Our Top Picks

●       ViewSonic PS600X 3500 Projector - Best for Overall

●       ABOOLON 4K Projector - Best for System

●       Optoma GT780 Projector - Best for Installation

●       BenQ 3D Projector - Best for Performance

Best Short Throw Projector Under 500 (In-depth Reviews)

Now you can experience your preferred TV programs and sports events on a large screen without spending more money. Explore our review to discover the best short-throw projectors under $500.

#1. ViewSonic PS600X 3500 Projector - Best for Overall

ViewSonic PS600X 3500 (link)

Important Specifications

Product Dimensions

9.29 x 4.53 x 11.5 inches

Connectivity Technology

HDMI

Item Weight

5.73 pounds

Product Highlights

As a new user of the ViewSonic PS600X 3500 Projector, I must say that I am impressed with its performance. It is a short-throw projector, which means it can be close to a wall. So it is perfect for my small room.

Besides, I don't worry about moving furniture around to set up my home theater system. Image quality is another standout feature of this projector. At first, I was skeptical, but the many functions on the remote let me tweak the settings.

The result is a clear picture that has enhanced my viewing experience. Besides, even in brightly lit rooms, the picture quality is still at the highest level.

Before making this purchase, I spent countless hours researching various projector options, but I only came to know about the ViewSonic PS600X 3500 when researching DLP.

I'm glad I did since it offers many features compared to competing brands. Besides, the setup is easy as there is no complicated procedure, plug and play.

Besides, this projector offers a lot of versatility. I'm talking about distance and projection size and +/- zoom. I'm glad I could adjust the projector to meet my needs without hassle.

The most impressive thing I discovered is that this projector produces eye-catching colors. I can see everything come true.

Even my wife was amazed at the clarity of the picture when we compared it to our LG 65" UHDTV. Hence, we used the ViewSonic PS600X 3500 projector instead of the TV!

Finally, I also appreciate that this projector has horizontal and vertical keystones. I needed a projector for a 4:3 image diagonally 80" from 4 feet away.

I also needed an offset of about 16", and this projector does that perfectly. It is a great purchase!

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What We Like

●       High performance

●       Compact and lightweight

●       High image quality

●       There is a remote control

●       Easy setup

Things To Consider

●       Hard to adjust keystone

#2. ABOOLON 4K Projector - Best for System

ABOOLON 4K Projector (link)

Important Specifications

Product Dimensions

10.6 x 9 x 4.7 inches

Connectivity Technology

HDMI, AV, USB, VGA, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

Item Weight

5.7 pounds

Product Highlights

As someone who has owned several projectors, I was skeptical when buying the ABOOLON 4K Projector. But I am very impressed after using it for a few days.

I highly recommend this projector uses LCD technology. So it does not require expensive and hot bulbs like some other projectors. In addition, the projector system can operate instantly and is surprisingly quiet.

Another impressive aspect of this projector is its brightness and color saturation. When comparing side-by-side with my $1,000 Epson projector, the ABOOLON projector has more vivid colors.

Besides, its resolution is also superior as it is a 4K projector compared to my Epson, which only has 1080p.

Moreover, the sound quality of this projector is excellent. Therefore, I often use it for business meetings or watching movies. While I connect it to my AV system, the sound quality is a plus.

Besides, the projector itself is a regular size. It's not too heavy, either. Thus, I appreciate its design. It also comes with a carrying case.

In addition, the package also includes the remote control, HDMI cable, AV component adapter cable, lens cleaning tool, and instruction manual. Many ports are available, including two HDMI, USB, VGA, AV, and LAN.

One feature that I particularly like is that this projector uses auto power. So I can use it outside the US without any problems.

I don't see the product description mentioning this feature, but it certainly adds to the overall value of the projector.

Besides, it can stream content over Wi-Fi to Apple and Android devices. This feature is helpful to me because I often stream content from my phone or tablet. The setup process is also easy.

In terms of build quality, this projector is solid. But it doesn't seem to last as long as my Epson. This limitation is justified because it is cheap.

But, for the price, this projector is an excellent value. So I plan to keep it as a spare or replacement for my other projectors.

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What We Like

●       System works fast

●       High-quality brightness and saturation

●       Wonderful sound

●       Automatic power supply

●       Good connectivity

Things To Consider

●       Shorter lifespan than some expensive projectors

#3. Optoma GT780 Projector - Best for Installation

Optoma GT780 Projector (link)

Important Specifications

Product Dimensions

9.61 x 12.44 x 4.25 inches

Connectivity Technology

HDMI, VGA, USB-A

Item Weight

6.61 pounds

Product Highlights

As a cinema enthusiast and a lover of outdoor movie nights, I recently purchased the Optoma GT780 projector. I must say, it exceeded my expectations.

This projector is the best projector for installation that I have come across. Vertical keystone correction ±40° and digital zoom 0.8 – 2.0x have allowed me to place the projector flexibly in any environment.

This feature has made my outdoor movie nights more enjoyable than ever.

Besides, ±40° vertical dome correction allows me to adjust the projector vertically. Thus, I get perfectly aligned images. I have placed the device off the center of the screen many times, but it still works fine.

On the other hand, digital zoom allows me to adjust the image size to fit my needs. Therefore, I do not need to move the projector back and forth. Now I can comfortably sit back and enjoy my movies.

Regarding image quality, this projector is 3800 lumens. It means it is pretty bright. So I can easily watch movies even with ambient light.

Also, the picture quality is sharp, and the colors are vibrant. I was surprised that the picture quality was excellent while I projected the image on an inexpensive screen.

Another feature that I like about this projector is the short throw capability. I have limited space in the backyard; this projector has a throw ratio of 0.8 – 2.0.

Therefore, it can project large images from a short distance. This feature helps me set up my outdoor movie night in a small space.

In short, it's the best product that has made my backyard movie nights even more enjoyable. Flexible placement options, excellent image quality, brightness, and short throw all contribute to this the best installation projector I've has.

If you are looking for a projector that is easy to set up and delivers high-quality images, I recommend the Optoma GT780 projector.

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What We Like

●       Flexible installation

●       High-quality image

●       Good zoom feature

●       Suitable for outdoor use

●       Good brightness and sharpness

Things To Consider

●       Quite heavy

#4. BenQ 3D Projector - Best for Performance

BenQ 3D Projector (link)

Important Specifications

Product Dimensions

9.15 x 11.31 x 4.5 inches

Connectivity Technology

VGA, USB, HDMI

Item Weight

‎8.1 pounds

Product Highlights

So far, I'm impressed with this projector and wanted to share my thoughts. The first thing that stood out to me about the BenQ 3D Projector was its brightness.

With a brightness of 3000 ANSI lumens, images are bright and clear, even in well-lit rooms. It is a plus as I often project onto surfaces, not for projection. Besides, having a bright image makes it easier for me to work.

Second, the short throw feature is also a big selling point for me. It allows me to create an image with a diagonal of 80" 39 inches from the surface.

So I have more flexibility with image placement and size. This feature is helpful when I work in tight spaces or project onto unique surfaces.

Third, the 13000:1 contrast ratio is another feature that I appreciate. It makes the colors and details in the image stand out.

Thus, it adds an extra level of visual interest to my projections. Also, it creates a more immersive experience for the viewers.

Besides that, I love the amount of input it has. I have all the connectivity options I could need. So, I connect to many devices and switch between them as needed.

The lamp life of up to 10000 hours is also a great feature. It means I will not change the lights for a long time. This benefit is essential to me because I use the projector frequently.

In short, I think the BenQ 3D Projector is the best choice for anyone looking for a high-performance projector at a reasonable price.

It has all the features I need for projection mapping, including brightness, short distance, and multiple input types. I can confidently say that the BenQ 3D Projector is an upgrade over my previous projector.

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What We Like

●       High performance

●       Work well in tight spaces

●       High contrast ratio

●       Easy connection

●       Long filter life

Things To Consider

●       Bulky

FAQs

What Are Short-Throw Projectors?

A short-throw projector can project a large image from a short distance from the screen or surface.

Are Short-Throw Projectors Preferable To Super Short-Throw Projectors?

Short-throw or ultra-short-throw projectors are preferred depending on the specific needs.

Ultra-short throw projectors can project even larger images from even shorter distances. But they can be more expensive than short-range projectors.

Is A Projector With A Short Throw Superior To Others?

A projector with a short throw can outperform others in certain situations. For example, when space is limited or the projector needs to be close to the screen or surface.

Is 1000 Lumen Output Enough For A Projector?

A luminous flux power of 1000 may be sufficient for some situations. But it may not be bright enough for other cases.

The appropriate flux power depends on several factors. They can be the screen size, the surface, and the ambient light in the room.

Conclusion

A short-throw projector is the best choice for those who want to enjoy a big-screen experience. Meanwhile, you do not have to sacrifice space.

My best short throw projector under 500 recommendations offers value for money. With great features, these projectors meet many needs, from home entertainment to business presentations.

Also, I recommend the ViewSonic PS600X 3500 Projector if you still haven't found the one you like. It offers a high brightness level of 3500 lumens. So it is the best choice for use in bright environments.

Now choose the best short-throw projector under $500 that suits your needs!