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Best Outdoor Projector Screens
In other words, they are designed to enhance the picture quality as much as possible for your convenience. Now, one important factor to remember right off the bat is that not all projector screens are designed to be used outdoors. So, today, we have decided to take all the guesswork out for you and provide you with ten of the best outdoor projector screens on the market today.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Size
Assessing the design of the physical screen of a projector screen is not only likely the most important aspect for you to consider but it is arguably the most time-consuming. This is because there are several different factors that go into determining how elite a projector screen truly is. As this can be overwhelming, let’s break it down into sections. Firstly, you need to be familiar with the term gain. This is a measurement that describes the light reflectivity of a fabric. All you need to know is a gain greater than 1.0 means the fabric will increase the brightness of the image and a gain lower than 1.0 will decrease it a bit.
Also, be aware of the viewing angle. Basically, this represents the maximum angle at which someone can still see the image accurately on the screen. This can be important if you plan to set up your projector screen for a large audience as the wider the angle, the more people you can accommodate. Also, the size and aspect ratio of the screen can come into play. Size is all about personal preference (and what your outdoor projector is capable of) but most of the time you will want to aim for a 16:9 aspect ratio as that is very common.
Durability
While the actual construction of a screen projector is far less convoluted than analyzing how well the screen is designed, it is not something you should sleep on. As most outdoor projectors will be designed with a frame and a base (as they are for outdoor use), unless they are inflatable, it is ideal if the foundation of the screen projector is well-built. First off, it should be stable enough to hold up to winds. While they still need to be staked, a screen projector with a poorly built frame is not going to hold up regardless of how well it is staked.
But, the fabric of the actual screen should also not be tearing two to three weeks into its lifespan. Just as you would anything else, be sure to pay attention to the build quality of outdoor projector screens.
Ease of Use
Generally speaking, outdoor projector screens do not require too much when it comes to setting them up. However, this is a fantastic time to assess the different types of outdoor projector screens. Clearly, you have those that are designed with a frame and a base. But, there are also inflatable outdoor projector screens and perhaps their greatest benefit is their assembly. With these types of screens, all you need to do is allow the blower to inflate the unit for you. Everything else is pretty much good to go after that. The only caveat to this is the electric blower will run all the time and if it is not quiet, this could deter the overall experience.
Yet, despite inflatable versions being incredibly easy to assemble, regular models are not too difficult either. It really just depends on the model you are investing in as some will not require any external tools on your part. Also, be sure that all the necessary installation components come with your purchase; otherwise, you will have to account for them yourself.
Portability
Perhaps you have spent weeks flaunting the fact that you own an outdoor projector screen to your family and friends. It just might happen that they become interested in seeing it for themselves and instead of telling them to travel to your backyard, you may want to pack up your screen and take it to them. This is why assessing both the storage capabilities and portability of this product is so critical. One surefire way most sellers ensure their model is portable is by including a storage bag with your purchase. Doing this provides users with a bag that is specifically optimized to carry the projector screen.
However, you can also look at a few additional factors such as its overall weight and its compact nature. In other words, can it fold down and easily be stowed in a storage bag without compromising the quality of the screen? As wrinkles can result if you do not carefully store this, be sure to take great caution when doing so.
Top 10 Picks
1. Taotronics
This is not the largest screen projector in the world, although 100 inches is not exactly small, it is one of the best designs out there because of its screen quality and excellent construction.
Read moreSize
With a 1.1 gain and a 160-degree viewing angle, this screen has been optimized to deliver a clearer picture with less reflection. In terms of its size, its aforementioned 100 inches should suffice for most people.
Durability
TaoTronics designed their projector screen with stability in mind and that is exactly why they constructed tripod support stand for their screen. Because of this, the entire unit stays balanced and upright.
Ease of Use
It is actually noted in the product description to be careful when installing this as the components are fragile. However, it sets up in mere minutes and not only that, but no screws are necessary.
This is advertised as an easy-to-clean screen and one bonus is that it avoids tedious yellow stains that can completely deter the quality and experience of a projector screen.
Storage and Portability
The included tripod support stand will fit neatly into the included carrying bag but the screen is another story. As one user noted, it will not collapse so storing it when it is not in use can be tough.
Overall
The reason why this screen barely cracked the top of this list is due to its consistency. It may not necessarily blow you away one way or the other, but it is quite amazing how everything comes together.
2. Elite Yard Master
If a company is named Elite Screens than at the very least, you should expect their products to be comparable to the best in the world. Well, it is safe to say that Elite Screens deserves their name when you analyze the quality of their Yard Master Series projector screens.
Read moreSize
Elite Screens has several different screen sizes available but this specific model is the 150-inch version. Besides its 1.1 gain, it is designed of an all-weather DynBrite material and a 180-degree viewing angle. Plus, the WraithVeil back material ensures this can be used for rear projection.
Durability
Not only is the screen suitable for all-weather conditions but the heavy-duty frame is as well. Being crafted of steel tubes, this screen is supported by a rugged all-weather frame that also happens to be wind-resistant.
Ease of Use
No tools are required to install this unit and it can be assembled in mere minutes. Plus, all the stakes and cords are included that is needed to stabilize this screen projector.
When the time comes, the nylon-stitched soft material is quite easy to clean. For the most part, this should easily be accomplished using mild soap and water.
Storage and Portability
Included with your purchase is a durable aluminum wheeled travel case. Even though this is a bonus, it is certainly a huge bonus as it makes for easy storage and transportation.
Overall
So, how come this did not claim the top spot? Truthfully, it is because the issue of wrinkles appearing on the screen has come up more than once. Past this, this is really as good as it gets for outdoor projectors.
3. Holiday Styling
This next projector screen introduces a different type of design and as the name suggests, it is actually inflatable. Because of this, the setup is an absolute breeze as the quiet electric blower inflates the screen in around two minutes.
Read moreSize
This entire screen projector measures 16 feet in diameter but the actual screen portion is around 12 feet (which works out to around 125 inches in width). Additionally, it can be used for both front and rear projection.
Durability
Holiday Styling designed their screen projector to last and that is proven with the triple grade 600DD fabric utilized throughout. Also, it has been reinforced with durable loops on each corner.
Ease of Use
With your purchase, you receive an electric blower that is surprisingly quiet. As this is an inflatable screen, all you need to do is allow the blower to inflate this (which is done in around two minutes).
Not only is it convenient for storage that the actual screen can be removed, but it also lends a hand when cleaning. Because of this, cleaning it is hassle-free and can be done virtually anywhere.
Storage and Portability
Besides its ultra-portability, being able to deflate and only weighing 18 pounds, the actual screen can be removed for safe storage.
Overall
While an inflatable projector screen may seem like an absurd and childish idea, it is actually quite ingenious. As long as you can tolerate the ridiculously large logo on the front, you will find thorough enjoyment with this product.
4. Silver Ticket
Silver Ticket Products manufacturers several projector screens but this model is one of their few that can function outdoors. The manufacturer does deserve a lot of praise as they engineered their screen with optimized materials to produce the best resolution possible.
Read moreSize
Serious time and effort were put into this screen’s design and it shows. First off, it is 4K ready and designed with smooth vinyl material to produce a brighter and clearer image. Then, it also has a 1.1 gain and wide 160-degree viewing angle.
Durability
As great as the screen is, the overall construction has been questioned by a few users. One took issue with the corners tearing after only two weeks and another thought the tacks that secure the screen to the frame were subpar.
Ease of Use
As the frame unfolds and latches together quickly, the overall setup process is quite the breeze. In fact, Silver Ticket Products claims it will set up in minutes.
Provided you have a little bit of patience, cleaning the actual screen of this product should not prove to be an issue. Per the product description, simple mild soap and water should do the trick.
Storage and Portability
Overall, this is a very portable screen and can easily be taken with you on family trips and vacations. As it can quickly fold down for storage, it will also not take you too much time.
Overall
Without a doubt, the most impressive aspect of this projector screen is the screen itself. Given that this is one of the most important design aspects of them, it instantly makes this a recommended product.
5. Jaeilplm 2-in-1
What is really nice about this next projector screen is it is a 2-in-1 design. Basically, this means it can adapt to indoor and outdoor use. Either way, you decide to go, the screen remains easy to setup regardless.
Read moreSize
Thanks to the integrated four-hook tension system, a wrinkle-free screen is promised. Also, the back of the screen is black coated and the front is made of PVC matte white with a 1.15 gain and 160-degree viewing angle.
Materials
Instead of a tripod, which you will see on other projector screens, the designer instead went with a triangle prism design. Basically, this provides ultimate stability and is able to hold up against moderate winds.
Ease of Use
If you install this indoors, it merely requires one nail to hang up. Meanwhile, outdoor installation is not too trickier and should take less than 15 minutes of your time.
Cleaning this screen has not been presented as an issue from very many consumers. However, you should clean it as you would a normal screen projector.
Storage and Portability
Not only is this a very lightweight screen, but it also comes equipped with a carrying bag. As such, you can easily stow it away in your vehicle when transporting it.
Overall
Though simple in nature, the convenience of having an indoor and outdoor screen projector could do wonders for you. What is also amazing is that the setup changes yet remains simple both ways.
6. Open Air Cinema
If all you care about is investing in the largest projector screen you can, this may be up your alley. While there are some potential issues present, the massive screen size of 220 inches with a 16:9 aspect ratio is going to appeal to certain users.
Read moreSize
Talk about a massive screen size; it does not get much bigger than what Open Air Cinema offers. Their 220-inch screen, though, is also a wide screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio.
Durability
While various users have reported this screen holds up acceptably to the wind, the drawstring that connects the blower to the screen has been heavily criticized.
Ease of Use
Given the sheer amount of size, this is going to be difficult for one person to assemble. Yet, the setup is a snap as it is intelligently designed to maintain optimum tension without any zipping or clipping being necessary.
Some users claim that because of its inability to be removed, the screen is not that easy to clean. Yet, others claim the contrary and the seller recommends a simple dunk in water with a typical laundry detergent.
Storage and Portability
Thankfully, the large screen size is not indicative of the weight of this projector screen as it is only 17 pounds. This makes it portable in its own right but also allows it to fit inside a stuff sack.
Overall
Open Air Cinema is not messing around with their screen projector and its massive size is proof enough of that. If you do not plan on having anyone else help you with this beast, though, installing it can be quite tough.
7. Camp Chef
A lot of users are quite fond of Camp Chef’s outdoor movie screen and it is not difficult to see why. Much like many others, it is not flawless but it is durable enough and crisp enough to provide a satisfying experience.
Read moreSize
We go from an enormous screen size to one that is only 92 inches, which is shockingly small as compared to other screens. But, this 92-inch screen is also made of a durable oxford nylon material for the best picture possible.
Durability
The frame of this screen is made of durable 18-gauge, ¾-inch powder coated steel tubing. In addition to this, both the tie-down guy lines and stakes are included for stability reasons.
Ease of Use
While the setup is a breeze, numerous reviewers have reported that the teardown process is significantly more annoying. According to one consumer, it is due to the release buttons on the stand.
There should not be too much for you to concern yourself with when it comes to cleaning this screen.
Storage and Portability
When your movie has finished and you are ready to pack up camp, the convenient storage bag (that is included) allows you to neatly pack it inside.
Overall
It is fair if 92 inches is just not suitable enough for some people and if it is not, steer away from this screen projector. However, its ideal frame and high-quality screen combination do make this a compelling design.
8. Visual Apex
Notwithstanding the durability issues that have been brought into question, one of the most recognizable projector screens on the market is the model from Visual Apex. Part of the reason why is the design of their screen which is actually optimized for 4K.
Read moreSize
Besides being 120 inches in size with a PVC matte white finish, the fabric utilized for the screen is also UV protected and flame retardant.
Durability
Although the frame has been designed in one-piece with anodized aluminum, a few consumers have experienced issues with its stability claiming it to crumble under moderate wind speeds.
Ease of Use
No electricity is required and the steps to the setup process are minimal. Yet, some of the steps can be a nuisance according to various users. In specific, snapping the screen in place.
As previously mentioned, the fabric is UV protected but past that, it is also mildew-resistant and anti-static. Because of this, you can simply clean the screen off with a hose and that should do.
Storage and Portability
As many other sellers do, included with your purchase is a carrying bag that allows you to take this projector screen anywhere you please.
Overall
The screen by itself makes this a brilliant design. Not only does it produce high-quality images but it is also designed to withstand the elements. Despite this, though, potential durability issues with the frame prevent this from being any higher.
9. Supreme Loch
One of the better aspects of the Supreme Loch Projector Screen is that you can select from various screen sizes. Depending on your preferences, you can choose from 120 inches, 140 inches, and 200 inches.
Read moreSize
Not all screen projectors can and the fact that this can be used for both front and rear projection is a nice touch. Additionally, you can choose from the aforementioned screen sizes.
Durability
To be honest, during gusting winds of over 20 miles per hour, you should take great caution in using this outdoors. The ropes and stakes are not very rugged and this can have ill effects on windier days.
Ease of Use
Inflating this screen projector only takes around 50 seconds and the machine that does it for you is very quiet. Plus, stakes and tethers are included.
Cleaning the screen of this product could prove to be a challenge simply because it is not removable from the rest of the design. Though, mild dirt and dust should be quite easy to clean.
Storage and Portability
One major benefit of inflatable projector screens is they can be deflated, which makes it easier to store them. As a bonus, a storage bag is included.
Overall
Once again, this is ideal for those that prefer a much larger screen than 100 inches. Of course, even if you do not, there are enough screen size options available to adapt to almost everyone.
10. Gemmy LG
Being another inflatable screen projector, this is incredibly simple to set up and utilize. Plus, because a storage bag is included, this is an ideal movie screen when you want to show off your new toy to your friends.
Read moreSize
As compared to most other projector screens on the market, this 123-inch screen size is right in the middle of the pack.
Durability
There was one user in specific who was none too pleased with the durability of this design; claiming the plastic stakes are fragile and the stitching is subpar.
Ease of Use
Those seeking the simplest setup possible will surely appreciate this inflatable design. In just minutes, this will self-inflate and all you need to do is stake it to the ground to counter the wind.
Once again, if you use mild soap and water you should not have too much of an issue cleaning this bad boy.
Storage and Portability
There is a storage bag included but to prevent wrinkles from appearing on the screen when it is folded, it is wise to store it separately from the rest of the design.
Overall
Most of the consumer feedback for this screen projector has been highly positive. Yet, it is those slight negative reviews that could raise some red flags but overall, most people seem to be satisfied with this design.
Sources
- , TOP 10 BEST OUTDOORS PROJECTOR SCREENS IN 2019 REVIEWS, Electronics Blog
- , The Best Projector Screens on Amazon, According to Hyperenthusiastic Reviewers, NY Magazine