An outdoor projector is a great way to have a big screen experience in your backyard by turning it into a movie theater or gaming arena. It turns your patio, garden, or rooftop into an at-home cinema where you can watch your favorite movie along with your friends and family in the summer evenings. It should be small, compact, lightweight, and portable to set up and use anywhere easily and move around. However, you have to consider various factors like native resolution, brightness, aspect ratio, throw distance, ports, speakers, and so on to choose the correct option as per your requirements. Here is the outlook of key factors to look for before investing in the outdoor projector:
Brightness/Lumens: The lumens rating of a projector will determine how bright the image will be projected. If your outdoor projector is not bright enough, then you’re unable to see the image properly irrespective of day or night. It’s always better to have a projector with at least 3000 lumens to enjoy the show/movie. Resolution: The number of pixels projected to generate a picture is termed resolution. The higher the pixel count, the better you can view the image. We have 1080P FHD, 720P WXGA, or 4K UHD resolutions widely used in these projectors. Go with projectors offering either 1080p FHD or 4K UHD for a better viewing experience. Display Size: The display size matters a lot when it comes to outdoor projectors, as a larger display size results in a highly immersive experience compared to a smaller display size. Simply, go with a 300-inch or 400-inch projector screen size rather than a smaller 200 inches display size for a better viewing experience.
To get a clear idea of these projectors, we came up with a detailed “Buying Guide”. Also, using the same information, we have shortlisted some Best Outdoor Projects with a brief review of each product, including its best features, pros, and cons. Read on to ease up your selection process and pick the best option.
Best Outdoor Projectors 2023
Best Outdoor Projector Reviews
1. CiBest Video Projector
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CiBest is a brand of video products like projectors which has been making high performance products for quite a long time because of which it can be a great reliable option for many. The CiBest outdoor projector is present in the 1st position in this list since it is the perfect option for long term usage. Apart from being highly durable and reliable, this outdoor projector also offers a decently immersive experience with its display size of 200 inches. When combined with its given resolution of 1920 x 1080, you can expect great results at all times. Another great thing about this outdoor projector is that you get a brightness output of 7500 lumens with it which is pretty great for the given price. And because this outdoor projector is a bit on the bulky side, it is able to fit various connectivity ports like VGA, HDMI, USB, and audio ports on the back. As for the key feature of this outdoor projector, you get a lifetime warranty with it which is not available with most other outdoor projectors. Best Features:
Outputs an image at a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 Rated screen size of up to 200 inches Uses a projection lamp rated for 7200 lumens Backed by a 3 year long warranty
Pros:
Perfect outdoor projector for long term usage Quite a sharp image with a high resolution Decently affordable for a high value for money option
Cons:
Slightly on the bulkier and larger side
2. GooDee 2023 1080P Video Projector
When compared with other brands of outdoor projectors out there, GooDee is quite a new brand because of which it offers all the latest features and options with its projectors. GooDee’s YG600 outdoor projector is present in the 2nd position in this listicle as this is one of the brightest options out there. To be exact, this outdoor projector is rated for a maximum brightness output of 9500 lumens which should be plenty for most. And it is able to offer this at the given screen size of up to 230 inches making it perfect for outdoor usage. You will be glad to know that this outdoor projector also offers a resolution of 1920 x 1080 which makes it pretty great in terms of image quality as well. Coming to the back of this outdoor projector, you get various connectivity options like VGA, HDMI, USB as well as USB audio ports which is pretty great. And to ensure that you can enjoy all of this for as long as possible, GooDee also includes a 5 year warranty with this outdoor projector. Best Features:
Outputs an image at a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 Rated screen size of up to 230 inches Uses a projection lamp rated for 9500 lumens Backed by a 5 year warranty
Pros:
Excellent outdoor projector regarding its lamp brightness Decently large display size with a high resolution Solid build quality with a decent warranty period
Cons:
Not a budget friendly option
3. BIGASUO Upgrade HD Bluetooth Projector
Bigasuo not only offers a wide range of outdoor projector models, but you can also find multiple projector accessories offered by it, which is exactly what it includes in the box. This Bigasuo outdoor projector is present in the 3rd position in this article because it is a great all rounder projector pack which not only offers a projector in the box but also comes with various accessories. As for the projector itself, it offers a decently large display size of 200 inches. Unfortunately, it falls behind in terms of its image quality due to the given native resolution of 1280 x 720. However, the brightness output of the projection lamp used inside this outdoor projector is quite low at 5500 lumens. Thankfully, you still get all the standard connectivity options with this outdoor projector like VGA, HDMI, USB, audio ports, and even an SD card slot. For the given price, Bigasuo also includes a 3 year long warranty for the projector and all the included accessories. Best Features:
Outputs an image at a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 Rated screen size of up to 200 inches Uses a projection lamp rated for 7200 lumens Backed by a 3 year long warranty
Pros:
Perfect outdoor projector for long term usage Quite a sharp image with a high resolution Decently affordable for a high value for money option
Cons:
Slightly on the bulkier and larger side
4. Jifar HD 1080P WiFi Bluetooth Projector
Jifar is a much more premium and high end brand of video devices when you are talking about outdoor projectors where most of its models offer amazing features and excellent performance numbers. The Jifar outdoor projector is the best performing option given here which makes it perfect for large size projection at all times. To be exact, this Jifar outdoor projector offers you a screen size of 450 inches which is much bigger than most other options out there. And as you would expect from such a large size projector, it runs at a native resolution of 1920 x 1080. Apart from offering a massive display size, this outdoor projector is also quite great for using in the day thanks to its excellent brightness output of 10000 lumens which makes it much more powerful than others. Since you get various ports on the back like VGA, HDMI, USB, SD card slot, and an audio port, you can easily get the most out of this high end outdoor projector. And because this is a high end outdoor projector, you also get a decent 2 year long warranty with it which is to be expected. Best Features:
Outputs an image at a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 Rated screen size of up to 450 inches Uses a projection lamp rated for 10000 lumens Backed by a 2 year warranty
Pros:
Superb outdoor projector in terms of image size Excellent even for the day with a high end brightness rating Highly versatile connectivity features
Cons:
Quite an expensive outdoor projector
5. Artlii Energon2 5G WiFi Bluetooth Projector
You can also consider Artlii and its offerings if you do not have any budget restrictions and want something high end in terms of performance numbers as well as the features. Artlii’s outdoor projector is one of the best options out there when it comes to having versatile connectivity options. Taking a look at the projector first, you will be glad to know that it offers a decent screen size of 250 inches. For the given screen size, it offers pretty great image quality thanks to its 1920 x 1080 native resolution. Although, its brightness rating of 340 ANSI lumens might not be as high as other options making it a bit difficult to use during daytime. Thankfully, this outdoor projector is still a great pick as not only do you get VGA, HDMI, USB, SD card slot, and audio ports, but it even includes wireless connectivity options. And while it might not be the highest, the included 1 year long warranty is better than nothing. Best Features:
Outputs an image at a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 Rated screen size of up to 250 inches Uses a projection lamp rated for 340 ANSI lumens Backed by a 1 year long warranty
Pros:
Highly versatile connectivity options Pretty large sized display output Great picture quality with a high resolution
Cons:
Projector lamp brightness could have been higher
6. GROVIEW Mini Bluetooth Projector
Groview is a pretty small brand of video devices which is still a great option for all those who wish to get something affordable while offering a large display size at the same time. This Groview outdoor projector is the cheapest option present in this article which makes it the perfect option for all those who are on a tight budget. For its given price tag, you get a display size of 240 inches making it a great value for money option. Although, since this is a highly affordable option, it only offers a 1280 x 720 resolution which is certainly on the lower side. Fortunately, brightness rating is still manageable at the given price as this projector is rated for 6000 lumens. And similar to higher-end options out there, this outdoor projector also includes VGA, HDMI, USB, SD card slot, and audio ports on the back. More importantly, despite being an entry level option, it offers a 2 year long warranty which makes it perfect for long term usage. Best Features:
Outputs an image at a native resolution of 1280 x 720 Rated screen size of up to 240 inches Uses a projection lamp rated for 6000 lumens Backed by a 2 year long warranty
Pros:
Excellent outdoor projector on a budget Quite a large display size for the given price tag Long warranty period despite being affordable
Cons:
Image quality is not as good as more premium options
7. Nicpow Outdoor Projector
Nicpow and its projector models can also be a great option for those who are on a budget since most of its offerings including its outdoor projector given here are fairly affordable. The Nice Pow outdoor projector is most likely the best value for money option given here since it offers almost everything while being pretty affordable. Starting with its display size, this outdoor projector is able to offer a display size of 240 inches. Although, similar to the previous affordable option, this one is also rated for just 1280 x 720 resolution. That being said, unlike other budget options, this one still has a respectable brightness rating of 7500 lumens. Coming to the back, you also get standard connectivity options like VGA, HDMI, USB, audio ports, and more. Nicpow even includes a 3-year warranty with this outdoor projector which is pretty great at the given price. Best Features:
Outputs an image at a native resolution of 1280 x 720 Rated screen size of up to 240 inches Uses a projection lamp rated for 7500 lumens Backed by a 3-year warranty
Pros:
Quite a great value for money outdoor projector Highly bright and powerful for the given price tag Pretty durable and reliable thanks to the included warranty
Cons:
Projector’s native resolution could have been higher
8. DBPOWER Native 1080P WiFi Projector
In case you are looking for a high performance and a feature rich outdoor projector, then Dbpower and its projector models are definitely a great option to consider. Dbpower’s outdoor projector is one of the best performing options given here especially if you want something that offers an immersive experience. For starters, this outdoor projector has a display size of 300 inches which makes it bigger than most. And to ensure a great image quality even at this display size, it comes with a 1920 x 1080 native resolution. More importantly, you get a brightness rating of 9500 lumens with this outdoor projector which makes it perfect for all scenarios. To get the most out of this outdoor projector, you can use its VGA, HDMI, USB, SD card slot, and audio ports. And because it is a fairly premium outdoor projector, you also get a 3 year long warranty with it for your peace of mind. Best Features:
Outputs an image at a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 Rated screen size of up to 300 inches Uses a projection lamp rated for 9500 lumens Backed by a 3 year long warranty
Pros:
Superb option for an immersive experience Great image quality even with a massive screen size Standard connectivity options on the back for versatility
Cons:
Not a budget-friendly outdoor projector
9. Jinhu Projector with WiFi
Jinhu and its outdoor projectors are also known to be quite affordable which makes them perfect for budget-oriented buyers who wish to have a large display. This Jinhu outdoor projector is one of the cheapest options listed here which makes it ideal if you just want to try out a projector without paying a premium for the same. Because of the given price, it offers a display size of 176 inches which is certainly lower than others. And just like other entry-level options, this one also has a resolution of 1280 x 720. Thankfully, unlike other budget options, you get a pretty great brightness rating of up to 7500 lumens making it much brighter than the competition. Another great thing about this outdoor projector is that you get VGA, HDMI, USB, audio ports, and even WiFi connectivity with it. To ensure that you can enjoy all these features for as long as possible, Jinhu even includes a 3 year long warranty with it. Best Features:
Outputs an image at a native resolution of 1280 x 720 Rated screen size of up to 176 inches Uses a projection lamp rated for 7500 lumens Backed by a 3 year long warranty
Pros:
Highly bright outdoor projector for the given price Pretty great entry level outdoor projector option Fairly long warranty period for your peace of mind
Cons:
Screen size is a bit too small
How to Choose the Best Outdoor Projector
An outdoor projector is a small, lightweight, and compact model that turns the backyard area into a movie theatre and projects either your favorite shows, movies, or sports onto the big screen. Selecting the correct one is a bit difficult task from a wide range of outdoor projector options in the market. Let’s dive into the details of what factors to consider while shopping for outdoor movie projectors:
1. Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio of an image/video is considered the ratio of the width to its height. Mostly, we find aspect ratios as 3:2, 4:3, 16:9, 21:9, 1.85:1, or 2.35:1. Out of these ratios, a projector with a 16:9 aspect ratio is the best & modern widescreen format that is widely used to film it. So, make sure to purchase the projector screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Thus, you can fill & use the whole screen properly to watch and enjoy the movie/sports on the screen.
2. Brightness/Lumens
Brightness is much more essential to check for a clear and bright view of the projected image. It is measured in terms of lumens (lm). You have to set the brightness properly as per the screen size why because under/over brightness will spoil or damage the watching/viewing experience. For instance, a brightness of 1000 lumens is sufficient to watch a movie indoors or in a dark room, whereas a projector within 2000 – 5500 lumens is good to watch household backyard movies. Go with projectors having 6000 (+) lumens is used widely in corporate events, schools, or large social gatherings, but might be overkill when used to play movies in the backyard. Here is the table that let you know the required lumens count to choose for the screen size of the outdoor projectors. Note: Controlling ambient lighting is difficult while using the outdoor projector. Ensure to purchase the projector to have a clear view, irrespective of day or night.
3. Resolution Type
Resolution is defined as the number of pixels used to create the image. The higher the pixels, the better the image output is. We suggest you go with an HD projector, as it matters while projecting on the large outdoor screen to avoid uncleared or blocky images. Whether you want to watch a movie or live sport in the backyard, it is essential to check the native resolution of the outdoor projector like other displays or video devices. Ensure to choose a projector with a higher resolution (FHD) for better image quality. In general, we find projectors with different resolutions like 1280 X 720 (WXGA/720p), 1920 X 1080 (Full HD/1080p), or 4K UHD (3840 X 2160) in which the higher the resolution, the better the picture quality and thereby allows you to enjoy the movie or sports peacefully and happily.
4. Connectivity Options
Before you start using the outdoor projector, you have to connect this to some sort of video output device. Apart from this, you need to connect external speakers to this projector. Thus, it is a must to check the connectivity options of the projector to know whether it is compatible with most media-playing devices or not. For this, you have to check the type of ports along with the number of ports offered by the projector, including HDMI, USB, VGA, and audio ports. So, you can connect either laptops/computers, DVD players, external hard drives, firesticks, smartphones, BlueRay players, or flash drives to the projector via its ports for playing your favorite movies/shows/sports. In general, we find two types of connections available for outdoor projectors – external wired and wireless connectivity. Among them, you have to check the compatibility of the external wired projector with the chosen media player device. However, the wireless wi-fi connection is a bit expensive yet comfortable to use compared to the wired connection ports. It completely depends on your preference to choose either the wired or wireless outdoor projectors, as per your requirement.
5. Projection Types
LED, DLP, and LCD are the three types of projections available. Knowing about them in detail will help you in choosing the correct option that suits well for your requirement.
LCD Projection – It cast images using liquid crystal displays and a 3-way mirror on the screen. People started using this technology from the 1980s and getting better and updated with time to provide brighter images. Yet they don’t provide crisp & clear images compared to DLP or LED, which makes it a quite cheap option. DLP Projector – In this technology, millions of micro-mirrors are used to project highly detailed images on the screen. So, you can have a sharper image with less pixelation, which makes this technology used widely in movie theaters. Even though it is a bit expensive but it is worthwhile to spend money on this technology. LED Projection – In this technology, the LEDs project a greater number of colors to make the image look brighter on the screen than the LCD option. Also, it is reliable, durable, energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and lasts longer compared to lamp-based projectors. Its price will range in the middle of the above two projection types. Verdict: Among these three types, a DLP projection is the best option over LED or LCD. In case, if you can afford it, you can purchase a DLP model. If not, then simply go for an LCD (preferred by most people) or LED projector.
6. Built-in Speakers
Excellent picture quality with astonishing sound is what we need in outdoor projectors to enjoy a movie/show/sport in the backyard. So, both sound and image play a key role that you must check before selecting the projectors. Even though there are built-in speakers in outdoor movie projectors, yet you have to connect some external sound sources for clear audibility (in most cases unless it’s you alone watching without any disturbance). The reason behind this is, these speakers are small and might be of low wattage resulting in poor audio quality that won’t let you hear due to some outside noises/disturbances. Thus, it spoils your enjoyment of watching a favorite movie/sport. Apart from this, you have to consider the noise emitted from the screen of inflatable models where you need to run the air blower fan continuously for inflating them. So, we suggest you use an extra sound source like external speakers, soundbar, and Bluetooth speakers along with its built-in speakers. For external sound sources, the projectors should have an audio-in and audio-out port. If not, simply connect the speakers to any media-playing device or go with wireless speakers to enjoy the movie night with the required volume.
7. Throw Distance (or) Available Space:
The distance between the screen and the projector is measured as the throw distance, which will decide the size of the image to be projected. Based on the screen height and width, you have to place the projector in such a way that it should project the image properly onto the screen but not outside the screen. Yet you need to choose the distance based on the screen size, available area, and setup. A general formula of throw distance = ratio X width For outdoor projectors, it is suggested to go with a throw distance of 1.5:1 meaning that the projector should be placed at 1.5 feet away from the screen for its perfect projection of 1 foot of width image. This throw distance ratio helps to enhance the viewing experience and enjoy the show.
8. Display Size
Just like a standard projector, an outdoor projector is also supposed to offer a large display size for an immersive image projection. For the same, you can simply check the display size of your outdoor projector which can include options like 200-inch, 300-inch, 400-inch, or even 500-inch. If you want the best possible immersive experience while using the outdoor projector, it’s best to choose a larger screen size of at least 400 inches.
9. Portability
Ensure to purchase a compact, portable, and lightweight movie projector with a carrying case that help you to carry and use them effectively without using much space. In older days, we find heavier and larger projectors that have to be carried around with wheels or trolleys. So, modern projectors are getting lighter and smaller over years. Though most modern products are portable, you have to choose a model with an acceptable size that you can weigh easily and use at any place without any issues.
10. Power Source
There are two types of power sources – AC power or battery powered, in which you have to select the model based on the size and projection time. Usually, small projectors are mostly battery powered that even run for a longer time, but they are not bright enough for a backyard movie. While AC power is the most preferred option yet you need a nearby outlet for proper cord connections.
11. Lamp or Bulb Life
The projector’s bulb is essential to check and most manufacturers offer a lifespan of 30,000 hours, 50,000 hours, or 70,000 hours based on the type of bulb. Usually, a bulb with 30,000 hours offers a minimum of 3.5 years upon its continuous usage. However, most people ignore this option because can replace them easily.
12. Price
The price of the outdoor projectors will range from $150 – $1000 (or more), in which models with $300 – $500 suit best for most users. They offer enough lumen rating, decent HD resolution, and required port connectivity. We all know that the more we pay, the better we will get (in terms of quality, quantity, or features) and this is true in the case of outdoor projectors. So, choose the best option that comes within your budget range without compromising on your requirements.
13. Warranty
If you are using the projector quite often, then going with something reliable, durable, and practical is the best outdoor projector with an included warranty. The longer the warranty, the better you have peace of mind about its operation. While not all outdoor projectors will include a warranty, the ones which do generally include 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 5 years, and life-long warranty. Apart from the manufacturer warranty, you have to check the online reviews and ratings, brand, and aftersales customer service while shopping for these outdoor projectors.
Conclusion
Even though modern TVs have gotten quite large in size while having a fairly budget friendly price tag, taking a large sized TV with you is still not practical. Instead, if you wish to enjoy a large display while on the go, you will have to use a projector. Thus, we have already talked about a few of the best outdoor projectors earlier in this article.
Since an outdoor projector is made to output a large display size, going with the Jifar outdoor projector can be quite great. This is due to the fact that it has a display size of 450 inches which is much higher than others. And because of such a large display size, it also has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 which ensures great image quality at all times. Jifar also includes a 2 year long warranty with it which ensures long term usage for all. Speaking of warranty, the CiBest outdoor projector is the best option for long term usage since it is the only option given above which comes with a lifetime warranty. As for its projection, this outdoor projector has a screen size of 200 inches. And when combined with its resolution of 1920 x 1080, this outdoor projector offers pretty great results in terms of its image quality. Those of you who are on a tight budget can consider going with the Groview outdoor projector since it is the cheapest option given above. For the given price tag, you get a decently large display size of 240 inches. And considering that it is an entry-level outdoor projector, the given resolution of 1280 x 720 is to be expected. Thankfully, even with a lower price tag, this outdoor projector still offers a 3-year warranty.
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