Everything You Need to Know About Outdoor TV Options

Summer’s officially in full swing, meaning many families and individuals spend more time in their backyard or patio. From pool parties to cookouts, a backyard is a great place to gather friends and family and soak in the summer sun. If you’re considering elevating your backyard into a premium entertainment space, you probably are considering adding a TV. However, outdoor TVs are pricey, and you may be wondering if you truly need a special TV for outdoor use.

If you want to install a TV in your backyard or patio, an outdoor TV is necessary. A common myth is if you’re hanging a TV in a covered patio space away from the rain, you can use a regular TV. This is simply not true. Rain is not the only type of weather that a TV can be exposed to when used outside. You have to consider wind, freezing or extremely hot temperatures, and more.

Outdoor TVs are designed to withstand the elements, whether temperature, precipitation, or wind. An outdoor TV is essentially a standard display screen wrapped in durable, tested layers of weather-proofing so that it can withstand elements that a regular TV simply can’t. An outdoor TV does cost significantly more, but that’s because it’s built to last outdoors. If you try to cut costs by using a regular TV, your TV will likely break, and you’ll need to replace it repeatedly.

Luckily, there are many ways to mount outdoor TVs so they can be placed in any backyard. For example, if you have a sturdy wall, you can hang your TV from the wall just like an indoor TV. Similarly, you can purchase a ceiling mount and hang your TV from the ceiling if you have an outdoor structure with a strong roof.

If neither of these options sounds right, or you want to be able to move your TV around your yard, then a pole mount may be for you. These mounts are exactly how they sound. They are free-standing poles that hold your TV so you can hang one without needing to attach it to a wall or ceiling. They also make moving your TV from the poolside to the cookout spot easy.

However you mount your TV, you need to ensure that it is six feet away from any fireplace, grill, or firepit. It should also not be in the direct splash zone. Outdoor TVs are built to withstand the elements, but they shouldn’t be exposed more than necessary.

Here are some of the best outdoor TVs currently on the market:

The Neptune Partial Sun by Peerless-AV is available for $2,299 for a 55” screen, which is a reasonable price for an outdoor TV. They are also available in 65” and 75”. It’s all-weather rated, has 4K resolution, and is a smart TV so you can access all your favorite streaming apps. In addition, it has a free outdoor tilting wall mount, so it’s great for those planning to hang their TVs.

Another great choice is the Element 55-inch Partial Sun Outdoor Roku TV. It is a fantastic budget outdoor TV for $1298. This TV can withstand all weather but is only built to last in temperatures ranging from -4°F to 104°F, which is not as wide a range as other TVs. Therefore, this TV should only be purchased for milder areas where the temperature is unlikely to go outside this range. It has Roku technology installed, so you can easily access your favorite apps and can control them from the Roku app on your mobile device or a remote.

The Samsung 55-inch Class QLED The Terrace Outdoor TV comes in many sizes, and you can choose a full-sun or partial sun display, depending on where you plan to place the TV. The 55” partial sunscreen starts at $3497.99 and can be purchased with an LST70T soundbar for $4695.98. In addition, this TV has a QLED screen and is a smart TV for easy streaming.

Manufacturers build outdoor TVs to withstand the weather but can still experience defects and malfunctions. So it’s a good idea to purchase an extended warranty to protect your outdoor TV and give yourself peace of mind. Many retailers may try to sell you their warranty plans or insurance, but looking at other, more affordable options is important.

Upsie offers comprehensive TV warranties that cost up to 70% less than warranties from retailers or manufacturers. Upsie’s TV warranties cover dead pixels, burn-in, mechanical defects, and more. Purchase an Upsie warranty for TVs bought in the last 11 months and you can choose between a 2-year, 3-year, or 5-year plan. Then, enjoy your outdoor entertainment knowing your TV is covered by Upsie.