If you want to upgrade your deck or patio, an outdoor television is the best way to add entertainment value to your setup. With an outdoor TV, you can host Sunday football watch parties or watch a film under the stars. And just because it may be cold and snowy now, that doesn't mean you have to wait for the temperatures to rise to take advantage of sales in order to prep your outdoor space for Spring and Summer gatherings.
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 before your setup upgrade.
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What is the best outdoor TV right now?
My pick for the best outdoor TV is Samsung's The Terrace for its bright, anti-reflection screen, durable build and support for a wide range of entertainment apps. Keep reading below to find out more about Samsung's The Terrace outdoor TV and our other top picks.
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The best outdoor TVs of 2024
Samsung Terrace Smart TV
Best outdoor TV overall
The Samsung Terrace Smart TV is our favorite 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 includes several popular services and apps, like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and YouTube.
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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 that 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, to optimize your viewing experience no matter the occasion. 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 t ech specs: Screen size: 55 inches | Resolution: 4K | Refresh rate: 120 Hz | Waterproofing: IP55
Samsung The Terrace Smart TV
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Element Electronics Partial Sun Outdoor Roku TV
Best budget outdoor TV
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 to 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 an 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 Elements outdoor Roku TV's picture quality and dust and moisture resistance. However, 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
Element Electronics Partial Sun Outdoor Roku TV
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Furrion Aurora Full Sun Smart 4K LED Outdoor TV
Best full-sun outdoor TV
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 t ech specs: Screen size: 43 inches | Resolution: 4K | Refresh rate: 60 Hz | Waterproofing: IP54
Furrion Aurora Full Sun Smart 4K LED Outdoor TV
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Sylvox Deck Pro 2.0 QLED
Best outdoor TV design
The Sylvox Deck Pro 2.0 QLED has an all-metal frame that is IP55 rated for moisture and dust resistance and features an anti-corrosion coating. This means that whether you're looking for an outdoor TV for your deck or covered porch, this TV is built to withstand the elements.
It uses the Google TV platform to give you access to all your favorite streaming apps as well as built-in voice controls via Hey Google or Alexa if you prefer to use an Echo device. The QLED panel gives you great 4K resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate for smoother motion and finer details. And with a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, you'll be able to see the screen in brighter environments. The Deck Pro 2.0 QLED is rated for partial sun, which means it's perfect for covered porches, patios, and decks.
Sylvox Deck Pro 2.0 QLED t ech specs: Screen size: 65 inches | Resolution: 4K | Refresh rate: 60 Hz | Waterproofing: IP55
A Sylvox Deck Pro 2.o QLED outdoor TV on a grey background
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The Samsung Terrace Smart TV may not be the cheapest option on our list, but users agree that it is the best outdoor TV you can buy now. The generous screen can also shine in full sun, 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 $2,800 55 inches 2,000 nits, partial sun
Element Electronics Roku TV $898 55 inches 700 nits, full sun
Furrion Aurora $3,300 43 inches 1,000 nits, full sun
Sylvox Deck Pro 2.0 QLED $3,000 65 inches 1,000 nits, partial sun
*MSRP at time of writing. Please note that the actual price may vary depending on the retailer as well as available discounts and promotions.
It depends. Do you need a waterproof TV, 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.
Sylvox Deck Pro 2.0 QLED An outdoor TV that looks as good as it performs. The all-metal frame is IP55 rated for moisture resistance and features an anti-corrosion coating.
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 must 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 increasingly 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. 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 with up to an 85-inch screen (though you should be prepared to pay a premium for a ruggedized TV of that size).
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 these TVs don't have to be exposed to shade. 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 without exposure to direct sun or rain.
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 integrated streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, and HBO Max.
Cost: I looked for outdoor TVs that suit a variety of budgets.
If you'd like to know more about the TV testing process, you can read my in-depth guide that explains what I and other ZDNET experts are looking for in an ideal TV.
Our chart can help you determine what 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 withstand 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 the right model for your environment.
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. You should also 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 contact during a storm.
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