The Best Outdoor Projector

Any reasonably sized, freestanding projector can function effectively outdoors for an occasional backyard movie night, as long as you can provide power and video connections. However, if you need a more durable, battery-powered projector for activities like camping or RV trips, the Nebula Mars 3 is a standout choice due to its impressive brightness, long battery life, and user-friendly operation.

A traditional, non-battery-powered projector such as the similarly priced BenQ HT2060 offers superior picture quality and higher overall brightness, making it suitable for use with a larger outdoor screen. However, its design doesn’t quite evoke the spirit of a “road trip!” like the Mars 3 does.

Everything we recommend

The Nebula Mars 3 is the brightest battery-powered projector we’ve tested so far. It also offers the longest battery life, and its internal speaker is more powerful than those of most competitors. While this 1080p LED projector can’t match the overall picture quality of the best budget home theater projectors, it provides reasonably good contrast and color accuracy for its intended purpose.

With the addition of the Android TV streaming platform, automatic image focus, and a host of outdoor-friendly features—like weatherproofing (with an IPX3 rating), drop resistance, a built-in LED lantern, and USB-A and USB-C charging ports for your mobile devices—this projector emerges as the best all-around option for outdoor use.

The downsides: the Mars 3 is expensive and bulky, you need to sideload the Netflix app, and the projector lacks a direct USB-C video port, meaning you’ll have to purchase an HDMI adapter cable to connect most mobile devices.

If you plan to use your outdoor projector with a smaller screen or in a confined space, like a covered patio, a deck, or a small campsite, the Nebula Mars 3 Air is a more affordable alternative that shares many features with our top pick. This model is our favorite mini projector for indoor use, but it also boasts the battery power and portable design desirable for an outdoor projector.

This 1080p LED projector is not intended for big-screen movie-watching in a large outdoor area. It’s less than half as bright as the Mars 3, and its internal speaker isn’t as loud. However, for a more modest setup where everyone is seated close to the projector, the Mars 3 Air’s performance should suffice—and you can easily add a portable Bluetooth speaker for enhanced volume.

The main drawbacks of this model are its lack of weatherproofing and the omission of a USB-C video port. Additionally, its awkwardly designed underside restricts the types of tripods and mounts you can use.

Who this is for

If you’re in search of a highly portable, durable projector that sets up swiftly and effortlessly in your backyard, accompanies you on camping escapades, or finds a spot in your RV for those long road journeys, then this guide is tailored precisely for you.

For optimal and consistent performance, we highly recommend complementing your outdoor projector with a high-quality outdoor screen.

How we picked and tested

Given that virtually any freestanding projector can suffice for an occasional backyard movie night, our initial task was to narrow down our selection criteria to determine which models to include in this guide.

The optimal outdoor projector should aim for maximum self-containment, incorporating the following features and attributes:

Battery power: We favored projectors with built-in batteries, enabling them to function in any outdoor setting without requiring an external power source. The battery life should ideally last for a minimum of two hours, even when the projector is operating at or near its maximum brightness level.

We also took into account projectors equipped with a USB-C charging port, as they have the capability to run off a portable power bank. However, it’s important to note that with these models, you must consider the additional cost of the power bank when calculating the overall expense.

Portable design: We sought projectors that are compact enough for effortless outdoor transportation. A carrying handle or an included travel case was considered a bonus feature during our selection process.

We advise utilizing a tripod mount with your projector, as it facilitates the accommodation of uneven ground surfaces and enables precise adjustment of the image height. Therefore, we prioritized models equipped with a threaded insert on the bottom for easy attachment to a mount.

Wi-Fi and streaming: We gave preference to models with Wi-Fi support and internal streaming-video apps (such as Disney+, Netflix, and Prime Video), eliminating the need for an external source device. However, we also considered the inclusion of USB ports for connecting mobile devices and thumb drives to be advantageous.

Loud built-in speaker, plus Bluetooth: The internal speaker of the projector should possess sufficient dynamism and balance, eliminating the necessity for an external speaker. Nevertheless, we appreciate the inclusion of Bluetooth support, providing the option to connect a portable Bluetooth speaker if desired.

Weatherproofing: This feature is undoubtedly desirable but currently quite uncommon. Only a select few projectors boast water- and drop-resistant designs, offering protection against unexpected rain showers or accidental impacts from objects like volleyballs.

Beyond the outdoor-specific specs, we also considered these important elements of performance:

Bright enough for a big screen: If you’re putting in the effort to organize an outdoor movie night, chances are you want to enjoy a large-screen viewing experience. Therefore, we sought projectors capable of delivering a reasonably bright image at 100 inches diagonally. We disregarded any models with a claimed brightness of under 400 ANSI lumens.

Brightness ratings can be notoriously unreliable. Manufacturers often use different rating systems such as ANSI lumens, LED lumens, or ISO lumens. Additionally, projectors typically achieve their highest brightness levels in a picture mode that produces an exaggerated, green-tinted image, which is not ideal for viewing. To provide meaningful comparisons, we measure the light output of every projector we test on the same screen under identical conditions.

None of the projectors featured in this guide are sufficiently bright to contend with direct sunlight. They are designed for nighttime viewing, where ambient light around the screen is minimal. If you desire a larger screen size, it becomes imperative to have a projector with higher light output capabilities.

HD resolution: We exclusively considered projectors with a resolution of 720p or higher to ensure that big-screen images appeared more detailed. We particularly favored those with a 1080p resolution. As of now, there are no battery-powered projectors with 4K resolution available.

Reasonably accurate color: For this guide, our focus was on home entertainment projectors specifically engineered to meet the stringent color-accuracy standards set for cinema and HDTV content. We prioritized these over business-centric portable projectors. Through our extensive testing across multiple guides, we’ve observed that portable projectors often fall short in color accuracy compared to traditional home theater projectors. However, we aimed for portable projectors that at least approached the same level of color accuracy.

We had previously evaluated the majority of projectors that met the aforementioned criteria during our assessment for the best portable mini projectors guide. However, we conducted additional testing on a select few of the most promising contenders, specifically emphasizing outdoor viewing on a larger 100-inch screen.

To ensure an objective evaluation of each projector’s performance, we utilized Portrait Displays’ Calman color-calibration software in conjunction with a Murideo Six-G test-pattern generator and a C6 HDR2000 colorimeter. We meticulously measured all available picture and brightness modes to ascertain which one offered the optimal combination of light output, contrast ratio, and color accuracy. These measurements were conducted indoors within our standardized testing environment, utilizing a 100-inch-diagonal Silver Ticket STR Series matte-white screen.

Subsequently, we dedicated time to using each projector indoors, thoroughly assessing both picture and sound quality. Given the intended use of these projectors, we anticipated that users would prefer something that is effortless to set up and operate with minimal hassle. Therefore, we regarded convenience and usability as equally significant factors alongside absolute picture quality. Additionally, we rigorously tested battery life in both brighter and dimmer modes to provide a comprehensive assessment.

We concluded by transitioning to outdoor testing, where we selected the most promising models for backyard movie-watching sessions using a 100-inch Elite Screens Yard Master 2 screen. This step held particular significance in evaluating the quality of the projector’s internal speaker. The outdoor environment presents a more challenging acoustical setting, as it requires the speaker to deliver a robust sound amidst external elements, unlike the controlled conditions of an enclosed room.

Our pick: Nebula Mars 3

The Nebula Mars 3 stands out as the top choice for an outdoor projector due to its comprehensive array of essential features, ensuring a delightful outdoor viewing experience. Moreover, it excels in both picture and sound quality, further solidifying its position as the premier option.

In our testing, the Nebula Mars 3 emerged as the brightest battery-powered projector. When assessed on our 100-inch screen, we recorded a luminosity of 604 lumens with the Mars 3 in its optimal picture mode, Custom. Additionally, the projector’s Performance mode, although excessively green, approached Nebula’s claimed specification of 1,000 ANSI lumens, exhibiting even greater brightness.

The Mars 3 outshines all the smaller portable projectors we tested, boasting significantly greater brightness. In fact, it’s twice as bright as its primary outdoor-oriented competitor, the BenQ GS50. This enhanced luminosity not only enhances the visual impact of the image but also grants you the freedom to opt for a larger screen size. While a 100-inch diagonal image might seem substantial in a confined family room, it might not deliver the same immersive experience in a spacious backyard. With the Mars 3, however, you have the flexibility to scale up the screen size, within reasonable limits.

The picture quality is good. During our testing, the Nebula Mars 3 exhibited commendable image contrast and color accuracy, albeit not reaching the level attained by its more affordable counterpart, the Mars 3 Air. Nevertheless, it outperformed the average in the portable projector category. While bright scenes tended to display a slight bluish-green tint in the overall white balance, this characteristic contributed to enhancing the perceived brightness of the picture.

We found the Custom picture mode to be preferable over the Movie mode as it provided the flexibility to adjust the sharpness control, effectively eliminating artificial edges and resulting in a more natural appearance. However, both modes exhibited similar performance characteristics. Additionally, the Mars 3 supports 3D playback and features MEMC motion smoothing for those who prefer that style of motion.

With its 1080p resolution, this projector delivers a crisp and detailed image, particularly noticeable at larger sizes. Unlike the cheaper Mars 3 Air, we observed significantly less visible pixel structure, commonly referred to as the screen-door effect, in the image produced by this model.

The Mars 3 also boasts the longest battery life among its peers. When the projector was operating at 100% brightness, its battery lasted approximately two hours. However, switching to eco mode, which operates at 20% brightness, extended the battery life significantly, providing an impressive duration of 4 hours and 45 minutes.

Unlike many other portable projectors that offer only a couple of preset brightness modes, the Mars 3 provides users with an adjustable slider, allowing for precise customization of brightness levels according to specific battery life requirements for each movie session. For instance, while you may comfortably watch a full kids’ movie at 100% brightness, adjusting it to around 60% may be more suitable for a lengthy epic like Oppenheimer.

Additionally, it’s important to note that this projector boasts over double the brightness of most competitors. Therefore, even when reducing the brightness to conserve battery life, you’ll still enjoy superior brightness compared to many other models available on the market.

When battery power isn’t necessary, the Mars 3 seamlessly operates on standard DC power, utilizing a detachable power cable. However, it’s worth noting that the power cable includes a somewhat bulky power brick in the middle.

The speaker system is a difference-maker. Initially, we contemplated selecting the more budget-friendly Mars 3 Air as our top pick and positioning this model as the upgrade pick. However, after conducting outdoor testing in a spacious backyard, it became evident that the superior speaker system of this projector rendered it the preferable self-contained choice.

The speaker system delivered a robust, full-bodied sound with commendable balance. Notably, the Outdoor sound mode proved highly effective in amplifying the audio output when the projector was utilized outdoors, while maintaining clear and discernible vocals.

Nevertheless, thanks to the inclusion of Bluetooth support with the Mars 3, you have the flexibility to effortlessly connect an external portable Bluetooth speaker for even more powerful audio output, should you prefer.

This projector boasts an outdoor-friendly design, characterized by its rugged and robust construction. The build exudes durability, featuring a sturdy carrying handle seamlessly integrated into the top panel. Notably, the projector holds an IPX3 water-resistance rating and is designed to withstand accidental drops. The connection panel at the rear is protected by a rubber door, while the lens at the front is safeguarded by a flip-down door, which conveniently doubles as the power on/off mechanism.

Located on the underside of the projector, you’ll discover a threaded screw designed for tripod mounting, along with an adjustable flap enabling you to aim the projector higher as required. To utilize the threaded screw with a tripod, it’s necessary to fully extend the flap.

Furthermore, the projector features an integrated LED lantern offering three brightness levels, which proves useful for illuminating the non-backlit remote control buttons in low-light conditions. Additionally, an LED dial offers visual feedback on the battery life status. Conveniently, a set of control and navigation buttons is situated on the carrying handle, providing easy access in case the remote control is left indoors.

Last but certainly not least, the projector is equipped with USB-A and USB-C charging ports at the back, allowing you to conveniently charge your mobile devices. However, it’s worth noting that utilizing these ports may result in faster battery drainage.

The projector comes with built-in Android TV, offering seamless access to a variety of streaming services. While we slightly favor Google TV, the fully integrated Android TV operating system on the Mars 3 ensures effortless streaming of video and audio content whenever you have access to a nearby Wi-Fi connection. This is particularly convenient for outdoor setups in the backyard or when you can create a mobile hotspot. Notably, all major streaming services, except Netflix (see below), are readily available.

In instances where streaming over Wi-Fi isn’t feasible, the projector offers one HDMI input for connecting a laptop or mobile device. However, it’s worth noting that you may need an adapter cable to facilitate this connection.

The automatic image adjustments can be inconsistent. The projector’s Intelligent Environment Adaptation technology employs automatic focus, keystone correction, obstacle avoidance, and screen fitting to rapidly generate a level, rectangular image on the chosen surface, ideally a projector screen.

In our testing, we found that the automatic focus feature worked swiftly and efficiently, resulting in a clear and sharp image. However, we were less impressed with the automatic keystoning and screen-fitting functions, as the outcomes didn’t consistently align perfectly with our outdoor screen. Nonetheless, we achieved excellent results by manually adjusting the keystoning using the remote control, a process that was remarkably straightforward and took only a few seconds.

Whenever feasible, it’s advisable to avoid utilizing keystone correction altogether. This feature introduces an additional layer of video processing that can compromise the clarity of the projector’s image and, in the case of gaming, may introduce lag. Mounting the projector on a tripod can prove beneficial as it provides greater flexibility in adjusting the projector’s height and angle, reducing the need for keystone correction.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Due to its weight and size, the Mars 3 necessitates a sturdy tripod mount. Measuring 6.3 by 10.2 by 9.8 inches and weighing 9.9 pounds, it surpasses most portable projectors in terms of dimensions and weight. When opting to use it with a tripod, it’s essential to select a robust one capable of securely accommodating its bulk. During our testing, we found the Wirecutter-recommended Vanguard Alto Pro 2+ tripod to yield satisfactory results.

Netflix must be sideloaded onto the projector. Similar to many Android TV projectors, native support for Netflix is lacking with this model. As a workaround, you’ll need to “sideload” Netflix through the Nebula Play app, a process that involves a couple of additional steps. However, it’s worth noting that the effectiveness of the remote control for navigating the interface may be diminished. In such cases, utilizing the Nebula Connect control app or the navigation tools on the Mars 3’s carrying handle is often more efficient.

It lacks USB video ports, meaning you’re unable to connect a USB-A thumb drive loaded with video content. Additionally, to connect USB-C mobile devices, you’ll require an HDMI adapter cable.

Budget pick: Nebula Mars 3 Air

If you’re aiming to save some money and anticipate primarily using your projector in a smaller area, the Nebula Mars 3 Air presents a viable alternative. Often available for approximately half the price of our top pick, it serves as the newer, more compact counterpart to the Mars 3. In certain performance aspects, we find it preferable—it operates on Google TV instead of Android TV (providing native Netflix support), the remote features backlighting, and the image quality is slightly more accurate.

However, in terms of the key metrics crucial for outdoor use—such as brightness, speaker quality, and battery life—it doesn’t quite match up to its larger counterpart.

This projector stands out as our top choice for indoor use. For a comprehensive review of the Mars 3 Air, check out our guide to the best portable mini projector. In summary, it offers an exceptional blend of image quality, user-friendliness, and portability at its price point.

Here we’ll focus on a few key performance aspects for outdoor use.

Its lower brightness makes it best suited for a modestly sized screen. For instance, on our 100-inch test screen, the Mars 3 Air’s Movie picture mode yielded only 276 lumens, which is less than half of what we measured from the Mars 3. Despite this, when viewing movies outdoors in the dark, the projector still delivers a rich and engaging image on the 100-inch screen. However, we wouldn’t recommend pushing the screen size any larger than that.

Similarly, while the internal speaker provided ample sound for indoor use, the projector’s smaller cabinet and speaker drivers struggled to generate sufficient volume to fill a wide-open outdoor area.

These characteristics render the Mars 3 Air more suitable for use in a smaller space where individuals are likely to be gathered around the projector and utilize a modestly sized screen, such as 80 inches or less. Ideal settings include a patio, deck, or small campground.

Naturally, you can address the speaker limitation by incorporating a portable Bluetooth speaker to enhance the volume output.

The battery life of this projector exceeds the average for its price range. While it may not rival the nearly 5-hour run time of the Mars 3 in our tests, it still reached an above-average 3.5 hours when operating in its eco brightness mode.

Similarly to its counterpart, the Mars 3 Air features an adjustable brightness slider, allowing users to fine-tune the light output to optimize battery life. When set to 70% brightness, it provided us with a battery life of 2 hours and 22 minutes.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Notably, the Mars 3 Air’s shallower tripod socket and ridged underside design impose limitations on the compatibility with certain tripods and mounts.

This model, while well-constructed, lacks weatherproofing and USB-C video ports, features present in its pricier counterpart. Without the IPX3 water resistance and covered ports, it’s essential to be more vigilant about weather conditions when using this projector.

The inclusion of the built-in Google TV streaming platform proves advantageous when Wi-Fi is accessible, while the USB-A port allows for the attachment of a thumb drive. However, the lack of a USB-C video port necessitates the use of an HDMI adapter cable to connect most mobile devices.