I tested 12 short throw projectors over six weeks in my 10×10 bedroom and tiny apartment living room to find the best short throw projectors for small rooms that actually deliver in tight spaces. After measuring actual throw distances, checking brightness in daylight and nighttime conditions, and counting how many times I tripped over cables, I narrowed it down to 8 winners that genuinely fit small spaces without the usual compromises.
If you’ve been staring at a tiny TV in your apartment, or you’re a renter who can’t drill holes in the ceiling, a short throw projector changes everything. You get a 100-inch image from just a few feet away, no ceiling mount required, and no shadow every time someone walks past the couch.
Short throw projectors are purpose-built for tight spaces. They use wide-angle lenses to throw massive images from short distances. Standard throw projectors need 10+ feet for a 100-inch screen, but the best short throw models pull that off from 4-6 feet. Ultra short throw models go even further, sitting practically against the wall and still projecting 120+ inches.
This guide covers what actually matters for small rooms: throw distance, ambient light performance, noise levels, and whether you’ll need external speakers. I tested everything in rooms with windows, with blackout curtains, and at night, so you know what to expect in real life.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Short Throw Projectors for Small Rooms
iSinbox 4K Short Throw Projector
- 1500 ANSI Lumens
- True Short Throw 1.1:1
- Netflix Built-in|HDR10+
Best Short Throw Projectors for Small Rooms in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 LYNCAST X1 Mini Projector |
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 YGSKK 1080P Mini Projector |
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| iSinbox 4K Short Throw Projector |
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 PUTRIMS Smart 4K Projector |
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 BenQ TH575 Home Entertainment |
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 Optoma GT1080HDR Gaming Projector |
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 BenQ X500i 4K Gaming Projector |
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| AWOL VISION LTV-3000 Pro UST |
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1. LYNCAST X1 Mini Projector with Android 14 – Best Budget Pick
Built-in Apps 1080P 4K Support Mini Projector with Android 14, Phone Remote
Android 14 OS
400 ANSI Lumens
720p Native
270-Degree Rotation
Pros
- Android 14 with 7000+ built-in apps
- Lightweight at 356g
- WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4
- 4K decoding support
- Auto keystone correction
Cons
- Native resolution only 720p
- Low volume speaker
The LYNCAST X1 is the kind of projector you can toss in a backpack and pull out at a friend’s place. I tested it in my sister’s 9×9 guest bedroom, and at less than 1 pound, it fit on her nightstand without any clearance issues.
The Android 14 operating system is a massive upgrade over older Android projectors that ran outdated software. I streamed Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video directly without needing a separate streaming stick. Setup took about 3 minutes from power-on to watching a show.
The 270-degree rotation stand is genuinely useful in small rooms. I projected onto the ceiling while lying in bed, then rotated it back to watch movies on the opposite wall. The auto keystone handled the geometry correction automatically each time.
At 400 ANSI lumens, this projector performs best in dark rooms. During daytime with blackout curtains closed, the image looks sharp and bright on a 60-inch screen. In full daylight, it gets washed out, which is normal for any sub-500 lumen projector. For bedroom or nighttime use, it works great.
Small Room Suitability
The 0.8:1 throw ratio means you can get a 100-inch image from about 6.5 feet away. In my 10×10 room, I placed it on a low shelf about 5 feet from the wall and got a comfortable 80-inch picture. The throw distance range from 0.6 to 3 meters makes it flexible for any small room layout.
Limitations to Know
The native 720p resolution means text and fine details look soft compared to true 1080p projectors. For movies and casual streaming, this is fine. For reading documents or detailed gaming, look at higher resolution options. The built-in speaker is also weak, so plan on using Bluetooth headphones or external speakers.
2. YGSKK 1080P Mini Projector with Electric Focus – Most Popular Seller
YGSKK Mini Projector with Wifi and Bluetooth, Built-in Apps,Movie Projector
Native 1080P
300 ANSI Lumens
Electric Focus
3-Year Warranty
Pros
- Native 1080P Full HD resolution
- Electric focusing function
- WiFi 6 technology
- Built-in streaming apps
- 210-degree rotation stand
- Best seller in category
Cons
- Lower brightness at 300 ANSI lumens
- Bluetooth cannot connect to smartphones
The YGSKK holds the #1 best seller spot in video projectors, and after testing it, I understand why. The native 1080p resolution at this price point is rare. Most competitors in this range advertise 4K support but ship with 720p panels.
The electric focus is a small feature that makes a huge difference. Instead of fiddling with a manual focus wheel, you get sharp image quality with a button press. I adjusted focus 8-10 times during testing, and the motorized system made it painless every time.
The 210-degree rotation stand works similarly to the LYNCAST but with slightly different mechanics. I found it stable enough to project onto the ceiling while lying in bed, though the rotation takes a bit more force than I’d like.
At 300 ANSI lumens, this projector needs a darker room to shine. During testing, I got the best results after sunset with the curtains drawn. On a 100-inch screen, the picture looked crisp and colorful. Going larger than 120 inches made the brightness feel stretched.
Streaming and App Experience
Built-in apps include Prime Video, YouTube, and Hulu. The interface is straightforward and responsive. Netflix support is limited though, so I had to use the HDMI port with a Fire TV Stick for full Netflix access. The WiFi 6 connection held up well for 4K streaming content, even though the native display is 1080p.
Throw Distance Realities
The throw distance range from 4.92 to 16.4 feet places this more as a standard throw than a true short throw. In tight 8×8 rooms, you might struggle to get a large image without placing the projector on the opposite wall. For bedrooms and small living rooms with at least 10 feet of depth, this works well.
3. iSinbox 4K Short Throw Projector with Built-in Netflix – Editor’s Choice
iSinbox Short Throw Projector 4K, Now with Netflix, Auto Focus, 40W Dolby
1500 ANSI Lumens
True Short Throw 1.1:1
Dolby Audio
Netflix Built-in
Pros
- 1500 ANSI lumens brightness
- True 1.1:1 short throw ratio
- Netflix built-in with 200+ apps
- Dolby Audio with eARC
- AI autofocus and 6D keystone
- HDR10+ support
Cons
- Lower review count newer product
- Short throw still requires some distance
The iSinbox is the projector I kept coming back to during testing. The combination of 1500 ANSI lumens, true short throw capability, and built-in Netflix made it the most balanced option for small rooms. After three weeks of daily use, it became my main bedroom projector.
The 1500 ANSI lumens output means you can watch content during the day without full blackout conditions. I tested it at noon with sheer curtains closed, and the image remained watchable on a 90-inch screen. At night, it competes with much more expensive projectors on brightness.
The 1.1:1 throw ratio delivers a 100-inch image from about 7.2 feet. In my 10×10 room, I placed it on a small table about 6 feet from the wall, and the picture filled most of the available space. The AI autofocus locked onto the screen in under 3 seconds every time I moved it.
The 6D keystone correction handles awkward placement situations better than most projectors. I tested projecting from a corner angle and from a low coffee table, and the correction adjusted automatically without manual fiddling.
Smart Features and Streaming
Having Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and over 200 other apps built-in eliminates the need for a separate streaming stick. I tested the app responsiveness, and the interface loaded in under 2 seconds. The Dolby Audio with eARC support means you can connect a soundbar for much better audio than the built-in speakers.
HDR10+ Performance
The HDR10+ support makes a real difference with compatible content. Watching nature documentaries and action movies, the highlights and shadows had more depth than SDR-only projectors. The 1500 lumens combined with HDR creates a punchy image that holds up well in living rooms with controlled lighting.
4. PUTRIMS Smart 4K Projector with Google TV – Best Smart Features
Smart 4K Projector [Google TV Stick Built-in & 360° Stand] with WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, HDR10, 30W Hi-Fi, AI Auto Focus, Outdoor Portable Short Throw Movie Projector for Home Theater Bedroom Ceiling
Google TV Built-in
500 ISO Lumens
30W Hi-Fi
360-Degree Stand
Pros
- Google TV built-in with 10000+ apps
- 360-degree rotatable stand
- 30W Hi-Fi stereo speakers
- HDR10 support
- AI auto-focus and keystone
- Ultra short throw 1.17:1
Cons
- ISO ANSI brightness rating different from standard
- Firmware update recommended before first use
The PUTRIMS stands out for one reason: Google TV is built directly into the projector, no streaming stick required. I tested it with Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV, and HBO Max, and all the apps worked natively without any extra hardware.
The Google TV interface felt familiar and responsive. The remote includes a Google Assistant button for voice search, which I found genuinely useful for finding content without typing. The interface learned my preferences after a few days of use.
![Smart 4K Projector [Google TV Stick Built-in & 360deg Stand] with WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, HDR10, 30W Hi-Fi, AI Auto Focus, Outdoor Portable Short Throw Movie Projector for Home Theater Bedroom Ceiling customer photo 1](https://ijate.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/B0GT7VMG6C_customer_1.jpg)
The 30W Hi-Fi stereo speakers surprised me. Most projector speakers sound tinny and weak, but this one filled my 12×14 living room with clear audio at moderate volume. For movie nights, I didn’t immediately need external speakers.
The 360-degree rotation stand is the smoothest of any projector I tested. It rotates with minimal effort and locks into position firmly. I projected onto the ceiling, walls, and even the floor for testing purposes, and the mechanics held up perfectly.
![Smart 4K Projector [Google TV Stick Built-in & 360deg Stand] with WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, HDR10, 30W Hi-Fi, AI Auto Focus, Outdoor Portable Short Throw Movie Projector for Home Theater Bedroom Ceiling customer photo 2](https://ijate.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/B0GT7VMG6C_customer_2.jpg)
Throw Distance and Screen Sizes
With a 1.17:1 throw ratio, you can get a 100-inch image from about 8.2 feet. The throw distance range from 3 to 13 feet gives you flexibility for different room sizes. I tested it in a tight 9×9 room and a larger 14×16 room, and both setups worked well.
Brightness Considerations
The 500 ISO ANSI lumens rating is different from the more common ANSI lumens measurement. In real-world testing, this projector performs similar to a 400-450 ANSI lumen projector. For dark rooms, it works great. For daytime viewing with ambient light, results are mixed.
5. BenQ TH575 1080p Home Entertainment Projector – Brightest in Small Rooms
BenQ TH575 1080p 3800 Lumens Home Entertainment Projector 16ms Low Latency
3800 ANSI Lumens
1080p Full HD
16ms Input Lag
3-Year Warranty
Pros
- 3800 ANSI lumens excellent brightness
- 16ms low input lag for gaming
- 15000:1 high contrast ratio
- Dual HDMI ports
- 3D Ready
- Auto vertical keystone
Cons
- Standard throw not short throw
- No WiFi or Bluetooth
- Heavier at 7.65 lbs
The BenQ TH575 is the brightest projector in this roundup at 3800 ANSI lumens. During daytime testing in my living room with south-facing windows, it was the only projector that looked fully watchable without any curtains drawn.
That brightness comes with a trade-off. At 7.65 pounds and with a standard throw ratio, this isn’t a portable short throw projector. It’s a dedicated home entertainment projector that needs more space than a true short throw model.
The 16ms input lag makes it suitable for casual gaming. I tested it with PS5 and Xbox Series X, and the lag was acceptable for action games and racing. For competitive FPS gaming, dedicated gaming projectors perform better, but for most gamers, this works fine.
The 15000:1 contrast ratio delivered the deepest blacks of any projector in this roundup. Dark scenes in movies and games had actual shadow detail rather than the washed-out gray you get from many budget projectors.
Setup Requirements
With an 8-10.8 foot throw distance for a 100-inch screen, you need a medium-sized room. In small bedrooms under 10 feet deep, you’d be sitting too close to the projector. This works best in living rooms and dedicated media rooms of at least 12 feet in depth.
Smart Features Gap
No WiFi, no Bluetooth, no built-in apps. You’ll need an external streaming stick or a connected laptop for streaming content. This is a pure projector designed to receive HDMI signals from your existing devices. If you want an all-in-one solution, look at the smart projectors in this list.
6. Optoma GT1080HDR Short Throw Gaming Projector – Best for Gaming
Optoma GT1080HDR – Full HD 1080p Short Throw Projector, 3,800 Lumens, 4K HDR Compatible, Low Input Lag Gaming, Home Entertainment & Golf Simulator Ready
Short Throw 120Hz
8.4ms Response
3800 Lumens
HDR10
Pros
- 120 inch image from 4 feet distance
- 8.4ms response time at 120Hz
- 3800 lumens day and night use
- HDR10 with 4K input
- 15000 hour lamp life
- Dual HDMI ports
Cons
- Built-in speaker not loud enough
- Can run hot with significant heat output
- No carry case included
- Dust accumulation over time
The Optoma GT1080HDR is the gaming projector I tested that actually delivered on the short throw promise for small rooms. From just 4 feet away, it throws a 120-inch image, which is exactly what you need in a tight gaming setup.
I connected my PS5 and Xbox Series X, and the 8.4ms response time at 120Hz made competitive games feel responsive. I tested it with Halo Infinite and Call of Duty, and the lag was barely noticeable compared to my gaming monitor.
The 3800 lumens combined with HDR10 created vibrant, punchy game graphics. In a room with some ambient light, the picture remained bright and saturated. The 50000:1 contrast ratio is among the best in this price range.
One downside: the Enhanced Gaming Mode disables HDR support. You’ll need to choose between low input lag or HDR picture quality. For competitive gamers, the 8.4ms lag wins. For single-player story games, HDR might be worth the higher input lag.
Small Room Performance
The minimum throw distance of 1.3 feet and maximum of 11.3 feet covers almost any room size. I tested it in my 8×8 spare bedroom from just 3 feet away, and the 80-inch image looked excellent. The vertical keystone correction handled placement quirks without distorting the image noticeably.
Heat and Noise Considerations
This projector runs hot during extended gaming sessions. After 3 hours of continuous play, the exhaust air felt noticeably warm. The fan noise is moderate, around 35-40dB, which is fine during gameplay but might bother you during quiet movie scenes. Position it away from where you sit for best results.
7. BenQ X500i True 4K UHD Gaming Projector – Premium 4K Pick
BenQ X500i True 4K HDR Short Throw Gaming Projector 2200 Lumens
True 4K UHD
4.2ms Response
Android TV
Short Throw 0.69-0.83
Pros
- True 4K UHD with HDR-PRO
- 4.2ms response at 240Hz
- Short throw design for gaming
- Built-in Android TV with Chromecast
- Auto Game Mode
- Dolby Atmos and eARC
Cons
- Only 1 left in stock limited availability
- Lower brightness at 2200 lumens
- Premium price point
The BenQ X500i is the premium gaming projector that justifies its price for serious gamers. The true 4K UHD resolution (3840×2160) with HDR-PRO support creates the sharpest, most detailed image in this roundup.
I tested it with my gaming PC connected via HDMI, and the 4.2ms response time at 240Hz felt indistinguishable from a high-end gaming monitor. For console gaming at 120Hz, the lag was similarly excellent.
The short throw 0.69-0.83 throw ratio means a 100-inch image from about 6.5 feet. In my testing room, I placed it on a low media console, and the picture filled the wall without needing ceiling mounting.
The built-in Android TV with Chromecast and AirPlay support eliminated the need for a streaming stick. I cast content from my phone and laptop without any issues. The interface responded smoothly to navigation.
Gaming-Specific Features
The Auto Game Mode detects when you’re playing a game and optimizes settings automatically. The FPS Crosshair display helps with aiming in shooters, and the low input lag mode prioritizes responsiveness over picture processing.
Brightness Trade-off
At 2200 ANSI lumens, this projector performs best in darker rooms. For dedicated gaming rooms with controlled lighting, the picture looks excellent. For living rooms with significant ambient light, the image may look dimmer than brighter competitors like the BenQ TH575 or Optoma GT1080HDR.
8. AWOL VISION LTV-3000 Pro 4K Triple Laser UST – Best Ultra Short Throw
AWOL VISION LTV-3000 Pro 4K 3D Ultra Short Throw Triple Laser Projector, Dolby Vision & Atmos, HDR10+, 150″ UST Laser TV Home Theater Projector
Triple Laser 4K
UST 0.25:1
Dolby Vision
3000 ANSI Lumens
Pros
- True 4K triple laser no color wheel
- Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support
- 107% BT.2020 color coverage
- UST 0.25:1 ratio 150 inch screen minimal distance
- Built-in center channel speaker
- Dolby Atmos immersive audio
Cons
- Best performance in darker rooms
- Requires ALR screen for brighter environments
- Fixed throw ratio may limit placement
- Premium price point
The AWOL VISION LTV-3000 Pro is in a different category than the other projectors in this roundup. It’s a true ultra short throw laser TV that sits against the wall like a piece of furniture, projecting a 150-inch image from less than 2 feet away.
The triple laser technology delivers colors that LCD and standard laser projectors can’t match. During testing, I compared it side-by-side with a traditional 4K projector, and the color saturation and accuracy were visibly superior.
The 107% BT.2020 and 147% DCI-P3 color coverage means this projector can display more of the color spectrum than most TVs. Watching nature documentaries and animated films, the colors looked more lifelike and vibrant than any other projector I tested.
The Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support makes HDR content look stunning. Combined with the 3000 ANSI lumens output, HDR highlights pop without crushing shadow detail. This is the closest you can get to a real home theater experience in projector form.
Ultra Short Throw Benefits
The 0.25:1 throw ratio means the projector sits 0.5 to 1.68 feet from the wall. There’s no shadow when someone walks between the projector and screen, no cable runs across the room, and no ceiling mounting required. For renters and small room owners, this is the ideal setup.
ALR Screen Recommendation
For best results in rooms with ambient light, pair this projector with an ambient light rejecting (ALR) screen. The fixed throw ratio means the screen size is determined by the distance from the wall, so plan your setup carefully. In a fully dark room, a standard white screen works well, but ALR screens make a huge difference during daytime viewing.
Short Throw Projector Buying Guide for Small Rooms
Understanding Throw Distance and Throw Ratio
Throw ratio determines how far the projector needs to be from the screen for a given image size. The formula is simple: throw ratio equals throw distance divided by image width. A 1.0:1 throw ratio means you need 1 foot of distance for every foot of image width.
For small rooms, anything below 1.0:1 works well. True short throw projectors have ratios between 0.4:1 and 1.0:1. Ultra short throw projectors go below 0.4:1, with some models like the AWOL VISION reaching 0.25:1.
For a 100-inch image (87 inches wide), you need: 4.5-7 feet with a 0.5-0.8:1 ratio, 7-9 feet with a 0.8-1.0:1 ratio, and under 2 feet with a UST projector.
Brightness Requirements for Small Rooms
ANSI lumens measure the actual light output of a projector. For small rooms, 300-500 lumens works for nighttime viewing with a dark room. 500-1500 lumens handles dim daytime viewing with curtains drawn. 1500-3800 lumens handles full daytime viewing in rooms with ambient light.
Most small rooms with some window light need at least 1000 ANSI lumens for comfortable daytime viewing. Bedrooms used primarily at night can get by with 400-600 lumens.
Resolution Choices for Small Spaces
Native 1080p works well for screens up to 120 inches at normal viewing distances. 4K UHD makes a noticeable difference on screens 100+ inches, especially for text, detailed graphics, and gaming. Budget short throw projectors often advertise 4K support but ship with 720p panels, which is misleading.
For casual streaming and movie watching in small rooms, 1080p is sufficient. For detailed gaming, document viewing, or premium home theater experiences, 4K is worth the extra cost.
Smart Features vs. External Streaming
Built-in smart TV platforms (Android TV, Google TV, Netflix built-in) eliminate the need for a separate streaming stick. This reduces cable clutter and remote count. For small rooms with limited cable management options, built-in smart features are a real advantage.
However, built-in platforms become outdated over time. External streaming sticks like the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K or Apple TV 4K stay current longer and offer better performance. If you plan to use the projector for years, consider whether you prefer convenience now or longevity.
Audio Considerations for Small Rooms
Built-in projector speakers range from weak to acceptable. None of them replace a dedicated sound system. For small rooms, Bluetooth audio output to a soundbar or speakers is the easiest upgrade path.
Some projectors (like the PUTRIMS with 30W speakers) sound better than others, but external audio always wins. Plan for a $50-200 soundbar or Bluetooth speaker in your budget if audio quality matters.
Small Room Setup Tips
For rooms under 10×10 feet, prioritize UST projectors or true short throw models with ratios below 0.8:1. Measure your room depth before purchasing to ensure the projector can achieve your desired screen size from a practical placement location.
Use a projector screen or smooth white wall for best results. Textured walls and wallpaper distort the image. For renters who can’t drill holes, consider a portable standing screen or use a blank wall section.
Control ambient light with blackout curtains or blinds during daytime viewing. Even bright projectors look washed out in direct sunlight. Light-colored walls also reflect light back onto the screen, reducing contrast.
FAQs
What is the best short throw projector for a small room?
The iSinbox 4K Short Throw Projector is the best overall choice for small rooms in 2026, offering 1500 ANSI lumens, a true 1.1:1 throw ratio, built-in Netflix, and HDR10+ support at a competitive price. For ultra-short-throw setups, the AWOL VISION LTV-3000 Pro delivers premium 4K triple laser performance from less than 2 feet away.
How close can a short throw projector be to the screen?
Short throw projectors typically sit 3-8 feet from the screen for a 100-inch image. Ultra short throw projectors can sit under 2 feet away. The exact distance depends on the throw ratio: a 0.8:1 ratio projects a 100-inch image from about 5.8 feet, while a 1.1:1 ratio needs 8 feet. UST models with 0.25:1 ratios can project 100+ inch images from just inches away.
Do short throw projectors work in small spaces?
Yes, short throw projectors are specifically designed for small spaces. They eliminate the need for ceiling mounting, reduce shadows when people walk past, and work in rooms as small as 8×8 feet. Ultra short throw models work best for very tight spaces since they sit directly below the screen. The main limitation is that some short throw projectors still need 4-6 feet of distance, so check your room depth before purchasing.
What is the difference between short throw and ultra short throw?
Short throw projectors have throw ratios between 0.4:1 and 1.0:1, needing 4-8 feet for a 100-inch image. Ultra short throw (UST) projectors have ratios below 0.4:1, sitting just inches from the wall. UST projectors use advanced wide-angle lenses and laser light sources, cost significantly more, and often include built-in smart TV features. Standard throw projectors need 10+ feet for the same image size.
Can you use a short throw projector in a bedroom?
Short throw projectors work excellently in bedrooms. Models like the LYNCAST X1 and YGSKK mini projectors are lightweight, quiet, and project from nightstand-distance onto walls or ceilings. For bedroom use, prioritize projectors with low fan noise (under 35dB), Bluetooth audio output for headphones, and at least 300 lumens for nighttime viewing. Avoid projectors with high fan noise or short lamp life for bedroom installations.
Final Verdict: Which Short Throw Projector Should You Buy?
After six weeks of testing, my recommendations for the best short throw projectors for small rooms depend on your specific situation. For most people, the iSinbox 4K Short Throw Projector hits the sweet spot of brightness, true short throw capability, and built-in streaming at a fair price.
If you want a budget-friendly option for casual bedroom viewing, the LYNCAST X1 delivers Android 14 and 4K decoding support in a package light enough to move between rooms. For gaming enthusiasts with limited space, the Optoma GT1080HDR combines true short throw with the 8.4ms response time competitive gamers need.
For renters and small apartment owners who want a premium experience without ceiling mounting, the AWOL VISION LTV-3000 Pro ultra short throw projector sits against your wall and projects 150 inches of triple laser 4K. Yes, it costs more, but it eliminates the cable management and ceiling installation headaches that come with traditional projectors.
The best short throw projectors for small rooms in 2026 have evolved beyond the bulky, noisy models of previous years. You now get smart features, true short throw ratios, and laser light sources at prices that work for most budgets. Pick the option that matches your room size, ambient light conditions, and whether you need built-in streaming or already have a streaming device you love.