Best short throw projectors under $400

Top pick: MosicGO 3-in-1 Portable Ultra Short Throw (Sport Ver). A true ultra-short throw (0.3:1) that sits right under the screen, with native 1080p and the brightest picture here — the one to get if the room is small and you want a real big-screen feel without ceiling mounting.

Who the others suit:

• Short Throw 1080P Portable (Android 14) — best for streaming straight from the projector, no stick needed.
• AAXA P400 — best for carrying around: LCOS picture and a built-in battery.
• HP Short Throw (0.9:1) — best as a cheap, simple desk-side option.
• ZDSSY Mini Short Throw (0.8:1) — best for a bedroom on a tight budget.

Skip the "4K" mini models: their native resolution is only 720p, and the brightness figures are marketing numbers.