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Prime Day is here, and bring with it a ton of deals on video projectors. Maybe because summer is the perfect time to host an outdoor movie night, and nobody wants to drag their TV into the backyard? Regardless, Amazon has cut prices by up to 40% on everything from pocket-sized mini projectors to premium 4K triple-laser setups.

• Sovboi outdoor projector: At 40% off, you can pick up this "everything you need" projector for only $259.97. It features built-in Google TV and AI Voice Control, and it's designed for outdoor use. It also features automatic focusing, which means you won't need to spend as much time getting the picture to look clear. One thing to be aware of with this projector: The description says it "supports 4K video," but that just means it will accept a 4K input signal. It outputs in 1080p. If you're looking for higher resolution, you'll need to look elsewhere. Also, the prominent claim of "3000 brightness" should be ignored; it's a decently bright projector, but that number doesn't mean much (see my note on "Lumens" below).

• Smart Mini Projector: The main selling points of this mini projector are its "throw it in a bag" portability and its low price. It weighs less than three pounds, it's wifi and Bluetooth compatible, and it features built in Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video. On the downside: The claim of 1800 ANSI Lumens is dubious on a machine that costs around $100—this seems like a strictly dark room projector.

• Visspl 4K Smart Projector: If you want a video projector at a truly low price, consider this Netflix-enabled device. Unlike many cheaper video projectors that run everything on mobile Android, this one comes with native integration of Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video, so those services should work smoothly right out of the box. On the negative side: The video output is 1080p, even though it accepts 4K input, and the marketing copy proclaims "2600 ANSI lumens" of brightness—I haven't tested it, but that level of brightness is generally reserved for laser projectors that are way more expensive than this $149.99 model. Still, Amazon reviewers are plenty pleased with it (particularly praising how loud the built-in speaker can get.)

• Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air: At a Prime Day price of $399, this projector bridges the gap between budget gear and multi-thousand-dollar home theater centerpieces. Unlike some cheaper units, the setup is effortless, it runs Google TV with native, crystal-clear 1080p Netflix right out of the box, and the automatic image software sets up and sharpens pictures in moments. It also packs dual 8W Dolby Digital speakers for rich sound. The cons: according to Amazon's reviewers, the battery life is limited to about 90 minutes of full power use, so you'll need to run a cord to the backyard if you want to finish an entire movie. Its 400 ANSI lumens rating is lower but at least honest, making this a better bet for a pitch-black room or a nighttime campout.

• Hisense M2 Pro: If you're looking for a higher-end projector, this Hisense machine features triple-laser technology, resulting in a clear, vivid image that will be totally crisp at up to 200 inches. Unlike cheaper projectors, it features a native 4K architecture, so the output is going to look 4k-terrific. The triple laser tech means it handles demanding formats like Dolby Vision and HDR10+ with ease. Another justification for the higher price: true optical zoom—in other words, it's not just making the pixels bigger when you zoom in. On the downside: For a device that costs $950 (discounted from $1,300), you'd expect more than one HDMI port. Also: the 1300 ANSI brightness claimed here is likely more honest than less expensive projectors, but it still means you'll see best results in a darkened room.

A note on lumens

In the advertising copy for budget projectors, you'll often see claims like "9,000 Lumens!" or "3,000 Brightness!" on $120 machines from brands you've never heard of. Meanwhile, more expensive projectors from established brands like Anker tend to make more modest claims about "ANSI Lumens."

This is because "ANSI" or "ISO Lumens" are a real measurement of light output of a projected image, but "Lumens" is a vaguer term that can refer to anything from a measurement at a light source to some other creative definition of the term. Cheap projectors from no-name brands can be great—each one listed above has more than 4 stars from reviewers—but you should take any outsized Lumens claims with a huge grain of salt.

Looking for something else? Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy run Prime Day-style sales that are especially useful if you don’t have Amazon Prime.

• Walmart’s Prime Day competition sale runs from June 22-28 and includes deals up to 50% off. It’s an especially good option if you have Walmart+. 

• Best Buy’s Prime Day competition sale runs from June 22-28, and has some of the best tech sales online. It’s an especially good option if you’re a My Best Buy “Plus” or “Total” member.

• Target’s Prime Day competition sale runs from June 23-26, with deals up to 50% off. You can become a Circle member for free.