Guide to the Best Outdoor Movie Projector
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Are you looking for an portable outdoor projector to set up this summer? Maybe for a backyard movie theater setup?
Well, you’ve come to the right place. These are the top Portable Outdoor Movie Projectors that we could find. While some might just settle for a TV, why would you when you can have a 20 foot screen!
What to Look for in the Best Outdoor Movie Projector
- Lux: Lux is a measure of brightness and the amount of white light projected onto your projection screen. 3000 Lux is on the low end, 5000-8000 Lux is highly recommended for optimal viewing brightness.
- Contrast Ratio: The contrast ratio relates to the difference in black and white levels in an image. The higher the contrast ratio, the better picture quality and the more you can discern between different images. Keep a high contrast ratio; 5000:1, 6000:1, 7000:1.
- Connectivity: This is the amount of media devices you can connect to your projector. It is important to keep in mind how many and what type of devices you plan on using.
- Throw Distance: The throw distance is how far away the projector can place an image on a screen. Cheaper projectors will have shorter distances. You should have a throw distance of at least 8 feet so that you can have the freedom to move your device wherever you want.
- Portability: When it comes to moving your projector around, you need to consider how portable you need it to be.
- Power: You need to consider where and how your projector will get it’s power from (battery, wall outlet, etc.).
- Resolution: When it comes to resolution, projectors are similar to TV’s (4K, 1080p, 720p, etc.).
- Brightness: Different brightnesses are for different situations (low light, high light, outdoors).
- Setup: Setting up your projector can be easy or difficult, sometimes it helps to have built-in setup components.
- Speakers: Built-in speakers? Using your own home theater speakers? Something to consider when buying a projector.
- Mount-ability: Being able to mount your projector from the ceiling, ground or wherever you need it to fit.
VANKYO Leisure 410 Portable Movie Projector
Starting off the list is the VANKYO Leisure 410 Portable Projector. This is a 1080p mini projector that supports iOS and Android connection as well as HDMI, PS4, VGA, and USB.
It is designed to be used indoors or outdoors with a very bright bulb. The Leisure 410 got a 2020 update with a brighter bulb, sharper image and better speakers.
In addition, the built-in speaker and fan-mute system work together to provide you with the best watching experience possible. However, we always recommend home theater speakers. But, the VANKYO outdoor projector uses a heat dispersion cooling system to prevent excess noise.
You can either install the projector with a 1/4″ screw, ceiling mount or outdoor mount. Also, it comes with HDMI, USB, VGA, SD, AV and TV ports so you can use virtually any video source.
Finally, the Leisure 410 projector features a 33-inch to 200-inch image with a projection from 3.6ft to 21.6ft. However, VANKYO recommends a viewing distance of 9.8ft.
TOPVISION Video Projector with Carrying Case
Up next for the best outdoor movie projectors is the TOPVISION Movie Projector with Carrying Case. This projector is a 1080p native full HD projector with 6500 Lux of brightness.
Firstly, the technology uses improved pixel resolution to provide a very detailed sharp experience. Additionally, there is no downscaling or compression needed so that you can have the clearest image possible.
TOPVISION also uses a 6500 Lux bulb so that the contrast ratio is 6000:1. This helps not only in high light conditions, but with ambient light as well. There is an upgraded LED bulb that provides accurate color representation and brightness. A fine balance that is difficult to master.
They also include built-in HiFi stereo speakers and advanced circulation cooling system. There are two 3W speakers with an SRS sound system. This means that you don’t have to use external speakers if you’re using it as a portable projector.
Along with the speakers, TOPVISION uses two intelligently independently controlled fans that can adjust speed in realtime. Meaning, they can prevent any extra noise from the fans intruding on movie audio. It can also help extend the life of the lamp to up to 80,000 hours of use.
Finally, the outdoor movie projector offers a screen size from 67″ up to 240″. However, 10.5ft is the recommended viewing distance. The projector is also equipped with 2 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports, a VGA port, and AV port so that you have basically unlimited connectivity.
BOMAKER Portable Projector for Outdoor Movies
The BOMAKER Portable Projector for Outdoor Movies is one of the projectors on this list that includes not only a projector screen, but a carrying bag as well. Using their codes you can get a free portable projector screen and projector bag.
BOMAKER makes sure that this is truly an outdoor portable projector with endless options for wireless connectivity. You can use screen mirroring with AirPlay or Miracast, as well as the typical inputs. They use a 6000 Lux bulb for 1080p supported resolution. Additionally, the bulb should last for up to 50,000 hours.
They also use a special cooling system for decreased fan noise (about 15% less than typical projectors). And, you can also use WiFi to connect to the screen mirroring setting.
Additionally, the BOMAKER portable projector can project on screens anywhere from 35 inches to 300 inches. With the ideal viewing distance of 8.2ft to 11.4ft with a 80-100 inch screen.
This is one of our favorites for outdoor movie watching because of it’s size, portability, screen variability and overall quality.
DR. J Mini Outdoor Movie Projector
Next up is the DR. J Professional HI-04 Outdoor Movie Projector. This is one of the smaller portable LED video projectors. It has improved brightness, contrast ratio and includes a 100 inch portable projector screen.
Similar to the BOMAKER, DR. J includes a portable projector screen so you don’t have to purchase one separately. They also use one of the highest 1080p bulbs around. It has a contrast ratio of 2000:1 (a bit lower than we like) and a bulb life of 40,000 hours. It can project up to 176 inches.
There is a plethora of media connection options; ChromeBook , PCs, laptop, tablets, Blu-Ray DVD players, SD card, USB drivers, and game consoles. It is ideal for indoor and outdoor movie watching, however we found it best for outdoors.
You should connect your own audio setup or home theater system to the projector. So, you get the best sound quality possible.
QKK Mini Projector with Included Screen
The QKK Mini Projector is a portable LCD projector that supports outdoor use. This model, the QK02, has an LED projector upgrade for native 1080p resolution.
It also comes with a 100 inch projector screen. This screen is perfect for camping, outdoor use, trips and family movie nights. They estimate a bulb life of 50,000 hours with a five layer LCD display. The LED is bright with a 4500 Lux brightness and 2000:1 contrast ratio. In addition, the QKK QK02 can support up to a 176 inch screen.
QKK uses dual speakers for stereo output. We’d still recommend a surround sound system, but for outdoor use the dual speakers work fine. They also use a dual fan cooling system so that you have quiet consistent operation.
Finally, the QK02 outdoor movie projector has connection for AV, USB, SD card, HDMI, VGA and a headphone plug. They also offer a 3-year 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Why Do You Need An Outdoor Movie Projector
So, why get an outdoor movie projector? Well, for one thing you can watch lots of sports games, movies and other important events with family. Gathering outside when the weather is nice is one of the most satisfying things.
So, having a reason for all of your friends and family to come over is fun. You can also use the projector as a portable TV/media player. There is a lot of use cases where you can use an outdoor movie projector such as; camping, family trips, parties, graduation events, and more!
Final Verdict
As you can see, getting your own home personal outdoor movie projector doesn’t have to be extremely expensive. You can find one for a great price.
Along with a home theater speaker system, you can really (affordably) create an awesome setup that will make your friends and family always want to be over.
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