For gamers, screen size and immersion are everything, but not everyone has a dedicated theater room. That’s where short throw projectors come in. These specialized devices can cast a massive image from just a few feet away, eliminating shadows and fitting into tight spaces. This makes them perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, or any area where you want a cinematic experience without a long, empty wall.
When choosing a short throw projector for gaming, key specs like input lag, resolution, and brightness are critical. Low input lag ensures your controller inputs translate on-screen instantly, while high brightness maintains image quality in various lighting conditions. This roundup features ten of the best short throw projectors designed to deliver that immersive, responsive big-screen gaming experience you’ve been looking for.
Our Top Picks for Short Throw Gaming Projectors
- Optoma GT1080 1080p 3D DLP Short Throw Gaming Projector
- BenQ MW632ST Business Projector, 3200 Lumens, WXGA, Short Throw
- BenQ HT2150ST 1080P Short Throw Projector | 2200 Lumens
- ViewSonic PJD5553LWS 3200 Lumens WXGA HDMI Short Throw Projector
- Optoma GT1080Darbee Short Throw Projector for Gaming, Movies and Sports
- Epson Home Cinema 1060 Full HD 1080p 3,100 Lumens
- Optoma EH200ST Full 3D 1080p 3000 Lumen DLP Short Throw Projector
- Optoma GT1080HDR Short Throw Gaming Projector | Enhanced Gaming Mode
- BenQ TK700ST 4K HDR Gaming Projector | 16ms Low Latency, Short Throw
- BenQ TH671ST 1080p Short Throw Gaming Projector
Optoma GT1080 1080p 3D DLP Short Throw Gaming Projector
The Optoma GT1080 is a classic choice for gamers seeking a large screen in a confined space. Its standout feature is an extremely short throw ratio, capable of projecting a 111-inch image from just four feet away. This makes it ideal for rooms where you can’t place the projector far from the wall or screen.
With 2800 ANSI lumens, it maintains a bright picture even in rooms with some ambient light. The 1080p resolution and 25,000:1 contrast ratio provide clear, detailed visuals for both gaming and movies. It also supports 3D content, adding another dimension to your entertainment options.
BenQ MW632ST Business Projector
The BenQ MW632ST is a versatile short-throw projector built for business but capable for gaming. Its 3200 lumens of brightness is a significant strength, ensuring a vivid image that can handle well-lit environments. The WXGA resolution (1280×800) offers a widescreen format that works well for both presentations and gaming.
Durability is a key benefit, thanks to an impressive lamp life of up to 10,000 hours. This means you can game and watch content for years without worrying about replacement costs. It includes useful features like wireless connectivity and dual HDMI ports for easy setup with multiple devices.
BenQ HT2150ST 1080P Short Throw Projector
The BenQ HT2150ST is specifically tuned for home entertainment and gaming. It delivers native 1080p Full HD quality with accurate color reproduction, covering 96% of the Rec. 709 color space for realistic and vibrant images. With 2200 lumens, it performs well in controlled lighting.
For gamers, its specialized low input lag mode is a major advantage, providing a smooth and responsive experience. The short throw lens allows for a 100-inch screen from only three feet away, creating an immersive setup without requiring a large room. This combination makes it a strong contender for dedicated gaming spaces.
ViewSonic PJD5553LWS Short Throw Projector
The ViewSonic PJD5553LWS is a straightforward and reliable short-throw option with a focus on brightness and ease of use. Its 3200 lumens make it suitable for environments where you can’t completely darken the room, such as a living room or a classroom repurposed for gaming.
Setup is designed to be simple with a plug-and-play philosophy. It can project a large 120-inch image from just over four feet away. While geared towards business and education, its HDMI input and solid performance make it a practical, no-fuss choice for casual gaming and media viewing.
Optoma GT1080Darbee Short Throw Projector
The Optoma GT1080Darbee builds upon the popular GT1080 model by integrating DarbeeVision image enhancement technology. This processor is designed to sharpen details, improve texture clarity, and add depth to the picture, which can make game worlds look more realistic and defined.
It maintains the convenient short throw design, projecting 120 inches from four feet. For gaming performance, it features an enhanced gaming mode with a low 16ms input lag, helping to keep gameplay responsive. The 3000 lumens of brightness ensure the enhanced image remains clear and vibrant.
Epson Home Cinema 1060
The Epson Home Cinema 1060 uses 3LCD technology, which is known for producing bright colors and avoiding the “rainbow effect” some see with DLP projectors. With 3,100 lumens of equal color and white brightness, it delivers a consistently bright and colorful image suitable for various room conditions.
It offers versatile connectivity, including two HDMI ports (one with MHL for mobile devices), making it easy to connect multiple gaming consoles and media players. While not an ultra-short throw, its flexibility to create very large images up to 300 inches makes it a great home entertainment centerpiece.
Optoma EH200ST Short Throw Projector
The Optoma EH200ST is a professional-grade short throw projector that brings high performance to gaming. It can project a 100-inch image from a mere 3.5 feet, offering exceptional placement flexibility. Its 3000 lumens and high 20,000:1 contrast ratio combine for a punchy, dynamic picture.
It features all-digital connectivity for low latency, which is essential for real-time gaming. The inclusion of a VESA 3D sync port and full 1080p 3D support means it’s ready for three-dimensional content, providing an extra layer of immersion for supported games and movies.
Optoma GT1080HDR Short Throw Gaming Projector
The Optoma GT1080HDR represents a significant upgrade for gamers, featuring an incredibly fast 8.4ms response time at a 120Hz refresh rate in its enhanced gaming mode. This spec is ideal for fast-paced competitive games where every millisecond counts.
It also adds HDR10 compatibility (with a 4K input signal), which expands the range of contrast and color for more realistic visuals with brighter highlights and deeper shadows. The proven short-throw lens design continues to offer a 120-inch image from four feet away, perfect for space-constrained setups.
BenQ TK700ST 4K HDR Gaming Projector
The BenQ TK700ST is a premium option that brings true 4K resolution and HDR support to short-throw gaming. This means you get incredibly sharp, detailed images with a wider color and contrast range, making games look exceptionally lifelike and immersive.
Despite its high resolution, it maintains a focus on gaming performance with a low 16ms input lag. The short throw capability allows for a 100-inch screen from about 6.5 feet, giving you more placement options than a standard throw 4K projector. Its 3000 lumens ensure the 4K HDR image remains bright and impactful.
BenQ TH671ST 1080p Short Throw Gaming Projector
The BenQ TH671ST is a dedicated gaming projector that balances performance and value. It is engineered with a high 1080p resolution, high brightness, and a short throw lens tailored for gaming environments. This model is recognized for delivering a smooth and engaging big-screen gaming experience.
It typically features specialized gaming modes that optimize visual settings and reduce input lag for better responsiveness. The short throw design allows for a large picture from a short distance, making it a versatile choice for gamers who want to save space without sacrificing screen size or performance.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Short Throw Projector for Gaming
So you’re looking at the 10 best short throw projectors for gaming, but how do you pick the right one for your setup? I’ve been through this myself, and it comes down to a few key specs that make or break the experience. Let’s break it down so you can make a smart choice.
First, and most critical for gaming, is input lag. This is the delay between your controller input and the action appearing on screen. You want this number as low as possible. For fast-paced competitive games, look for a projector with a dedicated Game Mode that gets the lag under 30ms, or even into the teens. For single-player adventures, anything under 50ms is usually fine, but lower is always better. Don’t just trust the marketing; check detailed reviews for real-world lag measurements.
Next is brightness, measured in ANSI lumens. A brighter image means you can have some ambient light in the room without the picture looking washed out. For a dedicated dark home theater, 1500-2000 lumens can be enough. But if you have windows or lamps, aim for 2500 lumens or higher. Remember, a short throw projector sits close to the wall, so you’re not spreading light across a huge distance, which helps with perceived brightness.
Resolution is a big one. Full HD (1080p) is still great and more budget-friendly. But if you’re pairing with a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, you’ll want a 4K model to see all those fine details. Some projectors use pixel-shifting tech to achieve a 4K-like image, which is a good cost-effective middle ground. Also, check the refresh rate. While 60Hz is standard, finding a model that supports 120Hz can make games feel incredibly smooth.
Finally, think about the throw ratio. A true short throw projector typically has a ratio around 0.4 or less, meaning it can project a 100-inch image from just a few feet away. Ultra-short throw (UST) models sit almost against the wall. Consider your room layout: Do you have a shelf or table near the wall, or will the projector be mounted on the ceiling? This will determine which type of short throw is best for your space. Also, look for good lens shift and keystone correction features to make setup easier without degrading the image quality.
FAQ
Why is input lag so important for a gaming projector?
Input lag is the hidden killer of gaming fun. It’s the delay between you pressing a button and seeing the result on screen. In a fast-paced shooter or fighting game, even a few dozen milliseconds can mean the difference between winning and losing. A high-lag projector makes everything feel sluggish and unresponsive. That’s why when searching for the 10 best short throw projectors for gaming, I always prioritize models with a verified low input lag, preferably in a dedicated Game Mode.
Can I use a short throw projector during the day?
You can, but it’s a challenge. No projector loves direct sunlight. The key is ambient light control and brightness. A high-lumen short throw projector (3000+ ANSI lumens) paired with a high-gain or ambient light rejecting (ALR) screen will give you the best chance. For serious daytime viewing without blackout curtains, a very bright ultra-short throw model is often your best bet, as the ALR screens designed for them are highly effective.
What’s the difference between short throw and ultra-short throw?
It’s all about distance. A standard short throw projector might need 3 to 6 feet from the wall to create a 100-inch image. An ultra-short throw (UST) projector can do the same from just a few inches away, often sitting right on your media console. USTs are fantastic for avoiding shadows and keeping wires tidy, but they usually cost more and require a compatible ALR screen for the best performance, especially in lit rooms.
Do I need a special screen for a short throw projector?
You don’t need one, but you’ll get a much better picture with one. A plain white wall works in a pinch. However, a proper screen provides a smoother surface for sharper detail and better color. For ultra-short throw projectors, a special ALR screen is almost mandatory to combat ambient light and the “hot-spotting” effect that can happen with their extreme angle of projection. It’s a significant added cost but makes a huge difference.
Are short throw projectors good for competitive online gaming?
They can be, but you have to be very picky. Competitive gaming demands the absolute lowest input lag and high refresh rates. While many short throws are optimized for movies, a growing number are including serious gaming features. Look specifically for models that advertise a “Fast” or “Enhanced” gaming mode with input lag under 20ms and, if possible, 1080p @ 120Hz support. Always check third-party reviews to confirm these specs in real-world tests.