The best outdoor projectors: Expert tested and reviewed

I tested the Samsung Freestyle 2, and was impressed by its quality as both an outdoor projector and also a gaming console of sorts. What’s very cool about the Samsung Gaming Hub is that you don’t need a physical console to play a game: You just need the Freestyle 2, internet access, and a game controller. You’ll have to subscribe to cloud streaming like Xbox, GeForce Now, Luna, and others, as well as video streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.

It is super easy to set up and get going — all you need is a Wi-Fi connection. And you don’t need to lug an extension cord around since its portable battery easily connects to the device, letting you use it virtually anywhere (which is perfect for a backyard movie night).

Review: Samsung Freestyle 2

The Samsung Freestyle 2 impressed me with both image quality, the ability to auto-focus — projecting onto a slanted ceiling or a projector screen — and the overall experience of setup and streaming. One Best Buy reviewer noted that it’s an “amazing product, does everything for you, the quality is amazing, speakers are loud… super happy with my purchase.” 

Samsung Freestyle 2 tech specs: Resolution: Full HD (1080p) | Lumens: 550 | Contrast ratio: 1000:1 | Speakers: 5W 360-degree speaker | Connectivity: HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

The Anker Nebula Capsule 3 is described as a “Pocket Cinema,” thanks to its small form factor (just a tad larger than a soda can), but you’ll get booming audio with this little gadget. The projector features an 8W Dolby Audio Speaker, providing a surprisingly cinematic sound. An Amazon customer described the mini projector as “smaller than a soda can, but packs a punch that’s anything but mini.”

Aside from its small size, it also comes built-in with the software benefits of Google TV, meaning the projector supports Netflix right out of the box.

Review: I tested the world’s smallest projector with Google TV, and it blew me away

ZDNET editor Sabrina Ortiz went hands-on with the Nebula Capsule 3, and said she was most impressed by its intelligent environment adaption, specifically the Autofocus and Auto Keystone Correction, which is especially beneficial for outdoor viewing. 

“Together, you can place the projector wherever is the most convenient for you, and the projection will automatically adjust its angle and size to the area you are casting to,” she wrote. 

Anker Nebula Capsule 3 tech specs: Resolution: 1080p | Lumens: 200 ANSI Lumens | Contrast ratio: 500:1 | Speakers: 8W Dolby Audio Speaker | Connectivity: HDMI, USB-C, USB-A, AUX, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

This projector may be the most expensive on this list, but it also provides perhaps the best overall experience. ZDNET editor Kerry Wan describes it as “the end game” of his home projector search.

At almost $1,700, the Horizon Ultra keeps quiet while projecting high-quality visuals. Its bright picture makes it a perfect contender for an outside projector. Remember, for its extra features and price point, it is not the best to survive inclement weather and imperfect conditions. Therefore, if you purchase one, don’t bring it outside for a rainy movie night.

Review: Xgimi Horizon Ultra projector

Many Reddit users say they are impressed by the Xgimi’s features and deluxe design but sometimes opt for a cheaper model with similar features. However, the price is on par for models of the same caliber.

Xgimi Horizon Ultra tech specs: Throw ratio: 1.2-1.5:1 | Brightness: 2300 ISO lumens | Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160) | Screen size: 60 to 150 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. 

An Amazon customer said they liked the gaming projector so much they went back to their original review to give their one year update. They said they are “still loving it and highly recommend it,” that it is the “best display I’ve ever used,” and that they “don’t even need game mode [as] it’s not laggy. Possibly the best purchase I’ve ever made.”

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. 

Optoma UHD38 tech specs: Resolution: 3840 x 2160 | Lumens: 4000 | Contrast ratio: 1000000:1 | Speakers: 10W speaker | Connectivity: HDMI, VGA, USB

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. 

You’ll be able to stream all your favorite movies thanks to the 1080p picture that has 400 ISO lumens. 

A Best Buy customer wrote that with this projector, they “recommend enjoying movies lying in bed at night. It’s a truly enjoyable experience.”

Review: XGIMI MoGo Pro projector: Compact and portable with built-in Chromecast

ZDNET contributor Eileen Brown went hands-on with the Xgimi Pro projector and was impressed by its built-in Chromecast and superb autofocus. 

“You have access to all of your apps and channels, and you can customize the channels you want to see on screen,” she wrote.”Google Assistant easily navigates through all the options if you are not a fan of using the remote control to type.”

Xgimi MoGo Pro tech specs: Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Lumens: 400 ISO lumens | Contrast ratio: N/A | Speakers: Two 8W speakers | Connectivity: HDMI, USB, headphone jack, Bluetooth