1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best overall
3. Best multi-functional
4. Best for space-themed parties
5. Best for voice control
6. Best budget model
7. Best for pastel shades
8. Best value rechargeable
9. Best for homeschooling
10. Best generalist
11. Best for portability
12. Best for multi-media ambiance
13. Star Projectors FAQ
14. How we test
The best star projectors come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. These dazzling devices, also known as home planetariums, can project stunning visions of the night sky on your walls or ceilings. We've rounded up a handful of the best models you can buy right now across a variety of price points — but the star projector you choose depends on your particular needs.
You can use star projectors to learn about the stars in the night sky — with many based on the nebulas you might see if you look to the skies with one of the best telescopes. Others also have built-in speakers which make them a great choice if you're looking to unwind and take a minute to appreciate some stunning sights. You can also be sure that you'll kids love them — with star projectors a fantastic aid for sleeping while also serving as a useful education tool. Don't assume they're only for little ones, though, with adults getting plenty of joy out of them.
We've put together a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to pick out of the best star projectors — from budget-friendly options to high-end party-starters. You'll find a summary of each product, alongside a link to the full review and some quick pros and cons so you can find the perfect star-projecting device for you.
The quick list
Best overall
The most realistic star projector that projects bright, detailed images of the real night sky. This is a premium projector for all ages.
Best value rechargeable
This rechargeable star projector emits bright, colorful and sharp imagery that gives the best star projectors we've tested a run for their money.
Best budget
A well-made novelty star projector that every kid, or space fan, will love to have in their bedroom.
Best for homeschool
One of the most reasonably priced star projector STEM toys for budding astronomers who want a glimpse of the night sky at home.
Best for space-themed parties
16.7 million colors to choose from, adjustable brightness settings, 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 in no terms scientifically accurate.
Load the next 5 products ↴
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.
Best multi-functional
It 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, designed for kids, 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
It 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 which is 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 almost just as 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 can't find a better star projector than the Sega Toys Homestar Flux — and we can guarantee you that. Ultimately, we love the way it creates a stunning replica of the night sky, with its bright and colorful astral vistas thanks to advanced glass lenses — with enough brightness to give you an image to gaze it in even brighter rooms. Using the Sega Toys Homestar Flux is akin to tapping into the power of your own personal planetarium, given its high degree of scientific accuracy, and you can see up to 60,000 stars at once.
It's far more expensive than many of the best out there, but you. You'll find few projectors out there that offer the same user experience. That said, it's tough to find — so grab it while it's in stock at one of our trusted retail partners.
What sets the Sega Homestar Flux apart is that it can be expanded with different discs, with two included with purchase. One shows the Northern Hemisphere, and the other is the Northern Hemisphere Constellations, with constellations labeled to aid education.
There are 30 additional discs available for around $18 each when you visit Astrial, Sega Toys' official online store. Simulations of the aurora borealis and the aurora australis are perhaps the highlights, in our opinion.
There is a disc that displays the planets of the solar system as well, but the ones that show galaxies, nebulas and other NASA-based imagery are the ones that really stand out. For example, the North America nebula as taken by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope and the weird seven-star system called Jabbah (officially called Nu Scorpii and IC 4592) as imaged by NASA's WISE mission. You can also buy disks that simulate fireworks, 'night jellyfish' and a hot-air balloon festival.
Like many other star projectors, there's 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. It would've been nicer if it had more variation to make it feel more real. Plus, it has an automatic shut-off option after 15, 30 or 60 minutes, which is handy if you're using it to fall asleep and don't want to get up to switch it off!
- 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 one we've tested.
🔎 Aurora Borealis Northern Lights Star Projector It's highly customizable, the patterns are realistic and the music rhythm mode is impressive. This is one of our favorites. ★★★★½
Honestly, we're not sure what we love most about this feature-rich Aurora Borealis Northern Lights Star Projector. It might not be scientifically accurate, but it packs in a lot of great features.
One of the best features is how much you can customize it. You can make the stars more or less visible, turn on a full moon and change the colors of the Aurora Borealis to match your mood. There are 16.7 million colors to choose from (in theory), and you can adjust the LED light and green lasers to your preferred brightness. Plus, you can control it with the remote control it comes with or through the accompanying app on your smartphone.
Phew. That's a lot of stuff, but we've only just scratched the surface. In our Aurora Borealis Northern Lights Star Projector review, we talked about the projectors' musical rhythm mode, remarking how much fun it is to listen to music and adjust the lighting display to match the 'feel' of the music. It's a great relaxation tool and creates a wonderful ambiance.
Bluetooth speakers are often of low quality, but we found this speaker was surprisingly high-quality with excellent sound clarity and detail. The adjustable sound settings are a bonus, allowing you to personalize the sound to your preference and switch between different music genres.
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Matte black finish. |
| Performance | Realistic looking aurora. |
| Functionality | App or remote (supplied) controlled. |
Best for voice control
✅ You want voice activated: You can control this projector using your smart home devices (Alexa & Google 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 — you'll need to pay more for that.
🔎 Encalife Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Star Projector: Although it is called a Galaxy Star Projector, like most others, this is more of a mood-setting light, showing colors and patterns that reflect galaxies and nebulas with lasers that you could associate with a starry sky. ★★★★
This sleek and modern star projector has a great look and feel and barely looks out of place no matter where you put it around the house. We loved the Atmosphere Smart Galax Projector's design when we reviewed it, especially because it can seamlessly blend in with your furniture and look almost like a style piece. You can also adjust its build to four angles and it's flexible enough to project onto both the walls or ceilings.
We love how simple it is to use and set up the Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Projector. One standout feature is its voice control options, allowing you to change colors, adjust brightness and control the rotation speed using just your voice. It works seamlessly with Alexa or Google Assistant, but if you prefer, you can use the smartphone app, available for both iOS and Android.
The Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Projector offers an impressive 16.7 million colors, which sounds fantastic in theory, however, in reality, it's highly unlikely you'll be able to make out all those colors with the naked eye. But don't let that discourage you! It still delivers an amazing light show experience.
The only thing to note about the Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Projector is that the nebulas and stars aren't scientifically accurate. However, if you're looking for a beautiful light display, you'll be delighted with it. We enjoyed the experience so much that we didn't feel disappointed. We especially liked the ability to adjust both brightness and projection speed, making it perfect for creating a serene environment to relax in or an energetic party scene.
The Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Projector has a USB power cable and attractive packaging, which would be lovely to receive as a gift.
- 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're buying for your child: It features more of 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 less than $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. ★★★★
You shouldn't be so quick to judge a device just because it's a low-cost option, as we found with the Astronaut Starry Sky Star Projector in our review. But we were pleasantly shocked with how something that came across as a novelty toy was ticks all the boxes — despite incredibly its varied price when you look for it online.
The original hype came from its viral spread on TikTok — and retailers have since been selling clones, which has led to a fair amount of competition and a watering down in the market, meaning you can get some for a little as $10.
While we're including the Astronaut Starry Sky Star Projector as one of our best star projectors, it needs to be considered a novelty item first and foremost, mostly due to its fun astronaut shape. But while most novelty pieces tend to be cheaply made, we've found this one to be an exception. Its packaging isn't the best but the product inside is well made and it looks fantastic. Just be aware that different retailers are selling products that aren't all identical, so they may vary in quality somewhat due to retailers hopping on the trend.
In operation, the Astronaut Starry Sky Star Projector is surprisingly great. 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 it's very quiet in use, too.
The only downside we found is that it's powered by a USB-A to DC cable, which feels a bit outdated; we would prefer USB-C. Other than that, it's a fantastic gift for any space enthusiast, no matter the occasion.
| 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 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), the clouds offer a lot of color customization through the app.
✅ You want it to be compatible with your smart device: 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 better for 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 a mood-enhancing star projector (rather than a scientific one). ★★★½
Our BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve review highlighted just much we appreciated the smart features in this star projector. You can get this "galaxy light" to work across several smart home ecosystems, froom Google Assistant to Alexa, you can use your voice to change its colours or turn it on or off — this is fantastic if you want a hands-off option to ease into your relaxation time.
The BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve has a spherical design, which means you have near 360-degree angling. Few other star projectors offer so much coverage, and coming with a 1.5m cable, too, you should be able to position it in the best place in your room.
In our BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve review, we praised its almost-silent operation — just like its predecessor, the Sky Lite 2.0. Another improvement compared to the Sky Lite is the integration of patented color blending technology. Essentially, instead of using solid color blocks, the four LED lamps provide a broader range of color options. This results in blended colors, offering a softer, pastel-like appearance, which is perfect for setting a calming atmosphere.
The BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve is ideal for a gaming room, party, movie night or as a relaxation tool to unwind or drift off to sleep with. There are three models to choose from — pick between blue, green or no lasers.
- 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.
🔎 Pococo Galaxy Star Projector It does what it is supposed to — 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 image. ★★★★
Amid the excellent National Geographic Astro Planetarium and the premium Sega Homestar Flux, we've highlighted the Pococo Galaxy Star Projector as a good value option with a solid build quality and projection qulity. We highlighted, in particular, the realistic images you can get in our full review.
You can purchase extra discs alongside the two included ones, with six discs typically priced at around $50. This projector strikes a nice balance, appealing to both kids and adults. It's available in a stylish color gradient paint job or a matte white finish. Adjusting the clarity of the projection is simple by using the focus wheel, which is handy if you want to move it between different surfaces or rooms.
The Pococo Galaxy Star Projector is super easy to control, utilizing just three buttons on its body: Power, rotation and sleep timer. Its rechargeable battery can be charged with a USB-C cable, so it doesn't have to be connected to a power source while it's in use.
The downside of the Pococo design is that you only have 30 degrees of movement to shine the lights, although as you'll typically be shining this at the ceiling, this isn't a deal breaker.
- 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 more of a customizable star/nebula projector: This is more of an educational item than a mood-creating star projector, so if that's what you're looking for, there are better options.
🔎 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
The Brainstorm Toys Deep Sapce Home Planetarium and Star Projector earned its spot in our guide thanks to its great educational qualities. It's ideal for kids aged 6+ as we highlighted in our review, and has the potential to really engage with a fantastic hands-on tool.
This particular projector is aimed at children, so the stars it projects aren't scientifically accurate like you'd find on the more 'adult' Sega Homestar Flux. But it still features a slide projector and three easy-to-handle discs containing 24 color images taken by the Hubble Telescope. Each included disc has a different theme; Nebulas, Spacecraft & Astronauts and Planets & the Moon.
Instead of using digital controls, you operate it manually. However, there's 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 for homeschooling or simply learning about space with your child.
| 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 true 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 more at the younger market who have a keen interest in astronomy.
❌ You just want something to project nice lights: If you just want an affordable little projector to set the mood of your room, you may as well choose one of the cheaper options on this list.
🔎 National Geographic Astro Planetarium would make a nice space gift for a budding astronomer. It has great functionality, with a time and date selector and a built-in speaker. ★★★★½
If you're looking for a high-quality indoor planetarium, the National Geographic Astro Planetarium offers a fantastic true-to-life projections of the starry night sky at great value. For a device that's a tad less pricy than some of the more premium options, you get two projection discs with 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 — adding to the authenticity and its educational qualities.
To get a clear and bright projection on your ceiling, just rotate the image and use the focus wheel (which is easier to see in the dark because of the illuminated blue buttons). The optics are from Bresser, a well-known German brand famous for making binoculars, telescopes and microscopes. However, we did notice that stars at the edges of the projection can sometimes look a bit blurry.
In the box, you'll get AA batteries, a 3.5mm jack cable (for connecting an audio device or smartphone) and four educational posters. By hooking up an audio device, you can listen to your favorite music or even the radio while enjoying the stunning projections from the projector.
One novel feature here is the '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
Much like the National Geographic Astro Planetarium, this device has many of the similar core qualities but there are one or two differences that sets it apart. For starters, the Bresser Junior Astro-Planetarium Deluxe misses out on a speaker and doesn't feature an FM radio. You aren't able to attach an audio device at all, unfortunately. It can only run from its battery, too.
On the plus side, however, its color palette of silver and black gives it a far more mature quality than the National Geographic device — which does appear divisive, and may not be such a great-looking fixture around your house, depending on your perspective.
As we mentioned in our Bresser Junior Astro-Planetarium Deluxe review, the same Astro Planetarium disks can be used in both devices, with two 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 have.
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 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. Perfect for on-the-go ambiance.
❌ 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, but we use the term star projector very loosely. ★★★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 that's also one of the most budget-friendly — and it can transform the atmosphere around you with stunning projections. We'd use the term "star projector" sparingly, however, and it isn't entirely accurate scientifically.
Simply plug it into a USB power source, and it will fill the room with hundreds of laser stars, creating a beautiful and immersive experience. It lacks any kind of scientific accuracy or customization options, but nevertheless, we think it's a great choice if you're looking for a portable star projector for relaxation or a calming light show.
We particularly like this option given how affordable it is, and if you travel around a lot, you can pop it in your pocket to take it with you — it takes up virtually no space. Maybe you're a gamer wanting to enhance your space, or perhaps you want to make bedtime more enlightening for your child — it will do those jobs valiantly, too.
If you want more advanced features or something more scientifically accurate, you should probably choose something else over the BlissLights Starport.
- 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 and speaker and, surprisingly, we found the speaker to actually be pretty decent quality.
❌ 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. If that's what you're looking for, you're going to have to pay more.
🔎 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 included remote control and adjust the brightness according to your preference.
We were pleasantly impressed by the sturdy construction of this small star projector. While the packaging may be lacking, the unit itself is well-built, and the lights are bright enough to set a lovely ambiance or enhance any party atmosphere.
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. When we reviewed the Encalife Ambience Galaxy and Star Projector, 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, meaning 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 fantastic 'insomnia-busting' experience that allows your children (or yourself) 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 concluded that, because it's a premium model, the Homestar Flux projects an incredibly accurate night sky, with 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 create a planetarium in the comfort of your own home — these include the 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 your needs and budget. 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 models of star projectors run from mains AC power or DC through a USB port, so they will run as long as they are plugged in. Some models are battery-powered, meaning you run the risk of the battery running out of power overnight.
Most 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 as night lights can be good for babies and small children, as they create soothing ambient lighting, and can add enjoyment to bedtime routines and help your baby drift off to sleep. Some models include swirling light patterns and small flashes of light, 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 we've tested and included in this guide are available to buy on Amazon. The links directly underneath each section of the buying guide will take you to the recommended merchant's website.
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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