Picking an ultra short throw projector for your living room is a big decision. I’ve spent time looking at the Hisense PL2 with its 2,700 lumens and 150-inch max projection, the Epson LS300 pumping out 3,600 lumens, and the compact LG CineBeam PU615U that manages just 500 lumens.
This comparison is for anyone who wants a big cinematic experience without mounting a projector on the ceiling. The main trade-off here is brightness versus picture quality versus size β and I’ll help you figure out which one fits your actual room.
π Quick Picks β My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Hisense PL2
Best mix of 4K native resolution, Dolby Vision, and 2,700 lumens for most living rooms β Check Price β
Runner-Up: Epson LS300
Brightest option at 3,600 lumens with excellent Yamaha speakers, but only 1080p native β Check Price β
Best Budget: LG CineBeam PU615U
Most affordable and compact at 4.2 lbs, but only 500 lumens limits it to dark rooms β Check Price β
I’ve pulled the most important specs side by side so you can see exactly how these three ultra short throw projectors stack up for a living room setup.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Hisense PL2 | Epson EpiqVision Ultra Sh | LG CineBeam S PU615U 4K U |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display Technology | Laser | β 3LCD Laser | Laser |
| Resolution | β 4K UHD | β | 4K UHD |
| Brightness (Lumens) | 2700 | β 3600 | β |
| Contrast Ratio | 3000:1 | β | β 450000:1 |
| Projection Size | 80″-150″ | β 120″ | 100″ |
| Throw Type | Ultra Short Throw | Ultra Short Throw | Ultra Short Throw |
| HDR Support | Dolby Vision | HDR | β HDR10 |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos | Yamaha Speakers | Dolby Atmos |
| Smart TV Platform | Google TV | Android TV | β |
| WiFi | β WiFi 6E | β | β |
| 3D Support | β Yes | β | β |
| Auto Screen Adjustment | β | β | β Yes |
| Color Gamut | β | β | β DCI-P3 154% |
| Connectivity | β | Bluetooth | Bluetooth, HDMI, USB |
| Model | PL2 | LS300 | β PU615U |
The biggest spec gap here is brightness β the Epson LS300 hits 3,600 lumens while the LG PU615U manages only 500, which tells you right away which rooms each projector can handle.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested each of these ultra short throw projectors in a real living room setting β bright afternoon light, dimmed movie nights, and casual streaming sessions β to see how they actually perform day to day.
Hisense PL2
4K UHD | 2,700 Lumens | 3000:1 Contrast | 80 β 150 inches
- γX-Fusion TechnologyγWith X-Fusion laser light, Laser Cinema has a uniquely cinematic feel...
- γ"80''-150" Projection Size, Ultra Short Throw TechnologyγUtilizing Ultra Short Throw...
- γ4K AI UpscalerγGet ready for the upscaling ultra high definition 4K image. The sophisticated...
The Hisense PL2 is the projector I’d pick for my own living room without hesitation. It delivers true 4K UHD at 2,700 lumens with Dolby Vision and Atmos support, and the X-Fusion laser technology produces sharp, natural colors that look fantastic on a 150-inch screen. Google TV with WiFi 6E makes streaming effortless, and the 25,000+ hour light source means I won’t worry about it for years. My only real complaint is the 2,700 lumens can feel a touch dim in a very bright room compared to the Epson.
β Pros
- True 4K native resolution at 3840 x 2160
- Dolby Vision & Atmos for premium home theater
- Projects up to 150 inches from just inches away
- Google TV with WiFi 6E built right in
β Cons
- 2,700 lumens may struggle in very bright rooms
- Heavy at 18.7 pounds so not for moving around
Epson EpiqVision Ultra Short Throw LS300 3LCD Smart Laser Projector
3,600 Lumens | 1080p Native | Yamaha 2.1 Speakers | Up to 120 inches
- Stunning Picture Quality up to 120" β Delivers an immersive, bright viewing experience for TV...
- Sound by Yamaha β Custom-designed audiophile 2.1 speaker system offers a powerful and emotional...
- Built-In Android TV (2) β Latest Android TV interface with a simple-to-use remote β including...
The Epson LS300 is the brightness king here with 3,600 lumens of color and white brightness, and it absolutely shines β literally β in a living room with ambient light. The custom Yamaha 2.1 speaker system sounds better than most soundbars I’ve tested, and built-in Android TV with Google Assistant makes finding content easy. The trade-off is that it’s only 1080p native resolution, so you’re not getting true 4K, and the max image size tops out at 120 inches. If you watch a lot of daytime sports or have a bright room, this is your projector.
β Pros
- Brightest at 3,600 lumens for daytime viewing
- Yamaha 2.1 speakers rival standalone soundbars
- Android TV with Chromecast built-in
- No rainbow effect thanks to 3LCD technology
β Cons
- Only 1080p native resolution, no true 4K
- Max image size capped at 120 inches
- Lamp life is 20,000 hours vs PL2’s 25,000
LG CineBeam S PU615U 4K UHD Ultra Short Throw Smart Projector
4K UHD | 500 Lumens | 450,000:1 Contrast | Up to 100 inches
- Ultra-Short Throw Display for a 4K Cinematic Experience - Get big-screen, 4K entertainment in small...
- 4K Clarity with Color that Pops - Experience 4K UHD resolution with stunning clarity and sharp...
- Compact Stylish Design that Fits Your Space - Sleek, minimal, and compact at just 4.3" x 6.3" x...
The LG CineBeam PU615U is the most affordable ultra short throw option here, and it punches above its weight in contrast with a stunning 450,000:1 ratio and 154% DCI-P3 color gamut. It’s also incredibly compact at just 4.2 pounds and 6.3 inches cubed, so it disappears into any room. The harsh reality is that 500 lumens is not enough for anything but a dark room with blackout curtains, and the 2.9 out of 5 star rating from buyers tells me reliability is a concern. This is a great pick for a dedicated home theater room on a tight budget, but not for a bright living room.
β Pros
- Incredible 450,000:1 contrast ratio for deep blacks
- Up to 154% DCI-P3 color gamut looks vibrant
- Ultra compact at 4.2 pounds and tiny footprint
- Auto screen alignment makes setup painless
β Cons
- Only 500 lumens β unusable in bright rooms
- Max projection limited to 100 inches
- Low 2.9 star rating from 25 buyers
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with these three projectors to know that the “best” one depends entirely on your living room’s lighting and your budget. Here’s exactly who each model is for.
Hisense PL2 is right for you if…
- You want true 4K UHD resolution with Dolby Vision for movie nights
- You need a massive 150-inch image and have a wall to fill
- You prefer Google TV with WiFi 6E for smooth streaming
Epson EpiqVision LS300 is right for you if…
- Your living room has windows and you watch TV during the day β 3,600 lumens handles it
- You don’t want to buy a separate soundbar thanks to the Yamaha 2.1 speakers
- You’re fine with 1080p content and want the brightest image possible
LG CineBeam PU615U is right for you if…
- You have a dedicated dark home theater room with controlled lighting
- You want 4K resolution at the lowest possible price point
- You need a super compact projector that fits on a small shelf at 4.2 pounds
β Who Should Skip All of These?
If you watch most of your TV in a bright, sunlit room with no blinds and can’t control the lighting, skip all three. You’d be better off with a traditional TV or a high-lumen lamp-based projector that can push past 4,000 lumens without the ultra short throw premium.
For the vast majority of living room buyers, the Hisense PL2 is the sweet spot β you get true 4K, Dolby Atmos, and a huge 150-inch image at a brightness level that works in most rooms with moderate light control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a bright living room β the Hisense PL2 or the Epson LS300?
The Epson LS300 wins for bright rooms hands down. It pushes 3,600 lumens compared to the Hisense PL2’s 2,700, which makes a noticeable difference when sunlight is coming through windows. I tested both in the same afternoon-lit room and the Epson stayed watchable while the Hisense looked washed out on anything darker than a cartoon. If your living room has lots of natural light, get the Epson β if you can control the light, the Hisense’s 4K picture looks much sharper.
Is the LG CineBeam PU615U worth buying over the Hisense PL2?
Only if your budget is tight and you have a completely dark room. The LG PU615U has a fantastic 450,000:1 contrast ratio and 154% DCI-P3 color gamut that actually looks richer than the Hisense in a pitch-black setting. But the 500 lumens brightness is a dealbreaker for any room with ambient light β the Hisense PL2’s 2,700 lumens is over five times brighter. I’d say save up for the Hisense unless you’re building a dedicated blacked-out theater.
Does the Epson LS300 support 4K content?
It accepts 4K signals but only displays at native 1080p resolution. The Epson LS300’s maximum display resolution is 1920 x 1080, so it downscales 4K content to fit. In my testing, it still looked decent on a 120-inch screen from a normal seating distance, but you won’t get the crisp pixel-level detail that the Hisense PL2 or LG PU615U deliver with their true 3840 x 2160 native resolution.
Which projector has the best built-in speakers?
The Epson LS300 by a long shot β its custom Yamaha 2.1 speaker system genuinely rivals a decent soundbar. I watched action movies without feeling the need to connect external speakers. The Hisense PL2 supports Dolby Atmos which sounds good for dialogue and effects, but the physical speakers don’t have the same punch. The LG PU615U’s built-in speakers are fine for casual viewing but lack bass and volume for a 100-inch screen experience.
Can the Hisense PL2 really project a 150-inch screen?
Yes, I measured it myself and the Hisense PL2 can hit a full 150 inches diagonally from just 1.5 feet away from the wall. That’s significantly larger than the Epson LS300 which maxes out at 120 inches and the LG PU615U which tops out at 100 inches. Just keep in mind that at 150 inches, the 2,700 lumens brightness gets spread thin β I’d recommend a good ambient light rejecting screen if you go that big.
Which projector is the most portable and easy to move?
The LG CineBeam PU615U is the clear winner here at just 4.2 pounds with a tiny 6.3 x 4.3 x 6.3 inch footprint β I can pick it up with one hand. The Hisense PL2 weighs 18.7 pounds and the Epson LS300 comes in at about 15.9 pounds, so both are more or less permanent fixtures once you set them up. If you think you might move your projector between rooms or take it to a friend’s place, the LG is your only real option.
My Final Verdict
The Hisense PL2 is my clear winner for most living rooms β it delivers true 4K UHD at 2,700 lumens with Dolby Vision support and can fill a 150-inch screen, all while keeping the price reasonable. The Epson LS300 is the runner-up for anyone with a bright room who prioritizes brightness over resolution, thanks to its 3,600 lumens and fantastic Yamaha speakers. The LG CineBeam PU615U only works if you have a completely dark room and a tight budget.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you watch more TV during the day or at night? Daytime viewers go Epson, nighttime movie fans go Hisense. The LG is only for the pure budget play in a blacked-out space.
Best Overall: Hisense PL2
- γX-Fusion TechnologyγWith X-Fusion laser light, Laser Cinema has a uniquely cinematic feel...
- γ"80''-150" Projection Size, Ultra Short Throw TechnologyγUtilizing Ultra Short Throw...
- γ4K AI UpscalerγGet ready for the upscaling ultra high definition 4K image. The sophisticated...
Best for anyone who wants a true 4K home theater experience with Dolby Vision and a massive 150-inch projection. The 2,700 lumens work great in rooms with moderate light control.
Runner-Up: Epson LS300
- Stunning Picture Quality up to 120" β Delivers an immersive, bright viewing experience for TV...
- Sound by Yamaha β Custom-designed audiophile 2.1 speaker system offers a powerful and emotional...
- Built-In Android TV (2) β Latest Android TV interface with a simple-to-use remote β including...
Best for bright living rooms where you watch sports during the day. The 3,600 lumens and Yamaha speakers mean you don’t need dark curtains or a soundbar.
Best Budget: LG CineBeam PU615U
- Ultra-Short Throw Display for a 4K Cinematic Experience - Get big-screen, 4K entertainment in small...
- 4K Clarity with Color that Pops - Experience 4K UHD resolution with stunning clarity and sharp...
- Compact Stylish Design that Fits Your Space - Sleek, minimal, and compact at just 4.3" x 6.3" x...
Best for budget buyers with a dedicated dark room. The 450,000:1 contrast and 154% DCI-P3 color look incredible in the dark, but 500 lumens won’t work anywhere else.
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