This is a great tool to introduce children to the topic of space exploration, as well as the constellations. Reviewers love this machine for its multiple domes and slides, as well as its included educational booklet.

The projector has a three-watt LED bulb that can project up to 106 inches in diameter from a distance of 60 to 90 inches away. Those ultra-bright lights are also easily visible on most surfaces, though some reviewers wish the projector was bright enough to see in dimly lit places. 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. 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. Before pulling the trigger on a star projector, ask yourself: Are you looking for a scientifically accurate display of the sky, or are you just looking for a nightlight? Star projectors that accurately show off clusters are more expensive than small projectors that may project a single image. Galaxy projectors can be great for babies. The lights create a soothing, relaxing, and mesmerizing atmosphere that can calm babies and toddlers who might be anxious sleepers. Some even come with soothing music to help calm the nervous system. Final thoughts on the best galaxy projectorsIf you're looking for a projector with an in-built speaker, or one whose lights change in time to music, you'll want to look at the Encalife Ambience. This is remote controlled using infrared rather than an app or over Wi-Fi but doesn't have smart connectivity.

The color-changing lights are captivating and calming. Meanwhile, the slow rotation adds some dimension to the show. When you can’t go to the aurora borealis, you can bring the aurora borealis to you with this SOAIY night light projector. It recreates the gorgeous looks of the northern lights and places those lights in your home. If you want to switch to a different setting, you can choose from seven different light displays. The projection lamp can run all night, but it also has one, two and four hour timers that you can use. It also lets you choose between a still or a rotating image and from three different brightness settings. Thanks to the built-in speaker, you can plug in a phone or music player and listen to music as you relax to the moving lights. 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. 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. It comes with a really handy remote control that allows you to adjust settings from anywhere in the room, saving you having to get up out of your relaxation position.

Do you like the idea of using a star projector as you fall asleep but hate the idea of wasting power as you sleep? Most light projectors come with a timer setting that lets you set the timer for a specific amount of time. This can range from 15 minutes to several hours. As soon as it reaches that time limit, the projector will shut down. Some of the models suitable for parties and outdoor use have a timer of five hours or more, which help you can keep the party going all night long. Lighting Modes and Options 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. Kids who love watching the Smithsonian Channel will love this science kit from the same company, which lets them view stars and constellations in their bedrooms. It comes with slides that use high-definition images and lets kids choose the type of skies they want to view. They can combine those images together to create more than 50 displays that include stars, planets and even astronauts. Designed for those over the age of eight, this home planetarium star projector helps kids study the planets and learn about space. This makes it one of the few projectors that serve as a STEM toy. It also features a timer setting that shuts the projector off after 15 to 30 minutes.

Star and galaxy projectors also have some benefits for children. These simple devices serve as a night light for kids who are afraid of the dark. Your kids can get up and go to the bathroom or get a drink of water at night without turning on all of the lights in your home. Star projectors can also foster their creativity and get them interested in science. The right one will encourage them to come up with new stories about the planets and stars that they see. A projector may also get your child excited to learn about the planets and constellations. How Can You Use a Projector?

Although the Sega Toys Homestar is a fantastic projector at the right price, the home planetarium experience from Dark Skys is likely the best home stargazing experience that money can buy—and the price matches the quality. If you’re looking for a projector that acts as a sort of nightlight or vibe-setter, consider one with a timer function to turn off your projector after 15, 30, or 60 minutes of operation, helping to preserve energy if you use it to fall asleep at night. Projection Space 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! This lamp also has a simple control scheme and a built-in timer for automatic shutoff. It’s also pretty versatile as far as power goes. You can use standard AAA batteries for ultimate mobility. However, a compatible power adapter will keep it powered all night long. Key Features: The Galaxy Night Light by Orzorz is an impressive star projector with five detailed slides, plenty of timer and rotation options, and, unlike some projectors on this list, a rechargeable battery. Slides for the Milky Way, moon, and Earth are included here, which give a variety of highly detailed views from the start.

Looking for a star projector for educational purposes? This easy-setup projector is an excellent intro to the cosmos for ages eight and up. It has interchangeable parts, including three slide discs, each with eight images to switch up the viewing experience. Those discs carry photographs of spacecraft, astronauts, and nebulae, all provided by NASA and the Hubble Telescope. 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! Another star and galaxy projector that is worthwhile is the Homestar Classic from Sega. It has a fun case in a shade of metallic blue that might remind you of the night’s sky. You can set the timer to run for 15, 30 or 60 minutes and add a shooting star effect to the display. The Homestar Classic comes with a small stand that supports the projector and doesn’t require a lot of counter or table space. Included with this cosmos star projector are several discs that let you select the display and images that you want to view. It’s compatible with other discs that are available from Sega too. Galaxy Lights® starry light projector 2.0 is our flagship night projector and comes with 21 dynamic color combinations to project relaxation and ambience light. The light features a built-in timer. Set it to shut off after only a few minutes. Or, let it run all night long. The choice is yours! Key Features:As just mentioned, this star projector is ideal for both adults and children. Use it as a calming and relaxation aid for those days where you’ve been stressed out and under pressure. Or for children who find it hard to settle at bed time and need a little bit of help. Adjust the speed freely according to your child’s preference. One feature you should consider before buying a projector is its overall size. This is especially true of the one you want to use in a child’s bedroom. Some of the models designed for adults are small in size and feature small pieces that kids can easily pull off and put in their mouths. You should also think about the size of the buttons too. Kids often have an easier time with larger buttons, while adults can use smaller buttons. Battery Power 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.