Cover Image for I was excited to try this smart outdoor projector, but it caused me more frustration than joy.
Mon Jan 20 2025

I was excited to try this smart outdoor projector, but it caused me more frustration than joy.

I had the expectation that this promising projector would offer good ideas, but that was not the case.

The Govee Outdoor Projector Light is an outdoor projector designed to stand out with its smart capabilities, allowing control through the Govee Home app. It has a suggested retail price of $129.99 in the United States and £159.99 in the United Kingdom; however, it is currently on promotion, reducing its cost to £109.99 on the Govee UK website. As of now, this product does not seem to be available on the US Govee site.

With dimensions of 6.7 x 7.9 x 11.8 inches and weighing 4.4 pounds, the projector's structure, made of black plastic, gives a somewhat budget-friendly impression, although it feels quite sturdy. Adjusting the projection angle is straightforward thanks to an adjustment screw, and its base provides adequate stability to prevent it from tipping over.

The projector has an IP65 rating on its control box and an IP44 rating on its adapter, making it suitable for outdoor use. It can be secured to a metal base or a plastic stake, allowing for projections covering up to 749 square feet, depending on the distance from the projected surface.

Connecting with the Govee Home app is one of its strong points, as it offers an intuitive interface that makes it easy to customize effects. The app includes features such as timers and connectivity with Matter, Alexa, and Google, avoiding the need to step out into the cold for adjustments.

Upon reviewing the various settings, a mix of results was noted. Although the projector allows for color palette selection, shades of blue and green are always included, even when not selected initially. This may be puzzling for users, and the preset patterns often do not offer the desired level of customization, with limited options for choosing other colors. The aurora projections are eye-catching but lack variety.

Despite limitations in customization options and occasional glitches when switching scenes, the Govee Outdoor Projector Light can add a colorful touch to an outdoor space. However, those seeking more refined thematic patterns and precise projection control may feel disappointed, as the level of sophistication does not entirely meet expectations.

In conclusion, this projector is suitable for those wanting a colorful and decorative effect, but it does not fully meet the customization and quality needs one would expect for its price.