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.

This is an unusual entry on our list, given that it only has one function. That said, we have included it in this guide as an inexpensive 'faff-free' star projector, though as we discussed in our BlissLights Starport USB star projector review, we use the term star projector loosely. Honestly, there are many similar products at this price point (I mention a couple later in this guide). Most of these units differ primarily in the shape of their plastic housing, and some are decorated with lights themselves. I chose this particular star projector because it was easily placed on a shelf and was unobtrusive.The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that ' The FDA recognizes four major hazard classes (I to IV) of lasers, including three subclasses (IIa, IIIa, and IIIb). The higher the class, the more powerful the laser is and the greater the potential to pose serious injury if used improperly. '

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.★★★★ Most star projectors come with a 'sleep timer' that will switch the device off after a specified amount of minutes. The downside of the Pococo design is that you only have 30 degrees of movement to shine the lights, although as you'll typically be shining this at the ceiling, this isn't a deal breaker. In this buying guide, we've tested and reviewed a range of star projectors and ranked them according to performance, quality and budget. We've included a variety of options at different price points with a range of features, so you're sure to find one that suits your needs and budget. We continue to monitor the market for different models, and we'll share our favorites with you. Can I leave a star projector on all night?

Bresser Junior Astro-Planetarium DeluxeThis Bresser planetarium star projector, designed for kids, has true-to-life projections, a five-year warranty and is simple to operate. It has a time and date selector, a shooting star function and a sleep timer, and it ships with two disks.★★★½ To make it even more relaxing for kids or adults, this night light galaxy projector comes with 19 different white noise machine sound modes. Generally, cheap star projectors are novelties that emit a mix of colorful swirling LED lights and class 2 lasers, which are low-power visible lasers—the same type used in laser pointers. While most models aren’t scientifically accurate, they provide a fanciful escape and can offer a calming experience. However, if you’re serious about astronomy and willing to spend more, you can find a star projector that can turn your room into a personal planetarium. It also includes an auto-off timer which you set at 1, 2, and 4-hour increments, after which the device will automatically power down. It’s a great option to have, especially when you’re looking for a way to entertain your kids until they go to sleep. While the terms are often used interchangeably, star projectors can also be used to refer to unrealistic night and ambient or mood-enhancing lights that aren't scientifically accurate. Planetariums on the other hand are strictly realistic and accurate depictions of the night sky, which are sometimes even time and location-sensitive to show you the night sky as it appears at a given time. How do I choose a star projector?

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. This particular projector is aimed at children, and the stars it projects aren't scientific like you'd find on the more 'adult' Sega Homestar Flux. But it still features a slide projector and three easy-to-handle discs containing 24 color images taken by the Hubble Telescope. Each disc has a different theme; Nebulas, Spacecraft & Astronauts and Planets & the Moon. The supplied remote control (which needs two AAA batteries, not included) can be used to operate the astronaut's features. You can adjust the brightness, turn the lasers on and off, and adjust the 'breathing' frequency of the lasers and nebula. You can switch the colors of the Nebula, change the speed of the Nebula's rotation and adjust the brightness of the lights. You can use the buttons on the device itself to operate some of the functions, but you'll need the remote to adjust the rotation speeds and to use the sleep timer, so don't lose it! The front view of the Encalife Aurora Borealis Northern Lights Star Projector (Image credit: Tantse Walter)The game changer with this star projector is the Alexa and Google Assistant integration controls. It enables you to get creative with your bedtime stories. The Encalife Star Projector is voice command-activated for a handsfree experience. It means you can prompt Alexa to turn on the galaxy light as you tell amazing and spellbinding stories of deep space adventures to your children. There isn't a 'top X star projector list' you'll come across without finding the Sega Toys Homestar Flux taking a podium position. Unlike many 'star projectors,' this model's main focus (no pun intended) is to project a realistic-looking, high-quality image of extraterrestrial subjects onto your wall or ceiling, often using real photos from various observation stations around the world. It ships with two disks as standard, but with over 30 compatible disks available as additional add-ons, there's a greater level of exploration to be had than with other star projectors and home planetariums. 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

Star projectors are a fun and affordable way to add bright, colorful lights to your bedroom. That said, most are nothing more than novelties and put on light shows that vaguely resemble nebulae and auroras. If you’re searching for something with more scientifically accurate imagery, you can find some excellent options if you don’t mind spending more money. Better yet, we recommend traveling to a place unaffected by light pollution and experiencing the feeling of seeing millions of stars in person. Why trust us Here we have one of the most reasonably priced star projectors available. Think of it as an educational STEM toy for young budding astronomers rather than anything too sophisticated.You'll need to set up your phone's Bluetooth before you start using the projector, but it's easy enough to do so, and the device will be up and running within moments. A good star projector uses an LED bulb and offers multiple brightness settings. While star projectors are most effective in a dark room, the models that project nebula and aurora make for great complementary lighting, such as during a party or movie night. They also make for good night lights and can help create a calming environment that encourages rest. Color settings During our Aurora Borealis Northern Lights Star Projector review, we were impressed with the musical rhythm mode. It does a good job or adjusting the lighting display to match the 'feel' of the music, and you can adjust the sensitivity of the microphone to alter the power of the light display, making it perfect for using at parties. 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 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