Are you looking for the best home planetarium? We have tested 27 different home planetariums for 84 hours and took the help of our team and 6 experts on night lights. After rigorous testing, we sorted out the list of seven-star projectors for you. If you want to learn more about how to buy them, navigate directly to the buyer’s guide. In our tests, Sega Homestar Original Black grabbed the 1st place and Homestar Classic is runner up.
Top Pick
Product
Editor's Pick
Runner Up
Budget Pick
Name
Sega Homestar Original Black
Homestar Classic
Smithsonian Planetarium Projector
Best For
Premium Quality Home Planetarium
Home Planetarium For Kids
Budget Friendly Home Planetarium
Pros
The image is clear and looks real, Auto-shut off timer, Shooting star functionality, You can adjust both angle and focus.
Clear projection at the right distance, Focus and angle can be changed, auto-shut off, Good looking design.
With the right distance, good projection quality can be achieved. Auto-shut off timer. No too flashy.
Cons
Slight expensive compared to other star projectors.
Requires some adjustment to achieve clear projection
No AC adapter. If the projector is not placed right, images could be blurry.
Projects an amazing 60,000 stars, "shooting star" function
Leading brand with 3-watt white LED technology, timer, adjustable angle and focus
It is another star projector that looks like a death star. Well as far as projecting stars in the room is concerned, it goes beyond most of the home planetarium projector regarding projecting the number of stars. It can project almost project 60,000 stars. The package includes two discs, but you can also always buy more. The Sega homestar has another 30 plus discs to choose from for the projector.
It uses an AC adapter which is good. Also, it has an auto-shutoff timer function with a range of 15-60 minutes. The range is not enough, but at least it’s there. Once we plugged the projector, instantly we had 60,000 stars projected on our test room’s ceiling and wall. It has shooting star function which we loved. We felt as if we are watching the stars for real. We have to admit, with northern hemisphere disc, the image looked real.
If your room is around 12’ x14’ you won’t have to change too much regarding angle and focus. Bigger the room you will have to change the focus to get a clear image. The projection area that we measure for this projector was around 106” from a distance of 90”.
Things We Like
The projector is designed by famous inventor Takayuki Ohira.
The image is clear and looks real.
Auto off timer function.
Shooting star function.
You can adjust both angle and focus.
Things We Don't Like
Slight expensive compared to other star projectors.
Bottom Line
If you are a genuine space lover who loves looking at the sky, this 60000 star sega toys homestar is designed by a professional planetarium designer will be a dream gadget for your home. If you are looking for a professional planetarium projector then this is the best star projector.
Homestar Classic Planetarium Experience the world with us!
So amazing and yet cheap! Though cheap you can witnes a large number of star in it. With more than 60000 stars all of...
Finally Launched Home Star series optical home planetarium the world's first jointly developed by the creators of...
It is something that looks exactly like Sega Homestar Original Black. Again just like the Original Black version it also created by Ohira Takayuki. If you look at the complete package, it is almost the same. It has the 15-60 minutes auto-shutoff timer, shooting star function, and star rotation. By comparison of its looks, we found the only difference between the two is of the color.
However, we were keen to see if there was any difference in the performance. When we switched it on, it was able to project a clear image of stars. According to the manufacturer, 60,000 stars are projected by the variant. The projection was clear but required some adjustment of distance. It took us some time but between the range of 60-90 inches is the perfect distance.
There are two star discs included in the Sega toys homestar package, but you can always buy more from the same seller. The rest of the feature is almost the same; we couldn’t find any difference between the Original black variant and the Classic.
Things We Like
Clear projection at the right distance.
Focus and angle can be changed.
Auto-shut off.
Good looking design.
Things We Don't Like
Requires some adjustment to achieve clear projection.
Bottom Line
This Sega toys homestar can project 60000 stars, and it is designed by a professional planetarium designer. So it is among best star proejctors for anyone who likes to see the real sky before going to sleep.
You can set the constellation of favorite time of day, 365 days a year from 19:00 until 3:00 the next morning for a...
You can project the constellations of their birthday 365 days and
Can be projected on a ceiling or wall, circular range is 60 ~ 300cm, projection distance in color space wider universe...
Even if a home planetarium projector doesn’t have the best features but can project a high-definition image, it right among the best star projectors. While we were researching, we didn’t find many home planetarium that could project clear images. And the projectors that could are mentioned in this list. The Nashika star projector with its ability to project high-resolution images impressed us.
When compared to other star projectors, it doesn’t have features like auto-shutoff or shooting star function. The number of stars it projects is also below 10000. But one thing it does it projects northern hemisphere, 9000 constellations, 31 milky way, and earth like celestial bodies. It, not just projects you can set the time and date for each constellation. It would be cool to see your zodiac sign on your birthday.
We measured its projection distance for the clearest projection. It is between 20 -100 inches. It uses 3 AA batteries so you will have to keep an eye on the battery or you might start seeing blurry stars in the middle of a star show. However, it does come with an AC adapter. We recommend you use the adapter if you like to use the projector daily.
Things We Like
It is more sort of a celestial bodies projector than random stars.
You can set the time for each constellation.
With the correct distance, the image is clear.
You can project many different space bodies.
Works with both battery and AC power.
Things We Don't Like
The design looks little cheap.
Bottom Line
If you love constellation, then Nashika real home planetarium is just perfect for you and your home. It will be a perfect gift for anyone who loves to learn about constellations.
4. Parrot Uncle Star Hologram Projector – Best For Party
Create Thousands Of Stars And Cloud Formations With Green Laser And Holographic Technology
Transforms The Largest Or Smallest Rooms Into Your Own Personal Night Sky, Including Shooting Stars!
Two Settings Offer The Choice Of Drifting Clouds Or A Clear Night Sky For Added Variety
Most of the home planetarium projector were a simple plug and play. Not many offered control over the projection. However, the Parrot Uncle Star Hologram Projector is a unique product among all. With this project, you get the separate knob to adjust the size of the projection. In addition to stars, it can create different blue nebula clouds with a knob. It may seem like a useless feature, but it can help you project the image according to the size of the room.
It uses lasers to project the images, and not many variants project laser stars — a good thing it is powered by AC supply. The power cord is included in the package. When we turned it on for the first time, we loved the quality of the image. We added blue nebula cloud to make it more beautiful. At one point we were surprised to see shooting stars. One of our experts said this only project could do that and was totally impressive.
Other than the good quality image, it has an auto-shutoff timer function that has a range of 4 hours. Unlike another projector, you can mount it on a wall. Also, the projection angle is 270 degrees which complements the wall installation. We also mounted it on a wall check if there is any change in the result but there was no change.
Things We Like
4-hour auto-shut off timer.
Highly quality image.
The image includes stars as well as nebula clouds.
Can be mounted on a wall.
Separate knob for adjusting nebula formations.
Things We Don't Like
Some settings are too bright for a bedroom.
Does not protect other celestial bodies.
Bottom Line
Though the projector is very good, for some settings the amount of light, it creates some may find it hard to use it a bedroom. However, light is perfect for creating ambiance or mood for a party or den.
5. Smithsonian Projector – Best For Budget Consious
The Smithsonian optics room planetarium projector is perfect for kids’ bedrooms. It may not have all the features of the best home planetariums that we have mentioned in this list, but one thing it does entertains the kids. That is why we believe it is perfect for kids’ bedrooms. Unlike other projectors, it projects planets, galaxies, blue nebula cloud, rockets, and astronauts.
When we switched it on for the first time, we observed that it is not made to project all over the room. Instead, you have to choose the area where you want it project. According to us, the best place will be over the bed. In our lab, we marked the area to represent bed and projected the image over it. It has 24 HD pictures that it projects with a rotating star pattern. We had to work little to find the right distance and angle for the perfect projection. Once we achieved it, the result was amazing. It is one of the top galaxy star projectors you can have.
Regarding features, there are not many, but it does have auto-shut off timer function. Using a different combination of images and pattern you can project something new every day for the kids.
Things We Like
With the right distance, good projection quality can be achieved.
Auto-shut off timer.
No too flashy.
Rotation star pattern with 24 different pictures.
Inexpensive compared to other variants.
Things We Don't Like
No AC adapter.
If the projector is not placed right, images could be blurry.
Bottom Line
During our test, we realized that not all require home planetarium projector that convert the whole room into deep space. Sometimes it requires less than that. Looking at the capacity of this projector, Smithsonian optics room planetarium is perfect for kids’ bedrooms.
6. Uncle Milton National Geographic Starry Night Lantern – Best For Multi-Function
I will meet your needs, just let me know this product you are talking about : "" Uncle Milton Nat Geo Starry Night...
Looking at the 2 in 1 function of the Uncle Milton Starry Night Lantern, it doesn’t seem like star projector that we have discussed earlier. But we think it’s not just the home where you want to enjoy the starry view. You can use this during your camping. It does two jobs; you can use it as a lantern and as home planetarium projector.
When we switched on for the first, the kind of image it projected was different than most of the star projector we tested. It projected random stars. There is no disc used for projection. But the good thing is that it creates a nice illusion of night sky. For our test room of 12×14 ft, it was too small. So, we tested it in a tent and the projection was perfect for its size.
There is a switch using which you can switch between lantern mode and star projector. It uses 4 AA battery which makes a lot of sense as it is designed for camping. There are no other features like auto off, star rotation, focus or angle.
Things We Like
Works as a lantern and star projector.
Long battery life.
Light is bright.
Clear stars.
Inexpensive.
Things We Don't Like
There are a lot of features missing compared to other home planetarium projectors.
Bottom Line
The Uncle Milton Starry Night Lantern is designed for explorers who like to go out camping. We won’t advise you to use it for a bedroom or living room. However, kids might love it as it is among the best star projectors for kids.
7. Uncle Milton In My Room Star Theater Pro – Best Home Star Projector
Ultra-bright white LED source; Motorized image rotation
When we unboxed Star Theater Pro for the first, we were impressed by the futuristic design of it. One of our team said it resembles a death star from Star Wars. However may it look like, we were wanted to know how it performs. So we switched it on. It uses 3 AA batteries and also includes the USB cord as the power source. The package includes two star discs—star and Earth/moon/Sun. We first played stars disc. Instantly our test room was converted to deep space. After testing 27 different star projector, we can say this one projected the best quality of the image.
It uses LED light as a source of light to project the image. The slow image rotation is soothing and doesn’t distort you. You can also adjust the angle of the project for the best effect. The size of our test room is around 12 x 14 ft. The projector was able to project the image to the entire room with precision.
Other than the good quality of the image, it has an auto-shutoff feature. You can set either a 30-60 minute auto-shutoff timer. A much wider range of shut-off time would have been better. But looking at the result, you won’t complain about it.
Things We Like
Futuristic looking design.
Two star discs included in the package.
Can adjust the angle of projection.
Auto-shut off timer.
High-quality image projection.
Things We Don't Like
Power adapter would have been better.
Bottom Line
Looking at the result of the projector, we can say it is one of the best home planetariums. It will suit your bedroom interior, and moreover, it helps you get a good night’s sleep.
Buyer’s Guide – What To Consider While Buying ?
During our research, we found that there are many different varieties of star home projectors. If you do not have an idea about how to choose the right one, you might end up spending your money on the worthless product. Mind you we found many worthless home planetarium projector. So it would wise if you stick with the products we have mentioned. Even with a good product, there are several factors that you must know to buy the right star home projector for your needs and budget.
1. Use
Of course home projects can be used for entertainment or sleep, but still, you have to know the specific purpose. The main reason being each variant has its advantage. So, it quite possible if one is a best-suited party or entertainment, others may be suited for sleep.
So if you are looking for a star projector for entertainment, we would advise you to buy something that creates the party ambiance. Even if the light is too bright, it won’t be an issue. However, if you want a projector to help you or your kid’s sleep, you want a less distracting variant. Sega Homestar Original Black can be used for parties or simply entertainment. And for sleeping purposes Homestar Classic would be a good choice.
Also, there are cases where you want to use the home planetarium projector for camping and while exploring, Uncle Milton Starry Night Lantern is the one for it.
2. Lighting Mode
As we discussed above each light serves a specific purpose. So, it must be able to do that more effectively with the help of different lighting modes. Sometimes the projector comes with different modes or switches to help you create a different ambience for the purpose. For a party, you may want some colorful and erratic lights, but for sleep, you may want smooth and steady lights. Always get the projector that allows you to switch the light intensity and also control the rotation speed. Most of the lights we have mentioned allow you to do that.
3. Light source
There are different types of light sources used for star projectors. Most commonly used is the LED light. If the lens is good and the image is HD, LED star projectors can produce high-quality projection. Another is a laser stars projector, but not many home planetarium projector use a laser to project the image. Parrot Uncle Star Hologram Projector is the only one we found. It has one of the best projections. Other than these two sources there is cheaper kind of bulbs used for home planetarium but neither they help project quality image nor do they last long.
4. Power Source
The power source is also an important factor you have to look for when buying the best home planetarium. If you plan to keep it a fixed place, it is much wiser to get a star projector with an AC adapter. With AC power supply you won’t have to worry about the projector dying in the middle of the show.
However, the battery also has its advantages. You can change the location of the home planetarium projector. However, you will have to keep an eye on the battery. As the battery is close to dying, the intensity of the light also goes down. So choose the best option that suits your needs.
5. Design and Style
Projectors are an essential part of your interior décor. You don’t want an ugly-looking box in your bedroom or living. You want it to improve the interior of your room. That is good about star projectors they are made in different shapes and sizes. Some may look like futuristic gadgets, or some are in the form of toys. If you want home planetarium projectors for your kids, something that looks like a toy would be nice. However, if you want it to complement your interior décor, a good looking star projector like Sega Homestar Original Black would be a nice addition.
FAQs
1. What is the purpose of a home planetarium?
The home planetarium is a device that projects stars and other celestial bodies. It is great for those who are into astronomy.
2.How does a home planetarium work?
There are different types of the planetarium. Depending on the technology the working may different. But the most basic home planetarium as a light source in the center. When the light goes through several lenses, it projects star-like images on any surface giving the effect of the real night sky
3. Does all home planetarium project real constellation?
Ans: No, not all home planetarium is designed to project constellations. Most of the units that we tested provide random star images
4. How to use the home planetarium?
No technical knowledge is required while installing the home planetarium. You just have to find the right place from where you can project the perfect image.
5. How much does a home planetarium costs?
They generally cost from $40-$100. The highest quality home planetariums cost around $100. In case you want planetarium for babies they even go as low as $20.
6.Home Planetarium Vs. Star projectors?
Many people think both are the same, but they are not. The star projectors are just for entertainment and do not imitate the night sky. But home planetarium offers more sky like projection.
7.What is most important in a home planetarium?
The lenses through which light travels is the most important. The quality of the projection will be good if the lenses are of high quality.
How We Conduct Tests?
We began our test by getting the popular star projectors. We asked different sellers about their bestselling star projectors and selected 27-star projectors for the test. Before testing, we had to determine the testing parameters. For that, we hired 6 experts who have years of experience either in manufacturing or designing such products. The experts not only helped us identify the parameters, but they also helped us understand more about the star projectors.
Once we determined the parameters, it was time to design the tests. During tests, we aimed to determine the factors like projection, ease of use, durability, power, and features. We used a room of 12 x 14 ft as a test room. By using this common test room, we were able to compare the different projectors. We used the most trusted and accurate measurement tools for tests to minimize the error. We also simulated conditions like low battery, faulty buttons, etc. to see how the performance of the star projector is effected.
In addition to tests, we also wanted to know what existing users think about the projector they use. For that, we contacted sever existing users. Their hands-on experience with a particular model helped us to get more insight into a different product. We also went through several reputed review sites to know more about the products.
Once we had all the test results, customer feedback, and expert views, we asked our team to score each star projector-based three factors—projection, ease of use, and durability. We calculated the overall scores and sorted the top home planetarium. Also, we also categorized each model as the best star projector under $100, etc. Considering scores and categories, we created a list of seven best home planetariums. Here is the scorecard of the top seven:
If you look online, you will find there are so many types of star projectors. Each model has its advantage and disadvantage. During our reviews, we made sure that we cover everything about a star projector that you must know before buying it. Our list includes all types of projectors. All you have to do is determine what kind of star home projectors you need for your home and how much you are willing to pay for it. Once you are sure about that, just pick one of our lists and buy it.
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