The Halo True has a maximum screen size of 300″, and can create a 46″ picture from 2.59 feet away, so this projector will work best if you have a lot of room. It has a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 (1080p), which is pretty impressive, but the screen edges tend to not be as clear as the center, so make sure it’s dark out if you’re watching outdoors.
If you’re looking for a good way to throw a casual movie night, XGIMI’s Halo True is the right choice.
We mostly stuck to projectors that have an integrated speaker system, but for a full movie theater experience, you’ll probably want to invest in some good audio gear. Speakers: Not all projectors have built-in speakers - they’re about displaying video, after all - which means you may have to connect an external set. Some even support WiFi or Bluetooth, which lets you connect them to your phone or other accessories wirelessly. We chose projectors that have a wide array of ports, including HDMI, VGA, and USB. Ports: Ports let you connect computers, game consoles, phones, or tablets to the projector, so more is better. Light is measured in Lumins, and our picks all have a luminosity of at least 600, but most are between 2,000 and 3,000.
The brighter the projector, the more it’s able to overcome light pollution. Some projectors are categorized as “short throw,” which means they’re calibrated to throw a larger image from a shorter distance.īrightness: The video thrown by a projector is highly susceptible to light pollution, which will dim the image before it hits your screen or wall.
The further away the projector is from the wall, the larger the image will be. Throw Distance: This is a math equation that calculates how big a projector’s image will be based on how far away it is from the screen or wall it’s projecting onto. For a more granular breakdown of everything we considered when selecting projectors for this guide, check out our full criteria below. Their bulbs are bright enough to create a clear image even when there’s some light pollution (a factor you can’t control outside), and they have built-in speakers, so you don’t have to lug a pair outside from inside your house just plug in the projector, connect your device, and hit play. They’re all under 12 pounds (some are less than half that weight), so they’re easy to move from your home theater to your outdoor space.
We’ve covered projectors before - check out our guide to the best portable and 4K models - but the ones on this list are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Thanks to warmer weather, now is the perfect time to grab some friends, some food, some beach chairs and an outdoor projector to set up a movie night. Summer is around the corner, and what could possibly be more sublime than watching a movie in your backyard, back patio or rooftop? The answer, of course, is nothing. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.