Unlike the older days when projectors were only found in movie theaters, they are now used in different places including most small/studio apartment living spaces but more specifically in small rooms. The evolution of technology has resulted in ultra-short throw and short throw projectors becoming more popular.
What was once the domain of large movie rooms now only requires a few feet or inches even for a true high-definition image to be projected effectively and effortlessly. Unlike other projector options, short-throw projectors fall in a niche category that is still evolving. Despite this being the case, the short-throw projectors are capable of delivering value, and we look at a few of the best options that work exceptionally well in small rooms.
Our Recommendations
- LG HF85JA Ultra Short Throw CineBeam Projector – Best Overall
- Optoma EH200ST – Best In Color Vibrancy
- BenQ MW632ST WXGA Short Throw Projector – Best Easy-To-Use Projector
- Optoma GT750ST Short Throw Gaming Projector – Best In Contrast Ratio
LG HF85JA Ultra Short Throw CineBeam Projector
Intro
This projector shines in more than one aspect and is one of the best projectors for tiny rooms. Boasting a (1920 x 1080) Full HD Resolution, the LG HF85JA delivers vivid imagery within an extremely short distance (approximately 17-inches) of the projection surface. It features a brightness level of 1500 lumens, a remarkable 150,000:1 contrast ratio that works cohesively to provide users with a remarkable movie theater experience. As an LG Smart TV Enabled projector, users can enjoy content from some of the popular providers. The projected image can cover a 90” to 120” diagonal picture screen, which is more than ideal for small rooms. Additionally, users get close to 20,000 hours of viewing time, six picture modes, a 58 Millisecond input lag, two inbuilt 3-watt speakers, 2 HDMI ports, and Bluetooth audio output.
Pros
- The projector requires very little mounting space.
- The fan is surprisingly quiet, and it becomes even quieter when the projector is used in Eco mode.
- The projector’s lamp is long-lasting and can last for up to ten years before it needs replacing.
- It has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Cons
- The projector is affected by ambient light, and as such, it is recommended that it be used in extremely dark rooms.
Optoma EH200ST
Intro
The Optoma EH200ST is a digital light processing projector that brags a brightness level of 3000 lumens and can project a 100-inch image from as close as 3 feet away. Its native contrast ratio sits at 20,000:1 and adds to the visual impact of images being projected. With VESA 3D capability and a 1080p full HD resolution, as well as a 0.5:1 throw ratio, users will not be disappointed by this projector because the imagery and colors are vibrant, bright, and life-like. Moreover, the projector has two HDMI ports with one which is MHL enabled, Kensington lock port, 12V out, USN Mini-B port, and stereo audio out port. Finally, users can connect their devices using the wireless connectivity option, and connect Chromecast, game consoles, laptops, Roku, smartphones, and several other digital devices.
Pros
- Users can project directly from their phones or tablets.
- It can be used in rooms that are not particularly dark as the 3000 lumens brightness can cut through some ambient light.
Cons
- The projector is slightly bulkier when compared to other short-throw projectors.
- The projector’s lens has a low zoom ratio
- Setting up the projector can be somewhat daunting.
BenQ MW632ST WXGA Short Throw Projector
Intro
Classrooms, small conference rooms, and training rooms are examples of some of the small rooms that can benefit from having the BenQ MW632ST projector as it projects crisp, bright, and large images from a short distance on a screen as large as between 60-inches to 120-inches. The projector has a high native contrast of 13,000:1, WXGA resolution (1280×800), and is equipped with a brightness level of 3200 ANSI lumens. All these elements work cohesively to ensure the clarity of displayed images and that all the fine details are captured accordingly. The BenQ MW632ST projector has most of the digital connectivity options including 2 HDMI ports one of which is MHL supported, two VGA ports, USB Type-A port, amongst other things.
Pros
- Projector light does not bleed out of the projector, which allows users to focus on the projected images.
- The projector’s lamp life can last for up to 10,000 hours in eco mode.
- Setting up the projector is easy and straightforward as users have to plug and play simply.
- In comparison to other projectors, the BenQ MW632ST is exceptionally quiet.
Cons
- The projector takes quite some bit of time to turn on and off.
Optoma GT750ST Short Throw Gaming Projector
Intro
Even though it is touted as a gaming projector, the Optoma GT750ST is a small, powerful short-throw lens projector that can be used for other purposes aside from gaming. Boasting a high contrast ratio of 20,000:1, 700 ANSI lumens, Rec709 color accuracy, auto keystone amongst other feature users get razor-sharp, well-focused images that are incredibly bright with life-like colors. This projector fitted with DLP technology has HDMI connectivity, 720p HD resolution, and a 17millisecond response time. Finally, it is capable of projecting images from 32 inches away, and it has an inbuilt media player.
Pros
- The LED lamp can last for up to 20,000 hours, which makes this an easy maintenance device as the lamp does not need frequent replacement.
- The projector is fitted with a wireless feature, and it also supports iOS, Android, and Windows devices that enable users to mirror their screens onto the projector screen.
Cons
- The projector’s fan is annoyingly loud, especially when it is used for long periods.
Conclusion
Among the most commonly used devices, their use is not about to slow down as people find new ways to apply the projector. All the above projectors have unique feature sets that help them stand out from the crowd, which is why we included them here. When choosing a projector for a small room or an apartment, it is advisable that you consider one that meets your needs. The ideal projector for your small room is one that can cast an image as large as a widescreen TV from 6-inches or less.
