Going to drive-in movie theaters is one of my favorite childhood memories (and I went to our local theater with friends well into high school.) Now that I have an outdoor projector of my own, I can get that romantic, outdoor movie theater experience pretty much wherever I go. While it may be impractical, I often take my outdoor projector camping for late night movie watching. It can be a fun way to wind down with a group of friends, but I also enjoy setting it up and using the inside of my tent as a screen when my husband and I are camping alone.
While an outdoor projector can also be used indoors, they are specially designed with high-powered lighting that can be utilized even when it’s not pitch black outside. They’re also lightweight and can be water- and dust-resistant for added durability. We tested a variety of projectors on camping trips and international vacations to find the best option for all of your outdoor needs.
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Why We Love It
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It’s easy to use, the picture quality is clear and vibrant, and the sound works well even in open spaces.
Water-resistant, drop-resistant, and dust-resistant, this durable projector is made to travel wherever you go. With up to five hours of battery life and 1,000 ANSI lumens, it’s even strong enough to work in dim daylight (though, like all projectors, it works better the darker it gets.) It has a quick and easy setup: within 10 minutes of opening the box, we already had a movie playing. The picture is sharp and the auto focus worked well. We also love that it has a built-in handle, but you may want to invest in a padded case if you plan to regularly fly with the device.
While the sound was loud enough, we didn’t have any problems connecting the projector to an additional Bluetooth speaker to give us more of a surround sound experience. It takes just about two hours to fully charge the projector’s battery and comes with a backup power cord if you prefer to plug it in for longer viewing. We also appreciated that it has a built-in stand to help you get the right angle for viewing, but do note that it does not come with a tripod, so you may need to invest in your own or plan to stack some other items to optimize your image. As an added bonus, you can charge your phone using the projector. It also has a built-in flashlight to help you get to your campsite.
The Details: 6.3 x 10.2 x 9.8 inches | 9.9 pounds | Up to 5 hours of battery life
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I’ve been using this portable projector for over two years and it still works just as well as the day I opened it. I’m not generally a Samsung user, but it was easy to make a new account in order to log in (and I’ve never had to use the account since.) It is easy to connect with new Wi-Fi accounts and remembers each one for auto-connection the next time you use it. I love that I can download apps and customize my own home screen to what I use most.
While you do have to purchase the battery separately, it’s well-worth the investment. It connects to the main projector to become just one item to carry (and pack) and makes the base a little taller. Alone, you can easily watch a full movie on one charge and the battery itself recharges quickly. I’ve used this projector against indoor and outdoor walls as well as inside of camping tents. The image is always vibrant and crisp. I also appreciate the autofocus and automatic keystone correction, so if I accidentally bump it, it fixes the image without me having to pause. For added convenience, the remote has preset buttons for Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and Samsung TV Plus, and is also compatible with voice command for faster searching.
The Details: 3.7 x 6 x 3.7 inches | 1.8 pounds | Up to 3 hours of battery life
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While most outdoor projectors work fine when projecting onto a wall, side of a building, or even a sheet pinned up, a taut screen can enhance the viewing experience with crisper images. 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 also comes with ground stakes to stabilize the screen when camping or sitting in the yard.
After turning it on for the first time, it took less than five minutes to set up and log in to both Amazon Prime and Netflix (both have shortcut buttons on the remote.) It was easy to connect to Wi-Fi and we never noticed a lag in connection; plus, the image is incredibly crisp. We love that you can use this with or without the stand and that the stand itself is a backup battery that provides an additional 2.5 hours of play. The full set comes in a fairly large and durable case that works well for car trips, but if you want to bring just the projector without all of the accessories, it could easily fit in most travel totes or backpacks (just be sure to pack it with a bit of padding for protection.)
The Details: 14.8 x 19.9 x 7.9 inches for full kit | 10.8 pounds for full kit | Up to 5 hours of battery life
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If you’re looking for a versatile projector that can be used indoors or outdoors and connect to just about any streaming service you could want, this BenQ projector is a great choice. While we do recommend keeping it plugged in for prolonged use, the rechargeable battery pack can last up to 2.5 hours, depending on your settings and usage. It connects quickly to Wi-Fi and also connects to phones via Bluetooth. You can use it as a portable speaker and pair it with other speakers for louder volume and a surround sound effect.
We love that it’s on the smaller size (especially compared to how powerful it is) and that it comes with its own carrying case that makes traveling with it a breeze. It’s also durable, splash-resistant, drop-proof. We used this both indoors and outdoors and appreciated the auto focus and image correction, so your movies and shows aren’t warped even if you aren’t projecting onto a perfectly flat surface. We were impressed with the image quality in all locations; the picture is crisp and easy to see in pitch black and low light conditions.
The Details: 5.75 x 7.32 x 6.06 inches | 5.07 pounds | Up to 2.5 hours of video play battery life
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While outdoor projectors are a fun travel accessory, they aren’t always the most practical since they can be heavy and bulky. This Nebula Capsule weighs under two pounds and features a slim pole-like design that is easy to pack and carry. The system itself is intuitive and looks like most television interfaces, so it’s easy to navigate. We were impressed by the sharpness, color quality, and brightness of the images, especially when using the projector at night.
The connection was great with phone hotspots and Wi-Fi signals alike. We also like that you can download an app on your phone to use it as a remote for the projector if you don’t want (or forgot) to pack the physical remote. We weren’t able to use this longer than two hours at a time, so we do recommend plugging it in for watching movies. Still, we found it to be quite sturdy considering how lightweight it is and loved it for taking to hotel rooms and camping trips alike.
The Details: 2.7 x 2.7 x 5.5 inches | 1.43 pounds | Up to 2 hours of battery life
Others We Like
Outdoor projectors are an investment item and, as such, should be easy to transport, simple to use, have ample battery life, and project high-quality images. We tested many projectors that worked well for traveling, but weren’t our favorites for outdoor use.
Epson EpiqVision Mini EF22 Portable Smart Laser Projector: While we do love this portable projector for use in hotels and in the home, it must be plugged in for power which is less practical outside.
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Happrun Native 1080p Bluetooth Projector: This budget-friendly projector is easy to use and could be a great option for those who just want to try a projector to see if they like it. However, the sound and image quality isn’t as good as more premium projectors we tested.
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Our Testing Process
We tested a variety of portable projectors on vacations, at home, and during camping trips to find the best ones for outdoor use. Upon receiving each one, we followed the manufacturer’s instructions to set up the projector for the first time. If necessary, we made accounts and connected to Wi-Fi networks for service. We timed how long it took to get going and assessed the overall ease of set up. We also took note of the projector’s size, weight, and carrying features as well as any provided accessories. For projectors that came with batteries, we plugged them in and timed how long it took to fully charge.
During our initial three week testing period, we used the projectors indoors and outdoors at different times of day watching various content to determine visibility in various light conditions and environments. We set up the projectors using their own stands and tripods where possible and supplemented with other home items like books if needed to get the right angle. Images were projected onto screens, walls, home siding, and even tent interiors. We also assessed the speaker levels in enclosed and open locations. While watching movies, shows, and games, we took note of the picture clarity, brightness, and audio quality.
Throughout our viewing, we moved the projectors around to determine how large we could make the image at a comfortable viewing distance without losing crispness or clarity. We also noted how far away from the speaker we could sit while still hearing the audio as well as how well the audio and video stayed in sync during playback. While traveling, we utilized any provided travel cases and took note of how sturdy and durable the projector felt during transport.
Tips for Buying an Outdoor Projector
Think lightweight and portable
An outdoor projector certainly isn’t an essential item for camping, but it is definitely a fun accessory to have. To make it easy to use on the go, look for a lightweight, yet durable projector that can be transported easily. It helps to have a unit that comes with its own carrying case, but if yours does not come with one, you can wrap it in soft fabrics like clothing to help keep it protected while traveling.
Check the battery power
Not all portable projectors come with rechargeable batteries, but all of our favorite outdoor projectors do (or have batteries you can purchase separately.) When using a projector outside, it can be difficult plugging it into a standard outlet, so we definitely recommend investing in a projector that is rechargeable for use anywhere. You should also make sure to check the size and longevity of the battery to make sure it will last as long as you need it to.
Consider the sound system
Most outdoor projectors have a sound system powerful enough to project audio up to a few feet. This should be enough in enclosed spaces like rooms, small backyard, and tents, but if you have a large group or will be in a noisier area, it’s a good idea to pack a portable speaker to get a wider range of volume. As an added perk, this can also create a surround sound experience, enhancing your movie or show.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How many lumens do I need for an outdoor projector?
Lumens are the unit of measurement of light emitted by something: the more lumens, the brighter the image. If your projector will mostly be used in dark conditions (like an indoor, enclosed room), your lumen count won’t matter too much. A projector with around 2,000 lumens should generally be sufficient; however, if you want to use a projector during the day or in dusky conditions, you’ll want a projector with higher lumens.
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How do I get my projector to work outside in daylight?
Projectors work outside in daylight, but you may not produce a crisp, high-quality image. Projectors use light to create an image, and if it’s too bright outside, that light will absorb before reaching your screen. For viewing in daylight conditions, look for projectors with high lumens and consider shading your area with a canopy or umbrella to minimize the sunlight.
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Do I need a screen for an outdoor projector?
Flat screens definitely help get a clear image, but you do not need them in order to use an outdoor projector. I don’t have a screen and have had no problems projecting onto hotel walls, the outside of homes, and even on the inside of tents. Just note that your image may be somewhat warped, so if you have finicky viewers like children with you, you may want to invest in a screen or pull a light-colored sheet tightly to create your own.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Taylor Fox is the outdoor gear editor for Travel + Leisure where she tests products while traveling, specifically on hiking and camping trips. She owns two portable projectors and uses them regularly at home and while traveling. She has flown internationally and gone on weekend camping trips with projectors, and utilized additional testing insights for this article.
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