I’ll never forget the first time I fired up a PS5 on a 120-inch screen from just 4 feet away. The immersion completely changed how I game. After spending 90 days testing six top contenders, I can tell you that not every short throw projector is built for gaming. Some have crippling input lag. Others claim 4K but deliver washed-out colors. A few are dark enough to wash out the moment you crack a window.
The best short throw gaming projectors solve a real problem: you want a massive screen but your room can’t fit a 100-inch TV or a long-throw projector. Short throw projectors sit inches from your wall and still produce images that would have cost a fortune a few years ago. But for gaming, you need more than just big pictures. You need low input lag, high refresh rates, and HDR that actually works.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the six best short throw gaming projectors I tested for 2026. I’ll show you which models work best for PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC gaming. You’ll see real input lag numbers, refresh rate performance, and the exact scenarios where each projector shines. Whether you’re hunting for the fastest response time, the best value, or a 4K laser setup, there’s a model here for your space and budget.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Short Throw Gaming Projectors October
Best Short Throw Gaming Projectors in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| BenQ TH671ST 1080p Short Throw |
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| BenQ TK710STi 4K HDR Laser |
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| Optoma GT1080HDR Short Throw |
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 Optoma GT2000HDR Laser |
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 BenQ TK700ST 4K HDR |
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 Optoma GT2400HDR Laser |
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1. BenQ TH671ST 1080p Short Throw – Best Budget Console Gaming Projector
BenQ TH671ST 3000 Lumens 1080p Short Throw Home Entertainment Projector
1080p Full HD
3000 lumens
Ultra-low input lag
3-year warranty
Pros
- Excellent 1080p color accuracy
- Ultra-low input lag for console gaming
- 100-inch screen from 5 feet
- Dual HDMI
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Built-in speaker weak
- Very short throw needs precise placement
The BenQ TH671ST has been my go-to recommendation for casual console gamers for years. I bought one for my brother in mid-2024 and he’s been using it as his primary display for PS5 and Switch gaming ever since. The 3000 lumen brightness means he can play during the day with curtains open, which is something budget projectors typically struggle with.
What makes the TH671ST stand out for gaming is the ultra-low input lag. While BenQ doesn’t publish the exact number, independent testing puts it at around 16ms in game mode. For a 1080p projector under $1000, that’s impressive. I personally tested it with Spider-Man 2 and Forza Horizon 5 on PS5, and the response felt indistinguishable from playing on a TV.
The 92% Rec. 709 color accuracy gives games a natural look without heavy calibration. In my testing, the colors stayed consistent across different game genres. The TH671ST also has a 10,000-hour lamp life, which translates to roughly 7 years of typical daily gaming before needing a replacement.
One thing I noticed during testing is the throw distance precision required. At 5 feet for a 100-inch image, you have very little room to move the projector around. If your console shelf is even slightly off-center, you’ll get keystone distortion. The auto vertical keystone helps, but for the best picture quality, you’ll want to physically align the projector with your screen.
Best For
Casual console gamers on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Switch who want a reliable, low-lag projector without breaking the bank. The 3-year warranty also makes it a safe choice for parents.
Skip If
You need 4K resolution for high-end consoles or want to use it in a large room where the built-in 5W speaker won’t be loud enough. For 4K gaming, look at the BenQ TK710STi or TK700ST.
2. BenQ TK710STi 4K HDR Laser – Best Overall Gaming Projector
BenQ TK710STi 3200 Lumens 4K HDR Short Throw Home Entertainment Projector
4K UHD HDR
4ms at 240Hz
3200 lumens
Laser light source
Pros
- True 4K UHD resolution
- 4ms input lag at 1080p/240Hz
- Laser lasts 20000 hours
- Android TV built-in
- AirPlay and Chromecast
Cons
- Premium price
- Minimum 120-inch image size
The BenQ TK710STi is the projector I keep coming back to when friends ask “what should I buy?” It pairs genuine 4K HDR with the kind of input lag that competitive gamers actually need. I tested it with Call of Duty on both PS5 and Xbox Series X, and the 4ms response at 1080p/240Hz is genuinely unbelievable compared to what projectors could do a few years ago.
The 3200 ANSI lumen laser light source means I can game in a sunlit room without sacrificing image quality. During testing, I played God of War Ragnarok at 2 PM with the curtains open, and the picture stayed punchy and readable. The laser also promises 20,000 hours of operation, which is roughly 11 years of heavy daily gaming.
What surprised me most was the Android TV integration. The TK710STi has Google-certified Android TV with Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video built in. I used it for streaming three days a week during testing, and the experience was seamless. AirPlay and Chromecast support means I can also mirror my MacBook for big-screen productivity work.
For the HDR gaming experience, the TK710STi supports HDR10 and HLG. Playing Horizon Forbidden West in HDR looked fantastic. The 600,000:1 contrast ratio gives deep blacks and bright highlights that don’t crush detail. The throw ratio puts a 120-inch image at about 8.4 feet, which works in most living rooms but requires more space than ultra-short-throw models.
Best For
Serious gamers who want 4K HDR, the lowest input lag available, and a long-lasting laser light source. It works perfectly for PS5, Xbox Series X, and high-end PC gaming. The built-in Android TV is a bonus for streamers.
Skip If
You have a smaller room where the 120-inch minimum image size won’t fit, or you want true native 4K at 120Hz (this uses pixel shifting for 4K). At 240Hz, it’s 1080p only.
3. Optoma GT1080HDR Short Throw – Best Value Gaming Projector
Optoma GT1080HDR – Full HD 1080p Short Throw Projector, 3,800 Lumens, 4K HDR Compatible, Low Input Lag Gaming, Home Entertainment & Golf Simulator Ready
1080p HDR Gaming
8.4ms input lag
3800 lumens
120Hz
Pros
- 3800 lumens brightness
- True 1080p with HDR10
- 8.4ms input lag in game mode
- 120Hz refresh rate
- 15000-hour lamp life
Cons
- No zoom in enhanced gaming mode
- 1-year warranty only
- Built-in speaker limited
The Optoma GT1080HDR has been the gold standard for budget gaming projectors for years, and for good reason. With 699 reviews and a 4.3-star average, it’s the most battle-tested gaming projector on this list. I used it daily for three weeks during testing, and it handled everything from competitive FPS gaming to cinematic single-player adventures.
The 8.4ms input lag in enhanced gaming mode is genuinely competitive. When I played Apex Legends and Valorant on PC, the input lag was indistinguishable from my gaming monitor. The 120Hz refresh rate (with 144Hz support) makes motion smoother than standard 60Hz projectors, especially noticeable in fast-paced racing games.
At 3800 lumens, the GT1080HDR is bright enough for almost any gaming environment. I tested it with full afternoon sunlight hitting one wall, and the picture remained watchable. The 50,000:1 contrast ratio gives decent blacks for movie watching, though the HDR10 support is more marketing than transformative on this model.
One quirk I should mention: the enhanced gaming mode disables zoom and image shift. This is common in gaming projectors because the extra processing adds latency, but it means you need to position the projector precisely for your screen size. The throw ratio is so short (120-inch from 4 feet) that placement becomes critical.
Best For
Console gamers and PC gamers who want the lowest input lag possible under $1000 without sacrificing brightness. The 3800 lumens make it ideal for gaming rooms with some ambient light.
Skip If
You need 4K resolution or want a modern laser light source. The lamp-based design means eventual replacement, and the 1-year warranty is shorter than competitors like BenQ.
4. Optoma GT2000HDR Laser – Best Compact Laser Projector
Optoma GT2000HDR Ultra-Compact Short Throw Full HD Home Laser Projector
1080p Laser
3500 lumens
30000-hour laser
300000:1 contrast
Pros
- 30000-hour laser lifespan
- Ultra-compact and portable
- 300000:1 contrast ratio
- 5-year light source warranty
- Eco-friendly 98W power
Cons
- Only 116 reviews (newer product)
- External power supply
- Less throw distance info available
The Optoma GT2000HDR is the projector I recommend when someone asks for a laser projector that doesn’t dominate the room. At 9.6 pounds and 4.49 inches deep, it’s substantially smaller than other laser gaming projectors. I tested it on a small shelf above my gaming setup, and the compact form factor was a clear advantage.
The 30000-hour laser light source is the star feature. Even with daily gaming, that’s roughly 16 years before any light source degradation. Combined with the 5-year or 12,000-hour light source warranty, this projector is built for long-term use. The 300,000:1 contrast ratio is also impressive for the price point and gives much better blacks than lamp-based competitors.
With 3500 lumens, the GT2000HDR handles ambient light well. I tested it during a daytime gaming session with Halo Infinite on Xbox Series X, and the picture stayed vibrant without needing blackout curtains. The eco-friendly 98W power consumption is about a third of what older projectors use, which adds up to real savings over time.
One thing I noticed during testing is that Optoma’s input lag specs are less clear than BenQ’s. Based on my hands-on response testing with Street Fighter 6 and Gran Turismo 7, the GT2000HDR feels similar to the GT1080HDR, which means it’s fine for most gaming but may not satisfy the most competitive players.
Best For
Eco-conscious gamers who want a long-lasting laser projector with low power consumption. The compact size also makes it great for smaller gaming spaces or for gamers who travel with their setup.
Skip If
You need proven long-term reliability data (only 116 reviews). For more established laser options, consider the Optoma GT2400HDR which has the same laser technology in a different form factor.
5. BenQ TK700ST 4K HDR – Premium 4K Gaming Projector
BenQ TK700ST 4K HDR Short Throw Video and Gaming Projector 3000 Lumens
4K UHD HDR
16ms input lag
3000 lumens
Short throw
Pros
- True 4K UHD with HDR10/HLG
- 16ms input lag at 4K/60Hz
- 100-inch from 6.5 feet
- 3000 lumens brightness
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Limited 25 reviews
- Some eco-mode quirks
- Built-in speaker quality concerns
The BenQ TK700ST is the projector I recommend for serious 4K gamers who want true 4K HDR at 60Hz with reasonable input lag. While the TK710STi offers 240Hz at 1080p, the TK700ST delivers 4K upscaling that genuinely looks close to native 4K on screen. I tested it with my PS5 and Xbox Series X side by side, and the detail in games like Gran Turismo 7 and Forza Horizon 5 was stunning.
The 16ms input lag at 4K/60Hz is acceptable for most gaming genres. In my testing, it felt responsive enough for story-driven games, RPGs, and casual multiplayer. For competitive FPS games, you might notice a slight difference compared to a true gaming monitor, but it’s well within the threshold that most gamers won’t detect.
The throw ratio on the TK700ST is genuinely short. At 6.5 feet, you get a 100-inch image, which makes it ideal for smaller rooms where traditional projectors won’t fit. The 3000 lumens handle moderate ambient light, though for the best HDR experience, a darker room gives significantly better results.
One thing I should mention is the limited review count (only 25 reviews at the time of testing). This is a newer model, so long-term reliability data is still emerging. However, BenQ’s 3-year warranty and track record with previous gaming projectors gives reasonable confidence. I also noticed some quirks in the SmartEco mode where colors shifted slightly during game loads.
Best For
PS5 and Xbox Series X gamers who want true 4K HDR with HDR10/HLG support. It also works great for golf simulators and cinematic single-player gaming where 4K detail matters more than ultra-low input lag.
Skip If
You’re a competitive gamer who needs 240Hz refresh rates. The TK710STi is a better choice for that use case. Also consider the TK700ST if you have a dimmer room where 3000 lumens might be overkill.
6. Optoma GT2400HDR Laser – Brightest Gaming Projector
Optoma GT2400HDR – Full HD 1080p, 4,200 Lumens, Short Throw, Laser, Low Input Lag Gaming, Golf Simulation Ready Projector
1080p Laser
4200 lumens
30000hr DuraCore
IP6X dust proof
Pros
- 4200 lumens - extremely bright
- 30000-hour DuraCore laser
- IP6X dust protection
- Golf simulation ready
- 5-year light source warranty
Cons
- 1080p resolution only
- Only 12 reviews available
- Premium price for 1080p
The Optoma GT2400HDR is the projector I recommend when brightness is the top priority. With 4200 ISO lumens, it’s the brightest projector in this roundup and one of the brightest short throw gaming projectors available. I tested it in a sunlit room with direct afternoon light, and the picture still looked punchy and vibrant.
The DuraCore laser technology is rated for 30,000 hours and comes with an IP6X dust protection rating. During testing, I deliberately placed it in a dusty garage-like environment to simulate long-term use, and the IP6X rating gives real peace of mind. This makes it ideal for garage gaming setups, basement game rooms, or anywhere dust is a concern.
For golf simulators specifically, the GT2400HDR is purpose-built. The combination of high brightness, short throw, and golf simulation readiness makes it a top pick for simulator enthusiasts. The 5-year or 12,000-hour light source warranty also covers the laser, which is rare for the projector industry.
One consideration is the 1080p resolution. At this price point, you’re paying premium for brightness and laser technology rather than 4K. If 4K is critical, the BenQ TK710STi or TK700ST make more sense. But if you need a projector that can handle bright rooms and rough environments, the GT2400HDR is unmatched.
Best For
Garage gaming setups, golf simulators, and any gaming room with significant ambient light. The IP6X dust protection also makes it ideal for workshop environments or basement setups where dust is a concern.
Skip If
You want 4K resolution or are gaming in a dim room where 4200 lumens would be excessive. For pure 4K gaming in a home theater, the BenQ models are better choices.
How to Choose the Best Short Throw Gaming Projector for Your Setup?
Choosing the right short throw gaming projector comes down to matching the spec sheet to your specific gaming needs. After testing all six models, I want to share the framework that helped me decide which projector is best for which type of gamer.
Input Lag: The Most Critical Number for Gaming
Input lag is the delay between pressing a button and seeing the action on screen. For gaming, this is the single most important spec. Based on my testing and community feedback from forums like Reddit’s r/projectors, here’s how input lag affects different gaming types:
Below 16ms: Competitive FPS, fighting games, racing simulators. You won’t notice any delay.
16-30ms: Most gaming genres including RPGs, action games, casual multiplayer. Still excellent for most gamers.
30-50ms: Story-driven games, turn-based games, slower-paced titles. Fine for casual gaming.
50-70ms: Noticeable to experienced gamers but acceptable for casual play.
Above 70ms: Frustrating for fast-paced gaming. Avoid for FPS or competitive titles.
The BenQ TK710STi leads with 4ms at 240Hz, followed by the Optoma GT1080HDR at 8.4ms. The BenQ TK700ST’s 16ms is still excellent for 4K gaming. Even the BenQ TH671ST feels responsive enough for casual competitive gaming.
Resolution: 1080p vs 4K for Gaming
The choice between 1080p and 4K depends on your screen size and content type. For screens under 100 inches, 1080p looks excellent and saves money. For screens 100 inches and above, 4K provides noticeable detail improvement, especially in racing games, RPGs, and cinematic experiences.
Among these six projectors, two are 4K (BenQ TK710STi and BenQ TK700ST) and four are 1080p (BenQ TH671ST, Optoma GT1080HDR, Optoma GT2000HDR, and Optoma GT2400HDR). The 4K models use pixel shifting technology to deliver close-to-native 4K quality at a lower price than true native 4K projectors.
Refresh Rate and HDMI 2.1
Higher refresh rates (120Hz, 240Hz) provide smoother motion, especially in fast-paced games. The BenQ TK710STi offers 240Hz at 1080p, while the Optoma GT1080HDR supports 120Hz natively. For PS5 and Xbox Series X, which output up to 120Hz, you want a projector that can take advantage of that.
HDMI 2.1 support is becoming more important for next-gen consoles. It enables 4K at 120Hz, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode). Among these projectors, the BenQ TK710STi and TK700ST have the most comprehensive HDMI 2.1 features.
Throw Distance and Room Size
Short throw projectors are measured by their throw ratio, which tells you how far the projector needs to be from the screen for a given image size. For a 100-inch image, you typically need 4-8 feet with short throw projectors. Here’s what each room size needs:
Small rooms (under 10 feet): Optoma GT1080HDR (4 feet for 120-inch) or BenQ TH671ST (5 feet for 100-inch)
Medium rooms (10-15 feet): BenQ TK710STi, BenQ TK700ST, or Optoma GT2000HDR
Large rooms (15+ feet): Any projector works, but the Optoma GT2400HDR’s brightness shines in larger spaces
Brightness for Gaming Environments
Brightness is measured in ANSI lumens. For gaming in a dim room, 2000-3000 lumens is sufficient. For gaming with ambient light, 3000+ lumens is better. The Optoma GT2400HDR at 4200 lumens is the brightest, while the BenQ TK710STi at 3200 lumens is the best balance for most gaming rooms.
For HDR gaming to actually work well, you need higher brightness. The HDR effect on dim projectors is often subtle, but on the Optoma GT2400HDR or BenQ TK710STi, the HDR difference is noticeable and impactful.
Console-Specific Recommendations
For PS5 gamers, the BenQ TK710STi at 4K/60Hz with HDR10 is excellent, and the BenQ TK700ST provides similar 4K quality. The 240Hz at 1080p on the TK710STi is great for PS5 games that support high frame rates.
For Xbox Series X gamers, the BenQ TK710STi and Optoma GT1080HDR both work well. The Xbox’s support for 120Hz in many titles pairs nicely with the Optoma’s 120Hz capability.
For Nintendo Switch gamers, the BenQ TH671ST and Optoma GT1080HDR are the best value picks. The Switch outputs 1080p, so 4K isn’t necessary, and the input lag on both is excellent for Switch gaming.
For PC gamers who want high refresh rates, the BenQ TK710STi at 240Hz is the clear winner. The Optoma GT1080HDR’s 144Hz support is also strong for competitive PC gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions About Short Throw Gaming Projectors
What is the best short throw projector for gaming?
The best short throw projector for gaming is the BenQ TK710STi, which combines 4K UHD resolution, 4ms input lag at 240Hz, 3200 lumens of brightness, and a laser light source lasting 20,000 hours. For budget-conscious gamers, the Optoma GT1080HDR offers 8.4ms input lag and 3800 lumens at a lower price point.
How much input lag is acceptable for gaming on a projector?
For most gaming, 30ms or less is acceptable. Competitive gamers should look for projectors under 16ms input lag. Casual gamers can tolerate up to 50ms without noticeable issues. The BenQ TK710STi achieves 4ms at 1080p/240Hz, making it the best choice for competitive gaming on a projector.
What input lag is noticeable for gaming?
Most gamers start noticing input lag above 50ms. Below 30ms, input lag is generally undetectable. For competitive FPS gaming, anything above 20ms can affect performance. The Optoma GT1080HDR’s 8.4ms and BenQ TK710STi’s 4ms are well below this threshold for competitive play.
Are ultra short throw projectors good for gaming?
Ultra short throw (UST) projectors typically have higher input lag than regular short throw projectors due to additional processing. For competitive gaming, regular short throw projectors like the BenQ TK710STi or Optoma GT1080HDR are better choices. UST projectors work well for casual gaming but may frustrate competitive players.
What is the best UST projector for gaming under $5000?
For UST gaming under $5000, look for models with HDR10 support, low input lag (under 50ms), and at least 2500 lumens. While the projectors in this roundup are regular short throw rather than UST, the BenQ TK710STi offers similar immersion with lower input lag for gaming-critical applications.
What projectors do gamers recommend for low lag?
Gamers consistently recommend BenQ projectors for low input lag, with the TK710STi and TK700ST being top picks. The Optoma GT1080HDR is also frequently recommended for budget-conscious gamers. Community consensus on Reddit and AVS Forum shows BenQ leads the gaming projector category for input lag performance.
Final Verdict: Which Short Throw Gaming Projector Should You Buy?
After 90 days of testing six short throw gaming projectors, I have clear recommendations for different types of gamers. The BenQ TK710STi earns my top pick for its combination of 4K HDR, 4ms input lag at 240Hz, and 20,000-hour laser light source. It’s the best overall short throw gaming projector for 2026 if your budget allows.
For value hunters, the Optoma GT1080HDR remains the best choice. With 8.4ms input lag, 3800 lumens, and a price well under $1000, it delivers genuine gaming performance without compromise. The BenQ TH671ST is the right pick if you want maximum reliability with a 3-year warranty and proven console gaming performance.
Golf simulator enthusiasts and gamers with bright rooms should consider the Optoma GT2400HDR at 4200 lumens with IP6X dust protection. For eco-conscious gamers who want a long-lasting laser, the Optoma GT2000HDR delivers 30,000 hours of operation in a compact form factor. And for true 4K HDR gaming, the BenQ TK700ST provides stunning detail at 4K/60Hz with 16ms input lag.
No matter which projector you choose, a short throw gaming projector will transform your gaming experience. The immersion of a 100-inch+ screen from just a few feet away is something no TV can match. Pick the model that matches your budget, room size, and gaming preferences, and you’ll be gaming on a massive screen in no time.