7 Best Star Projectors 2022 - Turn Your Home Into a Planetarium
Last Updated: April 12, 2022
The universe and its mysteries will never cease to fascinate us. Even if we cannot yet understand everything about it, we can certainly enjoy its beauty. Thanks to a home planetarium, it is now very easy to project stars and constellations on your walls and bring this beautiful universe to life in your own home. Whether the star projector is intended to be used by yourself or your children, these devices are not only useful for illuminating a room and creating a relaxing atmosphere, but they can also be used as a night light to give your kids a peaceful night’s sleep.
There are many star projectors on the market, of all shapes and sizes, with different features and manufactured by different brands. Choosing a quality planetarium projector is not an easy task, especially if you are new to the field. To help you choose the right model, here’s our overview of 5 home planetariums that are worth the investment.
Disclaimer: If you choose to purchase a star projector through one of the links on this page, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our website.
Our Top 3 Star Projectors
This star projector uses LED technology to project green stars among colored light waves on any surface. It doesn’t have a shooting star function or interchangeable star disks, but we do not mind because this device has so many extra features that are not even available on the most advanced and expensive models. This device comes with a remote control allowing you to set up the projector from anywhere in the room.
You can choose one of the 21 colors available, the brightness of the display, the rotation speed, the music level and turn the laser on and off. It is powered via a USB port which means it is compatible with most chargers and power banks.
The projection angle is important with this model because the light is diffused like a cone above the lamp. This means that you will have to place it exactly in the middle of the room if you want your entire ceiling to be illuminated.
What we like about this projector
This star projector offers without a doubt the best value for the money. It is an all in one device that will satisfy your every need. It is very highly rated (more than 600 positive reviews) and for good reasons. It is fairly priced and offers many extra features that aren’t usually available at that price point.
This elegant yet easy-to-use planetarium projector features a three-setting automatic timer mode that allows the user to choose between 15, 30 or 60 minutes of operating time. One of the most interesting aspects of this projector is its ability to project 60,000 stars onto your walls and ceiling. The Sega home planetarium is fairly compact and rests on a metal stand.
It is very easy to transport from one room to another as it weighs only about 0.8 kg. On the back of the unit, you will find the projection disc slot as well as 4 control buttons (on/off switch, timer, motion and shooting star option) which are backlit for easy use in a dark room.
On the front of the star projector, you will find the glass lens surrounded by a ring. The ring is used to control and adjust the focus. The unit uses a warm white LED bulb to create the perfect starry night at home. We particularly like the “shooting star” mode which really makes this projection of light come to life and gives us that “cosmic” feeling.
The star projector comes with 2 interchangeable projection discs of the northern hemisphere sky (one with constellations and one without), although there are about 30 more available for purchase if you want more.
What we like about this projector
It is undoubtedly a very high-quality planetarium projector and that is reflected in the price. However, it is made of strong and durable materials and the images projected on the walls are sharp and crisp. It is really easy to use and the device works very quietly. It’s definitely a lovely item for any space enthusiast.
The design of the Sky Lite is different from the typical globe shape that you can find on most planetarium projector. Its unique shape allows you to tilt it from a 45-degree angle for wall projection to a 90-degree angle for projecting its visual goodness on your ceiling. The unit projects a patented blue nebula cloud effect through its aperture, allowing your bedroom or living room to shine in a special way.
You will find three control buttons on the side of the unit: the on and off switch, adjust the brightness level and control the motion. There are 4 different effects available. The normal one is a field of drifting stars against a moving nebula background, and the pulse mode (which is not really impressive). Additionally, you can choose to only display the stars or the nebula cloud.
To create this holographic light show, the sky lite uses a direct diode laser combined with a high-quality optical glass lens. Although the brightness level is satisfying, the visual effects will be much more impressive in a dark room. Regarding space coverage, the device does cast its visual goodness over a very wide area.
What we like about this projector
Sky Lite from BlissLights is an affordable star projector that is ideal for anyone wanting to create an outer space / relaxing feeling in their humble abode. We wished that the device had more colour options. However, the visual quality of the projected nebulae, starfields and auroras is mesmerising on any background. It is rated as one of the best starry night light projectors by Amazon’s e
This home planetarium essentially projects a blue nebula cloud that the manufacturer calls “Twilight” along with a constellation of green stars moving slowly in and around. Although it works well in a room where the light is dimmed, the projector works best in a room where all the lights are off. The holographic show covers a fairly large area and perfectly simulates a beautiful night sky (aurora borealis on a starry background).
The star-shaped head can swivel up and down, giving you better control of the projection angle compared to other planetarium projectors available on the market.
Don’t be fooled by its appearance. Although the design looks like a star and the outer casing is made of plastic, it is not a children’s toy. It uses lasers to project stars onto the wall or ceiling, which means it should only be operated by adults. If you buy it for younger children, make sure you place it somewhere they cannot reach it.
What we like about this projector
All in all, it’s a great device if you’re looking to light up your home cinema for movie nights, create a relaxing atmosphere for your meditation session, or set up a romantic vibe for a date night. It is also a fantastic gift for your friends who love space or for a family member who is interested in astronomy.
This device is probably best described as a star projector for kids, and this is reflected in the overall toy-like design of the device which closely resembles R2-D2 from Star Wars. That being said, many parents use this projector as an educational tool to help their children discover the many wonders of the universe. The brainstorm planetarium can be used in 2 different ways.
The first way is the planetarium mode which projects rotating stars and constellations into the room. It creates an “outdoor space” atmosphere in your children’s room, but it can also be used as a night light to comfort and soothe your child while they sleep.
The second way to use this device is to simply project still images onto the wall or ceiling. The device comes with 3 interchangeable slide discs, each containing 8 images, for a total of 24 space images. These images are various images taken in space by NASA and the Hubble Space Telescope.
What we like about this projector
While this modest home planetarium won’t blow your mind, it’s a great little gadget: it’s easy to use, very affordable and virtually silent. We can say with certainty that this projector will certainly please any young person dreaming of one day walking on the moon.
The Smithsonian Optics Room Planetarium is another projection device that should be seen more like a toy for children rather than a collector’s item for space lovers. Like most planetariums in this price range, the outer casing is made of plastic. The device is mounted on a swivel bracket that allows the user to tilt the projector up or down.
At the top of the unit, you will find 3 control buttons and two openings. The large aperture projects a rotating star pattern that can be used to give children some calming down time before bedtime. The smaller one projects images from one of the 3 interchangeable discs. You can display a clear view of the 50 available images of astronauts, spaceships, planets, nebulae, galaxies and other deep space objects. The apertures are surrounded by a focus ring that allows you to control the sharpness of the image depending on the distance between the projector and the wall or the ceiling. At the bottom, you will find a storage space for the 3 discs.
The star projector is powered by 4 AAA batteries, so there is no extra wire. The projector switches off automatically after 15 minutes, which is handy to avoid discharging the batteries too quickly.
What we like about this projector
Although we think this device is a little overpriced, it has an average rating of about 3.9 out of 5 stars, across more than 300 reviews. So it seems that this planetarium projector does its job well. It is not the most advanced device on the market, but you can be sure to make a friend or family member who loves space very happy at Christmas or on their birthday.
This star projector from Encalife is another way to bring the beauty of stars into your home. It’s easy to set up and use, and it projects a realistic starry night sky onto your ceiling or walls. The manufacturer has labeled this device as a “smart star projector” meaning it comes with a companion mobile app.
You can use voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant to control the projector from a distance. The app also allows you to set a timer, change the light colors, and adjust the brightness. The light projection is crisp and clear, and the color options are varied. We especially like the blue option, which is perfect for creating a calming atmosphere in a child’s bedroom. Furthermore, the device is relatively quiet when in use, which is a plus. The stars and the nebula cloud rotate separately which adds to the relaxing effect.
What we like about this projector
First, the starry night sky it projects is realistic and calming. We also like that you can control it with your voice, and the mobile app gives you more options for customization. The device does not feel cheap, and it feels like it could last you for many years granted it’s not dropped or mishandled. And that’s the main thing you buy tech, you want it to last for a long time. If you’re looking for a star projector for the occasional use at home, this one from Encalife is a great choice.
7 Important criteria to consider when buying a home planetarium projector
1 - What material is it made of?
As with any tech product, you don’t want it to break as soon as it falls by accident. You want a star projector that is manufactured with strong and durable materials so that you can use it for many years to come. If you shop online, it can be difficult to know what the device’s outer casing is made of. Pay attention to other customers’ comments to get an idea of how strong and durable the product is.
2 - How bright is the projected image?
The quality of the light bulb installed in the device will have an important influence on the brightness and sharpness of the projected image. Most quality planetariums will use LED bulbs which are much more advantageous than traditional bulbs: they are more durable, more powerful and more economical. Some different models may use a secondary light source: lasers. These are used to display sharp-looking stars across your walls.
3 - How big is the projection surface?
It would be a shame to spend more than $50 on a projector that would only cover half your ceiling. If you are currently looking to buy a home planetarium, I bet it’s because you want to illuminate your home with an out of this world light show. When choosing your future night sky projector, make sure that the projected light covers a large surface area on your ceiling and walls.
4 - What type of power source does it use?
If your home planetarium uses batteries only, you might be limited to sporadic use… You will not be able to leave it running at night as a night light because you will have to change the batteries every other day. This is not really practical nor economical. On the other hand, if the galaxy projector is equipped with a USB slot, you’ll be able to plug in a power bank which is really handy.
The way the star projector is powered will strongly dictate how often and for how long you can use it. If you plan to use your device often, choose a model that uses an AC adapter to plug it into a wall outlet. That way you can use it as much as you want without having to spend a fortune on batteries.
5 - Does it have any extra features?
Some of the handy features you might find on a night sky projector include the ability to play relaxing music or the ability to control the unit with remote control. Prices may vary depending on the type of extra features the projector has. For example, one of the most expensive home planetariums on our list can project 60,000 stars into your room, which is much more than any other model on the market.
6 - Does it have an audio system?
If you are trying to set up a home planetarium in your house, chances are that you are looking to create a very specific atmosphere, whether it be for meditation purposes, reading books, a romantic date or just to soothe children at bedtime. It does not matter if the projector can produce a high definition image, the relaxing atmosphere will not be complete without a touch of music. If this is your case, make sure the star projector you wish to purchase has this feature. Some models are equipped with a built-in relaxing music selection and others have a built-in wireless speaker, allowing you to connect it to your smartphone and listen to your own playlist!
7 - Is it portable?
Choosing a portable star projector means that you can take it with you wherever you go. This is great for setting up an impromptu planetarium in your backyard or set up a special romantic evening in your living room. If you have children, they may want to take their projectors with them to a sleepover or on a camping trip.
Smaller projectors are also great for small spaces. They can easily be stored away when not in use and brought out when you want to enjoy the colorful light display. So, if you’re looking for a star projector that is easy to take with you and set up, then a portable star projector is the way to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a home planetarium projector do?
A home planetarium projector can be used to project realistic images of various celestial objects visible in the night sky. They are specially designed for use inside your home and create an “outer space” type of atmosphere in your living room or bedroom.
Are star projectors easy to use?
The star projectors are easy to use because they have a very simple design. They use LED technology to shine light through a glass lens. Usually, the lens is surrounded by a ring that the user can turn manually to focus the light on your wall. Sometimes you can change the projected pattern by changing the interchangeable disc.
Which galaxy projector is the best?
It depends entirely on how you are going to use the star projector. If you just want a nightlight for your children, a basic model should do the trick. If you want a semi-professional night sky effect in your living room, you may need to purchase a high-end model.
Can a star projector be used in a nursery?
Absolutely. Some models are designed specifically for use in a nursery. They project images in warm colours for a relaxing visual effect and play soothing music to help children get sleepy at bedtime.
Where can I buy a planetarium projector?
There are many online shops where you can purchase a night sky projector for your home. The most popular and convenient is Amazon. If you are a prime member, you can benefit from discount codes and next day delivery.
Welcome to StarLust.org
Hey! I’m Tom Urbain, the founder of StarLust.org. I have been obsessed with space from a very young age. When I’m not binge-watching space documentaries, movies or TV shows, I can be found in my backyard, carefully collimating my telescope… ready to observe the universe!
Recommended Reading
Looking for the perfect astronomy gift? Whether it’s for an adult or a child in love with space, we have what you need.
Green laser pointers can be a handy little accessory to have during your stargazing sessions. Here’s everything you need to know about them.