Top 10 Best Outdoor TV (Weatherproof) – Reviews

When the weather is nice, is there anything better than hanging out outside? But what if you also want to watch the big game or your favorite show?

A specialized weatherproof television lets you do that while enjoying the fresh air. But be careful! Some outdoor TV solutions are actually pretty awful. Don’t waste your money and just buy the first one you see.

I found the very best ones out there so you don’t have to worry about buying a dud. Check out this list of the 10 best outdoor TVs and other solutions for enjoying outdoor entertainment.

Table of Contents

• 1 SunBrite 55” 4K Screen – Best Overall
• 2 Mirage Vision 55” Gold Series – World’s Thinnest All-weather television set
• 3 SunBrite 65 Inch – Worth the High Price
• 4 SunBrite 43” 4K TV – Best Small Size Outdoor TV unit
• 5 Mirage Vision Gold Series 40” – A Smaller Modified TV
• 6 Cosmos Outdoor TV – No Glare & Great Sound
• 7 SkyVue NXG 1000-NIT Full Sun TV – Works in Sun
• 8 The TV Shield Outdoor Case – An Affordable Way to Watch TV Outside
• 9 Outdoor Cover 52-55” LCD Screens – An Affordable Protective Cover
• 10 Inflatable Mega Movie Screen – Flexibility and Portability
• 11 Best Outdoor TV – Buyer’s Guide & FAQ
  • 11.1 How to prevent theft and secure my tv outside?
  • 11.2 Can these outdoor screens get wet?
  • 11.3 Which do you recommend for advertising or commercial use?
  • 11.4 How do they compare to a regular tv?
  • 11.5 TV vs projector + screen outside, what are the pros & cons?
  • 11.6 How to best install the antenna?
  • 11.7 Is a specialized outdoor TV unit much better than building a weatherproof cabinet or enclosure?

SunBrite 55” 4K Screen – Best Overall

This 4K Ultra-High Definition TV can make your outdoor living space even better. It features a 55″ screen that is around 30% brighter than a typical indoor TV.

You can watch your favorite movies and shows with vivid clarity thanks to a direct LED backlight.

You’ll have the best result with this TV in an area that is fully shaded like a covered patio, a veranda, or a screened-in porch.

The screen is water resistant and it is enclosed in a powder-coated aluminum exterior that keeps moisture, insects, and dust from getting in and messing with the internal components.

The Sunbritetv veranda series display can also handle all kinds of weather, both low- and high-temperature environments.

There are built-in 20W down-firing speakers that offer decent sound quality. Connecting a higher-quality sound system is an option if desired. You also have access to both HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 and a number of connection options, including HDMI and 2 USB inputs.

Mirage Vision 55” Gold Series – World’s Thinnest All-weather television set

When the client list for a company includes NASA and Disney, it’s worth paying attention. It’s also a popular choice for many hotels and even the Federal Government.

This TV is great for commercial use, as places like this have money to spend and are only going to buy screens that actually get the job done. Even if you don’t have a commercial objective and just want a nice TV for backyard use, this 55″ TV from Mirage Vision has a lot to offer.

Something that really makes this one stand out is that it is the world’s thinnest outdoor screen, at only 1” deep.

In addition to being thin, something that makes this TV unique is that it is not exactly designed for outdoor use but rather, it’s an indoor TV that is modified for outdoor use.

By starting with a high-quality indoor television and adding special sealants, membranes, vents, and covers, it is transformed into a nice outdoor screen.

They can handle bugs, moisture, and extreme temperatures. While there are some advantages to this modification versus original build approach, there are also some cons. Although the screens do get a vivid picture with a display boasting 1 billion colors and LED Backlight Modulation Technology, they aren’t quite as bright as some other televisions here.

Another negative is that you don’t know what the original brand of the TV is, at least not in advance. That’s not a big deal since all of these modifications are done well and since the beginning TV is for sure from a high-quality brand and meets a certain standard in terms of the specifications.

Mirage Vision does offer a 100% Guarantee for this TV but customer service is a bit hit or miss.

SunBrite 65 Inch – Worth the High Price

Are you someone who spends a lot of time in your outdoor living space? If you spent a lot of time on a covered patio or screen porch, you will probably get a lot of use out of an outdoor television.

If that TV is large and really high-quality, you’ll enjoy it even more. Another way to put it is that a good TV dedicated to outside spaces is going to offer more value to you than to someone who doesn’t actually get much use out of their outdoor space.

This 65″ TV from industry leader SunBrite isn’t cheap but for the right person, the price is actually an incredible value.

This model is really almost identical to the SunBrite 55” 4K tv Screen. The 4K UHD screen with direct LED backlight offers a vivid picture. The built-in speakers offer good sound quality. There are a variety of connection options.

The weatherproofing is excellent for verandas and outside areas, and the TV is extremely durable. Also, like the smaller model, this model is also best suited for shaded areas.

SunBrite 43” 4K TV – Best Small Size Outdoor TV unit

The SunBrite 43″ outdoor TV is essentially the same television as the 55 inch and 65″ sunBritetv models, just smaller.

This 4K UHD screen is great for smaller outdoor spaces and is good for creating a more intimate space. Like with the larger models, this offers industry-leading quality in terms of weatherproofing and the clarity and vividness of the picture.

If you’re on a budget, this is the best weatherproof television at this price point. It’s very durable which also adds to the overall value of the TV.

As with the other SunBrites, the built-in speakers are surprisingly good but if you really want a great TV experience, it’s wise to invest in some additional higher-quality speakers or a soundbar. That adds on a bit of price but you can find some really good speakers that will work for quite reasonable prices.

Mirage Vision Gold Series 40” – A Smaller Modified TV

Like the larger Mirage Vision model, this TV is actually an indoor TV that has been heavily modified to be appropriate for outdoor use.

The picture is vivid, with 16.7 million colors, and TFT Active Matrix Liquid Crystal with Enhanced Brightness LED Backlight Modulation Technology. It also uses around 40% less energy overall than a typical indoor television.

Like the 55″ Mirage Vision, another thing that makes this TV stand out is that it is quite thin.

Another advantage to this TV, as opposed to the SunBritetv models, is that it is a smart TV. This gives you access to expanded functionality, like using apps and streaming things like Netflix directly.

Finally, this TV is the cheapest weatherproof TV available. That said, the customer service seems to be a bit hit or miss. In addition, a modified TV like this might not hold up as well over time when exposed to the elements as compared to a TV built specifically for outdoor use.

It does have a 100% Guarantee but getting Mirage Vision to honor this might take a fair amount of effort.

Cosmos Outdoor TV – No Glare & Great Sound

This rather expensive TV from Cosmos has a number of features that make the price tag make a bit more sense. The picture is vivid and bright, with a 4K Brightness Enhanced Panel of 700 nits.

One of the best features of this TV is that it is equipped with special non-glare glass.

This makes a huge difference to your overall enjoyment of watching TV outside, as you don’t have to worry about reflections and sun glare interrupting your viewing.

Another great feature is that the speakers are remarkably good with a design that gets the sound to you without bothering the whole neighborhood. This TV is equipped with smart TV functionality, so you will be able to easily stream things like Netflix and YouTube.

These TVs are made tough and can withstand the elements as well as temperature extremes.

To deal with extreme cold, it has an Automated Heating Structure. To deal with extreme heat, it has a dual or even triple fan cooling system, depending on the size of the TV.

It also features a unique weather cap, a feature that actually prevents animals from being able to rest on the TV’s frame.

As this is a more expensive television, you might be concerned about theft. It is compatible with Kensington type locks which allow you to secure the TV in a way that makes theft very difficult.

This is a very nice looking television and you have your choice of finish, either a brushed stainless steel or a matte black. Another nice feature of this TV is that it is designed to work best with a floor mount. Cosmos offers a few different options for tough, stainless steel poles with stone or wood bases.

There is even a commercial-grade mounting pole on wheels that gives you more flexibility to place the TV in different positions. This mounting option makes it ideal for commercial use.

SkyVue NXG 1000-NIT Full Sun TV – Works in Sun

The 32″ SkyVue NXG model is one of the few that offers decent visibility even in partial and direct sunlight (also see: obx32000L model for direct sunlight). The full 1080p HDTV screen is twice as bright as many competing models and features a luminosity level of 1000 nits.

The screen is UV coated and features anti-glare protection as well.

This is a smart TV and you have a variety of input options as well. The response time is quite fast, at only 8 MS. The speakers are fairly good but you also have the option to add an outdoor speaker bar to improve the audio experience.

SkyVue outdoor TVs are built tough with excellent weatherproofing and measures that make handling extreme temperatures no problem. A protective cover is also included to make it even easier to keep the TV in great condition.

The biggest downside to SkyVue TVs is the price. Even for a much smaller screen size, the price is much higher. That said, the value is increased thanks to the 2-year standard warranty.

The TV Shield Outdoor Case – An Affordable Way to Watch TV Outside

I get it – outdoor TVs are not cheap! If your budget doesn’t allow for one, an option to consider is buying a case to use with a standard indoor TV.

The TV Shield has a .177-inch thick front panel and a .250-inch thick back housing. You don’t have to worry about a bird running into the case and shattering the screen as it is impact-resistant.

The front panel is attached using security rivets that cannot be unscrewed, making theft more difficult. There are also two chambered and keyed locks to further deter thieves.

There are some measures in place to help protect the TV from the elements. There are vents to prevent the TV from overheating inside the case. These vents have bug screens to prevent insects from getting inside.

The unit is sealed pretty well to prevent moisture from getting in as well. Although these weatherproofing features do help quite a bit, this won’t do as good of a job of dealing with the elements as a standalone TV designed for outdoor use.

This is especially true when it comes to withstanding really extreme temperatures. If you live in an area with extremes in either direction, your TV might not last as long.

Another disadvantage to this case-based solution to outdoor entertainment is the sound. Even if your TV has great sound, the case will naturally block a lot of it.

A good solution is to add some kind of sound bar or external speaker solution. Otherwise, it will be a bit muffled.

Outdoor Cover 52-55” LCD Screens – An Affordable Protective Cover

If you already have an outdoor Television set but want a bit of extra protection, investing in a cover is a good idea. Luckily, you can get a good cover for a pretty reasonable price.

This cover is weatherproof and dustproof and is available for a range of different screen sizes. The cover is durable and even comes with a 3-year no-questions-asked replacement guarantee.

If you live in an area with a moderate climate, you might even be able to use a standard TV outside, when you keep it covered when not in use with this cover.

Inflatable Mega Movie Screen – Flexibility and Portability

If you own a projector, this inflatable large screen is a portable and flexible way to watch movies outside.

With the included air blower, you can set it up in just a few minutes.

The large 14-foot screen is 96″ X 58″ and really gives you that big-screen experience. Ground stakes let you secure it so it doesn’t blow away.

There is a travel bag to pack it up and to make this portable screen even easier to transport. The screen is made from a durable vinyl and should hold up pretty well over time.

Best Outdoor TV – Buyer’s Guide & FAQ

How to prevent theft and secure my tv outside?

Theft is a reasonable concern when you have an expensive tv set in your outside patio. There are a few things you can do to secure your outdoor television. When your TV is mounted to a wall of some kind, you can screw a heavy-duty cable on the back, like the kind you’ll see on nice bike locks.

Then, you should cover the screws with access caps to make sure they can’t just be easily unscrewed. Finally, lock the ends of the cable together, attaching the tv securely to the wall mount.

You can also use something like the Flat Screen TV Anti-Theft Security Kit, a tool that you can use on indoor TVs as well.

Another way to secure your screen outside is to build some kind of enclosure that locks. A final anti-theft tool to try is the Sonic Shock Alarm, which triggers a loud alarm when the tether is tripped.

Can these outdoor screens get wet?

Yes. Generally speaking, televisions that are designed for outdoor use can get wet.

They can handle rain, snow, and other moisture. In many cases, the exterior of the TV is powder-coated. This makes it rust-proof and it also prevents any moisture from getting access to any of the delicate internal components.

Which do you recommend for advertising or commercial use?

The Mirage Vision Gold Series, available on amazon, has a good reputation for commercial and advertising use.

You only have to look at the list of some of the people who have used this screen: Disney, Universal Studios, The U.S. Army, NASA, CBS, Sea World, and more.

If this screen is good enough for places like that, it’s probably a decent choice to display advertising or for use in an outdoor commercial context. Although the Mirage Vision TVs do have some big-name brands using them, the absolute best TV for advertising and commercial use is the Cosmos Outdoor.

When used with the wheeled commercial-grade mount, in particular, it really doesn’t get much better. The Cosmos TV costs more but the difference in quality is significant.

How do they compare to a regular tv?

Outdoor TVs have a few important differences. First, they have weatherproofing.

This means that they can handle things like sun, rain, and extreme temperatures better. A regular TV wouldn’t hold up very well outside over time. Another important difference is that they tend to have higher luminosity.

They are brighter which is important because outdoor televisions have to compete with the sun. A regular TV would have serious glare and visibility issues outside.

A final important and unfortunate difference is that they tend to be more expensive than regular TVs.

TV vs projector + screen outside, what are the pros & cons?

The pros of a specialized TV are a high-quality picture, weatherproofing, durability, and the overall look. The pros for a projector and screen, on the other hand, are ease of transport, more flexibility, and a larger screen size.

The cons are a higher price and less flexibility since you can’t move it around once mounted. The cons of a projector and screen are that they just don’t look as nice, they require setting up each time, and the luminosity tends to not be as good. Ultimately, it’s a personal preference.

How to best install the antenna?

Installing a vhf antenna for an outdoor television is no different than installing standard antennas for an indoor TV, although you have perhaps a bit more flexibility outside.

Is a specialized outdoor TV unit much better than building a weatherproof cabinet or enclosure?

A weatherproof cabinet or enclosure is certainly another option for adding a television to your outdoor living space. That said, this generally won’t do as good of a job of protecting your TV when compared to a TV designed for outdoor use.

This means your TV might not last as long. The other important difference is that 2018 TVs designed especially for outdoor use tend to be much brighter. When you watch a normal indoor TV outside, you might struggle to see it.

Do you have any experience with outdoor TVs? In my experience, a good dedicated television set can make backyard living that much more enjoyable. Which one of these brands do you have your eye on? What will you use your new screen for? Let me know in the comments!