Best 4K HDR short-throw gaming projectors under $1,500

Top pick: BenQ TK700ST. It's the one projector here built for gaming first — true 4K HDR, 3000 ANSI lumens so it holds up with some room light, and a short throw that fills a big screen from close to the wall. BenQ's low-lag game modes are the reason it's the default answer for console and PC play.

Who the others suit:

• BenQ X500i — the more living-room-friendly BenQ: LED light source, 3D ready, and a short throw that sits closer to the wall; pick it if you want a longer-lasting lamp and a tidier setup.
• Optoma GT3900UHD — laser light source and 4K, for someone who wants a lamp that lasts and doesn't mind a slightly less gaming-tuned picture.
• Samsung The Premiere LPU7D / LSP7T — the pick if the projector lives in a bright, design-conscious room and streaming apps matter more than competitive gaming.
• LG CineBeam S (PU615U) — triple-laser colour and a very high contrast ratio; best for dark-room movie nights, though it's dim.
• Wemax Nova Pro — a value ultra-short-throw for a dedicated dark room.

One caution: several of these listings don't state a gaming input-lag figure, so confirm the game mode on the exact model before you buy. The cheap no-name "4K" units are mostly 1080p panels and I'd skip them for gaming.