If you love watching movies at home, be it inside or outside, you want your home theater or cinema setup to be as practical and perfect as possible. In that case, you should definitely consider investing in a motorized projector screen. Can you imagine how thrilling it will be to have your own projector screen!
Well, motorized projector screens are excellent devices that assist your projector in doing its job of getting you to watch your favorite shows or movies in full widescreen. They rightly bring a grand ambiance to your home that even the biggest TV screens fail to do. It makes your home theater setup a lot cleaner and easier to put away, for one thing. The motorized screen can roll in or out the large screen to save you space, for another thing.
Now, if you’re finally planning to buy the best motorized projector for your home, let me first congratulate you on your choice. It is going to be one of the best buys you’ve made recently.
Your living space is now going to brighten up with some memorable times spent with your loved ones.
With that in mind, to help find the right projector screen for your needs, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites. In my opinion, these are some of THE best motorized project screens. Let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
1. Elite Screens Manual B 100-INCH
If you’re shopping for a projector screen for a smaller space, check out the Elite Screens Manual B 100-INCH. In my view and many of the other users out there, this is an ultra-affordable, high-performance, manual pull-down projection screen for home or business. The screen’s black masking borders help eliminate excess light, creating a more immersive viewing experience. Its integrated mounting solutions allow it to be installed on the wall or ceiling suspended.
Honestly, the Elite Screens Manual B series is an excellent choice as a budget-friendly, entry-level projection screen. This series features Elite Screens’ 1.0 gain, MaxWhite B front projection screen material. This 4K Ultra HD ready material provides a 180-degree viewing angle with perfect diffusion uniformity and retains precise definition.
With image color reproduction and black/white contrast, you will enjoy a beautifully crisp picture. The screen is rolled in a sturdy steel case that can easily flush mount to your wall or hang your ceiling or brackets, although you have to purchase that separately.
I personally loved this series because it is easy to install and comes with an auto-lock mechanism that gives the user control of various height settings. Providing a variety of aspect ratios and a safe return to its case via the slow retract mechanism — all of these features make the Manual B series a great choice selection.
What we liked:
- Durability
- Easy to clean
- Dual wall and ceiling installation design
- Superior color reproduction features
- Auto-Lock Mechanism for variable height settings
- Screen lanyard for easy operation — allows screen’s pull-down
- High-quality gain
What we didn’t like:
- It’s not compatible with ultra/short-throw projectors
2. Homegear 106” 16:9 HD Electric Motorized Projector Screen
This is one of our top recommended projector screens of the bunch. The most obvious features of the Homegear (or HomeGear) 106″ Motorized 16:9 HD Electric Projector Screen are its rectangular screen that perfectly fits HD 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio and also the fact that it’s 106 inches in diagonal length.
Furthermore, it has a super quiet motor to allow for smooth screen storage transitions. Won’t you get annoyed by a loud motor creaking or revving as you bring down or pull up your screen from its resting place or storage position? With this, you won’t.
Additionally, the Homegear 106″ also has plug-and-play usability. Sure, it’s in the sense that you plug it into your electrical socket, and then you can use it, but it’s still convenient. Most projectors that are HD or with a 16:9 aspect ratio are compatible with this screen.
Even smaller SD projectors with a 4:3 aspect ratio can be adjusted to fit into this massive screen. It’s a multi-layered, long-lasting screen, but the material it’s made of is relatively thin compared to other thicker screens out there. Additionally, it’s quite heavy despite its use of thin material.
This means that you must possess a sturdy ceiling or wall to support this screen. Otherwise, it’d be wiser to invest in a fixed screen or screen with its own stand. Watch out for delivery safety and handling too. The packaging doesn’t protect the screen itself well, which has led to complaints of package damage by not-too-careful delivery men.
Aside from these imperfections, the HomeGear Projector Screen is still a must-have, especially if you require a 160° viewing angle from your home cinema or business projector.
What we liked:
- Its energy-efficient quiet motor enhances its longevity
- Wall-mountable control panel for using without remote
- Simple plug and play system
- Matte white 1.3 gain screen that is washable
- It’s static resistant, fire retardant, and mildew resistant
What we didn’t like:
- Quite heavy
- Relatively thin screen compared to other thicker screens out there
- Handling and delivery issues associated with the product
3. VIVO 100” Portable Indoor Outdoor Projector Screen
Don’t be fooled by the inexpensive price tag of the Vivo 100” — it packs a punch well above its price bracket. If you’re in need of a motorized screen, I will definitely recommend Vivo, which is affordable and offers a very high-quality product. The screen operates with an electric motor and can easily be raised and lowered with the included remote.
The durable metal casing is ideal for both wall and ceiling installation, although you’ll need to purchase mounting hardware separately. With a viewing angle of 120 degrees, you have plenty of room for your audience to get a good angle to view the movie, and the matte white screen diffuses light to create an accurate picture. A black backing blocks out unwanted light, and the resulting image quality is awe-inspiring.
With that being said, it does have a strange penchant to get damaged when delivered. It’s such a problem that many customers have taken note of this flaw. The motor is also rather slow, even if it’s pretty silent. Finally, many homeowners have found its square 4:3 ratio size, which isn’t a widescreen deal-breaker.
Although the Vivo doesn’t support Active 3D or 4K video, it’s still an overall great choice for anyone looking for a motorized screen at an affordable price point.
What we liked:
- Fantastic value for money
- The motorized screen is easy to lower, with included remote
- Vibrant, crisp picture
- Auto Locking Mechanism
- Universal compatibility with the majority of LED, LCD, or DLP projectors in the market
- Perfect for home theaters, businesses, and classrooms
What we didn’t like:
- No support for 4K or active 3D viewing
- Mounting hardware not included
4. Elite Screens Spectrum Tab-Tension
Our next pick is the “Elite Screens Spectrum Tab-Tension.” The Spectrum Tab-Tension series is part of Elite’s “Spectrum” CE-Retail line of electric projection screens. Its primary identifiable feature is the tab-tension reinforcements at the material’s sides, which enhance superior flatness levels on the screen.
Spectrum Tab-Tension comes with a motorized, 12” black drop-down screen that can be easily mounted either on the ceiling or the wall. According to many users, the screen is delivered very well packaged, and the packaging is easy to open without any mess.
You can easily install the durable casing to your wall or ceiling with the included installation kit. The installation kit includes wood screws, drywall anchors, and a bubble level. Ships fully assembled, plug and play ready. The screen operates well, unrolls very nicely, no waves or creases.
My favorite feature is the tab-tension system that prevents wrinkles and ensures the flattest possible viewing area. The wide diffusion uniformity will allow you to enjoy a clear, bright picture from any angle.
However, it’s only compatible with short/standard “long” throw projectors, not with the ultra-short ones.
What we liked:
- Tab-tension system that prevents wrinkles
- Relatively affordable for this type of screen
- Silent motor operation
- Clear, bright picture from all angles
What we didn’t like:
- The power cord is too short
- No RF Remote in the box
- Its incompatibility with ultra/short-throw projectors
5. Elite Screens Evanesce Plus
Since 2004, Elite Screens has become a global leader in projection screen manufacturing through its headquarters in the US and branch offices in Europe, Japan, Australia, India, Taiwan, and China. With a focus on superior products and services, Elite Screens is dedicated to making projection screens for any projection environment.
Elite Screens Evanesce Plus series offers a concealed installation for large venue settings such as theaters, auditoriums, halls, and houses of worship. The Evanesce Plus series meets the most demanding needs by featuring a fiberglass-backed screen material, concealed in-ceiling design, and a fast tubular motor.
The recessed, in-ceiling design allows for a hidden installation that is ideal for your non-dedicated media rooms, multi-use rooms, or any environment where a hidden projection screen is desired.
The extra-wide and heavy-duty aluminum housing is strong and moisture resistant for a set-it-and-forget-it installation. The Evanesce Plus series arrives bundled with accessories that allow for total user control. You can conveniently operate the screen with the included infrared remote, radio frequency remote, and low voltage 3-way position wall switch. And you know what? It can also be synchronized with a 3rd party control device using the RJ45 port.
And do you know, what’s the most extraordinary fact about this Evanesce? Well, let me tell you — it is made with fewer harsh chemicals, or safer chemicals than typical alternatives, helping reduce your use of and exposure to substances that may be more harmful to your health and the environment. Isn’t it amazing?
What we liked:
- Large, concealed, in-ceiling, recessed front projection screen
- Swiftly operated tubular motor
- Less harsh chemicals
- Mildew resistance
- 4K Ultra HD and Active 3D projection
What we didn’t like:
- Well, I didn’t find any. What are your thoughts, by the way?
6. Akia Screens 104 inch Motorized Electric
Are you familiar with the brand? Akia is a renowned leader in the space of world-class projector screens with its presence across the globe and has been trusted immensely for its service and superior quality products. As a brand that has been 15 years in the business, Akia makes customer satisfaction seamless with life-time support through mail, chat, and call.
Akia Screens Motorized Electric is a remote control drop-down projector screen. The retractable ceiling and wall mount’s black design is perfect as a Movie Home Theater / Office projection screen. It comes with a durable and sturdy aluminum black case with suspended ceiling installation features.
Standard black-masking borders provide an increase in picture contrast, allowing a clear and sharp presentation without the loss of projected light. The synchronous motor allows silent operation and low power consumption, while the tubular motor allows swift operation and speed.
With a focus on superior products and services, Akia Screens is dedicated to making projection screens for any projection environment and offers the highest quality and one of the best value for projector screens today. It is available only in the most popular of styles, sizes, and services, making AKIA Screens an easy choice!
What we liked:
- Decent value for money
- Easy to set up and clean
- Comes with a long-distance RF remote
- Akia warranty and tech support
- Perfect for presentations
What we didn’t like:
- The thin screen material is not as durable as in more expensive models
- You can expect some curl over time
- Not compatible with ultra-short projector
7. VIVIDSTORM Office Presentation Tension Screen
Office Presentation Tension Screen by VIVIDSTORM is our last pick for you. VIVIDSTORM is a manufacturer of precision tubular motors and quality video projection screens since 2004 that focuses on providing a range of both well-made and affordable projection products for business, education, professional video, and home entertainment.
The office presentation tension screen possesses an incorporated tab-tension system designed to prevent wrinkles, creases, or curling that commonly occur in non-tensioned projection screens over time. Tensioning strings run through tabs on the screen material’s sides to provide constant tension and keep the screen flat.
The screen has infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF) remote control, detachable 3-way wall switch, and a wireless 12-volt projector trigger to the projector’s power for easy operation. You can quickly bring your screen up or down by simply powering on or off your projector.
Also, it has no light reflection. Unlike the traditional projection screen, UST ALR material can present the image under bright light. It has removed foggy phenomenon, with a nearly perfect viewing cone of 170 degrees, capable of being viewed from extremely off-axis positions.
Even if you have watched for a long time, your eyes will not feel tired. This feature makes it perfect for commercial environments, large living, family rooms, and everything in between.
What we liked:
- Tensioned projection screen
- Easy to install and clean
- High diffusion uniformity
- White cinema screen material
- Vivid viewing experience from any angle
What we didn’t like:
- The tension arch on the sides of the screen
- Additional costs for the tension adjustment option
Conclusion:
Projector and projector screens are probably one-time buys in life. Hence you would not want to invest in a product that doesn’t perfectly fit your needs. There are more subpar models on the market than you need to waste your precious time on.
While choosing the best projector screen, you must consider a few factors that will help steer you clear from buying the wrong screen.
- Your budget,
- Screen size,
- Brightness,
- Portability,
- Screen material
In this article, we’ve reviewed some of the best projector screens for every preference and budget.
Once you have the projector setup, and you’ve chosen the right kind of screen, all that’s left to do is sit in your backyard on a summer night and watch a movie on Netflix. We don’t have a list of the Best Bug Sprays, but I’m sure you can handle that.