The output (in terms of power and area coverage) is slightly less than some of the other models in our best star projector guide, but this is perhaps as it's likely going to be in a child's bedroom where the projection area isn't going to be huge. Operation is manual rather than digital, but you can access additional informative descriptions of the pictures on the slides online using a provided 'secret code.' This allows children to learn more about the different space objects and concepts depicted in the slides and adds fun and mystery to learning.

Here's one for space fans and paleontology enthusiasts alike. The second novelty-shaped projector in this guide and it's surprisingly capable in terms of functionality, and during our Dinosaur Egg Galaxy Star Projector review our children loved it! During our Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Projector review, we were impressed by its sleek design that's sure to delight many: it's modern and compact, allowing the user to place it anywhere in the household without ruining the aesthetic. The unit can be adjusted to four angles, making it flexible enough to project from your selected surface onto the wall or ceiling. Aurora Borealis Northern Lights Star ProjectorIt's highly customizable, the patterns are realistic and the music rhythm mode is impressive. This is one of our favorites. ★★★★½ A lovely star projector that any space fan will love. It's good quality, remote controlled and offers ample color combinations to transform your space. This is a great quality star projector for any space fan. We were dubious how good this star projector would be, as historically, novelty-shaped star projectors are pretty disappointing. We're pleased to say that during our Astronaut Starry Sky Projector review, this 'cute' projector meets space-themed ornament surpassed our expectations.The faceted dome shape means the lights can be projected and dispersed over 180-degrees, meaning the whole ceiling is covered with lights. There is one rotation speed which is slow and soothing — there's a little bit of noise from the motor but nothing that would be distracting, and better than many models we've tested. The astronaut's space helmet is where the laser and lights are projected from, and the head of the astronaut is rotatable, connected to the body with strong-ish magnets. This allows you to project the 'nebula' in almost any direction, filling the room with 'stars' (twinkling green lasers) and color or projecting onto a smaller surface area for a more vivid and focused light. Two-timing modes: about 40min and about 90min, automatic shutdown, you can easily access these settings without getting up.

Comparable with the BlissLights Sky Lite 2.0, the motor which rotates the lights is exceptionally quiet, you can only really hear it if you press your ear right up against it. This makes it perfect to use as a night light to drift off to sleep. One difference between this model and the Bliss Lights Sky Lite 2.0 is there is no option to rotate the lasers which shine from the top right of the astronaut's helmet, only the nebulae rotates. We don't think that's a deal breaker though. Astronaut Starry Sky Projector: Functionality The newest star projector from BlissLights features color blend technology, voice and app control. A great option for anyone shopping for a mood-enhancing star projector. Not all star projectors are scientifically accurate — some are designed to be pleasant ambient lights to be used as kids' night lights or just to create a relaxing atmosphere. However, some models are scientifically accurate and create a planetarium in the comfort of your own home — these include the the Sega Toys Homestar Flux, National Geographic Astro Planetarium and Bresser Junior Astro-Planetarium Deluxe. What is the difference between a star projector and a planetarium? Pococo Galaxy Star ProjectorIt does what it is supposed to — it projects high-quality imagery onto any surface to immerse you in the wonders of what the universe has to offer, maintaining a static picture or slowly rotating image.★★★★ The only thing we didn't like was that it is powered by USB-A to DC cable, which seems a little outdated (we'd prefer USB-C), but aside from that, it would make an excellent gift for any space lover for any occasion.

It serves no other purpose or provides any scientific accuracy. Still, it is a discrete, affordable, high-quality device that puts out visually stunning lasers to transform your surroundings while drawing very little energy. The Astronaut Starry Sky Projector is a cost-effective way to add immediate ambiance to a room. Thanks to its novelty space-walking astronaut design, it would be the perfect gift for a young space fan. It's very easy to use, the lights are bright and customizable, the lasers will fill a small room, and the operation is quiet, all features that make for a good star projector.

The Ambience Galaxy & Star Projector resembles a UFO shape and has a faceted dome to help disperse the LED over 180 degrees. After reviewing lots of star projectors, this is a unique design.You want true projections:The projections are true to the date and time that you 'program' it to (if you're in the Northern Hemisphere) Control is simple, using three buttons — power, rotation and sleep timer — and it is powered by a battery which you can charge with a USB-C cable. You're not tied to a power source like with the Homestar Flux, and you don't have to keep changing the batteries as you do with the National Geographic model—again — another happy medium. As expected, the patterns are clearer and more defined when projected onto a close surface. We (and our children) find some of the nebula more interesting than others; we particularly favor those with two contrasting colors. The brightness of the lights can be adjusted via the remote, allowing five different brightness levels. The laser has slightly reduced options of three brightness levels and can be turned off entirely if you'd prefer. Encalife Ambience Galaxy & Star Projector:A neat combination of a star projector and Bluetooth speaker built into one. It isn't scientifically accurate but it displays vivid nebula-inspired patterns to enhance the ambience in any room. ★★★½ As discussed in our Bresser Junior Astro-Planetarium Deluxe review, this star projector draws many parallels to the Bresser-made National Geographic Astro Planetarium but doesn't include an integrated FM radio or the ability to attach an audio device. The Bresser Junior can only be powered by 3 x AA batteries, so buyers will likely need to grab some spares if they use it long-term.

Most star projectors will have a sleep timer — we look for how many options for the sleep timer duration you have and whether it is effective and reliable.Sega Toys Homestar FluxGreat for recreating a realistic-looking night sky inside. It's on the pricier end of the market but the option to upgrade your disc collection is attractive. The night sky representation is about as realistic as it gets.★★★★½ The projected images are bright and clear even during the daytime. This was taken at midday indoors. (Image credit: Tantse Walter)