Best Overall
BenQ GS50 Portable Projector
Best Bang for the Buck
DBPower L23 9000L Native 1080P WiFi Video Projector
Upgrade Pick
Epson Home Cinema 3800 4K PRO-UHD Projector
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An outdoor projector provide a wondrous style to enjoy an entertaining eve with family and friend . Before host another backyard picture show dark , users should consider elevate their current model to one of the skilful outdoor projectors on our listing , which have all been hands - on tested .
Though like to their indoor classroom - office twin , projectors for out-of-door picture are importantly brighter , have a clearer painting , and can be used on larger screens than example intended for slideshow presentation .
out-of-door projector are becoming increasingly popular , and there are many to prefer from with varying price and specification . We tested the following model extensively for informality of setup and military operation , include features , audio tone , and picture quality in both low- and burnished - light conditions .
Our top cream is theBenQ GS50 Portable Projector . We chose it as the best overall because of its 500 - lumen brightness , 1080p HD picture settlement , 16:9 aspect ratio , and its saucy connectivity or remote - controlled operation . We also appreciate that it ’s lightweight and portable .
Our top pick have all the feature article shopper will want to reckon when wait for the best backyard projector for their needs .
How We Tested the Best Outdoor Projectors
To serve shopper discover the best outdoor projectors , we put every model through extensive , real - mankind manipulation . We evaluated each one on its setup , including the physical positioning and the setup of internal mathematical function , like Wi - Fi , Bluetooth , and projector configurations ; picture and audio quality ; brightness functioning during the day , dusk , and night status ; exploiter - interface operation ; and any additional features include in each projector .
We test every unit with a variety of demanding materials , including big - budget action moving-picture show , 3D reanimate movies , and sporting events . For a consistent reference , among all the other material , we made sure to keep an eye on and pass judgment clips on every projector from “ Avatar ” and the IMAX - enhanced “ Avengers : Endgame ” on Disney+ .
Our Top Picks
All of the projectors we test rank richly for expert specification , price , and public presentation but diverge regarding ease of setup and operation , included characteristic , audio quality , and image quality in both low- and bright - light conditions . Here are the right outdoor movie projector options for backyard entertainment .
The BenQ GS50 1080 - pixel ( p ) Outdoor Projector has it all : grotesque image quality , built - in Android TV streaming apps , high-pitched - quality audio , sizable wireless and wired connectivity , and the size and lastingness for really portable use .
This 5 - punt cube - influence mini out-of-door projector was build up with IPX2 splattering protection and drop protection from 2.3 feet high , and it comes with a stout zip casing for the BenQ GS50 and all of its accessory . That includes a ready to hand distant mastery that helps put up and operate this portable outdoor projector . After lay it and powering it up , the GS50 autofocuses its video very in effect , and the remote has easy - to - run corner correction with the flexibility to target the projector in a variety of positions away from the projector sieve or wall . An adjustable sales booth allows angling the GS50 by as much as 15 level .
It ’s well-situated to colligate the BenQ GS50 mini outdoor projector to a Wi - Fi internet , and the enclosed HDMI Android telly stick gives access to 7,000 + apps for movies , tv set , music , game , news , and more . unluckily , Netflix does not support the GS50 , but it can connect to Netflix via another equipment through the HDMI input . Other roving gadget and drives can plug into over USB - C and USB - A , making offline amusement possible when there ’s no Wi - Fi to be had .
The unit ’s digital light project ( DLP ) applied science does n’t have the brightest output , but picture people of color , line , and contingent do stand out . The BenQ GS50 portable outside projector looks expert in dimmer daylight or depressed - light conditions , making it wonderful for outdoor utilisation . For sound daytime economic consumption results , this mini outside projector should be moved forward to create a more thickset picture . Otherwise , it await corking at the urge max sizing of 110 inches ( about 9 feet away ) .
We also tried it with the picture size closer to 150 inches , and it still expect satisfactory . The 2.1 - channel speaker system go clean , balanced , and potentially quite loud for a projector of this size . The GS50 miniskirt projector can also be used as a Bluetooth speaker cyclosis from other gimmick . All in all , the GS50 is the most well - rounded outside video recording projector we test . It be a small more than comparable compact projector , but drug user will get their money ’s deserving .
Photo: Markkus Rovito
Get the BenQ outside projector atAmazon , Best Buy , orBenQ.
Users can not get much more out of a portable outdoor projector for under $ 200 than what ’s offered with the DBPower L23 projector . It has many connectivity selection , include the ability to screen mirror iOS and Android mobile devices , or to spiel video , audio , and photo slideshows from a USB drive of up to 64 GB ( as long as it ’s right formatted ) .
It also has Bluetooth audio cyclosis to speakers and headphones , should the rather low - powered 3 - watt inner speaker not be enough . The L23 ’s 50,000 - minute light - emit rectifying tube ( light-emitting diode ) lamp driving the liquid - crystal display ( LCD ) is powerful , although its lean 9,000 lumen are “ lux ” lumens , which seem to correspond to the rough conversion of 3,750 ANSI lumens . Regardless , it ’s plenty bright enough for daylight viewing , although user may need to increase the light setting manually , as the several preset pic modes do n’t go higher than 60 percent of the max brightness .
Photo: Markkus Rovito
Beyond the connectivity , the DBPower portable projector is also generous with the accessories , which let in an HDMI cable , a three - prong RCA A / V to 3.5 - millimetre adapter cable , a remote control , lens cap , and a safe - tone zippered and handled carrying case , throw the 3 - Sudanese pound 3.5 - inch - tall by 8.7 - in - long by 6.9 - inch - deep projector all the more portable . We welcome that vitrine because the build character of the L23 ’s chassis does not root on the most self-confidence for strength . The remote control also feels a act flimsy , and the springs that tie to the batteries are washy .
However , the picture tone is a projector ’s bottom line , and the L23 puts out a cheering and elaborate 1080p image with smooth motion handling . When liken with 1080p DLP projectors like the BenQ GS50 , the L23 ’s colors and contrast are not as vivacious , but again , the overall pic at this monetary value decimal point looks very good . An image size of 35 to 300 in can be attain by placing the building block 4 to 25 foot from a surface , with the sweet spot for best results being between around 50 to 100 inches .
Unlike other portable projectors we tested , the L23 will not focus the right way when placed too closely to a projector screen . There were also some limitations to the cover mirroring from mobile gimmick over Wi - Fi . For example , the technology used for mirror Android devices is not supported by a large number of smartphones made by Google , Motorola , and Samsung . And the L23 seems to brook 2.4 GHz Wi - Fi networks only , which allow less stable AirPlay connections in our testing compare to AirPlaying to a TV over a 5 gigahertz web .
Photo: amazon.com
Those issues apart , the L23 declare oneself enough option for projecting various sources that users can always find oneself something that will work . It ’s a good out-of-door projector , but when it come to value for the money , it stand alone within this guidebook .
Get the DBPower outdoor projector atAmazonorDBPower .
For those looking for the proficient backyard projector for a cinema - style experience , step up to the Epson Home Cinema 3800 ’s 4 K resolution . With four times the pixel count of a 1080p full - HD projector , the Home Cinema 3800 drive its 4 K pic with potent 3,000 ANSI lumen brightness , a three - micro chip LCD array , and full 10 - bit gamey - dynamic range ( HDR ) engineering , which together assure a glaring go image with luscious colors , deep dividing line , and minute details even when visualize a very large filmdom size . Epson counsels a maximum of 300 inches for the projection size of it ; we tested it at around that sizing with no appreciable release in particular quality . inner processing can also “ upscale ” a 1080p full - HD video author to 4 K firmness .
Photo: amazon.com
While set up the projector is an easy affair of plugging in , powering on , eat it a television input , and adjusting the picture with the manual lens shift and soar controls , the Home Cinema 3800 ’s size ( 6.5 inches tall by 16.1 inches wide by 13.75 inches deep ) and weight ( 15.2 pounds ) make it best for backyard moving picture nights rather than seize - it - and - go scenario .
The expectant projector also has a longer stroke than the inadequate - stroke portable projectors , so it needs to be placed out from the screen a little more than others . Its two internal 10 - watt loudspeaker system get reasonably loud enough for close quarter , but they do n’t demonstrate a lot of basso . For more blanket - open spaces , or just to love full sound , the Home Cinema 3800 has Bluetooth aptX engineering for associate to utterer . And fortunately , the aptX Bluetooth criterion has very low response time , which is important when audio necessitate to match the TV .
While the Home Cinema 3800 does not have Wi - Fi , it does have two high - bandwidth HDMI 2.0 inputs for connecting multiple machine at once , such as an iPad and a play cabinet . The portable projector corroborate 3D content and can also fit gaming on the latest - generation consoles like the PlayStation 5 with 4 K HDR video at 60 frames per 2nd ( Federal Protective Service ) . These kinds of mellow - level features make out at a damage and a larger step than succinct outdoor projectors , but this is still a gem of a backyard projector for those with the place and the budget for it .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Epson outdoor projector atBest Buy .
Best for Gaming
Optoma UHD38 4K Home Theater and Gaming Projector
Gamers normally respect turgid boob tube or computer monitor , and they often pay a premium for sizable 4 K screens . But why do that when it ’s around the same monetary value for a picture of up to 300 inch ? That ’s the heavy recommended projection size for the Optoma UHD38 4 K projector , a smashing indoor / outside video projector for any use but with special appeal to gamers .
That come from the UHD38 ’s quick refresh rates , which gamers covet for handling demand fast - motion scenes smoothly . The UHD38 can run 1080p picture at 240 Federal Protective Service from a personal computer ( because only microcomputer can output 240 fps at this time ) , or 1080p at 120 Federal Protective Service from a Modern plot console like the Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5 . Alternatively , the projector can play back full 4 K cloth at 60 fps . Its 4.2 - msec response time is not as fast as some high - death monitors , but it is still more than adequate for play .
Regardless of whether it ’s being used for show , secret plan , lively sports , 3D motion-picture show ( which it also in full supports ) , or anything else , the Optoma UHD38 portable projector treat viewer to a sensational picture . Its clarity of point is terrific , and it features over-the-top color reproduction and dividing line . The DLP lamp last up to 4,000 60 minutes at its brightest grade ( or up to 15,000 hour in lower modes ) , and it ’s bright enough for daytime employment while also look brilliant at night .
Photo: amazon.com
At about 4.5 inches high by 12.5 inches wide-cut by 10.5 inches rich and librate 10 pounds , the UHD38 is perceptibly smaller and lighter than the lowly projector we critique but also larger than the other compact projectors in this templet . It has neither Wi - Fi nor Bluetooth , but it does have two HDMI 2.0 inputs as well as a Video Graphics Array ( VGA ) comment .
The two 10 - watt internal speakers can get reasonably tacky , but the sound is a bit dull and flat compared to better - sounding rival . Fortunately , the UHD38 come equipped with both analog 3.5 - millimeter and digital ( S / PDIF ) audio outputs for connecting to great speakers . Despite its lack of any wireless technical school , the Optoma UHD38 could be the best backyard projector for any high - level video performance — especially play .
Get the Optoma outdoor projector atAmazonorBest Buy .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Portable
Anker Nebula Solar Portable Projector
Everything about the Anker Nebula Solar Portable projector points toward thickset portability . Its flat , square shape is 2.3 column inch tall by 7.6 inches encompassing by 7.6 inches deep , and it weighs slightly more than 3 pound . It does n’t include a carrying lawsuit , but it tucks easily into a laptop computer bag . Even the power supply take up a low footmark : A small AC powerfulness brick connect a standard USB - blow cable’s length ( include ) to the Nebula Solar Portable .
That USB - century port is for power only , but it also blame the internal battery , which ply 3 hours of operation in its assault and battery - biography mode ( or 2 minute in the received mode ) . There ’s also a USB - A port to connect a quarter round drive for media playback , as well as one HDMI 2.0 input , which accepts 4 K signals that the projector will dally back as 1080p .
The Anker Nebula Solar Portable Projector also run for the Android telly operating system for well-to-do , all - in - one access to more than 7,000 apps , admit most major streaming apps ( except Netflix ) . It also has Chromecast cyclosis from Mac and PC or iOS and Android mobile gimmick . Once past the somewhat lengthy process of signing into Android goggle box with a Google account and signalize into apps , the Nebula Solar Portable is very easy to navigate , operate , and reposition in unexampled locations , thanks to a one - release autofocus on the remote , a built - in standpoint that lift the icon by 13 degrees , and the user - well-disposed interface .
Photo: amazon.com
The portable projector can fit in modest - size space , and it projects a 40 - column inch image from 3.44 feet aside . The maximum urge characterization of 120 inches is from 10.43 feet aside . The two-channel 3 - watt speakers have a surprisingly full - incarnate — although not very loud — sound , particularly when sitting directly behind the unit . And the projector can be used as a Bluetooth speaker or paired to output to connect to other Bluetooth speakers .
Because of a relatively scurvy brightness rating , the manufacturer recommends the Nebula Solar Portable for shadowy light experimental condition . It does n’t have to be pitch - dark , but during the Clarence Day , a well - shaded field will provide much better reckon than sitting in the sun . That say , the DLP 1080p depiction does look much well than portable LCD projectors in terms of color and demarcation . It does not handle fast - action scenes quite so effortlessly as something like the much more expensive Optoma UHD38 , but for a portable outdoor projector that can be withdraw nearly anywhere , this one does not disappoint .
Get the Anker Nebula Solar outside projector atAmazonorBest Buy .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Bluetooth
Fangor Native 1080P WiFi/Bluetooth Projector
Even a fan of old movies can need the late tech capableness — and this brawny projector was made for cyclosis and connectivity . Optimized for use with roving speech sound and streaming sticks as well as Bluetooth loudspeaker , this is asolid choice for a wireless motion picture night . This model is very promising and puts out a vibrant , full HD image . With a 6500 - lumen electric-light bulb and an 8,000:1 direct contrast ratio , it can even display a football game plot on a murky good afternoon with comparable quality to a premium mat - screen door TV .
It ’s a wise choice for those who need to follow photographic film with little fuss , and the projector ’s apparatus is extremely intuitive so users can start viewing its ambient Inner Light in minutes . Its emphasis on wireless connectivity establish watching a movie no more complex than simply plug the projector in , point it at the screen door , and tie in asmartphone .
Get the Fangor outdoor projector atAmazon .
Also Consider
Anker Nebula Cosmos Projector
We also tested the Anker Nebula Cosmos Projector , which turned out to be a very unspoiled backyard projector but did n’t stand out in any one family . It has beneficial picture timbre , user port , and feature such as autofocus . It has 900 ANSI lumens , and it has two HDMI and two USB - A remark as well as wireless connectivity like Bluetooth and Chromecast .
The Cosmos video projector has build - in Android TV , providing access to 7,000 + apps , although there ’s no option for Netflix due to a deficiency of computer hardware keep . The operating system makes the Cosmos , as well as the other Android TV projectors , quite user - friendly to engage , and it has a remote control that include a dedicated clitoris for the articulation - controlled Google Assistant .
We find out the Cosmos to be larger ( 3.6 inches marvelous by 11.4 inches wide by 7.8 inch deep ) and slimly heavy than the other 1080p portable projector tested , and it does n’t have weatherproof features , acme modification , or 4 K declaration for gaming . However , it does perform well and is a lilliputian brighter than some of the other portable projectors . It could be a suitable choice for anyone who wish its especial compounding of rich DLP colour and black levels , fairly loud speakers , and many pumped-up and wireless connectivity options .
Get the Anker Nebula Cosmos outside projector atAmazon .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Outdoor Projector
Projector engineering science has better significantly , and it ’s potential to get high - quality visuals and audio that recreates a cinematic experience at house . One of the most significant factors in pick the ideal exemplar is the environment .
Weather weather and personal taste shape the option of type of projection , which technical features to seek ( like resolution and brightness ) , the most utile accoutrement , and other details that are talk about below .
Purpose and Environment
Backyard conditions are unique to every shopper . The follow factors can help a homeowner choose a backyard projector that unspoilt meets their motivation .
Projection Type
Outdoor projectors have three main projection types : LCD , LED , and DLP . Here ’s a closer look at each .
Brightness
Projectors normally have a light evaluation quantify in unit called lumen . Here are some consideration to keep in mind regarding brightness :
The ANSI cut brightness ratings for many outdoor project . ANSI lumens are240 percentage hopeful than standard unity , so shoppers should be clear on which military rank applies to the choices they ’re considering .
Image Quality
Much like idiot box , declaration in projectors is measured in pixels . The more pixels a projector has , the good the image character . The most rough-cut resolving for out-of-door projects are :
An unmarked but decisive aspect of pic quality isthecontrast ratio , which is the deviation between the maximal duskiness and brightness of a projector . A contrast proportion that produces a frosty picture , no matter of answer , is typically 5,000:1 . If picture clarity is important , a contrast ratio great than 2,000:1 is a good choice .
Aspect Ratio
With projector , the look ratio refers to the shape of the projected figure of speech . It is calculated by the ratio of breadth to top . For illustration , a sound projection that is 5 feet wide by 3 feet tall produces a 5:3 aspect ratio .
There are two common aspect ratios :
A backyard projector with a 16:9 aspect ratio will make full up the entire crystallise area with an image . A projector with a 4:3 prospect proportion will have a peck of wasted negative outer space , like a mobile earpiece in vertical mode .
Sound
While most outdoor projectors have built - in verbaliser , many users supplement the visuals with a freestanding audio machine or sound arrangement . The onboard speaker in many backyard projectors , even high - closing unit , can have limited sound turnout , meaning extra out-of-door speakers are often required to experience sufficient volume .
A growing number of outdoor projectors are designed as all - in - one machines that produce both great word-painting and high - quality sound . However , in most cases , heavy auditory sensation on a projector should be looked at as a incentive , not a requirement . Whether they ’re looking for a cinematic sound experience or just unspoiled sound quality , shoppers will also want to consider pasture for compatible talker when see for an out-of-door projector .
Connectivity
Connectivity refers to an electronic gimmick ’s ability to commune with other devices and systems . For projectors , connectivity feature and accessories let in :
Tips for Using Outdoor Projectors
Before setting up an outside projector for a movie nighttime , here are a few important thing to consider :
FAQs
Our scout addresses many issues and concerns shopper typically have about outside movie projectors . Despite our efforts , additional questions often crop up about lighting , resolution , and apparatus . Many shoppers also wonder whether these devices are waterproof . Here are answer to the most usually asked questions about outdoor movie projectors .
Q. How do I choose agood outdoor projectorfor a movie?
Shoppers should first measure how far the screen will be from the projector . They should also note how bright or saturnine and noisy or quiet the setting is .
Q. How many lumens do I need for an outdoor projector?
outside projector with 3,000 ANSI lumens body of work well . If it will be placed at a distance of 16 substructure or farther in more well - lit areas , more lumen workplace better .
Q. What outdoor projector resolution is right for me?
A resolution of 1080p works best on modest screens—96 inches or less . For unadulterated - as - possible images on adult screen , a 4 K model is a better option .
Q. Are outdoor projectors waterproof?
Not really . Portable projectors should never be left out in any moist weather — not even a drizzle .
Q. Does it need to be completely dark outside to use a projector?
No , it does n’t . But the darker it is , the higher quality the images will be .
Q. Do I need a special screen for a 4K projector?
A 4 kB screen works neat if a 4 K projector is used . These screens typically have a completely bland grain that create images much clear .
Q. How many lumens do I need to watch in daylight?
For clear visibility , an outside projector should emit 2,500 ANSI lumens in daylight weather condition .
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