Best projection screen in 2023: video projector screens for indoors & outdoors

Family watching sports on projection screen on campsite
(Image credit: Elite Screens)

The best projection screen allows you to enjoy video content at a super-size in your own home. Why squint at a small screen when you bask in a huge one?

Watching entertainment on a home projector used to be a dim and grainy affair. But with the arrival 4K, that's no longer the case. Now, when you combine the best video projector (opens in new tab) with high-res TV and movies from the best streaming services (opens in new tab), you really can have the cinema experience at home, in the garden, or out in the wilds on a camping trip.

Yes, you could theoretically project your video onto a wall or bedsheet, but that will be a vastly inferior experience. The best projection screens are tailor-made with special materials to create a super-flat and reflective surface. And that means the picture you enjoy will be high quality indeed. 

Below, you'll find the best projection screens on the market. We've included models designed for indoors and out, in a variety of shapes and sizes, and with an aspect ratio varying from a cinephile-friendly 2.35:1 through the popular widescreen 16:9, to the classic (or old-fashioned) 4:3.

The best projection screens in 2023

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(Image credit: Elite Screens)
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1. Elite Screens Yard Master 2

The best projection screen overall

Specifications

Screen size: 120 inches
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Material: ‘CineWhite’ screen fabric plus aluminum frame
Set up: Free standing
Weight: 21.3lb / 9.7kg when assembled

Reasons to buy

+
Can be used indoors or out
+
Foldaway aluminum frame
+
Comes with carry bag and ground pegs

Reasons to avoid

-
Not suitable in strong winds

We'll start with the best projection screen overall. 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.

(Image credit: Epson)
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2. Vamvo 3-Layer 120-inch Projector Screen

The best budget projector screen

Specifications

Screen size: 120 inches
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Material: 3-layer polyester fabric
Set up: Wall mounted or suspended
Weight: 2.9lbs / 1.3kg

Reasons to buy

+
Eyelets for suspending on a wall
+
Budget price

Reasons to avoid

-
Basic model

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. 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.

(Image credit: Khomo Gear)
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3. Khomo Gear Inflatable Movie Screen

The best huge projection screen

Specifications

Screen size: 240in
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Material: Not specified
Set up: Inflatable, free standing
Weight: 29lb / 13kg

Reasons to buy

+
Huge 20-foot screen
+
Simple inflatable design
+
Quick setup

Reasons to avoid

-
Work to set up
-
Not suitable for indoors

Who doesn't like an inflatable? And this blow-up 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 diameter. (Of course, that means you'll need a large space to put it in, and it's not suitable for indoor use.)

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. 

Product shot of Elite Screens Sable Frame 2, one of the best projector screens

(Image credit: Elite Screens)

4. Elite Screens Sable Frame 2

The best fixed projection screen

Specifications

Screen size: 85-200 inches
Aspect ratio: 16:9, 16:10 or 2.35:1
Material: ‘CineWhite’ screen fabric plus aluminum frame
Set up: Fixed
Weight: 22kg

Reasons to buy

+
High-quality material
+
Geared for HDR content
+
Choice of shapes and sizes

Reasons to avoid

-
Not portable

Looking for a fixed projection screen? Elite Screens Sable Frame 2 screen is our top pick. It offers great contrast, wide viewing angles, and a quality viewing experience overall, especially if you're projecting at high resolution.

Like our number one pick on this list, this screen uses the company's proprietary CineWhite UHD-B 1.3 gain material, providing extra gain for HDR content in a dark room environment, while black backing eliminates light penetration. The 2.4-inch width frame is nice and sturdy, while the split-frame design facilitates lower shipping costs without sacrificing quality.

This screen is available in a variety of shapes and sizes, including 100-200 inches in 16:9 format, 114, 125, and 144 inches in 16:10 format, and 138 and 158 inches in 2.35:1 format.

(Image credit: Pyle)
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5. Pyle Portable Projection Screen

The best projection screen for travel

Specifications

Screen size: 40 inches
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Material: Aluminum frame and matt fabric screen
Set up: Freestanding on desktop or flat surface
Weight: 1.74kg

Reasons to buy

+
Portable desktop design
+
Budget price

Reasons to avoid

-
Small 40in screen
-
Requires suitable surface to stand on

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 setup, whereby it locks into position thanks to a retractable framework at the rear, the screen is described as heavy-duty. This translates as it being stain and mildew resistant and is constructed of an anti-flame ‘premium’ fabric.

The shape of the screen is 4:3, although a 16:9 image can 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.

(Image credit: Nobo)
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6. Nobo 1902392 Projection Screen

The best projector screen for conference rooms & classrooms

Specifications

Screen size: 85 inches
Aspect ratio: 4:3
Material: -
Set up: Wall mounted or suspended
Weight: 5.4kg

Reasons to buy

+
Retractable screen
+
Wall or ceiling mounted

Reasons to avoid

-
Permanent fixture, not a temporary screen

Nobo is 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.

(Image credit: Khomo)
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7. Khomo Gear Portable Projector Screen

The best projection screen for a family outing

Specifications

Screen size: 100-120 inches
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Material: Fabric
Set up: Freestanding frame
Weight: ‎5.15 kg

Reasons to buy

+
Nice and big
+
Easy to assemble
+
Handy carry bag

Reasons to avoid

-
Not super-reflective

Going on a trip with the family? A large projection screen that you can use outdoors is great for camping sites, picnic places, or 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 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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Gavin Stoker

Gavin has over 30 year experience of writing about photography and television. He is currently the editor of British Photographic Industry News, and previously served as editor of Which Digital Camera and deputy editor of Total Digital Photography


He has also written for a wide range of publications including T3, BBC Focus, Empire, NME, Radio Times, MacWorld, Computer Active, What Digital Camera and Rough Guide books.


With his wealth of knowledge he is well placed to recognise great camera deals and recommend the best products in Digital Camera World’s buying guides. He also writes on a number of specialist subjects including binoculars and monoculars, spotting scopes, microscopes, trail cameras, action cameras, body cameras, filters, cameras straps and more. 

With contributions from