The perfect outdoor projector varies for each user, so we took our time and included different options on our list to help you find the one you’re looking for. Whether you want one that is compatible with multiple media devices, has the most advanced cooling system, is extremely portable, or comes with speakers, we have an option just for you. Be sure to pick one that fits your needs best.
TOPVISION Native Portable Movie Projector
Best Overall
Create an intimate backyard movie night or host an exciting barbeque while watching a football game with the TOPVISION Native Portable Movie Projector. It boasts 1080-pixel resolution, 9,500-Lux brightness, and a high light transmission lens to ensure vivid picture quality while reducing the risk of eye strain. Using the remote, you can also add high-definition cinema effects, zoom in, or personalize the screen’s size from 60-inches to 350-inches. It features ports for USB, MicroSD, VGA, HDMI, plus 3.5-millimeter audio for wired systems and Bluetooth for wireless devices.
Why we love it:
- Compatible with most devices
- Built-in HiFi speakers produce crisp sound
- Adjustable screen size with zoom function
Something to consider:
This projector does not support Dolby sound.
Vamvo Movie Projector
Best Value
If you’re running on a budget but still want to provide your family with a high-quality projector, the Vamvo Movie Projector is your solution. Did we mention that this projector has a built-in Dolby Digital Plus Consumer Decoder to provide you with a full surround sound without the need for external speakers? Not only that, but it also provides an impressive 4000:1 contrast ratio for a more vivid picture which is perfect for video games and colorful cartoons! With a maximum 200-inch projection size at approximately 20 feet, you are sure to have one of the best backyard movie nights ever.
Why we love it:
- Comes with a bag for transportability
- Has a built-in Dolby Digital Plus Consumer Decoder for a full viewing experience
- Also compatible with gaming consoles, so you can play on a larger screen
Something to consider:
This projector is made for watching movies, games, and TV shows. It may not be the ideal choice for projecting still images or presentations.
Nebula Capsule II by Anker
Best with Immersive Audio
The Nebula Capsule II by Anker offers a convenient way to watch a movie or show in a small outdoor space. It offers 200 ANSI lumens, which are incredibly bright and can project up to 100 inches with clarity. You and other audience members will have no trouble hearing the movie anywhere you sit either because this projector has a powerful 360-degree speaker. And since it focuses automatically in just a second, no matter how far or near this is to the screen, you won’t have to bother yourself with turning a knob to adjust its focus and make the picture clearer.
Why we love it:
- It is as small as a soda can, making it easy to bring anywhere
- Has a 360-degree speaker, so the audio can be heard from all directions
- It can be controlled through an accompanying application, which is useful when you don’t want to reach for the remote
Something to consider:
This device is not compatible with Google’s Chromecast. You can play videos on this projector via the traditional HDMI and USB connection, or via Airplay or Miracast.
ARTlii Energon 2 Outdoor Projector
Most High Definition
If you are planning to watch on a super large screen with an impressively bright and crisp picture, you’ll find the ARTlii Energon 2 Outdoor Projector to be the perfect match for you. Offering 340 ANSI lumens and a maximum of 250-inch projection at a distance of 27 feet, you and your friends are bound to have one of the most thrilling outdoor movie experiences ever. It can even display about a 17 million color range, so you’re sure to view each frame and observe up to the tiniest details because of the clarity this offers. What’s more, you can enjoy immersive movie experiences as this option is compatible with multiple multimedia devices and can even accommodate 4K videos.
Why we love it:
- Considered better than common 1080p projectors if you’re looking at UHD pictures
- Offers 340 ANSI lumens, which is brighter than 8,000 lumens
- Can be connected to media devices via direct or wireless connections for convenience
Something to consider:
The fan may get a little too noisy for your liking and interrupt your viewing experience. You may want to use it with headphones or a good quality speaker to drown out the fan noise.
KODAK Luma 150 Pocket Pico Projector
Most Slim Design
You can bring the KODAK Luma 150 Pocket Pico Projector anywhere you go, as this projector is small enough to fit comfortably in your bag thanks to its slim design. With 60 ANSI lumens and a 1000:1 contrast ratio, you can view pictures and videos as if you’re seeing them on screen. It can also display about a 16.7 million color range, which makes this projector perfect for colorful pictures and nature documentaries. All you need to do is press the power button, connect it to the device of your choosing, and press the touch buttons to get it running.
Why we love it:
- Is easier to control directly because it is touch-controlled
- Can project for up to 2.5 hours, making it perfect for one average-length movie
- Can be mounted using a tripod when it needs to be raised
Something to consider:
You will need an adapter, which is not included in the package if you want to play videos from DVI.
An excellent outdoor projector is nearly a must for fun family nights in your outdoor space. A good projector is bright and can handle outdoor conditions without fail—come wind, rain, or shine. Each of our projectors offers an opportunity to stream moves and shows for a fun experience you’ll want to repeat again and again.
Can all projectors be used for daytime outdoor viewing?
No, not all projectors are made to be exposed to the heat of the sun, nor are they powerful enough to project images even in a shaded area. If you want a projector that could also be used outdoors during the day, you have to get one with a high lumen count, specifically one with a minimum of 3,000 lumens.
What contrast ratio is good enough for outdoor use?
If you just want to watch a movie or a few videos and don’t really mind how clear the picture is, a contrast ratio of 2000:1 is good enough. However, if you want a clear and crisp picture, you should go for at least 5000:1.
What video resolution should you choose?
A higher video resolution or aspect ratio doesn’t necessarily mean that’s the best one for you and that you should buy it when it comes to projectors. Nowadays, the lowest projector resolution you should go for is 1080p or 1920×1080 pixels, a.k.a. FHD, and the highest is 4K or 3840×2160 pixels, a.k.a. UHD. Note that you may not be getting the most out of your UHD projector if you do not have 4K content or a great contrast ratio.
About the Author
Christop Grey has always had an obsession with movies and spent most of his early years aspiring to be the next big Hollywood film director. While those visions never really played out for him, he’s become quite the expert in the media as well as the tech that’s used to create it and play it back. Whether you are looking for a Blu-ray player, a new movie to watch with the kids, or something to help pass the time you can always rely on his recommendations to be top-notch.
Trust Statement
The Digital Trends team prides itself in offering expert product recommendations in ways that everyone can understand. Our team of experts is constantly using and reviewing the latest and greatest consumer tech, smart home gadgets, televisions, and so much more to offer insights to help guide your purchasing decision. We have vigorously tested thousands of different products across these categories, and we’ve distilled our lists to bring you the best of the best. If we feel a product does not live up to our expectations, it doesn’t make the list. We are humans though, and realize that not every recommended product will be perfect for everyone, so we do our best to call out important features that may impact your choices. Below our top picks we’ve included additional product information to ensure that you are making the right choice for your unique needs. The products in this guide have been carefully curated by our team of experts and enthusiasts who understand the value and quality needed for the best options.
