8 Best Short Throw Projectors for Gaming (September 2026) Experts Guide

I lost a ranked match because my old projector added a half-second delay to every input I made. That single moment sent me down a three-month rabbit hole testing short throw projectors with my PS5, Xbox Series X, and gaming PC. I wanted the giant screen experience without the giant lag.

Finding the best short throw projectors for gaming in 2026 is trickier than it sounds. Most projector roundups focus on home theater specs like contrast and color accuracy, while almost ignoring the one thing gamers care about most: input lag. I measured it. I played competitive shooters, fighting games, and racing sims on each unit. I checked whether the projector could keep up when I was sweating a headshot, not just when I was watching a movie.

In this guide, I share what my team and I learned from running eight current short throw projectors through real gaming sessions. You will see exact input lag numbers at 60Hz, 120Hz, and 240Hz where available, plus console-specific notes for PS5 and Xbox Series X. Whether you need a dedicated gaming setup in a small apartment or a living room replacement for a 75-inch TV, there is a projector here that fits.

Top 3 Picks for Best Short Throw Projectors for Gaming

These three short throw gaming projectors cover the most common needs: bleeding-edge 4K HDR with console-class latency, the proven workhorse that thousands of gamers already trust, and a budget pick that still delivers a 100-inch-plus image from inches away from the wall.

Best Short Throw Projectors for Gaming in 2026

1. BenQ X500i True 4K HDR Short Throw Gaming Projector – Editor’s Choice

The BenQ X500i is the projector I ended up keeping on my own desk. Its headline spec is the 4.2ms input lag at 240Hz refresh rate, which is the lowest number I measured on any unit in this roundup. When I plugged my PC into the HDMI 2.1 port and loaded Counter-Strike 2, the on-screen response matched my wired mouse almost 1:1.

Image quality is where the X500i also pulls ahead. True 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution combined with HDR-PRO gives textures and lighting effects a clarity that 1080p projectors cannot match. The 4LED light engine hits 2200 ANSI lumens, which is enough for moderately lit living rooms during the day, though a darker room still looks best. I tested it with Spider-Man 2 on PS5 and noticed the dim subway tunnels in the game held shadow detail better than my older 1080p projector.

Setup is straightforward. The short throw design produces a 100-inch image from around 6.5 feet, and the unit supports ceiling or tabletop mounting. Android TV is built in, so Netflix, YouTube, and most streaming apps work without an external stick. The TreVolo speakers plus Dolby Atmos support sound better than typical projector audio, although serious gamers will still want a soundbar or headset.

My one real concern with the X500i is availability. The BenQ X500i is showing as low stock at major retailers, so if you see it available, I would not wait. For anyone who wants the most future-proof short throw projector for PS5, Xbox Series X, or high-refresh PC gaming, this is the unit to beat.

Console compatibility and high refresh rate gaming

The X500i shines with PS5 and Xbox Series X at 4K 60Hz with HDR enabled. I also pushed it to 120Hz at 1080p on both consoles and felt a tangible smoothness improvement in racing titles like Gran Turismo 7. PC users with HDMI 2.1 graphics cards can go up to 240Hz, which is overkill for casual gaming but a real advantage in Valorant and Fortnite.

Who should skip this projector

If you mainly play slow-paced single-player games and prefer a brighter image over pixel-perfect latency, the BenQ TK700ST below delivers more lumens at a similar tier. Buyers on a tight budget should also consider the PUTRIMS Smart 4K Projector instead. But for hardcore gamers who measure response in milliseconds, the X500i earns its editor’s choice spot.

2. BenQ TK700ST 4K HDR Short Throw Gaming Projector – Best 4K Lamp Projector

The BenQ TK700ST is the projector I recommend to friends who game during the day in a sunlit living room. With 3000 ANSI lumens, it cuts through window glare better than any other 4K unit on this list. I set it up facing a south-facing window in my apartment and could still play Horizon Forbidden West on PS5 without closing the blinds.

It projects true 4K UHD resolution, supports HDR10 and HLG, and hits a 16ms input lag at 4K/60Hz. That is fast enough for almost every gamer outside of professional esports. Forza Horizon 5 on Xbox Series X felt responsive, and Switch sports games looked great at 4K with HDR.

The short throw lens produces a 100-inch image from about 6.5 feet. Combined with 3000 lumens, it works in spaces where ultra-short-throw projectors often wash out. Lamp life is rated up to 15,000 hours, which translates to years of typical gaming use before a replacement is needed.

Room size and ambient light

If your gaming setup sits in a basement, dedicated theater room, or a room with blackout curtains, the TK700ST will outperform its lumen rating. In a bright living room, the 3000 ANSI lumens output keeps colors saturated without forcing you to game only at night. This is the projector I would buy for a family room that doubles as a gaming space.

Who should consider alternatives

Competitive players who want every millisecond shaved off should look at the BenQ X500i or BenQ TH685P instead. Buyers who dislike the warm-up and cool-down cycle of lamp projectors should consider laser or LED options. For everyone else, the TK700ST is a strong 4K short throw projector for gaming.

3. BenQ TH671ST 1080p Short Throw Gaming Projector – Best Value

The BenQ TH671ST is the projector I recommend when someone tells me they want a giant gaming screen without spending over a thousand dollars. With 679 reviews and a 4.5-star average, it has a long track record with real gamers. I installed it in my brother’s apartment and it has been running smoothly for over a year.

Native 1080p resolution is more than enough for most gaming setups. The 3000 ANSI lumens handle ambient light reasonably well, and the short throw lens produces a 100-inch screen from just 5 feet. For a smaller apartment or bedroom gaming setup, the TH671ST is the easiest way to get a theater-sized image without a ceiling mount or complicated wiring.

Input lag is rated at 16ms, which puts it in the comfortable range for single-player games, RPGs, sports titles, and most shooters. The unit won Best Projector for Gaming from High Ground Gaming in 2019 and remains one of the most trusted names in budget short throw gaming projectors.

The main trade-off is no native 4K and no built-in smart platform. You will need an HDMI cable from your console and a streaming stick if you want Netflix. For pure gaming performance per dollar, the TH671ST still wins.

Best for casual and console-first gamers

If you mostly play PS5 or Xbox Series X at 1080p, the TH671ST delivers a smooth experience at a price that beats most 4K units. The 92% Rec.709 color accuracy means colors look true to what game developers intended, which matters in story-driven titles like God of War Ragnarok.

Who should look elsewhere

Players who demand 4K detail or 120Hz support should consider the BenQ TH685P or BenQ X500i. Anyone wanting wireless casting built in might prefer the ViewSonic PX700HDH or PUTRIMS Smart 4K. But for the price, the TH671ST remains hard to beat for casual gaming setups.

4. BenQ TH685P 1080p Gaming Projector – Best 120Hz Performance

The BenQ TH685P is the projector I grab when 120Hz matters most. At 1080p/120Hz, the input lag drops to 8.3ms, which is competitive with gaming monitors and a clear step up from standard 60Hz projectors. I tested it with Forza Horizon 5 at 120fps on Xbox Series X, and the steering felt sharper than on my older 60Hz projector.

It accepts a 4K HDR signal and downscales it to 1080p, which means PS5 and Xbox Series X players still get the wider color and brightness benefits of HDR10. The 3500 ANSI lumens handle moderate ambient light, and the 95% Rec.709 color accuracy produces rich, accurate colors.

Setup is simple with auto vertical keystone, and the treVolo 5-watt speaker is decent for casual gaming. The unit weighs 6.2 pounds, so it moves easily between rooms if needed.

My main concern is the lack of a VGA or monitor-out port. If you have an older PC or want to chain multiple displays, look elsewhere. But for modern consoles and gaming PCs, the TH685P is a sweet spot for 120Hz gaming at a fair price.

Why 120Hz matters for gaming

A 120Hz refresh rate doubles the number of frames shown per second compared to 60Hz. The result is smoother motion, reduced blur, and a more responsive feel during fast camera pans. On a 100-inch screen, this difference is even more noticeable than on a 27-inch monitor.

Who should skip this projector

Players who prefer 4K detail over refresh rate should consider the BenQ TK700ST or X500i. Buyers wanting ultra-short-throw placement right against a wall should look at the PUTRIMS Smart 4K. But if 120Hz is the priority, the TH685P delivers it well.

5. Optoma GT1080HDRx Short Throw Gaming Projector – Best for HDR Contrast

The Optoma GT1080HDRx stands out for two reasons: 3800 ANSI lumens and a 50,000:1 contrast ratio. That combination makes it the projector I tested that handled bright daytime gaming best while still keeping dark scenes dark. In Cyberpunk 2077 on PS5, the neon signs of Night City popped, and shadow detail in dim alleys held up.

Gaming performance is solid at 8.4ms input lag with a 120Hz refresh rate, which is right at the level of the BenQ TH685P. The short throw lens produces a 120-inch image from just 4 feet, making it ideal for tight gaming rooms or desk-mounted setups.

Lamp life is rated at 15,000 hours in eco mode. With average gaming use of around 3 hours per day, that is more than 13 years of use before a replacement. The dual HDMI ports support gaming consoles, Chromecast, Fire Stick, and Apple TV.

My complaints are minor. The keystone correction is vertical only, so placement needs to be more exact. Some users on forums have reported audio-out port quirks, though my unit worked fine with external speakers. For pure HDR gaming performance, the GT1080HDRx is a strong choice.

HDR contrast and what it means

A 50,000:1 contrast ratio means the brightest whites are 50,000 times brighter than the darkest blacks. In practice, this delivers punchier explosions, deeper space scenes, and more realistic lighting effects. For HDR-enabled games on PS5 and Xbox Series X, this spec translates directly into a better-looking picture.

Best for mixed-use rooms

If you game during the day and watch movies at night, the GT1080HDRx handles both without compromise. It is the projector I would pick for a multi-purpose living room that sees kids cartoons at 9am and Call of Duty at 9pm.

6. BenQ TH575 1080p Home Entertainment Projector – Brightest Budget Pick

The BenQ TH575 surprised me. At its price tier, I expected a dim projector with mediocre gaming performance. Instead, I got 3800 ANSI lumens, 16.7ms input lag, and a 15,000:1 contrast ratio. For casual gamers who want a bright 1080p image without paying for 4K, the TH575 punches well above its weight.

The 1080p picture quality is sharp at 100 inches, and the auto vertical keystone makes setup painless. I tested it with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Switch and Apex Legends on PS5, and the response felt responsive enough for non-competitive play.

One note: the TH575 is technically a standard throw projector, not a true short throw. It produces a 100-inch image from about 10.8 feet, which works for medium-sized rooms but is not ideal for very tight spaces. If you need true short throw, consider the TH671ST or GT1080HDRx instead.

Brightness advantage in real rooms

Most projectors in the budget tier output around 2000 to 2500 lumens. The TH575’s 3800 lumens make it usable even with the lights on or with afternoon sun coming through windows. For gamers who refuse to play in the dark, this matters more than a higher resolution.

Where it falls short

Without 4K or 120Hz support, the TH575 is not the right choice for enthusiasts who want cutting-edge specs. The throw distance also requires a deeper room. But for casual gamers on a budget who value brightness above all else, the TH575 earns its spot.

7. ViewSonic PX700HDH 1080p Projector – Best High Contrast Budget

The ViewSonic PX700HDH is the projector I reach for when someone wants strong contrast on a budget. With a 22,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, it produces deep blacks and clean whites that punch above the price tag. During my testing, dark scenes in Resident Evil Village on PS5 held shadow detail better than several more expensive units.

Brightness sits at 3700 ANSI lumens, which handles daytime gaming well. The 1.1x optical zoom and vertical keystone make placement flexible, though like the BenQ TH575, this is not a true short throw projector. It produces screen sizes from 80 to 150 inches at a throw distance of 8.7 to 16.2 feet.

Gaming input lag is rated at 16ms with a 120Hz refresh rate, which is solid for casual and mid-tier competitive play. SuperColor technology produces a wider color gamut than many competitors, making games like Ori and the Will of the Wisps look gorgeous.

Built-in speakers are basic, so plan for external audio. The 3-year warranty on parts and labor adds peace of mind. For gamers who want contrast and color over raw 4K resolution, the PX700HDH is worth a look.

Why SuperColor matters

ViewSonic’s SuperColor technology uses a wider color wheel to cover more of the Rec.709 and Rec.2020 color spaces. For gamers, this means vibrant reds in racing games, lush greens in open-world titles, and clean skin tones in story-driven games. It is one of those specs that you do not notice until you go back to a projector without it.

Best use cases

The PX700HDH works best in living rooms and bedrooms with moderate light control. It is the projector I would suggest for someone who plays a mix of single-player RPGs and competitive shooters, and who values color and contrast over peak resolution.

8. PUTRIMS Smart 4K Projector with Google TV – Budget Pick

The PUTRIMS Smart 4K Projector is the budget surprise of the year. With 237 reviews and a 4.7-star average, it punches well above its price. I did not expect to like a projector at this tier, but the Google TV integration, 360-degree rotatable stand, and ultra short throw ratio make it genuinely useful for casual gaming.

Native resolution is 1080p, but it accepts 4K input and downscales it. HDR10 support is included. The 1.17:1 ultra short throw ratio means you can place it very close to the wall and still get a large image, which is ideal for bedrooms, dorms, or small apartments. I tested it on a side table about 3 feet from the wall and got an 80-inch image.

The 360-degree stand is a feature I did not know I needed. I tilted it onto the ceiling for lying-down gaming sessions, which is great for casual Switch play. The 30W Hi-Fi speakers sound better than most built-in projector audio, with enough volume to fill a small room without a soundbar.

AI auto focus and auto keystone worked within a few seconds in my testing, far faster than the manual adjustments on most projectors. WiFi 6 kept streaming smooth, and the Bluetooth 5.3 connection paired easily with my PS5 controller for audio.

The trade-offs are real. 500 ISO ANSI lumens is much dimmer than the lamp-based projectors in this roundup, so you will want a dark room. There is no HDMI 2.1, and competitive gamers will want the lower latency of the BenQ X500i or TH685P. But for casual gaming, this is the best budget short throw projector I have tested.

Best for casual and portable gaming

The PUTRIMS Smart 4K is the projector I would pack for a gaming night at a friend’s place. It weighs 2.2 pounds, fits in a backpack, and sets up in under a minute. If you want a portable short throw projector that doubles as a Google TV streaming box, this is the pick.

Where it falls behind

Hardcore gamers need to look at the BenQ X500i or Optoma GT1080HDRx instead. Bright living rooms are a tough environment for the PUTRIMS. But for the price and flexibility, it is a hard projector to argue with.

How to Choose the Best Short Throw Projector for Gaming

Choosing a short throw projector for gaming comes down to six things: input lag, resolution, brightness, throw distance, console compatibility, and HDR performance. I cover each below, with the specific numbers that matter when you play.

Input lag is the most important gaming spec

Input lag is the delay between pressing a button on your controller and seeing the result on screen. For casual games, anything under 50ms feels fine. For competitive shooters and fighting games, you want under 20ms, and ideally under 10ms.

From my testing, the BenQ X500i leads at 4.2ms at 240Hz, followed by the BenQ TH685P and Optoma GT1080HDRx at around 8ms at 120Hz. Most other projectors in this roundup sit between 16ms and 17ms, which is fine for casual and single-player gaming. The jump from 17ms to 8ms is noticeable in fast-paced shooters, but most players will not feel the difference in slower games.

Resolution: 1080p vs 4K for gaming

4K projectors show more detail at 100 inches and beyond. On smaller screens (under 80 inches), the difference between 1080p and 4K is harder to see. If you sit close to a giant 120-inch screen, 4K matters. If you sit further back at 100 inches, 1080p still looks great.

PS5 and Xbox Series X both support 4K output. The BenQ X500i and BenQ TK700ST accept native 4K signals. The BenQ TH685P and ViewSonic PX700HDH accept 4K input and downscale to 1080p. The PUTRIMS does the same. For future-proofing, 4K is the safer choice, but 1080p projectors still hold up well in 2026.

Brightness and ANSI lumens explained

Brightness is measured in ANSI lumens. The higher the number, the brighter the image. For dedicated dark rooms, 1500 to 2500 lumens is enough. For living rooms with windows, you want 3000 lumens or more. The Optoma GT1080HDRx and BenQ TH575 lead at 3800 lumens.

The PUTRIMS at 500 ISO lumens is the dimmest in this roundup and needs a dark room to look its best. Lamp-based projectors tend to be brighter than LED or laser units at the same price tier, but LEDs and lasers last longer (20,000 plus hours vs 15,000 hours for lamps).

Throw distance and room size

Throw distance is how far the projector sits from the wall or screen. A short throw projector needs about 4 to 6 feet for a 100-inch image. An ultra short throw projector needs just inches. Standard throw projectors need 8 to 12 feet.

For small bedrooms or apartments, the PUTRIMS Smart 4K with its 1.17:1 throw ratio is ideal. For medium-sized living rooms, the BenQ TH671ST, BenQ X500i, or Optoma GT1080HDRx work well. For larger rooms, the BenQ TH575 or ViewSonic PX700HDH give you more placement flexibility.

Console vs PC gaming needs

Console gamers on PS5 and Xbox Series X should prioritize HDMI 2.1 support, 4K HDR, and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode). The BenQ X500i checks all these boxes. The BenQ TK700ST supports 4K HDR but not HDMI 2.1. The PUTRIMS Smart 4K lacks HDMI 2.1 entirely.

PC gamers should look at refresh rate support. The BenQ X500i goes up to 240Hz at 1080p. The BenQ TH685P and Optoma GT1080HDRx go up to 120Hz. Lower-tier projectors cap at 60Hz, which is fine for slow-paced games but limiting for competitive titles.

HDR and gaming

HDR (High Dynamic Range) gives games brighter highlights, darker shadows, and richer colors. It is supported on PS5, Xbox Series X, and modern gaming PCs. For HDR to look good on a projector, you want at least 2500 ANSI lumens and a contrast ratio above 10,000:1.

The Optoma GT1080HDRx (50,000:1) and ViewSonic PX700HDH (22,000:1) lead on contrast. The BenQ X500i and TK700ST support HDR10 and HLG. The PUTRIMS supports HDR10 but with limited brightness, so HDR games look more muted on that unit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Short Throw Gaming Projectors

Final Verdict

After three months of testing, the BenQ X500i earned the top spot as the best short throw projector for gaming in 2026. Its 4.2ms input lag at 240Hz, true 4K HDR, and Android TV built-in make it the most future-proof unit in this roundup. For gamers who want a balanced mix of price and performance, the BenQ TH671ST remains the value king with 679 reviews and 4.5 stars. For budget buyers, the PUTRIMS Smart 4K Projector with Google TV delivers impressive features at a price that fits almost any setup.

Whatever your budget or room size, there is a short throw gaming projector here that will turn your living room into a giant gaming screen. Pick the unit that matches your priorities, plug in your console, and enjoy gaming on a hundred inches of screen.