Our favorite Halloween projectors make it easy to add freight and delight to your home.
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The 8 Best Halloween Projectors to Decorate for Spooky Season
Updated Sep. 30, 2024
We love October, because it means decorating your home and yard with all things Halloween. This year, besides spooky tombstones on the lawn and towering Halloween inflatables, make your display extra special with a Halloween projector.
The best part? Unlike Halloween string lights, a Halloween projector can be set up in minutes with just the press of a few buttons—no climbing on a ladder to hang it up required. Here are the best projectors to transform your home into a haunted light show.
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Sunbox Outdoor Lights Projector
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VIA MERCHANT
Best Overall Halloween Projector
Aaxa HP3 Halloween Projector
This Aaxa Halloween projector is our pick for best overall Halloween projector, because it is easy to set up, is reasonably priced and projects high-quality images. It comes with eight preloaded hologram movies—no disc or USB flash drive required. Simply hang up a mesh projection screen on a window frame and position the projector nearby. The spooky skeleton and ghost animations will quickly transform your home into a high-tech haunted house. The auto-start feature automatically restarts the videos so they’ll play for hours even if you’re out trick-or-treating. Plus, this Halloween decoration is on Amazon, so you know you’ll get it fast.
“Just what I was looking for,” writes five-star reviewer, EB. “This is my first projector purchase and it’s meeting my expectations, and I like [that] it includes some graphics with options to add your own via SD card or HDMI and aux cord. It was very easy to set up—you definitely don’t have to be very tech-savvy to get it going.”
Pros
- Pre-loaded animations
- Auto restart to continue playing
- Easy to set up
- Built-in speakers with volume control
Cons
- Animations may be harder to see if it’s not completely dark
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Best Budget Halloween Projector
Hyde & Eek! Blinking Eye Cat Projection
If you don’t want to spend a lot on a projector, this blinking cat projection is just what you’re looking for. It’s not only wallet-friendly, but it doesn’t require a screen. Simply stake it in the ground and point it at the garage door or side of your house. The cat image is cute—a fun choice for those who don’t like the scary stuff—with glowing eyes that blink, along with ears and nose. You can use it indoors or out, and the spotlight projects up to 15 feet away and includes a 72-inch cord, so you don’t have to worry about battery life.
Pros
- Affordable
- No screen required
- Long 72-inch cord
- Projects clearly up to 15 feet away
Cons
- Only displays one image
- No sound
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Best Splurge Halloween Projector
AtmosFX Halloween Digital Decoration Kit
The AtmosFX Halloween digital decoration kit is not cheap, but it comes with everything you need for a stunning Halloween display. The light-emitting diode (LED) projector, remote, translucent fabric screen, mounting hardware and preloaded USB stick with eight different Halloween scenes are all included.
The Halloween scenes range from cutesy to creepy, including singing jack-o’-lanterns, a witch séance and a scary face animation of eerie eyes and a mouth. The setup is easy and the animations run on a loop, so there won’t be any interruptions to your Halloween fun.
Pros
- High-quality kit with everything you need
- Offers eight different scenes
- Has sound and a remote
- Reputable digital decoration company
Cons
- Not waterproof
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Most Versatile Halloween Projector
Mintom LED Projector
This Minetom LED projector can display 16 holiday patterns, including Halloween, Christmas, Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day. There are also 14 color wave options if you’re looking to shine an eerie colorful glow. Its versatility also extends to setup—it can be staked in the ground, mounted on a wall or ceiling or placed on the included base. The new design includes upgraded waterproofing with an IP65 rating that’s suitable for rain and snowy weather.
“It takes the stress and complexity out of holiday lighting. Just plug it in, aim and you have a great display of holiday fun,” says Lelani Calderon, a verified purchaser.
Pros
- Includes patterns for other holidays
- Various setup options
- Upgraded waterproof rating
- Great value
Cons
- Slides must be changed manually
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Best Halloween Projector with DVD Player
Bigasuo Bluetooth DVD Projector
This highly rated Bluetooth projector includes a built-in DVD player. That way, you can grab one of these digital decoration DVDs and play super scary animations. It also features dual audio speakers for spooky sound effects, and connects to your smartphone if you want to play a video directly from your phone.
“I bought this projector with the intent of projecting Halloween FX onto a window and to project movies for my son,” shares five-star reviewer, Gary J. Gomez Jr. “I’m really impressed by the quality of the unit and picture for the price. I installed a Roku Stick and can steam Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and all other services directly to the projector.”
Pros
- Built-in DVD player
- Bluetooth-enabled
- Can stream from your smartphone
- Storage bag and tripod included
Cons
- Pricier
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Best Laser Halloween Projector
Fbk Laser Halloween Projector
With this laser Halloween projector you can project crisp laser shapes in seven different patterns, including ghosts, pumpkins, spiders and skulls. This type of projector is a smart choice if you don’t have a big, flat surface to display your light show. The bright laser images pop against all types of backgrounds (even as a front door decoration), and can reach up to 33 feet! Use the remote to turn it on and off, control the pattern moving speed, adjust color display mode, use flash mode and set the timer.
Pros
- Crisp, bright laser images
- Projects on all backgrounds, including uneven surfaces
- 33-foot projection capability
- Easy-to-use remote
Cons
- Only two color options
- No sound
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Best Tabletop Halloween Projector
LED Rotating Ghost Tabletop Projector
Front porch decorations are inviting, but why stop there? For indoor Halloween parties, this LED tabletop ghost projector creates spooky ambiance your guests will love. Place the projector on a table, switch it on and watch cute ghost-shaped cutouts fly around the walls and ceiling up to 8 feet away. The projector makes a big impact without much effort, and it’s a budget-friendly option. It’s battery-operated, so there’s no need to place it near an outlet or deal with pesky cords. Even when the projector is off, the adorable cauldron design makes festive table decor piece.
Pros
- Easy indoor tabletop decor (even when it’s off)
- Battery-operated
- Affordable
- No assembly required
Cons
- Not designed for outdoor use
- Only displays one design
Best projector for multiple holidays
Sunbox Outdoor Lights Projector
Pros:
- Preset lights for most major holidays
- Waterproof for outdoor use
- Easy setup and remote control
Cons:
- Image quality is not as good as other options
For those who enjoy decorating with festive lights, the Sunbox lights projector is a perfect option. It features preset images for various holidays, including Halloween, Christmas, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Easter, the Fourth of July and St. Patrick’s Day. This versatile projector can light up any celebration, making it a great all-rounder for holiday décor.
What to Look for When Buying a Halloween Projector
When shopping for a Halloween projector, consider these key features:
Projection Quality
Look for sharp, bright images to ensure the display is visible both indoors and outdoors. High brightness is crucial for outdoor use, while high resolution supplies more detailed images.
Image or Video Projection
Decide if you want still images or dynamic video projections. Some projectors offer animations like flying ghosts or spinning pumpkins, which can enhance your display.
Weather Resistance
If you plan to use the projector outdoors, check for weatherproof ratings (IP65 or higher) to protect against rain and dust.
Ease of Setup and Use
Opt for projectors with easy installation, adjustable angles and simple controls for quick setup and adjustments.
Range & Coverage Area
Consider the maximum projection distance and area coverage. A longer range is better for large outdoor spaces, while a smaller range works indoors.
Power Source
Halloween projectors can be battery-powered or plug-in.Â
- Battery-operated models offer portability but may have limited runtime.
- Plug-in models provide consistent power but need an outlet nearby, which limits placement options.
Lighting & Color Options
Look for customizable lighting and color schemes to switch between themes or create unique effects.
Durability
For outdoor use, ensure the projector is built with durable materials to withstand weather and wear.
Cost
Projectors range from $30 to $150 or more. Higher-end models typically offer better quality, more features and greater durability. Choose a model that balances your budget with your desired features.
Why You Should Trust Us
Erica Young brought her passion for home decor and DIY projects to write this piece on Halloween projectors. Her work is published extensively across multiple brands, including Taste of Home, POPSUGAR, Reader’s Digest and Curbly.
Paul Rankin, Content Updates Editor at Taste of Home, updated and contributed research to this article. Paul is a former commerce editor at Bob Vila and has written shopping guides since 2021.
How We Found the Best Halloween Projectors
We researched and chose the eight best Halloween projectors based on performance, features, cost and verified customer reviews. With dozens of options considered, we narrowed it down by taking an in-depth look at features and what you might not like about a product. After all, we’re looking for the right fit for each individual reader’s needs. Key considerations we looked at were brightness, weatherproofing and coverage area. Our list of recommendations includes options across the price spectrum, each with their own benefits according to shoppers’ individual needs. Our product research also had us revisit some of our other favorites we covered in our top Christmas lights projectors, so many of our picks are suitable for the entire holiday season and beyond.
FAQ
How do I set up an outdoor Halloween projector?
This depends on the model. Most are simple to set up via a wall plug (or batteries) and pointing the projector at the surface on which you’d like to display the images or video.
Can I use a Halloween projector in the rain?
Avoid placing a Halloween projector directly in the rain for extended periods. If you plan to install it outside, ensure the projector is weather-resistant and consider additional protection, like placing it under a covered area.
What’s the best distance for a Halloween projector?
The best distance for a Halloween projector is usually between 10 and 15 feet. However, this can vary by model. Short-throw projectors might work from as close as four feet, while long-throw projectors may require more distance. Always refer to your projector’s manual for specific recommendations.
Originally Published: October 12, 2021
