Summer might be a ways off, but that doesn’t mean people aren’t eager to start getting out there and enjoying their outdoor living spaces. And what’s more enjoyable than watching your favorite shows while reclining by the pool or grill? The right outdoor TV can really add to that enjoyment factor, and getting a TV that can handle full-sun environments means you can watch sports or movies from just about anywhere.
And let’s be serious for a moment: if you are looking to get a new TV for your outdoor entertainment area, make sure you’re getting an outdoor-rated TV. Indoor TV models simply won’t cut it, no matter what neck of the woods you’re chilling in.
If you or anyone you know are in the market for a new outdoor TV to spice up your outdoor living experience there’s no better time than now to start looking. Pair that with a classy set of outdoor speakers, or an outdoor sound system that can flood your cozy little space with some immersive audio, and you’ve got the perfect space to entertain while enjoying all that mother nature has to offer.
Elements to Consider When Buying an Outdoor TV
Weather & Waterproofing
Ingress Protection ratings denote how protected a TV is against specific elements ranging from heat, water, dust and even insects. The score features two numbers that operate on scales of 0-6 and 0-9, respectively.
The first number indicates a TV’s resistance to solid particles like dust and insects while the second represents a TV’s waterproofing. An IP69 rating is the highest rating an outdoor TV can achieve and is honestly a little overkill for a backyard setting, with the TV being able to survive aggressive gusts of winds, high pressure water jets and high temperatures without being damaged.
Among our listed TVs here, the lowest rating is IP54, meaning it can keep out dust, insects and splashes of water quite handily.
Where the TV is Being Watched TV Outside
A full-sun outdoor TV is perfect for getting crisp, colorful visuals in the full light of the daytime sun as they’re often super bright and come with anti-glare coatings, however, if you’re planning on putting your TV in an enclosure or in a more shaded environment, it might be a little overkill. Partial shade TVs can thrive just as well in areas where there is slightly less sunlight, while full-shade TVs are perfect if you plan on placing them in a dedicated enclosure or only ever plan on watching content once it gets dark outside.
Dimensions & Weight
Because outdoor TVs (especially full sun TVs) come with additional weatherproofing and hardware, outdoor TVs weigh considerably more than indoor TVs. This becomes an issue when trying to mount these TVs to structures as you might need a heavier duty mount compared to a traditional indoor TV. Basically, it’s not enough to get an appropriate outdoor TV, you need to get an appropriate outdoor TV mount as well.
Price
Generally outdoor TVs are going to be priced more than indoor TVs, and full-sun TVs are going to be even more expensive given the amount of features that goes into them to protect them from sunlight. In this list, we look at products across a broad spectrum of pricing from the more affordable to luxurious custom pricing. For those we could get the data on, these generally range from $2,500 – $8,000 MSRP.
How We Selected Our Products
At CE Pro, we often defer to the pros when it comes to selecting the products for these types of listings. Talking with integrators in the field, in addition to looking at our annual CE Pro 100 Brand Analysis, we looked to find the products that the pros are staking their reputations on and compiled them here, just in case any of these brands or products have flown under your radar.
List of Full-Sun Outdoor TVs
- Furrion Aurora Full-Sun Pro TV
- Planar Luminate Ultra W
- Just Video Walls Outdoor Spec TVs
- Sunbrite Pro 2
- Samsung The Terrace
- Neptune Full Sun Outdoor TV
- Skyworth Clarus S1 Full-Sun Series
Furrion Aurora Full-Sun Pro TV (MSRP $7,999.00)
The Furrion Aurora Full-Sun Pro TV was specifically designed for outdoor living spaces, not just being able to survive in direct sunlight, but thrive. The TV’s 4K UHD resolution and 2,500-nit brightness deliver high quality picture clarity, ensuring vivid colors and rich contrasts even in the brightest conditions. Plus, the auto-brightness control adapts to the time of day, so you can clients enjoy perfect viewing from morning to night.
The Aurora also features IP66 weatherproof housing and XtremeShield™ impact-resistant glass, guarding it against rain, dust, extreme temperatures (-24 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit), and accidental bumps.
It does fall a bit on the small side given current appetites for TV sizes, being available in 55″, 65″, and 75″ sizes, however, that doesn’t stop it from being able to deliver a solid performance in terms of visuals. It even comes with HDR10+ compatibility, bringing a more cinematic experience to the outdoors.
Beyond that, the Aurora’s built-in webOS Hub smart platform allows access to streaming apps.
Planar Luminate Ultra W (Custom Pricing)
The Planar Luminate Ultra W outdoor TV is unique in the sense that these are more geared for professional channels over others on this list. Clocking in at a 16:9 aspect ratio, the TVs provide Full HD and 4K media, while their fine pixel pitch support comfortable viewing as close as 8 feet. The high 3,000 nit brightness of the Ultra W ensures visibility even in direct sunlight, as well.
They’re also on the more luxury end of the outdoor TV spectrum, offering massive sizing options in 115-, 145-, 173- and 231-inch models. And those are just the “complete” displays. Alternatively, integrators can also assemble custom screen sizes based on customer preference.
An IP65 rating means they’re dust-tight and safe from water jets, with additional protective coatings filling the gaps between LEDs. The assembled models also have waterproof Glue-On-Board technology allows the displays to withstand harsh weather.
Just Video Walls Outdoor Spec TVs (Custom Pricing)
Just Video Walls (JVW) offers perhaps one of the most comprehensive solutions on this list, and for that reason, pricing for such a solution varies. First of all, it’s a microLED display, meaning it gets bright. The JVW Outdoor Spec solution cranks out roughly 4,000 nits of brightness at its highest, surpassing many of the other models on this list. It’s those higher nit models that the company generally recommends for full-sun applications, though they do offer a handy installer tool for professionals that help take the guesswork out of product selection.
Aspect ratios include traditional 16:9, 2.40:1 and 24:9 with sizes ranging from 130-inches to 260-inches. Baseline, the system offers 12,000:1 contrast for some spectacular colors and shadows with a maximum refresh rate of 60hz at 4K resolution. The JVW solution also can support HDR10 and HLG content. However, Just Video Walls also offers custom-built solutions that push the fidelity even further, offering 8K resolution at 120 fps for some seriously slick looking visuals.
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Due to the nature of it being a custom solution, IP rating can vary on parts, but at a minimum, all components of a JVW outdoor TV are IP65. However, they do provide systems that go up to IP68 if the job requires it. The walls can also endure temperatures as low as -40 degrees and as high as 122 degrees Fahrenheit .
These things get heavy, though, so make sure you got something to support them. The starter model starts off at 432 pounds then climbs up to nearly a ton (1,728 pounds) for the 260-inch model.
Sunbrite Pro 2 (MSRP $6,728.95 for 55-inches)
While coming in lower in brightness compared to other models on this list, the Sunbrite Pro 2 is still a solid pick for an outdoor TV. It offers 4K UHD video at 1,000 nits and comes with anti-glare technology to help fight off the worst the sun has to offer, even in direct exposure.
OptiView Day and Night modes work to automatically optimize picture quality to match changing light conditions, while an integrated HDBaseT receiver facilitates 4K video transmission. The TV even comes with a spacious, weatherproof media compartment for housing streaming boxes or gaming consoles.
The Sunbrite Pro 2 is also well protected against the elements with a powder-coated, rust-proof aluminum exterior that can withstand temperatures as low as -24 degrees and as high as 122 degrees Fahrenheit . It even has a tempered glass screen that can resist impact, making it ideal for use in high-traffic outdoor areas like pool decks or patios.
Samsung The Terrace Full-Sun Outdoor TV (MSRP $7,4999.99 for 65-inches)
Much like with The Frame or The Wall, Samsung’s The Terrace is a state-of-the-art TV designed to elevate the viewing experience, only this time it’s been dialed in for the outdoors.
Featuring QLED 4K Picture Quality (with 4K AI image upscaling), this outdoor TV delivers vibrant colors and clarity thanks to Anti-Reflection Technology and high brightness levels, the picture remains clear and colorful even in direct sunlight. The Terrace also comes with HDR and HDR10+ enabled.
Samsung’s Direct Full Array technology also provides a wide viewing angle for more accommodating seating options.
The Terrace boasts an IP56 rating to protect against water, dust, and heat, making it a little less durable than prior entries, but it works to make up for that in terms of functionality. Powered by Tizen OS, The Terrace comes equipped with a variety of apps and built in voice assistants, while Samsung’s cloud gaming service allows for outdoor gaming year round.
The one downside is that brightness might get dialed back at certain times such as in moments of high heat to protect the TV hardware.
Neptune Full Sun Outdoor TV ($2,699.00 MSRP)
The Neptune Full Sun Outdoor Smart TV, is perhaps the most affordable outdoor TV on this list, but that doesn’t make it any less capable than the other contenders, featuring a 4K UHD display with a 16:9 aspect ratio and IP55 rating, which means it’s protected from rain, snow, dust, and insects. It also comes with anti-glare treatment, allowing it to be used in environments with high ambient lighting.
Additionally, the Neptune is powered by LG’s webOS, equipping it with a variety of gaming and streaming apps. It can even be used as a control hub for any devices connected to the ThinQ smart home network through an onboard AI controller.
Additionally, Neptune provides a free outdoor tilting wall mount with the purchase of each TV.
Skyworth Clarus S1 Outdoor TV (MSRP $4,999.00)
The Clarus Outdoor S1 Full Sun TV is another more budget-friendly full-sun TV that looks to stand with some of the bigger names on this list. At 3,000 nits of brightness, its visuals still stand strong against midday sun, while the anti-glare display enhances image clarity. Baseline, the TV offers 4K UHD visuals and support Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG HDR.
In the weatherproofing department, the Clarus S1 boasts an IP66-rateddesign alongside IK10-rated impact-resistant glass, meaning it could even take a rogue ball from a backyard game, if the concern is there. Like others on this list, it also has a wide operating temperature range—from -4 degrees to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
Unique to the Clarus S1, however, is an inbuilt 100W 8-speaker soundbar equipped with Dolby Audio. The device also runs on Google TV, granting access to a variety of streaming apps as well as voice control through either Google Assistant or Alexa.
View on Skyworth.
The Neptune Full Sun Outdoor Smart TV, is perhaps the most affordable outdoor TV on this list, but that doesn’t make it any less capable than the other contenders, featuring a 4K UHD display with a 16:9 aspect ratio and IP55 rating, which means it’s protected from rain, snow, dust, and insects. It also comes with anti-glare treatment, allowing it to be used in environments with high ambient lighting.
Additionally, the Neptune is powered by LG’s webOS, equipping it with a variety of gaming and streaming apps. It can even be used as a control hub for any devices connected to the ThinQ smart home network through an onboard AI controller.
Additionally, Neptune provides a free outdoor tilting wall mount with the purchase of each TV.
Skyworth Clarus S1 Outdoor TV (MSRP $4,999.00)
The Clarus Outdoor S1 Full Sun TV is another more budget-friendly full-sun TV that looks to stand with some of the bigger names on this list. At 3,000 nits of brightness, its visuals still stand strong against midday sun, while the anti-glare display enhances image clarity. Baseline, the TV offers 4K UHD visuals and support Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG HDR.
In the weatherproofing department, the Clarus S1 boasts an IP66-rateddesign alongside IK10-rated impact-resistant glass, meaning it could even take a rogue ball from a backyard game, if the concern is there. Like others on this list, it also has a wide operating temperature range—from -4 degrees to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
Unique to the Clarus S1, however, is an inbuilt 100W 8-speaker soundbar equipped with Dolby Audio. The device also runs on Google TV, granting access to a variety of streaming apps as well as voice control through either Google Assistant or Alexa.
