The 5 Best Outdoor Projectors of 2024, According to Testing

The Bottom Line

Overall, the Anker Nebula Full HD Smart Projector is the best outdoor projector thanks to its 20-minute setup time, autofocus feature, and user-friendly remote and interface. The Dr. J Bluetooth Projector is the best outdoor projector we tested if you’re looking for a more affordable option that also comes with a projector screen.

Our Testing Process

To find the best outdoor projectors, we tested nine outdoor projectors in our own backyards. We evaluated each outdoor projector based on these factors: setup, design, image quality, sound quality, connectivity, and value. We also kept in mind whether or not each projector was battery-powered or corded and if it offered front projection, rear projection, or both.

We started our testing by timing how long each took to assemble and set up. We took note of various factors including whether or not the instructions were clear and any issues that we encountered when charging the devices or connecting to various media sources. 

If a projector had multiple modes of connecting to media such as USB, HDMI, Bluetooth, WiFi, Chromecast, and screen mirroring, we did our best to try connecting to each of them during the testing period. When it came to testing each projector’s image quality, we assessed the image brightness and quality of the colors relative to its angle and distance from the screen and lighting conditions. We also evaluated each projector’s sound quality and specified any areas that were particularly better or worse when it came to the listening experience as well as the volume range. 

Additionally, we observed each projector’s design which included how easy each was to transport and how long the battery-powered models lasted on a single charge. For corded models, we recorded whether or not its cord was long enough to reach an outlet or if an extension cord was needed.

We tested each projector at least three times (doing our best to do so with different outdoor movie screens when possible) to get the most accurate feel for the product and its overall value.

What to Know About Outdoor Projectors Before Shopping

Brightness and Resolution

When shopping for the best outdoor projectors, it is important to be informed about different resolutions and brightness levels. When it comes to resolution, “1080p is the lowest resolution you'd want,” says Carl Prouty, technologist at Abt, a national retailer of electronics and appliances. This is because most movies, shows, and videos online support Full HD, or 1080p resolution, which will provide clear picture quality.

With regard to brightness, he recommends purchasing the brightest model that falls within your budget. To determine the brightness of an outdoor projector, look at the lumens listed in its product description. “A lumen is a measurement that is associated with the visible light emitted by an object,” Prouty explains. “ANSI lumens take into account specific measurements related to a projector and how it emits that light, so it is best to use ANSI lumen ratings when shopping for a projector.” 

It’s also important to keep in mind the size of the image you plan on displaying with your outdoor projector. Prouty adds that larger images require a projector with more lumens as the image dims as it increases in size.

Since outdoor projectors are designed to be used at night, it is very unlikely that a clear image will be displayed if used during daylight or dusk due to a machine’s brightness level. For example, when we tested the Samsung Freestyle at dusk, were were unable to see the picture and had to wait until it was dark to experience a great image.

Connectivity and Power

When shopping for an outdoor projector, you’ll notice most are powered through a power cord, but some are battery powered or have the option for both. “If you have a place to plug in the projector, then you'll have far more choices,” Prouty explains. “If not, you'll want to find one that has a battery built-in or a battery that can be added that can last at least three hours, so you can at least get through one movie.”

Even with outdoor outlets, we found the power cords on most projectors to be too short to reach where we needed them. In this case, it’s a good idea to have an extension cord on hand for an easier setup.

When it comes to connecting images or visuals to be projected, most outdoor projectors are equipped with multiple modes, which may include WiFi, Bluetooth, USB, HDMI, screen mirroring, and Apple Airplay. Cross-compatibility issues can sometimes create a longer setup process, so make sure to check the product’s description to see if it’s best for Android or iPhone users.

Throw and Screen Size

While shopping for an outdoor projector, you may come across the term “throw,” which refers to the throw ratio: The ratio between the distance of the projector to the wall and the size of the projection. Typically, the further back you move a projector, the larger the screen size will be. However, projectors with a short throw can provide a large display without a large distance between the device and the screen. When it comes to corded models, you may prefer a long throw as it’s likely your power source is likely further from the screen.

While a projector’s user manual will typically provide guidance on where to place your projector for different screen sizes, we found during testing that it’ll still take some guesswork and adjusting, especially on initial setup.

Portability

The best outdoor projectors are easily portable, since you’ll need to bring them inside at the end of the night. Although the weight of outdoor projectors varies by brand and machine, the models we tested weighed between one and 11 pounds. Battery-operated projectors are the most portable, and tend to be smaller. However, you’ll want to keep in mind the device’s battery life so it doesn’t run out in the middle of a film. 

Other features like water resistance may be important to consider when taking your projector on the go, especially for outdoor activities like camping. Some projectors, like the BenQ GS50 1080p Wireless Outdoor Projector, include a carrying case, which makes it easier to carry when traveling and helps to keep any wires or batteries in one place. 

Other Outdoor Projectors We Tested

KODAK Luma 350 Portable Smart Projector w/Luma App

The KODAK Luma 350 Portable Smart Projector w/Luma App is lightweight, portable, and provides clear images. However, we found its remote difficult to use and the corresponding app was outdated and not user-friendly, especially for first-time projector users. The projector also frequently disconnected from the app. 

Anker Nebula Capsule, Smart Wi-Fi Mini Projector

At about the size of a soda can, we appreciated the small size of the Anker Nebula Capsule, Smart Wi-Fi Mini Projector. Plus we were impressed by its battery, which lasted about four hours. However, we had a very difficult time connecting this projector to streaming apps, which significantly increased our setup time. We eventually resorted to screen mirroring from the Nebula app, which is not supported by all streaming services. 

Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K Projector

The Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K Projector exceeded our expectations when it came to its setup taking about 10 minutes. Furthermore, we experienced clear and 4K image quality when we tested it on various surfaces. However, the projector is more than three times the average price of all the projectors we tested, and it doesn’t offer rear or ceiling projection capabilities.

Your Questions, Answered

How many lumens do I need for an outdoor projector?

The amount of lumens to seek out when shopping for the best outdoor projector depends on your needs and what you’ll be using it for. “An outdoor projector should have a minimum of 500 lumens if you're going to be using it at night,” Prouty explains. “If you're using it during the day, we'd recommend a minimum of 2000 ANSI lumens if you can find a spot to project that isn't getting direct sunlight.” Prouty adds that it’s best to avoid buying outdoor projectors with 300 ANSI or fewer lumens as the quality is not likely to be satisfactory.

When considering the amount of lumens when shopping for an outdoor projector, you may notice a product listed in LED, ISO, or light source lumens. You can convert these into ANSI lumens through the following ratios:

• 1 ANSI lumen = 2.4 LED lumens
• 1 ANSI lumen = 0.8 ISO lumens
• 1 ANSI lumen = 16.67 to 25 light source lumens (this varies as it “takes into account the different manufacturers LCD panel efficiency ratings,” according to Prouty.)

Do projectors work in daylight?

Whether or not projectors work in daylight is going to depend on the projector, and none of the projectors we tested offered clear picture quality in daylight or at dusk. However, as a general rule of thumb, Prouty says projectors “can work in daylight if their output is high enough and you're not projecting onto a surface receiving direct sunlight. If you can find a shady spot, that is more ideal.”

How much does a good outdoor projector cost?

Whether you’re looking to stick to a budget or are able to splurge on an outdoor projector, there are good outdoor projectors out there for you. The price of a high-quality outdoor projector “typically starts around $600 but can go up from there,” Prouty says. “As the pricing goes up, you'll typically get more lumens, better built-in speakers, and more inputs.” 

However, there are outdoor projectors that can be found for around or under $200, like our budget-friendly pick, the Dr. J Bluetooth Projector. While you may not get the highest image or sound quality with a cheaper projector, they can still work well for occasional backyard movie nights. 

Are outdoor projectors waterproof?

No, most outdoor projectors are not completely waterproof, so if you’re expecting poor weather, it’s best to move your movie marathon indoors. However, “a projector designed specifically for outdoor use will typically have some water resistance,” Prouty says. “But almost any projector can be used outdoors if you have a way to plug in the electricity and have some speakers to be able to hook up.” 

Who We Are

This article was written by Jenna Clark, a freelance writer who specializes in commerce, home, lifestyle, and travel content. To find the best outdoor projectors, she considered insights from our testers who hands-on tested each one at home. To learn more about what factors should be taken into account when buying outdoor projectors, she consulted Carl Prouty, the technologist at Abt, a national retailer of electronics and appliances.