Ultra Short Throw Projector Beauty Pageant

While this is similar in design to the HU715Q, the chassis on this unit is slighter shorter and feels a bit more modern as a result. The white provides some additional flexibility with one’s own décor and looks classic with the light heathered gray speaker grille cloth. The unit has a timeless elegance that will transcend into any design style. The placement of the inputs and connectors were more sensical. Like its sibling the LG HU915QB, I'm not a fan of the wide vents on the side.

The off white color is more suble that the typical white a lot of brands are using. It works well in rooms with lighter furniture. The fabric face and the warm tone makes it look less like a techy piece of equipment, and more like a piece that goes in a detail oriented and well designed space.

The modern styling of the LG HU915QE, and the fact that it doesn't look like a typical projector, make the overall design of this piece feel much more elevated than a standard piece of tech. These details, paired with fantastic performance specs, make this ultra short throw perfect for someone who cares about a well designed space.

This unique colorway somehow dances a line between contemporary and retro, which makes it feel like an instant classic. It would pair beautifully surrounded by furniture made from natural materials like wood or travertine.

The streamlined design makes it feel very modern while allowing it to not stick out in your decor. This projector would look great styled in an ultra-chic living space.

The modern inconspicuous aesthetics with its high gloss lacquer finish, gray speaker grill cloth is beautifully executed. This is almost gives the illusion of it being an accessory purposely out on display. This would be gorgeous in black as well, which unfortunately is not offered in this model.

With only 4.4" distance from the screen for 100" diagonal image size, this projector allows for a narrower console table or cabinet for it to rest on, which is great for smaller rooms. The rounded edges and smaller looking profile make it feel more contemporary and sculptural, rather than another boxy looking piece of AV equipment.

The super minimal and sculptural design of the Samsung LSP9T is ultra-chic and modern. It's only available in white, which won't work with everyone's design aesthetics, but it will look sophisticated if it does work with your decor.

This projector only needs to sit just over 4" from your wall to create an incredible image, which allows for a lot of versatility when it comes to placement. Mix this ultra short throw projector with other sculptural and minimalist pieces in your living space to create a cohesive, contemporary look.

While this is similar in design to the HU715Q, the chassis on this unit is slighter shorter and feels a bit more modern as a result. The black is elegant with the darker heathered gray speaker grille cloth. It gives the unit a timeless elegance that will transcend into any design style. The placement of the inputs and connectors were more sensical.

Not crazy about the wide vents on the sides.

While a very simple and clean looking piece, there is attention to detail. The inset fabric speaker face has an elegant, tweedy wool look to it, rather than a plain black cover. The scale is low and wide. The matte black hides dust and finger prints and the defined corners make it look well made.

This chasis is the same as the LG HU915QE on this list, but now we have it in black. Black is the most common ultra short throw projector color option, so this feels less special than the other versions, but it's still an incredible choice.

From its sleek design to its image quality, this projector will make any movie night feel like you're in a theater. You can't go wrong with the slick, modernist lines of the LG HU915QB to make your space look stylish and high-end.

The only reason I am ranking it below the Formovie Theater, which has similar styling, is the price of the LG is significantly higher. But if you want the best and your color palette is dark, this is the best option for you.

The sinuous curves of the chassis available in both black and white, add a soft, flowy and organic element, which allow the unit to naturally blend into any environment. I also like the power button not being on the front but on the side. I am not a fan of the corrugated and fluted design of the metal vents on the sides and back of the projector as well as the thin poled feet.

The beveled corners give it a high end look and low profle keep things simple. It looks more like a speaker than a projector. The covered ports on the side, rather than exposed on the back, keep things looking neat and keeps the back from looking cluttered, which matters since it has to be several inches from the wall.

The luxe, refined details combined with the outstanding functionality of this projector make the Epson LS800 my favorite option on this list.

This projector can sit so incredibly close to the wall that the ports are on the side, covered by a door. This detail is a great space saver and makes the look sleek and discreet overall.

I love that it's available in black or white, a detail often overlooked. The white would look great in a contemporary-styled space, and the facets would look fantastic paired with a console with marble elements.

Straight lines and right angles are one of the more attractive aspects about this unit. This is simply designed but executed well. The speaker housing almost appears as if it is floating on top of the base of the unit. I also like the linear sequence of the input and connector type on the back of the unit. I wish they had used a higher end finish and materials, as it would have given the unit a more luxurious appeal.

Bonus points for not being basic black. Charcoal gray has a softer look. The low profile unit appears to take up a bit of space even though it's a simple shape. The lit up logo when powered on is a distraction to viewers and seems redundant.

With a tasteful, minimal design and a terrific price, it's hard to beat the Formovie Theater. The housing is simple and uncluttered and will not distract from the overall aesthetic of your living space.

Charcoal gray instead of black, this projector will easily integrate into more traditional theater decor. It's not trying to show off in the style department, but that's not bad when you want your tech to fade into the background.

This ultra short throw projector is an excellent option at a fraction of the price of its competition, but with great functionality and a simple, clean style.

The minimalism of this monochromatic futuristic design. At first glance it almost looks as if is a squat soundbar. The sparkley starscape finish on top lends itself to an advanced futuristic device. I wish the feet could have been recessed or less prominent as it takes away from the sleekness of this design. I would have encouraged logo placement on top of the projector or another location, as it takes away from the contoured design.

Sleek shape with soft curves with slight angular projection on the face. The gloss and matte black combo is nice. The white light on the front is unneccessary and is a distraction for the viewer.

With a sleek, rounded design and a subtle intergalactic-inspired glittery gloss black top, the Hisense L9G ultra short throw projector will make your living space shine brighter than a shooting star. The sides have geometric detailing, adding an eye-catching look to the overall design.

Even with all these details, this projector looks elegant and modern, making it a good fit for any decor. Pair this with moody jewel tones, a performance velvet sofa, and vintage-inspired lighting for the ultimate viewing experience.

This more modern bending design is offered in black and white. What I find unique is how the boxier part of the chassis disappears into the background when looking at this projector head on. The front profile is prominent, slightly angular and from a side perspective looks almost like a cylinder.

Being that the fabric on the speaker grille is black, it will require more maintenance to keep the dust away. This unit would be stunning in a high gloss lacquer black.

The profile is discreet and low key. The Harmon Kardon roll speaker bar across the front adds a sculptural detail to what most brands leave as a black box. The use of and HDMI Arc cable elimates extra wiring, keeping the clutter down.

The ViewSonic X2000B is this list's most compact ultra short throw projector. It could be more attractive, but it has a great built-in sound system which could save you from additional clutter.

This model can be used on curved walls, giving your space an exciting range of design options. Pair this with a curved modular sectional for the ultimate modern theater experience.

The straight forwardness of this well styled and smooth design is synonymous with sleek. I love how it’s elegantly paired with a heather gray speaker grille cloth. Given it’s understated elegance it could be universally blended with any design genre.

I am not crazy about the design of the inputs in the back of the unit. I feel the placement could have been better thought out as well as the wide vents on the sides of the projector and the base is cumbersome.

This is very similar to the LG HU915QE and HU915QB but the white color drops this one down the list. The color makes this appear bigger than it is, and it looks cold and blocky. It does have the nicely textured gray fabric on the face, which elevates the look. It can work in a sleek and modern room.

This selection is the same as #2 on this list but in a white and gray colorway. The outstanding performance remains, but this option will pair better with bright, airy spaces.

The gray fabric detailing on the front of this projector helps to merge tech with home decor. It's a subtle, meaningful touch that will help your projector look like it was made for your living space rather than just placed there.

Consider styling this with a boucle sofa, a white marble fireplace, and white linen blackout curtains.

It's narrower at 19.7"W than many of its competitors which is attractive to any home owner. I like the front of the projectors modern, sleek and streamlined design. At first glance, the unit appears as if it is floating. It has a higher end appeal with its charcoal gray speaker grille cloth and the motorized sliding panel protecting the lens and sensor package from pet hair, dust and dirt.

I don’t like how the black boxy metal and plastic exterior gives the unit a more pedestrian look. I also wish the base of the unit wasn’t as clunky.

Classic "old school" soundsytem look, simple logo looks like a button. Not very exciting overall, but that can help it blend into it's surroundings. It has a large and boxy presence, but the turned out feet do give it a little mid-century modern kick.

The BenQ V7050i has some unique detailing that makes it a standout, but some details are also a bit clunky.

A motorized cover hides the lens when unused, which is excellent for not allowing dust to accumulate. It has a built-in ruler to help you measure the distance to the wall, which is super handy and clever.

If you are going to be nitpicky with the design, the feet are very noticeable on this model, which is awkward. The logo on the front is a little distracting but not too apparent.

Overall, the pros definitely outweigh the cons, and this would be a great ultra short throw projector in many home theater spaces.

The air vents/exhausts are strategically embedded within the chrome profiles. It’s a clever design which makes the unit visually attractive but not distracting.

Given the embellishments in the design, it could date quickly. I also don’t love the large logo placement in the middle of the speaker and would have liked to have seen the power button on the side.

7" from wall is a plus. The appearance looks similar to a book with the metal "pages" on the sides. For some that may be a plus, with the silver details catching the light, and others might not like the busy-ness of the lines and the large logo. It would be nice to see this offered in a dark color as well.

With a giant, shiny logo front and center and fussy chrome detailing on the sides, the Vava Chroma's aesthetics are trying to steal the show. The space-age details are distracting and will stick out in your home decor.

No question, this is an excellent ultra short throw projector for the things that matter. You will get a massive screen with a superb picture. But this design doesn't feel very sophisticated and would be a challenge to integrate into most home decor styles.

The combination of the black and silver give the unit a more thoughtful design. The rounded edges soften and add visual appeal. While the rounded edges give the unit a more designer friendly look, the overall design feels chunkier despite it being 21.5”W, which is narrow compared to some of its competitors. I would have liked to have seen the projector in a nicer finish and materials, as it would have helped improve upon the exterior design.

The excellent picture quality makes up for slightly curved top and two-tone silver and black, which is a dated look.

Design-wise, this model is a little boring, but the Hisense L5G very functional with exceptional performance.

The logo on the front is minimal and not too offensive, and the overall size is small and discreet. It looks like a printer or other tech, but don't worry - most people will be focusing on the fantastic image it produces.

If your decor has a dark palette, it should blend in well, but if you're going for a more modern look, something else might be better.

The black lacquer detail in the front middle of the projector is beautifully elegant, especially with the Bauhaus esq abstract curvature of the front chassis with the thin silver profile trim. This gives the unit a more luxurious and higher end presence. Though I am not crazy about the footing.

This one can be fairly close to the wall, allowing for a shallower console or cabinet. The sleek appearance with the concave ends and metal line running through the middle looks high end. Logo is there, but discreet.

The AWOL LTV-3500 has a lot going on. With curves in every direction, chrome horizontal lines, and a high-shine finish, this projector looks like a spaceship just landed in your home theater.

These design features feel too flashy and distracting, and the projector might look out of place if your home decor is less modern. However, this elaborate design has many superior performance features that will make up for it, including a very compact throw distance.

I like the slightly muted curves, classic and graphic shape of this vintage mid-century aesthetic of this ultra short throw projector. I don’t care for the raised back of the unit. Based on the design you would have expected a lower profile.

Bulky looking with the "wedge" sitting on the top that doesn't add to the function. The circle on the face looks unnessary and distracting and seems easy to mistake for the power button, which is on the top. It does make it look like an old school projector, so maybe it's a nod to the old days. The black plastic face also looks like it shows finger prints.

This model is the most compact of the Hisense ultra short throw projectors on this list, but the design still feels fussier. The cumbersome feet, random circle detailing on the front, and bright silver logo all make the Hisense PX1-Pro feel less refined than it should.

The product has excellent functionality and a nice gray casing, but the detailing has room for improvement overall.

The intriguing tapered and minimalist hybrid design offers subtle character and mystery with the convex curvature of the projector and coned shaped speaker grill. This would complement modern, contemporary and even transitional styles of design.

I wish they had chosen a different finish, as the powder coating matte black and charcoal gray could not only scratch easily, but given the artisanship of the design, I would have liked to have seen it in a premium finish.

The two toned silver and black appearance and curved top are somewhat outdated. It looks like an older gaming device, rather than the high tech piece of equipment that it is.

The XGIMI Aura breaks all the projection design rules with its curved shape and charcoal color. These simple details will make this model look great in your home and make this ultra short throw projector stand out.

All the logos are unfussy, and the overall design is clean and restrained but does feel a bit basic. The curved lines feel more retro, but if that complements your space, then this could be perfect.