The 6 best star projectors for adults
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Star projectors are a neat way to experience the beauty of space in the comfort of your own home. The best star projectors for adults will create a star-scape you love and feature the number of settings and colors you want to experiment with. Some incorporate upgraded technical features (like Bluetooth capability), but if it’s simplicity you seek, don’t worry — there are options that can project star-like lights with fewer bells and whistles.
Nebula-like projections are mainly created with colorful lights and/or lasers, and many have multiple lighting modes and colors. Alternatively, planetarium-like star projectors have interchangeable discs that cast a single image onto the wall or ceiling. You can also find options with just lasers — these might look less like real stars but can still make a big visual impact. Both kinds of projectors often offer adjustable brightness levels and image rotation speeds. Many also feature automatic shutoff timers. The way these modes are controlled varies by model, and it’s up to you whether you’d prefer a projector with physical buttons, a remote, or an app that allows you to select more custom settings from anywhere.
The star projectors on this list are all powered by either a wall outlet or USB port — so keep in mind which might be more convenient in the space where you plan to use it. Some have cool features like white noise, Bluetooth speakers, and even the ability to sync its lights to music, too. But if it’s simplicity you seek, don’t worry. There are options with fewer bells and whistles.
Whether you’re in search of a projector that casts space-related pictures onto your ceiling or a more fanciful model that emits colorful nebula-like lights and shapes, you can find one that suits your interests and aesthetic goals. One things for certain: Any one of the best projectors for adults can immerse you among the stars, without ever leaving planet Earth.
1. A galaxy projector with a Bluetooth speaker
Set an intergalactic mood with this galaxy star projector that emits swirling lights in 10 colors and offers over a dozen brightness levels, along with optional laser stars. It rotates at three different speeds and has four automatic shutoff timer options at 0.5, 1, 2, or 4 hours, so feel free to use it as a night light. Plus, it has five white noise sounds, making it a great star projector for the bedroom. This star projector also operates as a Bluetooth speaker and is even able to sync its light movement with the music you play. It’s controlled by an included remote or by buttons directly on the projector, and it’s powered by a wall plug. Choose from models with white or black exteriors.
One reviewer wrote: “Love the device. It’s easy to operate with the remote and also using the buttons on it. The lights are brighter than I expected including the comet and the star animations. Have already had several relaxing nights thanks to this little gadget. Additionally, the device is easy to charge thanks to the the [USB] charger provided in the package. Very pleased so far and would definitely recommend.”
Type: Nebula with laser effects | Color settings: 10 | Brightness levels: 13 | Image rotation: Yes | Automatic shutoff timer: Yes | Controlled with: On-device buttons and remote | Powered by: Wall plug | Bluetooth capability: Yes (built-in Bluetooth speaker)
2. A planetarium projector with six image discs
This planetarium projector shows images from its included slide discs, which feature the Milky Way, a vortex, an aurora, the universe, the moon and clouds, and a forest scene. It has three brightness settings, optional 360-degree rotation, and an automatic timer that can be set to turn off the projector after one hour. Plus, it’s all controlled with buttons on the device (but the brand also offers a smart nebula version with in-app control, if you prefer).
One reviewer wrote: “The best purchase I ever made. It feels like you are inside a planetarium. Aesthetically beautiful.”
Type: Planetarium (six discs included) | Color settings: 3 | Brightness levels: 3 | Image rotation: Yes | Automatic shutoff timer: Yes | Controlled with: On-device buttons | Powered by: USB plug (cord included) | Bluetooth capability: No
3. A mini star projector under $20
If you’re in search of a small and simple star projector that still packs a lot of punch, try this USB-powered one. It projects red, green, or blue laser stars — and while the stars don’t move, the light can be repositioned by a short, flexible arm. Just plug it into a laptop for a vibey workspace or an external battery for an on-the-go light show.
One reviewer wrote: “This portable light is perfect! It completely lights up my room at night, and I love to have it on while watching Netflix. This light makes me feel relaxed and the projection of stars is also great to sleep with at night if you don’t like total darkness. If you are a fan of LED strip lights, this USB Starport is a great addition to the strip lights and looks incredible together. Highly recommend.”
Type: Laser effects | Color settings: 3 | Brightness levels: 1 | Image rotation: No | Automatic shutoff timer: No | Controlled with: On-device buttons | Powered by: USB plug | Bluetooth capability: No
4. An app-controlled smart star projector
For a star projector with lots of custom options — thanks in part to being controlled by an app — try this smart nebula projector. Not only does it offer swirling lights and green laser stars, but you can also create loads of color combinations, brightness levels, and rotation speeds in the app. The projector even has an automatic timer that you can set on a schedule. With the app, you can also connect the projector to an Alexa-enabled device, allowing for voice control. Not interested in downloading the app? Many of the features can be controlled by buttons on the projector itself, too.
One reviewer wrote: “Great light to use before bed, Dimmable and the timer makes it great- would like the laser to have optional colors other than green. Can even adjust the speed of the lights rotation. Wifi enabled through app makes it great, and can even set a timer for it to turn on and off at specific times.”
Type: Nebula with laser effects | Color settings: Millions (per the manufacturer) | Brightness levels: Multiple (unspecified number) | Image rotation: Yes | Automatic shutoff timer: Yes | Controlled with: On-device buttons and app | Powered by: Wall plug | Bluetooth capability: Yes (in-app controls and voice assistant pairing)
5. A laser-based star aurora projector
This star projector uses green and blue lasers to project moving light effects. It has three different lighting modes, adjustable brightness, and optional spinning rotation, all controlled with buttons on the projector. The projector can be angled for optimal positioning and has a six-hour automatic shutoff timer. It’s powered by a USB plug and comes with an adapter for plugging it into the wall.
One reviewer wrote: “This threw a spectacular light show on our living room ceiling which is an open loft. It’s clear that the projection is larger and more dramatic the more distance you can create from the arc to the wall or ceiling. It absolutely looks 3D especially with the movement button selected, like an undulating bioluminescent creature. We love it.”
Type: Nebula with laser effects | Color settings: Multiple (unspecified number of blue and green settings) | Brightness levels: 3 | Image rotation: Yes | Automatic shutoff timer: Yes | Controlled with: On-device buttons | Powered by: USB or wall plug (cord and wall adapter included) | Bluetooth capability: No
6. An astronaut-shaped star projector with a remote
This astronaut-shaped star projector is more than just kitsch — it projects colorful nebula-like lights as well as green lasers that are impressive enough to warrant a near-perfect 4.8-star overall rating after more than 1,500 ratings on Amazon. Its nebula lights have eight color options, offer adjustable brightness and rotation, and can be tilted by pointing the astronaut’s head upwards or downwards. The astronaut’s arm can also be moved and positioned just for fun. The projector is powered by USB, while the remote control requires two AAA batteries that are not included.
One reviewer wrote: “I love this little guy. I like to fall asleep to it dimmed. It has a variety of settings and a sleep timer. Highly recommend if this is something you’re considering.”
Type: Nebula with laser effects | Color settings: 8 | Brightness levels: Multiple (unspecified number) | Image rotation: Yes | Automatic shutoff timer: Yes | Controlled with: On-device buttons and remote | Powered by: USB plug for projector (cord included) and two AAA batteries for remote (batteries not included) | Bluetooth capability: No
