The best projection screen might seem like an expensive luxury. But actually, they're very affordable. And they'll raise your viewing experience exponentially compared to just projecting onto a wall or bedsheet. So as an investment in your enjoyment of movies, TV, sports and more, they're a slam dunk.
After all, with cinema prices skyrocketing right now, they'll probably save you money over time. Because when you combine the best video projector with high-res TV and movies from the best streaming services, you really can have the cinema experience at home, in the garden, or on a camping trip.
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. To help you out, we've gathered together the best projection screens available today below.
You'll find screens designed for outdoors and indoors, in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles, 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. So you're sure to find the perfect projection screen for your needs.
The best projection screens in 2023
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To make it easy for you, we'll start with the best projection screen for most people. 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.
Perfect for indoor use, this novel design from Epson allows you to widen and shorten the width of the screen so 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. 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If size is the most important consideration for you, then here's the biggest projector screen we can recommend. It comes in at a whopping 20ft diameter (240 inches), and there's also a slightly larger version at 21ft (252 inches). That makes this the perfect choice if you have a big backyard and want a massive screen for projecting movies, sports or music videos on to.
The wide viewing angle of up to 160° means you don’t need to sit directly in front of the screen to enjoy comfortable viewing posture. It inflates quickly, thanks to an external high-power 250w blower. Because it's made of PVC, it's easy to clean and maintain, and can be wiped clean with damp cloth. And it also comes with a handy storage bag made of high-quality durable Oxford cloth.
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