Best overall: Samsung 55-inch Class QLED The Terrace Outdoor TVBest with a soundbar: Furrion FDUP55CSA 55″ Aurora Partial Sun Outdoor TV Bundle with 2.1-Channel SoundbarBest for shaded areas: SunBriteTV Weatherproof Outdoor 55-inch VerandaBest for partial sun: Furrion Aurora Partial Sun Series 43-inch UHD LED Outdoor TVBest budget: SunBriteTV 43-inch Outdoor Television for Shade
How we chose the best outdoor TVs
As pool lovers, grill geeks, and float fanatics, we’re excited about everything outdoorsy. We looked at critical reviews and consumer impressions, along with important features like weatherproofing and anti-glare technology, to narrow down the best outdoor TVs. We then took that list, culled through pages of specs and opinions from the most trusted sources, and selected the top six options we’re presenting to you.
The best outdoor TVs: Reviews & Recommendations
From enjoying America’s pastime in prime time to movie nights under the stars, the best outdoor TVs can handle it all. After plenty of research, here are our outdoor television picks. All you’ll need is some popcorn and a cooler full of drinks and you’ll be entertaining in no time.
Best overall: Samsung 55-inch Class QLED The Terrace Outdoor TV
Why it made the cut: An IP55 rating and 4K QLED ensure durability and excellent screen quality. Specs
Sizes: 55″, 65″ 75″Resolution: 4K, 8KAnti-glare: Yes
Pros
Excellent screen qualityIntuitive
Cons
Decrease in quality at outer angles
With a 55-inch screen utilizing QLED technology, this Samsung TV is our pick for best outdoor TV overall. Equipped with smart TV technology, this TV lets you easily stream your favorite sports and movies without having to buy a separate device. Although its anti-glare technology and exceptional brightness levels mean that it works well on sunny days, you may notice a decrease in quality at the outer angles if you have very wide seating. Overall though, it’s no surprise that Oprah named The Terrace one of her favorite things in 2020.
Best with soundbar: Furrion FDUP55CSA 55″ Aurora Partial Sun Outdoor TV Bundle with 2.1-Channel Soundbar
Why it made the cut: This outdoor television combines excellent sound quality with clear audio. Specs
Sizes: 55″Resolution: 4KAnti-glare: Yes
Pros
Included soundbarWorks in a wide temperature rangeDaytime and nighttime viewing settings
Cons
Pricey
While picture is important for consuming quality content, audio also plays a similarly huge role. This 55-inch outdoor TV offers all the features you’d expect out of a high-end model, including 4K, HDR, and a display that’s rated against weather, temperatures, and even impacts. It also, however, comes with a relatively powerful 75W Bluetooth soundbar that mounts directly with the TV itself. It’s easy to connect and adds serious audio oomph that will really make a difference when you’re trying to watch the latest James Bond movie and birds won’t stop screaming in your yard. Even if you’re not going to use the TV, you can hook up your phone to the soundbar and use it as an outdoor speaker for playing music.
Best for shaded areas: SunBriteTV Weatherproof Outdoor 55-inch Veranda
Why it made the cut: A backlit 4K HDR screen and an aluminum case make it a welcome addition to your covered patio. Specs
Sizes: 43″, 55″, 65″, 75″Resolution: 4KAnti-glare: No
Pros
DurableMultiple sizesBuilt-in speakers
Cons
Is not a smart TV
This model from SunBriteTV is durable enough to live in a shaded area like a covered porch but won’t get damaged by wind, rain, dust, and stray insects. The 55-inch screen is up to 50-percent brighter than your typical indoor TV and comes with excellent built-in speakers. Unlike some of its more expensive rivals, this outdoor screen isn’t a smart TV, but it’s easy to connect multiple media sources to it through its three HDMI ports and single USB port.
Best for partial sun: Furrion Aurora Partial Sun Series 43-inch 4K UHD LED Outdoor TV
Why it made the cut: A self-adjusting screen means less time fiddling with settings and more time enjoying the sun. Specs
Sizes: 43″, 50″, 55″, 65″ Resolution: 4KAnti-glare: Yes
Pros
Built-in fansSelf-adjusting screenWaterproof remoteStreaming ready
Cons
Not the loudest speakers
This Furrion HDR10 LED outdoor TV is a terrific choice if you’re watching in an area that gets partial sun. In fact, the 400 nits screen will even adjust itself according to how much light it’s getting, so there’s no need to constantly fiddle with the brightness settings. It’s IP54 rated for when it does rain and has built-in cooling fans for when it’s hot. And if your weather gets a bit intense, you’ll be happy to know the screen comes equipped with enhanced protection against scratches and impacts thanks to XtremeShield IK08-rated tempered glass.
Best budget: SunBriteTV 43-inch Outdoor Television for Shade
Why it made the cut: This television is hard on the elements but easy on your wallet. Specs
Sizes: 43″, 55″, 65″, 75″Resolution: 4KAnti-glare: Yes
Pros
Weatherproof media bay includedPowder-coated rust-proof aluminum exteriorEasy cable hookups
Cons
Sound doesn’t travel as far compared to others
The smallest and least expensive option in the SunBriteTV Veranda line, this unit is designed to be enjoyed in the shade but can withstand rain, snow, dust, insects, and whatever else Mother Nature decides to throw at it. The Ultra 4K HDR LED screen delivers a crisp picture that’s 50-percent brighter than a standard TV and is perfect for patios, screened-in porches, and covered decks. This SunBrite TV comes with a large weatherproof media bay so whatever you plug into it will be protected as well.
What to consider when buying the best outdoor TVs
Before you bust out the snacks at your next shindig, there are a couple of things you’ll need to think about when choosing the best outdoor TV for your space. For example, if you plan on watching your new set under your porch, you probably won’t need a model that offers the same level of waterproofing and anti-glare technology as a full sun option.
Placement
Sun exposure is a major consideration when choosing an outdoor TV. Partial sun models might have some glare, and some will only deliver a great picture if they’re in the shade. However, the picture might not be the only thing that suffers if you aren’t choosy about your new TV. Models designed to be enjoyed under a covered porch may not be as resilient to extreme weather conditions as ones that are meant to live in a backyard. In some cases, it may be wise to invest in a cover, just as you would for your grill or ping pong table.
TV size
If you want to keep everyone from invading each other’s personal bubble, but don’t want your guests squinting to see the game, a huge outdoor TV will keep everyone entertained and safe at the same time. Plus, if you’re a movie buff, a large TV is terrific for simulating the fun of a drive-in without leaving your home. Just remember, the bigger the TV, the bigger the price tag.
Audio quality
When you’re shopping, make sure you pay attention to audio quality. Some models don’t come with built-in speakers, meaning you’ll have to connect them to something else unless you just plan on watching old, silent movies. Other models come with speakers but deliver less quality. One way to make sure that you don’t end up straining your ears is to find an outdoor TV that comes equipped with a soundbar. A soundbar (also known as a media bar), is a speaker that is wider than it is tall and delivers superior audio quality when mounted above or below the TV. In a pinch, you could also pair waterproof Bluetooth party speakers with your TV, and then be ready when the party migrates to the pool.
Amount of shade and sun
If you plan on enjoying your TV on a screened-in porch or in a covered gazebo, there may not be a reason to shell out extra money on the latest anti-glare technology. The best outdoor TV is suited for where you’re watching it—there are great options that work in the shade while still offering protection from temperature shifts, rain, insects, and dust. If you have a covered porch that receives some amount of light but isn’t directly exposed to the sun, consider a partial shade TV. These models will have brighter screens compared to shade-friendly TVs and will offer more protection against glare.
Price
Although outdoor TVs have come down in price considerably over the past couple of years, they’re still relatively expensive compared to standard models. The cheapest outdoor designs are not designed to truly live outside. In fact, some won’t work at all if they aren’t in the shade because the glare from the sun will make it impossible to see what’s on the screen. If you’re just looking for a TV to watch on your covered deck or screened-in porch, look for options that are durable enough to be (partially) exposed to the elements. And expect to pay between $1,500 and $5,500, depending on brand, size, and features.
Final thoughts on the best outdoor TVs
Enjoying your television in the great outdoors can be a wonderful change of pace, especially after a year of being cooped up inside. The most important thing to consider when shopping for the best outdoor TV is where you’re going to watch it because different models can handle different conditions. A TV built for shade is not recommended for sun exposure. Likewise, one that is meant to be watched in the sun will probably be wasted sitting under a covered porch.
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