Stream Anywhere with the Nebula Capsule 3 Projector

Editor: Diksha Yadav on Apr 11,2025

 

As binge-watching is now a way of life and entertainment follows you anywhere, you need a projector to keep up with your streaming habits while on the go. Enter the Nebula Capsule 3. Ultra-portable, innovative, and mind-blowingly robust for its size, the Nebula Capsule 3 is intended to democratize the cinema wherever you may be.

In this review of the Nebula Capsule 3, we'll cover everything you need to know about the projector—performance, look, features, usability, and how it compares against the competition in the ever-expanding world of portable movie projectors. Whether you are new to projectors or a tech traveler just starting your adventures, the Capsule 3 by Anker could be your next gadget for your home or travel bag.

What is the Nebula Capsule 3?

The Nebula Capsule 3 is the newest model in Anker's mini projector collection. It succeeds previous versions, including the original Nebula Capsule and Capsule II, but with upgraded features, such as a brighter LED lamp, a better Android TV interface, and improved speakers, all now in a can-shaped design. Quick Specs at a Glance:

  • Resolution: Full HD 1080p Brightness: 200 ANSI Lumens
  • Operating System: Android TV 11
  • Speakers: 8W Dolby Digital
  • Battery Life: 2.5 hours of video playback
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, HDMI

Convenience and performance were considered when designing this bright projector, which was specially designed with streaming fans in mind.

First Impressions and Build Quality

From the outset, the Nebula Capsule 3 screams premium. Wrapped in a matte black cylindrical body that's roughly the size of a soda can, it feels solid yet lightweight. Weighing in at just under half a kilogram (0.9 lbs), it's extremely portable. It's more than just a small projector—it's a design statement.

The touch panel on the top is very intuitive, with convenient buttons for volume, power, and navigation. However, the included remote control or the Nebula Connect app makes interaction much smoother, especially when typing or interacting with Google Play on Android TV.

This is not your typical mini projector review that will say something like "pretty good for its size." The Capsule 3 is built and performs like a fully-fledged theater device in a micro-body.

Picture Quality and Brightness

Let’s clarify something: 200 ANSI lumens on paper doesn't sound like much. But thanks to Anker's brightness and color contrast optimizations, the projector excels in low-light situations.

Visual Highlights:

  • Native 1080p resolution guarantees sharp images
  • Excellent color and dynamic range
  • Supra supports a maximum projection size of 120-inches

It won't give you a bright, sunlit room performance, but watching in lower light or dark situations is so much fun. The picture is bright, clear, and immersive even when stretched to a bigger size. This is the most detailed and least shaky projection compared to other portable movie projectors I've tested in its price range.

Sound Quality

Sound often gets overlooked in portable projector reviews, but Anker took it seriously with the Capsule 3. The 8W Dolby Digital speaker is surprisingly powerful, with enough volume to fill a small to medium-sized room.

Pros:

  • Crisp dialogues
  • Balanced bass
  • No distortion at high volumes

This makes it one of the better innovative projector options if you’re not planning on hooking up external speakers.

Android TV 11 and Smart Features

The Android TV projector integration is one of Capsule 3's most significant advantages. Preloaded with Android TV 11, you'll have access to thousands of apps through Google Play, including YouTube, Netflix, Disney, Prime Video, and Hulu. 

Smart Features: 

  • Chromecast built-in 
  • Google Assistant voice controls  
  • Easily cast from a mobile or tablet 
  • OTA software updates Navigation is fast, and app compatibility is strong. 

Unlike many budget projectors that depend on a third-party or sideloaded streaming app, this plays the native app without issues. 

If you compare the Nebula Capsule review to compact streaming projectors like the XGIMI MoGo or ViewSonic M1 Mini Plus, Anker wins in OS integration and usability.

Portability and Battery Life

This is where the Nebula Capsule 3 earns its “ultra-portable” title. It’s not just small—it’s functional while on the move.

Battery Test Results:

  • Around 2.5 hours of continuous video playback
  • About 10 hours of Bluetooth speaker use
  • Charges via USB-C (fast charging supported)

It’s perfect for:

  • Backyard movie nights
  • Hotel room streaming
  • Camping trips
  • Impromptu game nights (with HDMI connection)

While not meant for full-day binge sessions, it's excellent for on-the-go entertainment in quick, comfortable doses.

Connectivity and Compatibility

The Capsule 3 is versatile enough to handle multiple content sources.

Ports and Inputs:

  • 1 x HDMI (for consoles, laptops, Blu-ray players)
  • 1 x USB-C (for charging and video input)
  • Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1
  • Headphone jack

It handles it all by streaming from a phone, casting from a laptop, or plugging in a game console. It’s also compatible with accessories like tripods or ceiling mounts, making it an excellent choice for semi-permanent setups.

Honest User Feedback and Reviews

User reviews across platforms like Amazon and Reddit consistently praise the Capsule 3 for its design, performance, and usability. Here's a summary of what real users are saying:

Common Praises:

  • "Best value for portable movie watching"
  • "I take it everywhere—travel, RV trips, you name it."
  • "Impressed with the picture quality for the size."

Common Complaints:

  • "Could be brighter for daytime use."
  • "Netflix app occasionally requires updates."
  • "Remote sometimes lags."

While no product is perfect, the consensus is clear: the Nebula Capsule 3 lives up to the hype for casual streamers, travelers, and anyone seeking a compact entertainment solution.

Pros and Cons Recap

ProsCons
Native 1080p in ultra-portable sizeBrightness is limited in daylight
Full Android TV 11 experienceThere is a slight remote input lag
Excellent speaker with Dolby soundNot ideal for large, open spaces
Compact and stylish designNo Ethernet port for wired internet
Easy casting and innovative featuresBattery life maxes at ~2.5 hours

 

Who Should Buy the Nebula Capsule 3?

The Capsule 3 isn't only for tech-savvy consumers; it's practical for:

  • Regular travelers looking for compact and high-quality entertainment
  • Those living in an apartment with little space Students looking for a fun setup in their dorm rooms
  • Families who enjoy watching movies whenever they feel like it
  • Gamers that use Switch or Xbox (with HDMI) when they travel

If you want a little cinema experience in your bag, this Anker projector has one of the best combinations of performance, portability, and innovative features.

Nebula Capsule 3 vs. the Competition

FeatureNebula Capsule 3XGIMI MoGo 2ViewSonic M1 Mini
Resolution1080p720pWVGA
Brightness200 ANSI lumens400 lumens120 lumens
OSAndroid TV 11Android TV 10Custom OS
Speaker Quality8W Dolby DigitalDual HarmanBasic Mono
PortabilityVery HighMediumHigh
Price Range~$399~$299~$149

The Capsule 3 is the perfect Android TV projector for those looking specifically for native Full HD.

Final Verdict

With so many different mini projector reviews, the Nebula Capsule 3 does have a distinctive position. This projector is not the most affordable or the brightest but offers an excellent balance of portability, innovative features, and usability in the real world.

Suppose you need a portable movie projector with functionality that is both user-friendly and capable of day-to-day streaming while still being stylish enough to show to a friend. In that case, this Anker creation should be in your top three contenders!


This content was created by AI