Now that the weather is warming up, it’s a great time to enjoy an outdoor TV. Over the past six years, I’ve tested dozens of TVs (and meticulously researched many more), seeking out the models specifically built to withstand the elements—sunlight, rainy days and all. In my experience, the best outdoor TV overall is the . It can handle full sunlight for all-day viewing, displaying a lovely 4K picture and smart features for enjoyable streaming and gaming from the comfort of your patio sofa. Read on to learn more about the best outdoor TVs to complete your backyard entertainment center.
Depending on your patio’s configuration, your outdoor TV may be subject to sunlight shining directly on the screen when you’re trying to watch the game. That’s what makes the Samsung The Terrace TV Full Sun our top choice.
Withstands Sun, Heat, Rain And Dust
As the name suggests, the Samsung The Terrace TV Full Sun can handle direct sunlight, which is something only a handful of TVs can do at this time. It lasts up to six hours in direct sunlight at temperatures up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. If temperatures get too toasty, the panel automatically dims to help protect itself. It also has other protective elements, including an IP56 waterproof rating, so you never have to worry about rain and dust. That said, it’s still a TV, and as a Midwesterner who’s experienced her fair share of hailstorms, derechos and tornadoes, I still recommend placing it under a patio canopy for extra peace of mind.
Offers Smooth Gaming And Streaming
The TV delivers a 4K QLED picture with 1,500 nits of brightness and has full-array local dimming and HDR to help achieve impressive black levels. Plus, with the 120Hz refresh rate, sports and games look smooth. Because it’s a Samsung panel, you get access to the Samsung Tizen OS, which gives you access to all your favorite streaming services. For gamers, you’ll also get access to the Samsung Gaming Hub, so you can stream your games. Keep in mind that it’s a 2021 model, but it’s the best blend of features you can get if you have a sunny backyard oasis. If you don’t need a TV that can handle full sunlight, Samsung also offers the , which performs best in partially shaded areas and is more affordable.
For those who don’t want to spend close to $10,000 for an outdoor TV, the Sylvox Deck Pro 3.0 has a great picture according to real customers—and it costs under $2,000, including when it’s bundled with a TV mount.
Comes With A Durable, Good-Looking Screen
For its price, the picture on the Sylvox Deck Pro 3.0 is pretty balanced; customers rave about how movies and sports look great on this TV, no matter the time of day. Keep in mind that this is considered a partial sun TV, so it shouldn’t be in direct sunlight all hours of the day. Still, it can handle extreme temperature swings from -22 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a great TV for climates that experience severe fluctuations throughout the year. It also has the same weatherproofing as our top pick, the , meaning it can withstand dust and rain storms.
Packs In Google TV and Dolby Sound
Beyond its durable exterior, the Sylvox Deck Pro 3.0 is packed with helpful smart features that you’d traditionally see in pricier models. It comes with built-in Google TV, so you can jump straight into streaming apps, like Netflix and YouTube, without extra setup. And to make sure you can hear your movie or sports event while outside, the Deck Pro 3.0 comes with Dolby Sound for rich, clear audio. It also has Chromecast and AirPlay support, which means you can easily share a photo or video from your phone to the TV screen.
The Furrion Aurora has a slew of great features that make it a great TV for small backyards. The 43-inch display has a 4K LED picture that’s suitable for enjoying movies. The 60Hz refresh rate combined with a low input lag will be good enough for playing casual games if you choose to hook up a console, but it’s not 120Hz, so gamers may find that off-putting.
Thrives In Extreme Temperatures (But Not Heavy Rain)
The Aurora can withstand extreme temperature swings, and with an IP54 rating, it’s protected against dust and rain. Of course, keep in mind that the IP54 rating won’t protect it from heavier rains, so it’s best to keep it under a patio canopy.
Grants Access To LG Software
Because it’s a Furrion TV, you also get access to LG’s webOS software, enabling you to stream most of your favorite streaming services. But like the other Furrion pick on this list, you should plan to connect a streaming device to get channels like ESPN. Additionally, if you like this compact TV but want it in a larger size, you can get it in the .
It’s no surprise that Samsung’s The Terrace Partial Sun takes the victory slot for the best for shaded areas. It gets the full array of Samsung features, including the Samsung Tizen OS for access to all streaming services, but at a significantly more affordable price. That’s because the Samsung The Terrace Partial Sun can’t handle direct sunlight like its sibling can.
Just As Vibrant As The Full-Sun Version
After testing the TV myself, I’d say that if you’re on the fence between the two, the Partial Sun model looks just as vibrant with accurate colors. But again, make sure it’s in a partially shaded area. Like The Terrace Full Sun, it also gets a 120Hz refresh rate and low input lag. With HDR and HDR10+, the picture can hit deep blacks, but don’t expect Dolby Vision support. Samsung TVs don’t offer this enhancement software. The TV has an IP56 waterproof rating that’s also dustproof for peace of mind.
How We Chose The Best Outdoor TVs
An outdoor TV is different from the one you set up inside your living room. By placing it outside, you’re subjecting the screen (and everything behind it) to the elements—extreme temperatures, fickle weather conditions and more. To determine the best outdoor TVs that work rain or shine, we took the following steps.
- Identified reputable TV brands: We prioritized tried-and-trusted brands—like Samsung, LG, Sylvox and Furrion—that are known for their picture quality and durability. Specifically, we sought out their most popular models that are made to withstand outdoor conditions.
- Compared key features: We thoroughly evaluated each TV in this guide, comparing key features that affect its outdoor performance. This includes specs like weight, weatherproofing, sun protection, brightness and operating temperatures, as well as more general features, such as screen type, size and resolution.
- Performed firsthand testing: We tested several of the outdoor TVs on this list, including the , to make sure they live up to our high expectations.
- Consulted customer reviews: Because every outdoor space is different, we combed through customer reviews, making sure our research and hands-on experiences align with everyday TV-watchers. All of our recommendations have a minimum customer rating of four stars out of five.
What To Consider When Picking The Best Outdoor TV
Some outdoor TVs feature top-of-the-line sun protection and weatherproofing, while others sport a lower price tag and a portable design. To help you decide on the right outdoor TV for you, here are three key factors to consider.
Durability (For Outdoors)
An outdoor TV needs to brave the heat, water and dirt from the outdoors. To check if a certain model is up to the task, take a look at its operating temperature range, IP weatherproofing rating and sun protection.
- Operating temperature range refers to how hot (or cold) a TV can safely function. For most outdoor TVs on this list, it encompasses temperatures from -22 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, which is suitable for a wide variety of home patios. That means you can continue to watch shows and movies outside as long as the TV doesn’t heat up above 122 degrees Fahrenheit—or cool down below -22 degrees Fahrenheit.
- IP rating is a measure of how much dust and moisture a TV can withstand. The majority of our top picks are IP54 or IP56, meaning they can tolerate dusty wind gusts and water to a certain extent. More specifically, those with a IP54 rating are protected against water splashes, while models with IP56 are protected against stronger water jets. They both offer the same dust protection, so pollen and dirt entering the TV shouldn’t be too much of a concern.
- Sun protection refers to whether the TV is designed to be used in full sun, partial sun or full shade. Generally, TVs with full sun protection are fitted with features that protect the screen from the sun’s rays, such as anti-glare coatings and protective films—think of this as SPF for your TV screen. TVs that are made to be used in partial sun or full shade may lack some of these sun protection measures, meaning they’ll perform better on covered outdoor patios.
Brightness
Another factor to take into consideration is brightness—and whether you’re planning to place the TV in full sun, partial sun or full shade. Some models, like the , are designed to withstand direct sunlight. Because they’re brighter than other TVs, you’re less likely to experience glare from the sun while you’re watching sports, shows or movies outside. Other models, like the , are better suited to sit in the shade. Although they’re not as bright, they’re still a solid option for a covered patio or gazebo.
Weight
Outdoor TVs are generally heavier than traditional TVs due to their additional weatherproofing features. Because of this, it’s important that your outdoor space is equipped with a sturdy, heavy-duty mount or shelf to safely hold up the TV.
Screen Type
Take a look at the panel type before you decide on an outdoor TV. Generally, QLED and mini LED TVs are best to use outside. This is due to their high brightness compared to other TV types, like OLED. “While some TV technologies like mini LED reach extremely high brightness levels that can easily compete with indirect sunlight, others, like OLED, achieve superior picture quality via endless contrast; this simply performs better in areas with light control (i.e., indoors),” says Greengart. While an OLED is great for a darker viewing space, we recommend a QLED or LED panel for those sky-high brightness levels, which is why the majority of our top picks feature this panel technology.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
We’ve published a hefty collection of tech and electronics roundups—all backed by comprehensive testing, thorough research and thoughtful conversations with experts in the field. This includes dozens of TV guides, covering home entertainment options for a variety of environments, such as the best TVs for bright rooms and the best outdoor projectors.
- Author Rebecca Isaacs is the Forbes Vetted tech and electronics editor, who leads our TV coverage and is especially passionate about home entertainment. With over six years of experience testing models from LG, Samsung and more, she understands the inner workings of different screen types, from QLED and OLED to mini LED and others. She also regularly attends TV-related conferences to stay up to date on the latest developments in the industry.
- Forbes Vetted executive editor Dave Johnson, who reviewed this guide, has been writing about consumer technology for several decades and has authored nearly three dozen books on the subject. Like Isaacs, he’s knowledgeable about the latest TV technology and regularly attends trade shows to learn about the newest TV trends.
- Because TV technology can quickly become outdated, we routinely revisit this guide to reevaluate our recommendations and make sure we provide the most up-to-date advice. It was last updated in May 2026 to name the as our best budget pick.
Our Expert
- Avi Greengart, president and CEO of , an advisory company that helps technology companies and retailers understand tech adoption patterns