDee Pocket Projector
Best budget short throw projector for phones
Where to buy *
* prices are accurate at the time of last update
If you're looking for the best budget short throw projector you can take out with you and use with your phone, then this GooDee Pocket Projector is an excellent choice.
This tiny thing can project from a distance of 1.64 feet away from a wall with a brightness of 260 lumens, which isn't the highest around but is good enough for low-light conditions.
It's also genuinely pocket-sized, which means that you can rock up with it just about anywhere, connect it to your phone, and then watch whatever you want on a screen that's up to 150 inches.
It even has up to 2.5 hours of battery life on a single charge, which means you can enjoy a couple of old films, or roughly half of a Zack Snyder flick. Whatever takes your fancy, this GoodDee device has you covered.
Reasons to buy:
- It's genuinely pocket-sized
- You can connect your phone to it
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
As projectors are not so commonly owned as TVs or monitors, you may find yourself with a bunch of questions. Thankfully, we've got you covered.
Should you buy a short throw projector?
For regular everyday use, certainly not. A projector is best used for creating a home theatre, or for enjoying a unique viewing experience such as playing immersive, story-driven video games.
For professional use, short throw projectors can be utilized both in a business environment to display information during meetings, but also educationally, depending on your school's setup.
A projector is the quickest way of displaying large amounts of information to multiple people, especially if you opt for one of the more portable options out there.
What distance is considered "short throw" for a projector?
The term "short throw" typically refers to projectors that can project a relatively large image from a short distance. While there's no strict universally defined distance, a general guideline is that a short throw projector can produce a large image (say, 60 inches or larger diagonal size) from a distance of around 4 to around 25 feet away (based on this list) from the screen or projection surface.
Ultra-short throw projectors, on the other hand, can project an even larger image (often over 100 inches diagonal) from an extremely close distance, sometimes as close as a few inches away from the surface.
These distances can vary between different projector models and manufacturers, so it's always best to check the specifications of a specific projector to understand its throw distance capabilities.
What is an ultra short throw projector?
An ultra short throw projector is a special version of a standard short throw that is designed to be used in extremely close quarters. Projecting an image from only a tiny distance away helps to save on space, and these models tend to project vertically, giving them poor maximum throw distance.
Due to not relying on covering a wider area, these projectors will often come with high power, but also a high price. Depending on your needs, a UST may be a better choice, especially if you are primarily focused on creating a high-quality home cinema in a small room.
However, if you are looking for greater portability or simply a better budget option, then a regular short throw will be more up your street. And that's really all there is to it.
Can a short throw projector be used for gaming?
Yes, a short throw projector can be an excellent choice for gaming, especially story-driven, open-world games like Skyrim. These projectors allow for a large, immersive display even in small spaces, providing an expansive gaming experience that a standard television might not be able to match. The large screen size can make games more engaging, bringing details and environments to life in a way that smaller screens cannot. Additionally, short throw projectors can help to minimize shadows and glare, which is particularly beneficial for gaming, as it reduces distractions and enhances visual clarity.
However, it is important to consider specific features when choosing a short throw projector for gaming. Low input lag is crucial for a responsive gaming experience, as it ensures that there is minimal delay between your actions and what is displayed on the screen. High refresh rates are also important for smooth motion and a more fluid gaming experience. Adequate brightness and good resolution (preferably 1080p or higher) will ensure that the image is clear and vibrant, even in various lighting conditions.
Finding all of that from a short throw projector, let alone a budget one, is quite tricky, so we wouldn't recommend projector gameplay for more competitive online titles like Warzone, as a good gaming monitor will outclass any projector nine times out of 10. For a more immersive single-player experience though, a short throw projector can make for a great choice.
Are short throw projectors suitable for outdoor use?
Short throw projectors can be suitable for outdoor use, but several factors need to be considered. The most important is the brightness level, measured in lumens. For outdoor environments, a projector with at least 2500 lumens is recommended to ensure a clear and visible image, even during dusk or in areas with ambient light. Additionally, the projector's resolution and contrast ratio should be high enough to provide a sharp and vibrant picture in less controlled lighting conditions.
It's also essential to ensure proper setup and protection from the elements. Short throw projectors need a stable surface to prevent image distortion and should be positioned close enough to the screen to maximize their unique throw capabilities. Moreover, using a weatherproof screen and protecting the projector from moisture, dust, and temperature extremes will help maintain its performance and longevity during outdoor use.
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