The best galaxy projectors for 2023

Galaxy projectors mimic the serene experience of staring at the night sky on a clear, crisp night. But because many of us live in urban environments with light pollution from city lights, we can’t always get that real world night sky view. Enter: galaxy projectors!

Galaxy projectors are soothing devices that project gorgeous color combinations and patterns to help with anxious sleepers, kids, or anyone who just loves looking at the night sky. Some devices feature smart app controls, others offer more simple and straightforward controls, but all the items on our list create a dreamy atmosphere that’s sure to mesmerize you. Some venture well outside efforts to recreate actual stars and simply project coo light patterns around the room.

As with just about anything that throws light, these can also be cool creative tools for photographers looking to create weird and interesting effects in their photographs

To give you an amazing night sky experience in the comfort of your own home, we rounded up the best galaxy projectors on the market. 

• Best overall: Sega Toys Homestar Flux
• Best budget: BlissLights Sky Lite – LED Laser Star Projector
• Best for kids: Fortally Nebula Star Projector 360 Degree Rotation
• Best night light: Rossetta Galaxy Projector for Bedroom
• Best smart: Kapebow Star Projector

How we chose the best galaxy projectors

We chose these galaxy projectors based on a few key factors. First, we wanted to make sure they were simple to use and accessible to anyone so you wouldn’t have to be bothered with any overly elaborate set-ups. It’s supposed to be a relaxing experience, after all.

We also made sure each model was affordable. With so many good options on the market, there’s no reason to spend hundreds of dollars on a galaxy projector that can produce the same effects of a cheaper model.

We looked at reviews and customer experience; did the device break down after a few months? Were the stars realistic? How bright could it get? How much surface area did it cover? 

Finally, we wanted to give a couple options with smart technology, so you could choose a device with app and voice controls for an even more convenient experience. 

The best galaxy projectors: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Sega Toys Homestar Flux

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Why it made the cut: Designed by a prize-winning specialist for professional planetariums, this projector features high-res renditions of 60,000 stars, high-quality lenses, 360-degree rotation, and two projection discs.

Specs:

• Power source: USB cord that allows for plug or battery pack
• Light source: LED
• Item Weight: 1.36 pounds
• Product Dimensions: 6.3 × 6.3  × 5.9  inches

Pros:

• Advanced optics
• Powerful 5-watt LED lighting
• 360° rotating dynamic projection
• Highly rated and reviewed

Cons:

• Expensive

This LED galaxy projector helps bring the planetarium experience into your home. Sega Toys’ Homestar series is designed by prize-winning Japanese inventor and professional planetarium specialist Takayuki Ohira. The Homestar Flux provides accurate high-res images of 60,000 stars. It’s also designed with advanced optical lenses and warm LED lights that provide sharp and vivid imagery.

The projector comes with 360-degree rotation and a smooth focus dial that allow you to project onto the ceiling, walls, or other flat surfaces from 3.9 feet to 9.5 feet away, and you can set a timer for 15, 30, or 60 minutes. The set is equipped with two projection discs of the northern hemisphere and the northern hemisphere with constellation lines (more are available separately from Sega) and also comes with a shooting star function. The included USB cable plugs into the wall or a power bank and the device also comes with a two-year warranty.

Best budget: BlissLights Sky Lite – LED Laser Star Projector

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Why it made the cut: This budget LED star projector comes with direct diode Laser, precision glass optics, and holographic technologies for a magical blue atmosphere that also budget-friendly.

Specs:

• Power source: Plug
• Light source: LED
• Item Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Product Dimensions: 2.91 x 5.95 x 5.95 inches

Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Simple button controls for easy switching
• Sleek, compact design
• Sharp detail

Cons:

• Button placement can be annoying
• Stars are green, not ideal for some

This LED galaxy projector comes with moving stars in a nebula cloud, multiple effects, and a simple button control that’s straightforward and un-fussy.

Reviewers love that it’s small and compact, making it great for apartment dwellers or smaller bedrooms. It features direct diode laser, precision glass optics, and holographic technology that creates a gorgeous ambience. 

Note that the stars are green or blue, which might not be ideal for some who would prefer white. But for the price point of under $50, you simply cannot beat this deal. 

Best for kids: Fortally Nebula Star Projector 360 Degree Rotation

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Why it made the cut: This night light and starry galaxy projector combo is the perfect inexpensive option for kids and anxious sleepers to dream under 9 different color modes with minimal noise.

Specs:

• Power source: AA batteries or USB
• Light source: LED
• Item Weight: 0.6 pounds
• Product Dimensions: 4.7 x 4.7 x 5.3 inches

Pros:

• Very budget-friendly
• Rotates
• Comes in several colors; great for kids
• Two power modes
• 9 color modes with a moon

Cons:

• Button push sound is loud

This super-inexpensive nebula galaxy projector clocks in at under $20 but creates a high quality and gorgeous starry ceiling that doesn’t feel cheap. This star projector doubles as a night light for anxious sleepers or kids who want the safety and security of a subtle glow.

It comes in several colors with 9 color modes, a crescent moon display, and two power modes (either 4 x AAA Batteries or USB cable connect). It also has an option to rotate to create compelling motion. While we don’t love the battery consumption, it is nice that this is easily portable if you’re trying to keep a consistent bedtime routine with a little one during travel.

Tip: The higher you place the galaxy star projector, the brighter the colors on the ceiling. You can place it on a top shelf or bookcase to create the most impactful effect. 

Best night light: Rossetta Galaxy Projector for Bedroom

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Why it made the cut: With 14 adjustable lighting effects, 19 white noise machine sounds, and Bluetooth connectivity, this night light galaxy projector creates soothing and mesmerizing sleep atmospheres perfect for anxious sleepers. 

Specs:

• Power source: Plug
• Light source: LED
• Item Weight: 1.04 pounds
• Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 4.3 x 6.3 inches

Pros:

• 4-in-1 star projector with night light
• White noise machine with 19 soothing sounds
• Bluetooth & voice projector 
• Fair pricing
• Remote control & auto-off timer

Cons:

• Bluetooth speaker/sound could be sharper

Kid-friendly and soothing, the night light projector by Rossetta works great for those who want a little light while they sleep. With 14 adjustable lighting effects, from shining stars to nebula clouds, you or your child can make a darkened bedroom feel like a safe place to sleep and dream for anxious sleepers!

To make it even more relaxing for kids or adults, this night light galaxy projector comes with 19 different white noise machine sound modes.

This galaxy night light is also a smart, 4-in-1 device with Bluetooth connectivity and a remote control that allows you to switch through a projection mode, brightness, speed, music selection, volume and an auto-off timer. It’s also shaped like an egg, which is fun and silly for kids.

Best smart: Kapebow Star Projector

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Why it made the cut: With 10 light displays to choose from, smart app control, voice control with Alexa and Google, and other smart features, this star projector has a lot to offer. 

Specs:

• Power source: Plug
• Light source: LED
• Item Weight: ‎1.3 pounds
• Product Dimensions: ‎6.5 x 6.5 x 5 inches

Pros:

• Comes with two speakers
• Easy mode switching
• Smart App control
• Voice control with Alexa/Google

Cons:

• Pricey
• Assembly could be easier
• Projection coverage could be wider

Create immersive experiences with this Alexa- and Google-Assistant enabled smart galaxy room projector. With easy scheduling timers, you can rest easy knowing your device will turn off automatically, or you can use the remote control. This option allows for ten different light displays and comes with two speakers built in that can connect via USB or Bluetooth. This galaxy projector is great for kids’ rooms and parties.

Things to consider when shopping for the best galaxy projectors

Power Source

Some galaxy projectors use batteries, while others require a plug. Both versions have their advantages, but it just depends on what you’re looking for or what’s available to you. We obviously recommend avoiding disposable batteries whenever possible.

Settings and special features

If you’re looking for special features like rotation capabilities, remote control, specific color combinations, smart app controls, or other features, be sure to consider this when shopping for your galaxy room projector.

Colors

Some galaxy projectors offer green stars, some blue, some have millions of color combinations, and some have fewer. Always read the description to find out which colors are available!

Ease of use

Your galaxy projector should be simple and easy to use. Button controls are going to be your simplest option, but all of them should be ready to use and shouldn’t require heavy lifting for setup.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best galaxy projectors

• Best overall: Sega Toys Homestar Flux
• Best budget: BlissLights Sky Lite – LED Laser Star Projector
• Best for kids: Fortally Nebula Star Projector 360 Degree Rotation
• Best night light: Rossetta Galaxy Projector for Bedroom
• Best smart: Kapebow Star Projector

Help anxious sleepers drift to peaceful sleep, create mesmerizing starry skies on your ceiling, and more with these hand selected star projectors. Whether you want something inexpensive and simple or a more high tech device, these star projectors are sure to keep your bedrooms and living rooms looking far out (see what we did there?).

Why trust us

PopPhoto has a long history of delivering the opinions of some of the sharpest and most prolific camera dorks the world has to offer. Since 1937, we’ve been reviewing cameras, providing wisdom from well-known photographers, and generally just nerding out about all that goes into making great pictures. Our current crop of writers and editors have decades of professional photography and camera writing experience among them. Collectively, we’ve probably shot with just about every camera and lens combo you can imagine—as well as some obscure stuff you may not even know about. Remember the Casio Tryx folding camera? PopPhoto does.

We also get that buying a camera is a big decision, which is why we’re dedicated to helping folks choose the right one (or, in our case “ones”) for their needs. Case in point: Handing over top dollar for an expensive rig may leave you unsatisfied if it doesn’t fit your preferred shooting style. Sure, a $6,000 sports-oriented DSLR can capture landscapes, but do you really need to do it at 30 frames-per-second? No, you don’t.