Consumer Reports' Tip For Choosing The Right TV For Your Outdoor Space Makes So Much Sense

According to Consumer Reports, there are a few features you need to consider for any outdoor TV, depending on your climate and where exactly you'll be placing it. The specific features you need to look at, are what level of sunlight it's rated for, the temperature it can handle, and the amount of dirt and moisture it's able to tolerate. You may expect your outdoor TV to be suited to any type of elements, but this isn't always the case, unfortunately.

To start with, consider the amount of sunlight your TV is going to handle every day. There are options for full sun, partial sun, partial shade, and full shade. Depending on which you choose will determine the amount of glare, the contrast and color levels, the brightness (measured in nits), and the ability to handle direct sunlight as well as the heat that comes with it. You could go with a full-sun option no matter what to be safe, but they tend to be much more expensive.

One thing you'll want to check for is the outdoor TV's IP rating, which is made up of two numbers. For the first number, look for one that's at least a five (out of six). This number tells you how well a TV handles things like dirt, wind, insects, and gunk building up inside of it.

The second number is specifically for moisture. Again, you want at least a five (out of nine), which means it can handle morning dew, mist, and an average rain shower. Going higher than five means the TV can withstand direct splashes and sprinklers. Meanwhile, a four will only tolerate light splashes on the casing or a gentle rain, and may work for under rainproof decks or in mostly enclosed spaces.

Finally, you want to think about the temperature. Your outdoor TV will be subjected to all weather conditions, so you need to make sure it can handle the hottest and coldest parts of a year. Thankfully, most outdoor TVs are pretty durable and generally tolerate more extreme temperatures than you could imagine. Many of them can handle anything from -22 up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. 

However, every brand is a little different, and some may have narrower ranges, so double-check. To make sure you're getting a quality product, look for TVs with clear ratings and ranges. You don't want a TV that simply says it can run in any season. (Read about outdoor patio and furniture trends set to take over in 2026.)

As Consumer Reports says, these three features for an outdoor TV — its sunlight rating, temperature tolerance, and moisture and dirt protection — are ones you shouldn't ignore when shopping for a set. Since these features are heavily dependent on the TV's location, you can't just buy a TV now and then figure out where you want to place it later. Take the time first to research how to add a TV to your outdoor space, noting the various specifics of the location. Then, find the perfect TV to fit the area.

You also want to think about the brand. Names you'll come across on recommended products lists include Samsung, SunBrite, Sylvox, and Furrion. And, of course, you have to decide what size will work best for you.

You'll also need to consider the smart features you want, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and the ability to stream from your favorite apps. Sound quality is another consideration, although here you can always purchase outdoor soundbars or speakers to improve the TV's built-in ones.

Finally, before doing all of this, you need to sit down and actually decide if a TV in your outdoor space is what you really want; it's not for everyone. For example, Dave Marrs from "Fixer to Fabulous" has thoughts about adding a TV to a backyard patio – he thinks it's unnecessary.