Featured Projectors of 2025: Affordable, 4K, and Ultra-Short-Throw Options
Top Ultra-Short Throw Projectors for Home Cinema
In the realm of home entertainment, ultra-short throw projectors (UST) are quickly becoming a popular alternative to large TVs. These devices offer a bright and vibrant picture, with adept motion handling, making them an excellent choice for creating a cinematic experience at home.
One standout UST projector is the Epson QS100, a 4K PRO-UHD 3LCD laser projector that boasts 4,500 lumens brightness, excellent out-of-the-box color accuracy, and flexible calibration for high-end AV integration. Retailing around $4,999, it is noted for its superior brightness compared to competitors in its price range.
Another notable contender is the Hisense L9Q Trichroma Laser TV. This UST model delivers approximately 5,000 lumens and features a built-in 6.2.2-channel audio system, supporting multiple screen sizes up to 150 inches. It utilizes RGB laser technology and is priced around $5,999, ideal for bright room environments and immersive audio experiences.
The AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro is a premium 4K DLP projector with a triple-laser RGB light source covering 107% of BT.2020 color gamut and Dolby Vision support. It offers superior color volume but at a higher price point of about $5,999.
The Samsung Premiere 9 is a stylish UST projector that supports HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG with Filmmaker mode for accurate color and grayscale reproduction. It produces excellent images up to 130 inches from a very short throw distance and is noted for bright output and superb audio. It costs around £4,999 (~$6,000).
For those seeking projectors with gaming capabilities, the Formovie Theater Premium and JMGO O2S Ultra are RGB laser UST projectors with Dolby Vision HDR support. The Formovie offers low input lag (<18ms) making it great for gaming, while the JMGO features compact size and automatic picture calibration.
The Hisense PX3 Pro is positioned in the "good" tier for combination gaming and movies. It supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+, with decent brightness and 50W Harbon Cardon built-in speakers. It may require calibration for best color accuracy.
For those on a budget, the BenQ X3100i offers an Award-winning picture performance, with a focus on contrast and HDR sources. It also comes with a built-in media dongle featuring an operating system built on Android TV, offering access to a range of streaming apps including Netflix, Disney Plus, and Apple TV.
The JVC DLA-NZ800 delivers stunning details, balanced colors, and an authentic cinematic picture. It nails detail levels and even converted reviewers to being fans of 8K upscaling. Its colors are spectacularly rich and yet wholly natural, leading to a deeply engaging picture.
Lastly, the BenQ W1800 is the best entry-level 4K projector, offering a cinematic experience without being too expensive.
Building a home cinema setup is an involved and costly process. To complete the setup, consider checking out the best projector deals, best AV receivers, and best surround sound systems pages. Keep an eye out for upcoming projector reviews, including the Hisense PX3 and PL2 UST projectors, as well as a few portable projectors.
Remember, there are other projectors worth considering, such as the Xgimi Aura 2 UST, BenQ GP520, Sony Bravia Projector 8, and Epson EH-QB1000, but they did not make the main list.
As the home cinema market continues to grow, so does the variety of projectors available. With options like these, finding the perfect UST projector for your home cinema setup has never been easier.
- For those who value high-quality audio, pairing the Hisense L9Q Trichroma Laser TV with a good amplifier and speaker system would elevate the immersive audio experience in their home cinema setup.
- Users who are interested in the latest news and reviews about gadgets and technology should certainly check out the upcoming review for the Formovie Theater Premium and JMGO O2S Ultra RGB laser UST projectors.
- The Epson QS100, one of the standout UST projectors, offers excellent out-of-the-box color accuracy for those seeking superior color reproduction in their home cinema setup.
- Due to the high cost of building a home cinema setup, budget-conscious individuals might consider the BenQ X3100i, an award-winning projector that offers an affordable cinematic experience.
- The Hisense PX3 Pro is an excellent option for those seeking a balance between gaming and movie experiences, as it supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and has decent brightness and built-in speakers.
- For those who are passionate about high-fidelity audio and want to stream music in their home cinema, the AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro's support for Dolby Vision might be an attractive feature, as it enhances the overall audio and visual experience.
