A good outdoor movie projector lets you experience the great cinema wherever you want. Whether it’s a projection on a patio wall, a garage door, or a dedicated outdoor movie screen, taking your entertainment outdoors makes any movie look like an event. Whether you’re watching a classic movie with friends, playing the big game during a barbecue or just watching TV outdoors, the options are endless. That’s why we’ve put together a list of our favorite outdoor movie projectors, so you can spend more time entertaining and less time shopping.
The Best Outdoor Movie Projectors
What to consider?
While it would be nice to pick one of our recommendations out of a hat, there are a few things you should think about before buying an outdoor movie projector:
Portability
Foremost, ask yourself if you want your projector to live outside full time or move between indoors, outdoors, friends’ houses, etc. Some projectors require wired power, while others have built-in batteries and wireless connectivity.
Brightness
Measured in lumens, this is the brightness of the image your projector can display. If you are projecting in a well-lit area, you need a projector with a high lumen rating. In total darkness, you can make do with far fewer lumens.
The screen
Don’t forget the screen you’re going to project on. Smaller projectors are better for smaller spaces, but larger ones are better for huge projections, such as movies.
Audio
Although many outdoor projectors have built-in speakers, they are usually not powerful. Consider installing an outdoor speaker system to enhance your outdoor movie experience. If your projector supports Bluetooth technology, Bluetooth speakers are among the most portable options available.
How we chose
To compile this list of recommendations, we conducted intensive research, reviewing content from expert sources like PC Mag, The Verge, CNET, Tom’s Guide, DigitalTrends and others, as well as thousands of consumer reviews from online stores like Amazon and Walmart. As for the products themselves, we evaluated them based on performance, design, build quality, and price.
1. Nebula Solar 1080p Portable Projector
This projector offers just the right mix of features to be perfect for almost anyone. Weighing in at about 3 pounds, it’s portable, and can run on batteries or plugged in. Besides its extensive connectivity, Android TV enables easy access to all major streaming services. Its picture quality is also solid, with 1080p resolution and a large maximum screen size.
It’s not the brightest option on the market, but it’s got everything going for it, making it a great all-around outdoor projector.
Buy: Nebula Solar 1080p Portable Projector
2. True 4K HDR-PRO projector
If you’re using your projector all the time and want outstanding image quality, the BenQ TK850 is the perfect solution. The image quality is stunning, with 4K resolution, excellent HDR (high-dynamic range), amazing brightness, and crystal clear clarity. Unlike most projectors, the built-in speakers are actually decent, and good enough for small gatherings. Just connect the media of your choice via HDMI, and enjoy an incredibly detailed picture wherever you are.
Buy: True 4K HDR-PRO projector
3. Upgraded native 1080P video projector
Perhaps you’re new to projectors and aren’t sure if you’ll be able to take full advantage of them. In that case, we recommend an entry-level model, like this GooDee YG600, to test the waters. It’s by far the most affordable option on our list, but it still offers an excellent projection experience.
The GooDee YG600 has the basics: native 1080p resolution, HDMI connectivity, built-in speakers, and an impressive picture. Just be sure to use it in dark conditions, as it’s not dazzling.
Buy: Upgraded native 1080P video projector
4. Short-throw gaming projector
Gaming on a projector may seem strange, but with the Optoma GT1080, it can be just as enjoyable as gaming on a TV screen. The main selling point of this projector is its fast refresh rate and low response time, both of which are essential for enjoying video games. Outside of gaming, this projector is no slouch, with good brightness, image quality and projection distance.
Buy: Short-throw gaming projector
5. 1080p Wireless Outdoor Projector
They designed the BenQ GS50 for frequent outdoor travelers. It features a portable and durable design that won’t mind a little water or a few bumps along the way.
The projection itself is highly adjustable, and the autofocus is fast. And the built-in Android TV feature means you can enjoy tons of streaming apps with no separate device. Overall, the GS50 is easy to carry for any outdoor adventure.
Buy: 1080p Wireless Outdoor Projector
6. Nebula Capsule II Mini
If portability is your top priority, no other projector can match the form factor of the Anker Nebula Capsule II Mini. It weighs 1.5 pounds and is the size of a soda can. Built-in Android TV means you can simply pack the projector without needing additional devices to connect it. Battery life, especially given the size, is solid, though the single 8-watt speaker will only be enough with small groups.
7. Smart Streaming Laser Projector
Unlike all the other projectors on our list, the Epson EF-100 uses laser lighting to project its image. Laser lights have a much longer lifespan than traditional bulb lights. EF-100’s laser light lasts between 12,000 and 20,000 hours, which is much longer than our other recommendations.
Outside of the lighting, this projector is pretty standard, with HDMI connectivity, built-in Android TV, and above average brightness. But, in terms of longevity, it’s a top choice.
Buy: Smart Streaming Laser Projector
