Guide: What are the best ultra -short focal video projectors? February 2025

What are the two types of projection possible with a video projector?

To put it simply, there are two types of video projectors: classic video projectors (long or short focal length) and ultra -short focal viewers. The first must be placed far enough from the screen to display an important diagonal (as in cinemas) and can be installed on a table or on the ceiling.

Short focal, even short focal length video projectors, authorize a placement very close to a projection screen or a wall to save space and potentially replace a TV.

On the other hand, they tend to offer less flexibility, because they are often heavier and massive, and cannot really be transported in a backpack. They must also be perfectly aligned with the projection surface, due to a trapezoid correction and an adjustment of the focus generally less effective than on their classic projection counterparts.

Which ultra short focal video projector to choose? / What video projector to buy?

It will first be necessary to define your budget and your use to choose your projector. Do you need a compact design model that you can take in your backpack? A short focal video projector that can be placed a few centimeters from a wall or a screening screen? A more classic focal projector that is placed on a table or fixed on the ceiling several meters away to enjoy a large screen diagonal? If you want a quality product that offers a 4K definition, it is better to invest at least 1200 to 1500 €, but there are very good laptop projectors around 500 €. In ultra short focal length, we find it for the moment quite a few entry -level models. In any case, do not hesitate to consult our guides and our comparison to find out more.

Which video projector to use to view in broad daylight?

To use a video projector in a bright room, you need a very bright model, therefore quite high -end. It is also better to use a projection screen taking advantage of the ALR (or CLR) technology, because it has the advantage of absorbing ambient lights from the ceiling and sides. Ultra short focal projectors are generally the best suited to this type of screen and are therefore a good option.

Which projector to use on a white wall?

If you have a white wall, you can use a classic video projector without problem, whether it is a mini-videoprojector or a long or short focal model. Most manufacturers, such as Hisense, Xgimi, Formovie, Anker or Dangbei, offer them. However, this type of device will have no problem with a wall that has some roughness or faults. We can also equip ourselves with an ultra -short focal point model, but it is absolutely necessary that the wall is perfectly smooth and homogeneous, otherwise shadows and deformations could appear in the image.

What budget to provide for an ultra short focal video projector?

The prices of ultra -short focal lecturers vary according to their characteristics. Count between € 1,000 and € 1,500 for a basic full HD model, and around € 2,000 for a 4K model with a triple laser source. The high-end versions, such as the formo Theater Premium or the Hisense PX3-Pro, exceed 3000 €, to which is added the cost of an adapted screen which can cost between 500 € and 2000 €.

What features do we find on video projectors?

If the Android TV interface had been embarked on many models, Google TV has arrived in force since 2024 with a large set of key applications, including the most popular video streaming services, including Netflix native. Some manufacturers such as Hisense and Formovia offer Dolby Vision on their high -end models, but most must be satisfied with HDR10. Many models also benefit from the correction of trapeze and automatic focus, very practical features on a daily basis.

How long is the lifespan of an ultra short focal video projector?

The longevity of a video projector varies depending on the lighting technology. The versions equipped with a laser source reach 20,000 to 30,000 hours of use, more than 13 years at the rate of 4 hours per day. The LED systems offer similar autonomy, while the classic lamps last between 2,000 and 6,000 hours before replacement, but these gradually disappear from the consumer models.