Whether you want to buy a star projector as a gift for someone this Christmas, or you know a child who wants one, you'll want top value for money. So we've pitted three of the best star projectors for less than $50 against each other to determine which is the best.
A star projector is, as its name suggests, a projector that typically projects patterns of stars around the interior of a room. However, many of the best ones project images of the night sky, or something similar, and sometimes use sound effects to set a mood. Below, you will find three star projectors that we have reviewed, tested and featured across our guides for the best star projectors, best star projectors under $100 and best star projectors for kids.
Imagery
The most important aspect of any projector is the projection, AKA the imagery and what you can actually see. So, which of these three top star projectors for under $50 offers the best projections and would wow the people you gift them to?
Starting with the Hommkiety Galaxy Projector, we found that it comes with 10 disks, which feature a mix of galaxies, the Moon and even some slightly left-of-field projections like jellyfish. It's easy to focus and uses an LED bulb, but not lasers, to project bright, vivid and clear imagery. At under $50, you'll be hard-pressed to find better.
- Hommkiety: Scientifically accurate, bright, clear and vivid images, with 10 disks
- Pikoy: Bright enough images, star-like projections and fills a room
- DarkSkys: Bright enough images, projects Northern constellations
The Pikoy Galaxy Projector doesn't quite offer the same level of performance as the Hommkiety, but it does use class-1 lasers and offers a level of customization, which the Hommkiety doesn't. It may be small in size, but the projections compensate as it can easily fill a room with bright colors and star-like projections.
But, if you're looking for something pocket-sized that offers scientifically accurate projections, you'll want the DarkSkys Skyview projector. It uses a 450mm blue diode laser and will project Northern constellations, but you will need prior knowledge of what you're looking at; otherwise, it's not as impressive.
Features and extras
While projections are the main function of a projector, the features it offers can set it apart from the rest. Common features of star projectors include a sleep timer, so the unit doesn't run through the night, a speaker to add to ambience and rotation, so the images have a moving effect, rather than staying still on a wall or ceiling.
Starting with the Hommkiety, it does come with a sleep timer, which is helpful for the reason stated above, but there's not much more to it. It does feature on-body controls like a focusing wheel and a setting for image rotation, but you won't find a remote control, app or speaker for added ambience. While a little more would have been great, you still can't argue, given the quality of projections and the price point.
Then there's the DarkSkys Skyiew projector, which falls behind the other two options on this page for features and functionality. You do get image rotation, but you can't control the speed. It is rechargeable, but that really is it. There's no built-in speaker, no app or remote control, no customization and not even a sleep timer. While this is considerably more affordable than some premium options on the market, it shows in its lack of functionality. It is, however, pocket-sized and great for taking on the go.
Lastly, and by no means least, there's the Pikoy model to look at. The features on this star projector make it an ideal choice for children, especially if you're looking to create a relaxing atmosphere for bedtime. It has a sleep timer that can be set to two, four or six hours, it has a built-in speaker and 15 pre-set white noise sound effects, including rain, running water, piano and lullaby. It also comes with a basic remote control that allows for light customization and controlling the speed of rotation.
Hommkiety | Sleep timer, focusing wheel, image rotation |
DarkSkys | Image rotation |
Pikoy | Sleep timer, speaker, sound effects, remote control, light customization, image rotation |
Price
Now, star projectors in general can range from a little over $10 all the way to in excess of $200. We're discussing the best under $50, which makes these ideal for children and for gifting this Christmas, but how much does each model cost?
Well, the Hommkiety projector ranges between $60 and $40, but we regularly see it on sale for around $40, making it a very good value option in terms of the market as a whole.
The DarkSkys model regularly retails for $45, and we haven't seen it on offer all too often. The Pikoy projector is the most cost-effective of the lot as it retails for between $35 and $20, with regular offers available.
Verdict
Of these three, which we believe are three of the very best star projectors under $50, the Hommkiety offers the most quality, and thanks to its scientifically accurate and stunning projections, is the best overall choice of the three. The disks available make it a great option for education as well as entertainment, and its projection quality is a real bonus.
If you're looking for value-for-money, then the Pikoy option is what you're looking for. Sure, its projection quality isn't as good, nor is it scientifically accurate, but it will fill a room, and it comes with features like a speaker with white noise sound effects, which the Hommkiety doesn't.
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