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The best outdoor TVs you can buy
If you are looking to upgrade your deck or patio, an outdoor television is the best way to add constant entertainment to your setup. With an outdoor TV, you can host Sunday Football watch parties or watch a film under the stars with your loved ones as you enjoy the last few weeks of fall.
To help you decide which TV models make sense for your space (and investment), I've considered various models' weatherproofing status, brightness display, sound quality, streaming service options, and cost to round up the best options available ahead of your setup upgrade.
Also: The best 4K TVs
What is the best outdoor TV right now?
My pick for the best outdoor TV is Samsung's The Terrace for it's bright, anti-reflection screen, durable build and support for a wide range of entertainment apps. You can keep reading below to find out more about Samsung's The Terrace outdoor TV as well as our other top picks.
The best outdoor TVs of 2024
- Bright display
- Fantastic reflection deterrence
- Durable build
- Expensive
- Mediocre audio
The Samsung Terrace Smart TV has my vote for the best outdoor TV overall. The 55-inch 4K QLED display is specifically designed for the outdoors, and the anti-glare screen prevents the sun from interrupting your entertainment. Plus, IP55 waterproofing protects the device from the elements. The TV also has several popular services and apps, like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and YouTube already included.
Also: The best Samsung TVs
You can connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to use the browser function and surf the web. In addition, the Samsung Terrace Smart TV is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Bixby, so you can save precious time with the help of a smart home assistant. The device also features customizable settings, like film mode and a wide viewing angle, so that you can optimize your viewing experience no matter the occasion. And verified customer reviews from Amazon and Best Buy both highlight the anti-glare screen, which helps improve visibility in partial and full-sun placement.
Samsung Terrace Smart TV tech specs: Screen size: 55 inches | Resolution: 4K | Refresh rate: 120 Hz | Waterproofing: IP55
- Withstands high temperatures
- Affordable
- Roku benefits
- Not ideal for full sun
- Heavy
With the Element Electronics Partial Sun Outdoor Roku TV, you can set up your television anywhere there is partial sun. The 55-inch display has 4K resolution and HDR10 technology, offering four times the pixels of Samsung's Full HD TV. The tempered, anti-glare screen is twice as bright as indoor models, so it can handle any bright environment, like your back patio on a sunny summer day.
It can also withstand the elements in other ways. The tempered glass is four times stronger than normal glass so you can feel safe knowing it will have the protection it needs when inclement weather arises.
The Element Roku also has a IP55 rating, meaning it's weatherproof against water, dirt, humidity, and even snow. Additionally, this TV can withstand any temperature as low as -4°F and as high as 104°F, so if you can bear those temps, year-long viewing is, in fact, a possibility. Verified customer reviews from Walmart praise the picture quality of the Elements outdoor Roku TV as well as the dust and moisture resistance; though they do note that the TV features a cooling fan to dissipate waste heat during warm summer days, so the TV will make noise from time to time as the fan kicks in.
Element Electronics Partial Sun Outdoor Roku TV tech specs: Screen size: 55 inches | Resolution: 4K UHD | Refresh rate: 60 Hz | Waterproofing: IP55
- Anti-glare screen
- Excellent display
- Reasonable price
- Smaller display
The Furrion Aurora Full Sun Smart 4K LED Outdoor TV is a versatile outdoor TV that you can wall-mount or place anywhere in the sun or shade. The anti-glare screen boasts excellent clarity with LED technology, an anti-glare LCD screen, and a 4K resolution.
Plus, built-in speakers and 350-nit brightness immerse you in entertainment regardless of the weather. It also features RangeXtend external antennas for a strong signal to connect to Wi-Fi.
The Furrion Aurora Smart Outdoor TV is also weatherproof with an IP54 rating -- so it can face down snow, rain, UV rays, dirt, and humidity. Even the remote is waterproof, in case you leave it outside. At 43 inches, this model is a bit smaller than other outdoor TVs on this list, but it comes with a one-year warranty to secure your purchase. Verified reviews from Best Buy love the picture quality of the Furrion Aurora, but do note that the sound can seem a bit lackluster due to the ruggedized build of the TV.
Furrion Aurora Full Sun Smart Outdoor TV tech specs: Screen size: 43 inches | Resolution: 4K | Refresh rate: 60 Hz | Waterproofing: IP54
- Fantastic colors
- 4K UHD
- Smart TV connectivity
- Pricey
- Not waterproof
The Kuvasong Smart Outdoor TV has a large 55-inch LED screen that incorporates 4K resolution with UHD HDR technology. The anti-glare screen has extremely high brightness at 1500 nits, so the screen is meant to shine in the shade.
Thanks to built-in Wi-Fi, you'll also have access to several streaming services, including Netflix, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. However, this TV is meant for covered outdoor areas, so it's not waterproof like other outdoor TV models on this list, but it is fine to be exposed to partial sun -- meaning it has to be under an awning or cover of some sort.
On this front, it does accommodate multiple outdoor living room setups. It comes with a swiveling and tilting TV mount and five input models, including Bluetooth, aux, coax, and optical input. Verified reviews from both Amazon and Walmart call out the Kuvasong's sharp contrast and bold colors as well as how bright the picture can get, but do note that some customers may want to also invest in an outdoor soundbar to boost audio quality.
Kuvasong Smart Outdoor TV tech specs: Screen size: 55 inches | Resolution: 4K | Refresh rate: 60 Hz | Waterproofing: IP65 -- dust-proof, but not waterproof
What is the best outdoor TV?
The Samsung Terrace Smart TV may not be the cheapest option on our list but users agree -- it is the best outdoor TV you can buy right now. The generous screen is capable of shining in full sun, too, so you can place it wherever it fits best in your outdoor space.
To see how the best outdoor TVs compare, here is an overview of each model broken down by price, display type, and screen size.
Best outdoor TV | Price | Screen size | Brightness rating/Partial or full sun |
Samsung The Terrace | $3,500 | 55 inches | 2000 nits, partial sun |
Element Electronics Roku TV | $898 | 55 inches | 700 nits, full sun |
Furrion Aurora | $2,000 | 43 inches | 1000 nits, full sun |
Kuvasong smart outdoor TV | $1,025 | 55 inches | 1500 nits, partial sun |
*MSRP at time of writing. Please note that actual price may vary depending on retailer as well as available discounts and promotions.
Which outdoor TV is right for you?
It depends. Do you need a TV that's waterproof, or will your new device be placed on a covered patio? These are my expert recommendations to help you find the best outdoor TV for your entertainment needs and price point.
Buy this best outdoor TV... | If you need... |
Samsung The Terrace | A well-rounded outdoor TV. The Terrace is available in a range of screen sizes and offers a wide array of entertainment apps. |
Element Electronics Roku TV | A budget-friendly outdoor TV. The Roku TV from Element retails under $1,000 while still offering robust weatherproofing and temperature resistance. |
Furrion Aurora | An outdoor TV for areas with full sun exposure. The Furrion Aurora can produce up to 1,000 nits of brightness for better visibility in harsh overhead lighting or on sunny days. |
Kuvasong smart outdoor TV | A bright outdoor TV. It can produce up to 1500 nits of brightness and features an anti-glare screen coating for better visibility in covered or shady outdoor areas. |
What should I look for in an outdoor TV?
Once you've finalized a budget, there are a few factors you should keep in mind when shopping for an outdoor TV:
- Sun exposure: Not every outdoor TV is created equal. Some are designated for shade placement, meaning they need to be in a gazebo, covered patio, or screened-in porch. A TV designated for partial sun means you can place the TV in a spot that catches sunlight for just a few hours a day or is in a mostly shady area. A full-sun designation means you can place the TV basically anywhere you can think of, and the electronics will be protected against the elements as well as intense direct sunlight.
- Smart features: As outdoor entertainment spaces become more and more sophisticated, outdoor TVs are starting to offer the same smart features as their indoor counterparts. To make the most of your patio, deck, or garden, be sure to select a TV that offers smart features like streaming apps, virtual assistants, and digital surround sound to better integrate into your smart home network.
- Screen size: Most outdoor TVs are either 55 or 65 inches, which are some of the most popular screen sizes for indoor models as well. These will fit into just about any space, but it's best to measure twice before you buy. And if you need a bigger screen, you can find some models in up to an 85-inch screen (though you should be prepared to pay a premium for a ruggedized TV at that size).
How did I choose these outdoor TVs?
In choosing the best outdoor TVs, I considered several factors, including weatherproof status, brightness display, sound quality, streaming service available, and cost.
- Weatherproofing: Outdoor TVs are put into one of three categories: full sun, partial sun, or covered. Full sun means that these TVs don't have to be exposed to shade at all. Typically, the brighter the screen, the more robust the weatherproofing. Partial sun has to be under an awning or some sort of cover, as a dimmer screen doesn't require as much weatherproofing. Finally, covered means you have to have it under an overhang or protected area where it won't be exposed to direct sun or get rained on.
- Brightness: A brighter display, usually 700 nits or more, is better able to handle direct sun than those with lower nits, which are typically best for indoor living rooms or shaded areas.
- Sound: I considered the speaker quality on each television because outdoor noise can easily compete with your TV when outside.
- Streaming services: Many outdoor TVs have streaming services integrated, like Netflix, Prime Video, and HBO Max.
- Cost: I looked for outdoor TVs that suit a variety of budgets.
What kind of outdoor TV do I need for my space?
Our chart can help you determine what kind of outdoor TV you need for your space.
Type of outdoor TV | Appropriate areas |
Shade | Gazebos, screened-in rooms, sunrooms, verandas |
Partial sun | Patios, pergolas, porches |
Full sun | Backyard, BBQ area, poolside, public spaces |
When you're shopping for an outdoor TV, keep in mind its two-digit IP, also known as an Ingress Protection rating. The first digital signifies how well a TV holds up to dust, dirt, and insect intrusion. The second digital signifies how well the TV handles moisture exposure from humidity, rain, or snow.
The first digit rating ranges from one to seven. One doesn't protect much, whereas seven can take on more punishing conditions. Meanwhile, the second digit rating ranges from one to nine, with one offering no moisture protection and nine offering the most. Paying attention to these two numbers can help you pick out the right model for your environment.
Does an outdoor TV need to be waterproof?
Outdoor TVs are built to withstand the elements, including wind and rain. However, since it's still an electronic device, your outdoor TV should sit under some sort of enclosure, like a pergola or awning to avoid damage from torrential downpours or built-up snow.
You'll also want to be mindful of other equipment that could harm your TV. The rule of thumb is to keep your TV at least six feet away from pools, fireplaces, and grills. And you want to face it in the north direction to prevent it from receiving direct sunlight.
You'll also want to choose an outdoor TV with a strong screen. That way, it can withstand impact from smaller debris it might come in contact with during a storm.