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The 8 Best Outdoor Projectors
Create an epic at-home watch party with a projector that turns your outdoor area into the perfect spot for watching movies, sporting events or playing games.
There's nothing quite like the big screen, and adding an outdoor movie projector to your backyard turns any gathering into the ultimate get-together. We'll walk you through how to select the right outdoor projector for your space and share our top picks. Grab the popcorn, invite over your pals and let's create an ultra-fun outdoor experience.
How to Choose an Outdoor Projector
Before purchasing your outdoor projector, there are a few elements you'll want to take into consideration:
Screen Size: Keep in mind how large of a screen size you want to display, shooting to have around 100 inches for large gatherings. Additionally, look into the throw distance, which is the distance needed between a projector and the screen, to make sure it'll work for your outdoor space.
Brightness: Brightness is measured in lumens. When you're inside, you're able to control the lighting of your space and can have a projector with fewer lumens. For an outdoor projector, you'll want at least 2,000 lumens, especially if you'll be watching with any daylight left or landscape lighting around. Be aware that some projectors are measured in ANSI lumens (1,000 lumens is around 417 ANSI).
Resolution: Resolution is the number of pixels your projector is displaying. Higher resolution = higher image detail. Opt for at least 720p, but 1080p or 4K will give you even better picture quality.
Connectivity: Consider what you'll be watching on your projector and how you'll be connecting to your existing devices, whether through Bluetooth, WiFi, a streaming device or a laptop. Additionally, think about how you'll power your projector. Most have to be plugged in, although some do have built-in batteries. Be sure to use extension cords rated for outdoor use.
Screen: You can project your movie on your garage door or the side of your home, but you will get a better picture on an outdoor movie screen. Want to try your hand at building your own? Check out our easy DIY outdoor movie screen tutorial below.
How to Make Your Own Outdoor Movie Screen
DIY ingenuity is all you need to create this easy backyard movie screen.
Best Overall Outdoor Projector
This fan-favorite projector has some recent upgrades that improve an already standout design, including a quieter fan and improved brightness. With 1080P resolution and advanced color technology, the viewing screen goes from 44 to 230 inches. The projector also has two built-in powerful speakers to bring the theater experience to your outdoors.
Best Portable Outdoor Projector
Easy to configure and take along to any outdoor event, this projector creates a screen size from 40 inches to 100 inches. With 500 ANSI lumen brightness, the projector delivers a high-definition image and uses autofocus technology to make your on-the-go setup as quick and painless as possible.
Best Budget Outdoor Projector
This mini projector gives you the ultimate at-home movie experience for about the same price as a family of four going to the theaters. With 6,000 lux brightness and native HD 1280x720p resolution, the projector provides a high-quality picture up to 300-inch screen size.
Best 1080p Outdoor Projector
Designed with super high contrast in mind, this projector shows off pure whites and layered blacks so that you have a better picture experience. Customize your screen size by remote or manually to display from 44 to 300 inches, and easily connect through Bluetooth, HDMI, USB or synchronize with your smartphone to watch exactly what you want on the big screen.
Best 4K Outdoor Projector
With an easy-to-carry handle, this projector is ready to go anywhere you go. Whether you're watching a movie or sporting event outdoors or playing video games, ultra-smooth imaging minimizes motion blur. The LED technology provides a crystal clear 4K picture, a screen up to 200 inches in 2400 lumens and a 30,000-hour lifespan.
Best Outdoor Projector for Gaming
Want to take your next video game gathering with friends outdoors? Invest in this ultra-fast projector. The 4K projector combined with Enhanced Gaming Mode has blur-free visuals and produces a super-quick response time. With 3,600 lumens of brightness and Dynamic Black technology, the projector gives you a crisp, colorful picture both indoors and out.
Best Outdoor Projector for Small Spaces
Indoors or out, this compact projector sets up and projects in mere seconds. Place it on a table or a tripod (anywhere from four to 16 feet away) for outdoor movie watching to create up to a 150-inch picture. Built-in speakers ensure you have an immersive listening event, and the projector can also be connected to other external speakers.
Best 400-Inch Outdoor Projector
Go to the theater at home with this high-def 1080p projector that has 200 ANSI lumens. Not only does it easily connect with any media, including the latest Bluetooth chip to make wireless connection a cinch, but it also effortlessly scales your image, reducing by 75 percent, so that you can fit your screen without having to move the projector.
