We’ve listed the best outdoor projectors, so you can enjoy the home cinema experience in your gardens or out on a vanlife adventure!

Depending on where you are in the world, cinemas may or may not be open to the public right now. Here in the UK, a trip to the cinema sadly remains a distant memory. Around the world, many blockbuster titles have been postponed in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, this doesn’t mean the movie magic has to stop. As the seasons change and garden gates fly open to much-missed friends and loved ones, why not create a memorable outdoor cinema experience at home?

There are a few home cinema must-haves; cosy seating, decent speakers, popcorn (got to have that authentic cinema smell). But if you’re taking things outside, you need to be able to project the film without relying on plug sockets and worrying about the elements. Here are 5 of the best outdoor projectors available right now, to ensure an alfresco viewing experience without hiccups.

Vamvo Portable Video Projector

This lightweight little device is capable of impressively high quality image and sound. The Vamvo Portable Video Projector has multiple device inputs, accommodating all kinds of projection needs. Want to watch a film from your laptop? Fine. Fancy seeing memes supersized? Can do. Despite its compact dimensions, it can still project images up to just over 3 metres, whilst maintaining crisp quality. It is fully portable and can be charged via USB, boasting a decent battery life which means films over 2 hours long are no problem.

DR.Q HI-04 Projector with Projection Screen

This projector can throw out a screen size of around 5 metres, giving you a real movie theatre experience. With the latest 3LCD enhanced colour and white brightness, the DR.Q HI-04 projector provides vibrant and HD colour output. There is also the dual built-in speakers system, offering excellent loud sound quality without needing to connect to an external speaker.

M1 mini Pocket LED Ultra-Portable Projector

The M1 Mini from ViewSonic is cleverly designed and ideal for taking out and about. Highly portable, making it one of the better outdoor projectors, it fits comfortably in the palm of your hand (though we don’t recommend this as a viewing method). The built-in hinged arm acts as a lens protector, as well as a smart adjustable stand. Although it isn’t the brightest projector out there, it performs best in darker conditions and gives realistic colours and good quality image nonetheless. The swappable coloured panels are a fun customising option too!

VANKYO L430W WiFi Projector

Managing projection of almost 6 metres, the VANKYO L430W is a fantastic option if you’re planning on hosting movie nights with larger groups. The upgraded 2020 version offers 85% more brightness than other projectors, at 6000 lumens. Great for iOS and Android devices, you can connect via WiFi, lightning or USB. A fan noise suppression system also means no annoying whirring ruining the film’s ambience.

Anker Nebula Capsule 2

The most expensive in our list, the Anker Nebula Capsule 2 is a can-shaped gadget with excellent sound incorporated. As well as greta sound, it has Android TV built in, so no need to mess about with HDMI and casting from devices. From a full charge you will get near to 2.5 hours video playback, or 30 if you use it solely as a Bluetooth speaker. The projection is watchable in daytime, however performs best in dark settings – as with the majority of mini projectors.

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