Not sure what to choose as the best outdoor projector screen? You have two choices available, you either go with an inflatable, or a standing/hanging screen.
In a hurry? Here’s our top picks…
Handy Hint: My preference is standing screens over inflatables as they don’t require electricity, and tend to offer a better quality image.
The 3 biggest questions you will come across when looking to buy a projector screen is:
- Do I buy a standing projector screen or a inflatable projector screen?
- Do I buy projector screens that can do front and rear projection or just front projection?
- How big of a projector screen can I go?
I will try to attempt to answer those question based on my personal experience.
Do I buy a standing projector screen or a inflatable projector screen?
There are pros and cons to buying either a standing projector screen or inflatable projector screen.
Standing Projector Screen
Pros:
- Higher quality screen material
- No need for electricity. You can set the standing projector screen practically anywhere. This is also good to take camping or places where electricity isn’t readily available.
- Easy to clean
- Tend to last longer due to better quality screen and frame.
Cons:
- As you go higher in size the prices dramatically increase due to the weight and size of the frame of the projector screen. For example a 250″ standing projector screen will cost over $3,000 where as an 250″ inflatable projector screen will cost about $300.
- Setting up and Take down tends to take longer than inflatable screens.
Inflatable Projector Screen
Pros:
- setup is fairly easy. Hook up to the blower, velcro in the screen to the inflated frame and your good to go. There are some inflatable projector that have the screens permanently attached to the frame so all you need to do is inflate.
- You can easily get a bigger screen without breaking the bank. Bigger screens are a lot cheaper than standing projector screen of the same size.
- Take down and putting it away is very easy.
Cons:
- Lower quality screen material
- You will need electricity.
- Cannot use it in windy situation as the screen will sway back and forth making it really annoy to enjoy the movie.
- The blower will make noise if you don’t have a decent speaker. During movie scenes where there are silence you can hear the blower humming.
- You will always need to tether the inflatable projector screen to the ground to avoid it tipping over. Inflatable projector screens are not stable and will tip forward with the slightest breeze.
- Because you have to tether the inflatable screen to the ground means its harder to set it up on pavements or concrete, you’ll need to somehow weight it down instead of using the tent pegs to hammer it in the ground.
- Because of the blower, you have to be weary of rain and moisture. Leaving it out overnight is not recommended as either the blower can be damaged or the screen and frame getting mold.
- May develop leak and you will need to patch it up.
For me personally I have both. I have the 120″ standing projector screen which I use at locations that don’t have electricity readily available. I like this as they also have a better quality movie image.
And for the wow factor, I have the 25 feet inflatable projector screen that I use mostly for weekend movie night.
So it comes down to smaller standing screen size but higher quality movie viewing or Bigger inflatable size screen with okay viewing experience but definitely a wow factor as it is a bigger screen.
If you use the 120″ standing projector screen you’ll get comments on how clear the image is. If you use the 25 feet inflatable projector screen you’ll get comments on how massive the movies are.
The overall consensus of guest from years of doing outdoor movies is bigger is better. They prefer the inflatable movie screen due to the size.
Do I buy projector screens that can do front and rear projection or just front projection?
I would recommend buying a front projector screen as most backyards don’t have the space for a rear projector. Here are the Pros and Cons of front/rear projector screens and just front projector screen.
How big of a projector screen can I go?
I would go as big as your projector would allow it. It will definitely feel like your in an outdoor movie setting. When you do decide to ad 3D movies, you’ll be glad you got a bigger screen. I originally started with 100″ screen, then moved to 120″ to 150″ to 180″ to finally settling on 240″ size screen.
Be aware that If you have those cheap made in China projectors, as you the image get bigger on the screen, the image will become blurry. You don’t have to worry if you bought name brand projectors.
Projector Screen and Stand,JWSIT 120 inch Outdoor Movie Screen-Upgraded 3 Layers PVC 16:9 Outdoor Projector Screen,Portable Video Projection Screen with Carrying Bag for Home Theater Backyard
- ▶【Easy to Set UP】JWSIT 120 inch projector screen with stand is ready for quick set-up in a few minutes. Just press the metal snaps around the portable frame to quickly fasten the projector screen to the one-piece frame flatly, detachable legs can be assembled easily with no tools required.
- ▶【Excellent Projection Display】1.1 Gian, Active 3D and 4K Ultra HD, decent size 16:9 aspect ratio, 160 degrees wide viewing angle, the outdoor movie screen is designed for providing sharp and high-resolution images, enriched colors, and supreme watching experience from the different viewing positions. Projector screen with stand, perfect for home theater, schools, offices, weddings, the church; can be used for PowerPoint presentations and other displays
- ▶【Convenient to Carry】JWSIT projector screen outdoor is made of lightweight but sturdy aluminum, the portable projector screen frame can be easily transported anywhere with included soft padded carrying bag and be well protected. The 120" outdoor movie screen folds super compactly than most 4K HD projector screens, making it easy to travel for family trips, camping, backyard movie night, etc.
- ▶【Stable Stand Wrinkle Free Screen 】Premium PVC Matte makes the projector screen wrinkle-free and easy to clean. And the frame is durable for freestanding in light wind for outdoor use. The Stability-Ensure Kit is included: 4 ground stakes, 2 rigging cords, and 2 support rings. You won't have to worry about the frame or legs bending or breaking in the wind.
- ▶【100% WORRY-FREE ORDER】JWSIT movie screens for projectors outdoor cover a 1-year manufacturer warranty, 100% satisfaction, and Lifetime Technical Support. Just purchase outdoor screens for movies freely! Any doubt or assistance please feel free to contact us.
Sale 
Elite Screens Yard Master 2, 120-INCH Outdoor Indoor Projector Screen 16:9, Fast Easy Snap On Set-up Freestanding Portable Movie Screen Foldable Front Projection, OMS120H2
- 【120 inch Freestanding Portable Projector Screen】 This projector Screen is 120-inch Diagonal, 16:9 Aspect Ratio. View Size: 59 inch H x 104.7 inch W Overall Assembled Size: 88.9 inch H x 109.8 inch W x 36.7 inch Leg Size. Silver Aluminum Frame
- 【Amazing Visual Feast】CineWhite UHD-B (Tensioned Matte White) 1.3 Gain.4K Ultra HD and Active 3D Projection Ready; Features 180 degree viewing angle with fully Black backed Front Projection. ISF, Accurate color points Dynamic Range Color Temperature
- 【Easy Set up& Clean】 Assembles in minutes without the use of tools Lightweight aluminum square tube construction easily transports included padded carrying bag; Easy clean with soap water; Compatible with short-throw and ultra-short-throw projectors
- 【Features & Includes】Features a fully tensioned snap button frame that ensures a flat projection. Includes single-piece aluminum frame with Detachable T-Legs could increases stability,carrying bag,ground stakes,rigging cord,and support rings
- 【US Based Company Warranty】 2-Year/3-Year ENR-G Manufacturer's Warranty by Elite Screens if purchased NEW, an ISO9001 manufacturer since 2004 and Lifetime Tech Support by Email or Phone Call by Elite Screens' Professional Service Team
Inflatable Projector Screen for Outdoor, ISPNZH 16/18/20/25 FT Blow Up Portable Mega Theater Movie TV Screen with Air Blower and Storage Bag for Outside Backyard Pool Movie Night, Theme Parties(20ft)
- Wide Application-Do you want a private theater that you can move around? This giant deluxe inflatable projector screen is easy to move from one place to another. Great for camping adventures, picnics, backyard play equipment, pool party, outdoor movie night, outdoor birthday, wedding parties, and other great activities and celebrations.
- 20 Foot Mega Screen-16:9 screen format is the most suitable format for the human eye view and has a stronger visual impact. Diagonal 240 inch(20ft) offers you a giant 165" x 90" viewing area. The detachable projection screen adopts a durable Velcro design, which is easy to install and more beautiful. NOTE: Simultaneous projection of front and rear is not supported.
- Easy To Set Up And Takedown-The powerful 350W electric blower is easy to blow up the screen frame in 2-4 minutes. After Fun, unzip the zipper located in the black frame and in a few minutes it will be deflated and be ready to get stored. Blower and storage bag are included. NOTE: the frame needs to be inflated during the use period. Please zip up the zipper before inflating and the fan power would be kept on during use.
- Easy To Set Up And Takedown-The powerful 350W electric blower is easy to blow up the screen frame in 2-4 minutes. After Fun, unzip the zipper located in the black frame and in a few minutes it will be deflated and be ready to get stored. Blower and storage bag are included. NOTE: the frame needs to be inflated during the use period. Please zip up the zipper before inflating and the fan power would be kept on during use.
- High-Quality Washable Material-The giant blow-up screen frame is made of washable Oxford cloth, durable weather-resistant material that can be used indoors or outdoors.
Sale 
KHOMO GEAR 20 ft Outdoor Projector Screen - Supports Front and Rear Projection - Includes Inflation Fan, Tie-Downs and Storage Bag - Inflatable Projector Screen
- ✅ Bigger Screen Size than Similar Products - The Screen Size is 13 feet by 8 feet with an aspect ratio of 16:9. Bigger than most competitors selling blow up projector screen for outdoor movies
- ✅ Front and Back Projection Capabilities - Stunning Front & Rear Projection Material Accommodates Placement of the Projector Behind or in Front of the Screen Allowing for Greater Flexibility
- ✅ Less 5 Minutes to Setup - This Outdoor Movie Screen Has the Quietest and Most Powerful Blower On the Market - No Screws or Tools Needed - Everything is Included Inside the Box
- ✅ Quick 5 Minutes to Store - Unzip the Zipper Located in the Black Frame and in a few Minutes it Will Deflate and be Ready to get Stored Inside a Convenient Included Storage Bag - The Black Frame can be Wiped Clean With any Cloth, While the White Screen is Held on by Velcro and it's Fully Detachable and Easy to Clean
- ✅ Awesome Inflatable Projector Screen for Outside - Bring your Family and Friends Together for a Night of endless Fun in your Backyard, Great for tailgates and camping adventures
25Ft Inflatable Movie Screen with Stand for Outside-Support Rear Projection-Stable Outdoor Frame-Outdoor Movie Screen Use in Combination with Projector and Speaker
- ★🎥【SUPER MEGA】This portable inflatable movie screen is perfect for outdoor parties and backyard movie nights with family and friends.
- ★🎥【EASY SET UP】An additional UL certification blower is included for quick inflation and deflation in just 3-5 minutes, and it can be operated by one person. Don't be intimidated by its size - it's much lighter than you might think. Please note that the screen requires the blower to remain on during use as it is not air-sealed.
- ★🎥【FRONT & REAR PROJECTION】Enjoy the same high-quality picture from both the front and rear of the screen with high projection brightness, contrast, and color restoration, providing a great cinema-like viewing experience.
- ★🎥【EASY TO CARRY & CLEAN】With a professional storage bag, the screen can be easily transported and the white screen cloth can be machine-washed without worrying about wrinkling or fading. The black frame can be wiped clean with a wet towel, but must be kept dry before storing.
- ★🎥【GOOD MATERIAL】Made with durable and lightweight 210D Oxford cloth, the white screen is no-seamed and anti-crease, with Velcro for easy assembly and disassembly.
