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Skip the movie theater and set one up at home.
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The speaker isn’t as loud from far distances outdoors.
The processing capabilities held up beautifully in our testing, with no technical issues whatsoever.
We were especially impressed by how well the visuals and audio synced up.
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We found that this projector was most effective during sunset or dusk.
While it was bright enough to counter nighttime street lights, it had some difficulty in the sunlight.
That said, we think this projector is best to use in darker configs.
PHOTO: Real Simple
The audio had a reasonable range outdoorsit’s crisp up to 30 feet awayand excelled indoors.
After nine months of use, this projector is still exceeding our expectations.
In fact, it’s even replaced the TV in our basement.
And while the included cord is long, you might need an extension cord to reach the nearest outlet.
The cord is short, and the included projection screen is flimsy.
If youre on a tight budget, opt for this affordable outdoor projector from Purshe.
It boasts a larger-than-average display size of up to 250 inches and works seamlessly with iOS and Android devices.
When testing the projector, setup was easy, although finding the perfect angle was difficult.
Still, for a budget-friendly outdoor projector, this one performed impressively.
The sound gets quiet from 10 to 15 feet away.
For shoppers able to spend big bucks on a projector, this top-notch pick from Nebula will not disappoint.
During testing, we found that the 4K UHD picture quality beat the other projectors we tried.
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It boasts vibrant colors, clear images, and auto-focusing technology for an immersive cinematic experience from every angle.
Plus, this projector comes fully assembled, so you only need to connect it to your favorite apps.
And though the sound quality is definitely strong, it loses power at around 10 or 15 feet away.
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The setup instructions could be better.
This HD-quality projector also boasts impressive picture and sound quality.
After nine months of use, it’s still working up to our standards.
Otherwise, its compact size and easy-to-carry design make it great as a portable cinema.
The view is better straight on than off to the sides.
This projector is compact, lightweight, and connects directly to your Xbox (no console required).
It includes 360-degree sound, leveling, and adjusting focus to immerse you in the action.
After nine months of use, it’s still working as well as it did on day one.
This allows more location flexibility, as you won’t have to tether yourself to an outlet.
Our Testing Process
To find the best outdoor projectors, we tested nine models in real-world conditions.
Then we connected our projector to a media source, noting what connection method we used.
If the projector had multiple connection methods, we tested each method.
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For long-term insights, we evaluated their performance after three and nine months of use.
These ratings informed our decision making of the best outdoor projectors for each category.
IP65 is a common rating for top projectors and is a good standard to look for while shopping.
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The technology inside outdoor projectors is fragile, so preventing bumps and drops as much as possible is key.
Resolution
Outdoor projectors typically fall into three resolution categoriesHD, Full HD, and 4K.
HD is 720p while Full HD offers 1080p.
Our expert recommends 4K projectors for the smoothest and most vibrant viewing experience.
While 4K is arguably the most crisp and detailed image, it often comes at a higher cost.
Weinstein recommends 1,500 to 4000 lumens, depending on the screen size.
Size
Projectors can accompany various screen sizes, from 30 inches to 300 inches.
As the seat-to-screen distance increases, so should your screen size.
it’s possible for you to also use thisprojector screen calculatorfor a precise number tailored to your space.
However, we found it difficult to connect it to streaming apps or external speakers.
Xgimi MoGo 2 Portable Projector: We love this projector for its convenient portability and high-quality sound and video.
Questions You Might Ask
How many lumens do I need for an outdoor projector?
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For a 100- to 130-inch outdoor screen, Weinstein recommends an output of at least 1,500 lumens.
Is there an outdoor projector that works in the daylight?
How much do outdoor projectors typically cost?
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You also need a projector screen.
That said, it’s possible to find an affordable outdoor projector, like thePurshe 5G Wi-Fi Bluetooth Projector.
We tested many outdoor projectors and evaluated them on design, image quality, value, and more.
PHOTO: Best Buy
PHOTO: Real Simple
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