Best Star Projector
1. BEST OVERALL
Dark Skys DS-1 Star Projector
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.
2. BEST VALUE
SEGA Homestar Projector
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.
3. BEST BUDGET
Orzorz Galaxy Night Light
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.
4. BEST RUNNER-UP
SEGA Homestar Flux
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.
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.
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.
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.
