With the sophisticated, weatherproof design of outdoor TVs, complete your entertainment space with one of the home’s greatest comforts to the backyard. Enjoy the game while watching burgers sizzle, plan movie night by starlight, and stream your favorite shows on the patio. The all-weather designs block out dust and moisture that would ruin an indoor TV. How do you decide which model is right for you? Our friends at BBQGuys have provided this outdoor TV buying guide with plenty of details to help start your search!
Why You Need an Outdoor TV
Outdoor spaces are meant to feature all the comforts of the indoors, which includes entertainment. Outdoor-rated TVs are specially calibrated and weatherproofed for peak performance in the elements. The perfect solution for all your outdoor viewing needs.
Weather-proofed to Last
Outdoor TVs are engineered with water repellent technologies to handle the elements in ways that indoor models are not capable of.
Outdoor Viewing
All-weather TV screens provide unmatched brightness and contrast, eliminating the problem with glare being an issue.
Social Experience
Being able to stream movies, shows, and sports in the backyard is another opportunity to bring friends and family together.
Wireless Connectivity
Smart outdoor TVs include integrated internet, so you can access your favorite streaming services for movies or TV. No antennas or cable boxes required.
Where to Place Your Outdoor TV
Certain models are designed for particular placements and will have a much shorter lifespan if installed in the wrong setting. The best area to install your TV ultimately comes down to the degree of weatherproofing and screen calibration, which varies by sun exposure.
Full Sun
Designed to endure direct exposure to sunlight, these outdoor TVs are equipped with external protections to prevent corrosion from moisture, greater temperature extremes, and other elements. They are exceptionally bright and include anti-glare coatings to minimize reflections. Shop Full Sun Outdoor TVs
Partial Sun
These models balance brightness and context and are meant to be placed under cover, such as a patio, or pergola. Partial Sun TVs are designed with only internal weatherproofing. Protecting their exteriors is much easier when the units are not fully exposed to the elements. Shop Partial Sun Outdoor TVs
Shade
Shade outdoor TVs produce an optimal picture in shaded areas, providing rich colors and deep contrasts. They provide comfortable viewing and maintain picture quality but cannot be calibrated effectively in sunlight. Shop Shaded Outdoor TVs
Outdoor TV Screen Size
Outdoor TV size should be based on your planned viewing distance, while also accounting for the size of your space. We’ve found that the best way to determine TV size is as follows: divide your TV viewing distance (in inches) by 1.5. So, if you’re planning on watching from your love seat 96 inches away (8 feet), you’ll need a screen size of around 60–65 inches. Remember: TVs are measured diagonally, from corner to corner.
Outdoor TVs 32-49 Inches
- Approximately 28–44 inches wide and 16–28 inches tall
- Best for smaller outdoor spaces
- Sized for one or two viewing angles at a short distance
Outdoor TVs 50-65 Inches
- Approximately 44–59 inches wide and 26–34 inches tall
- Best for moderately sized outdoor spaces
- Sized for a few viewing angles at a medium distance
Outdoor TVs 66+ Inches
- Approximately 61–75 inches wide and 36–43 inches tall
- Best for larger outdoor spaces
- Sized for several viewing angles at a long distance
Smart TVs vs Standard TVs
Smart TVs are everywhere, they are even made for the outdoors. With integrated internet capabilities, these units are perfect for “cord-cutters.” But the big question may remain for some: is this technology worth it? We certainly think so, but the decision is ultimately up to you.
Smart TVs
Outdoor smart TVs are designed to withstand various weather conditions and come with features like weatherproofing, anti-glare screens, and durable construction. With built-in smart capabilities, they offer access to streaming services and internet content, enhancing your entertainment options. Shop Outdoor Smart TVs
Standard TVs
Standard outdoor TVs are built with weather-resistant materials to withstand elements like rain and sunlight, ensuring durability in outdoor environments. Though they lack the internet capabilities of outdoor smart TVs, they can connect to your existing cable service or satellite TV for traditional viewing options. Shop Standard Outdoor TVs
Outdoor TV Mounting Options
Just like with indoor TVs, you’ll need consider mounting options that fit the desired location for your outdoor TV size and placement. Mounts should be weatherproofed to resist corrosion over years of outdoor use.
Ceiling Mounts
Ceiling mounts do not take up any floor or wall space. The elevated placement ensures a clear view from any angle. They can seamlessly integrate into any space for a stylish and modern look
Articulating Wall Mounts
Full-motion mounts have a retractable arm that attaches to the wall and smoothly tilts, swivels, and pans across a huge range of angles. These wall mounts are perfect for multiple viewing areas and combating glare
Wall Mounts
Hold the TV flat against a wall and are best viewed from straight on. Once mounted, their position is not adjustable. These are the most universal choice over other types of wall mounts.
Pole Mounts
These all-weather mounts can be set in concrete, placed in a planter, or bolted to a flat surface. Pole mounts are commonly paired with full-exposure TVs. Wiring is concealed inside the pole for a cleaner aesthetic appearance and greater weather protection.
Other Considerations
There are optional accessories that can be integrated into your outdoor entertainment center. If you are planning to purchase an outdoor TV, you might as well go all out, especially since your outdoor space should be an extension of your indoor comforts!
Outdoor-Rated Speakers & Soundbars
No backyard barbecue is complete without quality audio entertainment. Soundbars allow outdoor events to become immersive with their impressive sound. The durable, weatherproof design of these products ensures they are fixtures for the years of get-togethers to come.
Weatherproof Remotes and Accessories
Outdoor TV remotes are typically weather and water resistant to match the strength and durability of the outdoor TV. Weatherproof HD transceivers wirelessly connect the outdoor TV to your DVD, Cable, or game console without the hassle of extension cords and wires.
Outdoor TV Covers
Though all-weather TVs are built to handle whatever the outdoors throws at them, there’s no harm in adding an extra layer of protection. Outdoor TV covers with heavy-duty material are designed to preserve the cleanliness of your unit when not in use.
Final Thoughts
We think it’s time to upgrade your outdoor space with these outdoor TV buying guide tips. Your friends and family will thank you!