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
Best Home Planetarium
1. Sega Homestar Original Black – Best For Premium Design
It is another star projector that looks like a death star. As far as projecting stars in the room are concerned, it goes beyond most of the home planetarium projectors regarding projecting the number of stars. It can project almost 60,000 stars. The package includes two discs, but you can also always buy more. The Sega Homestar has another 30-plus discs for the projector.
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 measured for this projector was around 106″ from a distance of 90″.
- Famous inventor Takayuki Ohira designs the projector.
- The image is clear and looks real.
- Auto-off timer function.
- Shooting star function.
- You can adjust both angle and focus.
- 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 toy Homestar is designed by a professional planetarium designer and will be a dream gadget for your home. If you are looking for a professional planetarium projector, this is the best star projector.
2. Homestar Classic – Best For Kids
It is something that looks exactly like Sega Homestar Original Black. Again just like the Original Black version, it was 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 comparing its looks, we found the only difference between the two is the color.
Two-star discs are included in the Sega toys Homestar package, but you can always buy more from the same seller. The rest of the feature is almost identical; we couldn’t find any difference between the Original black variant and the Classic.
- Clear projection at the proper distance.
- Focus and angle can be changed.
- Auto-shutoff.
- Good looking design.
- Requires some adjustment to achieve clear projection.
Bottom Line
This Sega toys Homestar can project 60000 stars, designed by a professional planetarium designer. So it is among the best star projectors for anyone who likes to see the real sky before going to sleep.
3. Nashika Real – Best Under $200
Even if a home planetarium projector doesn’t have the best features but can project a high-definition image, it is right among the best star projectors. While researching, we didn’t find many home planetariums 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.
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 using the adapter if you like to use the projector daily.
- 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.
- The design looks little cheap.
Bottom Line
If you love constellations, then Nashika real home planetarium is 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
Most of the home planetarium projectors were a simple plug-and-play. Not many offered control over the projection. However, the Parrot Uncle Star Hologram Projector is a unique product. With this project, you get a 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.
Other than the excellent quality image, it has an auto-shutoff timer function that ranges 4 hours. Unlike another projector, you can mount it on a wall. Also, the projection angle is 270 degrees which complement the wall installation. We also mounted it on a wall to check if there was any change in the result, but there was no change.
- 4-hour auto-shut off timer.
- Highly quality image.
- The image includes stars as well as nebula clouds.
- It can be mounted on a wall.
- Separate knob for adjusting nebula formations.
- Some settings are too bright for a bedroom.
- Does not protect other celestial bodies.
Bottom Line
Though the projector is very good, the amount of light it creates for some settings, some may find it hard to use it in a bedroom. However, light is perfect for creating ambiance or mood for a party or den.
5. Smithsonian Projector – Best For Budget Conscious
The Smithsonian optics room planetarium projector is perfect for kids’ bedrooms. Unlike other projectors, it projects planets, galaxies, blue nebula clouds, rockets, and astronauts. It may not have all the features of the top-quality home planetariums that we have mentioned in this list, but one thing it does is entertain the kids. That is why we believe it is perfect for kids’ bedrooms.
There are few features, but it does have an auto-shut off-timer function. Using a different combination of images and patterns, you can project something new every day for the kids.
- With the proper distance, good projection quality can be achieved.
- Auto-shut off-timer.
- Not too flashy.
- Rotation star pattern with 24 different pictures.
- Inexpensive compared to other variants.
- No AC adapter.
- If the projector is not placed right, images could be blurry.
Bottom Line
We realized that not all require a home planetarium projector that converts the whole room into deep space during our test. Looking at the capacity of this projector, the Smithsonian optics room planetarium is perfect for kids’ bedrooms. Sometimes it requires less than that.
6. Uncle Milton National Geographic Starry Night Lantern – Best For Multi-Function
Looking at the 2 in 1 function of the Uncle Milton Starry Night Lantern, it doesn’t seem like the star projector that we 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 a home planetarium projector.
There is a switch using which you can switch between lantern mode and star projector. It uses a 4 AA battery, which makes sense as it is designed for camping. There are no other features like auto-off, star rotation, focus, or angle.
- It works as a lantern and star projector.
- Long battery life.
- Light is bright.
- Clear stars.
- Inexpensive.
- 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 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.
7. Uncle Milton In My Room Star Theater Pro – Best Home Star Projector
When we unboxed Star Theater Pro for the first, we were impressed by the futuristic design. One of our team said it resembles a death star from Star Wars. However, may it looks like, we wanted to know how it performs. So we switched it on. It uses 3 AA batteries and 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 into deep space. After testing 27-star projectors, we can say this one projected the best image quality.
Other than the excellent quality of the image, it has an auto-shutoff feature. You can set either a 30-60 minute auto-shutoff timer. A much more comprehensive range of shut-off times would have been better. But looking at the result, you won’t complain about it.
- Futuristic-looking design.
- Two-star discs are included in the package.
- Can adjust the angle of projection.
- Auto-shut off-timer.
- High-quality image projection.
- A power adapter would have been better.
Bottom Line
Looking at the result of the projector, we can say it is one of the best. It will suit your bedroom interior, and it helps you get a good night’s sleep.
What To Consider ?
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. So, it is quite possible if one is a best-suited party or entertainment, others may be suited for sleep. The main reason being each variant has its advantage.
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 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 ambiance for the purpose. You may want some colorful and erratic lights for a party, but for sleep, you may want smooth and steady lights. Always get the projector that allows you to switch the light intensity and 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. LED star projectors can produce high-quality projection if the lens is good and the image is HD. Another is a laser stars projector, but not many home planetarium projectors 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, cheaper bulbs are used for the home planetarium, but they neither help project a quality image nor last long.
4. Power Source
The power source is also an essential factor you have to look for when buying the home planetarium. If you plan to keep it a fixed place, getting a star projector with an AC adapter is much wiser. With an 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. What is good about star projectors is that 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 an excellent 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 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 famous 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. We hired six experts who have years of experience either in manufacturing or designing such products. The experts 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 standard test room, we could 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 was affected.
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 get more insight into a different product. We also went through several reputed review sites to learn 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 categorized each model as the best star projector under $100, etc. Considering scores and categories, we created a list of seven home planetariums. Here is the scorecard of the top seven:
Home Planetarium tests
Final Thought
If you look online, you will find so many types of star projectors. Each model has its advantage and disadvantage. We made sure that we covered everything about a star projector that you must know before buying it during our reviews. 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 them. Once you are sure about that, just pick one of our lists and buy it.
You really need an editor to clean up this article. It would have been helpful, but the broken sentences, poor grammar and spelling errors (project instead of projector) makes it DIFFICULT to read. It’s as if it were dictated to a phone AI.