Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Review: An ultraportable cinema experience

I love a big screen and cinematic viewing experience, and there's no comparison to that immersive, transportive feeling you get at the movie theater. But bulky, heavy projectors and limited space at home can put a damper on that dream. 

Enter the Nebula Capsule 3, with a striking soda can design that solves this problem with style. Google TV powers this tiny, powerhouse projector, which means Netflix is native The result is that you can transform any room into your personal movie palace.

The Nebula Capsule 3 really does live up to its self-imposed nickname, the "Pocket Cinema."  Here’s why: In addition to its cylindrical shape, it weighs just under 2 pounds. It’s equally portable as a wireless speaker. But unlike a speaker, the Capsule 3 offers a big-screen experience — up to 120 inches — putting those tiny 45-inch TVs to shame. And the picture quality is no slouch, either.

Let’s dive into what makes the Anker Nebula Capsule 3 such a stunner in a small package.

Price and availability

The Anker Nebula Capsule 3’ DLP LED technology produces a sharp, colorful image. It comes with Dolby Vision, Auto Keystone for faster set-up, Dual Light, ISA 3.0, 200 ANSI Lumens, Google TV, 2x8W Dolby Audio, Optical Zoom, WiFi 6, a built-in 2.5-hour battery, and Bluetooth 5.0.

This version of the popular Nebula series of projectors launched last November 2023 and was originally priced at $599.99 but now retails for $499.99 on most days. However, you can snag it right now at Amazon for just $439.99.

Design

The Nebula Capsule 3 stays true to the brand's signature soda can design. This makes it a perfect space-saving choice for both home and travel. Don't let the compact size fool you; this little projector packs a punch. At just over 6 inches tall, it easily fits in a backpack or suitcase for on-the-go entertainment. A built-in quarter-20 tripod screw adds to its versatility by allowing for flexible setup options, whether you're projecting onto a wall or using a tripod for a more elevated viewing experience.

Performance-wise, the Capsule 3 delivers vibrant colors and good contrast in dimmer environments thanks to its 200 ANSI lumens of brightness. A 52Wh battery keeps the entertainment going for up to 2.5 hours, perfect for cozy movie nights or catching up on your favorite shows.

Even if you run out of juice, quick USB-C charging with Power Delivery ensures you're not out of power for long. And for those who crave an even brighter picture, Nebula offers a Laser variant boasting 300 ANSI lumens.

The Capsule 3 completes the entertainment package with built-in 8W Dolby Digital speakers. This means you don't need any additional sound system to enjoy your movies, shows, or music. With its portability, performance, and integrated speakers, the Capsule 3 is an excellent option for anyone looking for a versatile projector for indoor and outdoor entertainment.

Ports for every need

The Anker Nebula Capsule 3 has all the ports you will need, which you will locate at the unit's base. From left to right, we find a 3.5mm Aux Audio jack, an HDMI port, a USB-Type A port, and a USB-Type C port. There are a number of ways you can tether it to your laptop if you need it in a pinch for sales presentations or you’re a teacher on the move or you just want to set up a movie night at a friend’s place.

Setup

The Capsule 3 sets up like any Google TV device. The remote's layout is intuitive, and it took about five minutes to get everything configured (including updates). Navigating the interface feels familiar if you already use Google TV, and downloading apps is quick. It gets out of your way and lets you start watching stuff fast.

The Capsule 3 has a secret weapon that makes movie nights a breeze: Intelligent environment adaptation. No more endless tweaking, as this projector has built-in Autofocus and Auto Keystone Correction. Basically, this is genius tech that automatically adjusts the picture size and angle no matter where you put it.  Set it down, power it on, and boom — perfect picture on the screen. Now that's what I call convenient! You can spend less time messing around and more time enjoying the show.

To control the unit without the remote, Anker thoughtfully placed some touch controls on the top. These allow you to turn on the power, move within the menu, and raise and lower the volume.

The native Netflix

Forget the hassle of fiddling with other projectors that run on Android TV and struggle with Netflix. This Nebula projector cuts to the chase with Google TV built right in, which brings Native Netflix to the Nebula. 

No more jumping through hoops – you can dive straight into your favorite shows, movies, and documentaries on the world's biggest streaming platform. Plus, with FHD (1920 x 1080) resolution, you'll get crisp, clear image quality that makes watching a true pleasure.

The cinematic experience

The Anker Nebula Capsule 3 may only have 200 lumens, but once it's dark enough, you will enjoy a bright, vivid image quality that is crystal clear and sharp, thanks to its FHD 1080p resolution. When you add the thumpy 8W speakers, the overall experience is excellent, and one I enjoyed in our studio apartment and in our backyard.

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I tested this with a marathon of Avengers movies on Disney Plus, and the picture quality was impressive, rivaling similarly-priced TVs (as long as the area is dark enough). Earth’s Mightiest Heroes’ colorful costumes popped as they distinguished each character. Special effects and explosions were all reproduced with excellent saturation — with bright reds, oranges, and deep blacks. 

This projector's battery life is around 2.5 hours, which isn't quite enough for a full outdoor movie night. But fear not, movie buffs! It's perfect for cozy nights in or with an outlet nearby. Plus, a USB-C battery pack can extend your backyard cinema experience for those epic movie marathons under the stars. I will add that to extend your outdoor unplugged viewing; I tested it connected to a portable 20,000 MhA battery pack; this did extend the experience quite a bit.

Sound that fills the room

This Capsule 3 projector might be small but don't underestimate its power. It's got an 8W Dolby Audio speaker that pumps out surprisingly cinematic sound. Seriously, the quality is so good it even impressed my neighbor – they couldn't believe such superb audio came from such a tiny projector!  And guess what? This little powerhouse doubles as a Bluetooth speaker. I cranked out some tunes while doing chores one afternoon, and it was the perfect soundtrack to getting things done.

Bottom Line

If you’re a movie lover on the go or just want a quick projector set up for the kid's sleepover or backyard, the Capsule 3 with Google TV is an excellent option in the right lighting. Whether you're craving a cozy movie night under the stars, a more cinematic experience in your living room, or some entertainment on a camping trip, this projector has you covered. (Anker sells a travel case for the Capsule Laser 3 separately.)

The picture quality is top-notch, and the sound is excellent and features excellent sound. Don't let the size fool you. This little guy packs a serious punch with its 8W Dolby Audio speaker—it'll have your neighbors asking how you crammed such awesome sound into such a tiny package! Plus, the environment adaptation tech and auto-keystone make it super flexible, no matter where you decide to set up camp.

The Capsule 3 struggles in a few areas, like brightness and battery life. However, when you consider its relatively tiny soda can size and workarounds like connecting a small portable 20,000 mAh battery to address the 2.5-hour battery life, it’s actually a great super portable for your backyard or when you’re out camping.  Just make sure to wait till it’s fairly dark out.