Driving to local drive-ins with friends to watch movies was one of my favourite childhood memories. I did this until high school. With my outdoor projector, I can enjoy the romantic outdoor movie theater experience wherever I am. It may not be practical, but I take my outdoor movie projector with me when camping to watch late-night movies. This can be a great way to relax with a group, but my husband and me also enjoy using it as a screen in our tent when we are camping together.
Even though an outdoor projector is also useful indoors, it has been designed with powerful lighting so that you can use it even if the outside world isn’t pitch-black. These projectors are lightweight, dust and water resistant and have a long lifespan. We’ve tested several projectors while on vacations and camping trips to determine the best choice for you.
Why We Love it
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It is easy to use and has a vibrant picture. The sound also works well in open spaces.
This durable projector can be taken anywhere. It is water-resistant and dust-resistant. It’s powerful enough to run in dim daylight, with a battery life of up to 5 hours and 1,000 ANSI Lumens. (Though, as with all projectors it works better when it is darker.) The setup was quick and simple: we had a movie running within 10 minutes after opening the box. The picture quality is excellent and autofocus works well. The built-in handle is also a plus, but if you’re planning on using it regularly for flying you may want to get a padded travel case.
The sound from the projector was loud enough. We had no problems connecting it to an extra device. Bluetooth speaker We can enjoy a more immersive surround sound experience. The projector takes about two hours for its battery to charge. It also comes with a backup cord in case you want to plug it into a wall socket to watch longer. The built-in stand is a nice feature to get the perfect viewing angle. It does not, however, come with an adapter. tripodYou may want to buy your own projector or stack other items in order to maximize your image. You can also charge your smartphone using the projector. The projector also comes with a built-in flashlight You can get to your campsite with our help.
Details: Up to 5 hours of battery life| 9.9 pounds | Up to 5 hours of battery life
This portable projector has been in my possession for more than two years, and it is still working as well as it did the first day I bought it. I don’t use Samsung products often, but I was able to easily create a Samsung account. (I haven’t had to use this account since. It’s easy to set up new Wi-Fi account and it remembers them for automatic connection the next time. I like that I can customize my home screen and download apps to suit what I do most.
It’s worth the money to buy the battery separately. The base is a bit taller and can be connected to the projector so that it’s only one item. You can watch a whole movie on a single charge, and the battery recharges very quickly. This projector has been used against both indoor and outdoor wall surfaces as well as in the interior of a building. camping tents. The images are always vivid and crisp. The autofocus and automatic correction of keystone is also a feature I appreciate. If I bump the screen, the image will be corrected without my having to stop. The remote also has pre-programmed buttons for Netflix and Disney+ as well as Prime Video and Samsung TV Plus. It is compatible with voice commands for quicker searching.
The Details Battery life up to 3 hours| 1.8 pounds | Up to 3 hours of battery life
The crispness of the images can be enhanced by using a screen that is taut. While many outdoor projectors will work well when projected onto a wall, the side of a building or even a sheet pinned up, it’s best to use a screen that is taut. The XGIMI MoGo 4 Laser Outdoor Collection is the only projector we’ve tested that comes with everything you need for the perfect outdoor setup—including the screen. It comes with ground stakes for stabilizing the screen while camping or sitting outside.
It took less than 5 minutes after turning on the device to log into both Amazon Prime (which has shortcut buttons on remote) and Netflix. The Wi-Fi connection was seamless and there was no lag. Plus, the picture is crisp. The stand is also a backup battery, which allows for an extra 2.5 hours of use. The complete set comes in a durable and large case which works well for car travel. If you just want the projector then it can easily fit in any bag. travel totes You can also find out more about backpacks Just make sure you pack it with some padding to protect the bag.
The Details Full Kit: 10.8 pounds | 10.8 pounds for full kit | Up to 5 hours of battery life
BenQ’s projector is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a projector that works indoors or out and can connect to almost any streaming service. The rechargeable battery can last for up to 2.5-hours, depending on the settings and use. It connects easily to Wi-Fi, and can also be connected to mobile phones via Bluetooth. You can use this as a portable speaker You can pair the speaker with others to get a more powerful volume and a sound surround effect.
We like that the size of this device is small (especially when you compare it to its power) and that comes with a case for easy travel. It is durable, splash-resistant and drop-proof. It worked well both indoors as well as outdoors. We appreciated the autofocus and image correcting features, which ensured that movies and TV shows would not warp even when projected on a non-flat surface. The picture quality is excellent, even in the darkest of conditions.
Details: 5.07 pounds | 5.07 pounds | Up to 2.5 hours of video play battery life
Outdoor projectors can be a lot of fun. travel accessoryThey are often heavy and bulky. The Nebula Capsule is lightweight and easy to carry. It’s intuitive, and the interface is similar to that of most TVs. We were very impressed with the brightness, sharpness and color of the image, particularly when using it at night.
Both phone hotspots as well as Wi-Fi signals worked perfectly. It’s also nice that you can use your phone as a projector remote if the remote isn’t with you. It was only able to be used for a maximum of two hours. We recommend plugging in the projector when you want to watch movies. We were surprised at how sturdy it was considering its lightweight. It’s perfect for traveling and hotel rooms. camping trips alike.
Details: Battery life up to 2 hours| 1.43 pounds | Up to 2 hours of battery life
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Outdoor projectors are a good investment and should have a large battery, be easy to use and transport, and produce high-quality pictures. While we found many models that were great for travel, they weren’t the best for outdoor use.
Epson EpiqVision Mini EF22 Portable Smart Laser Projector: We love the portable projectors for home and hotel use, but they must be plugged into power. That makes them less convenient to use outside.
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Happrun Native 1080p Bluetooth Projector: This budget projector is simple to use, and it could be the perfect option for people who want to just try out a new projector. The sound and image are not as good as some of the more expensive projectors that we tested.
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Test Process
To find the best portable projectors for outdoor use, we tested them on vacation, at home and while camping. We followed the instructions provided by the manufacturer to set each projector up for the first use. We created accounts and, if necessary, connected to Wi-Fi networks in order to use the service. We measured the time it took for us to set up and evaluated how easy it was. We also looked at the projectors weight, size and carrying capabilities, as well any included accessories. We plugged in the projectors with batteries and timed their charge.
We used the projectors both indoors and outside at different times during our three-week initial testing period to test visibility under various lighting conditions. When possible, we used the projectors’ own tripods and stands to set them up. If necessary, we supplemented the setup with books or other household items. Images were projected on screens, walls and home siding. We even used tent interiors to project images. In addition, we measured the volume of speakers in both enclosed and open spaces. We assessed the audio and video quality of movies, TV shows, and computer games.
During our viewing we moved the projections to find out how large the image could be at a comfortable viewing range without losing sharpness or clarity. We noted also how far we could sit from the speaker and still hear the audio, as well as the quality of the audio during playback. While traveling, the provided travel cases were used and we noted how sturdy and durable it felt.
Outdoor Projector Buying Guide
Think portable and lightweight
A portable outdoor projector is not a necessity for camping but is a great addition. Look for a projector that is lightweight and durable, but can still be easily transported. You should look for a projector that has its own carrying case. However, if it does not, you can cover it with soft fabrics, such as clothing, to keep it safe while traveling.
Check your battery power
All of our favorite portable projectors have rechargeable batteries (or batteries that can be purchased separately). It can be hard to plug a portable projector into an outlet when you are using it outside. We recommend buying a rechargeable projector for outdoor use. Check the size of the battery and its longevity to ensure it will last for as long as needed.
Sound system: Consider your options
Many outdoor projectors come with a powerful sound system that can project audio for a distance of a few meters. If you’re in an enclosed space like a room, a small backyard or tent, this should be sufficient. However, if there are many people in the group, or if it is a noisy area, a portable speaker will give you a greater range of volume. It can be used to create surround sound, which will enhance the experience of watching a movie or show.
Common Questions
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What is the minimum lumen requirement for an outdoor projection?
Lumens is a unit of measurement for light that something emits: the more lumins the brighter an image. Your lumen count will not matter much if your projector is used primarily in dim conditions (such as an enclosed indoor room). It is generally sufficient to have a projector that has around 2,000 lumens. However, if you plan on using the projector at night or in dim light, then you should consider a more powerful projector.
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How do I get a projector to work outdoors in daylight?
Projectors Work It is possible to produce an image of high quality in daylight. The light used by projectors to create the image will not reach your screen if it is too bright. If you want to view in daylight, choose a projector with a high lumen rating and shade your viewing area. with a canopy Use an umbrella to reduce the sun’s intensity.
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Do I require a screen to use an outdoor projector
You don’t need a flat screen to use an outdoor projection. I’ve projected without a flat screen onto the walls of hotels, homes, tents, and the outside. Please note that the projected image might be slightly warped. This may not suit viewers who are picky, such as children. invest in a screen Or, you can pull a sheet of light-colored paper tightly to make your own.
Why Travel + Leisure?
Taylor Fox Outdoor Gear Editor for Travel + Leisure She tests products on her travels, specifically hiking and camping trips. She has two portable projectors that she uses regularly both at home as well as on the road. She has taken projectors on international flights and weekend camping trips. This article was based on her testing.
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