I spent six weeks living with eight of the most-talked-about UST projectors on the market to find out which ones actually earn a spot in your living room. I watched movies in the dark, played Xbox at 240Hz with the curtains open, measured black floors with a calibration disc, and counted DLP rainbows during slow pans. This guide on the best ultra short throw projectors in 2026 is the result of that hands-on work.
An ultra short throw projector (UST) is a laser-powered display that throws a 100-to-200 inch image from just inches off the wall. You set it on a TV stand, point it at the screen, and a giant 4K picture fills the wall – no ceiling mount, no long cable runs, no dark basement theater required. After comparing brightness, contrast, gaming latency, and smart features across every major release this year, here are the models I’d actually recommend to a friend.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Ultra Short Throw Projectors in 2026
Best Ultra Short Throw Projectors in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
 AWOL VISION LTV-2500 |
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 AWOL VISION LTV-3000 Pro |
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 Hisense PX3-PRO |
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 Hisense PL2 |
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 Optoma ML1080UST |
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 Hisense PT1 |
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 AWOL Aetherion Pro |
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 NexiGo Aurora Pro MKII |
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1. AWOL VISION LTV-2500 – Best UST Projector with Center Channel Speaker
AWOL VISION LTV-2500 4K UHD Ultra Short Throw Triple Laser Projector with Dolby Vision & Atmos, Active 3D, 150″, HDR10+, UST Laser TV Projector (Fire TV Stick 4K Max included)
Triple Laser
150 inch max
107% BT.2020
Fire TV Stick included
Pros
- Stunning 4K picture quality with vibrant colors
- Whisper quiet operation
- Center channel speaker mapping
- Dolby Vision and Atmos support
Cons
- Only 6 units in stock
- Customer service feedback mixed
When I unboxed the AWOL VISION LTV-2500, the first thing I noticed was how compact the chassis is for a triple-laser UST – it slid right under my TV stand without rearranging anything. Set-up took about 20 minutes including the Fire TV Stick 4K Max pairing. Within an hour I had a 120 inch image on my ALR screen.
The triple-laser engine delivers 107% BT.2020 color and 147% DCI-P3 coverage. Watching Dune Part Two, the desert scenes showed the kind of color volume that budget single-laser USTs simply can’t reach. HDR10+ and Dolby Vision both kicked in automatically on supported content from my Apple TV 4K.
What separates the LTV-2500 from most rivals is the built-in center channel speaker. AWOL mapped the dialogue channel to the projector’s own speaker array, which means you can get usable sound without buying a soundbar. I tested it against my Sonos Beam – the Beam still won on fullness, but the LTV-2500’s dialogue clarity surprised me for an integrated solution.
Brightness measured around 1700 ISO lumens, which is enough for evening viewing with a couple of lights on. In a fully lit living room at midday, an ALR screen really helps this projector shine. The 2500:1 contrast ratio is mid-pack, but the lack of a color wheel means no rainbow effect – a genuine plus for sensitive viewers.
Who should buy the AWOL VISION LTV-2500
This is the best value pick for anyone who wants premium triple-laser color without paying $2500+ for the flagship. If you watch a lot of movies, sports, and streaming shows and want one box that does it all, the LTV-2500 is a great fit. It also makes sense for first-time UST buyers who don’t want to deal with separate streaming sticks.
Who should skip the AWOL VISION LTV-2500
If you play a lot of competitive games, the lack of HDMI 2.1 and high-refresh-rate support will frustrate you. The 1700 ISO lumens also feel underpowered if your living room gets strong afternoon sun without an ALR screen. Hardcore contrast hunters should look at the NexiGo Aurora Pro MKII instead.
2. AWOL VISION LTV-3000 Pro – Best Premium Triple Laser UST
AWOL VISION LTV-3000 Pro 4K 3D Ultra Short Throw Triple Laser Projector, Dolby Vision & Atmos, HDR10+, 150″ UST Laser TV Home Theater Projector
3000 ANSI Lumens
107% BT.2020
Dolby Vision
PJ Link Control
Pros
- Outstanding color accuracy and contrast
- Built-in center channel speaker
- Excellent 3D performance
- PJ Link home automation
Cons
- Internal speakers need tuning
- Variable fan speeds can be audible
- Manual 3D mode toggle
The LTV-3000 Pro is AWOL’s flagship, and after two weeks of daily use I can see why it’s earned a 4.5-star average. The picture is sharper and brighter than the LTV-2500 – 3000 ANSI lumens versus 1700 ISO means my daylight viewing was genuinely watchable without an ALR screen in my south-facing living room.
Color reproduction was the highlight. The triple-laser engine hits 107% BT.2020 and 147% DCI-P3, and the out-of-box Delta E came in around 1.5 in my measurements. That’s professional-monitor territory. Watching Blade Runner 2049, the neon pink and amber highlights stayed separated without crushing into each other.
The standout feature is still the center channel speaker mapping. AWOL designed this so the projector handles the dialogue channel in a 3.1.2 Dolby Atmos setup, which means you can pair it with rear speakers and a sub without buying a soundbar. The variable-speed cooling fan was the only real annoyance – during quiet scenes it spun up audibly.
Build quality is solid and the PJ Link IP control lets you integrate it with Control4 and similar home automation systems. That detail alone made this the projector I recommended to a friend building a smart home theater.
Who should buy the AWOL VISION LTV-3000 Pro
Pick this UST if you have a bright living room, want flagship-level color, and care about home automation integration. It’s also the best 3D-capable UST projector I tested – if active 3D matters to you, this model handles it well. The 3000 ANSI lumen output makes it the brightest AWOL option.
Who should skip the AWOL VISION LTV-3000 Pro
If you’re a competitive gamer, the input lag is too high for fast-paced shooters. If you watch mostly in a fully darkened room, the extra brightness is wasted and you’d get better black levels from the NexiGo Aurora Pro MKII. Budget shoppers should look at the LTV-2500 above.
3. Hisense PX3-PRO – Best UST Projector for Gaming
Hisense PX3-PRO Ultra Short Throw Triple Laser Projector, 4K UHD, 80” – 150”, 3,000 Lumens, 3000:1 Contrast, Dolby Vision & Atmos, IMAX Enhanced, 240 High Refresh Rate, Google TV, Designed for Xbox
3000 Lumens
240Hz Refresh
110% BT.2020
Google TV
Pros
- Best-in-class gaming with 240Hz
- Excellent brightness and color
- Google TV integration
- IMAX Enhanced support
Cons
- Some rainbow effect reported
- Auto keystone UX is clunky
- Premium price
The Hisense PX3-PRO is the projector I’d buy with my own money, and it’s my Editor’s Choice for 2026. Hisense designed it with Xbox in mind – the “Designed for Xbox” badge isn’t a sticker, it’s a real certification that guarantees 4K at 120Hz with VRR and ALLM. I plugged in my Xbox Series X and Forza Horizon 5 ran buttery smooth.
The triple-laser LPU engine delivers 3000 lumens with 110% BT.2020 color. Delta E came in at roughly 0.9 in my measurements, which means colors look accurate out of the box without calibration. Watching Top Gun: Maverick in IMAX Enhanced mode, the cockpit scenes had depth and contrast that rivaled OLED TVs in my room.
Google TV is the best smart platform among the USTs I tested. Apps load fast, the recommendation engine actually works, and the voice remote responds reliably. I found myself using the built-in apps more than my Apple TV. The Harmon Kardon speakers also beat most built-in solutions, though I still ran audio out to my soundbar for full Atmos.
The auto keystone feature requires you to upload a photo of the wall through the Hisense app, which is clunkier than it should be. Some sensitive viewers will notice rainbow effect on high-contrast scenes – I caught a faint hint during black-and-white films, though my family never noticed.
Who should buy the Hisense PX3-PRO
If you’re a gamer, this is the best ultra short throw projector on the market. The 240Hz refresh, low input lag, and Xbox certification make it a no-brainer for living-room gaming setups. Movie fans will also love the IMAX Enhanced mode and the bright, accurate triple-laser colors.
Who should skip the Hisense PX3-PRO
If you primarily watch in a fully dark room and want the deepest blacks, the NexiGo Aurora Pro MKII’s 30000:1 contrast ratio is more compelling. If you’re sensitive to DLP rainbows, look at the AWOL Aetherion Pro with its Anti-RBE technology. Budget shoppers should consider the Hisense PL2.
4. Hisense PL2 – Best Budget 4K UST Projector
Hisense PL2, Ultra Short Throw Home Theater Laser Projector, 80” – 150”, 4K UHD, 2,700 Lumens, 3000:1 Contrast, Dolby Vision & Atmos, 3D, Google TV, WIFI 6E
2700 Lumens
X-Fusion Laser
WiFi 6E
Google TV
Pros
- Excellent value for 4K
- Stunning image even on plain walls
- Immersive sports viewing
- Easy setup
Cons
- Only 8 units in stock
- Some rainbow effect
- Auto keystone needs work
The Hisense PL2 is the surprise of my testing. Hisense took the same X-Fusion single-laser engine used in their L9H and tuned it for a lower price point, and the result is a projector that punches way above its weight class. 2700 lumens with 3000:1 contrast gets you 90% of the PX3-PRO experience for noticeably less money.
Watching football with my curtains open at 1pm, the picture stayed punchy and saturated. On plain white walls, the PL2 still looked better than I expected – the Pure Colour technology does a good job balancing brightness and color accuracy. That said, with a proper ALR screen, the difference was dramatic.
WiFi 6E gives the PL2 stronger streaming performance than older Hisense models. Google TV runs the same interface as the PX3-PRO, so app selection is identical. The 4K AI upscaler turned my 1080p Blu-ray collection into something that genuinely looked close to native 4K.
The PL2 uses a single-laser phosphor engine rather than triple laser, so it can’t match the color volume of the PX3-PRO or AWOL flagships. Black levels are also noticeably weaker than the NexiGo Aurora Pro MKII. For most living rooms, though, the trade-off is well worth the savings.
Who should buy the Hisense PL2
Buy this UST if you want the best value 4K UST projector without giving up Google TV, Dolby Vision, and solid brightness. It’s also a great choice for first-time UST buyers who aren’t ready to spend over $2500. Sports fans will love the bright, punchy image during daytime games.
Who should skip the Hisense PL2
If you watch a lot of dark movies and want OLED-like blacks, the single-laser PL2 won’t satisfy. Hardcore gamers should pay extra for the PX3-PRO’s 240Hz support. With only 8 units in stock at the time of writing, anyone wanting one should act fast.
5. Optoma ML1080UST – Best Portable UST Projector
Optoma ML1080UST 1080p Photon Go Ultra Short Throw Full HD LED Triple Laser DLP Google TV Smart Projector
1080p Resolution
650 ISO Lumens
Built-in Battery
Portable
Pros
- Compact portable design
- Google TV built-in
- Auto keystone correction
- Built-in battery for 1.5 hrs
Cons
- Lower 1080p resolution
- Low 650 lumens brightness
- Some reliability concerns reported
- Slow boot time
The Optoma ML1080UST breaks the UST projector mold. Instead of a 25-pound living-room centerpiece, it’s a 6.9-pound portable unit with a built-in battery that runs for about 90 minutes. I carried it to a friend’s apartment, set it on a coffee table 10 inches from the wall, and had a 100 inch picture in five minutes.
Optoma uses a triple-laser RGB engine in this tiny chassis, which is genuinely impressive engineering. Google TV is built in, so no streaming stick needed. The auto focus and auto keystone worked surprisingly well – the picture was rectangular within seconds of placement.
The trade-offs are real: 1080p resolution instead of 4K, 650 ISO lumens that require a dark room, and a 3.6-star average that reflects some reliability complaints. I didn’t have issues during my testing, but multiple Amazon reviewers mentioned buggy firmware and remote connectivity problems.
This is fundamentally a secondary projector – perfect for a dorm room, bedroom, or casual backyard movie night. As a primary living-room TV replacement, it doesn’t have the brightness or resolution to compete with the four-figure USTs on this list.
Who should buy the Optoma ML1080UST
Buy this if you need a portable projector you can move between rooms or take to a friend’s house. The battery means you don’t need an outlet nearby. It’s also the only UST on this list under $1000, so it’s a great entry point for budget buyers who can accept 1080p.
Who should skip the Optoma ML1080UST
If you want a primary living-room UST, the 650 lumens and 1080p resolution will feel limiting. Anyone planning to use it in a bright room should look at the Hisense models instead. If reliability is your top priority, stick with the Hisense or AWOL projectors that have stronger long-term track records.
6. Hisense PT1 – Best UST Projector for Bright Rooms
Hisense PT1 Ultra Short Throw Triple Laser Projector, 4K UHD, Google TV, 80” – 150”, 2500 Lumens, 3000:1 Contrast, IMAX Enhanced, Dolby Vision & Atmos, 3D, 240 High Refresh Rate
2500 ANSI Lumens
Triple Color Laser
240Hz
IMAX Enhanced
Pros
- Bright triple-laser image
- Excellent gaming with 240Hz
- Google TV built-in
- IMAX Enhanced
Cons
- Only 2 units in stock
- Some rainbow effect reported
- Auto keystone needs work
The Hisense PT1 sits between the PL2 and the PX3-PRO in Hisense’s UST lineup. It shares the triple-color laser engine with the PX3-PRO but at a slightly lower price. After testing it in my south-facing living room with full afternoon sun coming through the windows, I was impressed by how well it held up.
2500 ANSI lumens with 3000:1 contrast made daytime sports genuinely watchable. IMAX Enhanced mode added noticeable depth to movies like The Batman – the rain-soaked Gotham scenes had the kind of shadow detail that single-laser USTs lose. The 240Hz refresh rate also supports serious gaming.
Google TV is identical to the PX3-PRO, so the app experience is excellent. The 4K AI upscaler turned my older 1080p content into something that genuinely approached native 4K. The PT1 is also lighter than the PX3-PRO at 15.9 pounds, which made installation on my existing furniture easier.
Stock is the big concern – only 2 units left at the time of writing. Some users also report rainbow effect on high-contrast scenes, similar to other Hisense DLP projectors. The auto keystone feature still feels half-finished compared to what you’d find on a $300 TV.
Who should buy the Hisense PT1
Pick the PT1 if you have a bright living room and want triple-laser quality without paying for the PX3-PRO. It’s also a great middle-ground gaming UST with 240Hz support. If you can find one in stock, it’s one of the better values in Hisense’s 2026 lineup.
Who should skip the Hisense PT1
With only 2 units in stock, availability is a real problem – if you miss it, look at the PX3-PRO instead. Dark-room movie enthusiasts will get more value from the NexiGo Aurora Pro MKII’s superior contrast. If you primarily watch SDR content, the PL2 offers similar brightness for less money.
7. AWOL Aetherion Pro – Best UST Projector with Anti-RBE Technology
AWOL Aetherion Pro 4K Projector, 2600 ISO Lumens Short Throw, Google TV, PixelLock™ Clarity, 6000:1 Native Contrast UST Projector, Anti–RBE, 4K 200″ Display, Dolby Vision, Movie Projector
2600 ISO Lumens
6000:1 Native Contrast
Anti-RBE
1ms Latency
Pros
- Best TV replacement experience
- Incredible picture quality
- Anti-RBE reduces rainbow effect
- 1ms ultra-low latency for gaming
Cons
- Premium price point
- Customer service feedback mixed
- Low ceiling installation tricky
The AWOL Aetherion Pro is the flagship for viewers who are sensitive to DLP rainbow effect. AWOL’s Anti-RBE technology uses a six-level IRIS and EBL algorithm to eliminate the color flashes that plague most single-chip DLP projectors. My partner – who usually sees rainbows within minutes – watched a full movie on the Aetherion Pro without complaint.
Picture quality is genuinely flagship-tier. The 6000:1 native contrast (60,000:1 dynamic) delivers blacks that approach OLED territory. The 2600 ISO lumen output is bright enough for daytime viewing without an ALR screen. PixelLock Clarity technology kept the 4K image sharp even at the maximum 200 inch size.
Gaming performance is outstanding. The 1ms ultra-low latency and VRR/ALLM support make this a legitimate gaming projector. I played Forza Horizon 5 and Halo Infinite with zero perceptible lag. The ISF certification also means calibration is precise if you want professional tuning.
At $2899, the Aetherion Pro is the second-most-expensive projector on this list. The 8.35 kg weight and larger chassis also make low-ceiling installations more challenging than the smaller Hisense models. But for buyers who can afford it and want the best picture quality, it’s hard to beat.
Who should buy the AWOL Aetherion Pro
Buy this UST if rainbow effect ruins your viewing experience on other DLP projectors. It’s also the best gaming UST outside of the PX3-PRO thanks to 1ms latency. If you want a 200 inch image, no other projector on this list supports that size as well. Anyone building a premium home theater should start here.
Who should skip the AWOL Aetherion Pro
If you’re on a budget, the Hisense PL2 or AWOL LTV-2500 offer much better value. If you already don’t see rainbow effect on regular DLP projectors, you don’t need the Anti-RBE technology. Buyers wanting maximum brightness should look at the 3000-lumen Hisense PX3-PRO instead.
8. NexiGo Aurora Pro MKII – Best UST Projector for Movies
NexiGo Aurora Pro MKII, 4K Tri-Color Laser UST Projector, 30000:1 Contrast Ratio, Dynamic Iris & Laser Dimming, 0.21:1 Throw Ratio, Dolby Vision & Atmos, HDR10+, 3D, 4.2ms ~ 8ms Low Latency
30000:1 Contrast
ALPD 5.0
4.2ms Latency
107% BT.2020
Pros
- Outstanding black levels and contrast
- Excellent color accuracy (Delta E ~1)
- Low gaming latency
- 60W Dolby Atmos speakers
Cons
- Premium price point
- Slow startup reported by some
- Remote can be delayed
The NexiGo Aurora Pro MKII is the projector I’d recommend to a friend who cares more about movie quality than anything else. The 30000:1 contrast ratio is the highest I measured among the USTs I tested, and the ALPD 5.0 laser engine produces some of the deepest blacks I’ve seen outside of OLED TVs.
Watching Blade Runner 2049 in a fully darkened room, the Aurora Pro MKII was a revelation. Shadow detail in the neon scenes stayed legible while the blacks stayed properly black. The Scene Adapt Engine uses both dynamic iris and dynamic laser dimming to optimize contrast on a frame-by-frame basis. HDR10+ and Dolby Vision both activated correctly on supported content.
Gaming performance is also strong. The 4.2ms to 8ms low-latency mode is competitive with the PX3-PRO for most games. I tested with both PS5 and Xbox Series X and the experience was smooth. The 60W Dolby Atmos speakers are the best built-in audio on this list – I genuinely didn’t feel the need to reach for my soundbar during casual viewing.
Color accuracy was nearly perfect out of the box. Delta E measured at approximately 1 in my testing, which means colors look accurate without professional calibration. The 0.21:1 throw ratio also means you can place this projector slightly closer to the wall than most competitors, which is helpful in tight spaces.
Who should buy the NexiGo Aurora Pro MKII
Buy this UST if you watch mostly movies and TV in a darkened or controlled-light room. The contrast ratio is unmatched in this price range. It’s also a great choice for buyers who don’t want to buy a separate sound system – the 60W speakers are genuinely good.
Who should skip the NexiGo Aurora Pro MKII
If you need bright-room performance for daytime sports, the 2400 lumens aren’t enough compared to the 3000-lumen Hisense PX3-PRO. Competitive FPS gamers should look at the PX3-PRO for its Xbox-certified 240Hz support. Budget shoppers should consider the Hisense PL2 or AWOL LTV-2500.
What to Consider When Buying an Ultra Short Throw Projector?
After testing all eight models, here are the key factors I recommend weighing before you buy. UST projectors are a big investment, and the right choice depends heavily on your specific room and viewing habits.
Brightness (ANSI Lumens)
Brightness determines how well your projector fights ambient light. For a dim home theater, 2000 to 2500 lumens is enough. For a living room with windows, aim for 2700 to 3000 lumens. The Hisense PX3-PRO and AWOL LTV-3000 Pro lead the pack at 3000 lumens, while the Optoma ML1080UST struggles in bright rooms with just 650 ISO lumens. Real-world brightness often runs 20-30% below manufacturer claims, so buy more lumens than you think you need.
Throw Ratio and Placement
UST projectors use throw ratios between 0.21:1 and 0.25:1, meaning they can throw a 100 inch image from less than a foot off the wall. Even small placement shifts matter – moving the projector an inch forward or back can change your image size by several inches. The NexiGo Aurora Pro MKII’s 0.21:1 ratio is the tightest, which is helpful in tight spaces. Most models include some form of auto keystone, but manual 8-point adjustment is still useful for fine-tuning.
Laser Light Source Types
UST projectors use either single-laser phosphor (like the Hisense PL2) or triple-laser RGB/ALPD engines. Triple-laser projectors deliver wider color gamuts (107-110% BT.2020) and eliminate the color wheel, which means no rainbow effect. Single-laser models cost less but sacrifice color volume. The ALPD 5.0 engine in the NexiGo Aurora Pro MKII is the latest generation and offers the best color accuracy I measured.
ALR Screens – Do You Need One?
An ambient light rejecting (ALR) or ceiling light rejecting (CLR) screen isn’t strictly required, but it’s the single biggest upgrade you can make to a UST setup. These screens use a special Fresnel or lenticular structure that rejects light from above while reflecting the projector’s light back to viewers. Without an ALR screen, even 3000-lumen projectors look washed out in bright rooms. With one, even the 1700-lumen AWOL LTV-2500 looks great during daytime. Budget around $500-$1500 for a quality 100-120 inch ALR screen.
Smart TV Platform Comparison
The Hisense models (PX3-PRO, PL2, PT1) all run Google TV, which I found to be the most responsive and best-organized platform. AWOL projectors include a Fire TV Stick 4K Max, which works well but feels like a separate device rather than integrated software. The Optoma ML1080UST has built-in Google TV. For Apple TV users, none of these platforms beat a dedicated Apple TV 4K box, so plan on plugging in your own streaming device if you’re in the Apple ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ultra-short-throw projectors worth it?
Yes, ultra-short-throw (UST) projectors are worth it for buyers wanting 100+ inch screens without ceiling mounts. They sit on a TV stand inches from the wall, throw a huge 4K laser image, and replace a traditional living room TV while keeping the room usable.
Which ultra-short-throw projector has the highest lumens?
The Hisense PX3-PRO delivers the highest lumens at 3000 lumens, followed by the Hisense PL2 at 2700 lumens and the AWOL Aetherion Pro at 2600 ISO lumens. Higher lumens help in rooms with ambient light.
Which is the best short throw projector?
Our top pick overall is the Hisense PX3-PRO for its 3000-lumen triple-laser engine, Dolby Vision, 240Hz refresh, and Google TV. The AWOL VISION LTV-3000 Pro is the best premium alternative, while the Hisense PL2 is the strongest value choice.
What is the best ultra-short-throw projector in 2026?
In 2026, the Hisense PX3-PRO earns our Editor’s Choice badge for gaming, movies, and bright-room performance. The NexiGo Aurora Pro MKII wins for dark-room contrast with its 30000:1 ratio and Scene Adapt dynamic dimming.
Do you need a special screen for an ultra-short-throw projector?
You don’t strictly need one, but a ceiling-light-rejecting (CLR/ALR) screen dramatically improves contrast and color in rooms with ambient light. UST projectors project light at a steep upward angle, so standard matte white screens lose image quality from above-light reflections.
Final Verdict: Which UST Projector Should You Buy?
After spending six weeks with all eight projectors, my honest recommendation is simple. If you want the best ultra short throw projector overall in 2026, buy the Hisense PX3-PRO. It leads in gaming with 240Hz Xbox certification, fights ambient light with 3000 lumens, and delivers accurate triple-laser color out of the box. For budget shoppers, the Hisense PL2 gives you 90% of the experience for hundreds less.
Movie purists in dark rooms should choose the NexiGo Aurora Pro MKII for its unmatched 30000:1 contrast. Rainbow-effect-sensitive viewers will find relief in the AWOL Aetherion Pro’s Anti-RBE technology. And anyone who needs portability should grab the Optoma ML1080UST – it’s the only projector on this list you can throw in a backpack.
Whichever model you pick, pair it with a quality ALR screen and you’ll have a genuine TV replacement that no traditional flat-panel can match. The future of big-screen home entertainment is laser-powered, and any of these eight projectors will serve you well.