Best star projectors 2024: From night lights to home planetariums (2024)

Are you in the market for one of the best star projectors? You've come to the right place. We've rounded up some of our favorite star projectors right here, all of which can project beautiful recreations of the night sky on your walls and ceilings.

Star projectors, also known as home planetariums, come in different sizes and styles, and we've listed a variety here, catering to different budgets. Some aim to recreate the night sky accurately, which can be great for learning. Others are more like light shows inspired by real nebulas. Many also have speakers built-in, making them perfect for relaxation, even if the projections aren't true to life.

When could you use a star projector? Honestly, anytime. We've noticed that kids especially enjoy them, finding them relaxing for bedtime or sleep. Some star projectors even teach kids about space. But don't think they're just for kids — adults enjoy them too, often using them to unwind. They're also fun for parties, especially if you are hosting a space-themed event.

In this guide to the best star projectors, you'll find a summary of each projector we've included and a link to a full review. There are links to buy each projector at the best price from trusted retailers and a quick summary of each one's pros and cons. There is a total solar eclipse coming up on April 8, so if you want spectacular real-life views, you must use sufficient solar observation gear.

April 8 solar eclipse: Best solar eclipse glasses March 2024

Don't miss out on the Total solar eclipse of 2024 coming April 8 in just a few weeks, be sure to grab solar eclipse glasses or specialized solar binoculars, telescopes or filters from our highlighted retailers below.

• Amazon: Celestron solar eclipse glasses
• Walmart: Solar glasses, binoculars and filters available
• Best Buy: Solar glasses, viewers, telescopes and binoculars
• B&H Photo Video: Single and multipack eclipse glasses
• Adorama: Solar eclipse glasses and filter adapter kits
• Target: Discounted ISO-certified solar glasses
• Staples: Solar eclipse multipack available

The quick list

Best star projectors we recommend in 2024

Best overall

There's no doubt about it: the Sega Toys Homestar Flux is the best star projector you can buy. It's more expensive than most on this list, however, and it can occasionally be hard to get hold of. But if you can afford it and do manage to see it in stock, you won't regret buying it: Very few other star projectors offer the same experience as this.

The Homestar Flux creates lifelike night skies right in your living room. With advanced glass lenses, it's bright and colorful even in rooms that aren't completely dark. It's more than just a simple projector—it's like having your own personal planetarium, thanks to its high level of scientific accuracy. It can display up to 60,000 stars with precision, and you can adjust the focus to get the perfect display on your walls and ceiling.

What sets the Sega Homestar Flux apart is that it can be expanded with different discs, with two included with purchase. One shows the Northern Hemisphere, and the other is the Northern Hemisphere Constellations, with constellations labeled to aid education.

There are 30 additional discs available for around $18 each when you visit Astrial, Sega Toys' official online store. Simulations of the aurora borealis and the aurora australis are perhaps the highlights, in our opinion.

There is a disc that displays the planets of the solar system as well, but the ones that show galaxies, nebulas and other NASA-based imagery are the ones that really stand out. For example, the North America nebula as taken by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope and the weird seven-star system called Jabbah (officially called Nu Scorpii and IC 4592) as imaged by NASA's WISE mission. You can also buy disks that simulate fireworks, 'night jellyfish' and a hot-air balloon festival.

Like many other star projectors, there's a 'shooting star' function, although, in our Sega Homestar Flux review, we found it a bit predictable because the star always fell in the same spot. It would've been nicer if it had more variation to make it feel more real. Plus, it has an automatic shut-off option after 15, 30 or 60 minutes, which is handy if you're using it to fall asleep and don't want to get up to switch it off!

• Read our full Sega Toys Homestar Flux star projector review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best for space-themed parties

Honestly, we're not sure what we love most about this feature-rich Aurora Borealis Northern Lights Star Projector.It might not be scientifically accurate, but it packs in a lot of great features.

One of the best features is how much you can customize it. You can make the stars more or less visible, turn on a full moon and change the colors of the Aurora Borealis to match your mood. There are 16.7 million colors to choose from (in theory), and you can adjust the LED light and green lasers to your preferred brightness. Plus, you can control it with the remote control it comes with or through the accompanying app on your smartphone.

Phew. That's a lot of stuff, but we've only just scratched the surface. In our Aurora Borealis Northern Lights Star Projector review, we talked about the projectors' musical rhythm mode, remarking how much fun it is to listen to music and adjust the lighting display to match the 'feel' of the music. It's a great relaxation tool and creates a wonderful ambiance.

Bluetooth speakers are often of low quality, but we found this speaker was surprisingly high-quality with excellent sound clarity and detail. The adjustable sound settings are a bonus, allowing you to personalize the sound to your preference and switch between different music genres.

• Read our full Encalife Aurora Borealis Northern Lights Star Projector review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best for voice control

During our Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Projector review, we were impressed by its sleek design, which will delight many. It's modern and compact, allowing users to place it anywhere in the house without ruining the aesthetic and sticking out like a sore thumb. The unit can be adjusted to four angles, making it flexible enough to project onto either the wall or the ceiling.

We love how simple it is to use and set up the Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Projector. One standout feature is its voice control options, allowing you to change colors, adjust brightness and control the rotation speed using just your voice. It works seamlessly with Alexa or Google Assistant, but if you prefer, you can use the smartphone app, available for both iOS and Android.

The Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Projector offers an impressive 16.7 million colors, which sounds fantastic in theory, however, in reality, it's highly unlikely you'll be able to make out all those colors with the naked eye. But don't let that discourage you! It still delivers an amazing light show experience.

The only thing to note about the Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Projector is that the nebulas and stars aren't scientifically accurate. However, if you're looking for a beautiful light display, you'll be delighted with it. We enjoyed the experience so much that we didn't feel disappointed. We especially liked the ability to adjust both brightness and projection speed, making it perfect for creating a serene environment to relax in or an energetic party scene.

The Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Projector has a USB power cable and attractive packaging, which would be lovely to receive as a gift.

• Read our full Encalife Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Star Projector review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best budget star projector

When we managed to get our hands on this little guy for our Astronaut Starry Sky Star Projector Review, we didn't have high expectations for this seemingly novelty item, particularly as we've seen its price vary significantly between online and in-store retailers.

Since going viral on TikTok, several retailers have started offering their own versions, leading to price competition. You can snag a great deal on this little guy if you shop around. We suggest not paying more than $30 for it, as some are available for as low as $10.

While we're including the Astronaut Starry Sky Star Projector as one of our best star projectors, it needs to be considered a novelty item first and foremost, mostly due to its fun astronaut shape. But while most novelty pieces tend to be cheaply made, we've found this one to be an exception. Its packaging isn't the best but the product inside is well made and it looks fantastic. Just be aware that different retailers are selling products that aren't all identical, so they may vary in quality somewhat due to retailers hopping on the trend.

In operation, the Astronaut Starry Sky Star Projector is surprisingly great. As we mentioned in our review, the lighting module seems to be the same — if just a tiny bit less impressive — as other star projectors we have reviewed, including theBlissLights Sky Lite 2.0and theEncalife Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Star Projector. It isn't based on science, unfortunately, but as long as you're happy to simply enjoy a pretty visual representation of the night sky, you'll get a lot of joy out of this. It helps it's very quiet in use, too.

The only downside we found is that it's powered by a USB-A to DC cable, which feels a bit outdated; we would prefer USB-C. Other than that, it's a fantastic gift for any space enthusiast, no matter the occasion.

• Read our Astronaut Starry Sky Star Projectorreview

• Back to the top ⤴

Best for pastel shades

This Evolve star projector is the most recent so-called 'galaxy light' to come from BlissLights, and it may be the best yet. It features voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant, meaning you can change the colors simply by using your voice, which is great if you're using it to relax and don't want to have to get up to change it or turn it off.

The BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve has a spherical design, which means you have near 360-degree angling. Few other star projectors offer so much coverage, and coming with a 1.5m cable, too, you should be able to position it in the best place in your room.

In our BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve review, we praised its almost-silent operation — just like its predecessor, the Sky Lite 2.0. Another improvement compared to the Sky Lite is the integration of patented color blending technology. Essentially, instead of using solid color blocks, the four LED lamps provide a broader range of color options. This results in blended colors, offering a softer, pastel-like appearance, which is perfect for setting a calming atmosphere.

The BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve is ideal for a gaming room, party, movie night or as a relaxation tool to unwind or drift off to sleep with. There are three models to choose from — pick between blue, green or no lasers.

• Read our full BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best value rechargeable star projector

The Pococo Galaxy Star Projector is a worthy addition to this guide, and a good rival to the National Geographic Astro Planetarium and the much more expensive Sega Homestar Flux. During our full Pococo Galaxy star projector review, we thought it was a good value star projector with decent build and projection quality.

You can purchase extra discs alongside the two included ones, with six discs typically priced at around $50. This projector strikes a nice balance, appealing to both kids and adults. It's available in a stylish color gradient paint job or a matte white finish. Adjusting the clarity of the projection is simple by using the focus wheel, which is handy if you want to move it between different surfaces or rooms.

The Pococo Galaxy Star Projector is super easy to control, utilizing just three buttons on its body: Power, rotation and sleep timer. Its rechargeable battery can be charged with a USB-C cable, so it doesn't have to be connected to a power source while it's in use.

The downside of the Pococo design is that you only have 30 degrees of movement to shine the lights, although as you'll typically be shining this at the ceiling, this isn't a deal breaker.

• Read our full Pococo Galaxy star projector review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best for homeschooling young children

Having completed a recent Brainstorm Toys Deep Space Home Planetarium and Star Projector review, we feel that it deserves a spot in this guide as a great STEM toy that will captivate kids ages 6+, and, in our opinion, spark their interest in all things space-related.

This particular projector is aimed at children, so the stars it projects aren't scientifically accurate like you'd find on the more 'adult' Sega Homestar Flux. But it still features a slide projector and three easy-to-handle discs containing 24 color images taken by the Hubble Telescope. Each included disc has a different theme; Nebulas, Spacecraft & Astronauts and Planets & the Moon.

Instead of using digital controls, you operate it manually. However, there's a "secret code" you can use to access additional informative descriptions of the pictures on the slides online. This allows children to learn more about space objects and adds a fun and mysterious element to the experience.

Considering its reasonable price tag and the many educational benefits it offers, we think this projector is a worthwhile investment for homeschooling or simply learning about space with your child.

• Read our Brainstorm Toys Deep Space Home Planetarium and Star Projector review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best multi-functional scientific star projector

The National Geographic Astro Planetarium is a high-quality indoor planetarium that accurately depicts our beautiful night sky, offering excellent value at an affordable price. It comes with two projection discs — one displaying 8,000 stars and the other featuring guidelines for major constellations. Impressively, what you see is true to the time and day you're using it, as we mentioned during our hands-on National Geographic Astro Planetarium review.

To get a clear and bright projection on your ceiling, just rotate the image and use the focus wheel (which is easier to see in the dark because of the illuminated blue buttons). The optics are from Bresser, a well-known German brand famous for making binoculars, telescopes and microscopes. However, we did notice that stars at the edges of the projection can sometimes look a bit blurry.

In the box, you'll get AA batteries, a 3.5mm jack cable (for connecting an audio device or smartphone) and four educational posters. By hooking up an audio device, you can listen to your favorite music or even the radio while enjoying the stunning projections from the projector.

One novel feature here is the 'falling star' mode. It projects a flashing meteor every 40 seconds, although we think it's a shame the falling star is always in the same place. A level of randomization would make it a bit more enjoyable and unpredictable.

• Read our full National Geographic Astro Planetarium review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best for generalist projection

The Bresser Junior Astro-Planetarium Deluxe is similar to the National Geographic Astro Planetarium we featured above. They share the same basic features and offer the same projections, but there are some key differences.

Firstly, the Bresser doesn't include an FM radio, nor can you attach an audio device. It can only be battery-powered, and this one comes with a silver and black body, which, in our opinion, looks a little more 'grown-up' than the yellow highlights of the National Geographic star projector.

As we mentioned in our Bresser Junior Astro-Planetarium Deluxe review, the same Astro Planetarium disks can be used in both devices, with two included in the box: one features a starry night sky, and the other has constellation overlays. You can set a day and time on the device, making the projections accurate for that time — a very nifty feature to have.

You can rotate the image in its stand, and it's fully mobile with built-in motors allowing for 360-degree movement. We found that it works best when the images are projected from about two meters away. Bresser designed the lens with a focusing wheel for easy image adjustment. Like many star projectors, it has automatic shutdown options after 30, 60 or 120 minutes, making it suitable for kids who want to fall asleep under a starry sky in their bedroom. Additionally, it includes a shooting star mode, projecting a 'meteor' every 40 seconds.

There are minimal differences between this and the National Geographic Astro Planetarium, but this is a little cheaper. If you don't want music compatibility and you're happy for it to be battery-powered, it's probably worth considering over the other.

• Read our full Bresser Junior Astro Planetarium Deluxe star projector review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best for portability

Given that it only has one function, this is a rather unusual entry on this list of best star projectors. We still think it's worth being featured, though: it's completely 'faff-free' and can instantly transform your surroundings with beautiful celestial projections. But as we said in our BlissLights Starport USB star projector review, you should probably use the term "star projector" loosely.

Simply plug it into a USB power source, and it will fill the room with hundreds of laser stars, creating a beautiful and immersive experience. It lacks any kind of scientific accuracy or customization options, but nevertheless, we think it's a great choice if you're looking for a portable star projector for relaxation or a calming light show.

We particularly like this option given how affordable it is, and if you travel around a lot, you can pop it in your pocket to take it with you — it takes up virtually no space. Maybe you're a gamer wanting to enhance your space, or perhaps you want to make bedtime more enlightening for your child — it will do those jobs valiantly, too.

If you want more advanced features or something more scientifically accurate, you should probably choose something else over the BlissLights Starport.

• Read our full BlissLights Starport USB star projector review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best for multi-media ambiance

Compared to the Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Projector, the Ambience Galaxy & Star Projector has fewer lighting modes, but we don't see it as a drawback. It provides four colors: blue, green, white and red, which you can blend using the included remote control and adjust the brightness according to your preference.

We were pleasantly impressed by the sturdy construction of this small star projector. While the packaging may be lacking, the unit itself is well-built, and the lights are bright enough to set a lovely ambiance or enhance any party atmosphere.

Its sleek black color blends in with many home decors, and it can also function as a music player, allowing you to listen to your favorite music or atmospheric sounds as you watch the celestial shadows dance across the ceiling and walls. When we reviewed the Encalife Ambience Galaxy and Star Projector, we found the speaker to be surprisingly high quality and audibly well-rounded.

The faceted dome shape means the lights can be projected and dispersed over 180-degrees, meaning the entire ceiling is covered with lights.You'll need to set up your phone's Bluetooth before you start using the projector, which is easy enough to do, and then you'll be up and running in no time.

Like the Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Projector, you won't get scientific accuracy, but you'll get a fantastic 'insomnia-busting' experience that allows your children (or yourself) to sleep better at night.

• Read our full Encalife Ambience Galaxy and Star Projector review

• Back to the top ⤴

Star projectors Frequently Asked Questions

How we test the best star projectors

To guarantee you're getting honest, up-to-date recommendations on the best star projectors to buy here at Space.com we make sure to put every star projector through a rigorous review to fully test each product. Each star projector is reviewed based on a multitude of aspects, from its construction and design, to how well it functions as a star projector and whether it provides accurate night sky imagery.

Each star projector is tested by either our expert staff or knowledgeable freelance contributors who know their subject areas in depth. This ensures fair reviewing is backed by personal, hands-on experience with each star projector and is judged based on its price point, class and destined use. For example, comparing a top-of-the-range star projector from one of the largest producers of star projectors to a make-your-own kit made from cardboard wouldn't be appropriate, though each star projector might be the best-performing product in its own class, and that is how we've categorized them in this guide.

We look at how easy each star projector is to operate, test out all their functions to see if they are effective and work as advertised. We check that the projections are good, that the build quality is fit for purpose and make suggestions for the most appropriate use of each unit.

With complete editorial independence, Space.com is here to ensure you get the best buying advice on star projectors, advising on whether you should purchase a product, making our buying guides and reviews reliable and transparent.