Outdoor entertainment has evolved, and TVs are no longer confined to the indoors. With the rise of backyard barbecues and patio gatherings, the demand for outdoor TVs has surged, bringing unique challenges and opportunities for consumers. Selecting the right outdoor TV involves more than just picture quality. What it is also about is finding a durable, weather-resistant television that enhances outdoor viewing experiences. This guide aims to assist in discovering thebest TVsfor outdoor use, ensuring every backyard movie night or sports event is a hit.
VIZIO D-Series 32" Smart TV
How to Choose the Perfect Outdoor TV
When looking for an outdoor TV, users should keep the following important factors in mind:
In the world of outdoor entertainment, anexcellent televisionplus gaming accessories make for a special and fun nighttime get-together. Especially when paired withfun party gamesthat everyone can enjoy, a great outdoor TV makes enjoying staycations easier than ever!
Game Rant’s Top Picks for Outdoor TVs in 2024
Samsung S90C OLED 4K
The Samsung S90c packs some exciting gaming features for a smart TV. It supports streaming on platforms like Netflix, Apple TV+, and Xbox. It packs Samsung’s OLED technology along with 4K resolution and a native refresh rate of 120 Hz. Among its strong points are the Neural Quantum Processor with 4K upscaling, Quantum HDR OLED, and Real Depth Enhancer. It features the Samsung Gaming Hub where gamers can play console games and check out game streaming apps.
The Samsung S90C OLED 4K Smart TV sets the standard for outdoor viewing, marking it as the best overall TV for the outdoors. With its exceptional OLED technology, this TV brings a cinematic quality to any outdoor setting. Its advanced features, such as Quantum HDR and a 120Hz native refresh rate, offer an immersive viewing experience with incredibly lifelike visuals. The Neural Quantum Processor and Real Depth Enhancer further refine picture quality, making it a top choice for outdoor movie nights or backyard gaming sessions.
These built-in premiums are mostly designed to support gamers and sports fans, but they translate well to the outdoors too. OLED technology is one of the brightest options users can get, meaning that it won’t fade in sunny areas. The upscaling in particular makes it easy to switch between watching movies and playing games while hanging out on a patio or porch.
However, potential buyers should be aware of its premium pricing and consider the need for strategic placement outdoors to protect it from direct sunlight. Despite its advanced technology, some customers have expressed a desire for a more intuitive remote control. Nevertheless, the Samsung S90C’s superior picture quality, ease of setup, and robust feature set, including the Samsung Gaming Hub, solidify its position as the best overall TV for outdoor entertainment.
Sony OLED 65-inch BRAVIA A80L TV
One of the finest OLED options in today’s market, the Sony 65" BRAVIA A8OL TV boasts 120 HZ refresh rate, 4K resolution, exclusive gaming features for PlayStation 5, and more. Compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, viewers get a truly hands-free experience. It packs Sony’s Cognitive Processor XR, bringing improved color, contrast, and clarity. It also works with Airplay 2, making it easy to share files to the TV from members of the Apple ecosystem (iPhone, Mac, and iPad).
Embracing the great outdoors doesn’t mean sacrificing visual quality. The Sony OLED 65-inch BRAVIA A80L TV is a testament to that, making this TV the best OLED option for the outdoors. Its 4K resolution, bolstered by the Cognitive Processor XR, provides sharp, color-rich images that are vital for outdoor settings. The 120 Hz refresh rate ensures that every frame is smooth and clear, a crucial feature for action-packed movies or sports games. Additionally, its compatibility with various smart platforms and devices enhances its versatility, making it a top pick for tech-savvy users.
While the Sony BRAVIA A80L excels in picture quality and versatility, it’s important to consider its suitability for your specific outdoor setting. The larger dimensions and weight might require a sturdy installation plan, such as an outdoor deck. Moreover, in expansive outdoor areas, the TV’s sound system may need a boost for an all-encompassing audio experience. Despite these considerations, its performance, particularly in displaying sharp contrasts and maintaining high-quality brightness, firmly establishes it as the best OLED TV for outdoor use, providing a cinematic experience under the stars.
LG QNED85 65-inch Mini-LED TV
The LG QNED85 packs a host of upper-midrange features. Along with two HDMI 2.1 ports, and a 120Hz refresh rate, LG’s Game Optimizer and AMD FreeSync Premium work to deliver gameplay free of screen tearing. Cloud gaming is possible with this TV as it ships with NVIDIA GeForce Now. It also supports multiple virtual assistants including Alexa and Google Assistant.
From vivid colors to precise 4K clarity, the LG QNED85 is an outdoor entertainment powerhouse. Whether used for movie nights, backyard gaming, or even for listening to Spotify outdoors, this TV is outstanding in its multi-purpose capabilities. Its Mini-LED technology brings movies and games to life, especially with its advanced features like Game Optimizer and AMD FreeSync Premium. Customers rave about its exceptional picture quality and color accuracy, underscoring its suitability for diverse outdoor settings.
There are some considerations before purchasing this TV. For example, navigating its extensive feature set may present a learning curve, and the premium price reflects its powerful capabilities. However, this massive 65-inch TV remains an excellent choice for all kinds of entertainment – from watching football games to playing video games and everything in between. LG is well-known for its bright screens, so the 4K visuals stand out with deep blacks and vibrant colors. Plus, users can control their screens using both Apple and Google smart devices, making it ideal for everyone in the house to enjoy.
Hisense U8H QLED 65-Inch Mini-LED TV
The Hisense U8H QLED 65-inch Mini-LED TV is an excellent mid-range TV offering that checks most of the boxes one could ask for a mid-range TV to offer while delivering a stellar performance at a price point that is much easier for most to budget around.
Those shopping on a mid-range budget may already be familiar with the Hisense brand name, though their U8H QLED TV stands especially tall among the crowded field of big screens. Its 65-inch screen makes full use of QLED Mini-LED technology, providing users with a stunning 4K display, with a brightness that’s ideal for outdoor settings. Users can excitedly plan their next family movie night thanks to this TV’s 120Hz refresh rate paired with industry-leading software such as Dolby Vision and HDR10+. These bonus features ensure that every frame is crisp and vibrant, bringing cinematic quality to your backyard.
While its price places it in the mid-range category, the Hisense U8H offers features often found in more expensive models. Customers appreciate the integrated subwoofer and speakers, which deliver top-notch sound quality, using AI to automatically adjust to whatever you are watching. Despite the limited HDMI ports and potential compatibility issues with older Bluetooth devices, its value for money and performance make it a top mid-range recommendation for outdoor viewing.
Samsung S95B 65-inch 4K OLED TV
The Samsung S95B is Samsung’s first attempt to push an OLED-based TV as it merges its QD (Quantum Dot) technology along with the benefits of an OLED TV to provide a more nuanced experience. This TV has better ABL handling and a more vivid picture thanks to its reliance on red, green, and blue subpixels to drive better color reproduction versus older WOLED tech.
The Samsung S95B 65-inch 4K OLED TV is a true gem for outdoor entertainment aficionados. It stands out as the best high-end outdoor TV, thanks to its cutting-edge QD-OLED technology. This high-end display technology ensures vibrant colors and deep blacks for any kind of content. The TV further enhances visuals by offering FreeSync Premium Pro and G-Sync for gaming and other fast-paced, detailed viewing. The 4K Ultra HD resolution, combined with Quantum HDR OLED, even translates to outdoor viewing, offering a premium cinematic experience right in the backyard.
However, that doesn’t mean this TV is without its quirks. Some users have experienced issues with the TV randomly shutting off, which could interrupt those perfect movie nights. Additionally, while its picture quality is beyond compare, the sound quality might need reinforcement with an external sound system. Despite these considerations, the Samsung S95B remains a top recommendation for those seeking the pinnacle of outdoor TV luxury, aligning perfectly with its position as the best high-end TV for the outdoors.
Primarily intended for buyers with a modest budget, the VIZIO D-Series 32" TV still offers some exciting features. It comes with a 1080p Full-HD resolution which looks good most of the time. Being a smart TV, viewers can stream movies, shows, news, and music on their favorite apps. Vizio’s Watchfree streaming service sweetens the deal with access to 260+ live channels. AMD FreeSync makes this TV a decent option for gaming with low latency and an auto-game mode.
The VIZIO D-Series 32-inch Smart TV, crowned as the best budget TV for the outdoors, is a solid contender in the realm of affordable outdoor entertainment. Its 1080p Full-HD resolution ensures a crisp and vivid display, making it perfect for streaming and casual gaming under the stars. The inclusion of AMD FreeSync minimizes latency, a crucial factor for gamers seeking a smooth experience. The size may be a little small for some, but Vizio has an equally affordable price fortheir 40-inch D-Series TV, which should be more than ideal for most outdoor spaces, as they tend to be a little more compact than a standard room.
Considering this TV is less than $150, it should come as no surprise that there are a few catches to overlook. The absence of HDR means viewers might miss out on depth in picture quality, and its reliance on a strong Wi-Fi connection can be a hindrance in outdoor setups. Despite these drawbacks, its compact size, a robust library of built-in apps, and easily accessible HDMI ports for connecting various devices make it a value-packed choice for budget-conscious consumers looking for quality outdoor viewing.
Selecting the right outdoor TV is a blend of understanding key factors like weather resistance, brightness, and audio quality. These elements are crucial for an optimal outdoor viewing experience.
Weather Resistance
Outdoor TVs must endure diverse weather conditions. Look for models specifically designed for outdoor use, with features like waterproofing and temperature resistance, to ensure durability and longevity. If living in an area that often sees temperatures below freezing, be prepared to bring the TV inside for the winter or to otherwise protect it during extreme cold.
Brightness and Visibility
Outdoor environments demand TVs with higher brightness to combat glare from sunlight. Opt for a TV with enhanced brightness and anti-reflective screens to maintain clear visibility even in direct sunlight. TVs that can be easily moved are the best for avoiding screen glare if a user is on a tight budget.
Audio Quality
In open outdoor spaces, superior audio quality becomes essential. Consider outdoor TVs with built-in, powerful speakers or those compatible with external sound systems to ensure a robust audio experience in any outdoor setting. Mounting the TV in a high corner is a cost-effective way to maximize the volume for users who aren’t quite ready to invest ingaming soundbars or other speakers.
FAQ
Q: Are outdoor TVs visible in direct sunlight?
Most outdoor TVs are equipped with high brightness levels and anti-glare screens, which ensures clear visibility even in direct sunlight.
Q: Do outdoor TVs require special maintenance?
Regular cleaning and protecting the TV from extreme weather when not in use are key to maintaining its performance and longevity.
Q: Are there smart outdoor TVs?
Yes, many outdoor TVs come with smart features, offering streaming services and internet connectivity just like their indoor counterparts.
