Our Favorite Outdoor Projectors for Backyard Movies (2024)

Whether you want to set up a romantic date night or entertain the whole family, an outdoor projector is an excellent investment that allows you to enjoy movies and TV shows from the comfort of your home—no need to splurge on tickets and snacks at a theater.

“Outdoor movie nights are such a fun and unique experience for families and friends to get together under the stars,” says Asher Weinstein, projection expert at ProjectorScreen.com. “Instead of lugging a puny cumbersome TV outside, you're able to easily set up a screen and projector combo for a gigantic cinematic feel.”

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 Weinstein to learn how best to use these projectors and what features are the most important.

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 has 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. These ratings informed our decision-making of the best outdoor projectors for each category.

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,” says Weinstein. "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 1,500-4000 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, it’s difficult to connect it to streaming apps or external speakers.

Xgimi MoGo 2 Portable Projector: This projector is also conveniently portable and boasts 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.

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,” says Weinstein. “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,” notes Weinstein. “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 - $3,500."

You also need a projector screen, adds Weinstein. “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-$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 many other publications. 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.