The 6 Best Outdoor Projectors For Movies of 2023

BenQ GS50 1080p Outdoor Projector

The BenQ GS50 1080p Outdoor Projector offers it all: great picture quality, built-in Android TV streaming apps, high-quality audio, plenty of wireless and cable connections, and the size and durability to make it really portable.

This 5-pound cube-shaped compact outdoor projector has IPX2 splash protection and drop protection from 2.3 feet, as well as a durable zip bag for the BenQ GS50 and all of its accessories. This portable outdoor projector comes with a convenient remote control that aids in setup and operation.

The GS50 autofocuses its image extremely efficiently after setting and switching it on, and the remote features easy-to-use corner correction with the freedom to place the projector in a number of places away from the projector screen or wall. The GS50 may be angled by up to 15 degrees using an adjustable stand.

The BenQ GS50 tiny outdoor projector is simple to connect to a Wi-Fi network, and the included HDMI Android TV stick provides access to 7,000+ applications for movies, TV, music, games, news, and more. Netflix does not support the GS50, although it can connect to Netflix through another device through the HDMI input.

Other mobile devices and disks can connect through USB-C and USB-A, allowing for offline enjoyment when Wi-Fi is unavailable.

The unit's digital light projection (DLP) technology doesn't provide the brightest image, but the colors, contrast, and detail are impressive. The BenQ GS50 portable outdoor projector looks best in dim light or low-light circumstances, making it ideal for use outside.

This little outdoor projector should be brought forward to generate a more compact image for optimal daytime use results. However, at the suggested maximum size of 110 inches, it looks fantastic (about 9 feet away).

We also tried it with an image size closer to 150 inches and it looked OK. For a projector of this size, the 2.1-channel speaker system sounds clean, balanced, and potentially fairly powerful. The GS50 tiny projector may also function as a Bluetooth speaker for streaming music from other devices.

Overall, the GS50 is the most versatile outdoor video projector we evaluated. It is slightly more expensive than comparable tiny projectors, but consumers get their money's value.

DBPower L23 9000L Native 1080P WiFi Video Projector

Customers cannot get much more out of a portable outdoor projector for less than $200 than what the DBPower L23 projector provides. It boasts a plethora of networking possibilities, including the ability to screen mirror iOS and Android mobile devices, as well as play video, audio, and photo slideshows from a USB drive of up to 64 GB (if correctly formatted).

It also offers Bluetooth audio streaming to speakers and headphones, in case the 3-watt internal speaker is insufficient. The 50,000-hour light-emitting diode (LED) bulb driving the liquid-crystal display (LCD) in the L23 is strong, despite the fact that its advertised 9,000 lumens are "lux" lumens, which appears to approximate a rough conversion of 3,750 ANSI lumens.

Still, it's bright enough for daylight viewing, but users may need to adjust the brightness manually because the preset image settings only go up to 60 percent of the maximum brightness.

Beyond the connectivity, the DBPower portable projector is also generous with the accessories, which include an HDMI cable, a three-prong RCA A/V to 3.5-millimeter adapter cable, a remote control, lens cap, and a good-quality zippered and handled carrying case, making the 3-pound 3.5-inch-tall by 8.7-inch-long by 6.9-inch-deep projector all the more portable.

We applaud that situation because the chassis of the L23 does not inspire trust in its durability. The remote control is extremely fragile, with weak springs connecting it to the batteries.

But, the bottom line of a projector is image quality, and the L23 delivers a pleasant and detailed 1080p image with seamless motion handling. Colors and contrast are less brilliant when compared to 1080p DLP projectors like the BenQ GS50, but the overall picture at this price point looks really decent.

By positioning the device 4 to 25 feet away from a surface, an image size of 35 to 300 inches may be obtained, with the sweet spot for optimal performance is between 50 and 100 inches.

When put too close to a projection screen, the L23 does not focus correctly, unlike the other portable projectors we tested. Screen mirroring from mobile devices via Wi-Fi has certain limits as well. For example, a huge number of smartphones manufactured by Google, Motorola, and Samsung do not support the technology used for mirroring Android devices.

In addition, the L23 appears to support just 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks, which resulted in less consistent AirPlay connections in our tests as compared to AirPlaying to a TV over a 5 GHz network.

Apart from those drawbacks, the L23 has enough possibilities for projecting multiple sources that users can always find something that works. It's a fine outdoor projector, but in terms of value for money, it's the best in our roundup.

Optoma UHD38 4K Home Theater and Gaming Projector

Gamers often value huge Televisions or computer displays, and many are willing to pay a premium for large 4K panels. So why would you do that when a photo up to 300 inches in size costs about the same?

It is the maximum suggested projection size for the Optoma UHD38 4K projector, a fantastic indoor/outdoor video projector for any use but especially appealing to gamers.

This is due to the UHD38's rapid refresh rates, which gamers need for efficiently managing demanding fast-motion situations.

The UHD38 can play 1080p video at 240 frames per second from a Computer (since only PCs can output 240 frames per second at the moment), or 1080p at 120 frames per second from a modern game console like the Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5.

Instead, the projector can show back the full 4K content at 60 frames per second. Its 4.2-millisecond reaction rate is slower than that of other high-end monitors, but it is more than enough for gaming.

The Optoma UHD38 portable projector delivers a spectacular image whether it's used for shows, gaming, live sports, 3D movies (which it also fully supports), or anything else. It has exceptional color reproduction and contrast, as well as superb detail clarity.

The DLP lamp has a lifespan of up to 4,000 hours at its highest setting (or up to 15,000 hours in lower modes), and it's bright enough for usage throughout the day while also looking great at night.

The UHD38 is notably smaller and lighter than the smallest projector we evaluated, but also larger than the other compact projectors in this roundup, measuring around 4.5 inches high by 12.5 inches wide by 10.5 inches deep and weighing 10 pounds. It does not include Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, but it does have two HDMI 2.0 ports as well as a VGA input.

The two 10-watt internal speakers may go rather loud, but the sound is a little dull and flat in comparison to better-sounding competitors. Thankfully, the UHD38 has both analog (3.5mm) and digital (S/PDIF) audio outputs for connecting to bigger speakers.

Despite its absence of wireless technology, the Optoma UHD38 may be the greatest backyard projector for any high-level visual performance, particularly gaming.

Anker Nebula Solar Portable Projector

Everything about the Anker Nebula Solar Portable projector suggests mobility. It is 2.3 inches tall, 7.6 inches broad, and 7.6 inches deep, and weighs little more than 3 pounds.

It does not come with a carrying case, yet it readily fits into a laptop bag. Even the power supply has a small footprint: A compact AC power brick connects the Nebula Solar Portable to a normal USB-C connection (included).

That USB-C connector is solely for power, but it also charges the internal battery, which gives 3 hours of battery-life activity (or 2 hours in the standard mode). There's also a USB-A connector for connecting a flash drive for video playing, as well as one HDMI 2.0 input that receives 4K data and converts them to 1080p.

The Anker Nebula Solar Portable Projector also runs the Android TV operating system, giving you simple access to over 7,000 apps, including most major streaming services (except Netflix). It also supports Chromecast streaming from Mac and PC computers, as well as iOS and Android mobile devices.

Once you've gotten past the somewhat time-consuming process of signing into Android TV with a Google account and signing into apps, the Nebula Solar Portable is very simple to navigate, operate, and reposition in new locations, thanks to a one-button autofocus on the remote, a built-in stand that elevates the picture by 13 degrees, and the user-friendly interface.

The portable projector is small enough to fit in small locations and can display a 40-inch image from 3.44 feet away. The maximum recommended image size of 120 inches is taken from a distance of 10.43 feet.

The dual 3-watt speakers produce a remarkably full-bodied—though not particularly loud—sound, particularly when seated immediately behind the device. Moreover, the projector may be utilized as a Bluetooth speaker or attached to the output in order to connect to additional Bluetooth speakers.

The manufacturer suggests the Nebula Solar Portable for low-light circumstances because of its low brightness rating. It doesn't have to be completely dark, but throughout the day, sitting in the shadow is preferable to sitting in the sun. In terms of color and contrast, the DLP 1080p image looks far better than small LCD projectors.

It may not handle fast-action situations as well as the much more costly Optoma UHD38, but for a compact outdoor projector that can be brought almost anyplace, it does not disappoint.

Fangor Native 1080P Full HD WiFi/Bluetooth Projector

Even fans of classic films may desire cutting-edge technology, and this powerful projector was designed for streaming and networking. This is a fantastic pick for a wireless movie night because it is optimized for usage with mobile phones, streaming sticks, and Bluetooth speakers.

This model is extremely bright and produces a colorful, full-HD image. With a 6500-lumen bulb and an 8,000:1 contrast ratio, it can even broadcast a football game in equal quality to a luxury flat-screen TV on a gloomy afternoon.

It's an excellent alternative for individuals who prefer to watch movies with no effort, and the projector's setup is simple enough that users may begin seeing its ambient light in minutes. Because of its emphasis on wireless networking, viewing a movie is as simple as plugging in the projector, aiming it at the screen, and connecting a smartphone.

Anker Nebula Cosmos Projector

We also evaluated the Anker Nebula Cosmos Projector, which was a very decent backyard projector but didn't stand out in any one area. It provides excellent image quality, a user-friendly UI, and capabilities such as autofocus. It boasts 900 ANSI lumens, two HDMI and two USB-A connectors, plus wireless networking like Bluetooth and Chromecast.

The Cosmos video projector includes built-in Android TV, which gives you access to 7,000+ apps, albeit Netflix isn't an option owing to a lack of hardware compatibility. The operating system makes the Cosmos and other Android TV projectors very easy to use, and it comes with a remote control that includes a dedicated button for the voice-controlled Google Assistant.

The Cosmos is bigger (3.6 inches tall by 11.4 inches wide by 7.8 inches deep) and heavier than the other 1080p portable projectors we examined, and it lacks weatherproofing, height adjustment, and 4K resolution for gaming. It does, however, function admirably and is somewhat brighter than some of the other small projectors.

It might be a good pick for someone who appreciates the mix of rich DLP colors and black levels, reasonably powerful speakers, and several wired and wireless networking choices.

The technology of projectors has advanced substantially, and it is now feasible to acquire high-quality sights and music that simulate a movie experience at home. The environment is one of the most important variables in selecting the best model.

Climatic circumstances and personal tastes influence the type of projection to be used, the technical aspects to seek (such as resolution and brightness), the most helpful accessories, and other elements listed below.

Purpose and Environment

Every shopper's backyard conditions are distinct. The following variables might assist a homeowner in selecting the ideal backyard projector for their needs.

• Location: Weather resistance may not be required if the projector is positioned behind a porch, canopy, or covered outdoor living space. In an open outdoor situation, a non-weather-resistant projector is more likely to be destroyed.
• Time of day: Whether you watch during the day or at night, the brightness changes, and ornamental nighttime illumination and noisy evening traffic from a neighboring road provide distractions.
• Portability: Smaller projectors are simpler to move, set up, and store. Yet, that convenience frequently comes at the expense of image and audio quality. The technology required to deliver ideal pictures is often found in larger, bulkier projectors.
• Intended use: Outdoor projectors may be utilized in a variety of ways, including transforming a backyard into a movie theater, generating picture slideshows, and watching sports poolside. The most appropriate sort of projection is determined by its function.

Projection Type

Outdoor projectors are classified into three types: LCD, LED, and DLP. Here's a closer look at each of them.

• LCD variants are brighter, less expensive, and quieter than previous types of outdoor movie projectors. They have poorer contrast ratios, which might cause projected pictures to appear washed out. They're a good alternative for many outdoor theater installations if you have the correct outdoor projector screen or a DIY equivalent.
• LED projectors are small, silent, and power efficient. They have the longest-lasting bulbs and the finest mobility, and they frequently exceed DLP projectors in terms of brightness and resolution.
• Instead of light bulbs, DLP versions employ lasers. DLP projectors, which are bigger than LCD and LED projectors, are used in the majority of movie theaters. DLP projectors are often utilized as indoor home theaters, duplicating a cinema-authentic watching experience by providing smooth visuals and strong contrast.

Brightness

The brightness of a projector is often measured in lumens. These are some things to think about when it comes to brightness:

• For high-quality evening viewing, the greatest outdoor movie projectors offer 2,000 to 2,500 lumens.
• Decorative lighting: If there are decorative lights or sunshine present, a projector with a brightness of at least 3,000 lumens guarantees that the picture is not "washed out" by the surrounding light.
• Noise sensitivity: High-brightness projectors, like traditional Christmas light projectors, are louder. This may be a distraction for people who are sensitive to other sounds.
• Ambient light: For surrounding ambient light, high-brightness projectors are the best solution.

The ANSI publishes brightness ratings for a wide range of outdoor installations. Because ANSI lumens are 240 percent brighter than normal lumens, customers should know which rating applies to the options they're evaluating.

Image Quality

Projector resolution, like TV resolution, is measured in pixels. The higher the pixel count of a projector, the higher the image quality. The following are the most popular outdoor project resolutions:

• 1080p gives a crisp, sharp image comparable to high-definition television.
• 720p, which, although not bad, is considerably lesser in quality than 1080p.
• 4K refers to about 4,000 pixels and gives four times the visual quality of 1080p.

The contrast ratio, which is the difference between a projector's maximum dimness and brightness, is an often ignored yet crucial feature of image quality. A common contrast ratio for a sharp image, regardless of resolution, is 5,000:1. A contrast ratio greater than 2,000:1 is an excellent choice if image clarity is crucial.

Aspect Ratio

The aspect ratio of a projector refers to the form of the projected picture. It is determined by the width-to-height ratio. A 5:3 aspect ratio is produced by a projection that is 5 feet broad by 3 feet tall, for example.

There are two standard aspect ratios:

• The usual aspect ratio for any flat-screen television, laptop, and outdoor projector is 16:9.
• 4:3, which was once the norm for old-school tube televisions and is now available on certain outdoor projectors.

A 16:9 aspect ratio backyard projector will fill the whole lit area with an image. A projector with a 4:3 aspect ratio, like a mobile phone in vertical mode, will have a lot of wasted negative space.

Sound

While the majority of outdoor projectors include built-in speakers, many users enhance the images with a separate audio device or sound system. Many backyard projectors, even high-end models, have limited sound output, requiring the use of extra outside speakers to achieve acceptable loudness.

A rising number of outdoor projectors are built as all-in-one equipment capable of producing both high-quality images and sound. Nonetheless, strong sound on a projector should be considered a bonus rather than a must in most circumstances. While shopping for an outdoor projector, customers should check for appropriate speakers, whether they want a dramatic sound experience or just better sound quality.

Connectivity

The capacity of electronic equipment to interact with other devices and systems is referred to as connectivity. Connectivity features and accessories for projectors include:

• Wi-Fi. A rising number of low-cost outdoor TV projector devices integrate Wi-Fi connection. Some projectors even work like smart TVs, with streaming applications for Netflix, Amazon, and other services.
• Ports. Ports are several sorts of cables that may be used to connect to streaming devices. USB ports, as well as HDMI, VGA, and audio out, are particularly common in projectors.
• Adapters. An adapter may be required depending on the model to connect the projector to personal devices with incompatible ports. The adapter connects the device and the projector by acting as a conductor. When purchasing an outdoor projector, customers should determine if an adapter is necessary to play movies on a certain device.

This article tackles many of the common questions and concerns that buyers have concerning outdoor movie projectors. Despite our best efforts, new questions concerning lighting, resolution, and setting frequently arise. Several customers worry that these products are watertight. The following are the answers to the most often-asked questions concerning outdoor movie projectors.

How do I pick the best outdoor projector for a movie?

Customers should first determine the distance between the screen and the projector. Students should also take notice of how bright or dark the environment is, as well as how noisy or quiet it is.

How many lumens does an outdoor projector require?

Outdoor projectors with 3,000 ANSI lumens perform admirably. More lumens are more effective when deployed at a distance of 16 feet or more in well-lit settings.

What is the best outdoor projector resolution for me?

1080p resolution works best on smaller screens (96 inches or less). A 4K model is a superior choice for as-perfect-as-possible visuals on larger screens.

Are outdoor projectors water-resistant?

Not at all. Portable projectors should never be left outside in the rain or mist.

Is it necessary for it to be entirely dark outdoors to utilize a projector?

That is not the case. Yet, the darker it gets, the greater the quality of the photographs.

Is a specific screen required for a 4K projector?

A 4K screen works well with a 4K projector. These screens often have a perfectly smooth texture, which improves visual clarity.

How many lumens do I need to watch TV in the daytime?

In the daytime, an outdoor projector should generate 2,500 ANSI lumens for optimum visibility.

In the end, BestForHomes (bestforhomes.org) appreciate that you picked our website among dozens of others to read reviews of the best outdoor projectors for movies. Hopefully, this article has assisted you in selecting the most suitable product.