People’s expectations today have grown tremendously, from people expecting to be able to watch their favorite movies on their phones to people expecting to watch their favorite basketball team play on an enormous screen, so it comes as no surprise that individuals now want to screen movies outdoor and not have the quality of the imagery compromised.
With several projectors claiming to be the best for outdoor movies, singling out which one you should be can quickly become confusing. Nevertheless, to make things easier for you, we’ve curated a list of the best projectors available in the market that you should look at buying as they perform quite well when screening movies outdoors.
Epson VS240 SVGA 3LCD Projector
Intro
While it may not spot 3D capabilities, the Epson VS240 is a great outdoor camera that delivers excellent video image quality. This compact projector measures 11.7 x 9.2 x. 3.2 inches and weighs only 5.3 pounds which makes it overly portable. With multiple connectivity options including HDMI port, USB Type A & B, VGA ports, and RCA ports, the Epson VS240 is extremely versatile. What makes it ideal for outdoor movies is its native resolution of 800 x 600 as well as its 3000 lumens brightness for both white and color. With an impressive 30” to 350” screen size range, the images displayed by the projector are not only clear but also full-bodied in both nominal daylight ad darkness, and it is unlikely that users will be disappointed by the projector. The projector is also easy to setup and has a lamp that can last for up to 10,000 hours.
Pros
- Users can mirror their PC’s
- The projector is extremely portable as it is lightweight
- Unlike some of its competitors, the Epson VS240 is not plagued by rainbow effect issues.
Cons
- Unlike some of its competitors, the Epson VS240 lacks optical zoom capabilities.
- The projector’s speaker has to be supplemented with an additional speaker as its inbuilt speaker is weak.
Optoma UHD50 DLP Home Theater Projector
Intro
We included the Optoma UHD50 because not only does it perform well but like with computer monitors and TV screens, 4K resolution is quickly catching up in the projector world as user expectations keep rising. The UHD50 features true 4K UHD resolution which is boosted by a sharp contrast ratio of up to 500,000:1, a wide color gamut and 2400 lumens of brightness which work together cohesively to ensure users get image that is well detailed, vibrant and extremely clear. The projector has several connectivity options including a USB port, VGA port, and two HDMI ports (one for HD resolution and the other for 4K). This projector is ideal for the outdoors imply because users can use Roku or Amazon fire sticks straight from the USB port without necessarily needing another cable to connect to it.
Pros
- The projector’s fan produced minimal noise which means users will not be distracted by the noise while watching their movies.
- In comparison to other projectors, the 5-Watt speaker is incredibly audible however if screening outdoors it is sensible to complement it with another audio system
- It is reasonably priced in comparison to other 4K projectors.
Cons
- The projector is relatively bulky and heavy.
- There is a light border that appears around the projected image.
Epson Home Cinema 5040UB 3LCD Projector
Intro
If we had to choose a single projector to carry the day home, we would opt for the Epson 5040UB simply because of its frame interpolation feature which makes live performances much better as the image produced is not only stable, but it is also quite clear. Delivering near 4K resolution, the Epson 5040 brags UltraBlack contrast and a high dynamic range with a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio and 10-bit color output. Additionally, users get an ultra-wide color gamut and 2,500 lumens of equal white and color brightness for rich and vibrant color, even in spaces with ambient light. However, Epson 5040UB’s high contrast ratio and its ability to maintain a stable and clear live connection is what made it stand out of the crowd and why we include it on the list.
Pros
- The Epson 5040UB is a wireless projector that performs rather beautifully when put to the test.
- Like the Optoma UHD50, the Epson 5040UB accepts 4K UHD resolution content.
- The projector is not plagued by white segment, color wheel, or the rainbow effect.
Cons
- Its 4K resolution is not native.
- Several users have complained that the projector is plagued by power issues.
Nebula Capsule II Smart Mini Projector, by Anker
Intro
A little different of an option for our #5 pick. While it is the one projector on our list with the least resolution, the Capsule II is much improved and has come a long way in comparison to its predecessor the Capsule I. This projector boasts a resolution 1280×720 resolution and a brightness level of 200 lumens.
The handheld nature of this projector is great for people on the go, as you can take it with you, perhaps to parties, or on vacations. While it’s not an apples-to-apples comparison to our other listings, it may be a good fit for you.
Pros
- It is extremely portable thanks to its small size, which means you can have your outdoor movies literally anywhere.
- Lasting for 2.5 hours, its battery life is sufficient for at least one full movie on a single charge.
- Users get to enjoy Android TV compatibility right on board as the projector is loaded in a Chromecast so users can stream media from their smart devices via 3600+ apps.
Cons
- It is not ideal for spaces with plenty of ambient light.
- If you are projecting upwards, the projector requires a tripod.
- It’s not as bright as some other projectors in its range.
Final Thoughts
Resolution, brightness, and throw distance are the key features to consider when deciding on, which is the best projector for outdoor movies. All the projectors discussed above apart from the Nebula Capsule II make the cut as far as those factors are considered. However, we included the Nebula Capsule II for those individuals who are keen on portable entertainment as it is the best option for them. Nevertheless, we hope that from the projectors you have found one that meets your needs and will serve your needs well the next time you’re screening a movie outdoors.
