Outdoor movie nights and presentations can be a lot of fun, but having the right equipment is essential for a successful event. One of the most important components of an outdoor setup is the projector screen. It needs to be durable, easy to set up, and able to display a clear and vivid image even in bright outdoor conditions. This guide to help you find the best projector screen for outdoors.
Before we dig into the full reviews, let’s look at some of the factors that will help you decide which outdoor projector screen is right for you. Taking all the factors together, our top pick is the Vamvo Outdoor/Indoor Projector Screen (>>> Check how much it cost on Amazon).
The Best Projector Screen for Outdoors – Best Choices for 2023:
| Khomo Gear Jumbo | Vamvo Outdoor-Indoor | VIVOHOME 18 Feet | BaoChen Motorized | Sewinfla 22FT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| Size | 240" | 120" | 216” | 120" | 92" |
| Weight/strong> | 28.7lbs | 9lbs | 10lbs | 26.5lbs | 16lbs |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 | 4:3 or 16:9 | 16:9 |
| Viewing angle | 160° | 160° | N/A | 180° | N/A |
| Stand | |||||
| Price | BHPhotoVideo.com | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon |
Stability
One big concern when you’re using a projector screen outside is how well it resists the wind. Staking screens down will keep them from blowing over, but it won’t always prevent wobbles and other movements that can be very annoying when you’re watching a movie.
Frame stands can work well if they’re designed right, but generally inflatable screens do better in this regard. The heavier the screen, the better it will be able to resist swaying and toppling. A well-designed base and anchoring system is also key in keeping things stable.
Most stable screen: Sewinfla 22ft Inflatable Mega Movie Screen
Viewing experience
There’s a reason you want a screen instead of just a white sheet. The best projector screens use a reflective material that gives you equal brightness across the entire image. This is especially important if you want to watch 3D movies or get a true 4K UltraHD resolution. Find the list of top 4K projector options under 2000 USD.
If you’ll be using your projector for large groups, get a screen with a 160° viewing angle. This will ensure the view is the same even if you’re not directly in front of the screen.
Best viewing experience: VIVOHOME
Portability
A projector can be handy on family vacations or camping trips. Weight isn’t usually too much of a factor. Even the heaviest screen on this list is only about 35 pounds, still fairly easy for most people to carry. The size of the screen when it’s broken down is more important. Make sure it will fit in your trunk if you plan to take it on the road.
Most portable screen: Vamvo Outdoor/Indoor Projection Screen
Best projector screen for outdoors: full reviews
Khomo Gear Jumbo Inflatable
Pros
- Option of front or rear projection
- Sets up quickly (5 minutes on average)
- Screen is detachable for easy cleaning
- Comes with everything you need to use it included
- Easy to transport and store
- Quiet blower won’t impact your viewing experience
Cons
- Requires electrical outlet to inflate
- Can be tricky to fit back into the carrying bag
The quick set-up of the Khomo Gear Jumbo Inflatable Screen is our favorite thing about it. Just roll it out, plug in the blower, and attach the screen. The whole process only takes about 5 minutes, and it’s just as quick to tear down as it is to set up.
Everything you need to use this projector screen comes included in the box. This includes the blower to inflate it and a convenient carrying bag. We also like that it’s a very easy projector screen to clean.
Simply wipe the frame and screen down with a damp cloth when you’re done using it. Find more tips for cleaning projector screens here.
One thing to keep in mind with this projector screen is that you will need access to an electrical outlet to use it. That can be an issue for RVers and travelers who have limited outlets or power where they’ll be using it.
That said, for backyard movies and other uses around the home, it’s a quick and easy way to get big screen entertainment outside. The picture quality is high, too, and works well for 3D movies.
Vamvo Outdoor Indoor Projector Screen
Pros
- Quick and easy to set up
- Lightweight design is easy to transport
- Foldable tripod stand is compact and easy to store
- Can be used for both front and rear projection
- Doesn’t require electricity to use
Cons
- Can be unstable in high-wind environments
- Requires a projector with a bright lamp
This makes it much easier to store than most projector screens of this design and also makes it a great option for taking on the road since it’ll fit easily in your trunk.
It’s also slimmer when it’s set up than other screens, a definite plus if you want a screen you can use indoors as well as outdoors.
This is a very lightweight screen, too, at less than 10 pounds. The only downside of this is it is more susceptible to wobbling and swaying than inflatable screens, especially on windy days.
Still, it’s a great choice for campers and travelers since you won’t need to waste an outlet on a compressor, letting you give all the available power to the projector itself.
The picture quality on this Vamvo screen is top notch, with high contrast and good color accuracy. It’s versatile, as well, suitable for both front and rear projection applications.
One thing to note is this does mean it allows more light through than other screens.
You’ll need a relatively bright projector for daytime viewing, somewhere in the neighborhood of 3,500 lumens, if you want to avoid wash-out. Click here if you’re looking for the best outdoor movie projector.
VIVOHOME 18 Feet Indoor and Outdoor Inflatable Projector Screen
Pros
- Durable and weather-resistant
- Projection screen is removable for easier cleaning
- Blower, storage bag, and tethers included
- Inflates in minutes
- Quiet internal blower
- Fits easily into included storage bag
Cons
- Higher cost than other screens of the same size
- Included anchors aren’t particularly useful
The high-quality materials used for both the stand and screen of the VIVOHOME projector screen make it one of the most durable options on the market. It resists damage from rain or sun exposure so you won’t ruin your screen if you leave it set up overnight.
The screen on this VIVOHOME model reflects light better than many outdoor projector screens, so you don’t need a super-bright projector to use it. That’s great news if you don’t want to be stuck waiting for full dark before you start your movie.
Our only quibble with this screen is that the included anchors don’t do a lot to keep it stable. Most users need to buy better anchors or use some other method to prevent swaying during viewing. Since it’s very lightweight, it’s susceptible to tipping if you don’t anchor it. That said, a set of 10-inch metal tent spikes will get the job done.
This minor issue aside, the durability and portability of this VIVOHOME screen make it our top choice for backyard movie nights. It sets up and tears down quickly, is easy to clean, and will work equally well with any projector.
BaoChen Motorized Projector Screen
Pros
- Wider viewing angle than most outdoor screens
- High-contrast screen improves picture quality
- Motorized operation for variable aspect ratio
- 3-layer construction for less light penetration and better color
- Arrives fully assembled for easy installation
- Durable steel casing and heavy-duty screen
Cons
- Stand not included
- On the heavier side
If you want the best possible picture quality from your projector screen, this BaoChen Motorized Projector Screen is one you’ll want to consider.
Its three-layer construction prevents light from penetrating, maximizing the brightness, color, and contrast of the image.
You can also enjoy that great picture quality from anywhere in front of the screen. It offers a full 180° viewing angle, wider than you’ll get from any inflatable screen.
Versatility is another point in its favor. It has a 4:3 aspect ratio when fully lowered, and you can raise it slightly for a 16:9 ratio, letting you watch any content the way it’s meant to be viewed.
Now keep in mind there’s no stand with this BaoChen screen. It’s designed to be mounted onto a wall or ceiling. That can be a problem if you want a screen that can travel.
This screen is also on the heavier side compared to other options. For both of these reasons, we consider this a great option for backyard movie nights, but not the best choice for RVers, campers, and others who want to take their show on the road.
Sewinfla 22FT Inflatable Mega Movie Screen
Pros
- High-quality 210D oxford fabric
- Suitable for both front and rear projection
- Anti-wrinkle screen is easy to maintain
- Super-fast set-up (2 to 5 minutes)
- Includes everything you need to use it
- Resists swaying and toppling
Cons
- Visible seam on screen when using rear projection
- Heaviest option
Here’s another one you’ll want to check out if your main concern with an outdoor screen is picture quality. The screen material used by this Camp Chef big screen is highly reflective, designed to give you bright colors and a clear image in all conditions.
The frame on this screen isn’t our favorite. The steel tubing is lightweight and durable, but it isn’t very stable. Even staked down it has a tendency to get blown around by the wind if you don’t have it in front of something solid.
Assembling this screen can take a bit of time, especially if you need to stake it down for windy conditions. If you’re more concerned with picture quality than convenience, this is the screen for you.
The bottom line on outdoor projector screens
Choosing the right screen really depends on how you plan to use it. If you’ll be mostly watching movies in your backyard, the portability of the screen won’t be as much of a factor. The same goes for the screen size.
Bigger isn’t always better. For smaller groups, the 120” BaoChen Motorized screen will be plenty large enough for everyone to have a good view.
Taking all the factors together, our top pick is the Vamvo Outdoor/Indoor Projector Screen. >>> Check how much it cost on Amazon It has the best picture quality of the bunch thanks to its 3-layer screen design.
The lightweight design makes transportation a snap. In addition, it’s quick and easy to set up and stable enough o use in any conditions.
Any of these screens is a great choice for the right customer, though. Hopefully, this article has helped you pick out the perfect one for you!