The Best Long-Throw and Short-Throw Projectors

Projectors are an essential part of modern entertainment, education, and business presentations. Whether you’re setting up a home theater, organizing a business meeting, or hosting a classroom lesson, the type of projector you choose plays a crucial role in your experience. When selecting a projector, throw distance is one of the most important factors to consider. Understanding the difference between long-throw and short-throw projectors can help you make an informed decision based on the size of your space, desired image quality, and viewing preferences.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best long-throw and short-throw projectors, the differences between them, and how to choose the right projector for your needs.

What is Throw Distance?

Throw distance refers to the distance between the projector and the screen or surface onto which it projects an image. The throw ratio is the measurement that tells you how large the image will be based on the distance from the screen. In simple terms, the throw distance determines whether the projector will work best in a small, medium, or large space.

• Long-Throw Projectors: These projectors require a larger distance from the screen to produce a large image. They are best suited for large rooms, auditoriums, or outdoor spaces.
• Short-Throw Projectors: Short-throw projectors can create a large image from a relatively short distance. They are ideal for smaller rooms or places with limited space.

Long-Throw Projectors: Best for Large Spaces

Long-throw projectors are traditionally used in spaces where you have a lot of room to work with. They provide a sharp, clear image over large distances and are typically used in professional settings such as auditoriums, conference rooms, or home theaters with large walls. If you have a large room and need a big, immersive image, a long-throw projector might be your best choice.

Benefits of Long-Throw Projectors:

• Ideal for Large Spaces: Perfect for large conference rooms, home theaters, and auditoriums.
• Higher Brightness: Long-throw projectors often have higher brightness levels (measured in lumens), which make them suitable for bigger spaces where the screen is farther away and ambient light needs to be overcome.
• Better Image Quality at Distance: These projectors are designed to maintain sharpness and color accuracy over long distances, offering excellent picture quality.

The Best Long-Throw Projectors

1. Epson Pro EX9220
   • Resolution: Full HD (1920×1080)
   • Brightness: 3,600 lumens
   • Throw Ratio: 1.38 – 2.04
   • Key Features: The Epson Pro EX9220 offers Full HD resolution, making it perfect for presentations, watching movies, or gaming in large rooms. Its high brightness of 3,600 lumens ensures clear, vibrant images even in well-lit spaces.
   • Connectivity: HDMI, USB, Wireless, and Miracast compatibility
   • Best For: Home theaters, classrooms, large conference rooms.
2. BenQ TH671ST
   • Resolution: Full HD (1920×1080)
   • Brightness: 3,000 lumens
   • Throw Ratio: 1.50 – 1.65
   • Key Features: The BenQ TH671ST is designed with high brightness and a long throw ratio, making it a great choice for projecting large images at a distance. It features HDR support, which enhances color accuracy and sharpness, especially in darker scenes.
   • Connectivity: HDMI, USB, and VGA ports
   • Best For: Movie lovers, gamers, and large living rooms.
3. Optoma UHD50X
   • Resolution: 4K UHD (3840×2160)
   • Brightness: 3,400 lumens
   • Throw Ratio: 1.21 – 1.59
   • Key Features: For those seeking a true 4K experience, the Optoma UHD50X offers ultra-high-definition resolution and a high brightness rating, making it an excellent choice for large home theaters. Its long throw ratio ensures that it delivers sharp and clear images even at longer distances.
   • Connectivity: HDMI, USB, and LAN
   • Best For: Home theaters and high-end movie setups.

Short-Throw Projectors: Best for Small to Medium Spaces

Short-throw projectors are designed to work well in smaller rooms or spaces where there is limited space between the projector and the screen. These projectors can produce large images from a very short distance, making them perfect for home setups where you want to avoid throwing shadows or disrupting the image due to close proximity.

Benefits of Short-Throw Projectors:

• Ideal for Smaller Spaces: Great for home offices, small classrooms, and compact home theaters where space is limited.
• Reduced Shadows: Since the projector sits closer to the screen, it reduces the chances of shadows or people blocking the image during presentations or movie viewings.
• Easy Setup: Short-throw projectors are much easier to set up, especially when wall space is limited.

The Best Short-Throw Projectors

1. Epson Home Cinema 2250
   • Resolution: Full HD (1920×1080)
   • Brightness: 2,700 lumens
   • Throw Ratio: 0.61
   • Key Features: The Epson Home Cinema 2250 offers Full HD resolution with high brightness, making it perfect for smaller rooms and apartments. The short-throw capability allows you to set it up close to the wall or screen for a large image without requiring a long distance.
   • Connectivity: HDMI, USB, and built-in streaming apps (like Netflix and YouTube)
   • Best For: Compact home theaters, smaller living rooms, and apartments.
2. ViewSonic PX706HD
   • Resolution: Full HD (1920×1080)
   • Brightness: 3,000 lumens
   • Throw Ratio: 0.69
   • Key Features: The ViewSonic PX706HD is a short-throw projector that allows you to project large, vibrant images even in small rooms. It features 3D compatibility and game mode, making it a great choice for both movie lovers and gamers.
   • Connectivity: HDMI, USB, and VGA ports
   • Best For: Gaming, home theaters, and smaller spaces.
3. BenQ GS2
   • Resolution: 1080p (Full HD)
   • Brightness: 500 lumens
   • Throw Ratio: 1.2
   • Key Features: The BenQ GS2 is a highly portable short-throw projector that is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. It is water-resistant and drop-resistant, making it ideal for on-the-go entertainment, outdoor movie nights, or backyard barbecues.
   • Connectivity: HDMI, USB, wireless screen sharing
   • Best For: Outdoor movies, portable entertainment, and small indoor rooms.
4. Optoma GT1080HDR
   • Resolution: Full HD (1920×1080)
   • Brightness: 3,800 lumens
   • Throw Ratio: 0.5
   • Key Features: The Optoma GT1080HDR offers a super short-throw ratio of 0.5, allowing you to project big images in tight spaces. It supports HDR and 4K input for a high-quality viewing experience, ideal for gaming and watching movies in small rooms.
   • Connectivity: HDMI, USB, and audio output
   • Best For: Small home theaters, gaming, and tight spaces.

Choosing the Right Projector for Your Needs

When selecting between a long-throw or short-throw projector, consider the following factors:

1. Room Size: If you have a large room or need to project images onto a very large screen, a long-throw projector will be your best bet. For smaller rooms, a short-throw projector will provide a bigger image from a closer distance.
2. Brightness Requirements: If you need to combat ambient light, long-throw projectors often have higher lumens, which can help create vibrant images even in bright rooms. Short-throw projectors typically have slightly lower brightness levels but can still perform well in darker rooms.
3. Setup Flexibility: Short-throw projectors are great for setups where you want to minimize shadows or space constraints. If you need a projector that can be placed near the screen or wall, short-throw projectors are ideal.
4. Budget: Long-throw projectors tend to be more affordable, especially for larger image sizes, while short-throw projectors can sometimes be priced higher due to the specialized optics and technology involved.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a long-throw projector for large venues or a short-throw projector for compact home setups, both options have their unique advantages. Long-throw projectors are perfect for creating large, clear images over a significant distance, while short-throw projectors excel in tight spaces and offer flexibility with setup.

Ultimately, the best projector for you depends on your space, needs, and budget. By carefully considering factors such as room size, brightness, and projector placement, you can find the perfect fit to enhance your viewing experience, whether you’re hosting a movie night or delivering a business presentation.