10 Best Short Throw Projectors UK 2022 | Optoma, Epson and More

With fast-developing technology, many projectors these days are capable of functioning at shorter distances from the projection surface. Any projector capable of displaying a 100-inch focused image on a surface less than 3 metres away is considered a short throw projector. 

These are generally preferred for home cinemas as they won't require as much space to achieve a large screen size. If you are hoping to set up a projector in a small room or looking for a versatile option that can be used practically anywhere, a short throw device could be perfect. 

1. Check the Resolution, Brightness and Contrast Ratio
2. Check the Internal Speaker Is Powerful Enough 
3. Decide Between a Wired or Wireless Device
   

One of the biggest considerations when purchasing a projector is the picture quality, so checking the resolution is key. If you want the highest quality on the market, look out for a 4K projector.

These tend to be the most expensive, so a good second choice is 1080p. A 1080p resolution will still be able to display high-definition images and videos, but they are often much cheaper than 4K models. In general, you should avoid resolutions under 720p since this is the lowest requirement for HD projection. 

If you're looking for a projector that can be used during the day, you'll have to check the brightness to ensure the picture will be visible. For clear projections in full daylight, you will need to choose a brightness of 2000 lumen or higher. 

1000-1500 lumen projectors are also suitable for bright spaces, but you may need to take additional measures to improve visibility. Blackout curtains should take projections on a 1000-1500 lumen projector to the next level. 

If you just plan on using your projector for movie nights and won't be switching it on during the day, a lower brightness should be sufficient. Just keep in mind that anything under 500 lumen will only be suitable for nighttime use. 

The final factor affecting picture quality is the contrast ratio. This determines the scale of bright to dark throughout any given image on the screen. For example, if the ratio is 1000:1, the white parts of the image will be 1000 times brighter than the black parts. 

For this reason, higher contrast ratios produce sharper, richer, more detailed images. A minimum of 1000:1 should be sufficient for casual viewing but if you're a film fanatic or an avid gamer and visuals are important, opt for the highest ratio within your budget.

Pair with a streaming device for all the best channels.

Most modern projectors come with built-in speakers so you can stream audio and video from the same device. If you're planning on setting up external speakers, you won't need to worry about your projector's sound quality. But, if you intend to use the inbuilt speakers, you should check the output wattage to ensure it's sufficient.

3 - 6 watt speakers tend to be suitable for most users, as they produce substantial and dynamic audio. For large rooms, however, a higher wattage would be preferable, as the sound will carry better from a more powerful speaker. Anything below 3 watts tends to be cheaper, but it can be difficult to hear - even in small rooms.

Upgrade your sound setup with a TV sound bar. 

Checking the power supply and media connections will also help you determine if it will meet your requirements. A battery-powered wireless model will be your best bet if you plan on taking your projector outdoors for campsite movie nights and garden parties. This will allow you to set up anywhere, but you'll need to ensure the device is sufficiently charged before trips. 

Wired projectors tend to have higher brightness and speaker quality thanks to the additional power offered by AC power cables. Choosing a wired projector doesn't necessarily mean you'll be tied down to one spot, but moving to different locations with these devices is a little more complicated. 

As well as the power supply, the media capabilities will differ for wired vs wireless models. USB and HDMI slots are tried and tested methods that are great for linking up consoles, DVD players and streaming devices. For wireless streaming, look for a projector with Bluetooth, WiFi, or smartphone mirroring technology such as Miracast or Chromecast.

Try a portable projector for movie nights on the go.

For those after a quick look, here is our Top 5:

1. Epson - Android TV Edition 3LCD, 4K PRO-UHD for £2389.00
2. Optoma - CinemaX P2 for £1799.00
3. Samsung - The Premiere for £2699.00
4. ViewSonic - 4K UHD Gaming Projector for £853.02
5. ViewSonic - Short Throw Smart Portable LED Projector for £1199.00

For a more in-depth look at the comprehensive top 10 selection, make sure to read on to learn more about the different types of jeans for tall women available and understand how our ranking was determined.

This article's chosen EC site price listings are reflective of its publishing date.

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.

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Written and researched by Alicia Byrne