Projector Screen Buying Guide: Key Factors and Options

If you’ve bought a projector, you’re on your way to an authentic silver screen experience. But you may have forgotten something when you first ordered your projector: a projector screen.

Projector screens are the trick to getting crisp, high-definition images from your projector. In this projector screen buying guide, you’ll learn the importance of picking the right screen, how you can install them, and factors to consider when making your final choice. 

The Complete Projector Screen Buying Guide

Projector screens come in a vast range of styles, sizes, colors, and materials, giving you plenty to consider when you’re looking to buy one. If you want the most bang for your buck, you need to pick a screen that complements your projector and works in your space.

That’s why we’ve put together this in-depth projector screen buying guide. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the different types of projector screens and how to choose the perfect one for you. But first, let’s discuss why a screen matters in the first place.

You Already Have a Projector. Why Invest in a Projector Screen?

Many people assume that a good projector is all they need. But a projector is only half of the story when it comes to projecting high-quality videos and images. Even the best projector will fail to provide a sharp, accurate picture if you use it on a random wall. 

Investing in a quality projector screen is worthwhile because it gives you complete control over your viewing experience. The benefits of using a projector screen include:

Picture Quality Is Usually Better on a Screen

If you’re not using a projector screen, you’re probably using the nearest empty wall. That can seriously impact the quality of the picture. Walls are often textured or uneven, which affects the image quality. Large lumps and bumps in the wall will obviously distort part of the image, but even lightly textured drywall will reduce the image’s resolution.

Anything other than a perfectly flat surface will throw off your projector’s image, making it look fuzzy or muddy. Projector screens provide the smooth surface you need to get the best picture from your projector.

Colors Are Easy on the Eyes

Projector screens also improve the color of your projector’s image. Projecting an image on anything other than a white surface will reduce the accuracy of the colors and potentially make the image hard to look at. But even a white wall may distort color if it’s too reflective or if it has blue or yellow undertones. 

You can avoid this distortion entirely by using a projector screen because they’re designed to display colors accurately, without muddling them. You can even opt for a light gray screen instead of white to keep bright images from hurting your eyes.

Clear Borders Provide a Perfect Video Frame

A projector screen provides a better frame for your videos. Simply projecting a movie on the nearest wall leads to visual distractions. The image may seem to bleed into its surroundings, and it can be hard to focus on the film instead of other items on the wall.

Projector screens, on the other hand, frame the video perfectly. They offset the projection from its surroundings. This makes focusing on your favorite films easier without getting distracted by light overshoot.

You Have More Control Over Image Size and Lighting

For true film enthusiasts, one of the best aspects of investing in a projector screen is the ability to control details like lighting, aspect ratio, and image size. You can shop for a screen that fits your space and preferences, whether you want something relatively small for cozy indoor movie nights or a larger outdoor screen for big events. 

Similarly, you can work with the screen to control how bright the image is. Screens make it easy to control the gain or brightness level, so you can turn it up in brighter conditions or turn it down at night. This helps you avoid faded or blown-out images, so you see the image the way the director intended.

The Different Types of Screens

There are many different projector screen options available today. Each of these projector screen types has unique benefits and drawbacks. If you want to find the perfect screen for your needs, this projector screen buying guide explains the various styles and how to choose a projector screen that works for you.

Fixed-Frame Screen

A fixed-frame screen is a permanent option designed to be set up once and left open. They’re built with frames that hold the screen rigid. This prevents wrinkles from forming on the screen but also makes it more difficult to move and store. 

Stationary fixed-frame screens are ideal for permanent installations, such as home movie theaters or lecture halls. There are also fixed-frame screens available on stands. These options often work like portable whiteboards, so they can be wheeled off to the side when not in use. They work best for locations that have plenty of storage space.

If you have a location where you can leave your screen set up indefinitely, these screens are low-maintenance and practical. However, they may be a little unwieldy if you’re short on storage space or open walls.

Retractable Screen

Retractable screens can be rolled up into a casing on the wall or ceiling. Unlike a fixed-frame screen, these projector screen types can disappear entirely when not in use. That makes them an excellent solution for mixed-use spaces.

However, retractable screens come with certain challenges. They often require careful installation to ensure they work correctly and are perfectly level. Some require electrical connections to function as well. Nevertheless, if you have limited storage space in a mixed-used room like your living room, a conference room, or a classroom, a retractable screen may be a good option.

Electric Projection Screen

Electric projection screens are automated in some way. For example, some retractable screens are also electric because they use a motor to raise and lower the screen on command. Similarly, inflatable projection screens require electricity to power the inflation pump.

An electric projection screen is often simpler to use than a manual screen. You can use a remote control to raise or lower the screen instead of putting it together yourself. As long as you have a way to power it, an electric projection screen can be a convenient and efficient option. 

Portable Projector Screen

A portable projector screen is designed to be easy to move. There are several mobile projector screen types, including:

• Collapsible-frame screens: These screens have jointed frames that can be folded up when not in use. The screen is usually retractable, so it can be rolled up in a casing for easy storage.
• Inflatable screens: These screens have a frame that’s inflated by a motor, and the pressurized frame pulls the screen tight. When not in use, they are deflated and folded up into a carrying case.
• Wheeled fixed-frame screens: These frames don’t collapse, but they can be rolled from room to room like a portable whiteboard.

The most crucial detail of all of these projector screen options is that they’re designed for easy transport. That makes them a good choice if you want to use your projector in multiple places, like outside, at a friend’s house, or just in a different room of your home.

Portable screens are also typically easy to store. Since these screens are intended for transport, they’re usually small and can be collapsed to easily fit in your closet or the trunk of your car. However, they’re also more likely to wrinkle or break during setup and takedown than a more permanent alternative, like a ceiling-mounted retractable screen.

Inflatable Screen

Inflatable projector screens are some of the most popular options for outdoor use. These screens are connected to airtight frames that act like heavy-duty balloons. When the frame is inflated, it pulls the screen tight and holds it upright. The entire screen and frame can be folded up in a carrying case for transport when deflated.

These screens are one of the most popular projector screen options for their simplicity and durability. They’re easily the largest portable screens because the screen itself is designed to be folded up. That means it’s significantly easier to transport a large inflatable screen than it is to move a portable retractable screen and frame. 

They’re also popular outdoor screens because of their durability. Good inflatable screens are made of materials that won’t get damaged by a bit of rain or wind. That makes them perfect for outdoor parties and movie nights. The one drawback is that these screens aren’t a great option for indoor use because the frames are bulky.

Rear Projection Screen

Rear projector screens allow you to place the projector behind the screen while viewing the image from the front, putting you and the projector on opposite sides of the screen. To accomplish this, the screens are partially transparent.

A rear projection screen can provide clear images in a room even when the lights are on. These options are also typically more compact than front projection screens because they don’t need much space in front to present a clear image.

Keep in mind that these require you to have a projector that’s rear-projection compatible. If you have a compatible projector, this is one of the best projector screen types for tight or bright spaces.

Manual Screen

A manual screen is an alternative to electric screens. These screens must be set up and taken down by hand instead of relying on motors to handle the work. They may fold up or roll up or be simple fixed-frame screens you set up once and leave out.

Manual screens take extra effort on your part, but they don’t require electricity to work. That makes them more flexible, especially for outdoor use. A portable manual screen can be a great companion to a battery-powered projector. You can use manual outdoor screens to project movies, even if you don’t have an outlet nearby, as long as your projector can run on battery power.

The Mounting Options for Projector Screens

There are several ways to mount certain styles of projector screens. Portable, manual, electric, and rear-projection screens come in a range of mounting styles to suit different situations. If you’re considering one of these solutions, you’ll need to choose one of the projector screen mounting options below.

Ceiling-Mounted

Ceiling-mounted projector screens are attached to the ceiling of the room in which they are installed. These screens are typically intended for permanent use. They come in two styles:

• Recessed screens that are installed within the ceiling itself: These screens work best when installed as the room is built; otherwise, installing them may require significant renovation. 
• Hung screens: These are housed in a casing attached to the ceiling and hang down into the room. These screens are easier to install after the fact without having to cut significant holes in the ceiling.

Most ceiling-mounted projector screens are retractable, rolling up into their casing when not in use. They also usually rely on electricity since they use motors to roll up the screen.

Wall-Mounted

A wall-mounted projector screen may be retractable or fixed-frame. Fixed-frame screens are permanently attached to the wall, like a stationary whiteboard. Retractable screens come with housings that stick out from the wall, allowing the screen to descend without scraping on anything. 

Both solutions work well in rooms that aren’t suitable for ceiling-mounted screens. Fixed-frame wall-mounted screens work better for permanent use, whereas retractable wall-mounted screens provide more flexibility.

Floor-Mounted

A floor-mounted projector screen is supported by a frame that rests on the ground. These screens are more portable than wall- or ceiling-mounted alternatives because the structure is usually not attached to the floor permanently. These options are typically manual and fixed-frame and may come with wheels to make it easy to roll the screen from room to room.

Folding or Truss-Projected

A folding or truss-projected screen is the most portable alternative of all. These options are also supported by a frame that rests on the ground. But they’re designed to be folded up when not in use. Most of these screens are manual, although some may have motorized casings to release and roll up the screen.

The Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Screen

Now that you know more about the sheer variety of different projector screen styles available, you can start thinking about what projector screen types work for you. The best way to make an informed decision is to determine which features matter most to your viewing experience.

Price Expectations

The most important factor for many people is price. Projector screens are available at many different price points. Although there are certainly luxury screens available, there are also many affordable options for people on a budget.

You should also consider the cost of professional installation in your price expectations. Certain permanent projector screens benefit from having an expert install them. For example, ceiling-mounted retractable screens should often be professionally installed to ensure they function correctly. Keep these extra costs in mind to avoid going over budget.

Screen Size

The size of a projector screen dictates much of what you can do with it. When deciding how large of a screen you want, consider details like:

• The capabilities of your projector: Not every projector is designed to fill a giant screen. Check your projector’s manual to make sure you understand what screen sizes it handles best.
• The size of the space: Obviously, your projector screen’s measurements should fit within the area where you’ll use it. You should also measure the distance between the projector and the screen’s future location to ensure the projector can focus correctly.
• Whether the screen needs to be transported: Many large screens aren’t designed for easy transport. A smaller screen is more likely to fit in your car if you want to take your projector on the go.

Screen Materials and Construction Details

There are several different materials used to make projector screens, depending on their intended use. You’ll be choosing between:

• Acoustically transparent fabrics: These fabrics have tiny holes that are invisible from the intended viewing distance. That prevents them from generating strange sound reflections. This is what professional movie theater screens are made of, and it’s also typically what high-quality retractable screens use. That makes this material ideal for home theaters because it supports the intended viewing experience of most movies.
• Flat panels: Some fixed-frame screens use flat, solid panels painted with special projector screen paint. They’re durable and won’t wrinkle, but they can reflect sound. A flat panel screen is excellent for permanent installation on a wall in classrooms or lecture halls, where the sound experience is less important.
• Vinyl: Outdoor screens are typically made with vinyl, which is durable and water resistant. Inflatable screens in particular rely on flexible vinyl to allow the screen to be bundled up into the carrying case when not in use.

Surface Color and Color Accuracy of Images

There are three primary colors you’ll find for projector screens: white, gray, and black. White screens are the most common as they easily display accurate colors. However, colors are more likely to seem washed out on a white screen.

That’s why some people prefer a black or gray screen. Gray screens will still display accurate colors but don’t wash out as easily. They’re also easier on the eyes in dark rooms. Similarly, black screens keep the colors accurate without hurting your eyes, but they can make dark scenes hard to see.

Screen Frame Construction, Materials, and Color

Screen frames should also be considered when making your decision. So, choose the construction style you want. Do you want something portable and collapsible? A permanent ceiling-mounted screen? A fixed-frame wall-mounted one? Once you’ve answered this question, you can think about aesthetics.

Frames come in a wide variety of colors and materials. You can find everything from standard silver aluminum frames to matte black steel to clean white plastic. Once you know what construction type you want, you can decide what materials and colors work for your space.

Viewing Angles and Screen Gain

Next, consider where you want to use your screen and the conditions of the spaces it’ll be in. This will determine how much gain you want. 

” Screen gain” is the amount of light your screen reflects. High-gain screens reflect a lot of light, which makes them brighter even in rooms with lots of ambient light. However, they tend to reflect light narrowly, which means that people looking at the screen from an angle don’t have a great viewing experience.

Meanwhile, screens with low gain measurements look better from many different viewing angles. They don’t stand up to ambient light as well, but more people can see them with less effort in dark rooms.

Mounting Brackets and Tension

If you’re installing a permanent projector screen, consider the structural elements of the intended space. Projector screens need to be kept very flat to provide the best image. That means that mounting brackets may put a lot of pressure on your walls to maintain the necessary tension in the screen. Triple-check that your walls can withstand the weight and stress of the screen before buying one.

Assembly and Installation Process

Some screens can be set up with nothing but a screwdriver in 15 minutes, whereas others require professional installation. In general, portable and fixed-frame screens are easiest to install on your own, and recessed ceiling screen installation will most likely require professional help.

Make sure you understand a screen’s assembly and installation process before buying it. You can also learn how to install a retractable projector screen if you want to take on a DIY project.

Find the Screen That Complements Your Projector

This projector screen buying guide has outlined what makes projector screens essential and what to consider when you’ve decided to buy one. No two projector screens are identical. With a bit of research, you can find a screen that complements your projector and fits your space.