If you are on a tight budget for a short-throw projector, consider the ViewSonic 1080p Short-throw Projector.
The moment may be perfect for removing your home theatre’s conventional projectors, which need a suitable location, a darkroom, and tonnes of space to adjust. Switching to one of these best short-throw projectors under $1000 will do great. Because these projectors take up less space while providing a large and clear image.
Projectors with short-throw distances were previously hard to come by and expensive. Yet, that is no longer the case because of recent improvements in projector technology. Short-throw projectors are one of the wide varieties of projectors that are now reasonably priced. Finding a new projector for your home theatre might be challenging because so many alternatives are on the market.
The ViewSonic 1080p Short-throw projector made the cut due to its outstanding features. It provides all-around entertainment and is particularly good for gaming. The projected image quality is crisp due to the DLP display technology and good lamp brightness. This projector is top-notch, especially at this price range. Continue reading to find out more about this device and others.
Most short-throw projectors are quite expensive and cost well over $1000, so getting an affordable one may be a bit challenging. In this article, I have provided a list of the top 8 short-throw projectors that cost less than $1000.
Our Best short-Throw Projectors Under $1000
- ViewSonic 1080p Short-throw Projector (Best Budget)
- JMGO O1 Ultra-Short-throw Projector
- BenQ TH671ST Short Throw Projector
- ViewSonic PX-706HD Short Throw Projector
- BenQ HT2150ST Projector
- AAXA P400 Short-throw Mini Projector
- ASUS ZenBeam E1 Portable Mini Projector
- YABER Y30 Projector
Best Short Throw Projectors Under $1000 Reviewed
1). Best Budget: ViewSonic 1080p Short-throw Projector
The first on the list is the ViewSonic 1080p Short-throw projector which offers many features at a reasonable price. Even over a small throw distance, it functions reasonably well so that you may utilize it effectively in your indoor home theatre setup.
Sadly, neither the small USB type B port nor the USB type A port support playing back video. They allow you to use a USB power cord to power your external gadgets (e.g., streaming sticks). You cannot simultaneously get power output from both USB ports. The port must be manually chosen from the settings.
The ViewSonic advertises a 3500-lumen bulb as the projector’s light source. Yet, it really measures at about 3000 ANSI lumens when measured accurately. At least the environment mode doesn’t significantly reduce brightness, which is nice. Overall, given the cost, it is completely functional.
The built-in bulb lasts around 15000 hours. But how you utilize the projector and whether you use the proper cords are the main determinants of that figure. The bulb won’t last long if you often use it for business presentations and attach an outdated office computer with a VGA connection.
Despite its premium price, the ViewSonic 1080p Projector really offers excellent value. It has a fantastic high-brightness bulb with a one-year limited guarantee and many more wonderful features that increase its worth.
Key features
Lamp brightness: 3000 ANSI lumens
Resolution: 1080p
Display technology: DLP
Contrast ratio: 12,000:1
Pros:
- The Ultra Eco mode has a lamp life of 15,000 hours.
Cons:
- The gaming mode is definitely not very intuitive.
2). JMGO O1 Ultra-Short-throw Projector
With a throw ratio of 0.24, the JMGO O1 can project an image as large as 100 inches from a distance of a little over 10 inches. An LED light source and native 1080p resolution are included. It has a 4000:1 contrast ratio and an estimated 45,000 hours of LED life. The JMGO O1 has an 800 ANSI lumen brightness rating.
The JMGO O1 is powered by a MediaTek MT9669 chip, paired with 3GB of DDR4 RAM and 16GB of internal storage to house its Luna OS operating system, based on Android.
An Ethernet LAN jack, TOSLink optical audio output, dual USB hosts, and a pair of HDMI ports are among the many inputs and outputs available. One of the HDMI ports has ARC (Audio Return Channel), which allows audio to be sent from the projector to compatible soundbars or receivers.
Also, the JMGO O1 is an ideal gaming projector because of its minimal input lag of around 30 milliseconds. The low latency option reduces input lag to a fully playable 30 ms or less when activated. Hence, aside from the most intensely competitive players, the JMGO O1 performs flawlessly.
The Dynaudio-tuned speakers are rather good in terms of audio quality. With the O1’s ARC connector, it’s still easy to connect a good soundbar or surround sound system. The integrated speakers can nonetheless fill up a small to medium-sized space and have superior audio quality than most other projectors.
Sadly, the brightness is not very high. Its 800 ANSI lumens align with the industry norm for projectors with comparable costs and specifications. With the shades pulled and a suitable screen, daytime viewing is feasible. However, the image won’t hold up under a lot of ambient light.
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The JMGO’s microphone, power button, LED light ring, laser sensor module, ambient light sensor, and ultra-short focus lens are all on top of the device. The O1 has two HDMI inputs, one of which supports ARC, an Ethernet LAN port, a S/PDIF optical audio output, two USB ports, and a barrel jack power connector on its rear.
Key features
Lamp brightness: 800 ANSI lumens
Resolution: 1080p
Contrast ratio: 4000:1
Display technology: LED
Pros:
- It has a low input lag of 30ms, making it good for gaming.
- One of its HDMI ports supports ARC.
- It includes a microphone.
Cons:
- It works poorly in areas with a lot of ambient light.
The JMGO O1 is an affordable short-throw projector. You receive a native 1080p resolution, outstanding color accuracy, strong black levels, and remarkable contrast. Several quality features, such as autofocus and auto keystone correction, make setup a snap in addition to the incredibly low input lag for gaming.
3). BenQ TH671ST Short Throw Projector
The BenQ TH671ST projector was created with gamers in mind. It features a short throw, 1080p resolution, 3,000 ANSI brightness rating, mobility, and—most importantly for hardcore gamers—a fast 16.4 ms input latency.
It also provides superb color accuracy and sufficient contrast for film and video, which puts it on par with similarly priced home theatre projectors for watching movies or TV. Even presentations may be handled well.
All these factors make it an excellent choice for gamers and anybody looking for a portable projector for their home or place of business, including one they can set up in the backyard for movie night.
The TH671ST’s 1.2x zoom, an uncommon addition for a short throw, is one of its standout characteristics. Any short-throw lens lets you position the projector near the screen for a large picture in a little space, such as a studio apartment or a dorm room.
Another important quality is brightness. The TH671ST can illuminate a 130-inch 1.0-gain screen with more than 2,600 ANSI lumens in relatively intense ambient light. Even at its optimum video setting with a measured 1,887 lumens, a 110-inch 1.0-gain screen or a 120-inch 1.2-gain screen may be seen clearly at the same light level.
The Cinema and sports modes are also excellent places to adjust video settings. Both offer color that is sufficiently close to accuracy to make any differences in color undetectable without a reference image to compare it to. However, the Sport mode’s greater ANSI lumen measurement, and brighter yellow hues are more accurate compared to a reference image.
Even for film or video, most of the TH671ST’s color modes may be used right out of the box with varied degrees of color fidelity. The TH671ST’s Bright mode has a little green shift, similar to the brightest setting on most projectors. In contrast to most projectors, especially those in this price range, it is still less.
The TH671ST test unit’s contrast and brightness settings were set correctly in all modes, as is common for BenQ projectors, to optimize shadow detail and highlight separation in a dark room. With support for DLP Link glasses alone, the TH671ST provides decent 3D, but its performance doesn’t stand out from the competition.
The audio on the TH671ST is pleasantly surprising for a projector of its size. A big family room can be filled with the 5-watt mono speaker’s loud sound, and the audio quality is surprisingly decent. There are five sound mode presets to pick from Standard, Cinema, Music, Game, and Sport, and a User option.
The TH671ST is rated by BenQ at 29 dB in economic mode and 33 dB in full power mode. The kind of constant whoosh tends to blend into the background in rooms with other ambient noise, especially in Economy mode. Still, you can hear it in either one at quiet times from everywhere in a family room of average size.
Key Features
Lamp brightness: 3000 ANSI lumens
Resolution: 1080p
Display technology: DLP
Pros:
- It has an optical zoom feature.
- It is lightweight and small, making placement simple.
- It has a very low input lag, 16ms.
Cons:
- After prolonged use of this projector, it becomes hot.
The BenQ TH671ST is a great deal and an amazing gaming projector. It offers wonderfully saturated color, enough contrast and shadow quality for gloomy gaming situations, and a 16.4 ms input latency.
Beyond most of its gaming advantages, with its barely 6-pound weight, it is a very capable portable projector for the home or business. The short-throw feature makes it particularly appealing to anybody wishing to project a large picture in a small space.
4). ViewSonic PX-706HD Short Throw Projector
The design of this projector is straightforward, even though it is intended for gaming. After installation, it will display pictures with an accuracy of 10-bit colors, or 1.07 billion colors.
It’s also critical to remember that the input latency—which this projector gives at 16 ms—is essential for gaming. This can’t compete with inexpensive gaming displays with input lag as low as 3ms. But playing video games with a screen larger than 100 inches has its own appeal.
The Viewsonic PX706HD also has the capability of short-throw projection. As a result, you can view a screen up to 100 inches wide from 4.9 feet away.
Whereas standard projectors can produce a 100-inch image at a distance of 10 feet or more. As a result, the projector can be set up on a coffee table and provide excellent visuals without the inconvenience of ceiling attachment. When trying to project in fairly constrained places, this capability is helpful.
Its brightness output of 3,000 lumens for white and RGB colors will blow your mind. This function makes the backdrop components of a gaming scene stand out visually. Increasing your capacity to spot important details, such as attackers hidden in the bushes. The projector’s capacity to cast pictures with a 22,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio enhances your visual experience even more!
It can project images as large as 300 inches and has a native resolution of Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels). More crucially, you may effortlessly go to the screen-to-projection precise specialized Game Mode at any time.
To conserve energy, you can switch to Eco mode in a reasonably dark space. Conversely, you can switch to Normal mode while watching during the day or in environments with ambient illumination. Also, the Eco mode lowers power usage and stops the projector bulb from overheating. It also aids in reducing fan noise.
One of the best projectors for various connectivity is the Viewsonic PX706HD. It offers two HDMI 1.4 ports, one VGA port, and one RS232 port, all located on the projector’s rear panel. Even the RCA Video in for the composite video and two Audio (in/out) ports. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, wireless connectivity options, are not available with this projector.
Nevertheless, you can link it to a Fire TV Stick to make it a smart projector and access various applications and games. Micro USB and USB 3.1 Type C ports are also included. They make it possible to immediately connect your devices to the projector.
While not in use, the projector lens is protected from external harm by the included lens cover. Large grills on the projector’s side panels serve primarily as exhaust points. The built-in 5W speaker can easily emit music thanks to these grills. Ten unique keys are located on the projector’s top side. They make it simple for you to switch between different projection settings, especially in dimly lit areas.
The projector is supported at the base by two mounting feet in the back and one adjustable foot in the front. Although appearing bigger, the adjustable foot makes it function fairly effectively well.
Key features
Lamp brightness: 3000 lumens
Resolution: 1080p (FHD)
Contrast ratio: 22,000:1
Pros:
- A Type C connection cable is included.
- It includes a 5W mono speaker.
- With a 16ms reaction time, it makes gaming pleasant.
Cons:
- Any manual keystone corrections are removed when the reaction time setting is changed to 16ms.
- The power-saving features could make gaming less enjoyable.
If you’re a serious gamer, skipping the fast-reaction gaming monitor in favor of this projector won’t be a smart move. Those seeking a casual gaming projector for entertainment can choose the Viewsonic PX706HD. For casual gaming, you might also connect your Xbox or PlayStation. The huge screen might be helpful while playing casual multiplayer games with your buddies.
5). BenQ HT2150ST Projector
With native 1080p Full HD picture quality, 2200 ANSI lumens, a 15,000:1 contrast ratio, and a 6x RGBRGB color wheel for vibrant colors and details that are calibrated ideal for movies and games, the BenQ DLP HT2150ST projector has all the features required from a top-notch projector. Its short-throw projection lets you display a 100-inch screen up to 300 inches from just 3 feet away.
Motion blur minimizes, and your gaming experience is ultra-smooth thanks to the low input latency and innovative game modes. With a 1.2x zoom and vertical keystone correction, it has a high contrast ratio of 15,000:1. The silent fan is another great feature of this DLP projector.
The details on this gaming projector are some of the crispest and sharpest I’ve recently seen on a short-throw projector. And getting such a big image size from such a close throw distance is amazing.
This home theatre projector provides a clear, bright, and vibrant image whether you’re watching a movie or playing a video game. It’s the perfect choice for amusement because of its brightness and color brilliance. During gaming, it is nearly flawless, with its accurate color production.
Indeed, the connectivity possibilities are rather good. Two HDMI ports are present, one of which enables MHL for mobile devices. Also, there are two 3.5mm audio connectors, a VGA input, an RS-232 port, a 12v trigger, and more.
Key Features
Lamp brightness: 2200 ANSI lumens
Resolution: 1080p
Contrast ratio: 15,000:1
Display technology: DLP
Pros:
- Its short-throw lens produces a large picture when placed near the screen.
Cons:
- It does not support HDR.
This 1080p gaming projector is a fantastic addition to your home theatre and is perfect for gamers, sports fans, or moviegoers. Known for producing high-quality home theatre projectors, BenQ has succeeded once more.
This gaming projector won’t let you down. It produces an excellent, fluid gaming image with or without a projector screen. Compared to utilizing a gaming monitor, it is far superior.
6). AAXA P400 Short-throw Mini Projector
Small size, lightweight, and short-throw distance are all features of the AAXA P400 Short-throw Mini Projector. With a native resolution of 1080p, it delivers a greater resolution than most of its rivals.
It produces a clear and large image when placed closer to the screen. This means that when you place it in front of you rather than behind you to prevent casting shadows on the image, it can project a bigger picture in a small space.
A single 1920×1080 LCoS chip serves as the projector’s central component. It employs sequential color, which puts it at the same risk of displaying rainbow artifacts as single-chip DLP projectors. There is no HDR support; the highest input resolution is 1920×1080 at up to 60 Hz.
A 30,000-hour RGB LED light source provides brightness within the range of a projector of this size. However, by rating it at 400 LED lumens, AAXA makes it sound brighter. Sadly, there is no industry standard for LED lumens.
Therefore the quantity is meaningless for evaluating the brightness or comparing it to other projectors. According to my tests, the P400 is nearly as bright as I would anticipate from about 200 ANSI lumens operating on AC power. It is around half the advertised brightness, typical for LED lumen claims.
With its 2-watt speaker and projector of this size, the music output is quite loud. Most people will believe that it is appropriate for a small room.
Despite considerable high-level distortion, the quality is best regarded as adequate. Consider utilizing the 3.5mm audio out connector for an external sound system or headphones for better quality and greater peak volume levels.
Three preset image modes on the P400 cannot be changed. One user mode only allows you to alter sharpness, color saturation, contrast, and brightness. It is preset to match the Standard pre-configured mode by factory defaults.
Key features
Lamp brightness: 400 ANSI lumens
Resolution: 1080p
Pros:
- It has an in-built battery that can last up to 2 hours when used in Eco mode.
Cons:
- It is a little green bias, which is most obvious in photos with a realistic feel.
- It has fewer options for adjustment.
The AAXA P400 is a portable palmtop projector with a built-in battery, a short throw, and native 1080p resolution. It works well for mobile presentations and maybe mild home use.
7). ASUS ZenBeam E1 Portable Mini Projector
Because of its small size, the Asus Zenbeam E1 is a great choice for many people. Still, purchasers should be sure this portable projector has everything they want.
The primary issues raised in user evaluations are the absence of a USB input and the inability to utilize video streams like Netflix without an external converter. The Asus Zenbeam E1 is eliminated from consideration for the best business projector as a result of this and the lower-than-average visual quality, but if mobility is your primary concern, it’s absolutely worth looking into.
The 854 x 480 native aspect ratio of the Asus Zenbeam E1 is automatically scaled from inputs up to Full HD 1080p resolution. The end result is excellent, but not outstanding, image quality. Yet, according to several customer evaluations, the image quality was enough for their purposes. As a result, it truly depends on what you intend to project and how appealing you anticipate it to be.
Several buyers complained that the Asus Zenbeam E1 portable projector’s brightness is subpar and that images seem weak and washed out in any environment other than a pitch-black room.
Although Asus brags about this projector’s decreased power usage, it seems to come at the expense of being able to see what you’re projecting in any other ideal circumstances. Suppose you are positive that you can adjust your lighting conditions. In that case, the Zenbeam E1 is a good option for the businessperson wishing to travel with a projector.
The auto keystone correction feature automatically changes the viewing angle to prevent distorted projections, which is one of the main selling aspects Asus emphasizes for this portable projector. Most reviewers concluded that the product functioned effectively in most circumstances, with intermittent problems on rough terrain.
Being an excellent short-throw projector, the Zenbeam E1 may make the optimal projector location less than ideal for some room arrangements. Although there is a one to ten scale for brightness adjustment, some customer reviews indicate that there is little to no difference between brightness settings.
Key Features
Resolution: 480p
Lamp brightness: 120 lumens
Connecting Technology: MHL, HDMI
Pros:
- The projector may be used to charge mobile devices.
- It includes an auto-keystone correction.
Cons:
- It has no USB input options.
- It has a bad video quality compared to a regular-sized projector.
Although the Asus Zenbeam E1 is a good portable projector, it regrettably lacks in several areas. Although the power bank feature is useful and the projector’s small size makes it ideal for travel, the image quality isn’t outstanding. It simply can’t match that of less expensive competitors.
8). YABER Y30 Projector
The YABER Y30’s 200-inch projection size makes it stand out because it enables you to watch movies at home instead of paying for theatre tickets.
But does the urge for a clearer, brighter screen be satisfied by this projection? Naturally, this projector has a 1920 x 1080 native resolution, and its five-layered lenses produce HD images. This projector’s brightness mode produces an image that is brighter, sharper, and clearer with a contrast ratio of 10000:1.
This projector has two HDMI connectors, two USB ports, an AV port, a VGA port, and ports for iPad, iPhones, Android phones, PlayStation, and other devices.
When it comes to sound, this projector has an SRS sound system incorporated into its built-in speaker to deliver the highest audio quality without additional speakers. Using this cutting-edge technology, you may avoid spending a lot of money on market-priced speakers.
The Yaber Y30 Native projector now has three additional fans and a 100000-hour light life. This HD projector offers a 50-degree vertical and horizontal keystone adjustment to create a precisely rectangular picture.
Key Features
Resolution: 1080p (HD)
Contrast ratio: 10,000:1
Connecting Technology: VGA, USB, HDMI
Pros:
- The projector is portable and simple to mount.
- It has superb audio quality with pristine sound.
- The graphic is simple to modify to your needs.
- It has an efficient cooling system.
Cons:
- There is no optical zoom feature.
A fully black environment is required to produce a clean image since a little bright room produces a hazy image.
What To Look Out For When Buying the Best Short-throw Projectors Under $1000
This section will guide you in making the right decision when shopping for a short-throw projector with a tight budget.
Throw ratio
Be sure the short-throw projector you choose can display a huge screen over a short distance before deciding. This is crucial for practical reasons since you might not have enough area in your room to project a big image. As a result, most short-throw projectors typically have a throw distance between 3 feet and 4 feet. Yet, a few versions also give even short-throw distance ratings.
Display Size
The screen size of your short-throw projector is an important factor to consider. As you can anticipate, a huge screen size from your projector is necessary to make it a more practical alternative to a TV or a monitor. As a result, most short-throw projectors provide screens that are 100 or 120 inches in size, with some even delivering 200-inch screens. Larger screens are always preferable, but you should also consider the size of the projection screen you are employing.
Lamp Brightness
The maximum brightness output provided by a particular unit is a short-throw projector-related factor that significantly impacts the image. Short-throw projector brightness is expressed in lumens, just like any other brightness rating. There are ratings like 1500 lumens, 2500 lumens, and sometimes even 4000 lumens. The brightest one, with a rating of 4000 lumens, will win out when put up against the others.
Connectivity
Your projector must be connected before you can use it with your desktop, laptop, or any other device, just like a TV or monitor. Also, for an even more realistic experience, you might wish to attach speakers or other audio equipment to your projector.
Checking the numerous connecting choices your short-throw projector offers is crucial as a result. This is part of searching for ports like HDMI, VGA, USB, Ethernet, aux, digital, and others. Your projector will be extremely adaptable in terms of the devices you can use it with if it has multiple connectivity ports.
Warranty
You would also want your short-throw projector to last as long as possible because most projectors are not inexpensive. The first thing you can do to ensure this is to review the projector’s associated warranty.
Fortunately, most include a 2- or 3-year warranty that ensures high dependability. With most short-throw projectors, in addition to the guarantee, you will discover the lamp life rating, which only informs you of the projection bulb’s lifespan.
Depending on your chosen model, this projector bulb typically has a lifespan rating of 20000 to 30000 hours, with a greater rating always preferable.
Speakers
Many projectors still have built-in speakers even though surround sound home theatre speakers are strongly advised for the best experience. This is because individuals who use their projectors for presentations in conference rooms may find the built-in speakers quite useful.
Some short-throw projectors come with 3-watt, 5-watt, and even 8-watt speakers. The option with the greater wattage rating of 8 watts provides the loudest audio output, making it the most practical choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Short-Throw Projector?
A projector’s throw distance is how far it is from the wall. Long-throw projectors are often mounted on the ceiling of the family room, home theatre, or other space. They are made to “throw” the picture near the screen. On the other hand, a short-throw projector is made to be placed between 3 and 8 feet from the screen.
Do I Need an Expensive Projector Screen?
Some individuals would advise you to spend over $100 on your projector screen, but I respectfully disagree. There is a significant difference in video quality when utilizing a specialized screen instead of a sheet or a wall. It is important to remember that you will likely need to spend more money if you require a projector screen that can be moved, folded, or even raised up.
Should I get Speakers or Soundbars for Projector?
For movies, this is especially true! Although speakers are sometimes included in projectors, I personally think that they are frequently a little on the underwhelming side. However, I know some folks who are fine with the built-in speakers.
Final Thoughts
The ViewSonic 1080p Short-throw projector is an excellent choice for a short-throw projector that costs less than $1000. As I stated earlier, most short-throw projectors on the market cost more than $1000; hence, finding a short-throw projector in a price range of less than $1000 is a bargain.
The 1080p projector is an excellent device for home entertainment, and it provides enough brightness to use in your backyard for a movie night.
The JMGO O1 is a great option if you are looking for a high-quality short-throw portable projector. It offers so many unique features in addition to its short-throw feature. If you are a gamer, I will recommend the ViewSonic PX-704HD projector. It offers excellent picture quality and an impressive low lag input.
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