Whether you’re spending the evening in your backyard or camping for the weekend, an outdoor projector can help transform any space into a giant movie theater. After testing and research, our tech team named the Anker Nebula Mars 3 as the best outdoor projector for its impressive high-resolution picture, good audio quality and seamless integration with your favorite streaming apps. There’s also the Nebula Capsule 3 Laser Projector, which is barely bigger than a can of soda.
The best outdoor projectors can turn any space into a cinema.
The Nebula Mars 3 can reach 1,000 lumens, which is a pretty bright picture for watching movies. You can adjust the picture and throw it as large as 200 inches to help showcase a cinematic experience. Its 40W speakers are also impressive; they feature Dolby Digital Plus technology to help you hear and enjoy all frequencies with decent audio quality. Intelligent Environment Adaptation allows you to get up and running in about three seconds, with a built-in sensor that adjusts autofocus, keystone correction and screen fit. The Mars 3 can also stand up to humidity or a slight drizzle, as it’s rated IPX3 for water resistance.
The Nebula Mars 3 is a bit larger and heavier than our other picks, so you may not want to bring it on an overland trek. But that weight mainly comes from its large battery, which gives it five hours of projection on a single charge or you can use it just as a speaker for up to 15 hours. You can also use it as a power bank to charge your phone in a pinch.
The XGIMI MoGo 4 is an excellent coffee-sized portable option that features a 1080p resolution and a 90% DCI-P3 for color-accurate representation, though many users recommend calibrating the picture so blacks don’t muddle darker details. Like the Nebula Mars 3, the projector can throw a 200-inch picture. Plan to wait until dusk or later to enjoy your movies, though, as it can only reach 450 lumens, which isn’t bright enough for daytime viewing. Its Google TV OS is compatible with many streaming platforms, including Netflix, Prime Video and YouTube, so all you need to do is log into your accounts to start watching. You can also connect peripherals via a mini-HDMI or USB-A port.
This projector lasts around 2.5 hours on a single charge, so plan to stay plugged in if you’re planning on watching a three-hour film. You can also opt for the compatible PowerBase Station, which gives you an extra five hours of video playback or up to 12 hours of music. Keep in mind that while the MoGo 4 is a portable projector, there are no waterproofing features.
Enjoying a bright picture, thanks to its 1,800 lumens rating
Skip if:
You need a battery-powered option
If you’re a cinephile, then the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE Smart Projector may be the best choice for your needs. It offers stunning 4K resolution and 400:1 contrast ratio combination. Its video looks razor sharp, with excellent highlights and shadows, and it comes with Dolby Vision, which can re-create over a billion colors. It also features a bright 1,800 lumen output, so you can start using the Cosmos 4K SE before the sun has fully set. It’s packed with plenty of useful extras, including keystone correction, autofocus, automatic obstacle avoidance and screen fit. There’s also wall color adaption, which helps keep colors accurate no matter what color wall you throw the picture onto.
It’s got Google TV OS built-in and a pair of 15W speakers that output decent audio quality. While this is a high-end projector, it does not have a built-in battery, so it needs a power source. This projector is best for someone who prioritizes image quality over convenience or portability.
The Nebula Capsule 3 Laser Projector may be about the size of a soda can and weigh only two pounds, but it can throw an impressive 120-inch picture. It delivers a 1080p picture quality and a 500:1 contrast ratio, and comes with keystone correction and autofocus. This useful combination allows you to set it down, turn it on and quickly begin enjoying your content with a clear, corrected picture.
It’s worth noting that the brightness isn’t especially impressive—just 300 lumens—and users found the 8W speaker weak, too, despite Dolby audio integrations. It features a 2.5-hour battery life for movies and up to eight hours of music playback, and it supports PD charging, so you can connect it to a power bank to charge it during use. For gamers, it also sports an HDMI 2.0 port so you can connect your gaming console, too.
Movie-watching—it has excellent contrast and Delta color levels
Skip if:
You prefer less glitchy software
The Nebula X1 4K Outdoor Projector weighs about 13 pounds and requires a power source to project the display, but if you can handle those minor issues, it’s one of the brightest projectors you can get. It can reach up to 3,500 lumens brightness, which delivers a bright picture in darker environments as well as on brighter days. We still recommend you place it under an awning to get the best picture possible and to keep it protected against the elements. It features a 4K video quality and has a Delta E < 0.8 accuracy which showcases realistic, beautiful colors. For displaying darker movie sequences, it has a 5,000:1 native contrast and comes with Dolby Vision. For those who want to set it up and start watching quickly, it offers keystone correction and autofocus.
The Google TV OS comes with all your favorite streaming services, but some users reported glitchy software, which included some crashes. Still, there are plenty of extras that make this a splurge-worthy projector, including a liquid cooling system which helps reduce the fan noises, AI-based spatial adaptation software and a 25-degree tilt.
How We Chose The Best Outdoor Projectors
To determine the best outdoor projectors, we evaluated their features, relying on our own expertise as well as insights from other tech experts.
Brand reputation: We narrowed our picks to options from known, reputable brands, including Nebula, XGIMI and more.
Brightness and color: We compared the most important outdoor projector specs like lumens and contrast to determine which models stood out from the competition.
Smart features: We considered extra features like a projector’s autofocus, keystone correction and automatic spatial adjustments.
Portability and design: We reviewed each outdoor projector’s build quality. We also noticed which came with built-in batteries and waterproofing. Additionally, we assessed each model’s movability; the lighter the outdoor projector, the better.
What To Look For In The Best Outdoor Projectors
Before you add an outdoor projector to your backyard space or for your next camping trip, consider the following features and factors.
Resolution: Most outdoor projectors offer at least 1080p resolution. However, as screen size increases, clarity may drop. If you want the sharpest images at a large scale, consider 4K.
Brightness: Your outdoor projector must offer enough brightness to overcome local ambient lighting and create a clear image on the screen. If you plan to use your projector in an urban or more built-up suburban environment, Chandrakanth Puligundla, tech lead with Albertsons Companies, advises getting a bright projector that “handles ambient light well.”
Power source and battery life: If you’re showing movies in your backyard, then plugging into a power outlet might not be a serious concern for you. But if you plan to use it away from a power source, double-check that the projector features a battery life long enough for your viewing needs.
Portability: Portability largely comes down to weight and size, but also to convenience of use and setup. “As a tech lead who’s tested a wide range of AV gear, I recommend thinking through how and where you’ll use your outdoor projector,” says Puligundla. “For most people, brightness and portability are the top priorities.”
Screen size: Screen size should match your audience size. If you have a smaller group of up to 15 people, then a 120-inch model is fine. However, a larger group should consider a 200-inch display so everyone can see. Keep in mind that the larger the screen, the dimmer the picture gets, though.
Platform compatibility: Look for an outdoor projector that can easily pair with the streaming platforms you use. Tom Payne, an editor with Tech for Travel, notes that many models feature “built-in Netflix, YouTube or Prime Video, and you can even preload content or cast from your phone if there’s no Wi-fi available.”
Speakers: Many outdoor projectors include a small number of speakers in the unit itself, and some may provide surround sound. While some projectors feature a 5W speaker, generally, the larger the speaker, the better the sound projects over an open space.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted tech team has years of deep experience covering all sorts of tech and electronics devices. We’ve written dozens of TV stories and gaming roundups, each focused on providing the most up-to-date advice for our readers.
This article was co-written by Steven John, who has spent more than 13 years reviewing tech, gear and all sorts of other products. He has personally tested numerous projectors, including those from brands featured here.
Consumer tech and electronics editor Rebecca Isaacs updated this story. She is an ISF-certified home entertainment specialist who has been sharing her knowledge on TVs and displays for over six years.
For use after dark, an outdoor projector with 350-plus lumens should be just fine. For use in the shade when the sun is still up, you need at least 1,000-plus lumens of brightness. Using an outdoor projector in bright sunlight is not recommended, not matter how many lumens it offers.
Using a dedicated screen for projecting shows or movies is always best, whether you are indoors or outdoors, but you can simply project onto a flat surface and still have an enjoyable cinematic experience. Just note that certain colors of surface can skew the appearance of the media, and that texture such as stucco or siding will interfere with the projection.
Many do, and pairing a projector to your smartphone can be the easiest way to stream media. That said, not all projectors are guaranteed to work with your phone. Some might need a hardwired connection, while some might work with certain apps and platforms, but not others. Make sure you look into it before you make a purchase.
