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The 5 best outdoor projectors of 2024 are ready for your summer movie nights
Nebula, BenQ
A fun way to get the most out of your backyard is to set up an outdoor projector and host a movie night. An outdoor projector, combined with wireless speakers, a popcorn machine and a few comfy lounge chairs (or portable hammocks) are all you need to enjoy your favorite Hollywood blockbusters, TV shows or live sporting events under the stars.
The best outdoor projectors offer a large and vibrant picture, with accurate colors and smooth action. And while there are a few outdoor projectors that are water resistant, any portable projector will work great outside, as long as it doesn’t get wet.
We recommend a 4K resolution outdoor projector that’s super-portable, easy to set up and that relies on the latest laser projection technology with a fast refresh rate — like the new LG CineBeam Q, which we recently reviewed. It’s perfect for indoor or outdoor movie nights.
What is the best outdoor projector?
Our in-house team of technology experts has researched and tested some of the best outdoor projectors on the market. Some of these outdoor projectors are water resistant, some offer an integrated battery pack and a few provide the ultimate in easy set up and portability. So there’s definitely an option here that’ll take your outdoor movie nights to a whole new level of enjoyment this summer.
Best outdoor projector overall: LG CineBeam Q
Amazon
Resolution: 4K | Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 pixels | Projection type: RGB tri-laser | Internal battery: No | Dimensions: 3.1 x 5.3 x 4.3 inches | Weight: 3.3 pounds | Water resistant: No | Operating system: WebOS | Internal speakers: 1x 3 watts | Max. brightness: 500 ANSI lumens | Projection size: Up to 120-inches
The recently released LG CineBeam Q is one of the few projectors that can be used indoors or outdoors. It sets up in minutes and offers 4K resolution using a tri-laser projection system. While not waterproof, the CineBeam Q can be set up anywhere there’s electricity. It then connects either directly to Wi-Fi or can be paired with a computer or mobile device to provide an endless supply of movies, TV shows and live sporting events.
What we love about this projector is that it displays a sharp and bright picture (especially at night) and features both auto-focus and digital keystone correction, so there’s no need to tinker with buttons or dials to achieve a sharp and vibrant picture. No matter at what angle you set up the projector, it displays a rectangular image that’s perfectly proportioned and that showcases a 154% DCI-P3 color gamut.
The single mono speaker built into the projector is adequate, but you’ll probably want to connect Bluetooth speakers or even a soundbar to enhance the audio volume and quality. There’s no built-in rechargeable battery, but the projector can be used with a portable power bank or plugged into any AC outlet. We’re huge fans of the CineBeam Q’s overall design, performance and picture quality. To achieve the sharpest picture, we suggest using it outdoors at night or inside in a darkened viewing space.
For more information about this powerful projector, check out our in-depth review.
Best value outdoor projector: Samsung The Freestyle (2nd Gen)
Samsung
Resolution: 1080p | Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 pixels | Projection type: LED | Internal battery: No | Dimensions: 4 x 6.8 x 3.7 inches | Weight: 1.8 pounds | Water resistant: No | Operating system: Tizen | Internal speakers: 1x 5-watts (360-degree sound | Max. brightness: 250 ANSI lumens | Projection size: Up to 100-inches
The two coolest things about this projector are its compact size and that you can position it at almost any angle to generate up to a 100-inch image. While not waterproof, it can easily be used outdoors and set up in minutes. You can either plug in the projector or use it with its optional 32,000mAh battery base ($190) that’ll work for up to three hours between charges.
The FreeStyle (2nd Gen) offers 1080p resolution and can be set at any angle; the rectangular image automatically focuses and levels. Built into the projector is one 5-watt speaker that generates 360-degree audio, but for louder and more robust sound, you can pair it with one or more Bluetooth speakers.
This new 2nd Gen version of The Freestyle now offers a built in Game Hub, so when you connect a console gaming system, it automatically adjusts to present the best picture quality and smoothest animations possible. You can also play cloud-based games via services like Xbox Game Pass, Nvidia GeForce and Utomik using just a wireless controller (no console needed).
When connected to Wi-Fi, you can access any of your favorite streaming networks and channels through the Tizen OS. Or, you can connect the projector (wirelessly or with a cable) to your mobile device or computer to access video content. Because the projector’s maximum brightness is only 250 ANSI lumens, we suggest using it outside at night (with minimal ambient light in the area) to achieve the most vibrant picture quality. Inside, it works best within a dark viewing space. Now that Samsung has reduced the price of this projector, it offers a great value for the money.
Best ultra-small outdoor projector: Nebula Capsule 3 Laser
Amazon
Resolution: 1080p | Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 pixels | Projection type: Tri-laser | Internal battery: Yes (up to 2.5 hours of playtime) | Dimensions: 3.3 x 3.3 x 6.7 inches | Weight: 1.98 pounds | Water resistant: No | Operating system: AndroidTV | Internal speakers: 1x 8-watts | Max. brightness: 300 ANSI lumens | Projection size: Up to 120-inches
This projector is about the size of a soda can, yet it projects an image up to 120 inches in 1080p resolution using a triple laser system that generates a sharp picture with accurate colors. The Capsule 3 Laser supports Dolby Digital sound and has a built in battery that works for up to 2.5 hours between charges.
Since the Capsule 3 Laser’s maximum brightness is just 300 ANSI lumens, plan to use it outdoors at night, with minimal ambient light present to see the most vibrant picture. Along with the projector and battery, the Capture 3 contains a built in speaker. When connected directly to Wi-Fi, it gives you full access to the AndroidTV OS and all of the streaming video services you subscribe to. This means it’s a complete movie and TV projection system built into a single unit that fits in your hand. No additional equipment or accessories are needed to use it (except for a screen or white wall for it to project onto).
When Wi-Fi is not available, you always have the option of pairing the projector with your mobile device or computer to provide video content. This can be done wirelessly or using a cable. Since the projector runs using AndroidTV, it automatically supports Chromecast (which works with all Android and ChromeOS devices).
Nebula offers several Capsule projector models, but the Capsule 3 Laser is the only one to offer tri-laser projection technology with autofocus and auto leveling. This latest model is 55% smaller, 1.8 times brighter and offers twice the contrast as previous models. It’s perfect for hosting movie nights in your backyard or while on a camping trip.
Best water-resistant outdoor projector: BenQ GS50
Amazon
Resolution: 1080p | Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 pixels | Projection type: LED DLP | Internal battery: Yes (up to 150 mins. playtime) | Dimensions: 5.75 x 7.32 x 6.06 inches | Weight: 5.07 pounds | Water resistant: IPX2 rated | Operating system: AndroidTV | Internal speakers: 2x 5-watts, 1x 10-watt subwoofer | Max. brightness: 500 ANSI lumens | Projection size: Up to 120-inches
Because it’s IPX2 rated as water and drop resistant, this is the outdoor projector you want to take on camping trips where it’ll need to withstand a more rugged environment. The GS50 has a built-in battery pack that lasts up to 150 minutes.
Set up is super simple and you can stream content directly via Wi-Fi thanks to the AndroidTV OS, or pair the projector with your smartphone, tablet or computer to provide video content. Out of all the outdoor projectors featured in this roundup, this is the only one that offers two, built in, 5-watt stereo speakers and a 10-watt subwoofer, so sound quality is impressive.
We like this projector because of its durability. It can generate a 1080p resolution projected image that’s up to 120-inches. With its maximum brightness of 500 lumens, the projector performs best outdoors at night, with minimal ambient light. For binge watching TV shows, movies or live sports, we suggest plugging it in to an external power source, such as a portable power bank or electrical outlet. Using its built in leather handle, the 5.07 pound projector is easy to carry around and set up almost anywhere.
Best outdoor projector with a battery pack: Nebula Mars 3
Amazon
Resolution: 1080p | Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 pixels | Projection type: LED DLP | Internal battery: Yes (up to 5 hrs. playtime) | Dimensions: 6.3 x 10.24 x 9.84 inches | Weight: 9.92 pounds | Water resistant: IPX3 rated | Operating system: AndroidTV | Internal speakers: 2x 5-watts, 10-watt subwoofer | Max. brightness: 1,000 ANSI lumens | Projection size: Up to 200-inches
Although it doesn’t offer 4K resolution, there’s a lot to love about the Nebula Mars 3 outdoor projector. It’s portable and has a built-in battery pack that keeps the projector running for up to five hours between charges. What we like best is the projector’s maximum brightness of 1,000 ANSI lumens, which makes it the brightest option in this roundup. This means it’ll perform nicely in dimly lit or dark indoor or outdoor spaces.
Set up takes just minutes. The Mars 3 runs using the AndroidTV OS, so when it’s connected directly to Wi-Fi, you get easy access to all of the streaming channels and networks you subscribe to. Although, it’s just as easy to pair the projector with your mobile device or computer to provide video content.
Between the two 5-watt speakers and single 10-watt subwoofer, the sound that accompanies whatever video content you watch will be heard in stereo, with plenty of noticeable bass. The built in handle makes the projector easy to carry around, while the adjustable kickstand allows you to set it at the optimal angle for your screen.
What makes a projector good for the outdoors?
If you plan to use a projector outdoors, seek out a model that’s portable, has the option to run using a battery pack (as opposed to an electrical outlet) and that has the highest maximum brightness possible (at least 500 ANSI lumens). When it comes to resolution, 1080p works fine, but for the sharpest and most detailed projected image, we recommend 4K resolution and a projector that uses a tri-laser projection system that can generate an image of at least 80- to 100-inches.
Some portable projectors are water-resistant and designed to be drop resistant. These are the best models to take on a camping trip. However, for an outdoor movie night in your backyard, any projector offering a compact size with easy set up will work just fine. Just don’t expose it water and handle it gently, just as you would a tablet or laptop computer.
Most portable projectors can connect to Wi-Fi, which means that they can stream content directly from a popular video streaming service, like Netflix or Paramount+. All of the projectors can be used with a mobile device or computer to provide content wirelessly or using a cable. And finally, since you plan to use the projector outside, choose one that offers one or more internal speakers than generate enough volume to be heard clearly from several feet away. Otherwise, you’ll want to use the projector with optional wireless (Bluetooth) speakers to enhance audio quality and boost volume levels.
Can you leave an outdoor projector outside overnight?
If a portable projector has an IP rating that indicates it’s water-resistant, this means it can be exposed to a small amount of water and not get damaged. That said, we suggest never leaving any projector outside overnight. Set it up when you plan to use it and then pack it up and bring it indoors when you’re done. (If you’re camping, keep it inside your tent or RV when it’s not being used outside.) And for added protection, consider investing in a carrying case designed for your projector.
Need more projector suggestions for your home? Check out our coverage of the five best home projectors for 2024. If you’re seeking a new TV, we have you covered with our roundups of the four best 8K TVs in 2024, best OLED TVs for 2024, six best TVs for 2024 and five best TVs for video gamers. Also, be sure to read our full review of the incredibly popular Samsung Frame TV. And you can always find the latest info about the most in-demand consumer technologies by staying up-to-date with all of our comprehensive tech coverage.
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At “Evryman,” a weekend getaway in the Berkshires of Massachusetts, around 50 men gather to open up about struggles that men often bury — like loneliness.
“We can just be raw and real with each other,” said John, a participant from Connecticut.
Last year, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy declared loneliness a national health epidemic, saying it poses risks as deadly as smoking. About half of U.S. adults say they’ve experienced loneliness, Murthy said in an 81-page report from his office.
The effects on men can be especially difficult to address due to gender-based stigma, Evryman co-founder Lucas Krump said.
“As men, we’ve traditionally been put in a box and given a very small range to express our emotions. There are a lot of men walking around, not necessarily overtly a loner, but feeling very lonely,” Krump said.
Roughly one in seven men say they have no close friends, according to data from the Survey Center on American Life.
Krump’s organization hopes to combat that crisis of connection by giving participants a safe space to share whatever they’re feeling.
“What men are really looking for is to belong. They want to be part of something,” Krump said.
For example, participants may open up about problems in their relationships and be surprised to find out that others are experiencing similar issues.
“There’s something about letting our guard down and having fun with the other guys. It’s hard to replace,” another participant said.
CBS News
Social Security Fairness Act could restore benefits for millions, but policies still cause hardship
At 84 years old, Evelyn Paternostro spends her days working part time as a cashier at Dollar Tree. For decades, she dedicated her life to education, serving as a teacher and principal in Louisiana. But despite years of her public service, she now struggles to make ends meet.
“People at the store ask me all the time, ‘Are you doing this for fun? Why aren’t you retired?'” she said. “Because I need to eat.”
After her husband died, Paternostro discovered she couldn’t collect his Social Security benefits due to a pair of federal policies called the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset.
These provisions reduce or eliminate Social Security benefits for millions of Americans if they receive a public pension that didn’t withhold Social Security tax. Retired teachers, firefighters and other public servants are some of the most impacted.
“I was really blindsided,” she said. “I knew I was going to have a teacher’s retirement. I was going to be part of the Louisiana Teachers Retirement System. And I never really thought about my husband’s income and what that would mean to me.”
Kati Weis / CBS News
Who is affected?
Nearly 2.8 million individuals across the United States are impacted by WEP and GPO. Its effects extend to all employees of state, county, municipal and special districts in 26 states. Teachers in 13 of those states, including specific districts in Kentucky and Georgia, also feel its impact.
In Massachusetts and certain districts in Rhode Island, not all municipal employees, but only teachers are impacted.
The purpose of these two 1980s-era programs was “so that there was no way you could ‘double dip’ into both a federal pension and Social Security,” explains Jill Schlesinger, CBS News business analyst.
The Windfall Elimination Provision affects people who qualify for Social Security benefits through their job but also receive a pension from another job where they didn’t pay into Social Security.
It may decrease their Social Security payments by up to half the value of their pension.
For example, Michelle Cosgrove’s benefits were cut in half, reduced from $866 a month.
Cosgrove spent the first half of her career as a paralegal, contributing to Social Security, before staying home to raise her children.
Later, she became a public school teacher in the San Francisco Bay Area, paying into CalSTRS, California’s educator pension fund. However, her plans for retirement took an unexpected turn when she discovered the intricacies of the pension system.
When she retired, Cosgrove’s reduced payments affected her ability to pay bills and cover expenses.
The other program, the Government Pension Offset, further impacted Cosgrove after her husband, Mike, passed away in 2022. Despite working in the private sector for decades and contributing to Social Security, his benefits were largely inaccessible to her due to the GPO. Mike, a welding supervisor, was diagnosed with a rare cancer at 52 but continued working until his health worsened. He died at the age of 63.
If pension recipients are a widow or widower of someone who received Social Security benefits, that pension recipient may have reduced survivors benefits or may not receive benefits at all.
“If I’d have stayed home and done nothing, I’d have gotten all the money,” Cosgrove said. “Had I known this, I might not have gone into teaching. I’d have picked something different.”
The GPO mainly affects women, with 83% of those impacted by GPO being female, according data from the Congressional Research Service.
“When you see the numbers of the GPO elevated, it’s because many of those people were probably teachers and married to somebody who worked in a Social Security job,” said Joslyn DeLancey, vice president of the Connecticut Education Association. “They’re not going to get that spousal Social Security. … It’s such a messy and nuanced thing.”
Paternostro estimates she would have received $2,500 a month in Social Security benefits — about $300,000 over the last decade.
“That’s a lot of money,” she said. “That’s more money than I can imagine.”
But these policies brought a different kind of heartache for Dede Ruel, a retired school psychologist in Illinois.
She said she recently received a letter from Social Security informing her that she owed more than $13,000, reducing her Social Security checks by 21%.
According to a CBS News analysis of federal data, these policies are one of the most common reasons for Social Security overpayments, which have totaled more than $450 million in fiscal years 2017-2021.
“I have been trying to appeal it through their process and I’ve been denied at every level,” Ruel said.
Bipartisan support for the Social Security Fairness Act
The Social Security Fairness Act, one of the most bipartisan bills in Congress this session, aims to repeal WEP and GPO.
The House voted to pass the legislation Nov. 12. The Senate is expected to vote on the Social Security Fairness Act this week.
Social Security is projected to run out of funds in 2035 unless there is a change made to the fund’s cost and revenue system.
Even though supporters of the Social Security Fairness Act argue it will only drain the Social Security fund six months earlier than otherwise expected, some critics believe there are better solutions, suggesting states should restructure their retirement systems to address the root causes rather than rely on federal fixes.
“A lot of the critics say this is gonna cost a lot of money, almost $200 billion dollars over the next 10 years,” explains Schlesinger. “Critics say there is a reason why we force people to pay into the Social Security system. These are two separate systems. If we need to fix Social Security, let’s fix it. Let’s not just do a repeal which is essentially a Band-Aid.”
Rep. Garret Graves, a Republican from Louisiana who spearheaded the bill, said, “People should receive benefits based on what they paid into the system. That’s what the formula should largely be based upon. I understand the efforts back in the ’70s and ’80s, but the overcorrection has likely taken $600 to $700 billion in benefits from these folks.”
Devin Carroll, a financial planner, encounters many clients who are “completely taken by surprise.” Carroll often instructs his clients to use the Social Security Administration’s WEP calculator, a tool that calculates benefits with the impact of the WEP factored in.
Carroll explains that it can be challenging to figure out future Social Security benefits. The benefits formula includes “bend points,” which are adjusted annually based on wage inflation.
These adjustments are crucial because the actual amount of the WEP reduction is determined the year a person turns 62.
“You have to make some projections, some assumptions about forward-looking inflation, both price inflation and wage inflation,” Carroll explained. “Once you do, then you can start to work through that and use a calculator like the SSA has that will do a lot of that for you, and it will tell you what your WEP adjusted for retirement age benefit should be.”
Carroll also gets to see the impacts of these provisions firsthand. His daughter-in-law is a teacher in Texas and his son is a firefighter in Texas.
“In essence, this money has been stolen from all of us for all these years,” Paternostro said. “It’s not fair.”
contributed to this report.