Tired of watching movies on your small phone screen when traveling? Check out our review of the best projectors for camping. You’ll be able to enjoy cinema-quality pictures without having to compromise on portability.
We considered such qualities as resolution, contrast, and brightness which provide a theater-like experience whenever you are. When camping, connectivity especially matters – we reviewed projectors that you can easily connect to any device and share your content in a moment. Besides, there are projectors under $100 in our review. One more feature is compactness – we included projectors from just compact to pocket-sized. Last but not least durability and portability that make your camping more comfortable. What’s more, some models include screens, so you don’t have to worry about choosing the place for projecting to, just relax and enjoy.
More features: 4K video support, 5.0 Bluetooth function (does not support smartphone or pad, only audio), 100 inches big screen included, digital zoom and wired screen sync
This camping projector is our top choice because it is portable, compact, and has a durable design that lets us use it outside without any difficulties, the projector also has high picture and audio quality with native resolution 1080P, 4К video support, 6500:1 contrast, and HiFi stereo which provides a theater-like experience wherever you are. Besides, this movie projector supports digital zooming, so you may change the image’s size from 70 to 100 % (4 levels) using a remote control. The projector’s built-in Bluetooth function allows you to link it to external speakers. It has digital zoom and wired screen sync, compatible with IOS and android devices.
One of the elements that set this device aside from its predecessors is that this portable projector comes with an advanced 6 layer LCD display technology. This feature results in a clear and vivid image quality that allows you to enjoy an unmatched watching experience. The BIGASUO Native 1080P Bluetooth Projector also comes with a 100 inches projection screen which is a great add-on package. It also comes with a mount and stick pads.
More features: 4K UHD and HDR video, enhanced gaming mode with up to 8.4ms input response time, game display mode, DLP technology, full 3D, MHL connectivity, ISF modes
We nominated this product as a premium pick for its exclusive design and multiple outstanding features. A large screen with 1080P native resolution, 3600L brightness, 500000:1 contrast ratio, 4K UHD, and HDR video provide high quality pictures. The projector has MHL Connectivity, ISF Modes which allow adjusting day and night mode settings. Powered with Enhanced Gaming Mode with up to 8.4ms input response time, the projector becomes an excellent option for gaming.
Unlike the projectors on the list, Optoma White HDR 1080P Projector is specifically designed with gamers in mind. It has an enhanced gaming mode and the response time (8.4ms) is impressive! This projector also comes equipped with a game display mode that brings the dark scenes and shadows to life, enhancing better playability. It guarantees good pixel structure and lacks color degradation.
More features: 1080P video support, 100 inches projector screen included, Bluetooth 5.0 function (speakers), SRS sound system
If you are looking best value product to buy under $100, then this one is for you. Despite the affordable price, you get a really good-quality camping movie projector with 720P native resolution and 1080P video support. The G210 is a portable mini projector that comes with an extremely bright 6000 lumens and can project a 240-inch screen at just 20 feet away. Because of its compact design, it’s perfect for camping trips. The G210 has built-in speakers for excellent sound quality. You can connect it to your computer via VGA or HDMI cable, or even wirelessly stream videos from your phone using the Bluetooth 5.0 function! In addition, it includes 100 inches projector screen.
The GROVIEW G210 mini projector is specifically designed for outdoor use. The manufacturer equipped it with a native 720P full HD resolution to ensure you enjoy nothing but detailed and sharp HD images. Compared to other models within the snake price range, the GROVIEW G210 mini projector is 80% brighter and has a high light transmittance glassed lens although the brightness varies based on the usage conditions.
More features: SXRD chips, Full HD, 3D, built-in IR sync
Sony’s VPL-HW40ES home theater projector has been engineered to deliver a true cinematic experience with Full HD 1080p resolution. It has a brightness of 1700 lumens, which means that it produces high-quality images in both dark and well lit room. This model comes with two HDMI ports, one VGA port, an external sync port, and Y Pb/Cb Pr/Cr (pin jack). The high contrast, large screen, and superb color quality provide a stunning picture and make watching movies or playing games come alive.
One of the features that make the Sony VPL-HW40ES Home Theater 3D Projector stand out among other projectors in the list is the amazing color saturation. It displays sharp pictures and the reality creation adjustments are highly innovative. This projector allows you to finetune the images depending on the usage conditions and preferences. For instance, you can opt for razor-sharp images that almost look like 3D pictures or smooth images.
More features: LCD imaging technology, LED light source, 1080P supported, Bluetooth function (only audio devices), Wi-Fi projector, handle
The FANGOR F-802 is a 720P native resolution portable projector with a brightness of 6000L and a contrast ratio of 4500:1. It can project an image size of up to 200 inches and has 360° stereo speakers. With a weight of 5.19 lbs., it is easy to transport and use, making it perfect for camping trips, outdoor activities, or traveling. It also has a long battery life, making it ideal for presentations or extended movie-watching sessions.
The FANGOR F-802 projector is one of the newer models from the manufacturer and unlike its predecessors, it uses an LED light source that guarantees high brightness and advanced LCD imaging technology to bring your films to life. This portable camping projector has a native resolution of 720 P but it supports up to 1080P resolution. The mini projector also has a 360° Stereo Speaker & Bluetooth Function that allows you to connect it wirelessly to other media devices.
More features: pocket-sized, up to 3 hours of continuous work, 3D,1080P supported, Wi-Fi connectivity, carrying bag, and tripod stand
The VANKYO Burger 101 mini projector is perfect for anyone looking for a pocket-sized projector. It has a native resolution of 480P, a brightness of 50L, and a contrast ratio of 1000:1. This mini portable projector can screen sizes of 30 – 110 inches and has a throw distance of 39 – 197 inches. It also has HDMI, USB, and audio-out ports. The VANKYO Burger 101 is perfect for camping trips for its compact size and ease of use.
Unlike the other projectors on this list, the VANKYO Burger 101 mini projector is so small and compact that it can fit in your pocket. It enables you to watch your favorite films anytime and anywhere as you can wirelessly connect it to your tablet or smartphone. Despite being small, this projector supports up to 1080P HD videos and has Wi-Fi and HDMI Connectivity.
Outdoor projectors are becoming more and more popular because they can be used in so many different ways. If you’re thinking about getting one, consider the following qualities that will help make your movie night under the stars even better.
Resolution is important if you want to get a high-quality picture. The higher the resolution, the sharper and clearer everything will look on screen.
Resolution and contrast are key features for the best projector for camping. Resolution – the clearness of the image based on how many pixels can be displayed in a given space, the more pixels – the better the image quality, projectors for camping should have from 720P. Contrast or contrast ratio – the projector’s ability to display dark and bright spots on an image, ranges from 800:1 to 100,000:1 or even more depending on projector capabilities and price. Laser projectors are considered to have a high-quality picture, if you are interested, read our article about best laser projectors. The higher number means a better contrast which is ideal when you are watching movies in a dark setting. In other words, a projector with a 5000:1 contrast ratio means that the white image is 5000 times brighter than the black one. Higher contrast provides a more dramatic, impactful picture.
The next quality is brightness, which is measured in lumens which are projector’s ability to emit light. The higher it is – the brighter your outdoor projector will be so you can watch movies under any conditions. An outdoor projector needs to be bright enough so people can still see the image even when there is glare from sunlight. However, if the projector is very bright, the lamp may burn out quickly. A projector with brightness levels of at least 500 lumens works best for this setting, but if you are planning on using the projector in a dark space higher brightness level of a projector for camping is enough. If you are going to use your projector at night and in daylight, the perfect lumen range is 2000 to 4000 lumens.
Another important factor for an outdoor projector is connectivity. The more connectivity ports the projector has, the more comfortable your trip may be. The projector must support multiple connectivity options such as an HDMI, USB, VGA, MHL input to connect a projector with any device. Bluetooth is also a useful feature for portable projectors, especially outdoor ones, this function provides a wireless connection to your headphones or speaker in a moment. Some projectors can also be connected to your phone through Wi-Fi which is a big advantage because you can easily share your content at any moment. It is surprising but some projectors are equipped even with an SD slot, so if you are going on a trip where there is no internet connection you can download film or music at home and play it anywhere.
The projector’s built-in speakers are another advantage if you want an enjoyable experience. Sound quality is very important, so a projector for camping should have a loud and clear sound that will give you a great experience when watching movies or playing video games with your friends. The projector should have a built-in speaker which makes it easier for you to set up your projector as you don’t need to worry about finding a device with the same output for sound. Sound projector is more enjoyable and handy since it offers you more freedom. Built-in projector speakers usually need low maintenance and have up to 5W of amp power for good sound and usually, it is enough, however, if you need a louder projector you can always connect your projector with headphones through Bluetooth.
The projector for camping should have a durable body that can be used in any location. Consider projectors with anti-dust coating, good heat management, and projectors made of aluminum. It’s also important outdoor projector has water-resistant protection so it won’t get damaged if it starts raining during the movie night. These features will make your projector more durable and let you use it anywhere without worrying about the projector getting damaged or overheating. When you are going to use a projector for camping, it should be long-lasting and durable, especially if you are planning to use it regularly so opt for a projector with an LED light source because they last for hours and need low maintenance, also pay attention to a durable frame which helps to extend the projector’s lifespan by protecting it.
Even if a projector for camping is to be used only once at your next outdoor movie night, it should still be portable and easy to set up. It is good if a projector also supports mount which is used to fix the projector and make watching comfortable, in our article you can read about best projector mounts. Also, check the projector’s weight because to get a better experience with the projector, you will need to move it around the campsite. A projector for camping should be lightweight so it can be easily transported around. These days the projectors are getting smaller and lighter some of them so small that can easily fit the palm of your hand so there isn’t much of an issue in portability.
Everybody knows that food is especially tasty outdoors, not to mention you are going to watch a movie, so tasty things are highly recommended. Before watching you can fry a barbecue; popcorn or donuts with hot coffee (an excellent idea for a chilly evening) are a perfect choice while watching.
Pillows, blankets, and cushion chairs are very preferable for an outdoor movie to make the process comfortable and what is more important – warm. You can make bedding, use pillows for softness and cover yourself with a blanket. Using a tent and watching a movie from there is also an excellent option.
Good company is a guarantee of a great time, so don’t forget to invite your friends or family to enjoy the film together and discuss it after.
Use a string of lights for your outdoor movie show. It provides coziness and adds light when it is getting dark
Any screening is best done on a dry, non-humid day with no chance of rain or thunderstorms. Optimal and safe outdoor temperature is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you are looking for a portable projector combining accessible price and best image quality, consider the BIGASUO Native 1080P Bluetooth Projector. Given the product`s clear and sharp images and good sound quality, as well as portability it is the best projector for camping.
However, if you prefer premium quality and usually use a projector for gaming opt for Optoma White HDR 1080P Projector. It has an Enhanced Gaming Mode with up to 8.4ms input response time, so you will be fully immersed in the game. A large screen with high contrast and brightness, 4K UHD, 3D, and HDR video provide high quality pictures when watching or playing.
Last but not least is GROVIEW G210 mini projector with a price under $100. This portable projector is lightweight, has 1080P video support and Bluetooth. Moreover, the set includes 100 inches projector screen which makes outdoor use more comfortable.
