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Watching television outside used to be a challenge. You had to wait for the perfect weather conditions, but any change in sunlight would hinder your view.
Today, the best outdoor TVs combat this problem with adaptive-brightness technology. But sunlight is only a small part of the equation. Any kind of moisture at all would normally be a death sentence for a TV.
Not anymore. These rugged outdoor units are made for harsh weather. We’re going to look at 10 of the best models. How do you think they stack up? Only one way to find out.
In Short
As far as great outdoor viewing goes, the TCL 50S425 stole the show. It has a jaw-dropping price with a stunning 4K resolution.
For true weatherproof protection, the SunBrite SE reigns supreme. It’s much more costly, but the safety measures taken should provide you with year-round outdoor viewing.
Not every entry listed here is completely weatherproof. Some of them just have a really great outside picture. If you’re looking for one that can withstand heat and rain, make sure that it is specified as being weatherproof.
When you want to watch television outside, there are only a couple of really important things it needs to do.
One is doing well in the elements. Second, the screen has to look great in sunlight. With the TCL’s 4K picture, images look crisp and stunning. This helps bring everything to life.
By having a direct-lit LED, your TV will pop with bright quality. What’s most incredible is the pricing. For 4K TVs, you’d expect to pay over a grand, easily.
But TCL has somehow found a way to give you excellent 4K images for around $300. That’s unheard of. Next time you have a pool party or gathering, your guests will be amazed at being able to watch clear 4K TV outside.
You get standard ports on the back of the unit. Three HDMI with HDCP, USB for media, RF, composite, headphone, optical audio, and ethernet. And, you get compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant.
You’ll want to put a protective covering over this model, as it is not completely weatherproof like other models.
With built-in voice control, operating your TV has never been so easy. Sit back and enjoy your company instead of fighting with a remote.
The price is picking up a bit, but there are a lot more features to come, too. SunBrite offers a true outdoor experience with a 4K television that is able to withstand harsh environments.
This is their 43-inch model, as they have several more sizes to choose from. This model features 500 NITs. If you aren’t familiar with that term, it’s basically a measure of light. The more your TV has, the more light it can produce.
At 500, this makes the SunBrite twice as bright as standard indoor TVs. This gives you a picture that is four times clearer than HD.
SunBrite’s 43 SE holds up really well in partial sunlight. High ambient light doesn’t affect the picture, either. This is crucial if you plan on keeping it on a deck, by the pool, or in the yard.
If you’re watching TV outside, you have a lot more ambient sound to contend with. This can impact how much you and your guests hear.
That’s why SunBrite includes a weatherproof outdoor 20-watt soundbar. You may either mount this above or below the TV display for optimal sound quality.
Most indoor TVs use plastic in their construction. SunBrite uses durable aluminum casing. This protects the TV from all sorts of outside elements. Whether it’s rain, bugs, or hot temperatures, your 4K TV stays protected.
It’s light enough to haul around and put wherever you want. You get a nicely sized screen that has a minimal glare and is bright enough to stand out in the sun.
Coming closely behind the SunBrite SE is the Toshiba 55LF. This baby looks gorgeous and has a nice price.
You get the basics – which used to be considered extras – like Fire TV built right in. But the biggest selling point is going to be the incredible 4K quality.
It looks stunning even outside. Direct sunlight doesn’t seem to diminish or detract from the picture in any way.
There are over 8 million pixels at work, giving you a stunning, crisp, vivid picture. And you get voice remote with Alexa. This lets you launch apps, search for shows, change inputs, and a whole lot more – all with your voice.
It comes Wi-Fi ready so you can connect it to the internet for even more access. Be sure to put a covering over this one in the event that it rains. It isn’t fully weatherproof, but it sure does come at a great price.
Alexa voice control lets you kick back and relax. You can enjoy lounging outside without a remote. Just tell your TV what you want it to do and Alexa takes care of the rest
SunBrite ups the ante with a huge display. You get the same high-quality outside protection, but with a 55-inch screen.
Crisp, vivid, 4K resolution lets you clearly see images without a drop in brightness. SunBrite’s Veranda series boasts 50% brighter images than standard indoor televisions.
If you’re going to have your TV mounted in the shade, darkness has no impact on your picture. Quite the opposite, as images jump off the screen in true 4K fashion.
The housing of the TV is high-quality, long-lasting aluminum. This protects the delicate inner components from all kinds of outdoor elements.
Rain, snow, insects, and hot weather won’t harm your SunBrite TV in any way. If you have this unit near a worksite, even harsh things like sawdust won’t cause damage.
There are no vents to allow particles of any kind to enter into the TV. This makes the SunBrite 55-inch 4K model an ideal choice for outdoor viewing.
You get Veranda series built-in speakers with a generous media bay to house popular streaming devices.
There’s also a gaggle of connections to increase your viewing options. If you’re hosting an outdoor gaming get-together, three HDMI ports lets you hook up your favorite game system. There’s also USB for even more connectivity.
Video game images come in crystal-clear, with stunning, sharp, and fluid gameplay.
Having a 50% brighter display, you can enjoy watching TV outside without any loss in clarity. This makes your gatherings more enjoyable with fewer interruptions.
Séura’s Ultra Bright 65-inch outdoor television is by far the most expensive unit among our rankings.
As of this writing, it will cost you over 10 grand. But it is fully weatherproof. Short of a tornado or tsunami, Séura’s 4K TV will stand up to almost any kind of weather. You also get a two-year warranty in the event that the TV malfunctions for any reason.
The quality is so high that this unit will operate at temperatures as low as -24 °F. Hot weather won’t faze it, either. You can enjoy your TV in temperatures as high as 104 °F without a hitch.
Mirrored side panels help the TV to blend seamlessly into any outdoor environment. And since this is Séura’s brightest model yet, images scream with true-to-life quality, regardless of outdoor viewing. It boasts 1000-NIT brightness, allowing images to stay clear even on the sunniest of days.
Séura’s Adaptive Picture Technology works to adjust its picture quality in real-time. This means if it’s sunny outside and clouds suddenly roll in, the TV’s settings will adapt on the fly to give you the best picture possible.
The brightest and clarity levels have to be seen to be appreciated. No matter how sunny it is outside, Séura’s Ultra Bright TV will give you a quality picture every time.
MirageVision’s Diamond TV is absolutely huge. It rocks a 65-inch QLED display to give you clear imagery in bright environments.
You’re getting true 4K Ultra HD resolution at 3840 x 2160. And, you get the highest NIT rating at 1000. This gives you a super-bright picture, regardless of sunlight.
Want to watch TV when it’s freezing outside? Well, if for whatever reason you do, the Diamond can handle it without a problem. Conversely, if you ever wish to watch TV in super-hot temperatures, this unit will work just fine in heat as high as 145 °F.
And since it’s a Smart TV, you get built-in Wi-Fi and streaming apps to further increase your viewing experience.
MirageVision’s MPET technology lets you enjoy seamless viewing without any change in visuals. This automatically adjusts the television’s calibration. It enhances brightness, color, gamma, and contrast.
So if the brightness changes, the TV will adjust accordingly in real-time. This lets you enjoy the show without fiddling with settings.
MirageVision gives you a one-year residential warranty that covers parts and labor. You also get a one-year warranty on commercial parts and labor.
The super-bright display and built-in streaming services give you an enjoyable experience. The MPET technology means you never have to manually adjust settings to match the weather.
It sports 4K resolution with full outdoor viewing capabilities.
This unit can handle a wide range of weather conditions and continue to work. It is able to operate in temperatures as low as -22 °F. But cold weather isn’t all it’s good for. It can hold its own in extreme temperatures, too. We’re talking heat as high as 122 °F.
You get exceptional color and image quality. Its picture looks clear and vivid, regardless of the lighting level. Even better, you can view it from any angle. Videos won’t fade or distort when viewed from the side.
You also get a High-TNI panel. This is what lets you watch TV in direct sunlight. And, it’s protected in a way that prevents damage from the Sun’s ultraviolet rays.
All inputs and power ports stay safe in a compartment. There’s even storage for other video equipment and devices.
Peerless-AV’s UltraView is built to work well in even the coldest of environments. You won’t have to worry about weather-related damage to your TV. You can leave it outside year-round without the hassle of taking it inside every night.
Sealoc gives you outdoor television viewing at its finest. They deliver a unit that can handle the most extreme weather conditions. Temperatures as low as -14 °F and as high as 140 °F won’t affect this TV in the slightest.
You get 4K resolution that is clear on even the brightest of days. This unit is also waterproof. They use their patented nano-coating technology on the inner components. This prevents any part of the unit from becoming damaged. Rain, sleet, or snow won’t impact the TV in any way.
This makes the Sealoc 4K television the ideal candidate for poolside viewing. Are you hosting a pool party and need some entertainment? Sealoc has you covered. Accidental splashes won’t harm your TV, so you can watch with confidence knowing it’ll stay protected. This is what makes their TV the only IP68-rated unit.
Sealoc’s TV is further protected from the elements by having a fully-sealed exterior. This keeps out water, dust, bugs, and anything else that could harm your TV.
No matter what your outside lighting conditions are like, Sealoc’s picture stays vivid and clear. And this is all done in their slimmest unit yet.
With clear viewing, you also need clear sound. Sealoc gives you just that with crystal clear audio. It delivers a perfect range of sharp sounds.
Sealoc delivers a TV that makes it easy to enjoy the big game by a pool. You no longer need to leave the fun of swimming to watch TV. The waterproof design lets you do it all.
The Séura Shade Series has some of the best weatherproof construction available in a television.
They carefully test every component to assure that their TV will function properly, regardless of the weather. They even give you a two-year warranty to back you up in the event something goes wrong.
This TV is made for the outdoors. Séura uses only the best components to deliver a unit that is protected from wind, high and low temperatures, and rain.
The best quality is on display, with true 4K HDR resolution. This gives you a vivid, bright, clear HD picture. Images are true-to-life, even outside on sunny days.
For sound, you get a 50-watt outdoor soundbar. This includes front-facing speakers for total immersion while you watch.
The Séura Shade Series TV gives you one of the most immersive viewing experiences, thanks to an excellent display and sound quality.
MirageVision returns with their Gold series 4K weatherproof television. They improve on the protection with nice features and technology.
There’s a waterproof membrane that encases the TV cabinet and screen. This sealant keeps out moisture so you can leave your TV outside year-round. It even protects inputs and ports from potential water damage.
This 4K Ultra HD Smart TV has built-in Wi-Fi and streaming apps. You can start watching right away with a plethora of choices for viewing.
The Gold TV is rated at 500 NITs. This means partial sunlight won’t impact your viewing in any way. The picture will stay bright and crisp, without any loss.
The MirageVision Gold TV is loaded with streaming apps to give you plenty of viewing choices.
Outdoor TVs are a great source of entertainment during warm summer days and cold winter evenings. Spending time outdoors with friends and family is a great way to unwind and relax. Add a TV set, and outdoor hangouts are enriched with movies, sports, and video games.
Adding an outdoor television set to your cabana, patio, pool, backyard, cafe, or a restaurant isn’t hard. What can get hard is the part where you have to do the research. What kind of construction is good? What kind of weather protection is needed? Can I secure my outdoor TV? These and many other questions rush through the mind of a new outdoor television user.
Our guide will answer all the mentioned questions, and then some. We have spent a lot of time researching outdoor TVs, so you don’t have to.
Yes, they are. The first thing you will notice is that the outdoor models are bulkier than the indoor ones. Outdoor TVs weigh more than indoor units, and they are less prone to shattering thanks to shatterproof glass.
Outdoor TVs have weatherproofing, which makes them handle extreme temperatures with ease. An indoor television set can’t survive rain, snow, dust, and sunlight, but an outside model can.
Since outdoor TVs have to provide a clear picture under sunlight, their displays are brighter than the ones on indoor models.
Finally, outdoor TVs are more expensive than indoor TVs.
While the best outdoor TV can fit almost any place, you need to be aware of your surroundings.
You should figure out where you would like to install your new outdoor television. Does that area have many hours of direct sunlight? If yes, you should look at TVs with a bright LED panel. The brightness of over 700 nits is OK, but it doesn’t hurt to go over.
You should also figure out whether there are risks of the television getting wet. If you live in a rainy area or you want a TV next to your pool, you will need a water-resistant model.
Will you be using your TV during the winter? If yes, how much does it snow during the year? Know the answer to the above questions before making a purchase. If you live in an area where winters are cold and there is lots of snow, you need a weather-tolerant TV.
It is important to note that being waterproof isn’t the same as being water-resistant.
Waterproof devices are impervious to water, and some of them can operate underwater. On the other hand, water-resistant devices resist water, but up to a point. You can’t submerge water-resistant devices.
While most of the outdoor TVs are not waterproof, the best ones are water-resistant. Good outdoor TVs come with a waterproof remote controller that can be submerged into water. Bear in mind that waterproof devices shouldn’t be left submerged for a long time. So, if your remote drops into your pool, don’t fret, but don’t wait for too long before taking it out.
Most of the outside TVs come with some sort of protection for the screen. The good ones come with an anti-glare screen. The anti-glare screen is a must if you want to keep your TV out in the open. There is nothing else that can quickly ruin the mood as the sun’s glare. So, to avoid glare problems, find an outdoor TV with an anti-reflective display.
If you plan on playing with a ball close to your outside TV, you will need to find a model with an impact-resistant display. Impact-resistant displays won’t shatter if your child hits it with a ball or if one of your rowdy friends manages to knock it over. So, to avoid shattered glass in your yard or a pool, find a TV with an impact-resistant display.
This is, quite possibly, one of the most important questions. While most of the outdoor TV manufacturers claim that their units are weather-tolerant, the truth is a bit different.
Yes, most of the outdoor TVs are created to be weather-tolerant, but not all of them are equally weather-tolerant.
Good manufacturers will inform you of the Ingress Protection (IP) rating of their product. You will notice that the IP rating consists of two numbers. The first number tells you how well the device is protected against solid objects. Never go below number five. If the first IP rating number is five, then the device is protected from dust. Moreover, if the first number is six, then the device is dust-tight.
The second IP rating number tells you how well the device is protected from liquids. Number four shows that the device is protected from splashing water. Number five tells that the device is safe from water jets coming out of 6.33mm nozzles. Number six shows that powerful water jets (12.5mm nozzle) have no harmful effects. Finally, the numbers seven and eight tell you that the device can be submerged into the water. Up to 1m if the number is seven, and beyond 1m if the number is eight.
Our advice is not to go below the IP rating of 55, while everything above is more than good enough.
You might notice an IPX rating, which can be a bit confusing. The “X” denotes that there is no value for that number, so you can assume that it is zero. That may not be the case, but it’s better not to take any risks. Basically, IPX5 means that the device has unknown protection from solid objects, but has protection against low-pressure water jets.
Most of the outdoor TVs come with no protection from thieves, but you can do something about it.
The best outdoor TVs support Kensington Security locks, which saves you a lot of trouble. Unfortunately, most of the outdoor TVs are a good target if you leave them with no protection.
You could use an alarm that is triggered when a tether between the TV and the alarm is broken. Unfortunately, alarms don’t stop thieves from running away with their haul.
Luckily, there are ways to complicate the life of a would-be thief, which is, most of the time, enough to drive them away. If you mount a TV to the wall, you can screw on a heavy-duty cable to the back of the TV. Pull the cable through the mount, and loop it back. Lock the ends of the cable together and cover the screws with access caps.
If you are not keen on DIY projects, you can find anti-theft security kits online. You can use those kits on your indoor TVs as well.
Before you can say that you know everything about outdoor TVs, there are a couple of features to consider.
As you can see, buying the best outdoor TV forces you to learn a lot, but it is worth it. We hope that you will have countless hours of fun with your new outdoor TV. Keep the useful info in your mind, and your next purchase will be satisfactory.