10 Best Cheap Short Throw Projector 2026 in the United States

The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 is a strong choice if you're looking for an affordable short-throw projector that doesn’t compromise much on performance. It delivers a very bright image with 4000 lumens, which means it works well even in rooms that aren’t completely dark. Its ultra-short throw ratio allows you to place the projector extremely close to the wall or screen—just a few inches away—making it ideal for small spaces or living rooms where you want a large image without long cables. The resolution is impressive at 4K PRO-UHD (3840 x 2160 pixels), providing sharp and detailed pictures suitable for movies, gaming, and general home cinema use. The contrast ratio is notably high (over 2,500,000:1), so dark scenes look rich and deep, enhancing your viewing experience.

Connectivity is versatile with HDMI, USB, and built-in Wi-Fi, allowing easy connection to gaming consoles, laptops, and streaming devices. Plus, it comes with Android TV built-in, giving you access to popular streaming apps without extra equipment. The laser light source offers a long lamp life of about 20,000 hours, meaning you won’t need frequent replacements.

The built-in 2.1-channel Yamaha speakers provide decent sound, enough for casual viewing, though for a better audio experience, external speakers would be preferable. At 27.6 pounds, it’s on the heavier side for a projector, so it’s best suited for a stationary setup rather than frequent moves. Being a renewed product, it comes at a lower price but with some risk of wear. This projector is well suited for anyone wanting a bright, high-resolution projector with ultra-short throw capabilities on a budget. Its main downsides are its weight and the sound quality if you’re looking for immersive audio, but these can be managed easily with external speakers and a fixed setup.

The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 stands out as a powerful ultra short throw projector, offering a very bright 4,000 lumens output that works well even in rooms with some ambient light. Its throw ratio is extremely short, allowing you to place it very close to the wall or screen (around 0.16 to 0.4 feet), making it ideal for small spaces or setups where you don’t want a projector hanging from the ceiling. The 4K PRO-UHD resolution delivers sharp and detailed images, which is a big plus for home cinema and gaming. The contrast ratio of over 2,500,000:1 ensures deep blacks and vibrant colors, enhancing picture quality significantly.

Connectivity-wise, it covers essential options like HDMI, USB, and built-in Wi-Fi, supporting various devices such as gaming consoles and laptops. The 20,000-hour laser light source means you won’t need to replace lamps often, which saves money and hassle in the long run. Plus, the built-in 2.1-channel Yamaha speakers provide decent sound quality without needing external speakers, although audiophiles might prefer a dedicated sound system for richer audio.

It is a bit heavier and larger than some budget models, which might affect portability. Also, while it is listed as a renewed product, which can mean some previous use, it comes with a 2-year warranty. This Epson projector delivers excellent brightness, image quality, and convenience features for those wanting a short throw solution without breaking the bank, especially suited for home entertainment and gaming in smaller rooms.

The WEMAX Nova Pro 4K is a strong contender in the affordable ultra short throw projector space, especially if you want a big, bright 4K image without needing much room. Its ultra short throw ratio (0.23:1) means you can place it just about 19 inches from the wall and still get a massive 150-inch screen, which is ideal for small spaces. The 2100 ISO lumens brightness is solid for daylight viewing, and the 3000:1 contrast combined with HDR10 support helps deliver vibrant colors and decent blacks, making movies and games look more immersive. It uses ALPD laser technology, which generally offers good brightness and longer lamp life compared to traditional LEDs or lamps.

The built-in 30W speakers with Dolby Audio and DTS-HD provide better sound quality than most projectors’ basic speakers, so you may not need extra audio gear right away. Connectivity is versatile, including HDMI 2.1, USB, WiFi 6, Bluetooth, and Ethernet, allowing easy connection to game consoles, streaming devices, or soundbars. The projector’s built-in Google TV with native Netflix, Google Assistant, and a user-friendly smart system means streaming and voice control are straightforward, perfect for casual users.

While the brightness is good for this category, the projector might still struggle in very bright rooms or direct sunlight. Additionally, despite the strong feature set, the price might be on the higher side for a “cheap” category, and some users note it is somewhat heavy and bulky for a home projector. If you want a bright, sharp, easy-to-use 4K ultra short throw projector with good sound and smart features for movies, gaming, or family entertainment in a smaller space, this model is worth considering.