The Nebula Capsule 3 Laser is a portable compact projector with an integrated battery and retails for $799.99. It can reproduce Full HD (1920x1280) resolution and project images up to 120”. While most portable projectors rely on LED light sources, the Nebula Capsule 3 Laser utilizes a laser light source rated to deliver 300 ANSI lumens which is impressive for its compact size.
If you haven’t heard of Nebula, don’t worry; I have you covered. Nebula is a brand of portable projectors developed by Anker Innovations, a consumer electronics company based in China. Nebula projectors are designed to be compact, lightweight, and easy to carry around, making them ideal for portable use. They are well-regarded for their quality, versatility, and affordability. As a result, they’ve become a popular choice for consumers looking for a portable and convenient way to enjoy movies, TV shows, and other content on the go.
The projector runs on the latest Android TV 11 operating system, allowing users to access streaming services, such as Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video, directly from the projector. Read more on the Nextflix app under this review’s Hardware section; you must follow a specific installation process for Netflix to work correctly.
The Nebula Capsule 3 Laser also has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. In addition, to maximize portability, the Capsule 3 Laser has a built-in 52Wh battery which can deliver up to 2.5 hours of video playtime and up to 10 hours in Bluetooth speaker mode.
Nebula Nebula Capsule 3 Laser Specs
Price
799.00
Technology
DLP (0.23″ DMD)
Native Resolution
1080p (1920x1080)
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
300 ANSI Lumens
Contrast
500:1
Zoom Lens Ratio
N/A
Lens Shift
No
Lamp Life
30,000 Hours
Weight
2.1 lbs
Warranty
2 Years
The projector is nearly the same size as your typical canned beverage. Due to its compact size, the Capsule 3 Laser can be quickly moved from place to place. In addition, the Nebula Capsule 3 Laser will automatically focus and apply keystone correction when the unit is pointed at an angle or bumped out of alignment if you enable the setting.
Nebula states the Capsule 3 Laser can project 40” to 120” images and adds, “For the best result, position the projector 1.06~3.18 m / 3.37~10.43 ft away from the projection surface to get a screen size of 40~120 inches.” During my review, I projected 75” to 100” images.
The Capsule 3 Laser provides access to a smart projector experience, including some of the more popular streaming platforms such as Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, HBO Max, Disney+, and even Netflix. The Capsule 3 Laser is in a small group of smart projectors that can stream Netflix.
Thanks to the many streaming apps built into the unit, most users will never feel the need to physically connect the Capsule 3 Laser to an external source. However, if the need does arise, the projector includes an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) 2.1 port. Overall, HDMI 2.1 is a significant improvement over previous versions of the HDMI standard, offering support for eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), higher bandwidth, higher resolution video, dynamic HDR, and other features that can enhance the quality and versatility of audio and video content. I was pleasantly surprised when I read the specs on Nebula’s website.
The Capsule 3 Laser includes an integrated 8-watt Dolby Digital speaker, which delivers good sound quality from its compact package. The built-in speaker plays loud enough to comfortably listen to movies and TV shows in a bedroom, military barracks, campsite, or college dormitory. You can even use the projector as a standalone Bluetooth speaker.
Nebula has chosen to include Google Assistant, allowing you to control the projector and search for specific content to watch by voice. After setup, press the Google Assistant button on the remote, and you can then speak to the Google Assistant to request your commands.
Also, since the Capsule 3 Laser supports casting, you can wirelessly cast movies, games, music, and entire screen from your iOS, macOS, Android, or Windows device to Nebula Capsule 3 Laser.
HIGHLIGHTS
Laser light source
Full HD (1920 x 1080) displayed resolution
HDR10 compatible
Standalone Bluetooth speaker mode
Integrated 8-watt speaker
2.5-hour built-in battery movie playtime & 10 hours in Bluetooth speaker mode
HDMI 2.1 port with eARC support
Android TV 11.0
Wall Color menu (optimizes your viewing experience based on your wall color)
