These Portable Projectors Will Upgrade Your Backyard Movie Nights

From weather-resistant furniture that's perfect for lounging to stylish fire pits that make for a cozy night of roasting marshmallows, there are plenty of items you can add to your backyard to make it the ideal space for entertaining all summer long.

Related: More outdoor must-haves

But if you've been looking for a way to upgrade your at-home movie nights, might we suggest moving your setup under the stars? A portable projector will allow you to take your movie viewing outside, since you can project films onto blank walls, sheets, or even inflatable screens. We've rounded up five different projectors of varying sizes and price points, so you'll be able to find just the right one for you, wherever your movie nights take you this summer.

This projector is both portable and affordable, making it a great option for video-projecting beginners. It features  1080p projection and a built-in speaker, but you can also connect to a speaker via Bluetooth. Plus, at just over four pounds, it's lighter than many other similar projectors on the market, making it easy to take with you on-the-go.

One reviewer on Wayfair's site praised this projector's impressive picture quality and ease of use. Another shopper said it "makes outdoor movie night fun for the whole block."

To buy: wayfair.com, $100 (originally $112)

This projector provides over 50,000 hours of lamp life, making it a particularly durable, long-lasting option. It's also easily portable and allows viewers to enjoy video in 1080p HD.

Shoppers also love this projector for outdoor use. "We absolutely love it! We hook it up to our sound bar and use it outdoors for movies by the pool. The picture is crisp and clear, even when projecting it onto the stucco wall of the house exterior (which is brown.) Couldn't be more pleased," one reviewer wrote.

To buy: wayfair.com, $270 (originally $350)

This sleek, adjustable projector is easy to set up and can project at nearly any angle. It has a built-in battery and over 30,000 hours of operational life, so it will last for years of outdoor movie watching.

Shoppers are particularly impressed with how easy this projector is to use. "The image is clear, the built-in speaker is actually quite good, and setup was very easy. The fact that it auto-adjusts has also been great. I’d highly recommend it," one reviewer wrote.

To buy: staples.com, $290

This high definition projector maintains fine details and clear images when displayed at up to 100 inches, so you can ensure that your movies will appear in high quality even on large screens. The device is also impressively compatible for outdoor use, since it can be used wirelessly and has a battery life of 2.5 hours.

To buy: dell.com, $600 (originally $650)

Hardcore movie buffs and tech lovers will be fans of this smart projector that is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It projects in 4K on screens up to 120 inches and features a built-in Harmon Kardon Bluetooth speakers to boot. You can also connect the projector to WiFi to easily sync with platforms like Netflix and YouTube.

To buy: target.com, $1,747 (originally $2,399)

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