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How to Buy a Smart Portable Projector

How to · Tech

How to Buy a Smart Portable Projector

Spread the cost of a high-quality backyard theater across 18 months without paying interest.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $600 before anything else
Across the 0% window $33.33/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $600 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A good portable projector turns a backyard into a theater for years. You want something with at least 1080p resolution and enough brightness to handle the sun going down, not just pitch black. Buy a solid one now so you aren't replacing a blurry, dim unit in twelve months.

New models usually drop in the spring, which makes fall the best time to buy. Retailers clear out last year's stock during holiday sales. The older version often has the same lamp life and ports as the new one but costs a few hundred dollars less.

The 0% interest rate is a tool for time, not a discount on the price. If you still have a balance after the 18 months, the standard interest rate kicks in on whatever is left, making your projector much more expensive.

The steps

  1. 01

    Wait for the fall drop

    Keep an eye on prices starting in October. Retailers use holiday sales to move inventory before the new year's tech shows. Last year's flagship model is usually the sweet spot for value.

  2. 02

    Use the 0% window

    The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi) offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. If you spend $600 on your setup, you can pay it off at $33.33 a month. This keeps your cash in your pocket while you watch movies.

  3. 03

    Focus on the screen

    Don't just point the projector at a beige wall or a wrinkled sheet. A folding outdoor screen costs about $80 and makes the image much sharper. It also makes the setup portable if you want to take it to a park.

  4. 04

    Plug in a speaker

    Built-in projector speakers are usually thin and quiet. Use an aux cord or Bluetooth to connect a rugged portable speaker you already own. It saves you from buying a dedicated sound system for the yard.

  5. 05

    Keep it cool

    Dust and heat kill projectors faster than anything else. Wipe the lens with a microfiber cloth and don't leave the unit outside overnight. Humidity can ruin the internals even if it doesn't rain.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Is a 4K projector worth it for outdoors?

Probably not for a backyard. Most streaming apps and portable players default to 1080p, and ambient light makes the extra resolution hard to see. Save the money and get a brighter 1080p model instead.

How many lumens do I need?

Look for at least 500 ANSI lumens. Cheaper brands use lux or other made-up numbers to sound better. Real ANSI lumens tell you if you can actually see the movie before the sun is completely gone.

Can I leave the projector outside?

No, even rugged ones aren't meant for the elements. Bring it inside every night to avoid dew, bugs, and temperature swings. It only takes a minute to set back up.

Does the 0% interest start when I buy the projector?

No, the clock starts when you open the account. Try to time your application with your purchase so you get the full 18 months to pay it off.