Short Throw vs Ultra Short Throw vs Long Throw Projectors: Which One Fits Your Home Best?
When building your dream home cinema setup, one of the most important factors to consider is the projector's throw distance. This determines how far the projector needs to be from the screen to produce a large, clear image. In this guide, we'll break down the three main types of projectors by throw distance—long throw, short throw, and ultra short throw—and explain why short throw projectors are often the perfect choice for everyday UK homes.
（Alt：NEBULA short throw projector）
What is a Long Throw Projector?
A long throw projector typically requires a distance of 3 to 5 metres or more from the screen to display a 100-inch image. These projectors are commonly used in lecture halls, large conference rooms, or home theatres with ample space.
Pros:
- Often more affordable for the brightness level
- Ideal for very large screens and spaces
Cons:
- Requires a long room or mounting far from the screen
- More complex installation
- Not suitable for smaller UK living rooms or flats
What is a Short Throw Projector?
Short throw projectors have a throw ratio between 0.4 and 1.0, meaning they can produce a 100-inch image from just 1 to 2 metres away. This makes them incredibly versatile and ideal for standard UK living rooms or bedrooms.
Pros:
- Easy to set up on a TV stand or table
- Big screen experience in small spaces
- Great value for money
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than long throw projectors at the same brightness level
What is an Ultra Short Throw Projector?
Ultra short throw (UST) projectors take things a step further with a throw ratio under 0.4, enabling them to project a large image from just a few centimetres away from the wall.
Pros:
- Sleek, modern look with minimal space required
- Excellent for compact or stylish home setups
- Avoids shadows or obstruction
Cons:
- Higher cost
- Requires a perfectly flat wall or screen for best results
Throw Distance Comparison Table
|
Type |
Throw Ratio |
Ideal Room Size |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Long Throw |
>1.2 |
Large rooms/halls |
Lower price per lumen |
Needs space, complex installation |
|
Short Throw |
0.4–1.0 |
UK living rooms/bedrooms |
Easy setup, big image in small space |
Slightly higher cost than long throw |
|
Ultra Short Throw |
<0.4 |
Stylish modern spaces |
Minimal space needed, elegant |
Higher cost, flat surface required |
Laser Tech in Short Throw Projectors
Many short throw projectors now use laser technology, which offers several advantages over traditional LED or lamp-based models. Laser projectors provide higher brightness, longer lifespans, and consistent image quality.If you want vibrant colours and better performance in bright rooms, a short throw laser projector is a great investment.
4K Short Throw Projectors for Cinematic Quality
With the rise of 4K short throw projectors have also evolved to support 4K UHD resolution. This delivers sharper detail, better contrast, and an overall more immersive viewing experience—especially noticeable on larger screen sizes. For those who love movie nights or gaming in high fidelity, a short throw projector 4K brings the cinema home.
Recommended Short Throw and Long Throw Projectors
Whether you’re working with a compact room or a larger viewing space, choosing the right projector for your needs is essential. Below are two standout options tailored for different setups:
Best All-Rounder (Adaptive Short-to-Long Throw)
NEBULA X1 Immersive Bundle
With a versatile throw ratio of 0.9 to 1.5, the NEBULA X1 covers both short and long throw use cases. It features triple-laser 4K projection, Dolby Vision, 2020 colour gamut. with immersive bundle while have 4.1.2 surround sound. Ideal for users who want flexibility without compromising on cinematic quality.
Best Long Throw Pick
NEBULA Capsule 3 Laser
With a throw ratio of 1.2, this mini long throw projector is perfect for spaces where distance isn’t a constraint. NEBULA capsule 3 laser delivers crisp visuals, strong brightness for its size, and Android TV integration—all in a highly portable design.
- Laser Engine to Illuminate Your World: Experience vibrant visuals with this laser projector, featuring a laser light source delivering 300 ANSI Lumens of brightness in 1080p HD, ensuring your images stay bright and clear.
- Travel Light, Project Big: At just 2 lb (900 g) and 90% smaller than others with similar brightness, NEBULA Capsule 3 Laser projects up to a 120-inch screen and easily slips into your bag for presentations or movie nights anywhere.
- Marathon Viewing Sessions: Watch a full 2.5-hour movie or listen to 8 hours of music on a single charge with Capsule 3 Laser, making it perfect for extended viewing. It supports PD charging, so you can easily use a power bank for convenient portable charging on the go.
- Get All the Content You Need: Elevate your entertainment with Google TV, Google Assistant, Google Cast, and officially-licensed Netflix.
- Sound That Surrounds: 8W Dolby Digital speakers fill the room with crisp, immersive audio, making every viewing a sonic delight with this Capsule 3 laser projector.
FAQ
What is the difference between short, ultra short, and long throw projectors?
The main difference lies in the distance they need from the screen. Long throw projectors require the most space, short throw projectors need only 1–2 metres, and ultra short throw projectors can sit just centimetres away.
Is a short throw laser projector better than LED?
Laser projectors generally offer higher brightness, better colours, and longer lifespans than LED models.
Can I get a cheap short throw projector with 4K?
While 4K short throw projectors are typically more expensive, there are budget models with excellent 1080p resolution that still deliver great visuals.
How far does a short throw projector need to be from the wall?
Most short throw projectors can produce a 100-inch image from 1 to 2 metres away.
Conclusion
For the vast majority of UK households, the short throw projector is the most practical and rewarding choice. It delivers exceptional picture quality, easy setup, and space efficiency—without the high cost or installation hassle of ultra short throw models. Whether you're planning weekend movie nights or daily streaming, a short throw projector brings the big screen home.
