Invest in a Roku smart projector at 38% off, and it’ll arrive in time for the World Cup final

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Maybe it’s the nostalgic drive-in theater vibes, or maybe it’s seeing your favorite film unfold under a blanket of starry skies, but there’s something extra-magical about an outdoor movie night. While you can view movies on the living room couch any day of the week, changing your location to the backyard transforms the experience into a special occasion. 

Throwing blankets and pillows on the lawn for your front row seat is simple enough, but setting up the equipment for an outdoor movie night is another story. Not only do you have to find the perfect spot to place the projector, but you also have to add speakers to the mix so everyone can hear it clearly. On top of that, someone usually has to sacrifice their smartphone for a couple of hours. Many portable projectors these days use a Bluetooth connection that mirrors your device’s screen, so if you wanted to check your text messages mid-showing, everyone else would be reading them on full display. 

Smart projectors deliver the latest in video projection technology and eliminate nearly all the downsides of classic projectors. Because of this advanced technology, smart projectors typically cost a pretty penny. However, the Aurzen Roku TV Smart Portable Projector is one of the most budget-friendly selections, and it’s currently on sale with 38% off, bringing the original price of $240 down to just $150. 

Aurzen Roku TV Smart Portable Projector

What is a smart projector?

The easiest way to describe a smart projector is by comparing it to a smart TV. A smart TV has a Wi-Fi connection and access to all the streaming apps you could want already built in, so you don’t have to run cable cords or purchase an external media player, like an Amazon Fire TV Stick or Roku Streaming Stick, to access the content. A smart projector works the same way, except instead of selecting these apps on the TV screen, you see them displayed on the walls, ceiling, or wherever you have them projected. Like a smart TV, a smart projector also comes with a remote control for user-friendly navigation. 

When it comes to the Aurzen Roku TV Smart Portable Projector, upon powering it up, you’ll be taken to Roku’s extensive streaming platform. You can log in to the most popular streaming apps, including Netflix, Disney, Hulu, Prime Video, and YouTube, but Roku also offers access to over 500 TV channels, so you can also cue up to have watch parties for live sports or reality shows. You don’t need to bother with the speakers, because it has dual 5-watt speakers that support Dolby Audio. This is plenty sufficient for a handful of people gathered around, but if you have a larger audience, you’ll probably want to connect an additional speaker to the setup.

Most smart projectors don’t require a high energy output and can be hooked up to a battery pack. Since you don’t have to be tethered down to an outlet, you have more options for placing the device, whether you want to project your video on the garage door, the side of the house, or the living room ceiling. 

Along with the power source, you’ll also want to consider the recommended viewing size and projection distance. Surpassing these measurements means the picture will start to become muddled. For the Aurzen Roku, an 80-inch screen size that is projected from 7.26 feet away is recommended. Considering an 80-inch TV has a minimum starting price of around $700, this $150 projector is an extremely affordable, cost-effective alternative, providing a similar picture size and quality.

How to use a smart projector

A smart projector can technically be used as a replacement for a regular TV by projecting it on the living room wall, but it has several uses beyond a standard television. 

• Host watch parties for live sports and events. People around the globe are currently watching the World Cup. Rather than heading to your local sports bar to view the action, you could have it displayed on the side of your house for the entire neighborhood to enjoy. It’s not just great for sporting events, like the Super Bowl and the Olympics — you can also use it for other live events on television, like a watch party for the Oscars or a drama-filled Real Housewives reunion. 
• Enjoy a movie night outdoors. Instead of heading to the theater where you’ll shell out a massive amount on popcorn and soda, view a film on the lawn. It still feels like an upgrade from your regular movie night on the couch, but you won’t be left paying high markups on snacks. Additionally, if you need something to do during a camping trip, you could project a flick on the side of an RV.
• Schedule a friendly gaming tournament. Most smart projectors also pair with gaming consoles, so if you want to challenge your friends to a night of Mario Kart racing, you can all gather around the large display.
• Take it on your travels. Hotels and Airbnbs don’t always have televisions with streaming capabilities. You can always opt to watch shows on your smartphone or tablet, but if the whole family wants to watch something together, the projector is better suited for multiple people.

Other smart projectors to consider

The Aurzen Roku TV Smart Portable Projector is a solid choice when it comes to smart projectors, given its official partnership with Roku, compact size, and budget-friendly price tag. If you don’t mind something a little larger, the Aurzen EAZZE D1 Smart Projector in the Linux style is even more affordable at $110. You can also splurge a little more if you want upgraded capabilities. For example, the Samsung The Freestyle Smart Portable Projector, which is priced just under $300 on sale, has a lot of similar features compared to the Aurzen Roke, but it reaches a screen size of 100 inches.

Whether you prefer affordability over all or want to spend extra on something with higher picture quality, we’ve gathered an assortment of smart projectors that cater to a variety of viewing needs, arranged from lowest to highest price.

Wielio Android 14 Smart Projector

Aurzen EAZZE D1 Smart Projector

Voplls Smart Mini Slide Projector

Boldever Google TV Portable Smart Projector

Samsung The Freestyle Smart Portable Projector

Kodak Flik X20 Smart Projector

Nebula Capsule 3 GTV Portable Mini Projector

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