Due to the advent of technology, we are experiencing things that were unimaginable before. The best example here is the entertainment and the way professional work is being done in today’s modern world. Here we are referring to the invention of projectors.
By simply using a compact and portable device, you can turn your home into a theatre. Small televisions are no more used but, if you still own a small TV and want to enjoy excellent imagery right in the comfort of your home, invest in the best budget ultra-short-throw projector.
If you wish to play a game or watch a movie on a big size of the TV, remember that projectors work great with PCs, media players, and gaming consoles. These projectors also come in handy when you are hosting a movie night with friends or your family.
Rather than watching on a small and confined screen, you can create your home theatre using a high-quality, ultra-portable led projector. What impresses us the most is that the home theatre projector lets you stream from YouTube, Netflix, etc. so that you can easily play media content of your choice directly.
With an overwhelming variety of projectors in the market, you can easily get confused between which one to choose and which to leave. That is why we performed ample research and brought to you our best recommendations for the best short throw projectors in the industry.
All of the devices discussed below not only offer a great quality of the picture for perfect movie sessions and well-lit business meetings but gaming and educational purposes as well.
What is a Short Throw Projector?
As suggested by the name, it is the distance between the projector and the image produced on the projection screen. Therefore, the short throw projector means that the distance between these two areas is short.
Rewind a few years and you will find the long throw projectors everywhere that need to be placed pretty far away from the projection screen to get the best visuals.
Short throw projectors are nowadays used in many sectors such as the education sector and small business environments or professionalism. The main reason is that these devices help to create large images and diminish the shadows.
These projectors have an incredible ability to project accurate imagery even from a very short distance and therefore, provide vibrant and sharp, clear text and graphics.
In addition, the short-throw projectors are easy to carry out, therefore, are considered the best bets for people who frequently travel on business. Since these devices are designed for small rooms, home, and personal as well as to present your session, you won’t have to struggle to get the projection angles right.
These devices are provided a flat surface for projecting the images and videos, you just need to connect the projector to your laptop or with any device smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Run your presentation from any source and start presenting right from your workplace.
Short Throw vs. Ultra Short Throw Projector
The basic difference between the short throw and ultra-short throw projector is the distance from which the device projects visuals at the screen. For example, a short-throw projector is capable of projecting a 100-inch image from an average distance of 3-feet to 8-feet. Moreover, the throw ratio for these devices is recorded between the range of 0.4 to 1.0.
On the contrary, the ultra-short-throw projector can do the same job but, from a relatively less distance i.e., only 6 to 36 inches away from the projection screen. Therefore, the throw ratio of these devices stays below 0.4.
Lesser shadows, reduced glare, and better picture quality are a few of the many benefits an ultra-short-throw projector has over a short throw projector.
The best thing about these projectors is that you can find both types for under $500 hence are a great choice for people on a budget.
Best Short Throw Projector Under $500
In this section, we have mentioned the most-loved and Best Ultra Short Throw Projector Under 500 that you can buy for yourself. If you wish to compare each product based on its most prominent characteristics and price tag, the following comparison table is all you need to see.
| Sr.No | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ViewSonic M1 Portable | ● Wall mount ● WVGA (854x480p) ● 100-inch projection | Check Price |
| 2 | BenQ TH585 | ● Ceiling mount ● FHD (1920x1080p) ● 15,000hrs lamp life | Check Price |
| 3 | ASUS S1 Portable | ● Palm-sized ● WVGA (854x480p) ● 100-inch projection | Check Price |
| 4 | Optoma GT5600 | ● Wall/table mount ● FHD (1920x1080p) ● 3600 lumens | Check Price |
| 5 | WEMAX Nova | ● Table mount ● FHD (1920x1080p) ● 150-inch projection | Check Price |
| 6 | BenQ MW632ST | ● Ceiling mount ● WXGA (1280x800p) ● 3200 lumens | Check Price |
Let’s dive into the detailed review section of these products!
1.) ViewSonic M1 Portable LED Projector
Starting with the ultra-portable projector, our first product today is the ViewSonic M1. Packing in its plentiful features, the device proves to be an ideal partner for your outdoor excursion and camping trip due to its lightweight design. To find out more about why this projector is a considerable choice, keep reading.
Features:
The ultra-portable design is the reason why the device doesn’t occupy too much space in your home. It measures about 2 pounds in weight and is great for those who travel on business to make presentations. Due to high portability, you can move the projector in and out of the house to enjoy movies and photos.
When it comes to the display quality, the projector provides a rich and natural picture at a resolution of WVGA (854 x 480p). However, the M1 is likely to upgrade the resolution to either down-out the content i.e., 1920 x 1080p, or an even higher resolution of i.e., 720 x 480p.
The speaker’s output is clear and crisp without any distortions, thanks to the Dual Harman Kardon speakers that ensure room-filling multimedia audio.
Stream audio or any other smart gadget and wireless devices to enjoy unlimited entertainment via the highly flexible connectivity of the ViewSonic M1 projector. It includes all the necessary ports and options such as USB Type-C, USB Type-A, HDMI 1.4, microSD card port, and an aux-out port.
Performance:
Being the best portable short-throw projectors under $500, the device is equipped with a powerful 4000 mAh Li-ion chargeable battery. When the battery is entirely charged, it guarantees more than a massive 30,000 hours of operational life as well as 6 incredible hours of the total projection time on a single recharge. 
Note: You can also charge your smartphone from the projector using a USB Type-C cable when the device is plugged into a power source.
- 360-degree setup
- Consistent performance
- Colorful and beautiful visuals
- Highly portable
- Longer battery life
- Unsuitable for business purposes
Verdict:
2.) BenQ TH585 Entertainment Projector
Now it comes down to the best 1080p projector under 500 that is a great choice for students, businessmen, and professionals. Its magnificent contrast ratio is what makes the device stand out from others that helps you to experience Blu-ray as well as HD broadcasting and is perfect for home theatre and cinematic projects.
Features:
Featuring a very classic design with ceiling mount feasibility, the device is extremely light in weight and measures only 8.4 pounds. No matter if you want a projector for small-to-medium classrooms, conference rooms, and meeting rooms, this one will back you up in every situation. Additionally, these are compatible be used with any flat surface.
The bright and accurate projection of pictures and videos even in dim environments is due to an incredible contrast ratio of 10,000:1 and 3500 ANSI lumens. It also helps the device to project the blacks deeper and the hues more vivid. Whereas, the Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080p is why even small text characters are visible clearly in the projected imagery.
For authentic sound reproduction, the projector is integrated with 10-watt high-quality audio speakers. This versatile multimedia device is compatible with Chromecast, Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV for hassle-free operation.
The projector is compatible with many gaming consoles, such as Play Station 4, Xbox One X, Nintendo Switch, and Google Stadia, making it perfect for action-packed gaming sessions or fast-action sports events. Ports for connectivity include HDMI, USB Type-A, and an audio jack.
Performance:
Speaking of the performance, the energy-saving lamp features a LampSave mode which offers an extended lamp life of up to 15,000 incredible hours. Furthermore, the projector just requires 3 meters of space to produce highly immersive visuals on the projecting screen.
What attracts most of the buyers to the BenQ TH585 short throw projector is its 3-year warranty backup by the company which provides you with better peace of mind.
- 3300 lumens
- Brilliant contrast ratio
- SmartEco technology
- 3-year warranty
- Lacks HDR support
Verdict:
3.) ASUS S1 Portable Mini Projector
Need an excellent mini projector that offers an interactive experience and is passionate about the colors and textures of the images projected, you need to check out it ASUS S1 mini projector. Whether you want to get the finest cinematic experience and gaming views or enjoy your favorite movie, this one is surely one of the top choices for the best short throw projector under $500.
Features:
Talking about the design of this projector, as mentioned earlier, it is a mini projector weighing only 0.75 pounds, you can easily put it into the hands. Despite being a lightweight and compact projector, it serves the purpose with sheer excellence.
The WVGA resolution of 854x480p offers crystal-clear best picture quality whereas, the brightness level of 200 lumens is responsible to project bright visuals even in dim-light conditions. Even though it is a miniature device, you must not underestimate its capability to project at a huge screen of up to 100-inches.
In terms of connectivity, the decent port layout at the back of the device can be seen as, HDMI, a dedicated port for a power bank for charging your mobiles, power input, and a headphones jack.
To add more value to the imagery and presentations, the device delivers the best sound quality, thanks to the built-in Sonic Master Enhanced Speaker. It also has certain automatic features such as keystone corrections that are designed to express natural lights and colors without any distortions.
Performance:
The ASUS S1 doesn’t disappoint with its performance because it features a 6000 mAh embedded battery that works uninterruptedly for 3 hours. Moreover, the projector is integrated with DLP technology which ensures an enormous LED lifespan of 30,000 hours.
- Powerful battery
- High accuracy projections
- Great speakers
- Affordable pricing
- Ultra-portable mini projector
- The resolution could be better
Also Recommended : Best Mini Projector For MacBook Pro
Verdict:
4.) Optoma GT5600 Ultra Short Throw Projector
Up next we have the Best Ultra Short Throw Projector for Gaming Under $500, Optoma GT5600. Can’t wait to enjoy a movie night with your favorite company or want to challenge your friends in a video game on the big screen? The GT5600 has got you covered.
Features:
Measuring about 15 x 13.5 x 3.8 inches in dimensions and 8.7 pounds in total weight, this device is just another highly portable projector that can be used indoors as well as outdoors. Because of its lightweight, you can easily take a projector anywhere you want for accurate imagery.
With the 20,000:1 contrast ratio and 3600 lumens, the textures are more marked, graphics are clearer, and shadows are more detailed. However, the Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080p helps to make your pictures sharp so that the viewing experience is simply awesome.
The most amazing thing about this projector is that it allows you to enjoy 3D games, 3D broadcasting, 3D Blu-ray Disc players, and a lot more without even the slightest compromise on the image brightness or accuracy.
Since the projector works effectively with laptops, PC, and smartphones via VGA, HDMI, and USB, the manufacturers have added it all in it. For connectivity, the device offers HDMI, USB, VGA in and out, RJ-45, and an audio jack.
Performance:
4 hours of viewing time along with a lamp life of 15,000 hours, the projector makes sure it survives a longer run. Additionally, the device’s support for a high refresh rate of up to 144 Hz makes it the best projector for gaming and fast-action sports.
As mentioned earlier, it is an ultra-short throw projector which means that the machine can project a mighty 100-inch image while being as less far as 10.3 inches from the screen.
- 16W built-in speakers
- 15,000 hours’ lamp life
- Auto keystone
- Screen mirroring
- Exceptional contrast ratio
- Lacks 4K support
Verdict:
5.) WEMAX Nova Short Throw Projector
Here comes the best short throw 4k gaming projector under $500, the WEMAX Nova. It is an epitome of incredible features with absolute class and elegance reflected by its physical appearance.
Features:
This projector flaunts its award-wining design flawlessly and looks highly appealing to the eyes at first look. Its dimensions are 17.95 x 12.13 x 3.58 inches and the overall weight is relatively high i.e., 16.5 pounds. The WEMAX Nova is a tabletop mount projector that projects at a maximum size of 150-inches.
Fairly convenient with playing 4k gaming, its UHD 4K resolution is unbeatable by any other projector on our list. The mighty light source of 5000 lumens would produce bright enough visuals that even if you have an entire living room lights up when the projector throws up your favorite movies on the walls, the image would be clear.
Featuring Dolby audio 30W DTS HD speakers, the projector produces a crystal clear and unbeatable audio quality in indoor as well as outdoor situations. The device also comes loaded with pre-installed applications such as Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, etc. for you to stream the content directly through the projector.
When it comes to connectivity, the extensive range of options includes USB 2.0, HDMI 2.0, Ethernet port, and a headphones jack. Sync your stereo bar, gaming console, or soundbar using these ports.
Performance:
Integrated with industry-leading TI DLP display technology and ALPD 3.0, the projector displays clear, crisp, and detailed brilliant visuals, especially in well-lit environments. Whereas, the short-throw feature of this device makes sure that your eyes don’t feel stress hence, diffusing the light without lowering the visual quality.
- HDR10 display
- Dolby audio powerful speakers
- High FPS rate
- DLP display technology
- Heavier
- Less portable
Verdict:
6.) BenQ MW632ST Projector
With a combination of flawless visuals and easy operation, our last recommendation for the best short throw projector under $500 is the BenQ MW632ST. Just like other aforementioned projectors, this model is also stacked up with a vast variety of them that altogether account for the most amazing viewing experience.
Features:
At the dimensions of 11.3 x 9.15 x 4.5 inches, the device weighs about 5.7 pounds which makes it easily portable to anywhere you want. However, most people use it for business tasks and mount it on the ceiling for easier use. The projector is designed for literally any kind of environment therefore, is also ideal for use in school, for experience attending a meeting, or watching movies.
This model from BenQ projector projects visuals at WXGA resolution of 1280 x 800p with high contrast ratio and 3200 lumens for the brightness of images. Considering these features, the image projected is still pretty sharp, clear, and vivid in the bright lighting of the ambiance.
The 10-watts built-in speakers give the much-needed sound & effects to your presentation that is enough for a medium-sized conference or classroom. If you wish to enhance presentations with sound, you can connect an external stereo system via the audio out port.
On the back panel of the projector, you will see the following ports aligned, HDMI, USB Type-A, USB Type Mini B, S-video port, VGA, and an audio jack.
Performance:
The BenQ MW632ST is a great performer that ensures its long lifetime of up to 10 years because of its impressive lamp life of 10,000 hours.
- Lightweight
- Brighter images
- Eye-pleasing visual quality
- Heart-pounding sound
- Optical lens shift isn’t adjustable
Verdict:
Also Recommended : Best Projector Under $1000
Buying Guide For A Best short Throw Projector Under $500:
To find the best projector that comes into your budget, you are required to do some homework. Following are the important factors that you need to learn and keep in mind while looking for the best projector in your home under $500.
1.) Throw Ratio:
It is the foremost factor to look for as it helps you learn more about the image quality and clarity of a projector. Throw ratio is simply the ratio between throw distance and how wide the projected image is.
Here, ‘throw distance’ is the total distance between the lens of the projector and the image produced by the projector,
To get better throw quality on the screen to present, the short throw projector must have a throw ratio lying in the range; 0.38:1 to 1.4:1.
2.) Resolution:
The right resolution for your projector could only be determined when you have figured out the intent of use as well as the input supply quality. Many people struggle to find the best HD projector under 500 whereas, many wish to get the best 1080p short throw projector.
Remember, to enjoy DVD multimedia on a larger screen, a projector with 1280 x 720p resolution would be fine. However, for business or educational purposes, WXGA resolution with 1280 x 800p is great.
Lastly, if you desire to enjoy exceptionally sharp, clear ad crisp visuals while using a Blu-ray player, make sure to get a projector with a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080p.
3.) Lamp Brightness:
Buying a projector with good lamp power is important because the lamp brightness plays a significant role in producing brighter images to be viewed in any environment. Many professional projectors are integrated with exceptional lumens that ensure clear visuals regardless of the surrounding lights.
Note: The most effective lamp brightness is usually 3000-4000 or higher lumens.
4.) Connectivity:
While purchasing a projector, make sure the device has more than two ports and offers wide connectivity so that you can connect all the devices including the other complicated setups.
HDMI and USB must be present for charging different devices whereas, the Micro SD card slot that is helpful for the multimedia content is also a great selection. On the other hand, the wireless connectivity kit must at least include Bluetooth that allows you to pair your devices easily.
You can find many best short throw projectors under $500 that not only allows you to connect your TVs to a projector but help you connect Android and iPhone for presentation.
Note: WiFi or Miracast for mirroring a wireless functioning on the projector could be extremely useful too.
5.) Portability:
Projectors are available in several different sizes and weights but, when it comes to the short throw projector, it is better to look for a portable one. This will help you in taking the projector along with you anywhere to be used. You can easily find compact and lightweight models that easily fit inside your palm.
Final Words:
Out of many kinds of projectors, short-throw projectors are widely being used because of their incredible benefits. We hope that with the help of our guide, you have found the best short throw projector under $500 that meets your requirements.
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