The sun pokes its head out for less than half an hour on Saturday morning, and suddenly I'm roped into pulling up a concrete path and marking new flower beds. If you're feeling the same aches as I am this morning, there's an easier way to enjoy the outside this summer. Outdoor projectors aren't new, but they are getting better - and the Nebula X1 is one of my favorites.
I caveated that yard use in my review - you'll need an external outlet to run this thing after all. However, if you're setting up for a more sitting-down-friendly summer, it's one of the best in the business. 3,500 lumens will be able to cut through the twilight hours, and the 40W stereo speakers are a real treat for the ears. Not only that, you'll actually be able to hear them - the whole thing is liquid-cooled, so fan noise never gets in the way of your outdoor movie marathons. Just apologize to the neighbors first.
There's a problem. 4K projectors are getting cheaper, but they're still by no means budget-friendly. Amazon has the $2,999 Nebula X1 down to its lowest price yet this week - rounding out at a neat $2,199 sales price.
Today's best outdoor projector deal
In the grand scheme of the best projectors, a hair over $2,000 isn't bad for a 4K triple-laser thrower with Dolby Vision HDR, that higher brightness level, and versatile 0.9 - 1.5:1 throw ratio. It's those four side-firing speakers that close this deal, though, with robust, loud, well-rounded audio from the 15W woofers and 5W tweeters.
- Join GamesRadar+ Deals on WhatsApp for our top daily discounts
You can even pick up additional satellite speakers to truly get that patio shaking, but I was impressed even straight out of the box. That's all further supported by a whisper-quiet operating volume that can't quite be matched by anything I've set my eyes on since.
This is a chunky device, and it doesn't run without that connection to a power outlet, though. If you're stuck for charge, I'd recommend going with something much cheaper. You won't get the full 4K effect, and the speakers won't match up, but the Yaber T2 also impressed me in testing - and comes in at just $199.99 at Amazon (be sure to nab that 20% discount at checkout). This is a budget-friendly 1080p lifestyle projector, but with a battery life to see you through a full movie and a far more compact footprint, it's an excellent alternative for those dipping their toe into the outdoor cinema this year.
- See all projector deals at Amazon
For something a little more conventional inside, check out the best gaming TVs and the best gaming monitors we've tried so far.
