Finding an outdoor projector is not a big deal since you can just fall for any. However, getting the finest choice at this time when there are countless models in the market is more like grasping a shadow. You can't go trying all available projectors to come up with the best deal, right? Well, we've tested the top-rated outdoor projectors to simplify your adventure and help narrow down your choice.If you want a momentous experience when projecting a movie or performing a presentation at a meeting, then find a good quality projector.
Lumen and other important factors.
What to know before buying a Projector?
A good outdoor projector should be able to emit and project a sufficient light amount for outside viewing; lumen shows the measurement of such. An ideal projector for outside activities must be at least 2000 lumens.
sometimes you may want to plug items like Blu-ray DVD players to your projector. Therefore, you should aim at getting a projector with such ports.
Other important factors you should consider like brightness, Resolution, Projection size, Lamp Life, Ports, and Speakers. I also explained each feature in details below in the definitive guide.
Why Should I buy a projector?
Projectors have become the preferred option for people who wish to experience the thrill given by considerable projector cinema screens in the living rooms. Apart from being handled as an outdoor theater projector for homes, they are also beneficial in office presentations when you require connecting with a large group of audience.
If you need to be conversant with top one that will never disappoint you, then you're in the right place. We understand that you don't have all the time to move from one store to another striving to know about the best brands.
Here, I have discussed 11 top backyard projector models available on the market currently. Read carefully before picking a suitable one for you.
ViewSonic PA503W is surely one of the most versatile projectors I have seen to date. If you are looking to buy the projector for educating people in a small business environment, this one would be a perfect pick.
It is capable of projecting 120" from 15' 8"; what's even more amazing is that it does the projections in an impressive brightness of 3600 lumens. Another quality that I found truly awe-inspiring is the unit's long lamp life. The lamp of this ViewSonic creation can shine brightly for as many as 15,000 hours.
If you are looking for a feature-filled projector suitable for small setups, this is surely the model you should invest on. I was particularly happy to discover that the projector is compatible with Macs, PCs, as well as mobile devices.
If you are looking for a projector that you will be able to use both during the day and after sunset, this Epson product is one unit you should consider. It offers amazing projections irrespective of the lighting conditions it is used in; it is capable of producing equal white brightness and color at an impressive 2,500 lumens.
At 60,000:1, the dynamic contrast ratio presented by the unit is also pretty remarkable. This allows it to produce clearer and sharper images. The other feature that I found truly striking is the projector's ability to enable wireless screen mirroring.
The device is capable of mirroring videos, photos, and apps by means of Miracast. Last, but not the least, the projector is wireless. As a result, it allows the user to walk around and speak when making a presentation that too without causing any encumbrance.
The internal speaker is not of high quality. Therefore, You will need to buy an outdoor speaker for better sound.
This Epson projector is suitable for almost every purpose an outdoor projector is used for. You will be able to use it to make presentations as well as to stream movies, games, and videos. Plus, you will enjoy amazing clarity. All these make the unit an amazing purchase.
This product from the house of Optoma is a cost-effective and feature-filled outdoor projector offering 3000 lumens. Two of the most fascinating features of the unit includes 1.1 x Zoom and a contrast ratio of 23,000:1. I found the device particularly compatible with Blu-ray movies.
However, it would not disappoint you even if you pick other modes. In addition, it is also a perfect projector for playing games; it is compatible with gaming platforms such as PS4 and Xbox One as well as personal computers.
With a lamp life of 8000 hours, the Optoma HD143X would allow you to view your favorite videos and movies for an extended period of time. This also means that you would not need to spend your precious time to look after the product. Read full review here.
In spite of having a plethora of advanced features and offering high quality images, the Optoma HD142X has been priced pretty reasonably. This is surely a good enough reason for buying the product. The other reason for which I am recommending the projector is that it is compatible with almost all platforms including Mac, SVGA, FHD, XGA, WXGA, UXGA, HD, SXGA, VGA, etc.
The Epson VS250 SVGA offers white brightness and color in 3,200 lumens. This makes it a perfect projector for making vivid presentations even when there's bright sunlight outdoors.
I was particularly fascinated to see the amazing color accuracy the unit offers. You will struggle to such a functional product at a similar price range.
The device is extremely light in weight; as a result, you will be able to carry it with you wherever you go. Using the unit is also an absolute cakewalk thanks to the simple setup tools.
The biggest USP of this projector is its cost-effectiveness. In spite of offering amazing clarity and brightness, the product is available for a nominal price (not even $400). What's more, you will also not need to compromise with clarity and accuracy. What more can a user ask for?
As its name suggests, it is an UHD (Ultra High Definition) projector. The device has been designed to meet the needs of people who want to enjoy super sharp images and spectacular colors when watching their favorite movies or making presentations outdoors.
The unit offers an incredible resolution of 3840 x 2160 at a brightness of 3000 lumens. What's even more amazing is the projector's contrast ratio; it has an unbelievable contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1. The other features that I found truly overwhelming are its 1.6 x Zoom and a massive vertical lens shift of 15%.
It's difficult to get such an awesome combination. The product's lamp life is also quite impressive. If you use it in its Dynamic mode, the lamp would last for 15,000 hours. On the other hand, when used in Eco Mode, the lamp would run for 10,000 hours.
I would advise you to buy this product if you are looking for a projector that you can pass on to your grandchildren. The Optoma UHD60 might be slightly expensive, but the features is equipped with easily outweigh it price.
This upgraded version of GooDee Video Projector offers 70% more brightness compared to the previous models. It would allow you to watch movies and videos at an amazing resolution of 1280 x 768.
The videos you will be greeted with would be high in clarity and the colors would be as vivid as you will ever see. Thanks to its projection size, which ranges between 44 and 200 inches, the projector can be used for a wide array of purposes. It would produce clear and bright images from any distance between 4.9 and 18 feet, which makes the device even more versatile.
This GooDee creation supports Micro SD, USB, VGA, HDMI, AV, and more. This means, it would be compatible with even the most advanced devices.
With so many features, this projector has been priced pretty reasonably. What's more, you are getting a 3 year warranty on it. These reasons should be enough for me to recommend this amazing outdoor projector.
The BenQ HT2050A is one of the best performing projectors I have ever come across. Anyone, who is looking to buy an advanced projector for less than $800, should consider investing on this product. It scores heavily on every single department. When testing a projector's image quality, I always check how vivid are the blacks displayed by it. I found that this BenQ projector produces the truest and darkest blacks among all projectors I have used to date.
This, in turn, makes all other colors on the Outdoor screen appear more vibrant. I also loved the clarity of the bright scenes projected by this device.
Using the device is also very easy. You will need just a few minutes to understand the procedure of using the BenQ HT2050A.
The product comes with a three-year warranty, which stands as the testimony of its quality. What's more, as a result of being equipped with SmartEco technology, the device would also allow you to save on energy bills.
The upgraded version launched in 2018 uses an upgraded LCD display and LED light. This combination helps in reducing the light attenuation significantly. I compared the unit's output with several ordinary projectors and found that it is capable of offering 50 percent more brightness. The projection size of the unit ranges between 44 and 200 inches from any distance between 4.9 and 18 feet. However, when testing I found that when using this ELEPHAS product, it is best to view from a distance of 10 feet (and the ideal projection size is 98 inches).
It would connect to all kinds of devices including PCs, laptops, gaming consoles etc.
I would recommend this product primarily because of the new features the manufacturer has embedded into it. The good news is that it has done so without making the product too pricey.
If you are looking for a projector that would strictly be used for home entertainment, consider buying this CiBest creation. I would not recommend this product to individuals who need to use projectors for education or business.
Like all the previous versions of CiBest projectors, this one also has an attractive appearance and compact size. One feature that has been added by the company is the unit's cooling system; this addition has significantly reduced the irritating sound produced by the device's fan.
Being a versatile unit, the projector comes equipped with HDMI, AV, SD and VGA card port. This means, you will be able to connect it to all kinds of devices.
This is another projector that has been designed particularly for serving the home users. The resolution offered by this 2000 lumen projector is 1280 x 800, which makes it a better choice compared to most of its rival products. In the package, you will find a VGA cable and HDMI cable. This means, the unit can be connected to computers, television sets, DVD players, and Amazon fire TV sticks. However, if you want to connect the device with a smartphone or tablet, you will need an external Wi-Fi dongle.
Do you want to spend some fun time outdoors with your friends and family members in the comfort of your home? If yes, buying this amazing projector would be good idea.
Last Projector on our list is ViewSonic PjD555W. I spent months testing and experiencing this projector myself. Now, Research has complete. After comparing several different projectors from different brands, I found this PjD555W far better than others.
It features 3,600 Lumens with WXGA 1280X800 resolution and a high contrast ratio. It doesn't matter what environment you are living in as it produces bright images. You get crystal clear image whether you have a 100-inch screen or bigger than this.
Comes with a great technology called "SuperEcho". With SuperEcho mode you can merely dim 70% of its brightness which reduces overall electricity consuption.
Projection is awesome. Without any delay, it delivers smooth images. You get excellent frame-by-frame action as it has ultra-low input latency.
It has Supercolor Technology which makes this projector better if compared to others. It features dynamic lamp control and has the 6-segment colour wheel which gives not only a wide range but also beautiful image experience. You can download superColor technology introduction here.
The slim size of the projector is just 3.7 inches high and weighs only 4.7 pounds, thus highly portable and ideal for home, school or office usage.
With 3300 ANSI Lumens which provides top-notch colors, you can watch your favorite movie in an open place outside your house or office hassle free.
With this projector, you will always view clear images even in the presence of brighter settings, thanks to the projectors 15,000:1 contrast ratio.
lacks a VGA cable for connecting laptops.
doesn't have a DVD insert.
You might not want a product that would require you to buy an external dongle for being connected to smartphones and tablets. However, the fact is that it is the cheapest product mentioned in this list. It is priced below $200 and still has a plethora of advanced features. Would it be wise to expect more for such a low price?
How many lumens do you need in the outdoor projector to project in daylight?
When it comes to outdoor lighting, it is all about lumens. Lumens are the means to finding how bright a bulb is. A lumen is a unit of measurement which shows how much light is in a space or the brightness of the light source.
A 1200×600 panel will emit 2800 lumens. Is that good?
Basically, for 250 square foot, you will need 5000 lumens to cover and light the space. Lumen output is what you should be looking at when installing panels, especially in offices and areas with the large square footage.
Our second did you know!
Did you know watts measure energy and not light output? With new, energy efficient technology you can now use Lumens to ensure we have the right light output.
As another example; 40 watts is equivalent to 450 lumens, in the case of the 1200×600 panel which emits 2800 lumens, it would be the equivalent to 150 watts.
In the case of the usage of screens and backdrops at concerts, Lumens become even more important. If you have a screen measuring 14 foot, you will need at least 3800 lumens to ensure the area is lit sufficiently.
LED panels are now replacing the halogen and strip lighting of the 1990's, with schools, offices, hospitals, and factories using them for their number of benefits.
They give off the light so similar to daylight; employees are taking time to adjust to the more natural lighting rather than the warm amber glow of incandescent lighting.
The fact they can be manufactured to your specification and because of their thinness, they can be used for such a variance of applications, especially in areas where traditional incandescent lighting could not fit; such as backlighting in kitchens.
When it comes to the material, the majority are made using acrylic, which shatters resistant as well as being able to handle extreme hot or cold temperatures.
There are four standard kinds which are widely used. Recesses, suspended, mounted and built in each being adaptable for many applications and installations.
With their ability to give the perception of natural daylight, the fact they are energy efficient, and they can be adapted to suit most surface areas, LED panels really will be used more often in everyday commercial projects.
If you are looking to use them; always consider the size of the space and look at your lumen requirement, closely followed by examining the size you may need as this will ultimately affect the overall quality of light.
So the point is; know your lumens.
If you're in need of a great projector, which won't end up being a disappointment, then you are in a good place.
For those who prefer spending time with family at moonlight or any time of the day, you can spice up the moment with a movie or a big game.
The solution is having a projector that's worth the hype. Besides watching a movie or a documentary, you can project and make presentations to your audience without any fuss.
We don't just randomly recommend you a product but we ensure it's perfect. As you scroll downwards, you'll understand what to consider, the budget you should work with and the most suitable preference.
Before you can even think of shopping for a projector, you ought to have a goal in mind. Although there are innumerable things to look for, both brightness and resolution are very important aspects. You fail to mind these two, and you are screwed up.
The brightness level of a projector does not always determine its capabilities but to a big extent, this applies. Now that you need one for outdoor purposes, the brightness should be as high as the lighting condition. If it were a projector meant for permanent installation or darker rooms, the brightness level would be of less concern.
However, you should choose a model with the highest possible lumen value. You don't want the brightness to compete with that of the surrounding, do you? When it starts getting darker, the images and videos become clearer with vibrant colours. Besides, reading the wordings from the projector screen becomes much easier and visible.
The best lumen range recommendation is approximately 3000.
Anything below this is cheaper, and you'll probably have to sacrifice the image quality. Beyond this range, you'll pay more for the unbeatable performance.
projectors, which exhibit more brightness and over 6000 lumens, are above the $1000 dollar mark. If you weren't born with a silver spoon in your mouth, you can't willingly purchase it.
Therefore, the most suitable and budget-friendly choice lies between 2000 – 3000 lumens.
The output resolution of any display device will always determine the quality of the resultant image. A higher resolution with more pixels translates into a sharper and crisp image. If the pixels are fewer, then expect a poor quality and unclear image.
Any resolution above 720p is ideal for projectors. However, having a value that is higher than this is much better. In case your projector screen is more than 120 inches, you should go for a model with more than 1080p HD output. You surely don't want to display some boring blurry images, which will only ruin your day.
Another important aspect to consider is the distance you'll want to sit in order to have a clear image with much finer details. For the 1080p resolution, sitting a few inches away is enough to enjoy a smooth projection. However, anything less than 720p will force you to sit as far as 20" away from the display, lest you experience the individual pixels.
When it comes to the aspect ratio, the standard cinematic values are 16:9 and 16:10. The 4:3 versions are outdated, and therefore very hard to find display screens with a matching size.
The essence of a projector is to enable you to focus on a large screen, regardless of the distance. The image size tends to change whenever a projector is moved close to, or away from the projection screen. This characteristic varies with projectors, and it is known as the throw ratio.
However, some irregularities may arise, of which you can easily correct with either the built-in features or external plug-ins. For instance, you can fix tilted images brought about by the great distance, using the pre-installed settings. In the case of incorrect throw distance, a short or long throw lens will sort you out.
Short throw projectors have less than 0.5 throw ratios, but these do not disqualify them from the list of projectors. They tend to be very close but still project larger images. The only hassle about them is that they can't be mounted or taken down with ease unless you want a permanent installation.
Just like any other light bulb, the filament in projectors is prone to burning out and therefore the need to replace. The struggle does not end there since the replacement will cost you almost half the price of the same projector. A projector, which consumes more power with more lumen output, is highly susceptible to heat damage and subsequently shorter lamp life.
Now that you don't want to spend more on replacing new filaments yearly, investing in a high-quality device is of great advantage. For a good deal, you can fall for one that has a span of up to 10000 hours. Such a projector will last you close to 20 years of active usage.
Most projectors come pre-installed with several inputs and outputs. Some of these include; audio ports, HDMI, Ethernet or RJ45 port, VGA input, USB port and S-Video interfaces.
Although they are all great, having an HDMI is most important for a holiday projector. A high definition multimedia interface will not only transfer high-quality video but also send superior audio with speeds of approximately 15 Gbits/s.
An RJ45 port may be meaningless for a backyard adventure since no one is likely to install some outdoor internet line. However, you can opt for a wireless option for a hassle-free internet streaming.
If you prefer analogue audio systems, you can look out for a projector with audio ports. In this millennium, a digital audio system is very much better, easier to set up and performs better.
There is no better deal that surpasses having built-in speakers in a projector. This means that there is absolutely no budget for shopping for another set of audio systems or speakers.
However, most projector models would require you to purchase additional audio enhancers. If you get a model with reasonable sound quality, then there's a possibility that the video performance is poor.
For external speakers, you should consider the sound quality, design, portability and connectivity potential. Considering that you're operating from the outside, the sound system should be resistant to corrosion and UV, very portable for maneuverability and compatible with wireless connections.
The best movie projector is that which exhibit 3D capabilities. There is no need of going to the theatre films since you can still feel the same from the comfort from the comfort of your backyard. A matching accessory for this device is a pair of 3D glasses.
Considering that high definition projectors coat an arm and a leg, you ought to check out on the warranty. The warranty should be reasonable enough to cover for all the risks, failures, lamp replacement and body parts.
Ideally, you can go for a warranty that is beyond 5 years because you are dealing with delicate equipment, which should last you for more than 10 years. You should ensure that it complements with the price you bought it. The more costly the projector is, the longer the warranty ought to be.
One more feature to check out for is the noise levels the projector produces. You really don't want it to seem as though it's a competition between the audio system and the buzzing fan, on who is loud enough. Very expensive models operate quietly with low dB cooling fans and large vents. On the contrary, the cheaper models would not efficiently cool the fan when you subject it to the pressure of loading wider videos. They will only end up having a shorter lifespan.
You should always shop with a budget in mind. For projectors, you can spend as much or less depending on the features you are looking for. If you want a high end best outdoor laser light projector with unbeatable performance, be ready to spend more.
A high definition 1080p model with over 4000+ lumens will cost more than $1500. Under the same resolution but with less than 2000 lumens, you can fall for a mouth-watering deal that's around $600. Low-budget projectors with fewer pixels cost less than $500.
Despite the lumen value, brightness and resolution, other aspects that determine the cost of a projector are; 3D capabilities and the bulb's lifespan. If you add them up altogether, you'll pay more but with a surety of high-quality product and unbeatable performance.
In as much as projectors are costly and delicate equipment, maintaining them is easy. Depending on your preference or tolerance to dirt, you can service them on a monthly basis or quarterly, whenever it is convenient.
It is normal for dust particles to build up in the vent, which would interfere with the airflow. You can get rid of them using compressed air to blow off the dust. Models that are more sophisticated feature dust filters for trapping dirt and dust. To clean the lenses, you need a microfiber piece of cloth and some alcohol.
One more task that's a little bit expensive is replacing the bulbs. The procedure involves removing the screws to get the burn out bulb, replacing with a new one, then closing the system.
The projector screen should always complement with your projector, in terms of aspect ratio and the display screen size. The most common size is 16:9 for a 120-inch screen, although you can still get variable options.
There are several things you should look for in a projection screen. Considering that you operate it from the outside, the device ought to withstand all weather conditions.
The viewing angle, projector screen design and how easy it is to install it, are among the few aspects to look for. Most of these models would include carrying bags, support rings, ground stakes and rigging cords.
It is in the backyard and not indoors, where there are many options available for mounting the projector. Therefore, you need to be creative and find a way of holding the projection device in place. In this case, a projection screen comes in handy.
It should be easy to set up, assemble or disassemble the parts. Other things to consider include; the storage capabilities, height range adjustments, and how well it will balance on the ground. A projector stand that can stabilize in uneven ground and adjusts up to about 50" is a perfect choice. At least the height should enable you to project even on the largest screens.
Generally, speakers have very poor inbuilt speakers probably because of their designs. If you are lucky enough to find one with the ultimate audio quality, the video quality is likely to be meager. This is where the need for an external speaker comes in.
Before you can add this accessory to your shopping cart, you should make sure that it is quite easy to set up and very portable.
Moreover, the sound quality should be top notch. If you want a permanent installation, portability may not be significant but you can account for the durability potential.
As you search for an equipment provider for your movie event, you might be feeling unsure about what types of questions to ask them about their equipment.
One important question you might want to ask a movie provider is about the lumens of their cinema equipment. Only asking about the lumens will not give you a complete picture of the quality of their movie equipment, though.
so you can ask the right questions when interviewing potential equipment providers for your cinema event.
How many lumens do I need for A Good Projector?
Lumen measures the brightness of the bulb or bulbs in a projector. Higher lumens equals a brighter image. For outdoor movie events, where the projection screens are large, it is particularly important for the projector to be a high lumen projector, so large, a bright picture can be produced.
Lumen is important because a bright, clear image is what will give your movie theater quality. A high lumen projector is not all that is needed for a bright, clear picture; the screen the image is projected onto matters just as much.
Film projectors with a bright lumen will also allow for movie events to start around sundown when there is still ambient light in the sky.
What is a Screen Gain?
The quality of the movie screen surface (the white part) is measured by the amount of light it reflects or its Gain factor.
As a general rule, Projector's screens with higher Gain factors produce higher quality images. This is because a transparent, or see-thru, the screen will lose up to 50% of the light from the projector which will produce a duller and less bright image.
A bright image on a high-quality screen is particularly important in an outdoor setting, where light distractions, such as street lights, can affect the image on a low-quality screen.
A high lumen projector and a screen with an appropriate Gain factor work together to produce the best quality images.
It is important to ask potential audio / visual providers about both the lumen of their equipment and the quality of their screens.
You will be glad you did your homework when you can offer your guests a theater-quality movie experience in an outdoor setting.
What is ANSI Lumen? ANSI Lumens Vs Lumens.
If you are looking to enter the world of home theater with the addition of a home HD projector, then one of the terms you must read about or hear from your salesman is simply the lumens or projector ANSI lumens. Lumen is the measure of the brightness of the image on the screen.
ANSI (America National Standards Institute) is the standard for measuring light output which each home HD projector will project.
You will recognize the term projector ANSI lumens representing the abilities of each projector.
It is essential to note that published projector lumens ratings can be misleading. For Instance, a projector can be rated at for 1300 lumens but is only be capable of 350 lumens in the highest quality mode.
The image that produced at the maximum lumens rating is often nearly unwatchable for high definition viewing.
Other things which affect the brightness of the image are the projected size of the image the distance of the projector from the screen and the gain on the project screen.
Do they really important? What about ANSI Lumens Rating?
If you are searching for a projector for business presentations, the ANSI lumens rate is vitally important because the detail of the image is not as critical, but the ability to see the image with ambient light is critical.
While it is vital for a high definition projector to be able to produce a bright image, particularly in areas of medium to high ambient light, a home HD projector's contrast ratio is arguably more important than its projector lumens rating.
The contrast ratio measures the ratio between white and black. A higher contrast ratio will indicate deeper black levels which will greatly enhance the viewing experience with more shadow detail and more visual "pop" on the screen.
If you are looking for an outdoor projector, these guidelines will help you make the right choice. Whether you want something great for making document presentations or streaming a live video, a good projector will sort you out. The main things to watch out for, is the lumen value, resolution, lamp life, and the brightness level. The rest may not be important but are a bonus. For a great performance, finer details and crispy image, your budget should be above $900.
This is Edwards here, an author of this website "ConsumerGuideHub", As I said at the top of the article.
I need your help if you have better projector option than the recommended one. I would love to change it. Cheers!