If you are tired of indoor movie nights and want a change of scenery in their backyard, then investing in an outdoor projector is what we highly recommend. With so many best outdoor projector screens, it can be challenging to pick the best one out. Some essential features that are much needed are portability, decent audio quality, battery life, and design.
We have rounded up some of the best outdoor projectors for outdoor projector setup, which elevate your movie nights and take them to another level. Have a romantic night, a friendly gathering with your favorite movie in the background, and even a game night!
The Most Popular Outdoor Projectors in 2022
1. Samsung: The Free Style
If you expect the Samsung freestyle to be like any ordinary outdoor projector, you are in for a surprise. This device brings the cinema experience to your homes, backyards, camping trips, and movie nights. It comes with a barrel that allows easy adjustment, helping you quickly set an angle. It will enable you to tilt it; this way, you can even project the movie on your ceilings, vaulted ceilings, and a loft.
It has different applications that simplify streaming; you get Netflix, Youtube, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV. It can all be controlled using Samsung’s Bixby system. You no longer have to worry about trailing a power cable because the Samsung Freestyle has an extra battery pack that can be connected to avoid distractions during your movie nights.
It carries the native 1080p and can support HDR10 and HDR playback. Usually, projectors struggle with brightness, but that’s not the case with the Samsung Freestyle because it delivers 550 LED lumens that shine through ambient lighting. This one is the best outdoor movie projector, a bit on the pricier side, but I will give you a run for the money.
Pros
- Impressive portability
- Great auto-adjustment
- Excellent brightness
- Built-in apps are handy
Cons
- Randomly restarts sometimes
- Auto keystone is a bit fussy
2. XGIMI Halo
Calling out to anyone who is looking for a portable projector, the XGIMI Halo is the one that doesn’t compromise on anything, especially on the picture quality. The projector is stylish, very compact, and convenient to carry. It has built-in 5W speakers and 1080p, which offers full HD resolution in terms of sound and sight.
While plugged in, the brightness level is 800 lumens, but it drops to 600 lumens when charging. They are fine for dark and outdoor settings, and with the battery life, it offers you can watch a decent-length movie.
If you are a warmth enthusiast, the brightness of the picture that XGIMI produces may not satisfy you, and it has a distracting video noise in the dark scenes. On the other hand, casual viewers seeking a projector that they can use inside and in the backyard of their homes for camping trips and movie nights will find the XGIMI outdoor projector one of the best. So for anyone needing a flexible and impressive projector, this is worth the money.
Pros
- Impressive portability
- Bright on battery
Cons
- Assertive autofocus
3. Nebula Solar Portable
The Nebule Solar Portable is compact, has an impressive design, and is perfect for people looking for a stylish outdoor projector. It has a sleek look and is small enough to fit in your drawers, tote bags, and even your backpack so you can carry it easily.
Since the model is portable, the battery only lasts around three hours and is ideal for watching a movie without any distractions. Although, it has a USB-C power port that can help you link it to a portable power bank. Even though it has a good picture quality, the projector is a bit of a letdown in brightness. However, the gadget is sleek and smart, with different features to make the experience even more immersive.
Pros
- Impressive design
- Bluetooth speaker doubles
- Easy to charge
Cons
- Sound is punchier
4. Epson EF12 EpiqVision Mini
The EpiqVision is built as a lifestyle projector and has an appealing shape for people who want a projector with a good design. The projector model is very portable, has a built-in chrome cast, and decent quality Yamaha speaker, which does not make the sound very harsh. It comes with two HDMI ports and ARC support; the unit can be run on an Android TV platform.
The EpiqVision mini is a full HD projector, which isn’t for those who want a 4K resolution. It comes with a laser-powered picture that is clear and colorful. Some fast-moving images may be blurring, which may not be ideal for gamers. It is excellent for sports and movies, especially for outdoor movie plans.
The output is 1000 lumens but don’t let it confuse you because it still looks bright. The EF12 is power-efficient and draws around a third of the energy compared to its competitors.
Pros
- Built-in Chromecast
- Impressive picture quality
- Power efficient
Cons
- Too much lagging for gamers
5. ViewSonic M1+
If you are searching for an outdoor projector with an easy interface and quick setup process to keep everyone around you entertained, then the ViewSonic M1+ is the ideal projector.
With lengthy six-hour battery life, that is worth the money you pay if you play games or watch movies. It is compact and has a built-in stand, perfect for backyard movie plans or carrying for a camping trip or a friend’s house.
It is a 300-lumen projector model, has a keystone feature, and supports dual Harman Kardon speakers, which is good for the price. It is compatible with HDMI, micro SD, and USB-C too.
Pros
- Compact
- Excellent connectivity
- Long-lasting battery life
Cons
- Low resolution
Buyer’s Guide to Finding the Best Outdoor Projector
You can find multiple outdoor projectors in the market that can give you an immersive experience in watching movies or displaying your official presentations. Our comprehensive buying guide tells you all you need to know about buying outdoor projectors and how to set them up.
Things to Consider when buying an Outdoor Projector
An outdoor projector is a device used to project images on a wall or ceiling using light. It can be used for presentations, videos, and more. The following are the four things to consider when getting an outdoor projector:
Type of projector
There are different types of outdoor projectors available. The kind of projector you need depends on your intended use, and you may need it for entertainment, business reasons, or both. Investing in a good projector will be ideal if your usage is excessive. A small projector will do the job for people who just need it casually.
Size
Outdoor projectors come in different sizes and shapes. It would be best to determine which size you want; there are pockets and bigger projectors. You can get the ones that are best suited to your needs.
Resolution
Outdoor projectors have different resolutions depending on their size and purpose. You should determine the resolution you require before buying it, so you don’t make an expensive purchase later.
Bluetooth Capability
Bluetooth capability is essential when purchasing an outdoor projector because it allows wireless communication between devices. This means that the projector can be controlled from a distance, which helps to provide a seamless experience for users.
Price
Outdoor projectors have a range of prices depending on their features and design. So before getting one, you should consider the specifications you are looking for and then purchase the outdoor projector that falls within your budget.
How to Install an Outdoor Projector?
If you have an outdoor projector, you can use it to project images on the walls of your house. It is easy to install and comes with remote control as well.
Outdoor Projector Installation:
- Unpack the projector and its accessories from their packaging.
- Connect the projector’s power cord to an electrical outlet and then connect it to your TV or computer with an HDMI cable.
- Place the projector on a flat surface that is not too close to anything else, such as a table or wall.
- Place your TV or computer in front of where you want it projected onto, and make sure they are both turned on (but not necessarily displaying anything).
- Plug the projector’s power cord into an electrical outlet
- To set up for showing a movie, place the film on your computer and then turn it on using a cable connecting it to your TV.
- Pause the movie whenever you want to change or adjust settings.
- Watch movies and TV shows on your computer.
What do you need for Outdoor Projector Set up?
This is a question that many people ask when they are planning on buying an outdoor projector set up. The answer is quite long and complicated for some people, so we have broken it down into the things you need to get started.
The following are the essential items that you will need for your outdoor projector setup:
- A projector
- A screen
- A power source: you will want to use a battery or a power cord depending on your needs
- An HDMI cable: if you want to connect your projector to your TV
- A tripod
- An audio cable: if you want to connect your projector with speakers and headphones
- A power cable: if you want to use your projector plugged in)
- A computer with a USB port, HDMI port, and speakers
These will help set up the outdoor projector for a movie night, birthday, or official events.
FAQs
1. What is the best outdoor projector for movies?
The best movie outdoor projectors are Samsung Freestyle, Nebula Solar projector, and the XGIMI Halo.
2. How many lumens do you need for an outdoor projector?
The minimum amount of lumens you need for an outdoor projector during the day is 2,500, but 1000 lumens is enough for nighttime.
3. What is the best resolution for an outdoor projector?
For a decent outdoor movie experience, a minimum of 720p is needed. A 1080p resolution is even better, and if you wish to go big, then 4K is the latest and excellent quality resolution for a cinematic experience.
Conclusion
An outdoor movie projector can be the perfect way to make your movie nights a bit more fun. They are the ideal way to binge-watch a family favorite TV show that has aired with new episodes, for gaming, and even for a friendly movie night with your favorite snacks and good company.
With our list of the five best outdoor projectors for movies in 2022, you can get the best ones in the market and make the most out of your days and nights.
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