Have you ever been tempted to project a movie onto a sheet or the side of your house for some outside fun? Well, you don’t have to. There are many high-quality outdoor projectors that you can buy to add some fun to a family movie night. Durable and easy to use, these outdoor screens can provide great contrast ration, resolution, and color for your favorite movies. Here are a few tips and reviews to help you find the best outdoor projector screen for your next family movie night.
If you enjoy sitting outside on long summer evenings, an outdoor screen allows you to also watch movies while sitting under the stars. A great way to spend time with your family and friends, this type of screen can also be used in spaces where a regular projector can’t be used.
Easy to set up and portable, you can use these screens at conventions or for presentations at work or school. Plus, many of these screen designs will help to enhance your projector’s abilities in different types of light.
Always consider how easy the screen is to set up and also how stable it will be if there is a little wind. It can’t hurt to read product reviews to see what others have experienced during set up, but you probably want to look for something you can set up yourself in just a few minutes. A screen that needs several people and can take up to 20 minutes to put up is probably going to end up gathering dust in your garage because you aren’t going to want to deal with it.
Since you will be setting it up outside, you have to consider the wind factor as you watch a movie. Consider the stand and how easy it can fall over if the wind picks up. Screens with additional stability features like spikes should also be considered so you can relax while you watch movies and not have to pick up the screen every few minutes. Or, if you have chosen a blow up movie screen, you don’t want the picture bouncing around a lot in the wind.
Storage is also important because many of these screens require rolling that can cause a permanent wrinkle in the screen material. Wrinkles on the screen don’t bother everyone, but if you will get annoyed by a few creases, consider a PVC screen instead. An inflatable projector screen will also be pretty easy to store since it will shrink down to be packed away along with its fan.
Typically, an outdoor screen is available in two types of designs that include an inflatable movie screen or a projector screen with stand. A projector screen with stand will give you the best picture without wrinkles, depending on the type of material used. An inflatable movie screen is the easiest to store and set up, but they are also the heaviest thanks to the thick material used in their construction. However, a blow up movie screen can be easy to set up, which is a great feature if you will be doing it on your own.
The difference between rear and front projection is you the projector is used when displaying images. When you use a front-projection screen, you get more of that real theatre experience where the projector is ceiling or floor mounted with a separate screen. Rear projection will mirror a traditional big-screen TV where the image is illuminated on the back of the screen instead of the front.
Keep in mind that a rear projector is more affordable and can be easier to set up when using the screen outside. And, not every projector screen allows for rear projection. If you want to use the screen for presentations at different places, you will want to look for a screen that allows for both rear and front options to give you the versatility you will need.
There are several features to look for when shopping for an outdoor screen. Depending on your needs, you will want to consider ease of use, ease of installation, stability, durability, and size. Plus, you may want to consider the gain, aspect ratio, and viewing angles as well as color and resolution if that’s important to you.
How large the outdoor screen is can be vital for your viewing experience as well as how well it will fit in the space you are using it in. Size is not just a personal preference, but can also determine how well you will see the images.
To get a really cinematic experience, you may want the biggest diagonal size possible at 200-inches. However, also take into consideration what your projector can handle, which is based on the diagonal size of the screen. Typically, you should be able to get a 16:9 aspect ratio, which is the most common ratio for movies.
Referring to the ratio between the height and width, the most standard aspect ratio for standard HDTV movies is 16:9. For other formats like SCGA and XGA, you will use a 4:3 ratio while a WUXGA is standard at 16:10. When you choose the aspect ratio, consider what you will be projecting. If you watch 4:3 content on a display designed for 16:9 display, you will get black bars on the bottom and top of the screen since it isn’t matching up with native resolution of the projector.
The best viewing angle will depend on the distance from where you are sitting to the screen. Typically, you will want a range between 30 and 40 degrees. When watching at a larger angle, you may get a dimmer image that reveals artifacts. If the projector screen is meant for multiple users to have viewing angles up to 160 or 180 degrees, everyone that is watching will have an immersive experience.
This measurement is important when considering image brightness. Typically, the higher the gain of the screen, the brighter your image will be. The gain refers to the ratio of light that is reflected from the light source back from the surface. It is measured from the point where the screen is brightest, so a screen with a 1.1 gain can project backlight 1.1 brighter than what is projected towards the screen.
Installation is also pretty important when shopping for the best outdoor screen. It’s a great feature if it comes with all of the tools you will need for installation. You will find that there are models that are an inflatable projector screen and just need a fan to blow it up for the installation process.
In comparison to the blow up movie screen, there are others that need ropes and hooks or a stand for installation. Consider whether the inflatable movie screen or the screen with the stand is the easiest method for you before making a final choice.
Vital to consider since you want the screen to fit well in the area you want to project, the weight and overall dimensions are also important when moving the screen. If this is something you will take to a lot of different places or want to travel with, make sure it is lightweight and folds down to a size that you can carry easily. An inflatable projector screen is probably a good choice if you travel a lot.
This indoor and outdoor screen comes with a stand and a wrinkle-free design. Easy to clean and carry, it measures 100-inches and is perfect for meetings or watching movies. You can set it up in just two minutes to get that great cinematic experience.
Equipped with a PVC matte construction, the TaeTronics Screen is easy to clean and won’t yellow. With a 1.1 gain and a 160-degree viewing angle, this screen diffuses light evenly allowing everyone in the audience to see.
Made to be stable, the tripod support stand was created to give the screen the right amount of support. You can easily set up this screen at the office, at school, at home, or in the backyard. It also comes with a carry bag for easy storage and portability.
This 100-inch projector screen is a multi-layer projection screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio. This is a 4K HD screen that supports front projection. You can easily use it inside or outside thanks to its portability.
Made with high-quality material, this multi-layer matte screen comes with a black back to prevent light penetration. Thanks to the premium PVC composite matte, this is an easy to clean screen that won’t wrinkle. It also features strong light absorbance, and it fully restores an image’s color saturation.
Featuring a 1.1 gain, the JWST Projector Screen provides a 160-degree wide-angle to provide a great view for everyone in the audience. You can also set it up without any tools. All you need to do is press the snaps shut around the frame and extend out the legs, plus the one-piece frame and detachable legs are easy to disassemble when you are done.
Designed to provide sharp images with high-resolutions, you also get enriched colors from a wrinkle-free screen. This is the perfect screen for office and school presentations or movies in the backyard. The included padded carrying case makes it easy to transport anywhere including family trips and camping.
Featuring both rear and front projections, the P-Jing Outdoor Screen measures 100-inches and comes with a stand. Perfect for use in the backyard, it is easy to transport so you can create fun anywhere. This is an affordable home theatre solution that can also be used in the office or classroom.
With a wide support seat design, the P-Jing Outdoor Screen has enhanced stability. The screen is designed to sharpen images and provide a high-resolution while enriching colors. It is also easy to clean off and dry the screen without worrying about wrinkling.
With a 16:9 aspect ratio and 1.1 gain, the P-Jing Screen has a 160-degree wide viewing angle and is made of high-quality natural polyester fiber. This is an easy to fold screen that doesn’t crease. Using several aluminum rods, you get a secure base that won’t rust or deform and increases the stability of the stand bracket.
Hollowed out corners make it easy to mount brackets improving the flatness and stability of the screen. Installation is quick and easy in under five minutes and doesn’t require ropes or screws. Weighing only 6.61 pounds, the P-Jing Screen is easy to carry and travel with.
This two in one portable projector screen can be used both inside and out. Measuring 57-inches diagonally, the Elite Screens YardMaster Sport Series is lightweight and portable, so you can use it anywhere. It features aluminum construction giving you a simple and sleek choice for presentations in the office or at conventions.
The screen is detachable and comes with loops that hand on a sliding rain, which allows you to center it easily on the wall or its stand. Telescoping hooks on the tripod pull out and fold over to connect with the screen for a secure attachment. Plus, you get spikes for the ground to give it added stability.
This two in one portable projector screen can be used both inside and out. Measuring 57-inches diagonally, the Elite Screens YardMaster Sport Series is lightweight and portable, so you can use it anywhere. It features aluminum construction giving you a simple and sleek choice for presentations in the office or at conventions.
The screen is detachable and comes with loops that hand on a sliding rain, which allows you to center it easily on the wall or its stand. Telescoping hooks on the tripod pull out and fold over to connect with the screen for a secure attachment. Plus, you get spikes for the ground to give it added stability as well as aluminum support bars at the bottom and top of the screen.
With a 1.1 gain and a 180-degree viewing angle, the hand-rolled material is easy to see while the black border helps to absorb any projector overshoot and also enhances the visual contrast. Plus, the black backing helps to reduce light penetration for improved brightness levels.
You can also adjust the Elite Screens Projector Screen using the adjustable thumbscrews. This is a great choice for office and school use as well as for playing movies in the backyard or while you are camping. Easy to store and transport, the included carrying case is travel-friendly providing additional protection to keep your screen safe.
The Skerell Projector Screen measures 100-inches and includes a stand. This 4K HD screen is perfect for both front and rear projection movies and comes with a carry bag for easy portability. You can it inside and outside to create a home theatre experience in any space.
Providing a 16:9 format, the Skerell Projector Screen features a 160-degree wide viewing angle. Made of spandex and high-quality polyester, your movies and presentations will come with high-resolution images that are super sharp. The unique base provides a stable screen that also comes with four stainless steel stakes that gives you a steady movie experience, even in windy weather.
Easy to set up, you can have the Skerell Projector Screen up and ready in about five minutes. You won’t need any accessories, strings, or screw for fast and firm set up. Weighing only six pounds, this is an easy to store and transport screen that you can take along on a trip or even camping.
Measuring 135-inches, the Elite Screens Projector Screen is a portable, outdoor screen that comes with a stand. This is an Ultra HD #D movie screen that folds up quickly and is super portable. With its easy snap design, you can also assemble in just a few minutes. Perfect for presentations or moves, this is a free-standing projection screen that can be used with rear or front projection materials.
Made with lightweight aluminum construction, the material features easy-snap button attachments along with support rings, ground stakes, a multi-piece frame, and rigging cords. It works best with a standard, short-throw 4K/1080P projector. This is an affordable projector that is resistant to mildew and easy to clean with water and soap.
With the 180-degree wide viewing angle, you can use the Elite Screens Projector Screen for many different purposes. It also features a flat 1.1 gain material and comes with a blackback for bright images.
You won’t need tools for assembly, and you can put it up within just a few minutes. This is a fully-tensioned screen that guarantees a flat projection. The Elite Screens Projector Screen also comes with a padded carrying bag for easy portability.
Weighing only 2.2 pounds, P-JING Projector Movie Screen is ideal for outdoor and indoor use. Measuring 120-inches, this is a 16:0 HD screen that is foldable and won’t crease. It also supports double-sided projection and uses thicker materials than its competitors.
This easy to fold screen is super portable and easy to rehang. You can use it as a home theatre, for meetings, conventions, and presentations. It includes 16 hooks and 2 x 5 meters of rope for easy installation.
Made with natural polyester, the P-Jing Projection Screen features a smooth surface that enhances the movies you are projecting. This high-contrast screen is easy to clean with just a wet cloth. Plus, it is brighter than most of the other projection screens available.
This 120-inch projection screen features an anti-crease design that is portable and can be used inside and out. Surrounded by a wide back border, the Mdbebbron Projection Screen uses a tension structure to create a flat surface. This screen makes it super easy to have a home theatre in any room.
The Mdbebbron Projection Screen has a 16:9 HD design that is foldable and can support double-sided projection. It folds down really small and does not need to be ironed before being hung again. Great for movies or presentations, this product can be machine or hand washed when it gets dirty or stained.
This is an easy to set up screen that fastens with either double-sided tape, nails, brackets, ropes, and hooks on the wall or mount. Made with high-quality polyester, the Mdbebbron Projection Screen is effective at preventing wrinkles when it is folded or compressed. This versatile screen is handy to have at conferences, in the office, or to use for outdoor movies.
Featuring a wrinkle-free screen, the PropVue comes with a stand and a carry bag for easy transport. Perfect for movies or office presentations, you can use this screen indoors or outdoors. Easily turn any room into a sports event, cinema, or media room.
Using a 4:3 HD premium screen, presentations and movies have a precise display thanks to the 160-degree wide-angle and 1.1 gain reflection. Providing impeccable resolution, the Propvue is lightweight and portable and includes tight-straps that are easy to use and keep the tripod and screen tight. Plus, it is a super easy to clean screen that is also pretty durable.
The included carry bag protects the screen from scratches and dirt allowing you to use the screen for many years. The included tripod features stable and wide legs that are height adjustable. Thanks to the projection canvas composition, it is handy to use and can be set up in under a minute due to its easy three-step design.
The winner of the best outdoor screen is the Elite Screens YardMaster Sport Series. This is a two in one portable projector screen that you can use both inside and out. Lightweight and portable, it measures 57-inches diagonally and comes with aluminum construction.
The screen is detachable and comes with loops that hand on a sliding rain so you can easily center it on the wall. The telescoping hooks on the tripod pull out and fold over to connect with the screen for a secure attachment while the included ground spikes give it stability. It’s also easy to adjust the height with the adjustable thumbscrews.
This is a great choice for office and school use as well as for playing movies in the backyard or while you are camping. The definite winner of the best outdoor projector screen is the Elite Screens YardMaster Sport Series hands down.