Projectors are a great way to liven up any outdoor party as they provide large crisp images and offer great views even when the weather is not so nice. However, outdoor projectors are not cheap and it can take some effort to find affordable projectors at a reasonable price.
If you are on a budget that doesn’t allow for such extravaganza, fret not, as we have got you covered with the 10 best budget projectors for outdoor movies in this year’s list.
These projectors will provide good quality images and should stay strong even with the toughest weather. Additionally, as they are available at a very affordable price, any of these projectors would be considered a steal if you know your way around gadgets!
So without further delay, here is our review for this year’s best budget outdoor projector on the market that has been thoroughly reviewed and tested:
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Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
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Best budget projectors for outdoor movies Reviews
1. ViewSonic PX701HD
- SUPERSIZED MOVIES AND GAMES: Immersive theater-like colors in Full HD (1920x1080p) on a screen up to...
- BRIGHT IMAGES IN ANY ENVIRONMENT: 3500 lumens brightness for projection in both bright and dark...
- CINEMATIC COLORS: Exclusive SuperColor technology offers a wide color gamut for beautiful image...
Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
ViewSonic PX701HD is a pocket projector that can project an image of up to 300 inches. It comes with various features such as DLP technology, HD resolution of 1920 x 1080p, and 3500 lumens of brightness.
The PX701HD is pretty easy to use, thanks to its remote control that has multiple buttons for volume adjustment and the option of changing settings right from the projector itself.
It also boasts a long lamp life of up to 20,000 hours, a reduced 16MS input latency, and features an exclusive superColor technology for beautiful image projection.
Additionally, it integrates perfectly well with add-ons like Chromecast, Roku, and Fire TV stick.
Overall, ViewSonic PX701HD is an excellent option for people with a tight budget but still want to enjoy advanced features and functionality.
What we like
- Long lamp life to guarantee you of 5 hours watch time every day for 10 years
- It weighs only 5.7 pounds making it easy to lug
- Supports 3D technology
What we don’t like
- The speaker may not be very powerful when in a noisy outdoor space
Here is a good video review of the ViewSonic PX701HD.
2. Q.K.K QK03 Projector
QK02 is a portable projector that is compatible with smartphones. The size of the image can be changed according to your preferences, thanks to its 12:1 zoom. It has a built-in USB port and can connect with your device easily through an HDMI adapter or Android to HDMI adapter.
The image quality is excellent thanks to its 1920×1080 resolution and the 6500 Lumens brightness level. The sound comes from a Dual Built-in Stereo Speaker, but the volume output is not so great. It’s recommended to use external speakers with this model rather than relying on its built-in ones.
A great feature of this model is its dual-fan cooling system that allows you to watch your movies without worrying about noisy sounds.
What we like
- timely and professional customer support
- You can connect to your TV stick
- Smartphone Connection Supported through HDMI adapter
- High contrast ratio of 2000:1 for better image quality
What we don’t like
- The projector screen is not sturdy enough for roll-up
Here is a video breakdown of the QKK mini projector.
3. YABER Y61 WiFi Mini Projector
- 💕[Newest Wireless Connection & ZOOM Function] YABER Y61 WiFi projector supports WiFi connection...
- 💕[Native 1280*720P & Innovative Display Tech] Y61 WiFi Projector is native 1280x720P (1920x1080P...
- 💕[Small Size Ultra Image & Wide Compatibility] Y61 Mini Projector is a ultra portable big screen,...
Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
YABER Y61 is a pocket projector that can project images of up to 60 inches. It comes with several great features such as 1080P resolution, 6000 lumens brightness, and an LED light source that provides good quality images even in the dark.
The contrast ratio of 6000:1 is good enough to deliver crisp images even when you have weak light sources.
This outdoor projector supports wireless LAN and has multiple built-in applications such as Netflix, Skype, Miracast, and Google Maps. You can also connect it to your PC easily via an HDMI port or wireless connection (WiFi).
The mini size of this projector will make it easier to carry around and connect without any hassle. Moreover, you can use the remote control to change the settings and focus on your comfort!
As far as the performance goes, this projector delivers a good quality image for up to 100,000 hours and supports a 16:9 aspect ratio.
What we like
- It comes inclusive of a projector screen, so no additional costs
- Maximum display resolution of up to 4K Ultra HD
- It can be used on either wired or wireless connection
What we don’t like
- In-built speaker not sufficient for outdoor use
A Yaber Mini Projector video tutorial can be found here.
4. Anker Nebula Apollo
- Seamless Touch Controls: Browse your entertainment with pinpoint precision. Apollo’s transparent...
- Clear Picture: See every detail of your favorite movies, shows, games, and more in remarkable...
- Home Entertainment: Enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows, games, and more up to 100 inches big...
Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
The Apollo pocket projector from Anker Nebula is another good option for people on a budget.
It costs less than a hundred dollars, yet it is packed with multiple features such as projecting an image of up to 100 inches and support for numerous media formats. You can even use it wirelessly using Bluetooth, Miracast, and Airplay.
It features an Interactive Touch Panel, which makes it easier to adjust settings. The slider control for volume adjustment helps in adjusting even when you are away from your device since it has an in-built speaker.
With the help of the Nebula Connect app, you can even control the projector from your phone or tablet.
In terms of brightness, this projector has 200 ANSI lumens that are pretty bright enough to enhance visibility even under darkness.
As far as projection quality is concerned, keep in mind that you will have to use it under the right conditions. It has a low resolution of 854 x 480 (16:9).
What we like
- A good quality in-built speaker that does not necessarily need boosting
- Easy to use; you just need to plug & play
- Light and portable to allow you to move around with it freely
What we don’t like
- Colors in some images may look de-colorized
Here is a good video on the Anker pocket projector.
5. Anker Nebula Solar Portable
- Cinematic Visuals: Experience up to 120 inches of awesome 1080p entertainment. With HDR10 and 400...
- Unforgettable Audio: Hear every whisper, explosion, and song in incredible clarity with Dolby...
- No Wires, No Limits: With Solar Portable 1080p projector’s built-in rechargeable battery, you can...
Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
While all the mainstream projectors are based on LED technology, Anker Nebula Solar Portable Projector is a pocket projector that uses solar panels to charge its batteries.
It weighs just 2.8 pounds and is compact enough for you to carry around.
Its native resolution is 1920×1080, and the projector has support for 1080p images as well.
It comes with wireless connectivity such that you can connect it to your smartphone or laptop using the HDMI port and project videos or movies on screens up to 120 inches.
It comes with a built-in stand that provides stability while maintaining the device in a portable form factor. In addition, the dual 3W speakers provide decent quality audio.
For the price tag, the 400 ANSI lumens brightness is sufficient for an outdoor cinematic experience.
The best part about the Anker Nebula Solar Portable projector is that it comes with a 5000 mAh rechargeable battery, which means you can use it for up to 3 hours once powered up.
What we like
- You can adjust the image size to your liking up to a max of 120 inches
- Multiple connectivity options, including casting
- An in-built battery that lasts up to 3 hours
What we don’t like
- The fan can be a bit noisy
Check out a video tutorial on the Anker Solar projector here.
6. ViewSonic M1+
- PORTABLE PROJECTOR: Ultra-portable WVGA (854x480p) LED projector that delivers convenient...
- BIG SCREEN PROJECTION: Shorter throw lens project up to 100-inches from 8-feet 9-inches
- PREMIUM AUDIO: Built-in dual Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers deliver room-filling audio (Bluetooth...
Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
ViewSonic M1+ is another pocket projector that has a surprisingly wide range of features at an affordable price. It comes with 15,000 hours of lamp life which should make it last quite a long time.
The image is projected using DLP and LED technology and boasts a resolution of 640x480p coupled with 400 lumens of brightness. It can project up to 100-inches from 8-feet 9-inches.
This ultra-portable award-winning projector also comes with a wireless port so that you don’t need any wires to connect it to your devices when outdoors and uses dual Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers of 45 watts for clear audio with no external device required!
The color and contrast ratio is suitable for all lighting conditions, which makes it perfect even for indoor and outdoor use. However, the quality of the image is not as good in low light conditions as it loses its color and contrast ratio while projecting.
When on full power mode, it provides up to 2.5 hours of projection time for a 120-inch image and up to 6 hours when on Eco mode, which is pretty good considering that the lamp life itself is 30,000 hours.
What we like
- Multiple and convenient connectivity options
- Longer battery life of up to 6 hours when on saving mode
- It comes with a built-in stand to minimize out of focus problems
What we don’t like
- This device cannot be mirrored or screencast
There is a good YouTube video on the ViewSonic if you want to check it out.
7. Artlii YG620 Pro Energon 2
- 【🔥 Native 1080p FHD, 4K UHD support】Artlii Energon 2 uses an original physical resolution of...
- 【🔥 340 ANSI lumens & 17 Million Color Range】Improved with an Mstar performance chip and TFT...
- 【🔥 Fast & Stable 2.4G/5G WiFi & Bluetooth Connection】 With the latest WiFi connection, Artlii...
Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Artlii YG620 Pro Energon 2 is a pocket-sized projector that can project an image of up to 120 inches.
It comes with features such as LED and DLP technology, HD resolution of 1920×1080, and brightness levels of 340 ANSI lumen. It also boasts a contrast ratio of 10000:1, making it very easy to view the screen even outdoors when it is too bright! Additionally, the projector also has an 8GB internal memory card to store your audio or video files.
Regarding its speakers, the sound is crisp and clear, just like the rest of its features. There is provision for external speakers; you can connect Bluetooth speakers, soundbar, or Bluetooth headphones.
Its LED lifetime is approximately 100,000 hours which is one of the highest figures in the market. Moreover, it also has a good cooling system so that the temperature remains optimal, ensuring that the unit doesn’t malfunction due to extremely high or low temperatures.
What we like
- Allows for Bluetooth connection and screen mirroring on iOS and Android devices
- Provides great image quality
- The most updated WiFi connection
What we don’t like
- Unfortunately, this projector does support 4k input over HDMI
Here is an Artlii projector video review.
8. AAXA P7 Mini projector
- Native 1080p Full HD Resolution – P7 projector features a latest generation 1080p (1920x1080) High...
- Super compact and mini form factor – Measures just 4.7" x 4.4" x 2.7" and 1.48 lbs - the P7...
- Rechargeable Battery Included - 38W Lithium Ion Battery is included for Amazon customers and...
Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
The AAXA P7 Mini Projector is another great projector for anyone that wants to enjoy movies outside. It can project up to 120 inches which makes it ideal for outdoor movie nights with large crowds.
It has an impressive built-in speaker that will quickly fill your backyard, patio, or deck with its clear sound, meaning you do not have to worry about external speakers for this projector. Additionally, it features an inbuilt media player, smartphone mirroring and can be easily connected to any smart device or computer via HDMI, RCA, or USB.
The best thing about the P7 Mini Projector is that it is super compact, making it easy to move around with. It also comes with a stand which is great for setting it up anywhere in your home.
Its native resolution is 1920×1080 which is great for watching movies, playing games, and even working on presentations. This projector comes with 90-minute battery life (via USB), so you can watch movies under the stars for a long time without needing to plug it in!
AAXA P7 Mini Projector is perfect if you are looking for a portable outdoor projector that is easy to set up and delivers great quality images.
What we like
- Super compact making it portable
- You can connect to several devices through its multiple input options
- It does not require bulb replacement
- Instantly powers on and off without needing warming or cooling time
What we don’t like
- Has a shorter battery life, you may be forced to keep charging it several times a day
Here is a video overview of AAXA projector.
9. BIGASUO B509
- ★ 【Full Screen Clear without Blurring】 This outdoor projector comes with native 1920x1080P...
- ★ 【Enjoy Stereo Surround Sound and 5.0 Bluetooth】 The small movie projector equipped dual 5W...
- ★ 【Digital Zoom and Wired Screen Sync】Except manual ±15 keystone correction and focus...
Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
The BIGASUO B509 Mini Projector Ultra is a mini LED projector used with almost any device you have on hand. It comes with built-in Bluetooth for you to play movies, music, and even games directly from your mobile device.
The B509 uses an advanced LED Light and source 6 layer LCD technology to produce images to a size of up to 230″ for optimal performance.
The unique cooling system of the B509 means that it can work for hours without getting hot or making noise.
The B509 comes with an HDMI port, a USB charging port, and a Mini HDMI Port for non-HD devices. It also comes with dual stereo speakers that produce high-quality sound even in windy conditions due to its strong build and design.
What we like
- It comes with a projector screen
- Powerful inbuilt dual stereo speakers for a better audio experience
- Dial focus makes adjusting the focus so much easier
- Very easy to set up
What we didn’t like
- It doesn’t come with a protective case to carry the projector in, considering that its a portable unit
Here is a video overview of the Bigasuo projector.
10. PONER SAUND 2020 mini projector
- 🔋【FULL HD 2020 LATEST UPGRADED PROJECTOR】PONER SAUND 2020 latest upgraded video projector...
- 🔋 【EXCELLENT BRIGHTNESS PERFORMANCE】The mini projector upgraded LED lighting provides +60%...
- 🔋 【BIG SCREEN SIZE EXPERIENCE】It provides a watching size from 40” to 210” with the...
Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
The PONER SAUND 2020 mini projector is a versatile outdoor projector with excellent features for a budget-friendly price. The LED light and LCD technology used allow the SAUND to produce HD images up to 210″ in size, letting you get a clear HD picture view from a distance of between 5ft to 15ft.
It also has 1280*720 px native resolution and supports 1920*1080 px resolution, ensuring you get the best possible picture quality regardless of what kind of device you have.
Additionally, this projector has an advanced cooling system that lets it run without noise or heat for hours.
At just 3.9 pounds in weight, this mini projector is an excellent option for people who love to travel and want to add some spice to the parties they are holding.
The SAUND is compatible with almost all kinds of devices such as Apple, Samsung phones, tablets, and laptops, making it a very popular choice among those looking for an outdoor projector.
This device has a lamp life of 52,000hours, a contrast ratio of 3000:1, and a brightness level of 5500 lux.
What we like
- Big screen experience of up to 210 inches, perfect for large crowds
- Supports multiple multimedia devices through various connection options
- 5-Layer Glass Lens for enhanced projection
What we didn’t like
- Horizontal keystone doesn’t exist
Check out this video if you want more information on the Poner Saund mini projector.
![Review PONER SAUND Projector, [2020 Updated]](https://pointerclicker.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2F22Dgpt5xKzM%2F0.jpg)
Table – Comparison Chart
|
Projector |
Lumens | Native Resolution | Screen Size | Keystone | Connectivity |
Lamp life (Hours) |
|
ViewSonic PX701HD |
3500 Lumens | 1920 x 1080p | 30″-300″ | Vertical | VGA, USB, HDMI | 20,000 |
|
QK02 |
6500 Lumens | 1920 x 1080p | 32”-170” | x | AV/USB/SD/HDMI/VGA/Headphone | 50,000 |
|
YABER Y61 |
6000Lumes |
1280×720 | 45-200″ | ±15° | VGA, USB, HDMI, 3.5mm Audio, Headphone | 100,000hrs |
|
Anker Nebula Apollo |
200 Lumens | 854 x 480 | 100” | Auto | Bluetooth, USB, HDMI | 30,000hrs |
|
Anker Nebula Solar |
400 Lumens | 1920×1080 | 120” | Manual (horizontal ±40°, Quadrilateral ±40°) | Bluetooth, USB, USB Type C, HDMI | 30,000hrs |
|
ViewSonic M1+ |
300 LED Lumens | 854x480p | 100” | x | HDMI, USB C, USB A | 30,000hrs |
|
Artlii YG620 |
9500 Lumens | 1920×1080
4K |
44″ – 300 “ | Manual ± 15 ° | HDMI / USB / VGA / AV / SD card / audio output 3.5mm / Bluetooth | 100,000hrs |
|
AAXA P7 Mini |
600 Lumens | 1920×1080 | 16-120” | x | HDMI, USB, microSD, AV, mini-VGA | 30,000hrs |
|
BIGASUO B509 |
7000 Lumens | 1920x1080P | 30″-230″ | manual ±15 | Bluetooth, USB, HDMI | 65,000hrs |
|
PONER SAUND 2020 |
5500 lumens | 1280*720P | 40” -210” | Manual ±15 | HDMI,USB,AV,VGA | 52,000hrs |
Buyer’s Guide
When choosing the right outdoor projector, there are a few things that you need to consider before making a decision. Here is a list of features that you should look into before making your purchase.
Brightness
The most important feature to consider when buying an outdoor projector is its brightness. Bright projectors make viewing of the projected image much more enjoyable and fun for everyone at a party or gathering.
It would be best to try to find out how many lumens your desired projector has and compare it with other models you are interested in.
Most outdoor projectors offer either 2500 or 3000 lumens. The more lumens the projector has, the brighter the projected image will be and the easier it is to see in any lighting condition such as daylight or even when there is no light at all.
Your projector’s lens can also affect its brightness levels, so you should check whether a projector that you are interested in buying has a fixed focus lens or if it can be adjusted to alter its brightness output.
Resolution
The resolution represents the number of pixels in the projected image. This means that a bigger resolution will mean more detailed images.
While most people don’t really care about this, if you want to watch a movie with perfect endings, it would be wise to choose a projector with at least HD 720p to avoid missing out on any details.
Contrast Ratio
Click image for more info
A good contrast ratio is what separates an average picture from a great one, and especially when viewing movies under the moonlight, this feature might end up saving the day!
Usually, contrast ratios are given in comparison to how bright the white color appears next to black or near-black colors.
So, for example, a 2000:1 ratio means that white appears twice as bright next to black. On the other hand, a 10,000:1 ratio means that white is ten times brighter than near-black.
Contrast ratio may seem like a minor point to consider, but it can make all the difference in your viewing experience!
Display Technology
There are two main types of display technology that you will see in projectors. They are DLP and LCD. As far as outdoor movie projectors go, DLP wins most of the time.
They usually have better viewing angles and overall picture quality, but this might not be the case for cheaper models where manufacturers can’t spend too much money on high-end components to make it more affordable.
Weight
This might also seem like a minor point, but if you plan on moving your projector around frequently, it might just be worth making a note about the unit’s weight, especially if you intend on putting it in an outdoor enclosure.
Fan Noise
As far as outdoor movie projectors go, this is a minor point, but it can nonetheless be a deal-breaker for some people who might find the sound of the fan annoying when they are trying to watch movies outdoors.
Lens Shift
This feature allows you to adjust the angle at which the projector beams light onto your screen or wall. So if you have your television mounted high up on the wall, then lens shift can be quite useful so as to avoid buying an expensive mount!
Keystone Correction
This feature adjusts the image if it’s not straight or has a trapezoid shape, usually caused by tilting the projector. It helps rectify this issue by making sure that you get perfectly projected images.
Price
Last but not least, of course, we have the price, and while this isn’t really a feature many people will take into consideration, it might just turn out to be its own selling point!
Most projectors are affordable, especially compared to cinema equipment! If you want to find some really cheap yet quality projectors, check out our detailed reviews above and find out more about each model.
There are plenty of other features that you might come across while shopping, so make sure that you do your research before investing!
Some models come with wifi capabilities, screencast, mirroring, Bluetooth connection, remote controls, and so much more.
Conclusion
Click image for more info
So there you have it, a detailed list of some top-quality, affordable outdoor projectors that should fit your budget and help you enjoy outdoor cinema like never before!
If you are in a hurry and just want to pick the best outdoor projector without going through the entire list, we highly recommend the Anker Nebula Apollo .
Aside from its low price point, it’s a high-resolution mini projector full of advanced features like the dual-cooling fan and dual built-in stereo speakers. You can connect it to your TV stick or smartphone and top it all up; it comes with a 100-inch projector screen.
Vance is a dad, former software engineer, and tech lover. Knowing how a computer works becomes handy when he builds Pointer Clicker. His quest is to make tech more accessible for non-techie users. When not working with his team, you can find him caring for his son and gaming.