Inflatable vs. Portable vs. Fixed-Frame Projector Screens: Which One Should You Buy?

patriA projector is only half of a movie night. The screen decides how big the picture is, how long setup takes, and whether you can use it in the backyard, in the living room, or both. There are three main types, and each is built for a different kind of viewing.

Here's how they compare, and which Khomo Gear screen fits each situation.

The quick answer

Inflatable projector screens

Best for: big backyard movie nights, parties, neighborhood events, tailgates.

An inflatable screen has an air-filled frame that a blower fills in minutes. You stake it to the ground, tie down the ropes, and you have a giant screen that stands on its own.

Pros

• The largest picture size of the three types
• Sets up fast, with no poles or tools
• Many support front and rear projection, so the projector can sit behind the screen and out of the way

Keep in mind

• It needs an outdoor outlet (or extension cord) for the blower
• It needs open, flat ground and a calm evening. Always use the stakes and tie-down ropes
• It's bulkier to store than a folding screen

Khomo Gear options

• 20 ft Jumbo Inflatable Screen: a 13 × 8 ft white screen in 16:9 format, front and rear projection, blower included. Sets up in about 5 minutes and packs into its storage bag. The screen attaches with Velcro, so you can remove it to clean it.
• 16 ft Inflatable Screen with internal fan: a smaller footprint for average backyards and indoor spaces, with front and rear projection. The built-in fan runs the whole time the screen is up to keep it inflated, so set it up near an outlet.

Portable projector screens with a stand

Best for: families who want movie nights in the backyard and the living room, camping, and anyone without an outdoor outlet.

A portable screen stretches over a folding frame or stand. It needs no power, packs into a carry bag, and one person can set it up.

Pros

• No electricity needed
• Light and easy to carry and store
• Works indoors and outdoors

Keep in mind

• Smaller than an inflatable
• Use the included stakes or weights outdoors so wind doesn't move it

Khomo Gear options

• Portable Projector Screen, 100" or 120": a foldable stand that sets up in under 10 minutes. The 120" size has a 102 × 59 in viewing area and supports front and rear projection. It comes with a carry bag, frame poles, legs and stakes.
• 180" Projector Screen with Adjustable-Height Stand: a much bigger picture that still needs no power. 16:9 format, 160° viewing angle, sets up in under 10 minutes by one person, and comes in a carrying bag.

Fixed-frame projector screens

Best for: a dedicated home theater, game room or living room where the screen stays up.

A fixed-frame screen stretches the material tight across a rigid frame that mounts on the wall. A flat, tensioned surface gives the sharpest, most even picture.

Pros

• The flattest surface and best picture quality
• Always ready. No setup or takedown
• Clean, finished look on the wall

Keep in mind

• Designed for indoor use
• Needs wall space and mounting

Khomo Gear option

• Fixed Frame Projector Screen, 100" or 200": a heavy-duty aluminum frame with a black velvet border that absorbs projector overshoot. 16:9 format, 1.1 gain and a 150° viewing angle. Compatible with HD, 4K, 8K, ultra-short-throw and active 3D projectors.

How big a screen do you need?

Three things decide the right size:

1. How many people are watching. A family of four is fine with 100–120". For a party or a neighborhood movie night, go inflatable so everyone can see.
2. Where people will sit. A common rule of thumb is to sit about 1.5 times the screen's diagonal away. For a 120" screen, that's roughly 15 feet back.
3. Your projector's brightness. Bigger screens need a brighter projector, especially outdoors. Start the movie after sunset for the best picture.

Front vs. rear projection: what's the difference?

With front projection, the projector sits in front of the screen, on the same side as the audience. With rear projection, the projector sits behind the screen and shines through it. Rear projection keeps the projector and its cables away from guests, so nobody walks through the beam. Both Khomo Gear inflatable screens and the 100"/120" portable screen support both.

Outdoor movie night checklist

• Screen, stakes and tie-down ropes
• Projector and a streaming device or laptop
• A Bluetooth or outdoor speaker. Projector speakers are usually too quiet outside
• Extension cord (for the projector and, with an inflatable, the blower)
• Blankets or chairs, and bug spray

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Questions about which screen fits your space? Contact us and we'll help you choose.