Fall is the perfect time to cozy up outside with a blanket and a fire, and it’s also a good time to take your entertainment outside as well. An outside projector can level up your movie nights during any season.
Outdoor projectors are built to be portable, durable, and with high-resolution displays since the outdoors has its own host of challenges. Plus, with the high-tech options available today, outdoor projectors can even come preloaded with streaming services, making it easy to connect and play a movie.
Also: What are the best projector screens and what size do you need?
To help you find the best outdoor projector that gives you both comfort and cinema-quality streaming, we rounded up some options, with our top choice being the Samsung Freestyle 2 projector for its vivid picture quality and portability. Read on to see how it stacks up against models from Anker, Epson, and more based on features like sound, streaming options, and price.
Pros
- Can stream movies or play games
- Auto-focus feature
- Extremely portable
Samsung Freestyle 2 tech specs: Resolution: Full HD (1080p) | Lumens: 550 | Contrast ratio: 1000:1 | Speakers: 5W 360-degree speaker | Connectivity: HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
What’s very cool about the Samsung Gaming Hub is you don’t need a physical console to play a game, but just the Freestyle 2, internet access, and game controller. You’ll have to subscribe to cloud streaming like Xbox, GeForce Now, Luna, and others, as well as video streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.
It is super easy to set up and get going — all you need is a Wi-Fi connection. And you don’t need to lug an extension cord around since its portable battery easily connects to the device, letting you use it virtually anywhere (which is perfect a backyard movie night).
Review: This brilliant Samsung projector can replace your TV and gaming console altogether
The Samsung Freestyle 2 impressed me with both image quality, the ability to auto-focus — whether it was projecting onto a slanted ceiling or a projector screen — and the overall experience of setup and streaming.
Pros
- 4K picture
- Long-lasting laser light
- Excellent Netflix integration
Cons
- Lacks optical zoom settings
- Expensive
Anker Nebula Cosmos tech specs: Resolution: 3840 x 2160 | Lumens: 2200 ANSI lumens | Contrast ratio: 1000:1 | Speakers: Dual 10W speakers | Connectivity: HDMI
The Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K may be pricey, but at 2200 ISO lumens, this is an extremely powerful outdoor projector that allows you to watch any time, even when the sun is shining bright. The 4K UHD visuals are incredible and further boosted by Anker’s Intelligent Environment Adaptation (IEA) Technology.
Also: The best live TV streaming services
Dolby Audio and a 3D soundscape allow for top-tier sound to match the stunning visuals. It’s convenient, too, with an easy tabletop design you can set up anywhere.
Pros
- 4K UHD
- Easy to set up
- Built-in Chromecast
Cons
- Limited brightness
- Lacks 3D support
Epson EpiqVision Mini tech specs: Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Lumens: 1,000 | Contrast ratio: 200000:1 | Speakers: 5W Yamaha speaker | Connectivity: HDMI
With the Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 smart streaming laser projector, visuals take top priority with a pronounced focus on color and clarity. Epson MicroLaser Array Technology joins a 4K picture for incredible brightness and coloring. Yamaha supplies audio for exceptional sound, and the built-in speaker is Bluetooth-compatible.
Plus, the built-in Android TV takes care of content, allowing you to use voice search and Google Assistant to access your favorite programming.
Pros
- Enormous imaging
- Excellent brightness
- Stunning clarity
Cons
- Pricey
- Lacks short-throw ability
Optoma UHD38 tech specs: Resolution: 3840 x 2160 | Lumens: 4000 | Contrast ratio: 1000000:1 | Speakers: 10W speaker | Connectivity: HDMI, VGA, USB
If you are a gamer, the Optoma UHD38 4K home theater and gaming projector is your best bet for an outdoor projector. Designed to be used for gaming, it offers a brilliant picture in 4K Ultra HD with both HDR10 and HLG technologies.
The UltraDetail picture has more than eight million on-screen pixels, with Enhanced Gaming Mode to eliminate lags and enable interruption-free gaming. You can enjoy multiple inputs and the ability to stream via your computer or mobile device.
Pros
- Simple to set up
- Chromecast integrated
- Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
- Lackluster user guide
- Lacks SD card support
XGIMI MoGo Pro tech specs: Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Lumens: 400 ISO lumens | Contrast ratio: N/A | Speakers: Two 8W speakers | Connectivity: HDMI, USB, headphone jack, Bluetooth
The XGIMI MoGo Pro can project a 100-inch screen wherever you go. From the built-in battery to the embedded Android TV, the thoughtful design is meant to simplify use.
You’ll be able to stream all your favorite movies thanks to the 1080p picture that has 400 ISO lumens.
ZDNET contributor, Eileen Brown, went hands-on with the XGIMI Pro projector and was impressed by its built-in Chromecast and superb autofocus.
“You have access to all of your apps and channels and you can customize the channels you want to see on screen,” she wrote.”Google Assistant easily navigates through all the options if you are not a fan of using the remote control to type.”
Review: XGIMI MoGo Pro projector: Compact and portable with built-in Chromecast
With the ability to be a complete gaming hub without the console, and impressive sound and picture to boot, the Samsung Freestyle 2 wins ZDNET’s pick for best outdoor projector overall. To see how the top performers compare, here is a bird’s eye view of the best outdoor projectors.
Best outdoor projector | Price | Resolution | Brightness |
Samsung Freestyle 2 | $800 | 1920 x 1080 | 550 lumens |
Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K | $1,800 | 3840 x 2160 | 2400 ISO lumens |
Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 | $700 | 1920 x 1080 | 1000 lumens |
Optoma UHD38 4K Gaming projector | $1,500 | 3840 x 2160 | 4000 lumens |
XGIMI MoGo Pro | $600 | 1920 x 1080 | 300 ANSI lumens |
*Lowest price at the time of writing. Please note that prices may vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts.
Here we offer our expert recommendations to help you find the best outdoor projector for your needs.
Choose this best outdoor projector… | If you want… |
Samsung Freestyle 2 | The best overall option. It comes with the Samsung Gaming Hub to stream games to play, and has impressive movie-theater quality sound and picture. |
Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K | To splurge on a high-end projector with 4K picture. It also has Dolby Audio and a 3D soundscape to allow for top-tier sound. |
Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 | An incredibly bright picture. This projector is extremely easy to set up, and you can use Google Voice Assistant to access your favorite programming. |
Optoma UHD38 4K Gaming projector | To use your projector for gaming. The Enhanced Gaming Mode eliminates lags and enables interruption-free gaming. |
XGIMI MoGo Pro | To take your projector on the go. It can projector a 100-inch screen from anywhere. |
To find the best outdoor projectors, we considered several factors during our search. We looked at top brands, reviews (both good and bad), and considered our own experience in using some of these projectors to make our top picks.
We also weighed in the following aspects:
- Streaming: How you stream content will make a huge difference in how you can use an outdoor projector. Many of the best outdoor projectors offer access to popular apps like Amazon Prime, Netflix, and HBO Max.
- Picture: This is one of the most important factors to consider during your search for the best outdoor projector. Brightness and clarity can make or break your viewing experience, making it well worth it to invest in an outdoor projector with an excellent picture, such as the ones listed here.
- Sound: Some outdoor projectors have sound incorporated into the designs. For example, the Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K includes Dolby Audio for a premium, all-in-one package.
- Cost: The price of an outdoor projector can vary significantly, as seen here. Prices can run the gamut, so look for a model that fits your budget.
We recommend looking for an outdoor projector that has about 500 lumens or more for a full-size projector. However, less than 500 lumens will still provide reasonable brightness if you’re looking for a portable outdoor projector, like the XGIMI MoGo Pro.
There are two types of lumens: ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization). ANSI lumens are more than two times larger than ISO lumens, so be sure to keep this in mind as you shop for your best outdoor projector.
Outdoor projectors can vary significantly in cost, depending on your specific needs. For example, a small portable speaker can be far more affordable than a large setup. That said, the best outdoor projectors range in cost from $500 to $2,200, depending on the model you choose.
During our search, we found many outdoor projectors that could also fit the bill. These are some more quality picks worth considering.
Best alternative for small spaces
Anker Nebula Mars II Pro
This projector from Anker can cast a 720p image to a 40-100-inch space. It even has Android 7.1 built right in.
Best alternative for an upgrade
Epson Home Cinema 3800
This outdoor projector from Epson is definitely a splurge, but with it, you’ll get upgraded features like 3000 lumens, built-in 10W speakers, and a 2.15:1 throw ratio range for direct proportions.
Best alternative for battery life
Nomvdic X300 Outdoor Portable Projector
The Nomvdic X300 portable projector features a built-in 10,000mAh battery, which gives you about three hours of uninterrupted movie time.
