Choosing what type of long-throw projector will be best for your situation can be a difficult job. There are lots to choose from and not all of them are measured in the same way. You also need to make sure long throw is what you need to best fit you and your setting.
However, learning and understanding more about long throw and how you can use it to your advantage can help you make a more educated decision on what type of projector is best for you! Therefore we are going to go over some of the important factors you need to consider and what our favorite long throw projectors are!
Quick Overview
5 Best Long throw Projector
1. Optoma X600 XGA
The Optoma x600 XGA is another great option for a long throw projector and that is why it ranks second on our list for the best projector with long throw. Optoma is another one of those name brands and is defined in the projector industry. This is no different with the Optoma X600. This is another great option for a long throw projector.
It does not explicitly say that this projector is for a long throw, but it does have quite a wide range of applications. The projector can be used at quite considerably further ranges than most other standard throw projectors, which is why this made the list.
This sleek design packed full of functionality is what makes this a serious contender in the long throw projecting game.
With 6,000 lumens you will be sure to get some of the most vibrant and bright colors out there, and having this many lumens (the average projector only has around 1500) means you can make the screen size bigger than your average projector while still benefitting from amazing all-around visibility.
The lumens make this optimal for many circumstances like conference rooms, classrooms, or even just your home movie room.
The X600 allows users to connect to it in various ways. There are all too common plugs and ports such as HDMI, HDMI two, VGA, VGA out. These are all very well known, but then there are a few unique ports; S-VIDEO, composite video, 12V trigger, forest-232c, and RJ45. These allow for many flexible options for connecting and playing high-definition videos and pictures to your projector.
Keystone correction and shift is another nice feature of this projector. If you are not familiar keystone shift is the ability to have the projector be off-center by a bit and you can adjust the projector up or down by 15 degrees. This allows for more flexibility when setting up and more ease of use overall.
Pair the keystone correction with the 1.1x optical zoom and you will have much more flexibility when watching and setting up this projector.
Contrast ratio is another vital component of any projector. The contrast ratio is how dark the blacks a projector can produce and how white the whites are that a projector can produce. In short, the higher the contrast ratio is the better. The contrast ratio for this is 10,000:1 which is quite a lot higher than the average which is 3000:1. This will make sure the depth of the colors will match your expectations.
If you are unsure of the environmental costs of owning and buying a projector then this may put you at ease as this may interest you. It is made green by design and only uses a watt of electricity in standby mode. This is up to 75% less than other comparable projectors and can help you cut down on your electric bill.
There are a few settings that will help you cut down on electricity further as well, and it is equipped with a remote shutoff option so you won’t be unnecessarily wasting energy when the projector is not in use. Even all of the components in the packaging are made green for the planet too! Win-win for us all!
Quick Facts
With a wide variety of connectivity and unique plugs that will allow for high definition connectivity. Alongside strong specifications with 6,000 lumens and a high contrast ratio of 10,000:1 this projector will provide you with the projection needed for just about any situation!
Pros
- High lumens allowing for bright projections
- Environmentally conscious design and packaging.
- Easily project a 120-inch display from 15.7 feet away!
Cons
The lamp hour length is quite short for this projector at only 3,000 hours which is lower than what you would expect for the price.
2. Optoma HD28HDR
Coming in at third place for our list is the Optoma HD28HDR. This next-generation technology 4K projector under 2000 will be able to outperform harshes critics reviews! This is a one-stop for a great projector, whether you will be using it for business, classroom, home theatre, or projection mapping this projector will be able to complete the hardest tasks with ease.
This projector comes with 3D technology which not only is a great extra feature that will allow you to enjoy movies with an extra sense but it allows the ability for you to use the projector for projection mapping. This is a feature that when utilized correctly can make for amazing light shows for everyone you know to enjoy!
On the same page, the other specifications of this projector are much more than I would have expected from a long throw projector under 1000. As for those specs, the lumens of the Optoma HD28HDR is 3600 lumens which are a little less than I traditionally look for. If the area you are going to be using this projector in has a lot of ambient lighting then the image the projector produces may be darker than you are looking for.
The contrast ratio for this projector however is great! It is 50,000:1 this is much higher than the other comparable projectors and allows the projector to reach dynamic black which is darker than traditional projectors can get to.
On some projectors that lack dynamic black and a high contrast ratio, the black colors in the images and videos that get projected are often washed out and it gives a less than optimal viewing experience. When watching on a projector that can’t show what the movie or image looks like gets quite annoying as you are not getting the true use and experience out of your projector.
Everybody wants to get the most out of their projector, or any other device for that matter. HDR10 is one of the newest advancements in viewing technology for projectors. Luckily this projector comes with this and that means you will get much more vibrant colors especially when you use the 4k or 1080p input for this projector!
Instead of the traditional 3-4 segment color wheel of most projectors, this projector utilizes a 6 segment color wheel (RYGCWB) in the corporation of HD28HDR technology. These two unique technologies make the most vibrant and vivid colors possible which will further immerse you into the projector screen instead of just viewing the movie you will feel part of it with the depth and beauty of the projections!
If you love to game but are always annoyed by the low refresh rate of traditional projectors then this might be of interest for you!
There are numerous reasons why you may want to move away from only gaming on a monitor or TV for example if you are playing with games with friends and want to do split-screen it can be almost impossible. But, when playing split-screen on a projector your “screen” is usually even bigger than the traditional monitor!
When you put this projector into Gaming Mode you have a lightning-fast 8.4 ms response time with a 120Hz refresh rate. This makes for lag-free gaming and is in some cases even faster than a traditional monitor of tv you may game on.
This gaming setting is unique and unusual for most projectors but I am happy to report it as usually gamers steer away from projectors due to their long refresh rate!
There is also the basic hardware connectivity with this, you get the regular HDMI and HDMI 2 for connecting, which you can add a Chromecast, Amazon, or Apple TV so you can make it a smart projector.
Keystone correction and shift is another notable specification of this unit, it comes with ± 40° Vertical Keystone Correction which will help with additional flexibility when operating and installing this unit.
Quick Facts
This 4k projector under $1000 is a great deal. Whether you are looking to use it for movies, sports, or just a look back at old memories this will not disappoint. With the high contrast ratio, above-average lumens and deep HDR colors this projector will not disappoint you!
Pros
- Vibrant and beautiful colors.
- High contrast ratio and true black.
- Gaming mode
Cons
No wireless connectivity would have made this projector score higher.
3. Epson PowerLite L200W
Epson has always been one of the leading brands in the projector industry, always putting quality and workmanship into all of their projectors. The Powerlite series is no exception, this is our first projector on the list and it is perfect for home cinema, gaming, or just about anything you want to throw at it!
It is portable enough to where you can carry it around outside, and it is even bright enough at 4,200 lumens to be visible in bright areas making it a good option for a bright projector.
Using its 3-chip 3LCD technology it produces some of the best colors and brightness in its class. This is a really important factor (for me at least) as brightness and the vibrancy of colors is crucial for an amazing projection from your projector. This chip will make sure whether you are watching the newest animated film or your favorite tv show you will have the brightest and correct colors.
With this projector, you don’t need to worry about getting maintenance as it uses lasers as the light source which are much more reliable than some other lamps and they last for much longer (about 20,000 hours) which is on average longer than a traditional projector bulb.
Another notable feature of the PowerLite L200W is the wireless connectivity. It has a few ways of connecting wirelessly. It has basic connectivity of HDMI but it also is equipped with Epson iProjection which enables you to connect up to 50 devices! You can connect various operating systems to it like Apple and even Chromebooks which is unique to this projector.
Not only can you connect via Epson’s iProjection feature, but you can also use Miracast to connect. Miracast is a free software that allows you to cast your device’s screen directly to your projector.
This is perfect for sharing those beautiful photos and family memories on a large screen so not everybody has to be crowded over a small device.
This is one of the only projectors out there under the $2000 mark that allows for high definition AV device support. This is a nice function that is traditional just for more expensive projector options.
There are not too many long throw projectors out there on the market and this one comes in above our criteria. Since most people have been opting for short throw projectors instead of the more traditional long throw projectors a lot of manufacturers have halted production of them.
This is unfortunate as they still hold their ground very respectively upon comparison with other more well-known projector throw lengths like standard and short throw.
Quick Facts
With best in its class color brightness and over 4000 lumens, this is a great option for a long throw projector. This projector gives you flexibility and peace of mind with a “virtually maintenance-free” laser lamp and a 1.6x optical zoom. Finding a place to put this projector whether that be ceiling mounted or set on a table will be easy due to the versatility!
Pros
- 4200 Lumens making it bright enough for most applications.
- Easy wireless connectivity with various softwares.
- Native WXGA (16:10) resolution.
Cons
- New projector so there aren’t too many reviews yet.
4. BenQ MW535A
BenQ is a prominent force in the projector industry and the MW535A is no different, they put their all into it! If you are looking for an amazing long throw projector for business purposes then look no further. Due to its budget-friendly price, but still amazing specifications that won’t hinder your professional PowerPoint presentations. This will outperform your business’ needs. Overall is the best projector for PowerPoint presentations due to its small size, budget-friendly price, and great throw distance.
When you’re presenting to your colleagues, you want your equipment to be able to not only keep up with you but excel in helping you impress whomever you are presenting to. This is something that the BenQ MW535A can achieve.
This projector comes standard with 3,600 lumens which is bright enough for most business, classroom, and home settings. As long as there is not too much ambient lighting in the room the projection should be visible and show up just fine!
I would have liked this projector to have a little more lumens but I guess you get what you pay for and for that is why I am not complaining about the lumens coming a bit short. If the area that you will be projecting does have quite a lot of ambient lighting then this may not be the best option as it probably won’t have enough lumens of brightness for your projection.
Another very notable feature of this projector is the contrast ratio, which is 15,000:1 which will allow you to see dark blacks and bright whites in all of your images and videos.
This projector is mostly designed to be mounted on ceilings, which will be perfect for most classroom, and business settings. However, if you don’t plan on mounting it to the ceiling you will be able to utilize the adjustable rubber feet on the bottom of the unit which can help you get that perfect show!
If the surface you are planning on projecting onto is not white and a different color or shade then you don’t need to worry about skewed colors as the projector uses onboard technology to do wall color corrections and automatically shifts the colors of the projector to better suit the projector screen or wall you are projecting onto.
Dust is a big problem for projectors as it can usually easily be sucked into the device by the cooling fans and wreak havoc on the projector. In most projectors dust is one of the leading causes of issues as it can slow the fan down and the whole device can then overheat.
However, in this BenQ projector, they have planned for this and added an anti-dust accumulation sensor that rejects dust accumulations in turn enhancing the device’s durability and the need for maintenance.
With a lamp life of around 15,000 hours, you can rest assured that this projector and the lamp that comes with it will last for years to come. Even if you were to use your projector for 2 hours a day every day, it would take around 29 years for you to completely blow through the bulb. Many factors can affect your lamp life, but this is a great baseline and something you won’t need to worry about.
Quick Facts
This long-lasting, durable projector is built with the tools to last for years to come. Whether it is the futureproof contrast ratio or quality this projector is sure not to hold you back! There are also more unique specs like the anti-dust accumulation and 15,000-hour bulb making this one impressive projector.
Pros
- Dust accumulation sensor which can help minimize maintenance.
- The high contrast ratio for impressive depth.
- Relatively inexpensive price for the features.
Cons
The lumens on this device are not as high as expected.
5. Optoma HZ39HDR
Coming in at our last but not least spot is another Optoma projector! The HZ39HDR projector is a great home theatre projector for a few reasons, so let’s dive into what makes this projector so great!
Among many other great features, this has a contrast ratio of 300,000:1! This is one of the best contrast ratios for a projector we have seen and it is sure to give you the best depth from any movie you may be watching. This renders sharper and detailed images and videos using the contrast ratio to give you the most lifelike projection you will see.
Other than the contrast ratio the lumens are also pretty high at 4,000. It even has a light on mode which makes the pictures projected even easier to see when there is too much light where you are using your projector.
There are extensive connectivity options including multiple HDMI ports, but more impressively there are 3D and 4k inputs that will help you get the most out of your devices.
Many projectors don’t have great speakers on board as they are projectors and they don’t need to, but this is a bit different as it has a pretty impressive 10-watt built-in speaker. However, if this isn’t enough for you, there is always the option for you to add an external speaker to this projector to further immerse yourself into the movie!
There is no traditional lamp for this projector as the light source is a laser, this is much more reliable than a traditional lamp bulb and can last for upwards of 30,000 hours which in some cases may outlive the length of the projector in its self.
Quick Facts
This 4k ultra high definition projector with a 300,000:1 contrast ratio and about 4000 lumens is made to impress even the harshest critics. With flexible connectivity, ease of use with keystone shift, and signal power on.
Pros
- High contrast ratio
- Full 3D functionality
- 4k UHD technology
Cons
Not as budget-friendly as some other options.
Long-throw projectors are the lesser-known brother to short-throw projectors. Short throw projectors are often much more popular for small rooms such as dorms. So, if you do have a small room then an iPhone projector may also be a good option for you as a small room doesn’t need a long throw projector.
What about larger rooms though? Well, for a large room where you need a long throw distance then you will need a long throw projector to fully utilize the space you have!
What is a Long Throw Distance?
Throw distance is the distance from your projector to the projector screen. This is usually provided by the manufacturer, or wherever you buy your projector from, so a long throw distance means that the projector is further.
A long throw distance is classified as the projector being further than 16.4 feet away from the screen or having a throw ratio of 2.5:1. So, if you are looking for a long throw projector look for a projector with this throw ratio or more!
Why have a Long Throw Projector?
Many people wonder, why would you want a long throw distance when you can get a short one? Well, there are a few main reasons for this. If you have a very large room, then it makes more sense for you to get a long throw distance projector instead of one that may be only a few feet away from the screen.
Another reason for getting a long throw projector is they are quite a bit cheaper, the average cost of a long throw projector is only about $500 but as for short-throw projectors, they will run you up a bit more to an average of $800.
Since short throw projectors have to be close to the projection screen this limits the optics for the projector and applications. Most projectors with a short-throw have a fixed zoom, which isn’t adjustable and can cut down on the applications where you can use your device. When you are looking to change the projection size, the easy option is to move the projector either forward or backward a little bit, but with a short-throw projector, this may not be as easy due to the limited optics and zoom.
Long throw projectors also offer unique functionality as they can project much larger images than most other projectors, since they are made to be ceiling mounted a few feet away from the screen, you can move the projector closer to the screen and get much larger images. If you do end up getting a long throw projector with the intention of using it at closer ranges than the throw distance, you will be able to project much larger images and videos than with a standard or short throw projector. The only downside to this is that the image quality will be much worse as the screen will be stretched out, and also the brightness may be off par as the light is diluted onto a larger surface.
In general, though long throw projectors offer a competitive edge in the size department as they can projector bigger images, while you stay within the throw distance.
Long Throw Projector Specifications and Guide
Contrast Ratio
The contrast ratio of a projector is often overlooked when people first go out and look into projectors. Most of the attention is put onto the number of lumens a projector gets as this is often viewed as the most important projector specification. But, in reality, the contrast ratio of a projector is just as important for a set up. From an outdoor projector to a home cinema, contrast ratio plays a vital part in the performance of a projector.
When looking for a “good” contrast ratio, you should be looking for a projector with a ratio of at least 3000:1.
Different Distances for Throw Ratios
There are a few distances that each projector is made for, the three basic distances are short throw, standard throw, and long throw. They each have an optimal range that your projector should be within to get the most out of it.
- Short Throw
Short throw projectors are the closest projectors to the screen they use different ways of bouncing the image around which makes the projector great for up-close projecting. A short throw projector has its optimal viewing capacity at just 3 to 8 feet away from the screen. Often this number will even be smaller if you find an ultra-short throw projector this distance can often be less than an inch and the projector is built to sit right in front of the screen. There are some individual pros and cons of short throw projectors, but for most people, they are a little too complex and not as compatible with the traditional movie theatre, or projector setup.
- Standard Throw
Standard throw projectors are the most basic projectors and most likely what you have seen, or had if you’ve had a projector in the past. They are a more budget-friendly option as they require no special technology, unlike a short or long throw projector. Their optimal range from the projector screen for the best quality is about 10 feet, this often fits great with most home movie theatres as it is an easily ceiling mountable range, unlike a short throw projector.
- Long Throw
Long throw projectors, as the name implies are built to project images and videos at a far distance, often much further than any other projector can do. They are made for special applications such as large movie rooms, or outdoor setups that require the projector to be out of the way of everyone and everything else. The optimal distance a long throw projector should be from the screen varies quite drastically from projector to projector but the standard range is anywhere from 6 feet and up. There are a few projectors marketed as “long-throw” but they only have a throw distance of 6 feet, but most should be closer to 12+.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Long Throw Projector?
A long throw projector is a projector that is specialized to project images and videos at long distances, much longer than traditional projectors. This is different from a short throw, or standard throw projector as it allows you to place your projector at much farther distances away from the projector screen and still get that great quality you want, and deserve!
Are Long Throw Projectors More Expensive?
No, a matter of fact is that long throw projectors are often quite considerably cheaper than traditional standard throw or short throw projectors.
What is different about long throw projectors than other projectors?
Long throw projectors use various mirrors and lens that push the projection further than traditional standard and short throw projectors.
What length are long throw projectors optimal for?
The optimal length for a long throw projector is 10-20 from the projector to the screen.
James has been a tech fanatic for years, from taking apart old electronics and putting them back together to now learning what more technology has to offer. He constantly is learning more regarding the tech industry. As the creator of Internet Bankroll, his mission is to provide unbiased tech information to everyone!