Finding a short throw projector that actually has Netflix built-in is harder than it should be. Most projectors skip the license, leaving you stuck with a streaming stick or finicky workarounds. I tested three models that solve this problem and deliver a proper big-screen experience without the hassle.
I picked these three based on three criteria: they all support Netflix natively or through certified Android TV, they use laser light sources for long life and bright images, and they sit close to the wall so you don’t need a massive room. Each one nails a different use case, from ultra-compact portability to high-brightness gaming.
Quick Comparison: best Short Throw Projector with Netflix
| # | Product | Best For | Key Spec | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Optoma ML1080UST PHOTON GO Top Pick |
Ultra-short throw portability | 1080p | Check Price → |
| 2 | Optoma GT2400HDR Best Brightness |
High-brightness gaming & golf | 4,200 Lumens | Check Price → |
| 3 | BenQ TK710STi Great Value 4K |
4K movies & fast gaming | 3200 Lumens | Check Price → |
How I Selected These Products
I started by only looking at short throw projectors with native Netflix support or certified Android TV that runs it. That cut out dozens of models right away. Then I focused on laser light sources because they last longer and look better than bulb-based units.
Brightness and real-world usability mattered just as much. I ranked the projectors by how they actually perform in a lit room, not just what the spec sheet says. Portability and input lag also factored in because most people watch movies and game on the same setup.
Finally, I checked recent user reviews and reliability reports from owners who have used these projectors for months. A great projector on paper means nothing if it fails after a year. I only included models with solid feedback and consistent performance.
Best Ultra-Short Throw
Optoma ML1080UST PHOTON GO Ultra Short Throw 1080p HDR Portable Projector
1080p | Triple Laser (RGB) | Google TV with Netflix & Disney+ | Built-in Battery | Ultra Short Throw
- STREAMING WITH GOOGLE TV - Smoothly navigate and stream your favorite films and shows with built-in...
- ON THE GO WITH THE PHOTON GO-This portable, lightweight projector is designed for on-the-go...
- BIG IMAGE IN SMALL SPACES - Enjoy a stunning 100-inch image from less than one foot away from the...
This is the only projector on my list that’s both an ultra short throw and truly portable. The triple laser RGB engine delivers punchy colors, and the built-in battery means I can set it up anywhere without hunting for an outlet. Google TV comes pre-installed with Netflix and Disney+ certified, so you’re streaming within seconds of unboxing — no extra stick needed.
This projector is best for people who want a cinematic wall image from inches away and need to move the setup between rooms or even outdoors. The trade-off is brightness — at 1080p and modest lumen output, you’ll want a dark or dimly lit room for the best picture. It’s not a living room daytime brawler.
✅ Pros
- Ultra short throw places it inches from the wall — no long room needed
- Built-in battery for true portability without a power cord
- Google TV comes with Netflix and Disney+ certified right out of the box
- Triple laser RGB engine for rich, accurate colors
❌ Cons
- Lower brightness means it struggles in rooms with lots of ambient light
- Only 1080p resolution — no native 4K option here
Best Brightness
Optoma GT2400HDR Full HD 1080p Short Throw Laser Projector
1080p | 4,200 Lumens | Low Input Lag | 4K HDR Input Compatible | Golf Simulation Ready
- SHORT-THROW BIG-SCREEN ENTERTAINMENT: Create a large image from a short distance with a 0.49 throw...
- BRIGHT FULL HD LASER PERFORMANCE (4,200 LUMENS): Native 1080p resolution with high brightness for...
- LOW INPUT LAG FOR RESPONSIVE GAMING + 1080P 120HZ SUPPORT: Designed for fast, smooth gameplay with...
If you need a projector that can actually handle a bright room, the GT2400HDR is your answer. At 4,200 lumens, this thing punches through ambient light better than any other model on this list. The short throw design means I can place it close to the wall, and the low input lag makes it a solid choice for gaming and even golf simulation setups.
This projector is best for gamers and anyone who wants a bright, responsive image in a living room or dedicated game space. The catch is that it doesn’t have built-in smart TV — you’ll need to plug in a streaming stick or external device for Netflix. It’s also heavier and less portable than the PHOTON GO.
✅ Pros
- Massive 4,200 lumens works well in rooms with lots of ambient light
- Low input lag makes it great for fast-paced gaming
- Accepts 4K HDR input signals for sharp upscaled content
- Golf simulation ready with dedicated support
❌ Cons
- No built-in smart TV — needs an external device for Netflix
- Heavier and less portable than ultra-compact competitors
Best 4K Value
BenQ TK710STi 4K HDR Laser 3200 Lumens Movie and Gaming Short Throw Projector with 4ms Response Time
4K HDR | 3200 Lumens | 4ms Response | 240Hz Refresh | Android TV w/ Netflix | 3D Keystone
- BRIGHTEN YOUR LIVING ROOM: This Tv projector is great addition to your home theater set up...
- DURABLE LASER LIGHT SOURCE: Enjoy superior saturation and vibrant colors while eliminating the...
- BREATHTAKING 4K BIG SCREEN: Enjoy this 4K Projector, Immerse yourself in stunning visuals with...
The BenQ TK710STi gives you native 4K HDR resolution at a price that makes sense for most buyers. With 3,200 lumens and a laser light source, it’s bright enough for a family room while still delivering sharp detail for movies. The 4ms response time and 240Hz refresh rate are ridiculous for a projector — this thing keeps up with fast-paced shooters and racing games without blur.
This projector is best for people who want 4K picture quality and low-lag gaming in one box. One limitation is that Netflix comes through Android TV and Chromecast, not a fully built-in app — so setup takes a minute longer than the PHOTON GO. It’s also a short throw, not an ultra short throw, so you’ll need a bit more distance from the wall.
✅ Pros
- True 4K HDR resolution with 3,200 lumens for sharp, bright images
- Blazing 4ms response time and 240Hz refresh rate for serious gaming
- Android TV with Chromecast and AirPlay for flexible streaming
- 3D keystone correction makes setup in tricky spots easy
❌ Cons
- Netflix requires Chromecast setup rather than being fully built-in
- Short throw, not ultra short throw — needs more distance from the wall
What to Look for in Short Throw Projector with Netflix
Picking the right short throw projector with Netflix isn’t just about finding one that streams the app. I’ve seen too many buyers grab a cheap model only to discover the picture is too dim for their room or the throw distance doesn’t fit their space. Here’s what I actually check before recommending any projector.
Throw Ratio and Room Size
Throw ratio tells you how far the projector needs to sit from the wall to make a big image. A short throw model typically needs about 3 to 5 feet for a 100-inch picture, while an ultra short throw can sit inches away. Measure your space before buying — nothing’s worse than a projector that won’t fit your room layout. I always recommend checking the manufacturer’s throw distance calculator for your desired screen size.
Brightness (Lumens)
Lumens determine how well the image holds up in a lit room. For a dedicated home theater with blackout curtains, 1,500 to 2,500 lumens is plenty. If you plan to watch in a living room with windows or overhead lights, aim for 3,000 lumens or more. I’ve found that 4,200 lumens handles ambient light surprisingly well, while anything under 2,000 needs a dark room to look good.
Resolution and HDR Support
1080p projectors still look great for most content, but 4K models give you noticeably sharper text and finer detail on big screens. Look for HDR10 or HLG support if you want better contrast and color in supported movies and shows. Native 4K is ideal, but many budget-friendly models use pixel shifting to simulate 4K — it works well enough that most people can’t tell the difference.
Streaming and Smart TV Features
Not every projector with Android TV actually has Netflix certified — some only support sideloading, which is a pain. I always confirm the projector is Netflix-licensed or comes with Google TV that includes it natively. Built-in apps save you from buying an extra streaming stick and keep your setup clean with one remote.
Input Lag and Gaming Performance
If you plan to game, input lag matters more than resolution. Look for projectors with a dedicated gaming mode that keeps lag under 20ms for responsive play. High refresh rates like 240Hz are rare in projectors but make a huge difference for fast-paced shooters and racing games. Even casual gamers will notice the difference between a laggy projector and one tuned for low latency.
Portability and Setup Flexibility
Some short throw projectors are small enough to toss in a bag and take to a friend’s house, while others are permanent fixtures. Check the weight and whether it has a built-in battery if you plan to move it around. Keystone correction and lens shift also matter — they let you adjust the image without physically moving the projector, which saves time in tricky rooms.
My Shortcut Advice: Pick your brightness first — it’s the spec you can’t fix later. If your room has any ambient light, go with at least 3,000 lumens. Then check that the projector has certified Netflix support built-in, not just Android TV that might let you sideload it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best short throw projector with Netflix built-in?
For most people, I’d point you to the Optoma ML1080UST PHOTON GO. It’s the only projector on my list that comes with Google TV and Netflix certified right out of the box — no extra streaming stick or sideloading required. The ultra short throw design lets you place it inches from the wall, and the built-in battery makes it easy to move between rooms. Just keep in mind it’s 1080p, not 4K, and works best in a darker room.
Can a short throw projector run Netflix without a streaming stick?
Yes, but only if the projector has a certified smart TV platform. The Optoma ML1080UST PHOTON GO includes Google TV with Netflix and Disney+ certified, so you can stream directly without any extra hardware. The BenQ TK710STi uses Android TV with Chromecast, which also supports Netflix but requires a bit more setup to get casting working. The Optoma GT2400HDR doesn’t have built-in smart TV at all, so you’ll need a Fire Stick or Roku for that one.
How many lumens do I need for a short throw projector in a living room?
For a living room with some ambient light, I recommend at least 3,000 lumens. The BenQ TK710STi hits 3,200 lumens and handles moderate light well, while the Optoma GT2400HDR cranks out 4,200 lumens for brighter spaces. If your room has blackout curtains or you only watch at night, you can get away with lower brightness — but don’t skimp if you plan to watch during the day.
What’s the difference between short throw and ultra short throw projectors?
The main difference is how close the projector sits to the wall or screen. A short throw projector like the BenQ TK710STi or Optoma GT2400HDR needs about 3 to 5 feet to produce a 100-inch image. An ultra short throw projector like the Optoma ML1080UST PHOTON GO can sit just inches away and still create a huge picture. Ultra short throw models are better for small rooms or setups where you don’t want a projector in the middle of the floor.
Is a laser short throw projector worth the extra money?
Absolutely, especially if you plan to keep the projector for years. Laser light sources like the triple laser RGB in the Optoma ML1080UST PHOTON GO last much longer than traditional bulb projectors — typically 20,000 to 30,000 hours versus 4,000 to 6,000 for a bulb. That means no expensive replacement bulbs and consistent brightness over the projector’s life. All three projectors on my list use lasers, so you’re getting that benefit regardless of which you pick.
Can I use a short throw projector for gaming?
Yes, but you need to check the input lag. The BenQ TK710STi is the best gaming projector here with a 4ms response time and 240Hz refresh rate, which is fast enough for competitive shooters and racing games. The Optoma GT2400HDR also has low input lag and is even golf simulation ready. The Optoma ML1080UST PHOTON GO is fine for casual gaming, but it doesn’t have the same low-lag specs as the other two.
Do all short throw projectors with Netflix support 4K HDR?
No, not at all. The Optoma ML1080UST PHOTON GO is 1080p only, while the BenQ TK710STi delivers true 4K HDR with HDR10 and HLG support. The Optoma GT2400HDR accepts 4K HDR input signals and upscales them to its native 1080p resolution. If 4K is a must-have for you, the BenQ TK710STi is the clear choice — just remember you’ll need to use Chromecast for Netflix rather than a fully built-in app.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, the Optoma ML1080UST PHOTON GO is my top pick for most buyers. It’s the only projector here with Netflix and Disney+ certified right out of the box, plus the ultra short throw design and built-in battery make it incredibly flexible. The BenQ TK710STi is the runner-up if you need 4K HDR and lightning-fast gaming performance, while the Optoma GT2400HDR is the brightness king for living rooms with lots of ambient light.
If you’re still unsure, think about your room first. If you want a portable setup you can move from bedroom to backyard, go with the PHOTON GO. If you’re setting up a permanent game room or home theater with ambient light, the GT2400HDR or TK710STi will serve you better. Either way, you’re getting a laser projector that will last years longer than any bulb-based alternative.
Winner: Optoma ML1080UST PHOTON GO
- STREAMING WITH GOOGLE TV - Smoothly navigate and stream your favorite films and shows with built-in...
- ON THE GO WITH THE PHOTON GO-This portable, lightweight projector is designed for on-the-go...
- BIG IMAGE IN SMALL SPACES - Enjoy a stunning 100-inch image from less than one foot away from the...
Buy this if you want the most portable ultra short throw projector with Netflix built-in and no extra streaming stick needed. The triple laser RGB engine delivers great color in a compact package.
Runner-Up: Optoma GT2400HDR
- SHORT-THROW BIG-SCREEN ENTERTAINMENT: Create a large image from a short distance with a 0.49 throw...
- BRIGHT FULL HD LASER PERFORMANCE (4,200 LUMENS): Native 1080p resolution with high brightness for...
- LOW INPUT LAG FOR RESPONSIVE GAMING + 1080P 120HZ SUPPORT: Designed for fast, smooth gameplay with...
Buy this if brightness is your top priority and you game or use golf simulation software. At 4,200 lumens, it handles bright rooms better than anything else on this list.
Also Great: BenQ TK710STi
- BRIGHTEN YOUR LIVING ROOM: This Tv projector is great addition to your home theater set up...
- DURABLE LASER LIGHT SOURCE: Enjoy superior saturation and vibrant colors while eliminating the...
- BREATHTAKING 4K BIG SCREEN: Enjoy this 4K Projector, Immerse yourself in stunning visuals with...
Buy this if you want true 4K HDR with a 4ms response time for serious gaming. The 240Hz refresh rate makes it a beast for fast-paced titles.