Projectors Vs. Outdoor TVs: Which Is Best For Watching Movies Outside?

There's nothing cozier than watching a good movie on the couch, but when the weather is nice, you can never spend enough time outdoors. From hosting a backyard movie night to floating in a pool while binging your favorite show, modern technology makes it easier than ever to bring home entertainment outdoors. Sure, you can drag your existing devices to your patio, but if you love the vibe, you'll likely find yourself trying to decide between investing in a projector or an outdoor TV at some point.

Generally, projectors work better for outdoor movies, nighttime watching, hosting lots of people, or using indoors and outdoors. TVs, on the other hand, are good for when you might want to watch in brighter conditions, have limited space, or want your outdoor screen to be a more permanent fixture. You'll also want to consider your budget, as the two can vary in price. So, it's important to figure out what matters to you with your outdoor technology before investing. Then, there is the most important question: What do you plan to watch? If movies are the only priority, then a projector could be a great choice, but a TV may be better if you want more variety in your watching habits.

When it comes to watching movies at night outdoors, nothing beats the projector. You get a large viewing area and a flexible piece of technology that you can use both indoors and outdoors. Projectors can easily be twice the size of large TVs. You can also choose a projector based on whether you want to hang the screen, use a stand, or have an inflatable setup — there are plenty of options. Unlike a TV, a projector screen can be easily stored when not in use, but when shopping, you'll want to avoid the common mistakes people make when buying a projector. Getting the sizing, lumens, and foot-lamberts right for your yard space are important for making movie nights enjoyable.

Projectors can definitely be more affordable than TVs, as well. While some projectors can cost thousands of dollars, there are cheaper options. The BENQ TH585 is thought to be one of the best budget-friendly options, and it costs $600. If you are willing to take on more risk, Amazon has many options under $200 that are highly rated, such as the HP portable mini projector, which costs just $125 and has an average 4.8-star rating from over 500 customers. Finding a budget-friendly projector is especially important because you need to consider the cost of the screen, its stand, and possibly speakers. Decent screens can range in price from around $50 to hundreds or even thousands of dollars. 

While a quality projector setup is fantastic for nighttime outdoor movies, TVs can be a bit more multi-functional. If you enjoy an afternoon watch, the brighter screen of a television fares better in the sunlight than a projector screen. Projectors are able to be brought indoors in poor weather, but outdoor TVs are made to better withstand weather conditions. It's also worth looking into how long TVs last outside, according to owners, to get a good understanding of your investment.

Additionally, outdoor TVs typically come with built-in speakers that are louder than projectors'. Finally, if you often enjoy watching sports or cable, a TV can be easier to set up than a projector for those uses. There's a variety of TVs you should use outside this summer, but outdoor TVs can be quite a bit more expensive than projectors or indoor TVs. On the other hand, there are fewer costs to complete the setup than an outdoor projector situation, including the wall mount.

Ultimately, when it comes to movie watching in the ideal dark environment, a giant projector is a truly great setup. It makes the movie-watching experience different from the typical indoor screen and adds a special feel. Outdoor TVs are better when you want a bit more versatility with watching options.