There was a significant change in the way people looked at their living space during the pandemic that hit back in 2020 (somehow, this is two years ago now). It forced us to stay in our homes for weeks on end, only going out for exercise once a day. Therefore, we found ourselves staring at the wall for hours on end, and from that realised... "This wall is a bit blank, maybe I should decorate it".
Subsequently, came the insurgence of DIY/home-decorating-TikTok. Alongside massive trends such as sunset lamps and dried flowers, we were introduced to the star projector.
Related: The best outdoor projectors: movies, streaming, gaming
Star projectors are the epitome of atmospheric decor, and create a wonderfully serene ambience for any room you place it in. There are different types of star projectors based on your preference; there are projectors for adults with general star-scapes, child-friendly projectors with basic star and moon shapes, and ultra-detailed galaxy projectors for solar-system nerds (myself included). No matter what you pick though, every option will make you feel like you're floating on cloud nine and is a great way to relax after a long day.
So, what is the best star projector for you? Read our intergalactic guide to find the perfect option for you. We also have video footage of every projector we select, so you can see it in action.
(Remember, if the projector uses lasers, never look into the projector directly otherwise your eyeballs won't thank you.)
The 7 best star projectors to buy online for any occasion
The best high-tech star projector
AmazonPerhaps one of the most renowned star projectors, the BlissLights Sky Lite certainly lives up to its reputation. It uses a direct diode, precision glass optics and holographic technology to project a field of drifting stars against a nebula cloud (which can shift to red, green and blue). What's more, you can use the free BlissLights app to control your projector from your phone. Pros: This projector lives up to the hype with its engrossing night sky, which is customisable from your phone. Cons: If you're looking for a ultra-realistic night sky, this may not be the projector for you as you cannot make the stars white, and the pattern is more uniform than a typical galaxy.
Review: "I don't mean to be dramatic but this is the best thing I have ever bought in my entire life. Pictures/videos can't do it justice, it's magical. The projection is really clear... and slowly rotates. It's so beautiful and relaxing to lie under at night. There is no noise coming from the motor unlike with cheaper knock offs of this product. I am looking forward to buying more from this company again. The only negative is I keep accidentally looking into the lasers but that's my fault."
The best star projector for accuracy
Astrologists, assemble. The Sega Star Projector comes with two star slides where you can showcase either mapped-out constellations or a realistic night sky complete with the Milky Way. This means the best of both worlds. With the constellation slide, you can practice your astrology knowledge, and with the night sky slide, you can fall asleep under a mesmerising display of our solar system, without having to take a step outside. Pros: Perfect for those who want a more precise depection of stars. It also comes with a self timer, so it can turn off by itself after a certain amount of time. Cons: It does not come with a controller or app, and does not change colour.
Review: "Brilliant, love the Milky Way, the mechanism is working very well, need more Sega toys choice disk in the future. Well packaged, arrived in advance, my own planetarium, the dream."
Our friends over at Empire reviewed the newer but more expensive model, the SEGA Star Theatre Planetarium Flux. Check out what they thought, here.
The best compact star projector
AmazonIf you're looking for something small and sweet, BlissLights sells a small torch-style projector, powered by USB. This means you can project a galaxy of stars from your laptop, phone charger or battery pack. Its small size means it can easily fit into a bag or pocket, so you can create a beautiful atmosphere anywhere you wish. Pros: It's compact enough to pack and plug in any location you travel to. You can purchase it in red, green or blue. Cons: The starport only projects uniform dots as stars, and does not include nebulas.
Review: "Everything I expected and more! It lights up the whole room. When tested outside the whole garden lit up and it even reached the walls of neighbouring houses, it is a proper strong laser and not just a torch. The actual thing is it's nice pocket size and so is the little extension cable, you could easily take it on holiday or around someone’s house. The extension cable is helpful for positioning in a wall socket and I’m sure it would be perfect for using it with a laptop, computer or TV USB port."
The best multi-functioning star projector
AmazonIf you are looking for more than just a star projector, the Night Light Projector from KGC is the king of multi-tasking. Not only does it project a mixture of ocean waves and stars, but it can takes deep breath project 16 million colours, functions with Alexa and Google Assistant, play music through its Bluetooth speaker and can be managed through a controller or your phone via WiFi. Pros: Well, all of the factors listed above. This machine definetly packs a punch. Cons: It is a less precise depiction of stars, and more of a ocean surface effect that happens to have stars dotted around. Some reviews state it makes a bit of a buzzing sound as it rotates.
Review: "It arrived nicely packaged up looked okay then I plugged it in and wow. This is an amazing awesome Bluetooth speaker that's so loud with the most dazzling array of light projecting I have ever seen. Comes with a remote control which needs two batteries along with a USB lead to power it on. Quite different than other projectors as it has a stand at the bottom! It really helps to put the projector in any angle and room corner!"
The best star projector for children
AmazonThis star projector is ideal for any child who has hit the age where the outside world begins to fascinate them. We all remember being blown away by starry nights when we were younger, so this projector would be an ideal gift for any primary school-age child. It comes with different projection displays, such as the moon, the eight planets, constellations, and the solar system as a whole. They'll be reciting planets whilt they drift off to sleep in no time. Pros: A night light to both fascinate and educate your children. If they don't feeling like watching the stars, there are also a sea creature projection, as well as a "Happy Birthday" projection to celebrate the special day in style. Cons: Some reviewers found focusing the image from the projection difficult unless the projector was close to the wall/ceiling, otherwise the picture was blurry. Placing it on a shelf near the ceiling, or in a smaller room may help with this.
**Review: "**Loved this projector light. Was very atmospheric gave a lovely feel to the room when the Planets were projected onto the ceiling and moving very slowly around. Lots of different shapes as well could be used. would be good for a Childs Bedroom as well. Looked Lovely at Christmas when all the decorations were up and the room was just lit with the Christmas tree lights and the Ceiling Projector Lights from the unit. Delivery was earlier than expected which I was more than pleased with. Thank you."
The best star projector for toddlers
AmazonAn adorable addition to any nursery, the Ansmann night light projects a simple cartoonish night sky for your baby to enjoy as they fall asleep. Its ladybird shape will no doubt please any young'en, and they can learn to interact with it by changing its four available colour schemes. Pros: As well as being just so gosh darn cute, this star projector is built with young children in mind. The materials are Tu00dcV-tested and the battery slot is securely screwed to prevent sneaky little fingers accessing the batteries. It also automatically shuts off after 45 minutes, and has no heat generation. Cons: It is battery powered so you will need to replace these when nessesary. The stars and moon do not move around.
Review: "I love this little ladybird and it really does do what it says. As others have said though, the room needs to be really dark to get the proper effect. We bought it for our toddler's bedroom as she was beginning to play up a little at bedtime, trying hard to keep herself awake and climbing out of bed. From the first night, we tried this it worked, she stayed in bed mesmerised by the galaxy on her ceiling. We use it mainly on the colour changing mode, as you get quite a good effect as one colour fades and then the other comes on. The 45-minute switch off is a great feature too, it saves the batteries. I personally feel that this was worth every penny and our daughter certainly loves it. She now goes up to bed to see her ladybird and almost can't wait for her bedtime story to end so she can get the light turned off and the ladybird on"
The best star projector that functions as an ornament
AmazonThis final star projector is plain silly, but it's hard not to love it. When your package arrives, you are greeted with a traveller of the night sky, or an astronaut, if you will. This little guy can project two modes, nebula and starlight (alone or in combination). Within this, you can control the speed, brightness, light mode, and individual nebula effects. Pros: The Astronaut Projector can be fine tuned to your exact liking, including two timing modes. It functions as a snazzy ornament for your room, meaning it has a function even when switched off during daylight hours. Cons: If you have other LED lights in your room, using the remote control may result in your other lights turning on, one reviewer describing it as causing "discos at bedtime".
Review: "Love this product only downside is the stars are one colour. Really relaxing watching nebula change colour and the stars fade in and out. Can't wait for the grandkids to see it. It comes with a remote and it is bright enough and cover the whole room".
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Ruby Barry is a Commercial Content Writer for WhatsTheBest, specialising in fashion and art. She also writes for Heat, Closer and Empire.
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