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Updated Oct 20, 2021

MODELS	BenQ MS616ST Best Overall	BenQ W1080ST 1080p 3D Best Value For Money	ASUS S1 200 lumen Most Portable	Epson PowerLite 435W WXGA 3LCD Best in Brightness
Features:	Native Resolution: 1080p, 3D ready Brightness (Lumens): 2500 Throw and Zoom Ratio:0.9-1.08(54.5”@1m) Inputs / Outputs: HDMI; D-sub x2; S-Video; Com; A; 10W Spkx1; AO; Control Terminals: (RS232/USB/IR Receiver) Contrast Ratio: 13000:1 Light Source Life (Norm, Eco, Smart Eco):4500/6000/6500 hours Built-in Speakers: 10W Spkx1	Native Resolution: 1080p, 3D ready Brightness (Lumens): 2000 Throw and Zoom Ratio: 0.69-0.83 (65.7”@ 1M) Inputs / Outputs: HDMI; D-sub x2; S-Video; Com; A; AO; Control Terminals: (RS232/USB/IR Receiver) Contrast Ratio: 10000:1 Light Source Life (Norm, Eco, Smart Eco): 3500/5000/6000 hours Built-in Speakers: 10W Spkx1	Native Resolution: 854x480 Brightness (Lumens): 200 Throw Ratio: 1:1 Inputs / Outputs: HDMI/MHL, USB port Contrast Ratio: 10000:1 Light Source Life (Norm, Eco, Smart Eco):  30000 hrs LED Built-in Speakers:ASUS Sonic Master enhanced-speaker	Native Resolution: 1280 x 800 (WXGA) Brightness (Lumens): 3000 Throw Ratio: 1:1 Inputs / Outputs: HDMI, RCA, VGA, USB, Composite/S Video, RS 232C Contrast Ratio: 10000:1 Built-in Speakers: 16W speaker
Pros:	-3D support and compatibility -On-screen display makes use of 28 languages -2500 lumens brightness makes it useful for both outdoors and indoors. -HDTV-compatible -Automatically shuts off when not in use -Generally long lamp life (4500 to 6000 hours) -Image projection of 55 inches at 1 meter away from the screen	-Fantastic features despite low cost -Amazing picture quality -Optional wireless video system -Active 3D playback -Brilliant color support -Image projection of 100 inches at 1.5 meters placement from screen -Vertical and horizontal keystone adjustment -Eco Blank Mode automatically shuts off the unit when not used in three minutes	-Lightweight at 0.75 pounds for maximum portability -One of the best-in-class with a 1:1 short-throw ratio -HDMI/MHL port makes it compatible with a variety of sources -Built-in ASUS Sonic Master enhanced speaker to produce clear and real audio -Built-in battery pack for long hours of use without being connected to a power source -Up to 30,000 hours LED lifespan	-Powerful 3000 lumens rating; can be used both outdoors and indoors -Exceptional image projection: As large as 80 inches at merely 2.7 feet away from the screen -HDMI connectivity -Built-in speaker -Easily accessible lamp and filter (useful for maintenance) -Estimated lamp life of 6000 hours in --ECO Mode
Cons:	-Slight noise generated, but may be reduced when switched to -ECO mode -Lens shift is not available	-Some rainbow effects may be noticed -Average black level -Red tone during 3D viewing	-iPhone, iPad or Samsung connection needs to be purchased separately -Not ideal for a brightly-lit room -No keystone adjustment -No remote control	-No 3D support -No zoom capability
Why Should You Buy It:	Though it comes at an affordable price, the BenQ MS616ST offers superb function and durability. It is compatible with almost video quality, great brightness, and a wide range of connectivity.	This model provides brilliant color support despite the low price. It is also 3D-ready and has an optional wireless video system.	ASUS S1 is lightweight, making it extremely portable. The LED has a 30,000 hours lifespan, which means you can use this for almost a decade without worrying to replace the LED.	This model boasts 3000-lumens, which means this can be used outdoors. This also has the ability to minimize glare and shadow interference.
Price:	$$	$$	$	$$

If you’re in search of the best short throw projector under $500, you need to check out our buying guide and products review!

Buying a projector is a worthwhile investment especially if you’re going to use it frequently. A short throw projector is extremely useful for just about any image projection need, whether it’s a marketing presentation, business meeting, or movie screenings. However,  short throw projectors are pretty expensive, that’s we did the research to find the best cheap projectors on the market!

Top 4 Best Short Throw Projectors Under $500

Without much further ado, let’s list down the best short throw projectors under $500 to suit your budget:

Projector Model		Price	Our Verdict
BenQ MS616ST Short Throw SVGA Home Theater Projector with HDMI		$$	Best Overall
BenQ W1080ST 1080p 3D Short Throw DLP Home Theater Projector		$$	Best Value For Money
ASUS S1 200 lumen HDMI/MHL Built-in 6,000mAh Battery Power Bank Short-Throw LED Pocket Projector		$	Most Portable
Epson PowerLite 435W WXGA 3LCD Short Throw Projector		$$	Best in Brightness

BenQ MS616ST Short Throw SVGA Home Theater Projector with HDMI – Best Overall

A product entry from BenQ is the MS616ST Home Theater Projector with a convenient plug-and-play interface (via USB connection) to make installation and actual use a breeze. This is made possible due to its small frame and portable nature, which makes this BenQ short throw projector a great investment.

The product has a dual 3D projection option that powerfully brings 3D movies and gaming in a combination of industry-leading 3D technologies. Prepare to enjoy 3D films in the comforts of your home.

Auto Resolution Detection on BenQ MS616ST

This short throw projector automatically detects resolution for the best image presentation. It has a native resolution of 800 x 600 and an aspect ratio of 4:3. It is compatible to HDTV as well as 480i, 480p, 576i, 576p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p formats.

The projected image size measures anywhere between 30” and 300” diagonal.

Brightness & Connectivity

The projector has a brightness of 2500 lumens, which may be used in both bright and low-light conditions. It automatically shuts off when it is not used for three minutes, thereby allowing you to save on energy and prolong the lifespan of the lamp. Using the ECO mode, it can enhance the details in darkened scenes with a 163W power consumption.

The USB drive display allows connectivity using a flash drive. It supports the following file types: JPEG, JPG, BMP, PNG, GIF, and TIFF.

With its sheer number of features at a fraction of the cost of other bigger projectors, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the BenQ MS616ST Short Throw SVGA Home Theater Projector appears on this list as the overall best short throw projector under $500.

Why Should You Consider the BenQ MS616ST Projector?

One of the best things that buyers loved about this BenQ short throw projector is its amazing picture quality that is ideal for a home theater. It produces clear and crisp images when projected to any kind of surface.

Customers also found its price to be surprisingly inexpensive for such a powerful projector. It provides excellent images even when used in ECO mode. Similarly, when used for office work, buyers said that it works seamlessly with most PCs and laptops.

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BenQ W1080ST 1080p 3D Short Throw DLP Home Theater Projector – Best Value For Money

BenQ W1080ST is another little giant from the same brand as the first product on this list. This short throw projector boasts of a 1080p resolution and a 2000 lumens brightness, making it one of the best in its class.

BenQ W1080ST Contrast Ratio and Where to Place the Projector?

No matter how small the room is, expect to enjoy crisp, clear images with a 10,000:1 high contrast ratio when using this product. When used for business presentations or school projects, you are assured of clear imagery.

This projector works perfectly when mounted on the wall. You don’t need to worry about shadow interference and glare when people pass between screen and projector, as it eliminates this possibility so that you can enjoy any movie seamlessly.

In terms of accessories, this product can be connected to several devices through its two HDMI ports and multiple connectivity options. Its built-in speakers produce decent audio to accompany your images and videos on screen.

If you’re looking for the best short throw projector under $500 without scrimping on features, BenQ W1080ST 1080p 3D Short Throw DLP Home Theater Projector will leave you in awe.

Why Should You Consider the BenQ W1080ST Projector?

Overall, buyers liked the quality of the projected images. This projector can create clear and blur-free images as big as 135 inches when positioned 4 feet away from the screen.

The built-in speakers provide average sound quality enough to be appreciated until the last row of the audience. For best results, though, it is recommended to pair the projector with a Bluetooth speaker in order to enhance the audio.

Buyers also noted its relatively satisfactory lumens rating at 2000, making it useful in low lighting conditions. BenQ W1080ST will practically last for years when used with the best possible care.

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ASUS S1 200 lumen HDMI/MHL Built-in 6,000mAh Battery Power Bank Short-Throw LED Pocket Projector – Most Portable

ASUS has been proven to dish out high-quality products, and it’s the same in terms of its projector product line. Surprisingly, Asus came up with an ultra-affordable projector that fits the budget of most people: the ASUS S1 Short Throw LED Pocket Projector.

ASUS S1 Lumens, Resolution & Battery Life

This product is designed with a sleek, modern look with concentric-circular finish in aluminum. It has a lumen brightness of 200 and has a built-in 6,000mAh battery power bank, which is very convenient for business presentations and school reports.

It has a native resolution of 854 x 480 and can create an image size of up to 100 inches. It can project a 41-inch image at a distance of just 1 meter from the screen. Despite this kind of resolution, it is expected to perform well in dim rooms but may not project the image properly in more illuminated areas.

Its best feature is its size and weight. It can easily slip inside a bag light enough to be carried anywhere you may need to use it.

ASUS S1 makes use of advanced DLP Technology, which allows up to 30,000 hours of LED lifespan. It has at least 3 hours of cable-free projection time.

Why Should You Consider the ASUS S1 Projector?

Considering the price of ASUS S1, this is great for beginners, particularly students who may need to use a projector to present a project in class. Buyers vouch for the product being lightweight, and its portability makes it possible to use the device anywhere they go.

In addition, buyers also pointed out the built-in battery as one of the best features since it won’t leave you hanging if you need to provide quite a long presentation.

Another advantage that buyers noted is the long lifespan of its LED lamps. This means that you can use the device for at least 8 hours a day for 10 years without having to worry for a replacement. Overall, consumers found it as a worthy contender for the best short throw projector under $500.

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Epson PowerLite 435W WXGA 3LCD Short Throw Projector 3000 Lumens HDMI – Best in Brightness

Another well-known brand in the field of printers and projectors is Epson, and its best short throw projector under $500 is the Epson PowerLite 435W.

This product is a class on its own when it comes to providing ultra-clean images. Boasting of a 3000-lumens rating, Epson PowerLite 435W can be used outdoors and well-lit areas without sacrificing image clarity. It has the ability to minimize glare and shadow interference.

What’s the Technology Behind Epson PowerLite 435W Projector?

The secret behind the Epson PowerLite 435W is its light engine that uses 3LCD technology. It can project 80-inch images from just 2.7 feet away. It can project excellent pictures when showing small texts.

This projector displays a 16:10 widescreen aspect ratio, which is ideal for displaying high-definition content. Additionally, it is equipped with a microphone input and a 16W speaker. It also has HDMI connectivity and advanced networking capabilities which offer more flexibility.

Setting up is smooth and simple because of the 4 adjustable feet on the bottom of the projector. The two in the rear unscrew to raise and lower the projector. There is a push button foot in the front to aid in raising the image.

The Epson PowerLite 435W is a powerful projector that can be used in a classroom or conference room setup. It is also ideal for wall mount installation.

Why Should You Consider the PowerLite 435W Projector?

As an entry for the best short throw projector under $500, Epson PowerLite 435W won rave reviews from buyers. When used at home, buyers loved its crisp and high-quality images especially when watching movies. Its best feature also left a lot of buyers astounded, and that is its high lumens rating of 3000.

Customers also liked the fact that the device doesn’t need any special surface to use it. Perfect images can be viewed whether it’s placed on a tabletop surface or mounted on the ceiling.

Finding The Best Short Throw Projector Under $500 For You

When looking for the best short throw projector under $500, make sure that you’re also focusing on the features of each product. By following our guide in this page and studying the listed products above, you can buy the best cheap short throw projector at the most affordable price.

Do you like any of the best short throw projectors under $500 in this list? Tell us more about it in the comments!

FAQ

What To Look For Before Buying The Best Short Throw Projectors Under $500?

When buying for short-throw projectors under $500, you should check the features such as resolution, brightness, connectivity, size, and user-friendliness.

What Are The Best Short Throw Projectors Under $500?

After checking many products, we come up with four best short throw projectors under $500. They are the following:

• – BenQ MS616ST
• – BenQ W1080ST
• – ASUS S1
• – Epson PowerLite 435W

Why Should You Buy BenQ MS616ST?

Though it comes at an affordable price, the BenQ MS616ST offers superb function and durability. It is compatible with almost video quality, great brightness, and a wide range of connectivity.

Why Should You Buy BenQ W1080ST?

This model provides brilliant color support despite the low price. It is also 3D-ready and has an optional wireless video system.

Why Should You Buy ASUS S1?

ASUS S1 is lightweight, making it extremely portable. The LED has a 30,000 hours lifespan, which means you can use this for almost a decade without worrying to replace the LED.

Why Should You Buy Epson PowerLite 435W?

This model boasts 3000-lumens, which means this can be used outdoors. This also has the ability to minimize glare and shadow interference.

[Featured image source]

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