Ultra short throw projectors are an emerging category in the world of projection technology. Unlike traditional projectors, which are typically mounted on a wall or placed at the back of a room, ultra short throw projectors can sit just a few inches from the wall—sometimes as close as four inches. This is made possible by advanced optics that project images upward rather than across the room, making them a convenient and space-saving option.
The best ultra short throw projectors deliver sharp, vibrant images on a large screen while offering advanced features that justify their price. To help you find the right model, we’ve compared five top-rated options on the market. We evaluated key specifications such as screen size, display technology, contrast ratio, brightness, and resolution. Additionally, we highlighted unique features that set each projector apart.
LG HF85LA
Optoma GT5600
WeMax L176FGN
To provide accurate and reliable recommendations, we analyzed manufacturer specifications, product reviews, and customer feedback.
Lastly, we’ve included a comprehensive buying guide to help you understand what to look for in an ultra short throw projector, ensuring that your purchase decision is as informed and straightforward as possible.
1. LG HF85LA
The LG HF85LA is a compact yet powerful ultra short throw projector packed with advanced features, making it an excellent choice for projector enthusiasts. It boasts a massive display range of 90 to 120 inches—larger than any other projector on this list—along with an impressive 150,000:1 contrast ratio that delivers sharp details and vibrant colors.
For audio lovers, the LG HF85LA supports Bluetooth speaker pairing, enabling an immersive surround sound experience. Its laser lamp technology offers an exceptional lifespan of 20,000 hours, ensuring long-term reliability and worry-free viewing.
While some ultra short throw projectors are best suited for office use, the LG HF85LA is designed for a premium home theater experience. With built-in Wi-Fi, it seamlessly streams content from Netflix, Amazon Prime, and other devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers—giving you endless entertainment options.
The sleek, futuristic design of the LG HF85LA adds to its appeal. Its polished white exterior allows it to blend effortlessly into modern home décor, making it a stylish addition rather than just another tech gadget.
Pros
- 20,000-hour laser lamp ensures long-lasting performance
- Expansive 90 to 120-inch display surpasses many competitors
- Optimized for a home theater experience
Cons
- Higher price point compared to other models
- May include more features than some users need
2. Optoma GT5600 Ultra
Optoma is well known for producing high-quality ultra short throw projectors, and the GT5600 is no exception. With a 0.25:1 throw ratio, it can project a 100-inch screen from just 10 inches away, making it a popular choice among users. However, its limited screen size range of 80 to 100 inches may be a drawback, especially if you’re looking for a projector to accommodate larger gatherings.
Despite this limitation, the GT5600 delivers impressive image quality, thanks to its full HD 1080p resolution and DLP projection technology. With a 20,000:1 contrast ratio and 3,600 ANSI lumens of brightness, it offers excellent clarity, sharp details, and vibrant colors.
If you’re a fan of 3D movies, the GT5600 won’t disappoint. It supports full HD 3D playback from multiple sources and features a 144Hz rapid-refresh rate for smooth visuals. Additionally, its 15,000-hour lamp lifespan ensures long-lasting performance. To simplify setup, Optoma includes four-corner keystone correction, allowing for easy image adjustments.
Connectivity is another strong point of the GT5600, offering a variety of input options, including HDMI, MHL, composite, USB, VGA, and an audio port. It also supports HDCast Pro, an optional add-on that enables wireless streaming and screen mirroring via Wi-Fi. While installation is relatively straightforward, the projector’s weight may pose challenges for portability. Like other Optoma products, it comes with a one-year warranty for added peace of mind.
Pros
- Sharp and detailed visuals with excellent contrast
- Extensive wired and wireless connectivity options
- Exceptional throw distance for ultra short throw projection
Cons
- Limited screen size range (80-100 inches)
- Heavier than some competing models
3. WeMax L176FGN
The WeMax Nova is a 4K UHD resolution projector that offers exceptional value for its price. One of its standout features is Keystone Correction, which ensures a perfectly aligned and geometrically accurate image even if the projector isn’t positioned ideally in front of the screen.
With 1300 ANSI lumens and a 3,000:1 contrast ratio, the WeMax Nova delivers bright and vivid visuals. As an ultra-short-throw projector, it projects almost vertically, allowing you to place it just 17 cm from the wall while still producing a massive, TV-like display.
Utilizing laser technology, this projector offers outstanding brightness and durability. It supports 4K video playback but downscales external inputs to 1080p resolution with HDR compatibility, ensuring crisp, high-quality images.
In addition to impressive visuals, the WeMax Nova boasts a powerful built-in audio system and extensive connectivity options, including an Ethernet port, optical digital audio input, analog AV input, analog-compatible digital audio output, USB 2.0 port, and three HDMI 2.0 ports (one with ARC support). Plus, it comes with a one-year warranty for added peace of mind.
Pros
- 4K UHD resolution for ultra-sharp visuals
- Bright, vivid colors with minimal washout
- Easy setup with Keystone Correction
- Compact and lightweight design
- Supports various Android TV streaming apps
Cons
- Netflix streaming not supported
- Remote batteries not included
4. EpiqVision LS300
The Epson EpiqVision Ultra Short Throw LS300 3LCD Smart Laser Projector is a high-performance home entertainment projector designed to deliver stunning picture quality. With a brightness of 3600 lumens, it ensures vibrant and clear images even in well-lit rooms. The projector supports Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, providing an immersive viewing experience on screens up to 120 inches.
One of the standout features is its built-in Android TV, which allows users to access popular streaming services like Hulu, HBO, Disney+, and YouTube directly from the projector. The projector also includes Yamaha speakers, offering a powerful and emotional audio experience that rivals soundbars. Additionally, it supports Bluetooth connectivity, enabling it to function as a standalone speaker.
The ultra-short throw laser array technology ensures exceptional brightness and enhanced black density, making it ideal for watching movies, sports, and gaming. The projector’s sleek and modern design fits seamlessly into any home décor.
Overall, the Epson EpiqVision Ultra Short Throw LS300 is a versatile and high-quality projector that combines excellent picture and sound quality with convenient smart features, making it a great addition to any home entertainment setup.
Pros:
- Bright and clear images even in well-lit rooms (3600 lumens)
- Built-in Android TV with streaming services
- High-quality Yamaha speakers
- Ultra-short throw for large screens
Cons:
- Expensive compared to traditional projectors
- Limited portability due to size and weight
- Lack of 4K resolution
5. LG HF65LA
When it comes to transforming your living space into an immersive home theater, the LG HF65LA Ultra Short Throw Projector stands out, offering a perfect blend of innovation and stunning visuals.
One of its most striking features is its compact and space-saving design. Unlike traditional projectors, the LG HF65LA can project a massive 60 to 100-inch screen from just a few inches away, making it an ideal choice for those who want a big-screen experience without complicated setups.
With its Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution, this projector ensures crisp, clear visuals with excellent detail and color accuracy, whether you’re watching movies, gaming, or delivering presentations.
Thanks to advanced laser technology, the HF65LA provides brilliant colors and a long-lasting light source, eliminating the need for frequent bulb replacements and ensuring reliable performance for years to come.
Connectivity is another strong point. Featuring HDMI, USB, and Bluetooth, the LG HF65LA allows seamless connections to gaming consoles, streaming devices, and external speakers, offering a truly versatile home entertainment experience.
While the built-in speakers provide solid audio quality, audiophiles can easily pair the projector with external speakers for a more immersive sound experience.
Pros
- Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution for sharp, detailed images
- Laser technology for long-lasting brightness and vivid colors
- Compact and space-efficient design
- Multiple connectivity options (HDMI, USB, Bluetooth)
Cons
- Performance in bright rooms is average
Ultra Short Throw Projector Buying Guide
Choosing the right Ultra Short Throw (UST) projector can be challenging, as various factors come into play. Whether you’re looking for a home theater, gaming setup, or professional presentation device, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Key Factors to Consider
Throw Ratio
UST projectors are designed for super-short projection distances, but the throw ratio varies by model. Some projectors can display a 100-inch image from 8 feet away, while others achieve the same size from just 5 feet. Make sure to choose a model that suits your room size and setup requirements.
Screen Size
Screen size is an essential factor when selecting a UST projector. Most models support a range between 40 and 160 inches, but some can go beyond. Before purchasing, measure your available space to ensure an optimal viewing experience.
Native Resolution
Resolution determines image clarity and quality. UST projectors come in various resolutions, but it’s best not to settle below 720p. If you want a sharp, detailed visual experience, opt for a projector with 1080p or 4K resolution, as they offer superior color accuracy and picture quality.
Brightness (ANSI Lumens)
A projector’s brightness level impacts its visibility in different lighting conditions. While UST projectors generally offer good brightness levels, choosing the right ANSI lumens rating is crucial:
✔ 1000–3000 ANSI lumens – Ideal for bright environments.
✔ 500 ANSI lumens – Works well in dark rooms.
If you plan to use the projector in different lighting conditions, aim for a model with adjustable brightness settings.
Connectivity Options
Your projector should support multiple input types to ensure seamless connectivity with different devices. The minimum connectivity options to look for include:
✔ HDMI – For high-definition video input.
✔ VGA & USB – Useful for older and modern devices.
✔ 3.5mm Audio Jack – Essential for external speakers.
For added convenience, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity options enable wireless streaming and device pairing. Choose a projector based on your preferred external device compatibility.
Lamp Life & Longevity
A projector’s lamp life determines how long you can use it before needing a replacement. Look for models offering 20,000+ hours, ensuring at least five years of non-stop entertainment. Some projectors last even longer, reducing maintenance costs.
Image Correction Features
UST projectors are designed for quick installation and alignment, but having image correction tools ensures a perfect display. Look for models with:
✔ Keystone Correction – Adjusts image distortion.
✔ Focus Ring & Zoom – Ensures sharp visuals.
✔ Lens Shift – Allows easy correction of alignment issues.
These features help maintain a flawless viewing experience without complicated manual adjustments.
Conclusion
Finding the best Ultra Short Throw Projector is now easier with this comprehensive buying guide. We’ve carefully researched and tested various models to recommend only high-quality options.
All the projectors in our recommendations offer excellent short-throw performance, making them ideal for compact spaces. While most provide top-notch visuals, warranty coverage is usually limited to one year.
