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- Best overall: Optoma GT1080HDR 1080p Short Throw Projector
- Best budget: ViewSonic PX701HDH 1080p Projector
- Best premium: BenQ HT2150ST 1080p Short Throw Projector
- Best for streaming: Formovie Xming Episode One 1080p Smart Projector
- The Optoma GT1080HDR 1080p Short Throw Projector is the stronger fit for bright-room viewing and responsive gaming, with 3,800 lumens and a short-throw lens.
- The Formovie Xming Episode One 1080p Smart Projector is a compact smart option with built-in Google TV and automatic setup features.
- BenQ TH671ST 1080p Short Throw Projector and BenQ HT2150ST 1080p Short Throw Projector are dedicated short-throw alternatives for gaming and movies.
- Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02 1080p 3LCD Projector, ViewSonic PX701HDH 1080p Projector and Optoma HD146X 1080p Projector suit different room sizes and setups.
- Check throw distance, brightness, connectivity and included streaming features before choosing a projector for Black Friday 2026.
Choosing between the Optoma GT1080HDR and Formovie Xming Episode One comes down to the room and the way you watch. The Optoma is a lamp-based, high-brightness short-throw projector built for big images from a close position. The Formovie pairs Full HD resolution with Google TV and automatic image setup in a compact design. Both target a large-screen experience, but their strengths are different.
We researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to build this Black Friday 2026 projector guide. My pick for most people depends on whether room flexibility or smart convenience matters more: choose the Optoma for bright viewing and gaming, or the Formovie for streaming with fewer setup steps. The alternatives below add dedicated gaming models and brighter standard-throw choices.
How We Picked
- Compared published resolution, brightness and throw-ratio specifications to identify projectors suited to different room sizes.
- Prioritized products with clear strengths for gaming, streaming, movie nights or bright-room viewing.
- Reviewed owner feedback for recurring notes about setup, connectivity, image quality and everyday usability.
- Included both short-throw and standard-throw designs so the guide covers more than one room layout.
- Checked smart-TV features, audio details and practical inputs where manufacturers publish those specifications.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Resolution | Brightness | Throw ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optoma GT1080HDR 1080p Short Throw Projector | Bright-room gaming and short-throw setups | 1920 x 1080 | 3,800 lumens | 0.50:1 |
| Formovie Xming Episode One 1080p Smart Projector | Streaming and flexible placement | 1920 x 1080 | 400 ISO lumens | Not specified here |
| BenQ TH671ST 1080p Short Throw Projector | Gaming in small rooms | 1920 x 1080 | 3,000 ANSI lumens | 0.69–0.83:1 |
| BenQ HT2150ST 1080p Short Throw Projector | Movies and gaming in a dim room | 1920 x 1080 | 2,200 ANSI lumens | 0.69–0.83:1 |
| Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02 1080p 3LCD Projector | Family rooms and portable setups | 1920 x 1080 | 3,000 lumens | Not specified here |
| ViewSonic PX701HDH 1080p Projector | Bright standard-throw viewing | 1920 x 1080 | 3,500 ANSI lumens | 1.5–1.6:1 |
| Optoma HD146X 1080p Projector | Bright movies and standard-room gaming | 1920 x 1080 | 3,600 lumens | 1.47–1.62:1 |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Optoma GT1080HDR 1080p Short Throw Projector
The Optoma GT1080HDR 1080p Short Throw Projector is the best short-throw pick for gamers and bright-room viewers, with 3,800 lumens and Full HD resolution. The Optoma GT1080HDR 1080p Short Throw Projector's close-placement lens and high-refresh gaming support suit big-screen play in rooms where a conventional projector sits too far away.
Best for: Bright-room gaming and short-throw setups
- Resolution
- 1920 x 1080
- Brightness
- 3,800 lumens
- Throw ratio
- 0.50:1
- Refresh rate
- Up to 120Hz
- Short-throw design makes a large image easier in a small room.
- High brightness supports viewing with some ambient light.
- High-refresh support is useful for compatible games.
- Lamp-based design needs more maintenance than a laser or LED model.
Is the Optoma GT1080HDR 1080p Short Throw Projector worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Optoma GT1080HDR 1080p Short Throw Projector is worth considering for gamers who need a bright, close-placement projector. The Optoma GT1080HDR 1080p Short Throw Projector's 3,800-lumen rating and 0.50:1 throw ratio are the main advantages; check the room’s throw distance and lamp-maintenance needs before buying.
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#2
Formovie Xming Episode One 1080p Smart Projector
The Formovie Xming Episode One 1080p Smart Projector is the best compact streaming pick for viewers who want Google TV built in, with 400 ISO lumens and Full HD resolution. Automatic focus and keystone correction make setup more convenient than a projector that relies on manual image adjustments.
Best for: Simple streaming and flexible placement
- Resolution
- 1920 x 1080
- Brightness
- 400 ISO lumens
- Maximum image size
- Up to 150 inches
- Smart platform
- Google TV
- Google TV provides built-in streaming access.
- Automatic focus and keystone correction simplify setup.
- Compact body is easier to move between rooms.
- Brightness is better suited to a dim room than a sunlit space.
Is the Formovie Xming Episode One 1080p Smart Projector worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Formovie Xming Episode One 1080p Smart Projector is worth considering for streaming in a dim room. Google TV, automatic focus and a 150-inch maximum image size support a convenient movie setup, while its 400 ISO lumens make light control important.
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#3
BenQ TH671ST 1080p Short Throw Projector
The BenQ TH671ST 1080p Short Throw Projector is the best gaming alternative for players who need a short throw, with 3,000 ANSI lumens and Full HD resolution. The BenQ TH671ST 1080p Short Throw Projector's short-throw lens supports large images from nearby placement, and its dedicated game mode is designed for responsive play.
Best for: Gaming in small rooms
- Resolution
- 1920 x 1080
- Brightness
- 3,000 ANSI lumens
- Throw ratio
- 0.69–0.83:1
- Input lag
- About 16.7ms
- Short-throw lens helps in rooms with limited distance.
- Bright Full HD picture fits gaming and sports.
- Dedicated game mode prioritizes responsive play.
- No built-in smart-TV platform for streaming apps.
Is the BenQ TH671ST 1080p Short Throw Projector worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The BenQ TH671ST 1080p Short Throw Projector is worth considering for gamers who want a short-throw alternative to the Optoma. The BenQ TH671ST 1080p Short Throw Projector's 3,000 ANSI lumens and roughly 16.7ms input lag suit gaming, but streaming requires an external device.
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#4
BenQ HT2150ST 1080p Short Throw Projector
The BenQ HT2150ST 1080p Short Throw Projector is the best movie-and-gaming option for viewers who value a short-throw lens, with 2,200 lumens and Full HD resolution. The BenQ HT2150ST 1080p Short Throw Projector's cinema-oriented image modes and short placement range suit a dedicated room with controlled lighting.
Best for: Movies and gaming in a dim room
- Resolution
- 1920 x 1080
- Brightness
- 2,200 ANSI lumens
- Throw ratio
- 0.69–0.83:1
- Input lag
- About 16.7ms
- Short-throw optics suit smaller viewing rooms.
- Full HD resolution keeps movie and game detail clear.
- Dedicated image modes support movie-focused viewing.
- Lower brightness than the GT1080HDR favors a darker room.
Is the BenQ HT2150ST 1080p Short Throw Projector worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The BenQ HT2150ST 1080p Short Throw Projector is worth considering for a dim-room home theater that also supports gaming. The BenQ HT2150ST 1080p Short Throw Projector's 2,200 ANSI lumens and 0.69–0.83:1 throw ratio fit close placement, though brighter rooms favor higher-lumen options.
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#5
Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02 1080p 3LCD Projector
The Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02 1080p 3LCD Projector is the best flexible family-room choice for buyers who want a bright Full HD image, with 3,000 lumens of color and white brightness. The Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02 1080p 3LCD Projector's included Android TV streaming device adds app access without making the projector a short-throw model.
Best for: Family rooms and portable setups
- Resolution
- 1920 x 1080
- Brightness
- 3,000 lumens, white and color
- Display technology
- 3LCD
- Smart streaming
- Android TV device included
- 3LCD design delivers equal white and color brightness ratings.
- Android TV streaming device is included.
- Portable design suits more than one viewing space.
- Standard-throw placement needs more distance than short-throw rivals.
Is the Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02 1080p 3LCD Projector worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02 1080p 3LCD Projector is worth considering for family rooms that need bright Full HD viewing and simple streaming. The Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02 1080p 3LCD Projector's 3,000-lumen white and color ratings are useful strengths, but confirm the room has enough throw distance.
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#6
ViewSonic PX701HDH 1080p Projector
The ViewSonic PX701HDH 1080p Projector is the best standard-throw value option for buyers who want a bright image for games and movies, with 3,500 ANSI lumens and Full HD resolution. The ViewSonic PX701HDH 1080p Projector's longer throw range fits rooms with more distance between the projector and screen.
Best for: Bright standard-throw viewing
- Resolution
- 1920 x 1080
- Brightness
- 3,500 ANSI lumens
- Throw ratio
- 1.5–1.6:1
- Input lag
- About 16ms
- High brightness supports mixed-use viewing.
- Full HD resolution works for movies and gaming.
- Standard throw suits a room with a longer projection distance.
- Needs more placement distance than a short-throw projector.
Is the ViewSonic PX701HDH 1080p Projector worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The ViewSonic PX701HDH 1080p Projector is worth considering for a room with enough space for standard-throw placement. The ViewSonic PX701HDH 1080p Projector's 3,500 ANSI lumens and roughly 16ms input lag make it a flexible gaming and movie option, but it lacks built-in streaming.
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#7
Optoma HD146X 1080p Projector
The Optoma HD146X 1080p Projector is the best straightforward standard-throw pick for buyers who want bright Full HD viewing, with 3,600 lumens and a 1.47–1.62:1 throw ratio. The lens suits a conventional room layout, while game mode supports responsive play.
Best for: Bright movies and standard-room gaming
- Resolution
- 1920 x 1080
- Brightness
- 3,600 lumens
- Throw ratio
- 1.47–1.62:1
- Input lag
- About 16ms
- Bright output suits a variety of everyday viewing.
- Game mode supports responsive play.
- Standard throw suits a traditional projector position.
- Lamp design requires eventual lamp replacement.
Is the Optoma HD146X 1080p Projector worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Optoma HD146X 1080p Projector is worth considering for a conventional room that needs a bright Full HD picture. The Optoma HD146X 1080p Projector's 3,600-lumen rating and roughly 16ms input lag support movies and gaming, but the standard-throw lens needs more space than the GT1080HDR.
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Which is better, the Optoma GT1080HDR or the Formovie Xming Episode One?
The Optoma GT1080HDR 1080p Short Throw Projector suits bright-room gaming, with 3,800 lumens and a 0.50:1 throw ratio. The Formovie Xming Episode One 1080p Smart Projector is easier for streaming, with Google TV and automatic focus.
Choose the Optoma for sports, gaming or close screen placement, and add an external streaming player. Choose the Formovie for dim rooms and convenient setup. Both project at 1920 x 1080; brightness, room fit and smart features set them apart.
Which projector is best for a small room?
The Optoma GT1080HDR 1080p Short Throw Projector has a 0.50:1 throw ratio. The BenQ TH671ST 1080p Short Throw Projector and BenQ HT2150ST 1080p Short Throw Projector also support close placement, with 0.69–0.83:1 ratios.
Measure lens-to-screen distance and check the manufacturer’s throw calculator. The compact Formovie Xming Episode One 1080p Smart Projector is easy to move, but its 400 ISO lumens suit dark rooms. Compact size alone does not mean short-throw optics.
How bright should a home projector be?
The Optoma GT1080HDR 1080p Short Throw Projector is rated at 3,800 lumens; the Formovie Xming Episode One 1080p Smart Projector is rated at 400 ISO lumens. Higher brightness helps in rooms with ambient light.
Screen size, material, placement and room lighting also affect the image. The Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02 1080p 3LCD Projector delivers 3,000 lumens of white and color brightness, while the ViewSonic PX701HDH 1080p Projector is rated at 3,500 ANSI lumens. Match brightness and screen size to your room.
Which projector is better for gaming?
The Optoma GT1080HDR 1080p Short Throw Projector supports up to 120Hz and has a 0.50:1 throw ratio. The BenQ TH671ST 1080p Short Throw Projector and ViewSonic PX701HDH 1080p Projector list input lag around 16ms.
Check resolution, refresh rate, input lag and console compatibility. Short-throw placement helps keep players from blocking the image. The Formovie Xming Episode One 1080p Smart Projector focuses on streaming and simple setup rather than gaming features.
Do these projectors have built-in streaming?
The Formovie Xming Episode One 1080p Smart Projector includes Google TV. The Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02 1080p 3LCD Projector includes an Android TV streaming device; the Optoma GT1080HDR 1080p Short Throw Projector is best paired with an external player.
Check app and audio support before choosing a smart platform. Other projectors accept streaming sticks, consoles or laptops through HDMI, offering flexibility at the cost of an extra device.
Buying Guide
Measure throw distance before choosing
Measure lens-to-screen distance and check the manufacturer’s throw calculator. The Optoma GT1080HDR 1080p Short Throw Projector needs less space for a large image than standard-throw models.
Match brightness to room lighting
Lower brightness suits dark rooms; ambient light calls for more output and a suitable screen size. The Formovie Xming Episode One 1080p Smart Projector is best for controlled lighting.
Check gaming features and connections
Compare refresh rate, input lag and HDMI requirements with your console or PC. The Optoma GT1080HDR 1080p Short Throw Projector supports up to 120Hz; the BenQ TH671ST 1080p Short Throw Projector lists input lag around 16.7ms.
Decide whether built-in streaming matters
The Formovie Xming Episode One 1080p Smart Projector has Google TV, and the Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02 1080p 3LCD Projector includes an Android TV device. Other models need an HDMI streaming player.
Compare lamp, LED and maintenance needs
Check light-source type, rated life, replacement process, warranty and included accessories. Lamp-based projectors need lamp replacement over time; other designs have different maintenance needs. Include these details in your Black Friday 2026 comparison.
FAQ
Optoma GT1080HDR vs Formovie Xming Episode One: which should I buy?
Choose the Optoma GT1080HDR 1080p Short Throw Projector for a brighter image, close placement and gaming-focused features. Choose the Formovie Xming Episode One 1080p Smart Projector for built-in Google TV and automatic setup in a dim room. Room lighting and streaming needs decide the better fit.
Is the Optoma GT1080HDR a short-throw projector?
Yes. The Optoma GT1080HDR 1080p Short Throw Projector has a 0.50:1 throw ratio, designed to create a large image from a relatively short distance. Measure the space between the projector and screen before buying, since image size depends on placement.
Does the Formovie Xming Episode One have Google TV?
Yes. The Formovie Xming Episode One 1080p Smart Projector includes Google TV for built-in streaming access. Its automatic focus and keystone correction also simplify setup. With a 400 ISO-lumen rating, the projector is a better match for a dim room than a bright daytime space.
Which projector is best for gaming in a small room?
The Optoma GT1080HDR 1080p Short Throw Projector is a strong gaming choice for a small room, with a 0.50:1 throw ratio, 3,800 lumens and support for up to 120Hz. The BenQ TH671ST 1080p Short Throw Projector is another short-throw option with a gaming-focused mode.
Which projector is best for daytime viewing?
The Optoma GT1080HDR 1080p Short Throw Projector, rated at 3,800 lumens, and the Optoma HD146X 1080p Projector, rated at 3,600 lumens, are brighter picks in this guide. Close curtains and control room light for better viewing, since no projector is immune to strong sunlight.
Do I need a streaming stick with these projectors?
The Formovie Xming Episode One 1080p Smart Projector has Google TV built in, and the Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02 1080p 3LCD Projector includes an Android TV streaming device. Other models need an HDMI source such as a streaming player, game console or laptop for app-based video.