For most people, our tester found the Elite Screens 135-Inch ezFrame is the best option - although be warned it’s also pricey (if you’re on a budget, the Silver Ticket 100inch screen is also a great option).
Of course, a good movie is about visuals as well as audio, and the ezFrame delivers when it comes to sound as well. The ezFrame has a transparent screen, designed for use with a hidden speaker or a rear-speaker, as the screen’s fabric allows for more sound to come through, creating a more realistic theater experience.
It’s hard to fault this projector screen, other than the high price tag. If your budget allows, it’s one of the best permanent mount screens for any home. However, if you’re not a perfectionist with an unlimited bank balance, we think the Silver Ticket is a better buy.
Size: 135 inches | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Warranty: 2-year
Thanks to its contoured and wrapped frame, you get the best possible home movie viewing, since the wrapping helps avoid shadows and the contouring absorbs extra light, useful if your projector isn’t positioned at the best angle (it also looks pretty good with the black frame).
The Silver Ticket is a permanent mount, so it’s best for those looking for a screen that will stay in one place, such as in a basement or rec room. With its wide 160-degree viewing angle, you get a fantastic picture, no matter where you’re sitting.
Size: 100 inches | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Warranty: 1-year
This is a fixed screen with a manual pull-down mechanism that’s designed for semi-permanent installation. You can pull down the screen when ready to use, with a locking feature that ensures your screen will stay in place when in use. When you’re done, simply roll the screen back up.
Keep in mind the screen itself is square, so if you’re planning to use it at the 16:9 ratio, you won’t be able to benefit from all 119 inches—you’re getting a 97.5-inch widescreen picture. When watching films, the color and accuracy are impressive, with great brightness. With a reasonable price point and a high-quality, durable product, this screen is a great choice for anyone looking for both convenience and quality.
Size: 119 inches | Aspect Ratio: 1:1 | Warranty: 60 days
The screen is mildew-resistant and easy to clean with soap and water, and surrounded by a black velvet aluminum frame, which is both aesthetic and functional, as it helps absorb the projector light and keep the images on the screen, rather than the wall.
We also love the high-quality build and premium feel of this screen, which ensures the screen doesn’t crease or wrinkle over time. Give this screen a look if you’re after a top-notch, easy-to-use product that won’t overwhelm a smaller room.
Size: 92 inches | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Warranty: 2-year
We love that the screen is fully black-backed, which prevents light penetration from behind and gives you a more accurate video quality. The texture of the screen also allows for more accurate color representation and it is also easy to clean. Thanks to its size, it’s also great for use in boardrooms or offices.
It’s heavy at 52.9 pounds, so it’s not something you’ll want to move after installation, and the design gives you the option to mount on either the ceiling or the wall. If you’re ready for movies that are larger than life, the 180-Inch may be just what you need.
Size: 180 inches | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Warranty: 2-year
As you would expect from a screen that folds, the screen does have a tendency to wrinkle, although this becomes less obvious once the film starts. It’s not fully backed, but it does have black masking borders to prevent light from disturbing the picture. It’s also easy to clean with soap and water, important for a screen you’re setting up outside.
Overall, the picture quality is great but would be what you expect from a screen on the lower end of the price spectrum. However, it couldn’t be easier to set up, it’s compact and portable, and it’s sure to add a lot of fun on your next camping trip.
Size: 84 inches | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Warranty: 2-year
Set-up is simple with the included blower and stakes, which keep the screen inflated and secured to the ground. Within minutes, your screen is fully inflated—just make sure you’ve zipped it shut, or the air won’t stay in. The noise from the fan is almost non-existent, so it won’t interfere with your movie. The screen itself is made from a durable oxford fabric that can withstand the elements and displays your video clearly.
Another useful feature is that the SUNCOO offers front and rear projection, giving you increased options. If you’re looking for something to add excitement to your pool party, birthday, or outdoor gathering, both kids and adults will love the fun of this affordable outdoor screen.
Size: 120 inches | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Warranty: 1-year
It’s large, at 60 inches in height and 80 in width, and has a 4:3 viewing area. The durable metal casing is ideal for both wall and ceiling installation, although you’ll need to purchase mounting hardware separately. With a viewing angle of 120 degrees, you have plenty of room for your audience to get a good angle to view the movie and the matte white screen diffuses light to create an accurate picture. A black backing blocks out unwanted light, and the resulting image quality is impressive.
While the Vivo doesn’t support Active 3D or 4K video, it’s still an overall great choice for anyone looking for a motorized screen at an affordable price point.
Size: 100 inches | Aspect Ratio: 4:3 | Warranty: 1-year
Size: 100 inches | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Warranty: 2-year
Fixed vs. Movable
Consider how you’ll use your projector screen. Do you want it to disappear when you’ve finished watching something, or do you want it to be more permanent? While some projector screens can roll up out of the way when they’re not in use, others are more static. Additionally, some screens offer a motorized feature, so you don’t need to get out of your seat to start the action. A movable screen saves space on your wall, but if it’s electronic there’s always room for something to go wrong. You also have the option of portable screens, which can either pop up or inflate, which are useful for travel or camping. They are a lot of fun, but their screens can sometimes be prone to wrinkling, since they fold up when not in use.
Material
Projection screens are made from a variety of different materials — some displays may be more suitable for Ultra HD content than others. Additionally, different screens offer various features like easy cleaning and fire resistance. If you’re purchasing a screen for outdoor use, make sure you’re able to clean it easily, as stains or bird droppings always tend to occur in the most inconvenient places.
About Our Trusted Experts
Katie Dundas is a freelance journalist with over three years of experience in covering tech. She is an avid movie buff and has thoroughly researched all screens reviewed here. Jeremy Laukkonen has been covering consumer tech for Lifewire since 2019, specializing in Android devices, home entertainment systems, and general tech. He’s personally tested many of the screens on this roundup.
