We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. The newsroom or editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content.
Choosing the Right Outdoor Projector Screen: Buying Guide
Outdoor projector screens are the perfect buy for when you’re trying to prepare for a summer of socializing. If you’re looking to entertain a group of your friends and family with an outdoor gathering that involves a light snack alongside a fun movie or any other quality viewing, these screens will take your get-together to a whole other level.When you’re indoors, you can settle for using one of your walls or a plain white sheet as a projection surface (if you’re not too picky). But you will not be as lucky when you’re outdoors. To make the search easier for you, check out right here some of the highest-rated models of outdoor projector screens of 2023.
GT GETCO TECH Projector Screen
Best Overall
Holiday Styling Projector Screen
Great for Backyards
Mdbebbron Foldable Portable Projector Screen
Most Budget-Friendly
Vamvo Outdoor Projector Screen
Best Self-Supported
Abdtech Portable Outdoor Movie Screen
Most Portable
Skerell Portable Projector Screen
Most Durable
Benefits of an Outdoor Projector Screen
An outdoor projector screen is going to give you the chance to enjoy your favorite movie under a starry sky while being all cozied up on a chilly night with your friends and family. It’s going to allow you to carry a movie theater in your backpack when you’re headed to the beach or on a camping trip. Overall, it’s going to enhance your viewing experience significantly, especially if you’re someone who appreciates a fun and comfortable environment to go with your movies.Features to Consider Before Buying an Outdoor Projector Screen
Screen size and aspect ratio
The size of the outdoor projector screen is an important part of the overall viewing experience. Before you pick a size, you need to consider the space you’re going to be using for installation. While size is purely about personal preferences, most people prefer going for the largest available size. Consider the capabilities of your projector; you should always opt for a screen with a diagonal size that allows a 16:9 aspect ratio because that’s the ratio most commonly used for most movies.Viewing angle
This largely depends on how far away from the screen you’re going to be sitting. Home theater ranges should be anywhere between 30-40 degrees; if you’re going to be watching at an angle larger than that, then the images on the screen are going to appear dimmer than they should. Most screens that are intended for larger audiences have viewing angles between 160-180 degrees to make the viewing experience inclusively immersive.Material and weight
The quality of the material used to make the screen has a huge effect on the viewing experience and on the durability and ease of use of the screen. Ideally, go for wrinkle-free materials and frames that are made of strong and sturdy material and feet that do not wobble when installed. Weight is an important factor to be portable; the screen and stand should be heavy enough to be held down in outdoor environments, but light enough so they’re easy to be carried around.Front and rear projection
If you want a proper home theater experience, go for a front-projection screen, which will require you to mount your projector on a ceiling or a floor mount. Rear-projection screens are much like large TVs because of how they illuminate the back of the screen, but not the front. The latter choice is more budget-friendly and is easier to set up for outdoor viewing.GT GETCO TECH Projector Screen
Best Overall
This front and back projecting screen by GT GETCO TECH comes with a flexing metal frame that makes it extremely portable. The frame combines metal with fiberglass tension rods that efficiently and sturdily hold the screen in position. It also comes with ropes and belts to keep the screen held taut and prevent it from warping and wrinkling.What’s especially great about this screen is that you can project onto either side, which makes it incredibly versatile as compared to other outdoor screens. The frame is collapsable; the screen is foldable, and it all comes with a bag with carrying handles, which makes it easy to carry around with you wherever you go.
Pros
- No tools are required for installation
- Overall setup is collapsable and extremely portable
- Front and back projecting screen
- Tautly held screen to prevent wrinkles
Cons
- Installation may be difficult
Holiday Styling Projector Screen
Great for Backyards
Experience outdoor entertainment like no other with the Holiday Styling Outdoor Projector Screen. Great for viewing football games, sports championships, and your favorite movies, this screen is sure to be a hit with guests for any watch party. Perfect for backyard movie nights, barbeques, and pool parties, this inflatable projector screen is super easy to set up in minutes without any hassle. It is designed with durable fabric for a seam-free viewing area that stays inflated. The package has everything you need to create your own personal theater for movie night. The wide sturdy frame ensures stability while the white seamless viewing area provides unobstructed viewing. A 110V electric blower comes included to quickly and quietly inflate the projection screen in just a flash. You can also use the tie-down ropes to make sure it stays put on the backyard or lawn.
Pros
- Strong electric blower included
- Seamless viewing area
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Very expensive
Mdbebbron Foldable Portable Projector Screen
Most Budget-Friendly
Mdbebbron’s projector screen is a compact, one-piece, lightweight projector screen with a super convenient folding design that makes it easy to carry around with you because it can easily fit inside a small backpack or suitcase. The screen is made of polyester that’s wrinkle-free with high absorbance, so it can be easily stored away when not in use.This foldable projector screen can be set up using hooks, brackets, ropes, double-sided napes, or even just nails. The screen has a 16:9 aspect ratio, is stretchable up to 120 inches, and provides a wide viewing range for a comfortable viewing experience. It also offers a wide range of applications, ranging from outdoor movie nights during family vacations and camping trips or work presentations at the office or on business trips.
Pros
- Anti-wrinkle, lightweight, and foldable material
- Wide viewing range
- Hand- and machine-wash friendly
Cons
- Writing on images may appear blurry
Vamvo Outdoor Projector Screen
Best Self-Supported
Vamvo’s projector screen is great for outdoor, as well as indoor usage, which makes it a pretty great choice for almost all intents and purposes, especially if you’re looking for portability. You’re going to be getting a stand with this purchase, as well as all the accessories you’re going to require setting it up outdoors.Thanks to its 120-inch screen size and 16:9 aspect ratio, you’re going to enjoy watching your favorite movies on a large screen even when you’re out and about.
Pros
- Stand to hold up screen included
- Wide viewing angle and area
- No extra accessories required for set-up
- Comes with a two-year warranty
Cons
- Slightly expensive
Abdtech Portable Outdoor Movie Screen
Most Portable
The Abdtech Portable Outdoor Movie Screen is the perfect choice for those looking for quality and portability. It comes with a super lightweight and sturdy frame made of aluminum, which is easy to put together and install along with the screen. The frame has flat feet that allow it to stand firmly on rough and wobbly outdoor surfaces. The feet also have holes in them to fit in the ground stakes, included with the package.This screen is 120-inches big with a decent balance between its weight and thickness. It’s also specifically designed for viewing still and moving pictures in full HD, 3D, and 4K.
Pros
- Comes with a sturdy, yet lightweight aluminum stand
- Thick, foldable screen
- Easy and convenient assembly and installation
- Offers viewing in full HD, 3D, and 4K
Cons
- Ground stakes are inadequate for the screen size
Skerell Portable Projector Screen
Most Durable
Skerell’s portable projector screen offers a 16:9 ratio and a wide viewing angle for super easy and comfortable viewing. The material of the screen is high-quality polyester and spandex, which offers high-resolution and vivid images with front and rear projection.A bonus with this screen is that it comes with a stand to hold the screen, which makes it easy to set up, especially when you’re on the go. The screen can be folded up without creasing and can be rolled out and adjusted onto the aluminum alloy frame it comes with when it needs to be used. It weighs just 6 pounds, which makes it convenient to carry and stow away.
Pros
- Made of high-quality and durable polyester
- Wide angle and HD viewing
- Lightweight, wrinkle-resistant and foldable for portability
- Simple design that’s easy to install
Cons
- Stands are not very durable
People Also Asked
Can I leave my outdoor projector screen outside or do I need to pack it up after each use?
That depends on the material of the screen you’ve purchased. Most outdoor projector screens withstand the elements when they’re placed outside, but it’s always recommended to bring them inside when they aren’t being used, especially if you want your screen to last longer.
Can I use my outdoor projector screen indoors?
Of course! Most of them are designed for outdoor, as well as indoor usage. Either way, it’s always a good idea to refer to the manual that comes with your product to confirm whether it can be used for both purposes.
Can an outdoor projector screen be used during the daytime?
That depends on the projector you’re going to be using. If you’re watching a movie outside in the daytime, you’ll need a projector of over 5,500L and a screen with a high gain (ratio of light reflected from the source back from a surface) to help with the brightness from the sun.
Disclaimer: Some pages on this site may include an affiliate link. This does not effect our editorial in any way.
