Struggling to enhance your gaming experience with the perfect projector?

This blog explores the best ultra-short throw projectors for gaming under $1000 in 2023, offering insights into features like low input lag, high refresh rates, and excellent color accuracy. These projectors are ideal for gamers with limited space, projecting large, high-quality images from a short distance. We’ve considered compatibility with gaming consoles and PCs, built-in speakers, and smart connectivity options, ensuring that our recommendations are based on comprehensive real-world testing and expert analysis.

Best 4K Ultra Short Throw (UST) Projector for Gaming by wgap

Best Short Throw Projector Under $1000 – WGAP.WS

Comparison of Table

Lumens Contrast Ratio Weight 
100 ANSI 400:01:00 1.04 lbs
550 Lumens 100000:1 1.43 lbs
4000 lumens 2000:01:00 8.3 lbs
3500ansi 10000:1 4.85 lbs
3300 ANSI 20,000:1 5.3 lbs
3300 Lumens 15000:1 5.3 lbs

VANKYO Performance V600 Native 1080P LED Projector

VANKYO projectors are doing great in the market, and their users are quite happy after using these devices. The V600 variant works on 1080p quality, and that makes it a budget HD projector under 500.

Bright Visuals 

VANKYO Performance V600 has 4500 lumens and a contrast ratio of 5000:1, which helps the projector in delivering brilliant visuals no matter you are watching movies or using it for gaming.

Built-in Speaker 

The best 1080p projector under 500 comes with an inbuilt speaker, so you don’t have to carry your home theatre with the device. The speaker can render lifelike sound, which ensures unbeatable audio quality in indoor as well as outdoor situations.

Decent Connectivity

You can connect to the projector using a USB cable, HDMI ports, audio out, SD card slot, and VGA cable. VANKYO Performance V600 is compatible with many gaming consoles, which is a great thing.

Marvelous Throw Ratio 

The throw ratio of this projector is magnificent. If you use the projector from a distance of  50″ then you will get 300″ bigger picture o the screen.

Pros
  • Long-lasting lamp
  • Flexible connectivity
  • Portable
  • Compatible with Chromecast, Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV
Cons
  • There is no inbuilt battery

Bottom Line 

VANKYO Performance V600 comes with a carrying case, so you can carry the projector easily and with added safety. Moreover, flexible connectivity allows you to connect easily.

BenQ MW526AE 1080p Supported Projector

BenQ MW526AE requires no introduction as it is a popular product in the market. It is an HD projector that is perfect for every office and home out there.

Intuitive Operation 

The projector has dual HDMI ports so you can connect the cable directly for operating it. There is no need for any technical setup, and the users can utilize the projector while connecting their smartphones and PCs.

Optimal Specs for Business 

There is a specific model available for business purposes. Also, you don’t have to plunge into the settings for changing the specs.

Exceptional Brightness

BenQ MW526AE has 3,300 lumens for brilliant brightness. Moreover, the best HD projector under 500 boosts the quality of the picture for perfect movie sessions and well-lit business meetings.

Eco-friendly Device 

The noise produced by the fan is below the disturbing level. The projector even features economic and normal mode so you can choose between them easily according to your needs.

Pros
  • 3300 lumens
  • Built-in speaker
  • Two HDMI Ports
Cons
  • Less throw ratio
  • The lamp is not so durable

Bottom Line 

The contrast ratio of the projector is 15,000: 1. The settings available on the projector are easy to carry out. If you need a straightforward projector, then you should go with this option.

Nebula Capsule Smart Portable Wi-Fi Mini Projector

Nebula Capsule is a minimalistic smart projector that is perfect for every home out there. If you need a budget projector that is easy to store, then you should consider buying this projector, of course.

Aesthetic Contrast and Clarity 

Being a tiny projector, the performance of this projector is up to the mark. You will get great contrast that comes coupled with remarkable clarity. The lens of the projector is big enough, and therefore, it has an excellent throw ratio.

Inbuilt Speaker 

Nebula Capsule has an inbuilt speaker that makes things more fruitful. You don’t need any additional audio system because the 360° omnidirectional speaker pumps up sound in every direction.

Dedicated Control App 

You can control the Nebula Capsule projector with the help of the dedicated mobile app available for both iOS and Android users. The application is easy to use, and you can pair it with the projector quickly. 

Extended Performance 

After a single charge Nebula Capsule projector will work for up to 4 hours simultaneously. The users can even use it while plugging in the power socket if they need to use it for longer duration’s.

Pros
  • Extremely lightweight
  • 200 ANSI Lumens
  • Comes with HDMI, Wi-Fi, Chromecast, USB, and Bluetooth
  • Auto-focus
Cons
  • The quality isn’t that great
  • The audio is not superior

Bottom Line 

Nebula capsule projector is highly suggested to the buyers who need a portable projector. It comes with an inbuilt battery and speaker, so you don’t need any additional accessories with this device.

LG PH550 CineBeam LED Projector

The products manufactured by LG carry quality and reliability, which is the reason why the manufacturer has a lot of customers across the globe. The PH550 projector is a marvel from LG that looks very elegant and works efficiently.

HD Resolution

The picture quality delivered by the best TV projectors under 500 is of resolution 1280 x 720. You will get a detailed high-definition picture on the screen with LG PH550.

Built-In Battery

LG has provided a powerful battery with PH550 that can work up to 2.5 hours without any issues. The users are free to use it on battery, or they can use the projector while plugging in the power cord.

Durable Lamp 

The lamp used in this projector is of top-notch quality and provides a rich and natural picture. What’s more? The lamp can last up to 30,000 hours, which will save you a lot of money.

For example: If you use LG PH550 for up to 8 hours a day, the lamp can last up to 10 years. (The reliability of the lamp depends on how you use it, and how you maintain the projector)

Wireless Sound Out 

If you have a Bluetooth enabled home theatre or sound bar, then you can pair it with the projector wirelessly. It has inbuilt Bluetooth that allows you to pair your devices easily.

Pros
  • Wireless connectivity
  • Inbuilt battery
  • Supports HDMI, USB, headphone jack, antenna cable, and RGB in
  • Easily adjustable focus
Cons
  • The resolution could be better

Bottom Line 

Buying LG PH550 is a rewarding deal for users who need wireless connectivity and battery support. The projector even works with your standard antenna cable so you can watch TV on it.

FIXEOVER GP100 Video Projector

FIXEOVER GP100 is a newly introduced projector in the market. But despite the fact, it has established a strong presence, and the users prefer to buy this device.

Decent Throw-ratio 

The users will get a 100’’ big picture only while keeping the projector 2.8 meters away from the screen. You can also increase or decrease the size easily by changing the position of the projector.

Durable Lamp 

The LED lamp available with this projector is capable of displaying brighter and crisp picture quality in indoors and outdoors areas. As per the manufacturer, the lamp can last up to 30,000 hours, so you don’t have to switch it with a new one after every few months.

Plug-in and Play 

FIXEOVER GP100 requires no assembly, and you can use it after plugging in the power cable and the source input. The projector comes with VGA, HDMI, USB, and 3-in-1 AV support.

3500ansi Lumens

The brightness of this projector is up to the mark. There are 3,500 lumens present in it, which means that there is no chance of getting disappointed with the device.

Excellent Resolution 

FIXEOVER GP100 support up to 1920*1080p of picture quality, and that makes it an HD projector. The purchasers can adjust the resolution by changing the settings with the help of remote control.

Pros
  • Supports Amazon Fire Stick
  • Focus available
  • High resolution
Cons
  • Adjusting the keystone is quite hard

Bottom Line 

Buying FIXEOVER GP100 is a good option because the projector works great with PCs, media players, and gaming consoles. Overall, it is a complete package that is fit for homes as well as other purposes.

Acer H5382BD 720P 3D DLP Home Theater Projector

Acer H5382BD is a wonderful projector that has aesthetic looks and has great functionalities. The buyers will be able to control the projector by pressing the buttons available on the projector.

Efficient DLP System 

The efficient Digital Light Processing makes this best home theater projector under 500 free from any types of lags. You can get the picture on the screen as soon as you plug in the power and connect the power source to the projector. 

Better Contrast Ratio

Acer H5382BD comes with a contrast ratio of 20,000:1, which delivers real details with a multitude of colors and the right balance of black and white.

Wireless HD Projection 

You don’t need any wires to connect to Acer H5382BD. The manufacturer sells a wireless connectivity kit that makes the projector completely wireless, and then you can connect your devices easily. (The wireless kit comes at an additional price).

Versatile Connectivity 

The best short throw projector under 500 has HDMI, MHL, video out, and USB support, which allows the users to connect PCs, media players, smartphones, and other devices.

Pros
  • Auto keystone adjustment
  • HDMI and MHL
  • 3300 ANSI Lumens
Cons
  • No headphone jack

Bottom Line 

Acer H5382BD is a superb projector with multiple features. It comes at a justifiable price, and you don’t have to break the bank for buying a quality projector.

When choosing a UST projector for gaming, there are several factors to consider. Here are some of the most important ones:

  • Resolution: The resolution of your projector determines the clarity of the image it produces. For gaming, you’ll want a projector with at least 1080p resolution, if not higher. This will ensure that you can see every detail in your games, even when they’re displayed at a large size.
  • Brightness: The brightness of your projector is also important, especially if you’re gaming in a well-lit room. Look for a projector with a brightness of at least 2,000 lumens, but ideally 3,000 or more. This will help ensure that your games look great no matter the lighting conditions.
  • Input lag: Input lag is the delay between your controller input and the display on the screen. For gamers, low input lag is essential, as it can mean the difference between winning and losing. Look for a UST projector with an input lag of 50ms or less.
  • Contrast ratio: Contrast ratio is the difference between the brightest and darkest parts of the image. A high contrast ratio can make your games look more vivid and immersive. Look for a UST projector with a contrast ratio of at least 2,000:1, if not higher.
  • Connectivity: Finally, you’ll want to consider the connectivity options available on your UST projector. Look for a projector with multiple HDMI inputs, as well as support for other common gaming inputs like DisplayPort and USB.

With these factors in mind, you should be able to find the best UST projector for gaming to suit your needs. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, a UST projector can take your gaming experience to the next level. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today and get ready to immerse yourself in your favorite games like never before!

FAQs on Best Short Throw Projector Under $1000

What are some recommended UST projectors for gaming?

  • The Optoma CinemaX D2 is a popular choice, especially when paired with a motorized ALR screen from Vividstorm.
  • The Epson LS800 is highly recommended for its sub-20 ms input lag from the HDMI3 port and is noted for its brightness.
  • Other notable mentions include the Optoma GT5600, Viewsonic PX800HD, LG HU85LA, and the upcoming NexiGo Aurora Pro.

What should I consider when choosing a UST projector for gaming?

  • Input Lag: Lower input lag is crucial for gaming. The Epson LS800 and BenQ x3000i are noted for their low input lags.
  • Screen Size Compatibility: Consider the maximum screen size the projector supports. UST projectors like the Optoma GT5600 have size limitations.
  • Ambient Light: High lumen count is preferable if the room has ambient light.
  • Resolution: Look for true or near-true 4K resolution for the best image quality.

Is there a significant difference between the Optoma CinemaX D2 and Epson LS800?

The Epson LS800 stands out for its lower input lag and high brightness, making it more suitable for gaming. In contrast, the Optoma CinemaX D2 is often chosen for its balance of features and price.

Can UST projectors handle larger screen sizes, like 120-150 inches?

Most UST projectors are limited in the screen size they support, often up to 100 inches. For larger sizes, you might need to consider conventional projectors.

Are there UST projectors with low input lag suitable for competitive gaming?

The Epson LS800 and BenQ x3000i are known for their low input lags, making them suitable for more competitive gaming scenarios.

What about the audio quality of these projectors?

Audio quality is often not a primary concern as many users plan to use external sound systems like a Sonos setup.

Is it better to choose a projector like the Epson LS12000 over a UST for gaming?

This depends on your specific needs. The Epson LS12000 might be better for some due to its features and lack of need for ceiling mounting, but it’s not a UST projector. 

People Also Bought:

Conclusion

Buying the best gaming projector under 500 is extremely crucial because of the features they offer. Never fall prey to the projectors that are not branded and only promise limited features.

These are some of the best short throw projectors under 500. All the projectors are tested and verified by our teams. Also, make sure that you go through the comparison table to choose the right product for your money.+