The best star projectors cater to a range of uses; some are designed to be as scientifically accurate as possible, others are great for parties and others still act as the perfect night light for children.
There's no better time to shop, too. We've seen massive Black Friday star projector deals, and they're continuing into Cyber Monday. A great mid-tier projector, the Pococo Galaxy Projector, is $79.99 at Amazon.
Many star projectors are based on the nebulas you might see if you look to the skies with one of the best telescopes, so you can use them to learn about the night sky. Others are just for relaxation, so read on and let us help you choose the right star projector.
The quick list
Best overall
The most realistic star projector, it projects bright, detailed images of the real night sky. This is a premium projector for all ages.
Best for space-themed parties
This projector has 16.7 million colors to choose from and adjustable brightness settings, and it's compatible with Android and iOS.
Best for voice control
Better suited to mood lighting, the Atmosphere Smart Galaxy shows patterns and colors that mimic galaxies and nebulas but are not terms scientifically accurate.
Best budget
A well-made novelty star projector that every kid or space fan will love to have in their bedroom.
Best affordable known brand
The Homestar Matataki is a feature-rich, premium star projector that displays twinkling stars.
Best for pastel shades
The newest star projector from BlissLights features color blend technology, voice and app control. A great option for anyone shopping for a mood-enhancing star projector.
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Best value rechargeable
This rechargeable star projector emits bright, colorful and sharp imagery that gives other models we've tested a run for their money.
Best for homeschooling
One of the most reasonably-priced star projector STEM toys for budding astronomers who want a glimpse of the night sky at home.
Best multi-functional
This projector has great functionality, with a time and date selector and a built-in-speaker, and it's scientifically accurate.
Best generalist
This Bresser planetarium star projector is desisgned for kids and has true-to-life projections, a time and date selector, a shooting star function and a sleep timer.
Best for portability
An instant way to transform your space into a pleasing sensory laser environment.
Best for muti-media ambiance
This projector isn't scientifically accurate but it displays vivid nebula-inspired patterns to enhance the ambience in any room.
Best star projectors we recommend in 2024
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Best overall
✅ You want to explore the skies: There are plenty of discs available for this projector, all of which are scientifically accurate. Most of them are NASA-based imagery.
❌ You're on a budget: This is the most expensive option on this list, so if you're on a budget, there are more suitable options that perform very well.
❌ You just want a pretty light: For anyone who just wants a nice mood-setting light, this will likely be overkill.
🔎 Sega Toys Homestar Flux Great for recreating a realistic-looking night sky inside. It's on the pricier end of the market, but the option to upgrade your disc collection is attractive. The night sky representation is about as realistic as it gets. ★★★★½
You might be surprised to know that Sega is not only known for Sonic the Hedgehog; it's also the manufacturer of the best star projector you can currently buy, the Sega Homestar Flux. With the ability to observe over 60,000 stars at once, it truly does bring the night sky inside your home.
We've tested the Homestar Flux extensively, and we can confidently say that there are no better star projectors or home planetariums on the market. It offers scientifically accurate views of the sky with beautiful, bright projections that will wow you.
The Homestar Flux operates with a disc system which allows you to change which parts of the night sky you're viewing. Two Northern Hemisphere and Northern Hemisphere Constellations (which includes labeled constellations) discs come included with the Homestar Flux, but many more are available to purchase separately. There are 30 discs available for around $18 each when you visit Astrial, Sega Toys' official online store.
If you're struggling to choose, we were particularly impressed by the simulations of the aurora borealis and the aurora australis. There is a disc that displays the planets of the solar system, but the ones that show galaxies, nebulas and other NASA-based imagery are the ones that really stand out. The North America nebula as taken by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope and the seven-star system called Jabbah (officially called Nu Scorpii and IC 4592) as imaged by NASA's WISE mission are fascinating. For a different kind of skywatching, you can buy discs that simulate fireworks, 'night jellyfish' and a hot-air balloon festival.
Like many other star projectors, there is a 'shooting star' function, although in our Sega Homestar Flux review, we found it a bit predictable because the star always fell in the same spot. More variation would have made the display feel more real. However, we loved that it comes with an automatic shut-off option after 15, 30 or 60 minutes, which is handy if you're using it to fall asleep.
The main downside of this fantastic star projector is it's far more expensive than many other models, but you'll find few that offer the same user experience. It's worth noting that the Sega Toys Homestar Flux is also tough to find, so grab it while it's in stock at one of our trusted retail partners.
- Read our full Sega Toys Homestar Flux star projector review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Premium finish and build quality. |
| Performance | Excellent brightness, sharp imagery. |
| Functionality | Variety of stargazing discs, no novelty lights or lasers. |
Best for space-themed parties
✅ You want to pair it with music: We were impressed with the musical rhythm mode, where the lights flash and dance along to the beat of the music.
❌ You want scientific accuracy: It's not a scientifically accurate projection, although that said, it's the most realistic-looking non-scientific projector we've tested.
🔎 Aurora Borealis Northern Lights Star Projector It's highly customizable, the patterns are realistic and the music rhythm mode is impressive. One of our favourite projectors. ★★★★½
While it's not a scientifically accurate star projector, the Aurora Borealis Northern Lights Star Projector is packed full of great features.
This star projector is very customizable: you can choose to display a full moon, change the colors of the Aurora Borealis, make the stars more or less visible, or adjust the LED lights and green lasers to your preferred brightness. There are 16.7 million to choose from (in theory at least; we weren't able to test this as the human eye can't see that many), so you're bound to find one to your taste. We also love that you can control the projector with the remote control it comes with, or through the accompanying app on your smartphone.
The Aurora Borealis Northern Lights Star Projector comes with a high-quality built-in Bluetooth speaker which syncs the lighting display to music thanks to its "rhythm mode". This is a great feature if you want to create some party ambience.
In our Aurora Borealis Northern Lights Star Projector review, we highlighted it as one of our favorites of all the star projectors we've reviewed. It's just a shame that it comes in unbranded packaging, and we found the so-called official website to feel ingenuine. It didn't give us much trust in what we were buying, but thankfully the final product delivered.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Matte black finish. |
| Performance | Realistic looking aurora. |
| Functionality | App or remote (supplied) controlled. |
Best for voice control
✅ You want a voice activated projector: You can control this projector using your smart home devices (Alexa, Google Home, etc), meaning you don't have to fiddle with buttons to set the mood.
❌ You want it to be scientifically accurate: It doesn't show any constellations or any type of scientific night sky projections.
🔎 Encalife Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Star Projector: Although it is called a Galaxy Star Projector, like most others, this is a pleasant mood-setting light, showing colors and patterns that reflect galaxies and nebulas rather than an accurate starry sky. ★★★★
We love this projector's modern design; unlike most of its competitors, it can blend in among your furniture and looks great in most rooms. It also comes in an attractive packaging, so it would make a lovely gift.
In our Encalife Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Projector review, we noted how simple it is to use and set up. But this projector's standout feature is no doubt the voice control: You can use the companion app on your smartphone (available for iOS and Android), or your Amazon Alexa/Google Assistant to voice control your projector. This means you can adjust the brightness, control the rotation speed or change the colors without having to get up from your sofa.
The Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Projector boasts 16.7 million colors to choose from; while this sounds impressive, since the human eye can't actually see that many colors with the naked eye, it's a bit of a wasted claim. However, we're pleased to say the colours you can see are beautiful, and the projector offers up a fantastic light show experience.
It's worth noting that the Atmosphere projector doesn't offer scientifically accurate representations of the stars, so if you're after an educational tool, this won't be the one for you. But if you're simply looking for beautiful ambient light shows, you won't be disappointed with what's on offer here. We love that you can fully tailor the experience to your tastes by adjusting the brightness and projection speed.
The Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Projector is USB rechargeable. It can also be adjusted to four angles, so it's flexible enough to project onto both the walls or ceilings.
- Read our full Encalife Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Star Projector review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Compact design and shape, premium feel. |
| Performance | Bright & vivid colors, responsive controls. |
| Functionality | Highly customizable. |
Best budget star projector
✅ You want a gift for a child: It features a novelty astronaut design that's primarily aimed at children, though in our experience, adults love it too!
❌ The price is too high: This is another star projector where the price fluctuates wildly — we've seen it priced anywhere from $10 to $100. We'd be happy paying anything under $35 for it.
🔎 Astronaut Starry Sky Star Projector: A well-made novelty star projector that every kid, or space fan, will love to have in their bedroom. It isn't quite on par with other star projectors performance-wise, but it does everything we'd expect of it, given its reasonable price. ★★★★
While it's tempting to dismiss low-cost objects that go viral on TikTok, the Astronaut Starry Sky Star Projector proved us wrong. In our Astronaut Starry Sky Star Projector review, we were pleasantly surprised by how well made it was, and it ticked all the boxes a fun, novelty star projector should.
As you can probably assume from its price point, the Astronaut Starry Sky Star Projector is not a scientifically accurate projector. What it is, however, is a fun light show in a novelty package. While it might not provide an introduction to real-world nebulas and star systems, it does produce a fantastic display of light and colour, one that we think makes a great gift for any age.
Don't be put off by its underwhelming packaging. In operation, the Astronaut Starry Sky Star Projector is really impressive. As we mentioned in our review, the lighting module seems to be the same — if just a tiny bit less impressive — as other star projectors we have reviewed, including the BlissLights Sky Lite 2.0 and the Encalife Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Star Projector. It isn't based on science, unfortunately, but as long as you're happy to simply enjoy a pretty visual representation of the night sky, you'll get a lot of joy out of this. It helps that it's very quiet in use, too.
Since this is a non-branded product, you'll find many replicas of the Astronaut Starry Sky Star Projector available online. It can be hard to ensure you're buying the proper thing, but you should definitely be cautious of sellers advertising the projector for as little as $10, as you might end up disappointed with a low-quality product.
If we're being picky, we didn't love the fact that it's powered by a USB-A to DC cable instead of a USB-C, which would have been a lot more convenient nowadays. Other than that, it's a fantastic gift for any space enthusiast.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Novelty design more suited to children, but surprisingly good quality. |
| Performance | Bright lights and lasers, pretty patterns. |
| Functionality | Customizable settings, sleep timer. |
Best affordable known brand star projector
✅ You want all the bells and whistles: The Homestar Matataki has got new features that the Homestar Flux didn't have, from twinkling stars to inbuilt sounds.
✅ You already have discs from a Homestar Original or Flux: The Matataki is compatible with discs from previous models, which will save you money.
❌ You want a simple ambient light: This star projector is scientifically accurate and feature-rich, but it comes with a high price tag.
❌ You want a projection to fill the room: The projection circle is relatively small compared with other models that flood the whole room with color.
🔎 The Sega Toys Homestar Matataki is a more 'high-tech' version of its predecessor, introducing the magical twinkling star effect and adding sounds to its light displays. It's a great premium option if your budget extends to it. ★★★★½
If you want a star projector that can sing and dance, the Sega Toys Homestar Matataki is the one for you. This is the newest projector from Sega Toys, expanding on its excellent Homestar Flux (which you'll find at the top of this list). Rather than replace the Flux, however, the Matataki sits alongside it, adding a range of new features.
Perhaps the most striking new feature is the addition of a 'twinkle plate' which gives the illusion of twinkling stars and adds a lot of depth to the visual experience. The star projector also comes with sounds included, which is a nice added bonus but by no means a necessity considering the amount of free sleep sounds you can source from streaming platforms.
During our Homestar Matataki review, we appreciated how silently it runs and the brightness of the displays. That said, we found the Homestar Flux offers higher-contrast images and sharper stars, which is why it remains at the top of our list. In terms of price and availability, however, the Matataki clearly takes the win against its predecessor. We did appreciate that the discs for the Flux and the Homestar Original are compatible with the Matataki, potentially reducing your investment if you own one of these models.
While we love all the extra functionality and the beautiful imagery the Matataki comes with, we just wish Sega Toys had made the projector powered by USB-C or A rather than mains-powered. While this might seem like a trivial issue, it does greatly limit where you can position the projector, and considering this one has a relatively small projection circle, it could be a dealbreaker.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Intuitive interface and similar design to other projectors. |
| Performance | Bright images and twinkling stars. |
| Functionality | In-built sounds and premium features. |
Best for pastel shades
✅ You want a lot of customization: Although the laser 'stars' can only appear as blue or green (depending on which model you get), you can customize the clouds through the app.
✅ You want a smart home compatible projector: It can work with both a Google and Alexa home device, so you can turn it on and off and give other commands with your voice.
❌ You want it to be scientifically accurate: This projector is for adding atmosphere and projecting pretty colors rather than providing any kind of scientific accuracy.
🔎 BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve The nebulas are bright and endearing, complimented perfectly by the hue of the blue/green lasers. This is a great option for anyone shopping for an aesthetic star projector rather than a scientific one. ★★★½
The BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve has a near 360-degree angling thanks to its spherical design. Few other star projectors offer so much coverage, and the 1.5m cable its comes with means you should be able to position it in the most optimal location in any room.
This star projector's smart features are what really stood out in our BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve review. You can use this so-called 'galaxy light' in conjunction with several smart home systems, from Google Assistant to Amazon Alexa, which enables you to change its colours or turn it on or off at the sound of your voice.
Perhaps one of the best things about the BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve is how silently it operates, making the experience a truly relaxing one and allowing you to focus on the stars. It also makes use of a patented color-blending technology, which means instead of using solid color blocks, its four LED lamps are capable of providing a broader range of colour options. This results in softer blended colors and a beautiful, almost pastel-like palette, contributing to the calming atmosphere.
You can choose between three models — blue, green or no lasers — and we think it's a great pick for lighting up parties, adding ambience to your movie night or gaming tool, or as a a relaxing ambient light to help you fall asleep.
- Read our full BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Small and discrete, spherical design. |
| Performance | Bright stars and nebulas. |
| Functionality | Highly customizable. |
Best value rechargeable star projector
✅ You want realistic imagery: The projections from this projector are incredibly bright, sharp and high resolution, almost indistinguishable from the 'big players'.
❌ You just want something cheap to set the mood: This certainly isn't the most expensive model on this list, but if all you're looking for is a projector with nice lights to create a relaxing atmosphere, there are cheaper options that will do the job.
🔎The Pococo Galaxy Star Projector does what it's supposed to do — it projects high-quality imagery onto any surface to immerse you in the wonders of what the universe has to offer, maintaining a static picture or slowly rotating the image. ★★★★
The Pococo Galaxy Star Projector definitely provides incredible value. For the price, it's solidly-built and in our Pococo Galaxy Star Projector review, we were really impressed with the realistic images it displays.
Like the Sega Toys Homestar models, the Pococo Galaxy Star Projector uses discs that display different views of the night sky. They're all scientifically accurate and, aside from the two supplied with the device, more can be picked up separately for around $50 for six.
This projector is very easy to control thanks to the three buttons on its body: Power, rotation and sleep timer. It's set apart from other star projectors on the market by its rechargeable battery. It can be charged with a USB-C cable and, since you don't have to have it plugged in when in use, it's great for using in different locations. It's also made of recycled materials, another thing that should please environmentally-conscious buyers.
This projector will appeal to both kids and adults. It's available in a stylish color gradient or a matte white finish. Adjusting the clarity of the projection only requires using the focus wheel, which is handy if you want to move it between different surfaces or rooms.
The downside of the Pococo's design is you only have 30 degrees of movement to shine the lights, which is considerably less than some of its competitors, but not a deal breaker if you only intent to shine it at the ceiling.
- Read our full Pococo Galaxy star projector review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Simple, attractive design. |
| Performance | Bright, high-resolution projections. |
| Functionality | Simple operation, no apps needed, rechargeable. |
Best for homeschooling young children
✅ Your kids are interested in space: More of a planetarium than a star projector, it's a great educational STEM toy that will help your kids learn more about space.
❌ You want a customizable star/nebula projector: This is more of an educational item than a mood-creating star projector.
🔎 Brainstorm Toys Deep Space Home Planetarium Star Projector A neat little STEM toy with multiple functions. Kids between 6 and 10 will love to learn more about space with this hands-on device. ★★★½
If you're looking for a star projector for children to teach them about the night sky, the Brainstorm Toys Deep Space Home Planetarium is the best choice.
The Deep Space Home Planetarium is ideal for children aged six and over. It's an educational projector meant to initiate kids about space, but it's worth noting that it is not scientifically accurate. It does however come with changeable discs showing official NASA images of nebulas, spacecrafts, astronauts, planets and the moon taken by the Hubble Telescope.
Instead of using digital controls, you operate it manually. As it's so interactive and hands-on, children are likely to stay engaged with it for longer. In our Brainstorm Toys Deep Space Home Planetarium and Star Projector review, we found a 'secret code' you can use to access additional informative descriptions of the pictures on the slides online. This allows children to learn more about space objects and adds a fun and mysterious element to the experience.
Considering its reasonable price tag and the many educational benefits it offers, we think this projector is a worthwhile investment to teach your kids about space.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Looks like R2-D2. |
| Performance | Projection is clear & bright. |
| Functionality | Portable with no cables. |
Best multi-functional scientific star projector
✅ You want accurate projections: The projections are true to the date and time that you 'program' it to (if you're in the Northern Hemisphere)
✅ You're buying for your child: While it's not a toy, we think it's aimed at a younger audience with a keen interest in astronomy.
❌ You just want something to project nice lights: If you just want an affordable little projector to create ambience, you'd be better off choosing one of the cheaper options on this list.
🔎 The National Geographic Astro Planetarium would make a nice gift for a budding astronomer. It has great functionality, with a time and date selector and a built-in speaker. ★★★★½
In our National Geographic Astro Planetarium review, we found this high-quality indoor planetarium offers true-to-life projections of the starry night sky at great price.
This projector is less expensive than the more premium options by Sega Toys, but it still comes with two projection discs: one showing 8,000 stars and another featuring guidelines for major constellations. You also get an accurate view of what you'll see for the time of day you're using it, which adds to the authenticity and its educational qualities.
The National Geographic Astro Planetarium is pleasantly easy to use: Simply rotate the image and use the big focus wheel to get the clearest projection. We've found the optics in this star projector to be rather impressive: They come from Bresser, a German brand known for making high-quality binoculars, telescopes and microscopes.
This projector is battery-powered, so you don't need it connected to the mains in order to use it. It makes it easier to place it in an optimal place around the room. There's also a 3.5mm jack cable provided in the box which allows you to connect an audio device to it, allowing you to play music or the radio while enjoying the stars.
The National Geographic Astro Planetarium has a novel 'falling star' mode. It projects a flashing meteor every 40 seconds, although we think it's a shame the falling star is always in the same place. A level of randomization would make it a bit more enjoyable and unpredictable.
- Read our full National Geographic Astro Planetarium review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Yellow accents not particularly inconspicuous. |
| Performance | Projection is bright and easy to focus. |
| Functionality | Integrated radio/speaker. |
Best for generalist projection
✅ You want a realistic night sky: It comes with two disks — one featuring a starry night sky and the other featuring overlays of constellations — both of which are correct to the time and date you're using it.
❌ You want it to have a speaker: If you want a star projector that features a speaker, you'll have to look at other options.
🔎 Bresser Junior Astro-Planetarium Deluxe This Bresser planetarium star projector, designed for kids, has true-to-life projections, a five-year warranty and is simple to operate. It has a time and date selector, a shooting star function and a sleep timer, and it ships with two disks. ★★★½
The Bresser Junior Astro-Planetarium Deluxe is very similar to the National Geographic Astro Planetarium. The two share a design, in fact, and so operate almost identically. There are key differences, however: for starters, this one doesn't have a speaker or built-in radio.
The different color scheme does at least make the Bresser Junior Astro-Planetarium look more grown-up and of a better quality. It's swapped out the bright yellows of the National Geographic planetarium for a more premium-looking silver, which is much less conspicuous-looking, particularly if you're using this as an adult.
In our Bresser Junior Astro-Planetarium Deluxe review, we found that the same Astro Planetarium discs can be used in both the Bresser and the National Geographic devices, and two are included in the box: one features a starry night sky, and the other has constellation overlays. You can set a day and time on the device, making the projections accurate for that time — a very nifty feature to help with skywatching.
You can rotate the image in its stand, and it's fully mobile with built-in motors allowing for 360-degree movement. We found that it works best when the images are projected from about two meters away. Bresser designed the lens with a focusing wheel for easy image adjustment. Like many star projectors, it has automatic shutdown options after 30, 60 or 120 minutes, making it suitable for kids who want to fall asleep under a starry sky in their bedroom. Additionally, it includes a shooting star mode, projecting a 'meteor' every 40 seconds.
There are minimal differences between this and the National Geographic Astro Planetarium, but this one is a little cheaper. If you don't want music compatibility and you're happy for it to be battery-powered, it's probably worth considering over the other.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Silver & black design, but dated packaging. |
| Performance | Date & time feature works well. |
| Functionality | Battery powered (no mains option). |
Best for portability
✅ You want something portable: This star projector is so small it could be mistaken for a flash drive, so it's perfect to take on the go.
❌ You want customization: If you want to change the colors, brightness or add rotation to the lasers, then you'll want to go for a different model.
🔎 BlissLights Starport USB star projector A pocketable device for adding instant ambiance to parties, gaming rooms, music studios or spas, this could very loosely be considered a star projector. ★★★½
The BlissLights Starport USB star projector is unlike any other in our guide, given that it relies on a USB connection and is far more of a compact package. This is a hassle-free device and also one of the most budget-friendly, but it can still transform the atmosphere around you with stunning projections. We'd use the term 'star projector' sparingly, however, as it isn't entirely scientifically accurate.
To operate the BlissLights Starport, simply plug it into to a USB power source, and sit back and enjoy the show. It fills the room with hundreds of laser stars which look absolutely beautiful. Unlike other devices on this list, however, there are no customization options and, unsurprisingly, it's not scientifically accurate.
If you're looking for a simple night sky light show to add ambience to any room, we think the BlissLIghts Starport USB star projector is a great choice. It's inexpensive and takes up almost no space. If you travel a lot, it could be a perfect way to see the stars in your hotel room, for example.
If you want more advanced features or something more scientifically accurate, however, this isn't the right product for you.
- Read our full BlissLights Starport USB star projector review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Tiny device, looks like a flash drive. |
| Performance | Lasers are very bright and fill a large area. |
| Functionality | Does what it's meant to and nothing more. |
Best for multi-media ambiance
✅ You want a projector & speaker combo: This is a 2-in-1 projector with a surprisingly high quality speaker.
❌ You want something scientifically accurate: Much like all the cheaper options on this list, this projector is solely for mood and ambiance rather than scientific accuracy.
🔎 Encalife Ambience Galaxy & Star Projector: A neat combination of a star projector and Bluetooth speaker built into one. It isn't scientifically accurate but it displays vivid nebula-inspired patterns to enhance the ambience in any room. ★★★½
Compared to the Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Projector, the Ambience Galaxy & Star Projector has fewer lighting modes, but we don't see it as a drawback. It provides four colors (blue, green, white and red) which you can blend using the remote control included. You can also adjust the brightness according to your preference.
Considering the mediocre packaging, we were pleasantly surprised by how sturdy this star projector's construction was. The unit is well-built, and we found the lights bright enough to create a very pleasant atmosphere bound to enhance any party.
Its sleek black color blends in with many home decors, and it can also function as a music player, allowing you to listen to your favorite music or atmospheric sounds as you watch the celestial shadows dance across the ceiling and walls. In our Encalife Ambience Galaxy and Star Projector review, we found the speaker to be surprisingly high quality and audibly well-rounded.
The faceted dome shape means the lights can be projected and dispersed over 180-degrees, so the entire ceiling is covered with lights. You'll need to set up your phone's Bluetooth before you start using the projector, which is easy enough to do, and then you'll be up and running in no time.
Like the Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Projector, you won't get scientific accuracy, but you'll get a beautiful light show that can help you or your children to sleep better at night.
- Read our full Encalife Ambience Galaxy and Star Projector review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Sleek & compact design. |
| Performance | Bright, vivid lights. |
| Functionality | Nice amount of customization, decent in-built speaker. |
Star projectors Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best star projector?
The Sega Toys Homestar Flux is the best star projector you can buy right now. We’ve tested and reviewed a range of star projectors and found no projections more accurate and beautiful than with this premium product. You also have the possibility of buying up to 30 extra disks to project the Milky Way, shooting stars, and the aurora.
Are star projectors realistic?
Not all star projectors are scientifically accurate — some are designed to be pleasant ambient lights to be used as kids' night lights or just to create a relaxing atmosphere. However, some models are scientifically accurate and allow you to create a planetarium from the comfort of your own home, for example the Sega Toys Homestar Flux, National Geographic Astro Planetarium and Bresser Junior Astro-Planetarium Deluxe.
What is the difference between a star projector and a planetarium?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, star projectors can also be used to refer to unrealistic night and ambient or mood-enhancing lights that aren't scientifically accurate. Planetariums, on the other hand, are strictly realistic and accurate depictions of the night sky, which are sometimes even time and location-sensitive to show you the night sky as it appears at a given time.
How do I choose a star projector?
In this buying guide, we've tested and reviewed a range of star projectors and ranked them according to performance, quality and budget. We've included a variety of options at different price points with a range of features, so you're sure to find one that suits you. We continue to monitor the market for different models, and we'll share our favorites with you.
Can I leave a star projector on all night?
In theory, yes. Most of the star projectors in this guide are AC mains-powered or DC-powered through USB ports, so as long as they're plugged in, they can run. Some, however, are battery-powered, meaning you run the risk of the battery running out overnight.
For those who want to use them as night lights, many star projectors come with a 'sleep timer' that will switch the device off after a specified amount of minutes.
It's important to check the manual that comes with your star projector before you leave it running for extended periods of time, as some models may become hot after prolonged use. Always resort to the manual if in doubt and follow the instructions.
Are star projectors good for babies?
The star projectors designed to be night lights can be good for babies and small children as they create a soothing ambient light. They can even make bedtime routines more fun and help your child drift off to sleep.
However, it's worth noting that some models include small flashes of light and swirling light patterns, so they may not be suitable for babies with light sensitivities or conditions like epilepsy. If in doubt, consult your doctor or local physician before using them.
What are the best star projectors on Amazon?
Most of the star projectors in this guide are available to buy from Amazon. You can find links underneath each product review that will take you to recommended merchants' websites, including Amazon.
How much do star projectors and home planetariums cost?
Prices vary depending on the model of your choice and how many features you are after. Generally, you can buy a good quality star projector for anywhere between $25 and $250. The cheaper models tend to be destined to be used as night lights and are generally inaccurate in their depiction of the night sky. More premium models like the Sega Toys Homestar Flux are more expensive but offer scientifically accurate depictions of the night sky.
Are laser star projectors safe?
The answer to this question depends on the type of star projector you're considering. Some FDA-approved laser star projectors are safe for brief and accidental exposure to eyes, but they are not recommended for children, and you should never look directly into a laser beam.
The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that 'The FDA recognizes four major hazard classes (I to IV) of lasers, including three subclasses (IIa, IIIa, and IIIb). The higher the class, the more powerful the laser is and the greater the potential to pose serious injury if used improperly.'
In reference to Class IIIa lasers (like laser pointers or some used in star projectors), the FDA says: 'Depending on power and beam area, can be momentarily hazardous when directly viewed or when staring directly at the beam with an unaided eye. Risk of injury increases when viewed with optical aids.'
If in doubt, check the laser classification on the device before purchasing and check it against the FDA rules, or a relevant health and safety body in your region.
How we test the best star projectors
To guarantee you're getting honest, up-to-date recommendations on the best star projectors to buy here at Space.com we make sure to put every star projector through a rigorous review to fully test each product. Each star projector is reviewed based on a multitude of aspects, from its construction and design, to how well it functions as a star projector and whether it provides accurate night sky imagery.
Each star projector is tested by either our expert staff or knowledgeable freelance contributors who know their subject areas in depth. This ensures fair reviewing is backed by personal, hands-on experience with each star projector and is judged based on its price point, class and destined use. For example, comparing a top-of-the-range star projector from one of the largest producers of star projectors to a make-your-own kit made from cardboard wouldn't be appropriate, though each star projector might be the best-performing product in its own class, and that is how we've categorized them in this guide.
1. If you want it to be scientific, look for a simulation according to the actual time and day.
2. The smaller the room, the sharper the stars will look.
3. Check how many disks come with each product (if it uses them) or see if you can purchase add-ons.
4. Choose a model with a sleep-timer if using it as a night light.
5. Decide if you want to control it with a remote, app or smart device.
We look at how easy each star projector is to operate, test out all their functions to see if they are effective and work as advertised. We check that the projections are good, that the build quality is fit for purpose and make suggestions for the most appropriate use of each unit.
With complete editorial independence, Space.com is here to ensure you get the best buying advice on star projectors, advising on whether you should purchase a product, making our buying guides and reviews reliable and transparent.
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