CBS News
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.
The number of people killed and/or wounded in shootings over the Fourth of July week in the U.S. dipped this year, making it the fourth year in a row gun violence around July 4 has dropped, according to a tally by the Gun Violence Archive.
From July 1 to July 7, 340 people were killed and 756 were wounded for a total of 1,096 shooting victims across the U.S., according to the Gun Violence Archive. In 2023, the week of July 4 in the U.S. saw 451 people shot and killed and another 1,130 wounded. These numbers exclude those who died by suicide.
The archive also recorded 20 mass shootings —which it defines as a shooting in which four or more people are shot and/or killed, not including the shooter— over Fourth of July week this year. That was down from 28 a year ago.
Chicago, which saw a spike in gun violence this year, had the most shootings and deaths over the 2024 holiday, with more than 100 shot and 19 killed since Wednesday, according to the Chicago Police Department. That was a 91% increase in shooting victims compared with last year.
In 2022, the Illinois suburb of Highland Park was the site of a devastating mass shooting in which seven people were killed and dozens more were wounded when a gunman opened fire on the city’s Fourth of July parade. That parade returned this year for the first time since the shooting.
Gun violence in Chicago made Illinois have the most individual shooting incidents of any state over the holiday week this year. California also saw a fairly high number of shooting incidents this year, which is unsurprising given that it is the nation’s most populous state.
The number of shooting victims over the Fourth of July week has been dropping every year since 2020, but they still remain above 2019 levels. That year, there were 1,177 total victims, with 318 deaths and another 859 people wounded. The numbers then spiked in 2020, when 536 people were killed and 1,172 were wounded, for a total of 1,708 gunshot victims.
The Gun Violence Archive also recorded 34 mass shootings in 2020, the highest number over the last six years and a leap up from 18 in 2019.
The U.S. has also seen a slight dip in gun violence overall in the first half of 2024 compared with last year. From Jan. 1 through June 30 of last year, 9,683 people were killed and 18,630 people were wounded in shootings. Over that same period this year, 8,539 were killed with another 16,192 were wounded.
— Erin Cauchi and Anna Schechter contributed reporting.
CBS News
The best Apple AirPods deals ahead of Prime Day 2024 offer great audio at record low prices
Apple
When it comes to headphones, Apple AirPods are massively popular. These crowd-pleasing earbuds pair easily with Apple devices (like your iPhone) and sound great, too. If you’re ready to see what all the fuss is about, you can save some serious cash on each model of the customer-loved earbuds right now, thanks to some must-see early Amazon Prime Day deals.
The second-generation AirPods Pro are Apple’s premium earbuds, with excellent noise cancellation, spatial audio, and waterproofing that makes them ideal candidates for wearing at the gym. There are also the more affordable AirPods that are great for casual listening. For Apple users wanting high-end over-ear headphones, AirPods Max are great for immersive sound.
Not sure which type of AirPods will work best for you? Be sure to check out our in-depth AirPods buyer’s guide for all the info you need to make a purchasing decision before these pre-Prime Day deals go away.
Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation: $169 ($80 off)
Apple
With up to 30 hours of battery life via their charging case, the sleek Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation wireless earbuds deliver exceptional listening time.
These upgraded earbuds surpass the original AirPods Pro in every way. An improved wireless chip and enhanced active noise cancellation give you an immersive listening experience, and their attractive curves make them even more pleasing to the eye.
For anyone who appreciates lengthy battery life and the very best sound quality, these are a fantastic choice. With all the upgrades over the previous model, the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation represent Apple’s most advanced earbuds yet.
This version of the AirPods now comes with a USB Type-C charging case that also supports wireless charging. Another feature we love: the touch controls built into the stems.
Regularly $249, you can score Apple AirPods Pro 2 for $169 at the Walmart Deals sale or at Amazon as an early Prime Day deal.
Apple AirPods (2nd Generation): $69 ($60 off)
Apple
Though not the newest model, the second-generation Apple AirPods are still a popular choice when it comes to earbuds. Keep in mind, these are not the Pro model, but they’re still worth grabbing.
For Apple users, these are the most seamless earbuds around. They connect effortlessly whenever you need them. While they work with any Bluetooth device that generates audio, they function at their best when they’re paired with an Apple device, such as an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, iMac or MacBook.
With a wireless charging case providing more than 24 hours of battery life, one-tap setup for Apple devices, and a low-latency wireless connection for immersive entertainment, it’s easy to see why these earbuds are a hit and continue to sell out.
If you want an affordable option with broad appeal, this version of the AirPods make an excellent everyday wireless earbud option.
Right now, you can grab a pair of AirPods (2nd Generation) for just $69, one of the lowest prices we’ve seen.
Apple AirPods (3rd generation): $129 ($74 off)
Apple
If you don’t need the fanciest AirPods, but still want something new, check out the third generation of the original AirPods. These are perfect for staying current and for everyday use — without breaking the bank.
These AirPods come packed with features like spatial audio, dynamic head tracking and longer battery life. You can get about 30 hours with the included MagSafe charging case. They’re not as advanced at the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation, but they generate really impressive audio.
These AirPods still receive regular Apple updates, so you’ll still get most of the new goodies the other newer models get.
Apple AirPods Max (Pink): $450 ($99 off)
Amazon
If you want to indulge in a luxurious pair of premium quality headphones and you’re already an Apple user, look no further than the AirPods Max. These headphones look just as good as they sound. And in our coverage of the 11 best spatial audio headphones and earbuds for 2024, these were a top pick.
With lavish cushioned ear cups, booming audio, spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, and absolutely fantastic active noise cancellation, the AirPods Max make a bold statement. Everyone will know what you’re wearing — and they’ll probably be jealous, because these things absolutely bump.
Plus, transparency mode lets you tune into your surroundings when needed. And at 15 hours of playtime, these headphones keep your music flowing all day. Beyond performance, the AirPods Max make a fashion statement with a range of stylish color options.
These are the perfect option for anyone looking for a pair of excellent over-the-ear headphones who also wants something stylish.
Currently, only the Pink AirPods Max colorway is on sale at Amazon for $450, so keep an eye out for the other models if you’re hoping to get another kind.
Target tells its customers to expect more while paying less — but soon, its shoppers won’t be able to purchase anything at all with a once-popular form of payment.
The retail giant said in a statement that it will stop accepting personal checks as payment starting July 15. The change, which was earlier reported by Minneapolis TV station KARE, will take place after Target’s Red Circle week, a sales event that ends on July 13.
The change comes amid waning use of personal checks, a form of payment that 9 in 10 consumers used at least once a year as recently as 2009, according to research from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. But today, only about half of Americans write checks at least once a year, with many shifting to digital payments such as Venmo, Zelle or PayPal, GoBankingRates found.
Target pointed to the shift in consumer preferences as its reason to stop accepting personal checks as payment.
“Due to extremely low volumes, we’ll no longer accept personal checks starting July 15,” a Target spokesperson said in an email. “We have taken several measures to notify guests in advance to aid an easy and efficient checkout experience.”
Target will continue to accept cash; digital wallets; buy now, pay later services; and credit and debit cards as well as SNAP/EBT cards, it said.
A few other retailers don’t accept personal checks, including Aldi’s and Whole Foods, with the latter saying it doesn’t allow checks in order to speed up the checkout process.
Even though fewer Americans are writing checks today, they remain popular with older consumers, GoBankingRates found in its survey. About 1 in 5 people over 66 write several checks each month, while about half of people under 55 don’t write a single check the entire year.
