Watching movies at the cinema is a popular leisure activity for numerous individuals. However, due to escalating prices, purchasing a few tickets and popcorn has become more costly than ever. Nevertheless, you can still experience the enchanting sensation of watching movies by having an outdoor projector in your backyard. The most exceptional outdoor projectors can provide a cinema-like ambiance in your home, and they are also compact, more vivid, and affordable than before, which makes organizing a movie night in your backyard hassle-free.
You have the option to select from battery-powered models that are easily portable or wired models that come with built-in streaming and great brightness for an outdoor cinema. It is best to have a proper screen, but for an outdoor movie projector, a large sheet or poster board can work as well.
All the projectors included in this list come equipped with speakers. However, if you have a large yard or wish to have your outdoor movies heard clearly amidst the commotion of children, it’s recommended to connect a Bluetooth speaker or other external speakers.
If your Wi-Fi signal is not powerful enough to reach the area where you want to display the film, you can transform your phone into a hotspot.
Some projector models and streaming services allow you to download content directly to the projector, but this feature may not be available on every model or streaming service.
These are the top-performing outdoor projectors that we have tested, boasting remarkable image quality.
Geoffrey Morrison of CNET named the Anker Nebula Mars II Pro as the best overall outdoor projector. While it may not be the brightest, smallest, or cheapest option on the list, it offers a pleasing image and decent sound at a reasonable price point. Despite not being the easiest to use, it’s a solid choice for those in the market for an outdoor projector.
It’s a fantastic choice in terms of versatility, with none of the significant downsides that often plague other mobile projectors. The primary drawback of the Mars II Pro is that it lacks the complete edition of the Android TV streaming service similar to some of the more recent models.
Therefore, it is not as user-friendly and does not support all streaming services. While Netflix and Disney Plus are available, you cannot access HBO.
To use other streaming services, a streaming stick can be connected to the device and it has a USB connection located on the back for powering it.
The duration of the battery is approximately that of a lengthy film. Check out our review of Anker Nebula Mars II Pro. You can purchase it for $550 on Amazon and $545 at Walmart. You’ve been notified of prices for Anker Nebula Mars II Pro.
Geoff Morrison/CNET
Xgimi Halo Plus
An Excellent Upgraded Alternative
The Xgimi Halo Plus is equipped with a 1080p projector and utilizes a built-in battery.
It presents decent brightness, boasts impressive aesthetics and also incorporates Android TV. Consequently, compared to other portable projectors, it offers a more extensive range of streaming options with significantly reduced complexities.
In general, its appearance is superior to that of the majority of portable projectors. Nevertheless, it comes with a relatively high price tag and its performance is not on par with other conventional home projectors that are similarly priced. If you are searching for something that is simple to operate, delivers satisfactory picture quality irrespective of proximity to a power source, and are prepared to bear the cost, then this is a fantastic option.
You are receiving alerts for the Xgimi Halo Plus with prices of $750 on Amazon and $849 at B&H Photo-Video.
Geoffrey Morrison/CNET
AAXA P6X
The finest inexpensive outdoor projector with a battery
With its in-built battery, the AAXA P6 can last up to four hours and produces a remarkable amount of brightness.
To watch anything, you will require the addition of a streaming stick. Fortunately, there is a USB connection available to power it, making the process easy. The image quality is decent overall, although not exceptional. The colors are inaccurate, the contrast ratio is subpar, and its resolution of 1,280×800 pixels appears distinctly less sharp compared to 1080p and, in particular, 4K projectors.
Having said that, the AAXA P6X offers a fantastic combination of brightness and affordability.
Check out our review of the AAXA P6X.
You can purchase it for $349 on Amazon, $376 on Walmart and $350 at Best Buy.
Geoffrey Morrison/CNET
AAXA P8
Best inexpensive outdoor projector without built-in battery
The AAXA P8 is compact and rectangular, unlike the cylindrical Nebula Capsule mentioned above. It offers higher brightness than the Capsule, but doesn’t come with a built-in battery.
Similar to the P6X, the P8 also doesn’t offer impressive picture quality. Nevertheless, we appreciate its affordability and brightness. You could argue that the Vimgo P10 provides slightly better picture quality for the same amount of money, yet that projector has notable limitations of its own.
The P8 projector does not make compromises in terms of brightness and size, unlike other ultrabudget projectors that compromise on these aspects to lower the price. For more information, read our review of the AAXA P8.
It is currently available at Amazon for $229, and you can set price alerts for it.
Geoff Morrison/CNET
Anker Nebula Capsule
The tiniest portable projector with an in-built battery
The endearing Capsule is as compact as a fizzy drink can, however, it includes a rechargeable battery, streaming functionality, and even a built-in speaker. It’s perfect for backpacking overnight.
The primary drawback is its significant dimness. Although the other alternatives listed here can effortlessly produce images as large as a TV or greater, the Capsule’s image is similar to that of a computer monitor. This may not be a dealbreaker if size is your primary concern.
Please note that you can currently save $50 on Amazon by activating the instant coupon on the product page.
Check out our review of the Anker Nebula Capsule.
The product is priced at $350 at Walmart and now available for $300 on Amazon. You have been subscribed to receive price alerts for the Anker Nebula Capsule.
Geoff Morrison/CNET
Vimgo P10
Runner-up budget outdoor projector without a battery
For only $200, the Vimgo P10 offers a mix of features, some good and some bad. While the picture quality is sufficient and boasts a high contrast ratio, the colors produced are notably unappealing. Additionally, the uniformity of brightness and sharpness are among the poorest I have encountered, resulting in dimmer and softer image edges. It’s also worth noting that this projector lacks upward throw, which means it must be positioned at the same height as the center of the screen, a rare feature for a budget projector.
The main downside of this list is the absence of a battery. However, even with the additional cost of an extension cord, it remains more affordable than the majority of other projectors featured on this list. Check out our review of the Vimgo P10.
You have set up price alerts for the Vimgo P10 and the current price on Amazon is $140.
However, it boasts exceptional brightness, making it one of the brightest projectors we’ve ever tested. It is also equipped with built-in Android TV. It is more portable and better suited for outdoor movie nights than the Epson 5050, for example.
Although the Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K is a decent choice, the Optoma UHZ50, the BenQ HT2050A, or the Epson Home Cinema 2250 are superior options due to their overall performance, affordability, and portability, despite lacking a stylish handle. Check out our review of the Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K for further details.
You have set up price alerts for the Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K, which is available for $2,200 at Best Buy. We have also tested other products.
Anker Nebula Solar Portable has a weaker performance as compared to its sibling, the Mars II Pro. The main downside of the Solar is that its image projection is relatively dim, making it unsuitable for large screens. Nonetheless, if you prefer a portable, budget-friendly option that delivers 1080p and intend to keep the image size small, then the Anker Nebula Solar Portable is a reliable option to consider. For more details, you can read our review of Anker Nebula Solar Portable.
The LG PH30N, a compact projector, is just marginally bigger than the AAXA P8. Despite not having integrated applications, it lacks brightness. Furthermore, its battery power is inferior to that of the AAXA P6X, although it is somewhat less expensive. To learn more about the LG CineBeam PH30N, read our review.
The Samsung Freestyle, a compact and trendy cylindrical device, presents an intriguing concept. However, it suffers from inadequate brightness, absence of a battery, and a relatively high price point. You may read our review on the Samsung Freestyle for more information.
The design of the Samsung Freestyle is impressive, but its cost does not match the product’s value.
Geoff Morrison/CNET
The Xiaomi Mi Smart Projector 2 is another compact projector that leans towards the pricey side, and there is certainly room for improvement. While the 1080p resolution and built-in Android TV streaming are appreciated features, the projector’s brightness falls short, particularly considering its cost. Additionally, it cannot be considered truly portable since it lacks both a built-in battery and compatibility with a USB power source. Check out our detailed review of the Xiaomi Mi Smart Projector 2.
How we test projectors for outdoor use
When testing projectors for outdoor use, we follow the same procedure as we do for any other projector. The fact that outdoor projectors are portable does not imply that they should not meet reasonable performance standards. The primary difference lies in evaluating their performance while using a battery versus a power outlet. In most cases, this will impact the brightness of the projected image.
Check out: Our Process for Testing Projectors
Frequently Asked Questions about Outdoor Projectors
Is it possible to use any projector for outdoor purposes?
Yes, to some extent. However, it is not advisable to keep the projector outside as exposure to humidity and temperature changes can damage the projector’s components, just like it would with a television. Nevertheless, if you plan to use the projector only for outdoor purposes and bring it indoors after every use, as we strongly suggest, you can use any projector.
What if my Wi-Fi signal doesn’t reach the outside?
In such cases, most phones can act as a Wi-Fi hotspot and use cellular data instead. However, be aware that this may consume your data allowance, particularly if you do not have an unlimited data plan. Additionally, there are some free or cost-effective solutions to enhance the wireless network in your home, and this might help extend the signal distance.
Do outdoor projectors support streaming apps like Netflix and Disney?
They do in some cases. Many of the projectors featured on this list come equipped with either full or partial streaming interfaces, similar to those found on modern smart televisions. However, it is important to note that not all streaming apps may be available. While Netflix is typically supported, other apps may vary in availability.
All projectors featured in this list are equipped with an HDMI input. With the exception of the Capsule, they also have a USB port allowing for connectivity with any streaming stick to access your preferred apps.
