Struggling to choose a projector for outdoor movie nights?

In this blog, we showcase the best outdoor movie projectors of 2024, from compact and portable models to those offering high-definition clarity and robust sound. With our experience in projector technology, we guide you through selections perfect for backyard cinema experiences. We’ve evaluated these projectors in a variety of outdoor settings to ensure top performance and durability.

Best Projectors for Outdoor Movies 2024

Unknown Outdoor Projector Comparison 2024

Lumens Weight Dimensions
3500 ANSI Lumens 6.4 lbs 9.2 x 12.7 x 3.8 in
2700 Lumens 5.1 lbs 13.3 x 14.4 x 6.1 in
3600 Lumens 7.14 lbs 4.33 x 11.57 x 8.58 in
2200 Lumens 8 lbs 15 x 11 x 5 in
2300 Lumens 13.3 lbs 16.6 x 5.5 x 14.4 in
3000 Lumen 5.84 lbs 8.8 x 12.4 x 4 in

Optoma HD25-LV-WHD 1080p 3D DLP Home Theater Projector

Optoma HD25-LV-WHD is the best projector for backyard movie nights that works flawlessly both outdoors and indoors. The device comes with an elegant design and zoom adjustability so you can adjust the size of the picture on the go.

Full HD (1080p)

Optoma HD25-LV-WHD supports Full HD 1080p, which means you will get high-definition picture quality, which is a must for an outdoor movie session. The picture quality of this projector is sharp and crisp, and you will be able to see the difference between every single detail, which is truly amazing.

Adjustable Screen Size 

The size of the screen is adjustable so you can easily adjust it whenever needed. When you keep the projector at a distance of 8 feet from the screen, you will get a 67-inch picture. On the other hand, keeping the projector 12 feet away will reward you with a 101-inch picture size.

IR Remote Control 

The remote control available with the projector is easy to use and has every feature available. From choosing different modes to adjusting the contrast, you can do everything with the remote.

Input/Output Connectivity 

Optoma HD25-LV-WHD comes with a port to connect a mouse, two HDMI ports, one audio-out and two audio-in ports, VGA output, and 3D Vesa. The users are set free to connect multiple devices simultaneously.

DLP Technology 

The DLP technology helps the projector display amazing videos and sharp picture quality that is full of vivid colors. You will feel the vibrancy required in the movie. Also, this technology makes the projector faster with its 144Hz refresh rate.

Pros
  • Supports 3D
  • 3,500 lumens
  • Easy to set up
  • High Contrast
Cons
  • No vertical image shift is available

Bottom Line 

Optoma HD25-LV-WHD delivers excellent clarity and bright visuals. Also, you will get a substantial amount of connectivity options that make this outdoor projector a great buy.

Epson VS330 3LCD Projector

The Epson VS330 is a lightweight projector that requires a straightforward setup process and is easy to use. The projector has every single feature available so you will never feel a lack of performance when you have this projector by your side.

Excellent Contrast Ratio

The Epson VS330 has the best contrast ratio, which is 10000:1. The buyers will get precise detail and brilliant picture quality due to the contrast ratio.

3X Brighter Colors

There is a reason why we have included this Epson projector in our list. It can deliver three times brighter colors, which is a fantastic thing because outdoor movies need more brightness. The lens mounted on the projector is of high quality and provides outstanding picture quality with bright details.

HDMI Connectivity

Unlike other projectors, you don’t have to connect multiple cables for optimal quality. The Epson VS330 supports HDMI connectivity, and that will reward you with incredible picture and sound quality.

Easy image adjustments

If you need to do auto-vertical correction, then the Epson VS330 is the projector for you. You can easily adjust the images using the remote control available with the projector.

Pros
  • 2,700 Lumens
  • Intuitive controls
  • Long-lasting LCD bulb
  • XGS resolution
Cons
  • It produces irritating fan noise
  • No audio-out port

Bottom Line

If you need a high-definition outdoor projector that belongs to a great brand, then the Epson VS 330 is an excellent option for you. It has multiple features and delivers crystal-clear picture quality with visible details.

ViewSonic 3600 Lumens SVGA High Brightness Projector

The ViewSonic PA503S is an affordable option that comes loaded with all the high-end features available in expensive projectors. The design of the projector is also exceptional, and it has a well-balanced stand under the shell.

Bigger Screen Projection 

With this best projector for outdoor daytime use, you can get a massive screen, which is not possible with many projectors out there. If you use the projector from 15 feet away, then you will get 120 inches of screen. Also, you can get a 300-inch screen size by keeping it 30 feet away from the screen. 

Versatile Connectivity 

The users can connect the projector to PCs, media players, Mac devices, and their smartphones. There are HDMI ports, VGA connectivity, and other connectivity options available that make connecting to the projector an easy task.

Durable Lamp 

The projector lamp is durable enough to have a considerable life span. You don’t have to change the bulb even after using the projector for a long time.  As per the claim of the manufacturer, the lamp can work for up to 15,000 hours without any issues. 

Easy to Setup 

Setting up this best cheap projector for outdoor movies doesn’t require any rocket science, and you can do it while referring to the user manual. All you have to do is plug in the power cable and connect the projector to the source, and it is done! 

2W Internal Speaker

Users who don’t want to use any additional speakers will be glad to know that the projector comes with an internal speaker. The speaker may not be too powerful, but it is advantageous when you don’t want to spend on an additional audio system.

Pros
  • 3,600 Lumen brightness
  • Reduced input latency
  • Supports Blu-ray Devices
  • Vertical keystone correction
Cons
  • Poor audio quality
  • The fan produces a lot of noise

Bottom Line 

ViewSonic PA503S is ideal for users who have a limited budget. The projector has a huge picture size, and its performance is satisfactory when used in outdoor areas.

BenQ HT2050A 1080P Home Theater Projector

BenQ has established its foothold in the market as the leading manufacturer of projectors and other computer peripherals. The projecting device has an aesthetic design, and it looks fantastic from every angle.

Easy to control 

You can control the best budget outdoor projector by pressing the soft-touch buttons mounted on the outside of the projector. These control buttons will help you power on and off and control multiple setup options for the projector.

Flexible Connectivity 

The BenQ HT2050A 1080P Home Theater Projector supports most PCs, Mac devices, gaming consoles, media players, and mobile devices with its USB and HDMI availability. You can use the projector for outdoor movies as well as gaming sessions due to its great connectivity support.

Supreme Picture Quality 

BenQ HT2050A 1080P has 2,200 lumens so there is no chance that you will get degraded picture quality. Moreover, it has excellent color accuracy calibration that does justice to every color, and you will get praise-worthy picture quality.

Adjustable Screen Size 

Just like other projectors, you will get a flexible screen size with the BenQ HT2050A 1080P.  The purchasers can adjust the screen size by adjusting the location of the projector.

Pros
  • Touchpad for zoom-in, out and focus
  • Incredible throw ratio
  • Energy efficient
  • Zoom-supportive lens
Cons
  • The picture quality is not consistent

Bottom Line 

BenQ delivers excellent after-sales service, and their projectors are known for their reliability. You can buy this projector if you don’t want to compromise with the hardware and picture quality.

Epson Home Cinema 3020 Projector 

The projectors offered by Epson are top-notch, which is why we have included another projector that belongs to the Epson family.

Exceptional Contrast Ratio

Users who want the contrast to be excellent should shift their focus to this best projector for outside movies. It has a contrast ratio of 40,000:1, which is top-of-the-line and hard to find in other projectors.

Converts 2D to 3D

Epson Home Cinema 3020 can convert 2D into 3D, which is a great thing. The users will get two pairs of radio-frequency 3D glasses that will enhance the movie and gaming experience.

2300 Lumens

The 2300 lumens in the projector help it to deliver exceptional brightness for better output. Whenever you are watching movies in outdoor conditions, you need a projector with more brightness as there is some external light already present.

Great Connectivity 

Epson Home Cinema 3020 has HDMI connectivity, USB video, and a display port that allows users to connect to the projector instantly without any hassles.

Pros
  • Perfect for outdoor movies
  • Excellent throw ratio
  • 3d replay and Blu-Ray connectivity
  • Comes with additional 3D glasses
Cons
  • No internal speaker

Bottom Line 

Epson Home Cinema 3020 has adjustable zoom, and all the controls are available on the projector. You should buy this projector if you want better and more consistent quality.

Optoma EH200ST Full 3D 1080p Projector 

Here is another quality projector from Optoma that has brilliant features and a quick setup process. The projector comes with a wide lens case, and you will get a short-throw ratio for the bigger image, which is excellent.

Fast Response Time 

The projector has lower latency and quicker response, so you will never feel the lag people used to face with some projectors.

Short Throw-Ratio

The users will be able to get a 100″ diagonal image only if they keep the projector 3.5 feet away from the screen.  Optoma EH200ST has the shortest throw ratio on the entire list, and if you don’t have enough space in your backyard, you should buy this projector.  

Versatile input/output support 

You can connect PCs, Macs, and other media players with this projector using the ports mounted on it. The projector comes with XGA, WXGA, HD, Mac. Light Source Type 190W, SVGA, and VGA port.

Full HD (1080p)

Optoma EH200ST has DLP technology that makes the projector fast and full HD. The refresh rate it offers is 144 Hz, and it delivers fast digital video performance, which is amazing.

Pros
  • Crisp text projection
  • Quiet operation
  • Ideal for outdoor conditions
  • Great detailing to color
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Keystone correction is hard-to-do

Bottom Line 

If you are ready to spend a substantial amount on a projector, then the Optoma EH200ST is a great projector. It is easy to set up, and you don’t need any technical assistance to complete the setup process.

General FAQs on Outdoor Projector

What is the role of lumens in a projector?

Lumens enhance the brightness capability of the projector. More lumens mean better brightness and excellent performance in outdoor conditions. Make sure to buy projectors that have a high density of lumens. But get ready to pay more for that, as projectors with more lumens are more expensive.

Which outdoor projector is best for gaming?

Gaming is very different from watching movies, and you need a projector that supports gaming consoles.  The best outdoor gaming projector on this list is BenQ HT2050A 1080P Home Theater Projector. It supports gaming consoles, and you will get the real fun of playing games without compromising with picture quality.

I have a compact backyard; which projector is best for me?

If you have a small backyard, it means that you can’t keep the projector too far away from the screen. You need a projector that offers a short-throw ratio, and the projector that suits your requirements is the Optoma EH200ST. It is perfect for users who have small backyards. 

Can I set up a projector at home?

Yes, setting up a projector is now easier than ever. You don’t need to assemble the project, as it comes pre-assembled from the manufacturer. Just plug in the power cable and connect the projector to the desired source for use.

Over to You

These are some of the best projectors for outdoor movies. We have selected these devices after a lot of research and testing. All the projectors listed here belong to a decent brand and have excellent customer reviews.

Make sure to buy the product that is perfect for your requirements. Also, you can refer to the comparison table for a quick comparison among all the projectors present here.

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