We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Home Products Outdoor & Patio Patio Decor The Best Outdoor Projectors for Backyard Movies, Tested by Us Skip the movie theater and set one up at home. By Rachel Simon Rachel Simon Rachel has written for Dotdash Meredith's Ecommerce team since 2020, covering home goods, tech, fashion, beauty, and more. She's interviewed dozens of experts and is always on top of the latest trends and product releases. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 20, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How to Shop More to Consider FAQs Take Our Word for It What Is Real Simple Selects? Photo: Real Simple / Kim Vogt Whether you want to set up a romantic date night or entertain the whole family, an outdoor projector is an excellent investment. With its crisp video and audio, this little machine allows you to enjoy movies and TV shows from the comfort of your backyard—no need to splurge on tickets and overpriced snacks at the theater. To find the best outdoor projectors, we tested nine models in real-world conditions while assessing design, image quality, sound quality, and more. We also spoke to Asher Weinstein, projection expert at ProjectorScreen.com, to learn how to best use projectors and what features are the most important. Our Top Picks Best Overall: SALE Epson Mini EF12 Projector at Amazon $1,000 $700 Jump to Review Best Budget : Purshe Bluetooth Projector at Amazon $120 Jump to Review Best Splurge : SALE Anker Laser 4K Projector at Amazon $2,000 $1,500 Jump to Review Best Portable : BenQ GS50 Outdoor Projector at Amazon $799 Jump to Review Best for Gaming: SALE Samsung The Freestyle Gen 2 at Amazon $798 $598 Jump to Review Best Overall Epson Mini EF12 Projector PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $1,000 $700 at Amazon Orig. $1,000 $700 at Walmart Orig. $1,000 $700 at Best Buy What Stands Out The picture quality is vivid and bright. What Could Be Improved The speaker isn't as loud from far distances outdoors. Of all the outdoor movie projectors we tested, we were most impressed by this compact yet powerful option from Epson. While this sleek and lightweight projector may be pint sized, it offers fantastic image and sound quality from every viewing angle. This projector runs on AndroidTV, giving you access to many streaming services and a convenient connection to Google Assistant. You can use your phone, remote, or Chromecast to navigate the screen and select your favorite series or movie. The processing capabilities held up beautifully in our testing, with no technical issues whatsoever. We were especially impressed by how well the visuals and audio synced up. The included projection screen can expand up to 150 inches and provides an impressively clear, bright, and vibrant image, thanks to its automatic color correction technology. We found that this projector was most effective during sunset or dusk. While it was bright enough to counter nighttime street lights, it had some difficulty in the sunlight. That said, we think this projector is best to use in darker settings. The audio had a reasonable range outdoors—it's crisp up to 30 feet away—and excelled indoors. After nine months of use, this projector is still exceeding our expectations. In fact, it's even replaced the TV in our basement. We especially love that you can set it up anywhere, even mounting it from the ceiling if you want. Unfortunately, it doesn’t support Netflix or have parental controls enabled, and it doesn't include a storage case to protect the lens from damage. And while the included cord is long, you might need an extension cord to reach the nearest outlet. Size: 30–150 inches | Resolution: 1920 by 1080 | Warranty: 2 years Real Simple / Rafa Soriano Best Budget Purshe Bluetooth Projector PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $120 $104 at Amazon What Stands Out It has a larger-than-average display size of up to 250 inches. What Could Be Improved The cord is short, and the included projection screen is flimsy. If you’re on a tight budget, opt for this affordable outdoor projector from Purshe. It boasts a larger-than-average display size of up to 250 inches and works seamlessly with iOS and Android devices. When testing the projector, setup was easy, although finding the perfect angle was difficult. Once assembled, we had no issues connecting to Wi-Fi, USB, or HDMI cables, and we appreciated the available headphone jack you can use instead of the built-in speakers. As for this projector’s picture quality, it’s clear and bright no matter where you sit around the screen, but the best viewing experience is directly in front. After nine months, we still have no complaints—it's been ideal for outdoor use in nice weather and cozy movie nights in the basement. We also love that this projector has a 120-inch screen included, so you don’t need to buy one separately, though it is a bit flimsy. It's also worth noting that the cord included in the package is only 6 feet long, so we recommend purchasing an extension cord for greater distances. Still, for a budget-friendly outdoor projector, this one performed impressively. Size: Up to 300 inches | Resolution: 1920 by 1080 | Warranty: 1 year PHOTO: Real Simple / Kimberly Souza PHOTO: Real Simple / Kimberly Souza Best Splurge Anker Laser 4K Projector PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $2,000 $1,500 at Amazon View on Seenebula.com What Stands Out Its picture quality is bright, clear, and always focused. What Could Be Improved The sound gets quiet from 10 to 15 feet away. For shoppers able to spend big bucks on a projector, this top-notch pick from Nebula will not disappoint. During testing, we found that the 4K UHD picture quality beat the other projectors we tried. It boasts vibrant colors, clear images, and auto-focusing technology for an immersive cinematic experience from every angle. You can even use it at dusk, not just nighttime, because of how bright the screen resolution is. This projector connects with Bluetooth, USB, Chromecast, Wi-Fi, HDMI, and more, making it easy to stream from any device. It uses Android TV to provide access to countless apps and services, and you can control the display with the projector or the included remote. Plus, this projector comes fully assembled, so you only need to connect it to your favorite apps. We appreciated its lightweight construction (weighing just under 11 pounds) and portable design, thanks to the large handle. As far as downsides go, the included cord is short, so you may need an extension cord to reach an outlet. And though the sound quality is definitely strong, it loses power at around 10 or 15 feet away. Despite these small qualms, this outdoor projector provides the feel of a theater experience from the comfort of home. It's maintained its high-quality performance, even after nine months of use, making it a worthy investment for movie night enthusiasts. Size: 60–150 inches | Resolution: 3840 by 2160 | Warranty: 1 year Real Simple / Jennifer May Best Portable BenQ GS50 Outdoor Projector PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $799 $699 at Amazon $699 at Walmart Orig. $799 $699 at Best Buy What Stands Out The sound quality is sharp and powerful. What Could Be Improved The setup instructions could be better. You can take the BenQ GS50 Wireless Portable Projector on the go, whether it’s to a campsite, beach, or backyard. Of all the projectors we tested, this one is the most portable—it’s lightweight, compact, and comes with a durable and comfortable carrying case. This HD-quality projector also boasts impressive picture and sound quality. Regardless of the surface or the angle you watch from, the audio is crisp and strong—during our tests, it sounded like we were in an actual cinema. After nine months of use, it's still working up to our standards. Plus, it's connected to Android TV and compatible with AirPlay and Chromecast, so you can stream practically anything. We love that it comes with an adjustable stand and has parental controls to limit viewing times and restrict content for kids. We wish the projector had a longer cord and the setup instructions were more intuitive—it took us considerable time to sync it with our accounts. Unfortunately, the screen becomes obscured by dusk, so you may need to wait for the sunset before you begin viewing. Otherwise, its compact size and easy-to-carry design make it great as a portable cinema. Size: 80–100 inches | Resolution: 1920 by 1080 | Warranty: 3 years Real Simple / Kim Vogt Best for Gaming Samsung The Freestyle Gen 2 PHOTO: Best Buy Orig. $798 $598 at Amazon Orig. $800 $600 at Samsung Orig. $800 $600 at Best Buy What Stands Out The sound is excellent, and it’s portable. What Could Be Improved The view is better straight on than off to the sides. Gamers know the importance of a high-quality screen with high refresh rates and no lag, and this Samsung model fits the bill. This projector is compact, lightweight, and connects directly to your Xbox (no console required). It includes 360-degree sound, leveling, and adjusting focus to immerse you in the action. We found this projector extremely easy to set up; just place it, tilt it, and click play. Additionally, the flexible cradle stand rotates at 180 degrees, allowing you to project your picture just about anywhere. The 360-degree sound was strong and clear for an immersive viewing and gaming experience we couldn't get enough of. After nine months of use, it's still working as well as it did on day one. The projector itself only requires a connection to an outlet, or you can purchase the add-on battery that lasts up to three hours for continual viewing or gaming. This allows more location flexibility, as you won't have to tether yourself to an outlet. Size: 30–100 inches | Resolution: 1920 by 1080 | Warranty: 1 year PHOTO: Real Simple / Jodi Espinosa PHOTO: Real Simple / Jodi Espinosa Final Verdict The Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 Smart Streaming Laser Projector was our top pick for its vivid picture quality, adaptive color correction, and easy setup. For those shopping on a budget, we also loved the Purshe 5G Wi-Fi Bluetooth Projector, which has an impressive display size and sound quality. Our Testing Process To find the best outdoor projectors, we tested nine models in real-world conditions. First, we assembled and set up our outdoor projector, recording the time it took to put it together. Then we connected our projector to a media source, noting what connection method we used. If the projector had multiple connection methods, we tested each method. We used the outdoor projector at least three times to assess its ease of setup, connectivity to media sources, sound clarity, sound consistency, volume, picture brightness, and overall ease of use. For long-term insights, we evaluated their performance after three and nine months of use. These ratings informed our decision making of the best outdoor projectors for each category. Real Simple / Rafa Soriano How to Shop for Outdoor Projectors Like a Pro Water Resistance If you plan on using your projector outdoors, you need a water-resistant device that won't become damaged by weather and rain. Most high-quality projectors have an IP rating, indicating they are protected from dust and liquids up to a limit—the higher the IP number, the stronger the protection is. IP65 is a common rating for top projectors and is a good standard to look for while shopping. Durability In addition to IP ratings that measure weather durability, look into devices with drop protection and high impact resistance. We also prefer projectors that have a thick and protective carrying case, though you can purchase one separately if needed. The technology inside outdoor projectors is fragile, so preventing bumps and drops as much as possible is key. Resolution Outdoor projectors typically fall into three resolution categories—HD, Full HD, and 4K. HD is 720p while Full HD offers 1080p. Our expert recommends 4K projectors for the smoothest and most vibrant viewing experience. “When you make an image larger like you do with a digital projector, you make the pixels larger,” Weinstein says. "This makes [the pixels] easier to see, which is often distracting and takes you out of the realism of what you're watching. By using a 4K projector, you quadruple the number of pixels in your projected image, giving you a much smoother and more vibrant picture.” While 4K is arguably the most crisp and detailed image, it often comes at a higher cost. HD and Full HD are still great options for affordable viewing without sacrificing too much image quality—especially because the resolution doesn't impact color or contrast. Still, for those who want a projector that mimics a movie theater experience, 4K is the way to go. Lumens When shopping for an outdoor movie projector, consider lumens, or the amount of light a screen emits. You want to ensure your projector has enough lumens to broadcast a clear, crisp picture, especially for outdoor viewing, as weather conditions and sunshine can make it more challenging to see the screen. Weinstein recommends 1,500 to 4000 lumens, depending on the screen size. Size Projectors can accompany various screen sizes, from 30 inches to 300 inches. When shopping for an outdoor projector, check the specs for its specific size range and keep that info in mind while buying an outdoor movie screen (if one doesn’t come included). The best screen size depends on how far away you plan to sit from the screen, so we recommend measuring your outdoor area to determine a general measurement before shopping. As the seat-to-screen distance increases, so should your screen size. A 100-inch screen (measured diagonally) is optimal for 11.2 feet distance, while a 200-inch screen is ideal for 22.3 feet. You can also use this projector screen calculator for a precise number tailored to your space. More Outdoor Projectors to Consider Anker Nebula Capsule Mini Projector: This tiny projector wins points for its portable design and strong speaker. However, we found it difficult to connect it to streaming apps or external speakers. Xgimi MoGo 2 Portable Projector: We love this projector for its convenient portability and high-quality sound and video. Unfortunately, that quality deteriorates if you’re not viewing from the direct center, and the settings can be challenging to adjust. Real Simple / Jennifer May Questions You Might Ask How many lumens do I need for an outdoor projector? For a 100- to 130-inch outdoor screen, Weinstein recommends an output of at least 1,500 lumens. However, if you want a larger screen size or if you've got smaller kids and can't wait for the sun to fully set, you'll want to opt for a projector that offers over 4,000 lumens, he says. Is there an outdoor projector that works in the daylight? “Realistically speaking, there is no backyard projector that can overcome the light of the sun in daylight,” Weinstein says. “You would need a substantial number of lumens (10,000) to produce a satisfactory image even at a small size.” How much do outdoor projectors typically cost? “When it comes to projection, the saying, ‘you get what you pay for’ absolutely applies,” Weinstein says. “Quality outdoor projectors that actually allow you to watch TV and movie shows start with a price tag of around $800. However, to get a backyard movie projector that provides a picture you can clearly see that is bright and vibrant and provides a true cinematic experience outdoors, you'll be looking to spend in the price range of $1,500 to $3,500." You also need a projector screen. “Outdoor projector screens that are worth buying start at around $275 to $300, but if you want a true quality experience for your backyard movie nights, look to be spending $500 to $1,000.” That said, it's possible to find an affordable outdoor projector, like the Purshe 5G Wi-Fi Bluetooth Projector. While these projectors might sacrifice a bit on quality and sound, for those who only want or need an outdoor projector for sporadic use, a budget-friendly pick is the way to go. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Rachel Simon, a writer for Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, The New York Times, and more; and updated by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. We tested many outdoor projectors and evaluated them on design, image quality, value, and more. For expert insight, we spoke to Asher Weinstein, projection expert at ProjectorScreen.com. What Is Real Simple Selects? Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.