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If you’re a city slicker or far, far away from a planetarium, it may be difficult to view the stars. Light pollution can halt stargazing in populated areas, plus the number of dark sky parks in the country is, unfortunately, dwindling. One solution? Bring the stars to you with a star projector.
Star projectors allow us to check out our galaxy’s real clusters and constellations from the comfort of home. In some cases, these nifty devices can project up to a whopping 4.1 million stars at once, making for a realistic stargazing experience—so long as the lights are out.
Whether you’re a hobbyist looking for a comfier way to view the night sky, or you just need an alternative to falling asleep to the television every night, the best star projectors are small, feature-rich, and powered by bright LEDs. Here are the best, plus what to consider before you invest.
Looking for more products that are out of this world? Check out our picks for the best telescopes, best stargazing apps, and our guide to the best space-themed gifts.
The Best Star Projectors
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Most Accurate to Current Sky
National Geographic Astro Planetarium Star Projector
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Best for Kids
Brainstorm Toys Deep Space Home Planetarium and Projector
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What to Consider
Accurate Star Map or Nightlight?
Before pulling the trigger on a star projector, ask yourself: Are you looking for a scientifically accurate display of the sky, or are you just looking for a nightlight? Star projectors that accurately show off clusters are more expensive than small projectors that may project a single image.
For accurate star projectors, look for one that has bright LEDs for optimal viewing in dark or dimly lit spaces. Realistic star projectors, usually pricier, offer a variety of slide discs for purchase that show off parts of the galaxy we can’t see, either because of your location on the globe or because human eyes can’t detect them without a telescope. The more slide discs a machine is compatible with, the more viewing options you’ll have for other regions of Earth, like the southern hemisphere, and the universe, like the Milky Way.
If you’re looking for a projector that acts as a sort of nightlight or vibe-setter, consider one with a timer function to turn off your projector after 15, 30, or 60 minutes of operation, helping to preserve energy if you use it to fall asleep at night.
Projection Space
One of the most important things to consider with star projectors is where you’ll project these images. Popcorn ceilings and walls covered in framed artwork aren’t optimal because they disrupt the image. Taking those interior decorations down to view your projector isn’t practical, of course, so if you can’t project on an blank wall or ceiling, make sure your space is as dark as possible to view all your star projector has to offer. Projecting closer to the walls, a.k.a. in a smaller room, results in a crisper picture. Generally speaking, the brighter the LED bulb wattage, the better the visibility.
Rotation
Star projectors often have a rotation feature to enhance your stargazing experience, usually toggled with a switch or button on the projector. Projectors without rotation display a static image, while a rotating projection provides multiple viewing angles. Look for a projector with different rotation speeds if you want something with movement, though note that most rotating projectors have small motors that make noise.
How We Evaluated
We found the best star projectors the market offers after researching dozens of stories by authorities in the world of space, including pieces from Space.com, Popular Science, and ThePlanets.org. We also scoured the internet and read critical and user reviews, using our own experiences with star projectors to find the most popular and highest-quality star projectors in the known universe.
Pros
- Can project more than 4 million stars
- Ultra-bright 10-watt LED
- Crisp and clear projection
- Incredibly detailed mapping
- High-quality, strong build
Cons
- Heavy
Although the Sega Toys Homestar is a fantastic projector at the right price, the home planetarium experience from Dark Skys is likely the best home stargazing experience that money can buy—and the price matches the quality.
Dark Skys’ DS-1 Star Projector shows more than four million stars from the northern hemisphere on a single disc—that makes Sega Toys’ offering of 60,000 stars seem bleak. It also sports a 10-watt LED for an ultra-bright viewing experience and is made of premium aluminum and glass, which is one reason for the $600 price tag.
This high-tech projector can be rotated to project up to 90 degrees horizontally or straight up for vertical viewing. Two projection modes have a timer for 30- or 60-minute intervals, with a two-hour default shut-off. You can also activate three rotation speeds and put it in reverse for counterclockwise spins.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 7 x 11 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 4 lbs. |
| Power | AC adapter |
Pros
- Projects 60,000 stars
- Includes sky map and two discs
- Great projection power
- Incredibly detailed
Cons
- Additional star discs are pricey
- Some say light is too dim
Sega Toys’ Homestar is typically seen as the premiere star projector, and for good reason.
It’s our pick for best value due to its ease of use, adjustability, sleek design, and incredibly detailed star projection for the price. The projector displays 60,000 stars, making it closer to a mini-planetarium than a star projector.
The package includes two discs that project the northern hemisphere with and without constellations. It also comes with a double-sided poster showing a sky map of the northern and southern hemispheres.
The projector has a three-watt LED bulb that can project up to 106 inches in diameter from a distance of 60 to 90 inches away. Those ultra-bright lights are also easily visible on most surfaces, though some reviewers wish the projector was bright enough to see in dimly lit places.
It also comes with a timer function, plus the ability to rotate the stars clockwise or counterclockwise, which makes for an immersive alternative to a stagnant display.
Additional star discs are also available, offering stargazers access to up to 30 other constellations to view up close, though they cost a pretty penny at $30 a pop.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 6.26 x 5.94 x 6.57 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.76 lbs. |
| Power | AC adapter |
Pros
- Comes with 5 slide discs
- Timer and rotation options
- Additional slide discs are affordable
- Rechargeable battery
Cons
- Slow rotation
- Battery only lasts a few hours when fully charged
The Galaxy Night Light by Orzorz is an impressive star projector with five detailed slides, plenty of timer and rotation options, and, unlike some projectors on this list, a rechargeable battery. Slides for the Milky Way, moon, and Earth are included here, which give a variety of highly detailed views from the start.
Though these aren’t packaged with discs focused solely on the stars, additional slides are available from Orzorz for $10 per. One reviewer also points out that star discs from another company, Pococo, also work with this machine.
Its rechargeable battery makes placing it anywhere in the room a cinch, plus the ability to rotate offers additional views, though some say it’s too slow. Still, many reviewers love this machine for its highly detailed slide set and its bundle at purchase.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 6.3 x 6.3 x 7.8 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.57 lbs. |
| Power | Rechargeable battery |
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Pros
- Highly detailed projection of 60,000 stars
- Bright 5-watt bulb for more visible stargazing
- One of the most accurate star projectors
- Nice packaging makes it highly giftable
Cons
- Not enough premium features
- Additional discs are pricey
The Homestar Flux is a step up from Sega Toys’ original Homestar projector with an updated wattage output for its LEDs. Instead of a three-watt bulb, the Homestar Flux relies on a much brighter five-watt for clearer, more visible stargazing at home. The Flux includes all of the bells and whistles of its predecessor, but swaps an AC adapter for a USB cable for power, plus it has a sturdier construction.
Many reviewers are impressed by the scientific accuracy of the Flux, much like the original Homestar, though plenty believe the device to be a very pricey package. Additional star discs are also a lot of money, which doesn’t make it very budget-friendly.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 6.2 x 5.9 x 6.2 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 11 oz. |
| Power | USB |
5
Best Mood-Setter
Pococo Home Planetarium Star Projector
Pros
- Great packaging and design
- Two-year warranty
- USB-C chargeable
- Solid value for additional discs
- Very lightweight
Cons
- Only tilts by 30 degrees
- Not scientifically accurate
The Home Planetarium star projector from Pococo is one of the more attractive ones on this list. It’s got a bright and colorful package, a beautiful globe design that rivals that of the Homestar Flux, and it comes in a pristine white. It also has a great picture, with 5K resolution and a manual focus that can sharpen the stars on your ceiling.
The projector only comes with a “diamond stars” disc, but six-packs of other designs can be purchased for $50—a better value than competitors. It’s also USB-rechargeable, with the option of operating it while plugged in.
While this projector has an excellent picture, it’s more for looks than accuracy. Some undersea and space-themed discs feel more for indoor photography and mood-setting than stargazing. It’s also only capable of tilting within 30 degrees, which limits it to ceiling projection and won’t allow for use on walls.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 6.18 x 4.72 x 4.72 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 6.7 oz. |
| Power | USB-C rechargeable |
6
Most Accurate to Current Sky
National Geographic Astro Planetarium Star Projector
6
Most Accurate to Current Sky
National Geographic Astro Planetarium Star Projector
Pros
- Accurate star projections based on date and time
- Has built-in speaker
- Five-year warranty
- Battery operation makes it portable
Cons
- Not great for those in the Southern Hemisphere
- Not very stylish
One of the more unique products on this list, the National Geographic Astro Planetarium, is a star projector with a few extra features. It has built-in speakers to play AM/FM radio, an impressive five-year warranty, and it’s about as compact as the Sega Homestar.
Most interesting of all, it projects the stars based on your programmed time and date function. That means on any given time and date, it’ll accurately display the night sky and constellations of the Northern Hemisphere. (That unfortunately means those in the Southern Hemisphere may not get the accurate reading they’d hope.)
The Astro Planetarium is battery-operated with three AA batteries, which gives it freedom of movement compared to some of our best picks. Built-in buttons allow users to control the projector and add optional shooting stars, and a dial is used to set the radio.
Unfortunately, the device isn’t Bluetooth-compatible, but a 3.5mm audio cable will let you play music using your phone. Though it comes with two, additional discs are also available for purchase.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 6.3 x 6.3 x 7.48 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.36 lbs. |
| Power | AA batteries |
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7
Best for Kids
Brainstorm Toys Deep Space Home Planetarium and Projector
Pros
- Comes with plenty of photographs
- Easy enough for children to use
- Includes color booklet
- Built with education in mind
Cons
- Quickly runs through batteries
- No additional discs to purchase
- Loud when rotating
Looking for a star projector for educational purposes? This easy-setup projector is an excellent intro to the cosmos for ages eight and up. It has interchangeable parts, including three slide discs, each with eight images to switch up the viewing experience. Those discs carry photographs of spacecraft, astronauts, and nebulae, all provided by NASA and the Hubble Telescope.
This is a great tool to introduce children to the topic of space exploration, as well as the constellations. Reviewers love this machine for its multiple domes and slides, as well as its included educational booklet.
However, some users say the device eats batteries too quickly, and its rotation feature is very loud. It also, unfortunately, doesn’t have any additional discs you can purchase for new views.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 5.11 x 9.84 x 12.59 in. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.13 lbs. |
| Power | AA batteries |
Kevin Cortez
Commerce Editor
Kevin Cortez is an editor for Runner's World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics covering reviews. A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he’s an expert in men’s style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He most recently worked as the Style Editor for Reviewed, a top product recommendation site owned by USA TODAY. He also helped with the launch of WSJ's Buy Side commerce vertical, and has covered the music and podcast industries for Mass Appeal, Genius, Vulture, Leafly, Input, and The A.V. Club. Equally passionate about leisure as he is his penmanship, Kevin dedicates his spare time to graphic novels, birding, making cold brew, and taking long, meandering walks.
