With spring in full swing, and summer creeping up, you’ll probably be spending more time outside — which means you can get creative with how you watch movies. Indoor and outdoor home projectors have become one of those gadgets that we realized we needed during quarantine. Sure, home theater projectors have been around for years, but the market swelled as the coronavirus pandemic forced many of us inside for long periods of time. As a result, backyard movie viewing is probably more popular than it’s been in years. Regardless of how you like to watch movies (whether it’s going to movie theaters, or streaming from home), buying a home projector is a good investment. To help with your shopping list, we put together a short roundup of some of the best options that you can find for under $200. See our picks below, and for pricier options check out best home projectors for any budget.
Xiaoya Outdoor Projector
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This HD outdoor projector can be mounted, placed on a table, or used with a tripod. It offers dual HiFi stereo speaker, multiple connection ports, 1280 x 720 panel resolution, low noise, and it’s easy to connect to a computer, TV stick, Chromecast, Xbox, and more. It’s equipped with a 4000 lumen LED light to project clear images and vibrant colors, and can be used for movies, gaming, or presentations. The projector is compatible with Android, iPhone, iMac, and iPad (you’ll need an extra Lightning to HDMI adapter for iPhone/iPad connection; and a Micro USB/Type C to HDMI adapter for Android phones).
CiBest W13 Mini Projector
Vankyo Leisure 3 Mini Projector
Meer YG300 Portable Mini LED Projector
This mini projector is one of many budget-friendly options that are perfect for kids’ playrooms. Its sunny two-tone color scheme is aesthetically pleasing, but more importantly it’s tiny — not much bigger than your smartphone or tablet — and lightweight, which makes it perfect for hiking or camping. It doesn’t have its own battery, but can easily be plugged into a power bank. It has a built-in speaker along with USB, AV, and SD slots so it’s compatible with many different devices, though it does require HDMI adapter cords to connect with many smartphones.
Crosstour S100 Portable Projector
Speaking of tiny, the Crosstour S100 pocket projector will give you a cinematic experience without taking up virtually any space. It’s equipped with the newest DPL technology, and has a projection distance of 0.3-4m (1.2-1.5m is recommended). This handheld device is ideal for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. It weighs less than half a pound, and has a battery life of up to three hours per charge. It features built-in speakers but you can also connect it to external via a 3.5mm audio jack. The S100 is compatible with any device that has an HDMI output, including Chromecast, TV Stick, laptops, and PS4. You can also connect Android/IOS devices (you’ll need an adapter). You can view movies, photos, cartoons, video games and more on this compact gadget. Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Email Newsletters here.