When it comes to finding the best long throw projector, you should consider a few different features and functionalities. We analyzed product reviews and specs across a wide variety of different products to determine which considerations are most important. As you start trying to find the right projector for your home theater, we recommend looking at picture quality, color accuracy, resolution, and ease of installation. The best long throw home theater projectors offer at least 1080p resolution, but if you need a more affordable product, then you can settle for something of lower native resolution. You should also get a long throw projector that offers enough brightness for your specific room, but a good rule of thumb is at least 2,500 ANSI lumens.
After researching these specs across 30 different options, we picked the BenQ TK850 as our top pick for the best long throw projector. Keep reading about this and our other top picks to learn more about the best projectors on the market today.
Top 10 Best Long Throw Projectors
#1 BenQ TK850 Long Throw Projector
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This projector features a unique crystal lens array that increases clarity, brightness, and color. It also features native 4K resolution, HDR10 support, and good onboard speakers for a truly immersive movie-watching experience.
- Crystal lens array for higher picture quality
- Native 4K resolution
- Dynamic Iris tech for better colors
- No native streaming apps
- High input lag isn’t great for gaming
The BenQ TK850 is a sleek long throw projector with an attractive, low-profile design that looks good in any home theater room and setup. This projector creates an amazing picture quality with stunning colors and crisp details. For starters, it gives you native 4K resolution for the ultimate in detail and sharpness. However, the BenQ really shines when it comes to color accuracy. The projector a unique, 10-element crystal lens array that enhances colors and brightness. Plus, the BenQ supports HDR10 content and creates even more vividness with proprietary Dynamic Iris technology.
As mentioned previously, the BenQ features a slim design that fits well pretty much anywhere. This is especially great for long-throw projectors, which need a little more space for installation. The BenQ also features plenty of other functionalities that make installation easier. It’s got a vertical lens shift that makes it easier to install either on a tabletop or on the ceiling. Plus, with keystone correction and 1.3x optical zoom, you’ll get even more adjustability. The TK850 also features onboard speakers with proprietary CinemaMaster Audio+2 technology for an even more immersive audio experience. The projector also features a high-quality bulb that provides 3,000 ANSI lumens of light output, which is plenty for good performance in both light and dark rooms. We also recommend the best 4K projector that features an awesome 1000,000:1 contrast ratio which keeps bright screens clear and dark screens detailed.
#2 ViewSonic PX747-4K Long Throw Projector
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: With 4K resolution, 3,500 lumens of light output, and high-performance HDR support, this long throw projector offers a premium experience for a broad consumer base. Plus, with large screen size capabilities and plenty of connectivity options, this option is incredibly versatile.
- Sharp picture with UHD resolution
- HDR support for excellent color reproduction
- High brightness with 3,500 ANSI lumens
- Loud fan noise at highest brightness
- Black performance could be better
The View Sonic PX747-4K projector offers a premium experience across a wide variety of different entertainment options, including movies, TV shows, and video games. One of the projector’s best features is its 4K native resolution, which offers a grand total of 3840 x 2160 pixels for an incredibly detailed and sharp picture. However, the ViewSonic also takes it to the next level with support for HDR content and improved color accuracy with Super Color tech. You’ll also get a bulb that outputs an impressive 3,500 ANSI lumens for good performance in large rooms with ambient light.
The design of the ViewSonic PX747-4K is also something to be applauded. It’s a little bulkier than other projectors, but it’s sturdy and durable. It features a long-lasting bulb that can keep running for a total of up to 15,000 hours, meaning you won’t need to purchase costly replacement bulbs as often. Installation is made easy with the PX747-4K, whether installed on your ceiling or on a tabletop. Adjustability features include vertical keystone correction and 1.3x optical zoom. If there were one area that we could improve with the ViewSonic, it would be in overall operating noise. On the highest brightness setting, the fan can get loud. Fortunately, with the integrated 10W speaker or with the help of an external speaker system, this can easily be overlooked. And for an immersive experience in terms of audio, this is one of the best ViewSonic projectors on the market today.
#3 ViewSonic LS700-4K Long Throw Projector
Award: BEST ULTRA HIGH DEFINITION
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you’re looking for stellar 4K resolution on your long throw projector, you cannot go wrong with this option. It creates a super-detailed and crisp display with laser lighting technology, 3D compatibility, and decent HDR support.
- 20,000-hour lamp life
- Detailed and sharp 4K resolution
- Laser technology creates brighter images
- Disappointing HDR performance
- Mediocre contrast performance
The ViewSonic LS700-4K is one of the best long throw 4K projectors available on the market today and for plenty of good reasons. For starters, this is a laser projector that diverges away from the traditional bulb lighting setup. Laser projectors are brighter, more colorful, and better with contrast than their bulb-lit counterparts. This improved performance is really apparent with the LS700-4K. Its native 4K resolution creates an extra-detailed and sharp image. And with HDR content support, you’ll get even brighter and more vivid colors. However, it’s important to note that ViewSonic’s HDR performance is a bit disappointing when compared to similar projectors. With some tweaking, though, you should still be able to achieve a great picture quality.
The LS700-4K’s laser light source outputs up to 3,300 ANSI lumens of brightness, which is more than the average projector. This means the projector performs well in both dark and light rooms with ease, which is a huge plus. The contrast ratio could be improved, but in dark rooms, there is plenty of high-quality black-level performance to please most cinephiles. Installation is made incredibly easy with this ViewSonic laser projector. It offers unique, 360-degree installation options on top of the traditional ceiling mount projectors or floor placement options. Plus, with a 20,000-hour lamp life, you won’t have to worry about the projector burning out anytime soon. But, after you do change the lamp, you’ll need to know how to properly dispose of that projector lamp. And, if you’re looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, consider the best cheap projector.
#4 GooDee YG600 Long Throw Projector
Award: BEST BRIGHTNESS
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you need an affordable long throw projector that’s also incredibly bright, then this option is the right one for you. With a whopping 6,000 lumens of light output, a 3,000:1 contrast ratio, and large display sizes, this projector will serve all of your entertainment needs.
- 80% brighter than similar models
- Reduced noise with comprehensive cooling
- Can create displays up to 230 inches
- 1280×768 resolution is not full HD
- Internal speakers aren’t the best
The GooDee YG600 was recently updated to include a brighter lamp and a higher contrast ratio than its previous iterations. The lamp is now rated at 6,000 lumens of light output, which, according to the manufacturer, is 80% brighter than other competitors in this same price range and category. 6,000 lumens is one of the brightest light outputs you’ll be able to find in a long throw projector, and this makes for excellent daylight performance or dark room viewing. This is perfect, although other brands like Acer projectors and InFocus projectors have similar performance, too.
When it comes to picture quality and performance, the GooDee YG600 creates high-definition resolution, but it’s not full HD. With only 1280 x 768 native resolution, the GooDee projector only provides standard HD, which is much better than its sister model the GooDee Mini projector. At most display sizes, though, the difference is hardly noticeable. And with the 3,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and reliable color accuracy, the picture really looks great here. We were impressed that the GooDee can produce screen sizes up to 230 inches from corner to corner with a little more throw distance. This means more versatility in the ways you can watch movies and play video games. Plus, with plenty of connectivity options, including HDMI, USB, and audio inputs, you’ll be able to hook up to your gaming consoles and Blu-Ray players with ease. And just in case you own an iPhone, you’ll definitely love the best iPhone projector that also includes a sturdy tripod, which you can use to set the projector up virtually anywhere with ease.
#5 Epson VS250 Long Throw Projector
Award: BEST FOR CONFERENCE ROOMS
WHY WE LIKE IT: With 3,200 ANSI lumens of both color and white brightness, this home theater projector can create vivid and accurate colors in well-lit rooms, making it perfect for use in conference rooms and business applications. Plus, it’s quiet and well-made, making for a long-lasting overall product.
- Easy adjustability and installation
- Bright, 3,200 lumens light output
- Quiet fan operation at 28 dB
- Disappointing SVGA resolution
- Doesn’t work with smartphones
The Epson VS250 is a powerful projector that provides long-lasting, reliable performance. To clear the air before digging deeper into this projector’s specifications, it’s important to note that it only offers SVGA resolution. This means you’ll only get 800 x 600 pixels, which isn’t even standard high definition. This could also mean it’s a DLP model, which you’d be better at knowing the difference between DLP and LED. However, this is plenty enough for business presentations and even performs well with most movies and home entertainment. This, combined with 3,200 lumens of light output, makes the Epson an excellent business projector.
The projector is also built extremely well. It offers a low, sturdy profile with easy-to-use controls and a comprehensive cooling system that keeps the noise to a minimum. The fan only produces around 28 decibels of noise, which is much better than many other projectors. Getting the Epson VS250 is also easy to get set up and running, with near plug-and-play functionality. On top of that, the Epson projector also features keystone correction, optical zoom, and focus so you can get the best picture possible. You may also love the best 3D projector with the best incredibly detailed picture that offers both 4K ultra HD resolution and 1080p resolution when in 3D mode.
#6 BenQ MW535A Long Throw Projector
Award: BEST FOR 3D
WHY WE LIKE IT: With 3D compatibility, an extra-bright lamp, and easy installation, this long-throw projector offers an incredibly versatile viewing experience. Plus, with HD resolution and accurate colors, both the 3D and 2D content look great on this projector.
- Adjustable feet and keystone for installation
- Auto picture adjustment for different wall colors
- 3,600 lumens for daylight viewing
- Contrast performance could be better
- Speakers could be louder
The BenQ MW535A long throw projector is an excellent choice for home theater setups where you want a little more flexibility in the type of content you can watch. With 3D compatibility, you’ll be able to watch both 3D movies and play 3D video games on the BenQ, if that’s important to you. It offers excellent picture quality through a variety of different features and functionalities. The projector creates detailed images with 1920 x 1000 resolution. This isn’t quite full HD, but it’s enough for most applications. Plus, with an extra-bright bulb that outputs 3,600 ANSI lumens, you’ll get a bright picture that works well in both daylight and dark rooms.
Installation is also really user-friendly with the BenQ MW535A. The projector has plenty of adjustable settings to aid you in making a precise picture. You get vertical keystone adjustment so you can install it at an angle and 1.2 x optical zoom for more versatility in the distance. More importantly, though, the BenQ projector offers automatic color adjustment when projecting your display on walls of different colors. If you can’t project onto a white wall, this functionality is a huge boon. This model will even work better with the best projector screen that has the vinyl screen material that makes your colors shine in ways you never thought possible.
#7 Sony VPL-HW45ES Long Throw Projector
Award: BEST QUALITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: This premium long throw projector is built extremely well, with no detail left out. It features 3D compatibility, amazing picture quality, and unique functionalities for increased brightness, smoothness, and superior immersion.
- Lamp designed for increased light output
- Whisper-quiet fan operation
- Compatible with 3D sources
- No MHL support for smartphones
- Remote control could be brighter
The Sony VPL-HW45ES long throw projector provides quality in every aspect of its design. Sony designed this projector for a premium experience, and that quality shows from lens to housing. For example, the projector features a dynamic lamp control mechanism, which will automatically adjust itself to create the brightest picture possible, no matter what movie you’re watching. Another premium feature you’ll get here is a unique, front-facing fan design that allows you to mount the projector almost flush against the wall without blocking the exhaust ports.
You’ll also get excellent picture quality with the Sony VPL-HW45ES. It’s a full HD projector with 1920 x 1080 pixels, but don’t let the lack of 4K UHD resolution prevent you from seriously considering this powerful projector. It’s 3D compatible and even features Sony’s Reality Creation technology. This feature enhances overall picture resolution and smooths out fast-moving action scenes, making it a good choice for both sports and gaming. We were also impressed with Sony’s color accuracy. Finally, Sony makes installation easy with this long throw projector as well, with full-motion lens shift and wide optical zoom. And if you’re looking for a good model for use at your workplace, consider the best business projector that offers a long-lasting performance that you can rely on in any business scenario.
#8 CiBest Mini Long Throw Projector
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you need an affordable long throw projector, then you’ll be pleased to find this option with its compact design and bright lamp. Plus, it offers versatile connectivity and adjustability for easier installation.
- Compact, travel-friendly design
- Wide, 15-degree keystone correction
- Bright, 4,500-lumen output
- Low native resolution
- Colors aren’t as accurate as other projectors
The CiBest Mini projector lives true to its name. Its compact design makes for an excellent portable movie-watching experience. Plus, it’s extra affordable so you won’t need to break the bank to get a reliable and powerful home theater solution. This CiBest projector doesn’t offer HD resolution, but it still creates a bright, colorful, and sharp image quality overall. Of course, there are some tradeoffs to get into the budget range, and these are most noticeable when it comes to color accuracy and resolution. However, the extra-bright, 4,500 lumens light output makes up for a lot of these downsides.
This projector’s compact size makes for easier installation anywhere you want to watch movies. However, it also features a 15-degree keystone correction so you can get a precise picture even at an angle. The lamp also lasts a long time, with a rated 50,000 hours of life. However, at brighter settings, lamp life decreases in efficiency. The CiBest features a variety of different connection ports, including HDMI and USB inputs for more options in connecting your entertainment devices. Speaking of entertainment, gamers will also be interested in the best projector for gaming that offers a stunning 500,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for better differentiation between lights and darks. Moreover, it can match another budget projector that you can read about in our Acer H6517ST DLP projector review.
#9 Vankyo Performance V600 Long Throw Projector
We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock
Award: BEST LARGE DISPLAY
WHY WE LIKE IT: This long-throw projector offers a lot of performance at an affordable price, especially if you’re looking for large display sizes. This option can project images up to 300 inches in size with full HD resolution and plenty of brightness. For a projector with Ultra HD, check out our guide to the best laser projector.
- Wide keystone correction range
- Capable of displays up to 300 inches
- Carrying case protects projector
- Stereo out audio only
- Larger than other options
The Vankyo Performance V600 is an affordable long-throw projector that offers a high level of performance. It’s the best option for creating large displays since it can project images up to 300 inches in total size, corner to corner. Fortunately, you’ll also get full HD, 1080p resolution even at these larger screen sizes, although you may experience some fuzziness around the corners. The Vankyo also provides a rated measurement of 4,000 ANSI lumens, but the projector isn’t quite as bright. We recommend it for use mainly in darker rooms with minimal ambient light.
You’ll also get great color accuracy here, with bright and vivid colors that will wow you whenever you’re watching movies. And with a 5,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, the Vankyo Performance V600 also performs well with black levels and dark scenes. Vankyo’s overall build quality and usability are highly rated, as well. It is larger than other projectors in this category, but it’s also more durable and more stable when installed on a tabletop. The projector features plenty of connectivity options so you’ll always be able to connect to your video game consoles, laptops, and Blu-Ray players. The only limitation here is the stereo-out-only audio connection. You may also want to consider the best outdoor projector that’s good enough to use on its own, so you won’t need to connect an external audio solution to enjoy your outdoor viewing party.
#10 Vankyo Leisure 3 Long Throw Projector
We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock
Award: BEST FOR TRAVEL
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you need portability and versatility for travel, then this projector is your best bet. It offers a compact design that’s easy to pack around, plus it operates quietly and features a bulb that can last up to 40,000 hours.
- Suppression system lessens fan noise
- Long-lasting, 40,000-hour bulb life
- Can project up to 170 inches in size
- Low resolution at 800 x 480 pixels
- Disappointing black level performance
The Vankyo Leisure 3 long-throw projector is affordable, compact, and bright, making it a superior choice for anyone who needs entertainment on the go. Of course, you’ll still need to connect the projector to a wall outlet for power, but its included carrying case and slim profile increase its overall portability. The Leisure 3 can output upwards of 2,400 ANSI lumens, which is perfect for personal use in darker rooms. More impressive, though, is the fact that Vankyo offers a total of 40,000 hours of lamp life. Plus, it features a unique fan suppression system for an extra-quiet movie-watching experience.
When it comes to picture quality, the Vankyo Leisure 3 could improve in some areas. For one, the projector only features a native resolution of 800 x 480 pixels, which isn’t HD. However, to achieve such a portable design, is almost to be expected. For personal use, this is still a pretty solid resolution to work with. The projector excels with color reproduction due mostly to its MStar Advanced Color Engineer. It can even create screen sizes up to 170 inches in size for a more immersive home theater experience. And for cheap and affordable models, check out the best projectors under $1000.
How We Decided
When it came to finding the best the market has to offer in long throw projectors, we first looked at options that fit the category’s title. This is why you won’t find any short-throw or ultra-short throw projectors on the list. However, you also won’t find ultra long-throw projectors here, as they tend to be more specialized than long throw options. The options we included above all feature standard throw lengths between six and 15 feet. Although, some of the leading short throw projectors can be much easier to use and last longer.
Next, we considered the overall picture quality. We preferred projectors with at least 1080p resolution, also known as full HD. However, we did also include some options that dipped below this specification. We only did so if they still created a high-quality image with excellent color accuracy and brightness. In general, we gave bonus points to projectors that included additional software and functionality to increase picture quality, such as frame interpolation, high refresh rates, and HDR support.
Finally, we rated the long throw projectors above based on their build quality and ease of installation. We gave more points to projectors that provided adjustable installation settings like keystone correction, optical zoom, and lens shift. In this section of our ranking, we also preferred projectors with multiple connection options including HDMI ports, USB ports, VGA ports, and more.
Best Long Throw Projector Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Picture Quality
Like most display technologies, one of the most important aspects to consider when purchasing a new long-throw projector is how well it can display an image when you’re watching movies or playing video games. For projectors, the picture quality is measured in three different parts: resolution, color accuracy, and contrast ratio. The best resolution is 4K, which is also known as ultra high definition, or UHD. However, the 1080p resolution is also good. Color accuracy refers to how well the projector can reproduce colors that are true to their real-world tones and shades. Finally, the contrast ratio measures how well the projector can balance its white and black colors within the image. Higher contrast ratios are better. - Brightness
The brightness of a projector tells you how well the projector will perform in a variety of different lighting circumstances. If you’re planning on installing your projector in a dark home theater room, then brightness isn’t as big of a deal. However, if you’re ever going to use it in any kind of ambient light, you’ll need to pay close attention to this spec. A projector’s light output is measured in ANSI lumens. Most people can get by with 2,000-3,000 lumens, but for bright rooms, we recommend something brighter than 3,500 lumens. - Adjustability
Since long throw projectors are installed farther away from your screen, purchasing an option with more adjustability than not essential. The best long throw projector will provide you with options to adjust keystone, optical zoom, and lens shift. However, not all projectors provide these settings, so we recommend finding as many as you can. These adjustable settings allow you to get a more precise and clear picture from any distance. - Design Quality
Like all electronic devices, projectors should be built well if you want to get a long life out of them. In this realm, it’s important to consider things like bulb life, replacement bulb cost, overall durability, and ease of installation. If you purchase a projector with higher design quality, you’ll have a product that will last you for many years and many movies to come.
