Outdoor TVs have come a long way since their inception. Many now include smart features, picture, and audio quality that rivals some of the best indoor models. With an outdoor TV, you can host Sunday football watch parties or watch a film under the stars. It may be cold now, but you don’t have to wait for higher temperatures to take advantage of sales in order to prep your outdoor gathering space.
To help you decide which TV models make sense for your space and investment, I 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.
Also: The best 98-inch TVs you can buy
In our January update, we ensured that each recommended TV was in stock and the latest model available.
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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.
Why we like it: Samsung’s The Terrace outdoor TV is not only a well-rounded smart TV, it also offers robust protection against moisture, dust, and even insects. With a preloaded suite of popular apps like Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney+ as well as Samsung’s Gaming Hub, you can turn just about any outdoor space into the ultimate entertainment hub.
Who it’s for: The Terrace is designed for partially sunny spaces like covered decks and patios or enclosed pools. The anti-glare display helps cut harsh sunlight and reflections for a better viewing experience both during the day and at night. And if you use the Samsung SmartThings app, you can easily integrate your new outdoor TV into your smart home network for hands-free control and whole-home entertainment.
Who should look elsewhere: As mentioned, The Terrace is meant for shady spots. So if you need something that can hold up to being in direct sunlight for most of the day, there are options from other brands that are meant for more open back yards.
Also: The best Samsung TVs
Samsung Terrace Smart TV tech specs: Screen size: 55 inches | Resolution: 4K | Refresh rate: 120 Hz | Waterproofing: IP55
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Why we like it: The Furrion Aurora is a great choice for back yard spaces that don’t get much shade during the day. With a peak brightness of 2,500 nits, you’ll get a great viewing experience even in the midday sun. You’ll get robust weatherproofing to help protect against the elements. The screen also features an IK09 impact resistance rating, so you won’t have to worry about errant frisbees destroying your new set. It also has a built-in Wi-Fi extender to give you more placement options in your outdoor space.
Who it’s for: While it’s rated for full sun, it’s also great for partially sunny spaces as well. The impact-resistant display is also optically bonded for one of the cleanest pictures you can get in an outdoor TV. And with Bluetooth connectivity, you can pair the Aurora with a Furrion outdoor soundbar for back yard movie nights.
Who should look elsewhere: The Furrion Aurora is a very expensive outdoor TV, but the price tag comes with a few premium benefits. If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your outdoor space without having to spend your kids’ college funds, there are more affordable options on the market.
Furrion Aurora Full Sun Smart Outdoor TV tech specs: Screen size: 55 – 75 inches | Resolution: 4K | Refresh rate: 60 Hz | Waterproofing: IP54
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Why we like it: One of the more affordable options for outdoor TVs is also one of the most stylish. The Sylvox outdoor TV features the same weatherproofing as other partial-sun models, but in a less bulky design. And with Google TV, you’ll get access to all your favorite apps as well as Google Assistant voice controls.
Who it’s for: As the Sylvox outdoor TV is meant for partially sunny areas, you’ll want to make sure your back yard is out of direct sunlight for at least a few hours every day. It can also withstand outdoor temperatures ranging from -22 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit (-30 to 50 Celsius), so you won’t have to worry about needing to move the TV inside during the colder months. Or about delicate electronics warping and melting during heatwaves.
Who should look elsewhere: While Sylvox is a known brand, it’s less recognizable than Samsung or even Furrion. Its outdoor TV is a solid option, especially if you’re looking for something that isn’t going to be quite as expensive. But if you’re wary of going with a smaller brand, I recommend going with Samsung’s The Terrace.
Sylvox Deck Pro 2.0 QLED tech specs: Screen size: 55 – 75 inches | Resolution: 4K | Refresh rate: 60 Hz | Waterproofing: IP55
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The Samsung Terrace Smart TV isn’t 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 |
Sun rating |
|
Samsung The Terrace |
$2,738 |
55 – 75 inches |
Partial sun |
|
Furrion Aurora |
$8,000 |
50-75 inches |
Full sun |
|
Sylvox Outdoor TV |
$2,157 |
55-75 inches |
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 with tons of smart features and great picture and audio. |
|
Furrion Aurora |
An outdoor TV that can hold up to being in direct sunlight for most of the day as well as boost your Wi-Fi signal for more placement options. |
|
Sylvox Outdoor TV |
An outdoor TV that isn’t a heavy, bulky model. The Sylvox Oudtoor TV offers the same weatherproofing in a sleeker package more akin to an indoor model. |
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. However, you should be prepared to pay a premium for a ruggedized TV of that size.
Latest news on outdoor TVs
- As of January 2026, there aren’t very many new outdoor TVs to choose from. But Samsung plans to continue production of its The Terrace line of outdoor TVs for a high-quality QLED option.
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.
Latest updates
- January 2026: Ensured that all models were in stock and the latest edition available. The list was also updated to align with ZDNET’s latest guidelines.
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.
If you’ve got a workshop or three-season room that you’re looking to kit out with a new TV, you can check out which models are the most popular TVs with ZDNET readers, as well as the best OLED TVs for those looking for the best picture quality.
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