Update: Click here for our 2022 Best UST Projector Buying Guide
A quick trip to Best Buy reveals that 65-inch HDTVs have never been more affordable which is great news for consumers who want a larger 4K experience in their living room or den. But what about those of us who desire an 80″+ viewing experience in the same room which probably suffers from ambient light issues? We have some thoughts on the best ultra short throw projectors but first some background before you consider one this holiday season.
Over the past two years, Ultra Short Throw (UST) projectors have become a growing category within the home theater segment. These are extra bright projectors that sit directly under the screen, giving you a huge display without the need for a long throw distance.
Very few people want to install a ceiling-mounted projector in their primary living spaces because they look ugly, and they don’t work very well in rooms where you don’t have a lot of control over light. Why spend $4,000 on an Epson or BenQ 4K projector if you’re only going to moan and kvetch about how washed out the image looks?
These close to the screen projectors are also known as laser TVs because they’re the perfect living room television replacement. When you pair one of these laser TVs with a specially made ultra short throw projector screen, you get an image that crushes any regular TV in size.
UST projectors are still in their infancy stage but the image quality is definitely improving with each new product cycle. Sony and JVC have still not thrown their weight around in the category but it’s unlikely that they will sit this one out with so many people considering UST projectors as a replacement for their 80″ HDTV.
Best Ultra Short Throw Projector
Hisense L9G
Hisense recently introduced the new Hisense L9G TriChroma laser TV. This new triple laser projector offers an incredibly detailed picture and vibrant colors. The TriChroma laser engine reaches an incredible 107% of the BT.2020 color space providing over one billion potential colors.
With 3000 lumens of brightness, this UST projector is one of the brightest available making it the perfect living room television replacement.
And while it doesn’t quite perform as well as the Samsung LSP9T triple laser UST, the Hisense TriChroma still delivers outstanding visuals at a lower price point (especially since it comes bundled with an ambient light rejecting ultra short throw projection screen).
The Hisense L9G comes with either a 100-inch ambient light rejecting screen in the Hisense 100L9G or a bundled 120-inch projector screen in the Hisense 120L9G. You save big with this screen bundle instead of buying the projector and screen separately.
Reasons to Buy
- Super bright 3000 lumen triple laser light source
- You save a significant amount of money by getting this projector bundled with the ALR screen
- 107% of the BT.2020 Color Space gives you some of the best colors available
- 25,000 Hour Lifespan
- Solid built-in 40W soundbar with Dolby Atmos
- Hisense is offering a 100 day no regrets return policy for a limited time
Reasons to Avoid
- Limited to either 100 or 120 inch screen size
- .47” chipset compared to other triple lasers with the .67”
- While it looks very cool, the shiny chassis reflects some light onto the bottom of the screen
- Doesn’t come with Netflix
Ultra Short Throw With the Absolute Best Image
Samsung LSP9T
When the Samsung LSP9T launched there was a tremendous amount of interest in this 4K UST. And it still astounds us.
The LSP9T is perfect for TV and film lovers who want a truly immersive cinematic experience. This top of the line Samsung ultra short throw provides a crisp image up to 130 inches.
The Samsung Premiere LSP9T is absolutely one of the best 4K UST projectors available on the market in just about every regard. Its triple laser technology delivers revolutionary contrast detail and provides a super bright image with incredibly radiant colors.
Reasons to Buy
- Can produce an image upto 130” inches
- Very short throw distance
- Triple laser light source produces some of the most stunning and vivid colors
- Superior motion handling
- Great black levels and contrast
- Powered by .66” DLP chipset giving superior details
- Uses the Samsung TV interface that many people are accustomed to
- Sits very close to the screen compared to other USTs
Reasons to Avoid
- Some laser speckling is sometimes noticeable depending on the screen you pair it with
- Some people report seeing the rainbow effect (we did not) due to triple laser firing
- There is a bit of red tinting
- Still has a high price tag that might scare some people away
- Only available in a white chassis
Best Value Ultra Short Throw
Optoma CinemaX P2
When it comes to the best bang for your buck, the Optoma CinemaX P2 ultra short throw takes the cake. The Optoma P2 balances a low price with fantastic visuals. It’s powered by a 3000 lumen laser light source making it perfect for well lit rooms when paired with an ultra short throw projector screen.
With a modest price tag and outstanding picture quality, the Optoma P2 provides more value than any other laser TV.
Reasons to Buy
- Super bright 3000 lumen laser light source
- Very accurate colors
- 120% of Rec. 709 Color Gamut
- One of the best built-in soundbars out of any laser TV
- Available in both a white body and a black one
Reasons to Avoid
- While more accurate, colors don’t pop as much
- Picture is not amazing out of the box and does require some calibration
- Not the sharpest image
Brightest Ultra Short Throw Projector
Epson LS500
The Epson LS500 ultra short throw projector does two things better than any other laser TV: it has the lowest input lag making it the best gaming projector and with 4000 lumens of brightness it is by far the brightest UST available.
The Epson EpiqVision LS500 even gets you some extra bang for your buck by giving you the option to bundle it with either a 100 inch or 120 inch ALR projector screen.
Reasons to Buy
- 4000 lumens makes it the brightest laser TV available
- Can be bundled with a 100 inch or 120 ambient light rejecting screen but still allows you variable image sizing
- Incredibly low input lag of under 17ms making the LS500 one of the best gaming projectors
- If you’re planning to place it in a very well lit room this is the best projector to get
- Available in both black and white
Reasons to Avoid
- Sits somewhat further back than the other UST projectors
- Image is not as sharp
- Telescoped lens doesn’t look as sleek
- To achieve the full 4000 lumens of brightness the colors appear somewhat oversaturated
- Built in speakers are relatively weak
Best Ultra Short Throw On A Budget
VAVA 4K
If you’re looking to save money but still want a big screen experience in your living room, the Vava 4K UST projector is the way to go. The Vava is certainly not the best ultra short throw, but it’s a significant upgrade from other “wannabee” 4K laser TVs. With bright, vibrant colors and a low price, the Vava laser TV is a great low budget option.
Reasons to Buy
- One of the least expensive 4K laser TVs that is still worth getting
- Available in both black and white
- Great for watching cartoons and video games
- Claims it can do an images of 150 inches but it starts to loose focus above 120 inches
Reasons to Avoid
- Colors appear oversaturated
- Not as bright as other USTs
- While it has a higher contrast ratio in testing, that contrast doesn’t show up in the picture
- Sits further back from the screen
- Customer support isn’t great
Read more about Ultra Short Throw Projectors:
