With the best projection screen, watching TV and movies becomes extra-fun. Why squint at a small screen when you bask in a huge one, making it a real occasion for family and friends?
Watching home content on a projection screen used to be a dim and grainy affair, but in the era of 4K, that's no longer the case. Now, team one with the best video projector the best streaming services, and you really will have a high-quality viewing experience to rival going to the cinema (but your popcorn can be a lot cheaper).
Technically, you could just project your video onto a wall or bedsheet, but that really wouldn't be as good. The best projection screens provide a flatter and more reflective surface for a superior overall image. And there's a wide range to choose from: for indoors and out, in a variety of shapes and sizes, and with an aspect ratio varying from 16:9, like that used for modern TVs, to a squarer, more traditional 4:3.
In the article below, you'll find the best projection screens on the market, in a number of different styles and to suit all budgets.
The best projection screens in 2022
We'll start with the best projection screen for outdoors (although it can be used inside too). This 120-inch diagonal, 16:9 aspect ratio screen has a lightweight silver aluminum frame with stainless steel components. It can be assembled in minutes without the need for extra tools, so it's easy to set up your own freestanding ‘big screen’ viewing experience, either indoors or outside.
The foldable ‘go anywhere’ canvas is stowed in a carrier bag when not in use. That makes for easy storage and easy transportation. A black backing is also included to prevent light penetration and enhance picture quality. Note, though, that the makers advise against setting it up outdoors if it’s windy
Claimed as being mildew resistant and featuring a surface that can be wiped clean with soap, water and a wet cloth, the screen comes with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty for additional peace of mind. Other sizes are also available, including 90in, 100in and 135in, and there are versions with 4:3 aspect ratio too.
Now comes the best projection screen for indoor use. This novel design from Epson allows you to widen and shorten the width of the screen so that the white surface can perfectly accommodate 16:9 or 4:3 ratio videos – making a great choice for those who love classic TV series. This means that it has a screen size of 80in in widescreen mode, or 65in in standard format.
This projection screen comes supplied with both a floor stand and a wall mount, so you can adapt it to a wider range of rooms. It's still very portable, though, and has a robust telescope mechanism for expanding the screen from its closed position. There is no case supplied with this one, but there is a carry handle.
A large yet inexpensive example of a projection screen complete with reinforced edges that can be attached to the wall via double sided tape or plastic hooks, this may not be the most sophisticated option in our round up, but it’s perfect for parties and similar occasions. In being constructed from a three layer polyester material, it claims to be thicker than comparable examples on the market too. The eyelets mean that it can be suspended in midair too, making it suitable for use on a deck or when on a camping trip. It is usually supplied with a pair of stands, which are probably best used either indoors or on days when there is no wind at all.
The middle layer is constructed of a light shielding material claimed to deliver more vivid images when projected; and yet because of said layer it does not support double sided projection. Peace of mind is provided by a two-year manufacturer’s warranty, however, while the construction is said not to crease – a common criticism of inexpensive screens.
Who doesn't like an inflatable? And this blow-up 20ft model, with a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, is a great way to enjoy your big-screen content. And we mean big: this monster is a full 240in (6m) in diameter.
Allowing for either front or rear projection, the full jumbo-sized kit includes not just the screen but also an electric blower to inflate it, plus six 30cm ropes and plastic stakes, with a storage bag to keep it all in. Though it looks like something of a monster, its manufacturer suggests that you can have it all set up in around five minutes. To deflate it, just open the zipper.
Given that most modern TV screens are 40-inches or larger in diameter, this portable screen with those exact dimensions is aimed at the holiday, travel or school markets. With a simple pull up and pull outwards set up, whereby it locks into position thanks to retractable framework at the rear, the screen is described as heavy duty. This translates as it being stain and mildew resistant and being constructed of an anti flame ‘premium’ fabric.
The shape of the screen is 4:3, although a 16:9 image can be still be projected across it. And since it’s designed to stand on any flat surface or table, it’s ideal as a quick and easy to set up desktop option that won’t break the bank.
Want your home cinema experience to be smooth and fuss-free? Once you've fitted this projection screen to a wall or ceiling, and connected it to a power supply, you can raise and lower it via a remote control that works over 25m.
Designed with a 160° viewing angle, your guests will be able to enjoy movies and TV content wherever they're sitting. And they'll get a good visual experience , thanks to the contrast-boosting 25mm black border and the three-layered black-backed screen for sharper picture quality.
Nobo are well-known for its flipcharts and whiteboards, and they produce a range of projection screens too, which are particularly well-suited to corporate and college environments.
The Nobo 1902392 Projection Screen is designed to be permanently installed in a room, with the screen being pulled down when needed, and retracted out of sight when not in use. The mechanism means that the screen can be protected from damage, and the wall behind can be used for other things.
It comes with a fixing kit that allows the housing to attached high up a wall or on the ceiling. This particular model has a 4:3 ratio screen, measuring 1750x1325mm.
Going on a trip with the family? A large projection screen that you can use outdoors is great for camping sites, a picnic place, or in a garden. But you also want one that's quick and easy to set up. That's why we recommend the Khomo Gear Portable Projector Screen. Assembling this freestanding frame is much like putting together tent poles, and takes about 15 minutes. A nice activity for the family, then, but one that's not too onerous.
Given the size of the screen, it's impressively lightweight and you get a carry bag too. The fabric doesn't match the reflectiveness of a pro-grade projection screen, but it's certainly good enough to enjoy TV and movies on in the dark. As such, this is a great choice for families wanting to spend some time together in the garden, or out on a picnic or camping trip.
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