Best Budget Outdoor TV for Your Backyard in 2024
Best Budget Outdoor TV for Your Backyard in 2024
If you’re searching for the best outdoor TV on a budget this summer, you’re in the right place. We spend as much time as we can outside during the summer in Chicago, and we absolutely love the outdoor TV on our back patio.
There’s nothing better than watching a Cubs game or having a family movie night while enjoying the beautiful weather in the great outdoors!
Our outdoor television really transforms our backyard into the perfect outdoor entertainment space.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about outdoor televisions, including our top pick for the best budget outdoor TV: the OrcaTV 43" 4K UHD LED Partial Sun Model
Why You Need an Outdoor Television
An outdoor television transforms your backyard or patio into an entertainment haven.
Whether you love hosting movie nights under the stars or watching the big game with friends, an outdoor TV is a game-changer. Here are some reasons why you should consider adding one to your outdoor space:
Enhanced Outdoor Entertainment: Enjoy your favorite shows, movies, and sports events in an outdoor area.
Weather-Resistant: Outdoor televisions are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and extreme temperatures, making them durable and long-lasting.
Versatile Usage: Perfect for patios, backyards, pool sides, and more.
Family-Friendly: Create memorable moments with family and friends without being confined indoors.
What to Look for in the Best Budget Outdoor TV
Outdoor TVs can get pretty pricey. Luckily, you don’t need to break the bank to find an outdoor TV that works for your family.
We searched high and low, and this Orca TV was by far the best deal. When searching for the best budget outdoor TV, here are some things to think about:
Weather Resistance: Look for an outdoor television that is weatherproof or weather-resistant to ensure it can handle rain, dust, and other inclement weather.
Sun Glare Protection: An anti-glare TV is essential for reducing reflections and providing a clear picture even in bright sunlight or full sun.
Durability: Choose a TV that is built to withstand outdoor conditions, including temperature fluctuations and humidity.
Picture Quality: A 4K UHD TV will provide a bright screen with stunning visuals and vivid colors, making your outdoor viewing experience more enjoyable.
Size: Consider the screen size of the TV and ensure it fits your outdoor space. A 43" outdoor TV is a great option for most patios and backyards.
Mounting Options: Wall-mounted TVs save space and provide a sleek, professional look.
Smart TV Capabilities: Consider which smart features you need including Bluetooth connectivity, built-in Chromecast, apps for streaming services, Google Assistant, and more.
The Best Budget Outdoor TV: OrcaTV
We can’t recommend this outdoor TV enough! It’s been the best addition to our back deck this summer for sports games and family movie nights.
It works well even on super sunny days - there’s no sun reflection at all!
Eventually, we'd love to mount it, but until then, we bought this TV stand, which is very weighted. It’s held up in several Chicago wind storms - so it’s pretty durable. Some of our other favorite features include:
Weatherproof Design: With an IP54 rating, this TV is protected against dust and water splashes, making it perfect for outdoor use.
Anti-Glare Screen: The tempered anti-glare screen reduces sun glare, ensuring you have a clear view of your content even in partial sun.
4K UHD Picture Quality: Enjoy a stunningly vivid picture with 4K UHD resolution. The high brightness levels deliver super sharp images with vibrant colors!
Durable Construction: Built to withstand outdoor conditions, this TV offers durability and longevity.
Easy Installation: It comes with an included wall mount allowing you to place your TV wherever you want.
Budget-Friendly: Offering premium features at an affordable price, this TV is a great value for money.
Detailed Features and Benefits of the OrcaTV 43" 4K UHD LED Outdoor TV
Weatherproof and Durable
One of the most important features of an outdoor television is its ability to withstand the elements. The OrcaTV 43" comes with an IP54 rating, which means it is protected against dust and water splashes.
This level of weather resistance ensures that your TV will last through various weather conditions like harsh rain or intense sunny days. Weatherproofing is a must if you live somewhere like Chicago!
Anti-Glare Technology
Watching TV outdoors can be challenging due to sun glare. The OrcaTV 43" addresses this issue with its tempered anti-glare screen.
This feature reduces reflections and ensures that you can enjoy a clear picture even when the sun is shining. This makes it an excellent choice for partial sun TV viewing.
Stunning 4K UHD Picture Quality
Picture quality is crucial for any TV, and the OrcaTV 43" does not disappoint. With 4K UHD resolution, this TV delivers sharp, vibrant images that bring your favorite shows and movies to life.
Whether you’re watching a thrilling sports game or a captivating movie, this TV has the best picture quality.
Easy Installation with Wall Mount
The OrcaTV 43" comes with a wall mount, making installation simple and straightforward.
Wall mounting not only saves space but also provides a sleek, professional look to your outdoor entertainment area. The included mount ensures that your TV is securely attached and ready for viewing.
Budget-Friendly and High Value
Finding an affordable outdoor TV that doesn’t compromise on quality can be challenging. The OrcaTV 43" offers a perfect balance of price and performance, making it one of the best budget TVs for outdoor use on the market.
You get premium features at a price that won’t break the bank, making it an excellent choice for your outdoor entertainment setup.
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Setting Up Your Outdoor TV
To get the most out of your outdoor television, proper setup is essential. Here are some tips for setting up your OrcaTV 43" Outdoor TV:
Choose the Right Location: Select a spot that offers some protection from direct sunlight and extreme weather conditions. Under a patio cover or pergola is ideal.
Secure Mounting: Use the included wall mount to securely attach your TV to a sturdy surface. Ensure the mount is properly anchored to support the weight of the TV. Alternatively, use a weighted TV stand like this one.
Protective Housing: Consider additional protective housing for your TV if it will be exposed to severe weather conditions regularly.
Cable Management: Use weatherproof cable covers to protect electrical connections and keep your setup tidy.
Regular Maintenance: Clean the screen and exterior regularly to maintain optimal picture quality and longevity.
Other Budget-Friendly Outdoor TV Options
While the OrcaTV 43" is our top pick for the best budget outdoor TV, there are other outdoor TV models worth considering:
SunBriteTV Veranda Series 43" 4K UHD Outdoor TV
Weatherproof Design: Built for full-shade outdoor environments.
4K UHD Picture Quality: Offers excellent visuals with 4K resolution.
Durable Construction: Designed to withstand inclement weather with a robust build.
Easy Installation: Comes with a variety of mounting options.
Price: Slightly higher price than the OrcaTV 43", but still a great value for a premium outdoor TV.
Furrion Aurora Partial Sun 43" 4K UHD Outdoor TV
Weather-Resistant: IP54 rating for protection against bad weather.
Anti-Glare Screen: Reduces reflections for clear viewing in partial sun or partial shade.
4K UHD Resolution: Delivers sharp and vibrant images.
Durability: Made to endure outdoor conditions with a sturdy build.
Price: Comparable to the OrcaTV 43", offering a similar value proposition.
Smart Features for Enhanced Outdoor Viewing
Incorporating smart features into your outdoor TV setup can significantly enhance your viewing experience.
Smart TVs offer a range of benefits, including access to streaming services, voice control, and seamless integration with other smart devices.
Benefits of Smart TVs
Streaming Services: Enjoy your favorite content from platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime directly on your outdoor TV.
Voice Control: Use Google Assistant or other voice control systems to navigate and control your TV without a remote.
Seamless Integration: Sync your smart TV with other devices such as smart speakers, lights, and security cameras for a connected outdoor area.
Top Smart TV Picks for Outdoors
Samsung The Terrace
The Samsung Terrace is a top pick for a smart outdoor TV. It features high brightness levels and a wide viewing angle, ensuring vibrant colors and clear visuals even in full sun. The built-in smart interface allows you to access your favorite streaming services effortlessly.
Hisense U Series
The Hisense U Series offers a budget-friendly option with smart features. These TVs come with built-in Chromecast and Google TV, providing a user-friendly experience with access to a wide range of apps and content.
Best Outdoor TVs for a Wide Range of Budgets
If your budget for an outdoor TV has a little wiggle room, these are considered some of the best TVs for outdoor viewing:
1. Samsung The Terrace: Best Overall Outdoor TV
The Samsung The Terrace stands out as the best overall outdoor TV. With an IP55 rating, it offers robust protection against dust and water, making it highly durable in various weather conditions.
This TV boasts excellent brightness and reflection handling, ensuring a clear, vibrant picture even in full sun. The high brightness levels and anti-glare coating make it perfect for outdoor use, providing a vivid picture and wide viewing angles that enhance the viewing experience.
2. Samsung QN90C/QN90CD QLED: Best Upper Mid-Range Option
For those seeking an upper mid-range option, the Samsung QN90C/QN90CD QLED is a great choice. It offers great brightness and reflection handling, making it suitable for outdoor areas with partial sun.
However, it requires an enclosure to protect it from the elements. Its local dimming feature and quantum dots provide better contrast and vibrant colors, making it ideal for video games and streaming services.
3. Hisense U8/U8K: Best Mid-Range Choice
The Hisense U8/U8K is the best mid-range outdoor TV, known for its high brightness and excellent reflection handling. This TV is very bright and provides a clear picture even in bright outdoor environments.
However, it needs protection from the elements, so placing it in a covered area is a good idea. Its smart features and built-in speakers make it a great option for outdoor entertainment.
4. Hisense U7K: Best Lower Mid-Range Option
For a lower mid-range option, the Hisense U7K is a solid choice. It is slightly dimmer than the U8 series but still great for HDR content. This TV also needs an enclosure to protect it from bad weather.
It offers good performance for its price, with a sleek design and smart interface that make it a good choice for budget-conscious consumers.
5. LG G3 OLED: Best for Night Use
The LG G3 OLED is the best outdoor TV for night use, thanks to its deep blacks and wide viewing angles. It offers excellent picture quality in dark scenes, making it ideal for evening viewing.
The high dynamic range and local dimming features provide vibrant colors and better contrast, ensuring a cinematic experience in the great outdoors.
Choosing the Right Outdoor TV
When selecting the best outdoor TV for your needs, consider factors like screen size, IP ratings, and the specific environment where the TV will be used. Whether you're looking for a smart TV with streaming capabilities or a basic model for casual viewing, there are plenty of options available to suit any budget and outdoor setup.
Enhancing Your Outdoor Setup
To create the ultimate outdoor entertainment area, consider incorporating various elements that will enhance your viewing experience and comfort. Here are some ideas to get the most out of your outdoor TV setup:
Create Great Ambiance
I also love that we have string lights on our patio. It ads for a soft mood light. Bonus points that they’re actually solar powered! So, they’re able to turn themselves on and off and don’t draw on our electricity.
Outdoor Speakers for Better Audio Quality
While built-in speakers in outdoor TVs like the OrcaTV 43" can provide decent audio, adding outdoor speakers can significantly improve sound quality. Look for weather-resistant options that can withstand the elements and provide clear, powerful sound.
This TV can easily pair with Sonos, which is our speak of choice.
Wall Mounts and Protective Housing
Using wall mounts allows you to securely attach your TV to an outdoor wall, saving space and providing a sleek look.
Consider additional protective housing if your TV will be exposed to extreme temperatures or bad weather. This will extend the life of your television and keep it functioning well.
We love the cover we bought. It’s worked really well for us to protect from rain.
Not mounting? Get a stand!
Ultimately, we’d love to mount this TV, but it wasn’t in the budget this year. I was skeptical, but actually love this stand that Matt found. It’s really well weighted and not too bulky.
Incorporate a Seating Area
Creating a comfortable seating area around your outdoor TV can make your entertainment space more inviting. Choose weather-resistant furniture that can withstand outdoor conditions and arrange it to ensure everyone has a good view of the screen.
High Brightness Levels and Anti-Glare Technology
High brightness levels and anti-glare technology are crucial features for outdoor televisions. These elements ensure that the screen remains visible and clear even in bright sunlight, which can otherwise wash out the picture and make viewing difficult. The OrcaTV 43" excels in this area with its anti-glare screen and high brightness levels, making it suitable for viewing in partial sun and full shade conditions.
Anti-glare technology minimizes reflections and provides a clear view of the screen, enhancing the outdoor viewing experience.
This feature is particularly important for outdoor televisions used in bright environments where sunlight can interfere with visibility. The OrcaTV 43" employs a tempered anti-glare screen that ensures vibrant colors and sharp images, even in challenging lighting conditions.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Outdoor televisions need to withstand various weather conditions, from sunny days to inclement weather. The OrcaTV 43" is designed with durability in mind, featuring an IP54 rating that protects against dust and water splashes. This rugged construction ensures that the TV can handle harsh weather conditions and extreme temperatures, making it a reliable choice for outdoor use.
Built-in Speakers and Audio Quality
Audio quality is another important consideration for outdoor entertainment. While the built-in speakers in the OrcaTV 43" provide decent sound, pairing the TV with outdoor speakers can significantly enhance the audio experience. Weather-resistant outdoor speakers offer clear, powerful sound that complements the high-quality visuals of the TV.
Common Questions About Outdoor TVs
What are IP Ratings?
IP ratings, or Ingress Protection ratings, indicate the level of protection an electrical device has against dust and water. This rating system is crucial for outdoor televisions, ensuring they can withstand harsh weather conditions. The rating consists of two numbers: the first digit represents protection against solid particles like dust, and the second digit indicates resistance to liquids. For example, an IP54 rating means the device is protected against dust and water splashes. Understanding IP ratings helps you choose a weather-resistant TV suitable for your outdoor setup.
Do Outdoor TVs Need to be Weatherproof?
Yes, outdoor televisions need to be weatherproof or at least weather-resistant to withstand exposure to rain, dust, and temperature fluctuations. The IP54 rating on the OrcaTV 43" ensures it is protected against dust and water splashes, making it suitable for outdoor use.
Can I Use a Regular TV Outside?
Using a standard TV outside is not recommended, as it is not designed to handle outdoor conditions. Indoor TVs lack the weatherproofing, anti-glare technology, and durability needed for outdoor environments. Investing in a dedicated outdoor television like the OrcaTV 43" is a better option for long-term use.
How Do I Protect My Outdoor TV?
To protect your outdoor TV, consider the following:
Use a Weatherproof Cover: A weatherproof cover can protect your TV from rain and dust when not in use.
Install Under Shelter: Place your TV under a patio, pergola, or other covered area to shield it from direct sunlight and precipitation.
Regular Maintenance: Clean your TV regularly to prevent dust and grime buildup.
Protect Cables: Use weatherproof cable covers to protect electrical connections.
How Long Do Outdoor TVs Last?
The lifespan of an outdoor TV depends on its quality and how well it is maintained. High-quality outdoor TVs like the OrcaTV 43" can last for several years with proper care. Regular cleaning, appropriate placement, and using protective covers can extend the life of your outdoor television.
Investing in the best budget outdoor TV can transform your outdoor space into an entertainment paradise even on a tight budget. Our new TV for our outdoor setup is a perfect blend of quality, durability, and affordability. With its weatherproof design, anti-glare screen, stunning 4K picture quality, and easy installation, it provides excellent value for money.
Whether you’re planning to have family movie nights, watch sports games, or simply enjoy your favorite shows outdoors, the OrcaTV 43" is an excellent choice. Its budget-friendly price point and premium features make it the best option for anyone looking to enhance their outdoor entertainment setup without breaking the bank.
For other backyard summer essentials, check out this post.
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Hi, I’m Jen!
Hi, I’m Jen, your perpetually optimistic, fun-loving, witty friend. When I’m not working at The Marketing Greenhouse, you can find me gardening in the sun, playing games with my kids or creating content that inspires people to try new things and be the best version of themselves.
