Best Outdoor Weatherproof TV for Al Fresco Entertainment
Updated: Mar. 23, 2024
Find the best outdoor TV for al fresco entertaining to watch sports, host movie nights or binge a favorite show
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Adding a TV to your patio or porch gives you the full outdoor living room experience. Outdoor TVs and projectors bring the entertainment outside, whether you’re hosting a large viewing party, having friends over to watch the big game, or kicking back on a weeknight to stream your favorite show under the stars.
But finding the best outdoor TV or outdoor projector for your setup can be a challenge. Most outdoor TVs handle high humidity, extreme temperatures, and salt, dirt and dust in the air, while some can also stand up to rain and other weather without damage.
“The importance of outdoor proofing cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts the longevity and viewing quality of the TV in potentially harsh or unpredictable outdoor settings,” says Star Kashman, an award-winning cybersecurity and privacy law expert. “For those living in areas prone to natural disasters, it might be wise to reconsider investing in a high-end, expensive or large outdoor TV due to the risk of damage not only to the TV itself but also to nearby outdoor furniture and accessories if it gets knocked over.”
We’ve rounded up some of the best outdoor TVs so you can find one that’s right for your needs.
Best Overall Outdoor TV
Samsung Terrace Smart Outdoor TV
Pros:
- Wide viewing angle reduces glare and boosts color contrast
- WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities
- QLED 4K ultra-bright picture quality
- Weather-resistant protection against water and dust
Cons:
- Some buyers complain about the usability of the interface
- Pricey
The Samsung Terrace is the best outdoor TV when it comes to brilliant picture quality and durability. The weather-resistant TV has first-class 4K ultra HD for vivid imagery. It also has an intuitive function that optimizes picture settings based on surrounding light conditions, whether in full or partial sun.
This 75-inch model features an anti-reflection screen, plus a water- and dust-resistant remote. The smart TV has integrated streaming capabilities, plus Amazon Alexa and Google Voice built-in, allowing you to control the TV using voice commands. Buyers praised it for its picture quality and gaming capabilities alike. It comes in 55-inch and 65-inch models as well.
Best Budget Outdoor TV
Element Electronics Outdoor Roku Smart TV
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Weatherproof tempered safety glass
- Built-in Roku smart streaming system
- Crisp, bright anti-glare screen
Cons:
- Only one 55-inch size available
- For use in partial sun only
Unlike many other outdoor TV models, the Element Electronics Outdoor TV won’t break the bank. This 55-inch model has a crisp, bright screen that doesn’t give off unwanted reflections when viewed in partial sun. It can withstand temps from -4 degrees all the way to 104 degrees, so you won’t have to worry about it during extreme weather.
For a budget price, it’s our best outdoor TV pick to make your deck or patio space a more inviting spot to watch your favorite shows or the big game.
Best Outdoor TV for Sports and Gaming
SunBrite Veranda Series Outdoor LED TV
Pros:
- Easy to connect compatible devices with four HDMI ports and one USB input
- Weatherproof
- High-tech display features
- Built-in 20-watt speakers
Cons:
- For use in full-shade settings only
If you’re a gamer or sports enthusiast looking for the best outdoor TV for your needs, take a look at the SunBrite Veranda Series. These outdoor televisions feature local zone dimming and Dolby Vision Support, so there’s no risk of blurring displays—an issue with the fast on-screen action during a game. The 20W down-firing speakers mean you won’t miss a call. The TVs and remotes are weatherproof and safe to operate at temperatures as low as -24 degrees and up to 104 degrees, but be aware these are rated for full-shade viewing in a covered patio or structure only.
In addition, a convenient storage area keeps media players and cables organized and safe from the elements. It’s easy to gather everyone around the TV with 43-, 55- and 65-inch models to choose from.
Best Outdoor TV for Protected Areas
Samsung Neo QLED Smart TV
Pros:
- Ultra-slim silhouette is ideal for tight spaces
- Excellent reflection handling
- Multi-dimensional sound
- Free live streaming content with Samsung TV Plus
Cons:
- Must be used in areas protected from weather
If your outdoor viewing area is in the shade and protected from the elements, the Samsung Neo Smart TV instantly updates your entertaining space. Available in five sizes from 43- to 85-inch, this Samsung model is less expensive than the Terrace but still offers amazing viewing capabilities in covered areas, like an enclosed porch, sunroom or gazebo. An anti-glare reflection ensures a brilliant screen from any angle, while a proprietary EyeComfort mode adapts your display based on the time of day.
Best Outdoor TV for Full Sun
Furrion Aurora Full Sun 4K Outdoor TV
Pros:
- Bright screen can be seen in full sun
- IP54-rated weatherproof housing
- XtremeShield IK08-rated tempered glass
- WiFi-enabled
Cons:
- Pricey
Take in the sun and watch the game or your favorite television series with the Furrion Aurora Full Sun TV. This 65-inch model is built to be viewable in sunlit areas without glare. It’s WiFi-enabled, so you can use it with all your subscription-based streaming apps. Tempered glass protects the screen from impacts and scratches—a boon when buying a TV for the outdoors. It also comes in 43-inch and 55-inch models.
Best Splurge Outdoor TV
SunBrite Signature 2 Series
Pros:
- Weatherproof and durable impact-resistant casing
- Withstands a large temperature range
- Auto-optimizes display for daytime or nighttime
- Ultra-HD display provides stunning picture quality
Cons:
- Pricey
- Not rated for full-sun viewing
When money isn’t an object, our best splurge-worthy outdoor TV pick is the SunBrite Signature 2 Series. Available in four sizes—43-, 55-, 65- or 75-inch—its durable waterproof aluminum casing protects the TV from rain, snow, dust, insects and temperatures from -24 to 122 degrees.
The LED backlighting and anti-glare technology deliver a picture that’s up to three times brighter than an indoor TV in shade or partial sun. With 4K ultra high-def resolution, you get stunningly clear picture quality that automatically optimizes based on ambient light. Its sleek design won’t take up much space, and it’s built for permanent outdoor installation to easily upgrade your backyard.
What to Consider When Buying an Outdoor TV
Before you buy, decide where you’ll hang the TV—will it be protected from the elements or do you need a model that can withstand any weather conditions? Consider time of day and how the sun passes overhead—do you need an outdoor TV suited for use in the shade, partial sun or full sun? Finally, think about how you’ll most likely use it: Are you primarily watching sports or gaming, where a fast refresh rate may come in handy to follow the action? Finally, because some of the best outdoor TVs can be pricey, figure out how much you’re willing to spend.
Why You Should Trust Us
I lived through a major home renovation in 2019, know the ups and downs of home improvement and love sharing tips and product picks with readers. A veteran journalist of both print and television, I’ve won several awards for my writing and have covered everything from the environment and education to health care, politics and food.
For this piece, we consulted cybersecurity and privacy law expert, Star Kashman. She knows the ins and outs of technology and the features you need to look for when purchasing an outdoor TV.
How We Found the Best Outdoor TVs
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
What is the difference between an outdoor TV vs. a regular TV?
Unlike regular TVs, outdoor TVs are able to handle the outside elements because of features like full-metal enclosures and waterproofing. Also, many outdoor TVs have impact-resistant glass, so they’re not as prone to scratches and cracks like the television in your living room. They also may have brighter screens that can be seen in full sun as well as automatic brightness settings that adjust based on ambient light.
“When considering an outdoor TV, it’s paramount to ensure it’s built for outdoor conditions, and classified as “weatherproof” and “waterproof”, says Kashman. “This means checking its capabilities against rain, humidity, dust, and extreme temperatures, which are crucial for durability and performance in varying outdoor environments.”
Can you use a regular TV outdoors?
While you can use a regular TV in a covered, enclosed area such as a porch or sunroom, you wouldn’t want to use your regular TV outdoors, as it is not built for viewing in full or partial sun, nor is it able to withstand the elements from Mother Nature.
What are the pros and cons of an outdoor TV?
The pros of having an outdoor TV include enjoying your favorite television programs while also being able to enjoy the outdoors. They offer a great gathering spot for family movie nights, a date night under the stars or the perfect place to watch the game with friends. “The cons involve a higher price point due to their specialized design, and the additional considerations such as proximity to power sources and protective shading,” says Kashman. “Moreover, despite weatherproofing, extreme conditions or unforeseen events, like natural disasters, can still pose a risk to possessing an outdoor TV.”
