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. Like the Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Projector, you won't get scientific accuracy, but you'll get a fantastic 'insomnia-busting' experience that allows your children (or yourself) to sleep better at night. 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.

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. One of the more unique products on this list, the National Geographic Astro Planetarium, is a star projector with a few extra features. It has built-in speakers to play AM/FM radio, an impressive five-year warranty, and it’s about as compact as the Sega Homestar. 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. Astronaut Starry Sky Star Projector:A well-made novelty star projector that every kid, or space fan, will love to have in their bedroom. It isn't quite on par with other star projectors performance-wise, but it does everything we'd expect of it, given its reasonable price. ★★★★ 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:Like many other star projectors, there's a 'shooting star' function, although, in our Sega Homestar Flux review, we explained how we'd like this to be at random intervals, or in a different place each time so it isn't as predictable. It has an automatic switch-off after 15, 30 or 60 minutes function. While there are many star projectors featured in our best star projectors buying guide, the Encalife Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Star Projector is one of the only models we've reviewed that has some exciting smart capabilities. That means you can project views of the night sky onto your ceiling at home and control it via the Smart Life app on your smartphone. 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) The lights aren't at all scientifically accurate, but they don't claim to be either. They are highly customizable and you can make and save your own scenes. You could, for example, create a spa scene using neutral colors and slower movement, then create a party scene with bright colors and maximum movement. It's possible to seamlessly switch between the two as well. It would be great if the lights moved in time to music and sound like on the Encalife Ambience but sadly this isn't an option here. The lights shine through a refractor dome. It features unique angles that bounce light in all directions, creating that signature galactic feel. It even rotates, bringing some motion into the mix. Take control of the lights with the included remote. You can cycle through modes, set the timer, and more.

A great app-controlled non-scientific star projector that floods the room with lovely color-blended pastel shades. 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. Encalife Atmosphere Smart Galaxy Star Projector: Although it is called a Galaxy Star Projector, like most others, this is more of a mood-setting light, showing colors and patterns that reflect galaxies and nebulas with lasers that you could associate with a starry sky.★★★★ Make your room a private lighting music show and select your favorite music via Bluetooth or USB and starry projections create a romantic and soothing atmosphere at night. It matches the beats and create an effect of lighting music which makes the feel more relaxing.Your space (up to 30ft x 30ft) can be transformed into an ethereal sensory experience by turning on the laser 'stars' and gazing for hours at the calming changing patterns. You’ll likely come across the terms still display and rotating display when shopping for a night projector. Both terms refer to whether the images move or remain still. A projector with a rotating display will move the images across the room and bounce them across the ceiling and walls. Those that have a still image project the display in one specific area, which can include one wall or the ceiling. You may find it helpful to look for one that includes both modes. Display Type When shopping for a model that comes with a rechargeable battery, you’ll want to see how long it will last. A good light projector should run for up to 10 hours. This allows you to sleep through the night without the battery running out. Some batteries can last for 12 to 14 hours between charges, which lets you use the projector several nights in a row without charging it every day. Timer Settings