Sure, some prefer watching their favorite shows and movies from the comfort of their home. But your tried-and-true smart TV isn’t the only way to treat yourself to a nighttime binge.
Enter outdoor projectors. If you love the vibe of a cinema but don’t want to venture out of your home, these modern-day tech buys are worth the investment. Not to mention, they can really elevate any pool party — outdoor pizza oven and pool floats in tow.
“Outdoor projectors offer a ton of flexibility, whether you’re hosting a watch party and want to bring your guests the best view in the backyard or watching a movie and want to move inside for the ultimate viewing experience,” Juan Barajas, Best Buy home expert, told the New York Post.
“Just like with your TV, you should also consider streaming, audio and picture quality before you make a purchase. Consider whether you plan on streaming 4K or 1080p content as you’ll want to get a projector that can deliver on the quality you’re looking for at home.”
Ahead, we rounded up our picks for the best outdoor projectors of 2023, along with an in-depth FAQ section to speak to more specifics. Elevated backyard setup, activated.
What to look for in an outdoor projector
Unlike shopping for other heavy-duty appliances — like a washer/dryer combo or a microwave — there isn’t a laundry list of characteristics to look for. However, Barajas provides some key advice when shopping for your next backyard enhancement.
“Consider what kind of projector would work best for your environment,” he suggests. “Short throw projectors can save space and eliminate shadows when people are getting up and moving around. Long throw projectors sit further back from the screen and can more easily access a power source for setup and use.”
Many projectors are also now becoming “smart” and coming with built-in streaming apps, so it’s important to consider whether that’s something you want to add as well.
“And, of course, you can’t forget audio,” he says. “Adding a wired or Bluetooth speaker can boost the way you hear your favorite shows and sporting events on your new outdoor projector.”
1. AuKing Mini Projector, $90, original price: $100
Backed with more than 24,000 rave reviews, it’s no surprise the AuKing Mini Projector is an Amazon best-seller. It’s compatible with plenty of devices, including your smartphone, tablet, TV, and laptop, and is upgraded with 7500 lumens and a 1080p full HD resolution.
Moreover, it provides up to a 170 inch projection size with more than 16 feet of viewing distance. You’ll also appreciate its affordable price point, advanced noise-reduction technology and built-in dual stereo speakers that provide loud and crystal-clear quality.
2. Projector Portable Bluetooth Mini Projector, $80, original price: $110
What’s great about this model is that Projector offers both the tech device and the projector screen, maximizing the bang you get for your buck. With powerful built-in speakers, it provides a projection size of 176 inches and is Bluetooth-compatible, so you can connect your over-ear headphones or wireless earbuds to enjoy viewing without disturbing your neighbors.
Impressively, this budget-friendly purchase is equipped with a 1080p resolution and a low-noise design. It also features a powerful cooling system that minimizes overheating.
3. Vankyo Leisure 470 Wireless Mini Projector, $120 to $130
The Vankyo Leisure 470 Wireless Mini Projector is more expansive than other models we rounded up, and it delivers a full-HD viewing experience and 1080p resolution to your backyard with an impressive 250-inch display. It’s also WiFi-enabled, portable and easy to use.
Its projection distance is also more widespread than other models at nearly 27 feet, and you’ll love how it’s compatible with TV sticks, smartphones, tablets, and other devices. With a one-year warranty to top it all off, we recommend this model for its ergonomic and top-tier design.
4. Samsung The Freestyle HDR Smart Portable Projector, $500 to $681
With a name like Samsung, you know it’s going to be good. The Freestyle HDR Smart Portable Projector is a lofty splurge that’s well worth the cost, thanks to its 180-degree-rotating cradle stand to position your image where you want it. That said, it’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
We also recommend this model for its auto-leveling, auto-focus and auto-keystone technology to deliver an excellent display in seconds. It even boasts premium 360-degree audio that resonates from speaker and bass enhancers for a jaw-dropping experience.
Plus, it’s a wonderful option for on-the-go use; it requires an external battery pack (no outlet required), and you can watch your favorite shows and movies whenever and wherever you are.
5. Kodak Luma 150 Ultra Mini Pocket Pico Projector, $220, original price: $270
Yes, Kodak is known for far more than its photo devices. The Luma 150 Ultra Mini Pocket Pico Projector has a compact design and is loved by more than 2,000 satisfied Amazon shoppers who love watching in style.
Namely, it casts a projection of 150 inches and comes with HDMI and micro USB cables for easy setup. It also includes a built-in speaker, and several reviewers say it’s a must-have for camping trips.
6. Anker Nebula Mars II Pro 500 Outdoor Projector, $550
More than 1,000 outdoor movie-watchers adore the Anker Nebula Mars II Pro 500 Outdoor Projector, thanks to its dual 10W audio drivers providing cinematic sound. It’s compatible with both HDMI and USB and works best in dimmer environments.
It’s best known for its “overall image quality, ease of use and affordable cost,” per its product description and reviews and is fully equipped with an auto-focus feature to ensure the image is just like the movies.
7. WEMAX Portable Projector, $750, original price: $800
The WEMAX Portable Projector checks off many of our boxes: it has a genuinely portable design with a carry handle, boasts 1080p and 4K quality and even has an advanced DLP imaging technology — with a four-channel LED light source — to deliver stunning, clear entertainment.
It even features a four-point keystone correction to correct the projected screen up to 45 degrees, both vertically and horizontally. Even better, its two built-in speakers support Dolby for a cinematic sound experience (which, according to a TV expert we consulted, is the crème de la crème, as far as sound technologies go).
An FAQ on Outdoor Projectors
Ahead, Barajas explains more about outdoor projectors and what features to consider when shopping for one.
Do all outdoor projectors come with screens?
Most projectors are sold separately from their screen, so you have the flexibility to choose the size and type of screen that best pairs with your projector and fits your space.
“Portable and tripod-mounted screens are options to consider when using an outdoor projector,” Barajas explains. “Portable screens can typically inflate or deflate as needed – making it easy to use and easy to store. Tripod-mounted screens offer similar flexibility and can be used anywhere you need to take the projector, making it super versatile.”
Are outdoor projectors weatherproof? How should I store it when it’s not in use?
There are a couple of simple recommendations to protect your projector outside, according to Barajas.
“Using a weather-resistant box can help protect the projector from most outdoor elements, or simply bringing the projector inside your home when you’re not using it ensures it’ll be protected from any damage,” he recommends.
How many lumens should your outdoor projector have?
First things first — the lumen is a measure of the total quantity of visible light emitted by a source (aka, your outdoor projector) per unit of time. Of course, you want to ensure that you’re not only enjoying the viewing experience but that the outdoor projector is of sufficient quality.
“The number of lumens you need will depend on the environment the projector will be in, but ultimately having a higher number of lumens will help deliver crisp and sharp images,” Baraja says. “The number of lumens the projector has will help make the picture look brighter, so they’ll make a huge difference in darker environments.”
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