Now is the time of year to entertain outside, soak in the sun during your exercise routine (using your smartwatch or ring to track, of course), and even have a backyard or pooldside movie night. And an outdoor projector is possibly the best, most fun and efficient way to watch your favorite content. 

Also: What are the best projector screens and what size do you need?

To help you find the best projector that gives you both comfort and cinema-quality streaming, we rounded up the best speakers on the market, with our top choice being the BenQ GS50 outdoor projector for its vivid picture quality and durability. Read on to see how it stacks up against models from Anker, Epson, and more based on features like sound, streaming options, and price. 

The best outdoor projectors of 2023

BenQ GS501080p outdoor projector

Best outdoor projector overall

BenQ/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Vivid picture
• Fantastic audio
• 1080p

Cons

• Limited battery life
• Poor brightness

More Details

BenQ GS50 tech specs: Connectivity:HDMI, USB-CDisplay resolution:1920 x 1080Dimensions:11.5 x 9.1 x 7.4 inches

The BenQ GS50 1080p outdoor projector is far from just a projector. CinematicColor brings images to life on screen for stunning clarity. With both HDMI and USB-C connectivity, you can enjoy 1080p viewing with extra bass from two midrange tweeters and a 10-watt woofer feeding sound from the 2.1-channel Bluetooth speaker. 

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It's easy to set up with an adjustable stand, four-corner adjustment, and auto-focus. Plus, it features an integrated Android TV, which allows you to connect from your mobile device or computer via AirPlay and Chromecast. The best part? It still manages to remain splash-proof and drop-proof for greater durability.

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Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K

Best outdoor projector splurge

Anker/ Pros & Cons Pros

• 4K picture
• Long-lasting laser light
• Excellent Netflix integration

Cons

• Lacks optical zoom settings
• Expensive

More Details

Anker Nebula Cosmos tech specs: Connectivity:HDMIDisplay resolution:3840 x 2160Dimensions:10.35 x 6.5 x 8.66 inches  

The Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K may be pricey, but at 2400 ISO lumens, this is an extremely powerful outdoor projector that allows you to watch any time, even when the sun is shining bright. The4K UHDvisuals are incredible and further boosted by Anker's Intelligent Environment Adaptation (IEA) Technology. 

Also: The best live TV streaming services

Dolby Audio and a 3D soundscape allow for top-tier sound to match the stunning visuals. It's convenient, too, with an easy tabletop design you can set up anywhere. 

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Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 smart streaming laser projector

Best outdoor projector for color

Epson/ Pros & Cons Pros

• 4K UHD
• Easy to set up
• Built-in Chromecast

Cons

• Limited brightness
• Lacks 3D support

More Details

Epson EpiqVision Mini tech specs: Connectivity:HDMIDisplay resolution:1920 x 1080Dimensions:6.89 x 6.89 x 5.04 inches

With the Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 smart streaming laser projector, visuals take top priority with a pronounced focus on color and clarity. Epson MicroLaser Array Technology joins a 4K picture for incredible brightness and coloring. Yamaha supplies audio for exceptional sound, and the built-in speaker is Bluetooth-compatible. 

Also: The best Netflix alternatives

Plus, the built-in Android TV takes care of content, allowing you to use voice search and Google Assistant to access your favorite programming. 

View now at Amazon

Optoma UHD38 4K Gaming Projector

Best outdoor projector for gaming

Optoma/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Enormous imaging
• Excellent brightness
• Stunning clarity

Cons

• Pricey
• Lacks short-throw ability

More Details

Optoma UHD38 tech specs: Connectivity:HDMI, VGA, USBDisplay resolution:3840 x 2160Dimensions:  10.6 x 12.4 x 4.6 inches

If you are a gamer, the Optoma UHD38 4K home theater and gaming projector is your best bet for an outdoor projector. Designed to be used for gaming, it offers a brilliant picture in 4K Ultra HD with both HDR10 and HLG technologies. 

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The UltraDetail picture has more than eight million on-screen pixels, with Enhanced Gaming Mode to eliminate lags and enable interruption-free gaming. You can enjoy multiple inputs and the ability to stream via your computer or mobile device. 

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XGIMI MoGo Pro

Best portable outdoor projector

XGIMI/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Simple to set up
• Chromecast integrated
• Bluetooth connectivity

Cons

• Lackluster user guide
• Lacks SD card support

More Details

XGIMI MoGo Pro tech specs: Connectivity:Bluetooth, HDMI, Wi-FiDisplay resolution: 1920 x 1080 Dimensions:5.51 x 3.94 x 3.54 inches

The XGIMI MoGo Pro can project a 100-inch screen wherever you go. From the built-in battery to the embedded Android TV, the thoughtful design is meant to simplify use. 

In our hands-on review of this outdoor projector, we were impressed by its built-in Chromecast and its superb autofocus that works each time the projector is moved.

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You'll be able to stream all your favorite movies thanks to the 1080p picture that has 300 ANSI lumens. 

View now at Amazon

What is the best outdoor projector?

With an affordable price tag and reliable performance, the BenQ GS50 1080p outdoor projector wins 's pick for best outdoor projector overall. To see how the top performers compare, here is a bird's eye view of the best outdoor projectors.

Best outdoor projector	Price	Resolution	Brightness
BenQ GS50	$799	1920 x 1080	500 ANSI lumens
Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K	$2,000	3840 x 2160	2400 ISO lumens
Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12	$1,000	1920 x 1080	1000 lumens
Optoma UHD38 4K Gaming projector	$1,250	3840 x 2160	4000 lumens
XGIMI MoGo Pro	$599	1920 x 1080	300 ANSI lumens

Which is the right outdoor projector for you?

Here we offer our expert recommendations to help you find the best outdoor projector for your needs.

Choose this best outdoor projector...	If you want...
BenQ GS50	An affordable, high-performing outdoor projector. Its CinematicColor gives it a vivid picture and the 10-watt woofer provides excellent sound.
Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K	To splurge on a high-end projector with 4K picture. It also has Dolby Audio and a 3D soundscape to allow for top-tier sound.
Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12	An incredibly bright picture. This projector is extremely easy to set up, and you can use Google Voice Assistant to access your favorite programming.
Optoma UHD38 4K Gaming projector	To use your projector for gaming. The Enhanced Gaming Mode eliminates lags and enables interruption-free gaming.
XGIMI MoGo Pro	To take your projector on the go. It can projector a 100-inch screen from anywhere.

How did we choose these outdoor projectors?

To find the best outdoor projectors, we consider several factors during our search. We looked at top brands, reviews (both good and bad), and considered our own experience in using some of these projectors to make our top picks. 

We also weighed in the following aspects:

• Streaming:How you stream content will make a huge difference in how you can use an outdoor projector. Many of the best outdoor projectors offer access to popular apps like Amazon Prime, Netflix, and HBO Max. 
• Picture:This is one of the most important factors to consider during your search for the best outdoor projector. Brightness and clarity can make or break your viewing experience, making it well worth it to invest in an outdoor projector with an excellent picture, such as the ones listed here.
• Sound:Some outdoor projectors have sound incorporated into the designs. For example, the Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K includes Dolby Audio for a premium, all-in-one package. 
• Cost:The price of an outdoor projector can vary significantly, as seen here. Prices can run the gamut, so look for a model that fits your budget.

How many lumens do I need for an outdoor projector?

We recommend looking for an outdoor projector that has about 500 lumens or more for a full-size projector. However, less than 500 lumens will still provide reasonable brightness if you're looking for a portable outdoor projector, like the XGIMI MoGo Pro.

What types of lumens are there?

There are two types of lumens: ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization). ANSI lumens are more than two times larger than ISO lumens, so be sure to keep this in mind as you shop for your best outdoor projector.

How much does an outdoor projector cost?

Outdoor projectors can vary significantly in cost, depending on your specific needs. For example, a small portable speaker can be far more affordable than a large setup. That said, the best outdoor projectors range in cost from$500 to$2,200, depending on the model you choose.

Are there alternative outdoor projectors worth considering?

During our search, we found many outdoor projectors that could also fit the bill. These are some more quality picks that almost made our list. 

Best alternative for small spaces

Anker Nebula Mars II Pro

This projector from Anker can cast a 720p image to a 40-100-inch space. It even has Android 7.1 built right in.

View at Amazon

Best alternative for an upgrade

Epson Home Cinema 3800

This outdoor projector from Epson is definitely a splurge, but with it, you'll get upgraded features like 3000 lumens, built-in 10W speakers, and a 2.15:1 throw ratio range for direct proportions. 

View at Best Buy

Best alternative for battery life

Nomvdic X300 Outdoor Portable Projector

The Nomvdic X300 portable projector features a built-in 10,000mAh battery, which gives you about three hours of uninterrupted movie time. 

View at Amazon

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