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Upgrade your movie night and make the neighbors jealous .

In This Article

Better Homes & Gardens

Those who lovehosting movie nightswill bed take in an outdoor movie CRT screen . The sport , family - friendly action is relatively easy to set up and provides a much better viewing experience than a bedsheet flutter in the zephyr .

“ outside screens work swell in backyards , patios , driveways , or even gazebo , ” shared a Home Depot spokesperson who specializes in outdoor movie screen . For a safe and optimum experience , they also send word , “ Avoid placing the screennear fire pitfall , sprinklers , or country prostrate to puddles . ”

Vivohome 17ft Inflatable Mega Movie Projection Screen set up by a pool

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens

We tested outdoor motion-picture show screens to get hold the secure ones for various yards . We evaluated each option on its relaxation of frame-up , design , durability , and calibre . We also verbalise to an expert from Home Depot on what to look for when rat for an outdoor movie screen .

What We Tested

We test eight at - base picture show screens , consideringsetup time , conception , repose of assembly , lastingness , andquality . We tried a variety of movie sieve way , including free - standing , pull - down , and inflatable , and each covert was used multiple times . For more info on how we tested outdoor flick screens , turn back out our examination process below .

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Elite Screens Yard Master 2 Projection Screen

Once assembled , the metal frame can be propel around ( with the help of two people ) .

The screen was wrinkly , but it did n’t take aside from our viewing experience .

Overall , our favorite pick is this freestanding screen door from Elite Screens . During testing , it take us 25 moment to congeal up the projection screen because the instructions for installing the screen ’s pegleg were unclear . However , once we understood how to confiscate the legs , the process take only five second .

Amazon Elite Screens Yard Master 2 Folding-Frame Projection Screen

Credit: Amazon

Due to the magnanimous size of it of the skeleton and the screen needing to be attach via snaps , we reckon at least two people are postulate for forum . Once gather , we detect the screen quite durable and easy to move around the yard , especially with the help of two people . It was not impractical during the tests , but the kit comes with ground stake and rope to keep the screen door firmly in place .

While all the materials seemed durable and in high spirits quality , the filmdom was quite wrinkled upon first use . The brand observe that this is normal , and the education manual include tips to remove seam , include keeping it plant up for retentive periods . We also noted that the wrinkle did not impact the viewing experience .

We like that the bright bloodless screen shows movies utterly . This out-of-door movie does n’t call for a permanent instalment or an electric pump to inflate . Once we understood how it worked , assembly and take - down were quick and easy . All the parts fit into the included storage bag , so it ’s unsubdivided to keep everything together , store it safely , and take it on the go .

Elite Screens Yard Master 2 Outdoor Projection Screen inside packaging

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Product detail : Dimensions:109.8 x 88.9 in . |Screen Size:120 in . |Aspect Ratio:16:9 |Material : CineWhite UHD - B front - protrusion textile and aluminum frame

Key Terms to Know

Best Budget

Mdbebbron Projection Screen

The concealment ’s polyester fabric is easy to take and close down away .

Installation take adhesive hooks to be put in where you ’ll hang the screen , so it ’s not super portable .

This pick from Mdbebbron is less expensive than other pick , so you ’ll have some extra money for Zea mays everta . The 120 - inch movie screen comes with a foldable polyester sieve that ’s fit out with grommets around the screen edge .

Elite Screens Yard Master 2 Outdoor Projection Screen outside of its case

To deploy the screen , we attach adhesive hook to our shed room access . The instructions were clean , and we matte it was similar to attaching a cascade drape . Overall , it only take about 10 hour . Hanging the sieve will be easy if you ’re tall , but shorter folks may need a dejection . Once the draw are tie , install and slay the screen take three mo .

Despite folding and unfolding it multiple times , the screen seemed durable and indicate no furrow . Once establish , we found it an splendid see experience with bright , plentiful colors . It functioned like a clean white slate , and even though it was establish over a caducous threshold with a outstanding power grid figure , none of it was visible .

While this is easy to install and budget - well-disposed , the adhesive hook are permanent , so you ’ll involve to be hunky-dory with them stay on your shed , service department , extraneous rampart , or wherever you ’ve installed them . That also means that while the foldaway screen is portable , you wo n’t be able to attach it to another location .

Elite Screens Yard Master 2 Outdoor Projection Screen inside packaging

Product contingent : Dimensions:104 x 58 in . |Screen Size:120 in . |Aspect Ratio:16:9 |Material : Polyester

Best Pull-Down

Elite Screens Manual B Projection Screen

The bottom of the filmdom is weighted , so you do n’t have to occupy about it prompt .

The screen must be make out into a secure surface , so you ’ll need an area you feel comfortable screwing the blind into .

This Elite Screens pick is a great option for those with a larger outdoor blank space . The fiberglass movie screen comes with two bulwark screws , and the screen needs to be screw into the paries . There ’s also an option to hang it from the ceiling , but either way , you ’ll need to be prepared for a permanent installation .

Elite Screens Yard Master 2 Outdoor Projection Screen outside of its case

The install problem was quick and easy , taking us just five minutes . In our tryout , we did contribute four additional screws for added security . Once installed , less than a minute of frame-up clock time is postulate any meter you watch a movie — simply pull out down the screen and enjoy .

In our examination , the screen door was very durable , with a clear , bright picture . Since the bottom of the screen is weighted , it pulls down the screen and prevents any flap or motion . When not in use , the projection screen turn over into the base to continue wrinkle - free and protected .

We install this option on an out-of-door service department with a covered awning to safeguard the silver screen . It was hunky-dory to keep the screen outdoors in the prissy weather , but we design to move out the screen during the wintertime month . Since it ’s screwed into the garage , the screw will need to be removed to take down the CRT screen , leave nonaged holes in the wall .

Amazon Mdbebbron 120-Inch Portable Projection Screen

Credit: Amazon

We highly recommend this pick if you ’ve flummox a protected blot that can accommodate an outside movie CRT screen all year - round and do n’t mind for good screwing it into place . Pulling down the screen in second is so commodious that it may overbalance the small blemish of leaving a few holes behind when you ’re ready to polish off the outdoor movie screen .

merchandise Details : Dimensions:108.4 x 77.3 in . |Screen Size:120 in . |Aspect Ratio:16:10 |Material : Fiberglass

Best Portable

Elite Screens Yard Master Plus Projection Screen

All the component part are packed into a tote bag , making storage easy between uses .

The screen gets crinkle when stored in the tote bag .

If you ’re look for a portable outdoor movie covert , we recommend this option from Elite Screens . The screen comes with a tote handbag that get it easy to back up all the pieces and weighs just 38 pounds .

Close up of the parts to a Mdbebbron 120-Inch Projection Screen

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

We found the included assembly didactics promiscuous to follow . The first assembly process study us longer ( about 30 minutes ) , but subsequent setups only fill about 15 minute . It ’s a big frame and CRT screen , so we think it is crucial to have two people to avail set it up and move around .

During testing , we appreciated that not only is it portable when all packed up , but with two the great unwashed , it ’s easy to move the frame and screen out around your place , which is helpful if you demand to adjust for a growing crowd .

The freestanding frame seemed durable and sturdy , though we appreciated that the lot came with dry land stakes . While the storage bagful is practical , we bid for a storage alternative that did n’t require completely disassembling the cover and frame each meter we use it . This is time - consuming , and while it does n’t affect the movie motion-picture show , the filmdom gets crinkle when stored in the tote handbag .

Person putting up a Mdbebbron 120-Inch Projection Screen

Product Details : Dimensions:110.4 x 64.7 in . |Screen Size:120 in . |Aspect Ratio:16:9 |Material : Aluminum frame , CineWhite Screen

Best Inflatable

Vivohome Inflatable Mega Movie Projection Screen

An inflatable option is helpful if you do n’t have a flat surface to project onto .

The fan is not silent , so you ’ll need to change state your volume up on the movie .

If you ’re in the marketplace for an out-of-door movie screenland but do n’t have a flat surface , this inflatable   Vivohome option could be the perfect solution .

Close up of the parts to a Mdbebbron 120-Inch Projection Screen

To use this screen , you ’ll call for an wing corduroy to plug in the include fan . We find this oversized screen easy to coiffe up , and after the first time , it was even promiscuous . The lover inflates the radical , and the screen gets attached via multiple clips — we learned that it ’s serious to ensure the screen is connected right before inflating . Due to the monolithic sizing once inflated , we needed a footprint can to reach the screen and correct the clips .

The cover stay plugged in the entire metre it ’s in use , so the lover is always persist . It ’s not silent , and though we shared that the fan sounds like white noise , we did turn the volume up in the moving-picture show to drown out the devotee ’s noise . Once it was totally dark , we found the screen ’s clarity impressive . While there were line on the CRT screen , they were not noticeable , and there were n’t any hot spots on the concealment .

Thankfully , it was not windy during our trial run , but the screen could move if the atmospheric condition conditions were too windy . The readiness come with stake , forget me drug , and hooks that help secure the filmdom .

Person putting up a Mdbebbron 120-Inch Projection Screen

We felt that the chain attaching the fan to the tube was too thin and add together a bungee corduroy instead . Disassembly was relatively gentle , and we appreciated that the set all folds back into the included store base .

Product Details : Dimensions:157.2 x 133.2 in . |Screen Size:11.4 x 6.4 ft . |Aspect Ratio:16:9 |Material : Oxford cloth

The Bottom Line

Our top pick , theElite Screens Yard Master 2 , Outdoor Indoor Freestanding Portable Projector Screen , is round-eyed to set up , can easily be propel around a thousand , and provide a logical viewing experience .

Our Testing Process

Our outdoor picture screens were rigorously tested using the same operation in multiple backyards nationwide . We test , cut across , and measure each movie cover on legion factors , let in easiness of setup and disassembly , durability , design , covert caliber , and clarity . Each movie screen try was used multiple times to account for function over time .

During the setup unconscious process , we time how long the initial assembly submit and how long each subsequent fabrication took . We also noted if the pedagogy manual was straight to follow or miss primal details . Plus , we pose up the motion-picture show concealment with constituent like lead , ground stakes , or anything else to show theentireassembly time .

Once assembled , we used the moving-picture show screen multiple times to track and record book screen quality . We consider the movie experience from various seats , angles , and distance . We took note of screenland quality when situation and distance from the blind change , and if there were any wrinkles or “ hot spot ” ( brightness in the center of the projection screen ) nowadays .

Amazon Elite Screens Manual B 120-Inch Manual Pull-Down Projector Screen

Credit: Amazon

We tested durability by tracking if there was any wind or other weather consideration , and how the concealment fared . We also noted the devotee dissonance and whether that impacted the see experience for inflatable movie projection screen . last , we tracked disassembly time and note storage details .

What to Know About Outdoor Movie Screens Before Shopping

Type

Screen Size

While buy at for the best outdoor movie filmdom for your space , you ’ll want to consider the sizing of the screen .

“ When choosing the right cover sizing for your outside apparatus , look at your space and consultation size . For little gatherings , a screen door that ’s at least 6 fundament encompassing provides a clear-cut , pleasurable aspect without deluge the space . If you ’re entertaining large groups , go for a sieve 12 feet wide or larger to control everyone has a great regard angle , ” shared our resident expert from Home Depot .

Aspect Ratio

The aspect proportion on an outside motion-picture show screenland refers to the family relationship between the breadth and height of the exhibit in esteem to ratio . While shop for outdoor moving picture screen , note that a 16:9 aspect ratio is best since it allows you to play all moving-picture show on your outside screen . We only included screens with this ratio ( or close to it ) on our list .

Gain

The gain is a method acting to measure how much light is mull over on the sieve and will be impact by your projector . A good convention of pollex is that the bright your projector , the less gain on the screen you would need . The screens on our list all worked well with various projectors , so if you have a standard movie projector , it ’s not something to be overly concerned about .

Other Outdoor Movie Screens We Tested

XHYCPY Inflatable Outdoor Projector Screen

TheXHYCPY Inflatable Outdoor Projector Screenis also an inflatable screen that exceeded our expectations for the caliber of the mental picture . On the flip side , we thought the instructions were lacking , and the fan was quite loud . Despite our good drive , the wrinkles on the screen could not be smooth out . As with other inflatables , we also thought this one was challenging to pack back into its storage bag .

Your Questions, Answered

How should you store outdoor movie screens?

When storing outdoor picture screens , you ’ll desire to lay in them back in their original storage container if possible . Only put the sieve away in clean and dry conditions , and as the representative from Home Depot recommends , “ avoid storing it stand on its end , as this can cause warping ; rather , repose it flat . ”

Can you pair an outdoor movie screen with any projector?

“ Most received projector will work just fine with a DIY outdoor screen , especially in modest - light or eve conditions . For good outcome , choose a projector that suit your screen size and space , ” shared the Home Depot expert .

Remember your electrical power beginning for the projector and mayhap the screen — you may demand to add some extension cords to your movie night budget .

Who We Are

Maya Handelsmanis a writer forBetter Homes & Gardens . To save this article , she canvas testing insights and spoke with a Home Depot spokesperson who specializes in outside picture show concealment .

What Is BHG Recommends?

Next to all of the products on this tilt , you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval . Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make certain they ’re worth a spot in your home . We purchase most of the merchandise we test ourselves , but occasionally we are allow for samples by companies if purchasing is n’t an option . In these case , we use the same testing measure we apply to test the buy products .

Person taking Elite Screens Manual B Pull-Down Projection Screen out of box

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Packaging for a Elite Screens Manual B Pull-Down Projection Screen

Person taking Elite Screens Manual B Pull-Down Projection Screen out of box

Packaging for a Elite Screens Manual B Pull-Down Projection Screen

Amazon Elite Screens Yard Master Plus Folding-Frame Projection Screen

Credit: Amazon

People enjoying a movie outside on an Elite Screens Yard Master Plus Projection Screen

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Frame of Elite Screens Yard Master Plus Projection Screen inside carrying case

People enjoying a movie outside on an Elite Screens Yard Master Plus Projection Screen

Frame of Elite Screens Yard Master Plus Projection Screen inside carrying case

Vivohome 17ft Inflatable Mega Movie Projection Screen

Credit: Amazon

Vivohome 17ft Inflatable Mega Movie Projection Screen set up by a pool

Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Vivohome 17ft Inflatable Mega Movie Projection Screen deflated

Vivohome 17ft Inflatable Mega Movie Projection Screen set up by a pool

Vivohome 17ft Inflatable Mega Movie Projection Screen deflated

Insignia 114-inch Outdoor Projector Screen being inflated

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens