If you're thinking about setting up a cozy cinema in your very own backyard, you'll definitely need to get your hands on a high-quality outdoor projector. Unlike indoor projectors, outdoor projectors are designed to offer superior lighting capabilities and are highly compact for better portability. In this guide, we'll be taking a look at some of the best outdoor projectors in 2024, with our top pick being the ARTlii Outdoor Projector. We've packed each section of this article with tons of valuable information that you won't want to miss, so it's worth reading through to the end. Let's dive in!
Our Top Picks For Outdoor Projectors
The Best Outdoor Projectors
Best Overall
The ARTlii Outdoor Projector includes everything that you need to start watching your favorite content: the outdoor projector, a 100-inch simple white projection screen, a remote control, one HDMI cable, one power cable, and one AV cable. Plus, it also features a fast and stable Wi-Fi connection. So, not only will this projector provide you with a smooth viewing experience, but it will also create a wire-free environment (you won’t be required to connect any wire cables).
To pair your device with the projector, you will have to follow these steps. First, turn on your projector and go to settings. Then, find your Wi-Fi network and connect to it (enter the password and press “Confirm”). After that, grab your device and turn on screen mirroring. Lastly, find the projector under the name of “Artlii-fc8c (lcast),” connect to it, and you’re done. On top of everything, this is one of the few projectors on the market that utilize LED light technology (it even offers up to 50,000 hours of lamp life). What more can you ask for? Boasting outstanding performance and reasonable pricing, it’s no surprise that this outdoor projector is at the top of our list.
Pros
- Boasts 4K UHD support
- Connects with speakers or headphones via Bluetooth
- Projecting distance of 5 to 27 feet
Cons
- Fan is quite loud
Most Versatile
Next up, we have the NISOO Outdoor Projector. This particular projector is powered by an intelligent chip and supports a full HD 1080p resolution. This means you’ll be capable of watching all kinds of content, whether it’s sports, movies, news, cartoons, and more, without any problem.
Further, this outdoor projector features an advanced cooling system and noise-canceling technology to reduce the fan’s noise. This way, you can enjoy your movie in peace without any disruptions. Additionally, with this purchase, you’ll get a three-year warranty that’s been issued by the manufacturer. So, if you experience any issues (delivery problems, device malfunctions, missing parts, etc.), just contact the company and they will happily resolve the issue. With such quality, this pick is a must-have, so be sure to get your hands on it right away!
Pros
- Supports up to 1080p resolution
- Comes with a three-year warranty
- Versatile and widely compatible
Cons
- Sound quality could be better
Portable Pick
The NEBULA Outdoor Projector is without question one of our favorite choices on the entire list. It’s powered by a rechargeable battery and has a small, compact design, meaning you can take this mini projector anywhere you want — pretty cool, right?
Additionally, this outdoor projector’s premium speakers have powerful audio decoding and sound effect processing to provide you with the finest sound experience possible. This way, you will be able to see and hear every single moment of the action. And, since Android TV is built into this outdoor projector, you’ll be able to watch almost all of your favorite shows, movies, videos, and more.
Pros
- Compact, portable design
- Access over 5,000 apps with Android TV
- Produces colorful, eye-catching images
Cons
- Lens has no protection
Brightest Image
In our last spot, we have the GooDee Outdoor Projector, a popular brand in this niche. And, with this movie projector, it’s easy to see why. Built with quality and service in mind, this pick performs excellently and comes with great customer support.
For your convenience, this outdoor projector also features a height adjustment button. With it, you will be able to adjust the projector’s position depending on your needs and the setting. Also, with this purchase, you will get limited five-year factory support from GooDee. So, if you have any questions about the connection process or experiencing some issues with the device, we strongly advise you to message their customer service team.
Pros
- Available in black or white
- Features a convenient height adjustment knob
- 80% brighter than most other projectors
Cons
- User manual can be difficult to understand
Buying Guide: Outdoor Projectors
Whether you want to play some video games or watch your favorite TV show, selecting a good-quality outdoor projector is important. While a mini projector is well suited for small conference rooms or offices, the outdoor projector will give you a more personalized movie theater experience.
In our buyer’s guide, we’ll be discussing some of the most vital factors you should pay attention to when shopping and some of the most popular questions about outdoor projectors. So, let’s get started, shall we?
How To Pick an Outdoor Projector
Projection type
When you’re on the hunt for a new outdoor projector, you’ll notice that they come in a few different forms: LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), LED (Light Emitting Diode), and DLP (Digital Light Projection). Below, we’ve broken them down for you.
LCD outdoor projectors
These kinds of outdoor projectors are the most affordable models available right now. They have excellent brightness and boast very quiet operation.
LED outdoor projectors
Even though these projectors aren’t as bright as LCD models, they are much more popular. Not only do LED outdoor projectors offer a much better viewing experience, but they also have a surprisingly long lifespan.
DLP outdoor projectors
DLP outdoor projectors utilize lasers instead of basic bulbs. They have high contrast capabilities and provide a much more realistic viewing experience. Typically, these sorts of projectors are employed in movie theaters.
All things considered, if you’re looking for a projector for outdoor use, some choices are better than others. According to Donald Lewis, Senior Developer at Indivisible Game, “LED and DLP projectors are better for outdoor settings than LCD projectors because they are brighter and have a higher contrast ratio,” so you’ll want to keep an eye out for these kinds of projectors. While LCD projectors are by no means a terrible choice, LED and DLP projectors are simply more effective options for outdoor use.
Video resolution
The second thing that you should pay attention to is the outdoor projector’s video resolution. Depending on the resolution you choose, you may get an entirely different viewing experience.
720p resolution
While 720p is decent, we strongly suggest that you avoid this and consider going with a 1080p option instead (they have similar price tags).
1080p resolution
This is the standard option when it comes to outdoor projectors. 1080p projectors offer sharp picture quality, clear movements, and a much better experience overall.
4K resolution
These projectors have 4,000 pixels, providing you with impressive picture quality and a great point of view.
Connectivity
Most outdoor projectors have several different connectivity inputs. Here are the most basic ones:
- Wireless connection
- USB ports
- HDMI ports
- VGA ports
- Audio ports
Price
Are you interested in acquiring a new projector for your outdoor space? Well, you should expect to pay as little as $65 and up to $450 for some models. An outdoor projector’s price will vary depending on a few things, such as the resolution, the number of accessories included, and the label that stands behind the manufacturing process, among others.
Conclusion
As you can see, the market is flooded with all kinds of outdoor video projectors. While this does make picking one a little difficult, it also means you’re sure to find one that meets your needs. Hopefully, with the assistance of our above-mentioned selections and in-depth buyer’s guide, you’ll be able to choose one in no time.
People Also Ask
Can I use an HDMI cable to connect a projector with my laptop?
If both of the devices (the projector and the laptop) have an HDMI port, then yes, you can. The entire process is relatively simple. First, make sure that you turn on your projector and connect the HDMI cable (make sure that you connect it to the laptop as well). Moving on, open your projector's input settings and click on "HDMI Video." Lastly, position the projector and enjoy.
Are outdoor video projectors waterproof?
Generally, most outdoor video projectors aren't waterproof. That said, there are a couple of specific models that are entirely resistant to water as well. Just note that these devices come at a much heftier price tag.
Should I place a special projection screen in front of my outdoor projector?
Yes, you definitely should. By placing a projection screen in front of your outdoor projector, you will be able to experience a much smoother texture, brighter pictures, and a better contrast ratio.
Where should I position my outdoor projector?
An outdoor projector's placement can have a crucial impact on the overall picture quality. The best option is to position the projector in a dark area (or relatively shaded at the least), such as beneath a tree or on a sheltered patio.
What are the advantages of an outdoor projector?
Using an outdoor projector to watch your favorite shows, movies, and more has a ton of advantages. For example, these projectors are far more cost-effective and portable than a TV. They can also project huge, bright images for the ultimate backyard theater experience.
