Star projectors have taken social media by storm, and understandably so. Many of these clever little devices can transform your bedroom ceiling into a glittering night sky, offering a jaw-dropping stargazing experience from the comfort of your own home. Others, on the other hand, simply help you relax and unwind with colorful cosmic visuals. The best part? They do not have to be expensive. While many of the best star projectors can cost hundreds of dollars, you can still get a quality device for less than $40. We know — we have tried and tested numerous devices over the last several years.
Budget-friendly star projectors tend to be less scientifically accurate and advanced than their more expensive counterparts, but they still have plenty to offer. A well-picked device can ignite scientific curiosity in young children, while adults will appreciate its calming and ornamental effect. These gadgets have universal appeal, making them excellent gift ideas for all ages. Below, you will find our top six star projectors under $40, all tried and tested to the same standard, including a sleep aid, a portable laser and an educational toy for a space-curious toddler.
For more information on the safety, features and potential benefits of star projectors, scroll down to the FAQs section. But if you would rather gaze at the real thing, consider one of the best telescopes instead.
The quick list
Best overall
This star projector thoroughly impressed us with its conversation-starting design, great build quality and vibrant cosmic projections, and it costs less than $35..
Best educational toy
Fun-shaped, easy to use and scientifically accurate, this star projector is a great budget-friendly STEM toy for kids aged between six and ten.
Best color palette
With its customizable pastel-like color palette, this app-connected star projector is a real treat for the eyes — and it costs less than $40.
Best portable projector
This laser projector is small enough to fit in a pocket, but it can instantly add ambience by lighting up your living space with bright stars.
Best sleep aid
Exceptionally quiet in use and small enough to fit on a bedside table, this futuristic-looking star projector is a perfect choice for bedrooms.
Best gadget
Looking for a multi-functional gadget? This quirky device combines a star projector, night light, Bluetooth speaker and white noise machine — all for less than $40.
The best star projectors under $40 that we recommend in 2025
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The best budget star projector overall
✅ You love eye-catching designs: This little astronomer will be a talking point in your house.
✅ You are struggling with gift ideas: Both children and adults will be happy to receive it.
✅ You want to see the projections in daytime: Unlike some other options in this guide, this projector does not require low-light conditions.
❌ You want an educational toy: It is not scientifically accurate.
❌ You want something portable: This projector needs to be plugged in to work, and it has a relatively short cable.
🔎 Astronaut Starry Sky Projector: This little star projector punches way above its affordable price tag with its vibrant cosmic projections, quality build and an eye-catching design. It is an excellent gift for space lovers of any age, albeit not scientifically accurate. ★★★★
The Astronaut Starry Sky Projector takes the well-deserved top spot. This little device ticks all our boxes, from a thoughtful design and a good range of features to bright, beautiful visuals, and it costs less than $35. We also liked its universal appeal. The Astronaut Starry Sky Projector is a lovely space-themed ornament for kids and adults alike, and any science enthusiast would be thrilled to display it on their shelf. True, this star projector may not be particularly portable or scientifically accurate, but you would be hard-pressed to find better value in this price range.
The first thing we noticed about this little device is its unique design. The controls are located on the astronaut's backpack, while the visuals are projected from their space helmet. The head is magnetically connected to the rest of the astronaut's body, allowing you to direct the lights and lasers anywhere you like. Sounds flimsy? Not at all. This little device felt surprisingly sturdy and well-built. During our full Astronaut Starry Sky Projector review, we could pick it up by its head and the device would not come apart.
We were even more impressed by its visual performance. This device displays eight different nebula color combinations and laser 'stars', and all of its projections are bright, vibrant and largely visible in daytime. It is also very quiet — the Astronaut Starry Sky Projector can barely be heard while working, making it a suitable choice for bedrooms and studies.
It is easy to use, too. This star projector can be controlled with on-body buttons (located on the astronaut's backpack) or with a handy remote control, plus it comes with a 45- and 90-minute timer. The Astronaut Starry Sky Projector can be automatically switched off after you doze off to help with sleep and save energy.
Our only gripe is with its power supply. This star projector features a DC port, rather than the more universal USB port, and its cable is relatively short. This design tweak also makes it difficult to move around. Also, the Astronaut Starry Sky Projector seems to have plenty of dupes on the internet. If you see this device for less than $10, chances are it is not the version we tested and we can't vouch for its quality.
Read more: Astronaut Starry Sky Projector review
Best educational star projector under $40
✅ You want something portable: It runs on 3 x AA batteries (not included).
✅ Your children are interested in astronomy: It projects real images of space, rockets and astronauts.
✅ Your children like Star Wars: This space projector resembles R2-D2, a robot from this popular franchise.
❌ You are buying for a teenager: It is too basic to impress pre-teens and older kids.
❌ You want in-depth educational materials: The projected images do not include comprehensive descriptions
❌ You want a sleep aid: Its motor may be too noisy for light sleepers.
🔎 Brainstorm Toys Deep Space Home Planetarium and Projector: Fun, durable and scientifically accurate, this multi-functional device is a great STEM toy for space-curious children aged between six and ten, but it will likely not impress any older kids. ★★★½
STEM toys are any playthings or kid-friendly gadgets that help introduce children to the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. They are designed to be both fun and educational, helping your little loved ones develop their scientific curiosity and problem-solving skills. Star projectors are a perfect example of STEM toys. The problem is, there are not that many quality kid-friendly devices for less than $30. The Brainstorm Toys Deep Space Home Planetarium and Projector is one of those rare exceptions.
Best suited for children aged between six and 10, this educational toy not only displays rotating constellations and stars, but also projects slides with NASA-derived images and even serves as a nightlight. It looks fun, too. This Brainstorm Toys set resembles R2-D2, a beloved Star Wars character, so many children and adults (ourselves included) will instinctively warm up to it.
This multi-functional device may seem too complex for very young children, but it could not be further from the truth. During the full Brainstorm Toys Deep Space Home Planetarium and Projector review, our little testers had no issues with changing the settings, manually adjusting the focus or switching between the three image discs supplied with the projector. In fact, the tactile nature of this star projector made them even more excited to play with it.
The Brainstorm Toys Deep Space Home Planetarium and Projector is powered by three AA batteries (not included) and weighs just 1.13 pounds (or 514 grams). This helps children move it around with ease and avoid getting entangled in cables — something that some other star projectors in this guide can be guilty of. At the same time, this Brainstorm Toys set feels sturdy and well-built. It features no risky lasers, either, so it is relatively safe for the youngest children.
There are some downsides to this star projector, though. The Brainstorm Toys Deep Space Home Planetarium and Projector is not powerful enough to cover large surface areas, and it requires relatively dark conditions. Secondly, this set does not come with paper booklets that would explain the displayed images. The educational materials can only be accessed online with a 'secret code', and they are not particularly exhaustive. That said, parents can still use the slides as conversation starters and a way to ignite scientific curiosity in their children.
This brings us to the last point. The Brainstorm Toys Deep Space Home Planetarium and Projector is a great kids' toy, but it lacks the educational value and the 'wow' factor that would appeal to pre-teens and teenagers.
Read more: Brainstorm Toys Deep Space Home Planetarium and Projector review
The budget star projector with the best color palette
✅ You want to customize your projections: Its app allows you to create softly-blended visuals with the colors of your choice.
✅ You need a generous sleep timer: You can set it anywhere from 1 minute to 24 hours.
✅ You want something small and discreet: It can easily blend in with most home decor.
❌ You dislike smart features: An app is necessary to access all settings.
❌ You have very young children: It features class 2 lasers and a rather fragile build.
🔎 BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve star projector: Compact, discrete and app-connected, this star projector creates some of the best visuals we have seen in its affordable price range, and it has an added benefit of Alexa/Google voice control. ★★★★
The BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve is one of the best options for all the creative folks out there. This star projector costs a very reasonable $40, but its patented color-blending technology, beautiful pastel-like color palette and highly customizable projections make it feel more premium. It is also the only smart-enabled device in this guide.
The BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve works with the BlissHome app as well as smart home assistants like Google Home or Amazon Alexa. This is where you can unleash your creativity — the apps allows you to experiment with the brightness, color combinations and the speed of projection settings. During our full BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve review, we spent hours having fun with these features and creating countless stunning visuals. This exceptional customizability is the main reason we named this little device the best budget option in our guide to star projectors.
That said, you can't fully utilize this star projector without an app. If you are not a fan of smart features, you may need to look elsewhere.
We liked the design, too. The BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve may not have the child-friendly allure of the Brainstorm Toys Deep Space Home Planetarium and Projector or the futuristic looks of the Cadrim model, but it is compact, inconspicuous and highly functional. Unlike some other options in this guide, this star projector can easily blend in with various home decor. True, the plastic finish on the BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve makes it feel slightly flimsy, but for that price, we would not call it a deal-breaker.
It is also worth noting that this star projector is not fixed to the supplied base, so you it allows for 360-degree positioning flexibility, plus it features a generous sleep timer (anywhere from 1 minute to 24 hours). These two features are not something we see often in star projectors on a budget.
Read more: BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve review
Best portable star projector under $40
✅ You travel a lot: Small enough to fit in a pocket, it instantly adds ambience anywhere you want it.
✅ You want something cheap to run: It uses less than 1mW of energy.
❌ You want to customize your projections: The lasers are either blue or red, that is it.
❌ You want something with batteries: It is essentially a glowing USB stick.
🔎 BlissLights Starport USB star projector: Easy to use and small enough to fit in a pocket, this simple laser projector can add lovely ambiance to hotel rooms, gaming parties, cars and other small living spaces. However, it is nowhere near as functional or customizable as bigger star projectors. ★★★½
Most star projectors are designed as standalone units that sit on the shelves or bedside tables. This is understandable. Detailed, colorful projections require a good amount of tech behind it, so it is not easy to create them with a pocket-sized device. However, you can still have a star projector that is both travel-friendly and highly affordable. The BlissLights Starport USB star projector, for example, displays a beautiful starry sky and it only costs $19.99.
Now, the term 'star projector' is used loosely here. The BlissLights Starport is more of a portable laser projector than a full-fledged device for gasping at the cosmic wonders, but the visuals it creates are striking nonetheless. Available in either red and blue, this little device can add instant ambience to small spaces like cars or gaming rooms. Even though its projections are not scientifically accurate and can't be customized, the BlissLights Starport offers great value for money.
We also liked how hassle-free it was to use. Simply plug this teeny tiny star projector into a USB power source, adjust the direction of the laser and enjoy the starry display. And do not worry about the energy bill — the BlissLIghts Starport USB uses less than 1mW of power, a mere fraction of what full-sized star projectors would typically use.
All in all, this star projector is a lovely travel accessory and party trick, albeit devoid of any advanced features or functionality.
The best budget star projector for aiding sleep
✅ You want something portable: It is small, light and battery-powered.
✅ You want to see the moon: It is the only star projector in this guide that can display it.
❌ You want a multi-functional gadget: It has a built-in speaker, but it is not of great quality.
❌ You want smart features: While it can be controlled remotely, it is not app-connected.
🔎 Cadrim star projector: This futuristic-looking star projector stands out among its similarly-priced competitors with its portability, bright depictions of the moon and an exceptionally quiet motor. ★★★★
Looking for a budget-friendly sleep aid? Then this little device should land on your radar. This futuristic-looking device is the only star projector in this guide that can project the moon, and it also happens to be one of the quietest models we have ever tested. Not only that, but it also boasts a good quality build and exceptional portability — the Cadrim star projector is small enough to fit on a bedside table, and it runs entirely on batteries. The cherry on top? It can be controlled remotely and comes with a timer. That is a lot of value for less than $36.
The Cadrim star projector is also very customizable. An image of the moon that can be either turned off or displayed at three different brightness levels, whereas laser 'stars' can be set to two different modes. This device also features two preset modes for its nebula lights, both of which can be color-customized by playing around with the RGBW light settings. The patterns and lights created by the Cadrim star projector are relaxing and pleasant to the eye, albeit not to the same extent as in the Blisslights SkyLite Evolve.
Just like the Dinosaur Egg Galaxy star projector mentioned below, it has a built-in speaker. The Cadrim star projector even features a 'party mode' in which it flips the visuals between different colors and speeds to match the tempo of the music played. That said, the sound quality leaves a lot to be desired — which is understandable, given the price — and it may work better for podcasts and audiobooks than bass-heavy tunes, for example.
We were also slightly disappointed to see that batteries were not supplied in the package. For a non-rechargeable device like the Cadrim star projector, that is quite a big oversight.
Best star projector gadget under $40
✅ You love dinosaurs: We loved its novel egg shape — any budding paleontologist would proudly display it on their shelves.
✅ You like multi-functional gadgets: It is a star projector, night light, Bluetooth speaker and white noise machine, all in one.
❌ You want space-themed projections: Its visual displays look more like water reflections than nebulae.
❌ You want something portable: It is powered with a USB-C cable.
🔎 Dinosaur Egg Galaxy Star Projector: This novelty multi-functional device creates lovely visuals at a reasonable price, and its fun design will be loved by kids and adults alike. ★★★½
Not too fussed about space themes? Love a good gadget? The Dinosaur Egg Galaxy Star Projector will be right up your street. This quirky-looking device has 4-in-1 functionality: it is a star projector at its core, but it is also a night light, Bluetooth speaker and a white noise machine with 19 different sounds to choose from. We named is at the best option for dinosaur fans in our guide to the best star projectors, but even those not versed in paleontology are likely to fall in love with its unusual appearance. The best part? It costs less than $40.
Admittedly, we were not blown away by its visual performance during our full Dinosaur Egg Galaxy Star Projector review — our reviewer compared them to water reflections as they were not textured nor detailed enough to resemble cosmic nebulae. That said, we still think its projections were nice to look at and very effective at creating a cozy atmosphere. This star projector can be controlled both with on-body buttons and remotely, giving you a good degree of customization of light color and intensity.
Just like in the case of the Cadrim star projector mentioned above, its built-in speaker will not impress many audiophiles. Still, it is good enough for background music and podcasts. We particularly liked its 'musical rhythm mode' that changes the light and color projections to match the beat of the music. The white noise machine is quite impressive, too.
On the other hand, we were slightly disappointed with the controls on our Dinosaur Egg Star Projector. The on-body and remote buttons do not get illuminated, and we found them almost impossible to see in the dark. It is a minor gripe, but it can be annoying nonetheless.
Read more: Dinosaur Egg Galaxy Star Projector review
Best star projectors under $40: comparison
Product | Rating | Size | Bulb type | Laser type | Sleep timer | Rotation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Astronaut Starry Sky Projector | ★★★★ | 120 x 113 x 228 mm | LED | Class 1 | Yes | Yes |
Brainstorm Toys Deep Space Home Planetarium and Projector | ★★★½ | 130 x 250 x 320 mm | 2 x LED | N/A | No | Yes |
BlissLights Sky Lite Evolve | ★★★★ | 120 x 120 x 135 mm | 4 x LED | Class 2 | Yes | Yes |
BlissLights Starport USB star projector | ★★★½ | 19 x 38 x 64 mm | N/A | Class 2 | No | No |
Cadrim star projector | ★★★★ | 184 x 125 x 114 mm | LED | Class 1 | Yes | Yes |
Dinosaur Egg Galaxy Star Projector | ★★★½ | 170 x 150 x 140 mm | LED | Not specified | Yes | Yes |
Contributing experts
Dr. Chelsea Perry is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and the founder of Sleep Solutions, a sleep apnea clinic in Westborough, Massachusetts. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Biology from Indiana University and a Doctorate of Dental Medicine at the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston. For this piece, she commented on the potential effects of star projectors on sleep quality.
Kiara DeWitt is a pediatric neurology nurse and the lead clinical educator for the neurosurgery and neurology unit at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas. She is also the founder and CEO of Injectco, a chain of medical aesthetic clinics. As someone trained in child medical safety and development, she advised Live Science on the safety, functionality and potential benefits of star projectors for kids.
Best star projectors under $40: Frequently Asked Questions
Do star projectors help you sleep?
Star projectors and night lights do not tend to improve the quality or duration of your sleep. In fact, they can have quite an opposite effect. "According to the best science-backed sleep practices, bedrooms should be free from absolutely all light. Studies have shown that any type of light while trying to sleep can disrupt your circadian rhythm and lead to poor sleep," Dr. Chelsea Perry, a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and the owner of Sleep Solutions, a sleep apnea clinic in Westborough, Massachusetts, told Live Science.
That said, star projectors can still serve as a sleep aid. For example, steady, slow-moving patterns with dim lighting can help children fall asleep and establish a bedtime routine. "Kids get a visual anchor, such as a rotating galaxy or a slow-moving nebula scene, that can cue a wind-down routine," Kiara DeWitt, a pediatric neurology nurse at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas, and the founder and CEO of Injectco, a chain of medical aesthetic clinics, told Live Science. "Choosing devices with timers can help parents avoid any sleep interruptions that may arise from lights that stay on all night," she said.
What is the best color of light for sleep aids?
Blue and white light have a much stronger impact on circadian rhythms than red or orange light. That is because blue light (either on its own or as one of the wavelengths that make up white light) tends to trigger photoreceptors in the eye to send a signal to suppress your production of melatonin (a sleep hormone). Red and orange light, on the other hand, do not have the same effect, according to the Center for Disease Control. If you want your star projector or night lights to help you wind down before sleep, you may want to consider choosing warmer color combinations, Harvard Health recommends.
Are star projectors safe for children?
Yes, as long as they are used responsibly. "Parents always ask if star projectors overstimulate kids, but the answer depends on how they are used," Dewitt said. "Too much brightness or flashy movement can wake up kids instead of settling them down. Using projectors for a maximum of 20 minutes at a time, keeping things simple and letting the stars fade away naturally can help counteract that."
Also, make sure that children do not deliberately stare into laser beams. While brief exposure is unlikely to damage their eyesight, it is best to supervise them while the device is on to avoid any potential accidents. More on the lasers below.
What's the difference between a class 1 and a class 2 laser?
According to Cornell University, a class 1 laser is safe "under all conditions of normal use" and "poses no more risk than ordinary light." Class 2 laser, on the other hand, applies to stronger visible-light lasers that are still safe to use because the blink reflex limits the exposure to them in less than 0.25 seconds. "Most budget-friendly star projectors stick with Class 1 or Class 2 lasers, which are considered safe for home use if nobody stares directly into the beam. Still, little kids sometimes do the unexpected, so I say pick projectors that use simple LED lights or diffuse lasers rather than direct beams," Dewitt said.
What's the difference between a star projector and a planetarium?
Star projectors refer to devices that project ambient or mood-enhancing lights that are not scientifically accurate. Planetariums, on the other hand, offer realistic depictions of the night sky. "Functionality-wise, the best star projectors double as mini planetariums," Dewitt said. "When it comes to educational value, a planetarium can spark a real sense of wonder. Believe it or not, I have watched kids point out Orion or the Big Dipper before they can spell their own name," she said, "Even a $35 projector can outshine a $100 ‘educational' app if you use it regularly."
Latest updates
Future updates to this guide will be detailed here.
How we tested these star projectors
How we test the best star projectors
Star projectors, even those on the more affordable end of the spectrum, are not created equal. They can vary dramatically in terms of build quality, visual performance and functionality. Some devices, for example, offer a better quality and sharpness of the projected images, while others may have less of a 'wow' factor but be more scientifically accurate. Either way, a good star projector needs to be easy to operate and enjoyable to use, especially if it is designed with children in mind. We check every device against strict criteria, with visual performance being just one of them.
For example, we assess how the lights and lasers are controlled and whether there is any degree of customization. We will evaluate how creative we can get with the color combinations, whether the laser and lights can be operated independently, and whether the star projector has a timer setting to automatically shut it off.
We also listen to how quiet the motor is when in operation, check whether there are any additional features (a built-in speaker, for example) and assess the portability of the device in question. Moreover, we carefully evaluate the build quality of each star projector as well as the quality of the packaging.
