We Ditched Our TV For Anker’s Nebula Capsule Air Projector – This Is What We Found

When it comes to planning a movie night, most of us really like a big screen TV. For us, cinematic blockbusters and cult classics belong on the largest possible screen. We've used a number of ceiling-mounted home cinema projectors and somehow always find ourselves wanting more. They may be at the top of many moviegoers' wish lists, but without a budget that could buy you a small car they can be a less than stellar experience for the money. So, to avoid this, we've tended to go for a large QLED TV for our entertainment needs. That is, until the Nebula Capsule Air mini projector came along.

Before we dive in, the Nebula Capsule Air isn't trying to outshine its larger, costlier cousins. Compared to the rather chunky Full-HD Panasonics of the last decade, today's models are smaller and more powerful than ever. But, if you want brightness and detail to rival the average 4K TV, they come at something of a premium. Owned by renowned tech company Anker, Nebula has clearly aimed its Capsule Air projector at a very different audience.

So, who is this for? Well, as a flexible, battery-powered smart device we fully expect it to put the fun back into big and small screen entertainment. Nebula has created an affordable yet capable projector for anyone who's willing to forgo 4K visuals and surround sound in favour of portability. If you're struggling to fit (or afford...) a huge TV in your room, you can wave goodbye to huddling around a phone or tablet and instead share your favourite media with friends on a much larger screen. The Capsule Air can beam a half-HD image as large as 60-100 inches onto any surface, which we find (on paper, at least) to be really impressive for something the size of a can of soda.

As for movies, no need to lug a Blu-ray player around (although it does have an HDMI input if you need one) as the whole thing runs the Google TV operating system. Many of us don't like having to rely on casting or screen-mirroring from a phone or tablet, so this feature really caught our eye; especially as we often stream content from popular apps like Netflix, Disney+, Paramount+ and Amazon Prime Video.

As a compact budget projector it promises quick and easy setup too. A two-hour battery life is also decent enough for when you're away from the mains, and it has a built-in speaker. So, this projector promises a truly portable solution for fast, flexible entertainment. Does it deliver? To find out, we ditched the TV for a fortnight and gave the Nebula Capsule Air projector a chance to shine – both inside and out – with movies, TV, gaming and more. Read on to see if this small projector is ready for the big time.

All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.

First impressions of the Anker Nebula Capsule Air projector

Open the Capsule and climb aboard

Can something the size of a tall can of Pepsi really beam your favourite movie onto your living room wall at 100-inches? Surely not. We have to confess, as we normally settle down in front of OLED or QLED TV screens with Dolby Atmos audio systems, the prospect of testing the Nebula Capsule Air was a little underwhelming. We're used to watching movies and TV shows in at least Full HD resolution, and have also used ceiling-mounted home cinema projectors that have seriously bright bulbs and massive projection sizes.

The Capsule Air's Half HD (720p) resolution and 150 ANSI lumens brightness rating are largely due to its size and portability. To put that into perspective, the average modern mains-powered projector for the home market is capable of 1000 ANSI lumens or higher. That means that this little projector is probably only designed for darker rooms. Who's it for, then? As entertainment addicts, the Capsule Air had instant appeal. This isn't about sheer image or audio quality though, but rather the prospect of taking the big screen with you wherever you go.

Given that it supports Wi-Fi connectivity and various apps as a fully-fledged streaming device, we couldn't wait to see what it could do. It even has built-in audio and can be used as a Bluetooth speaker, so you're not stuck with poor sound from your phone or tablet. We particularly wanted to push the limits of this projector and see how many sources it could actually handle. But, given the specs, the big question was: would it be bright enough? Only one way to find out.

Design and build: Is this the ultimate mini projector?

World's smallest

Aside from the size (which Nebula claims makes it "the world's smallest Google TV projector"), the first thing that struck us about the Capsule Air was how solid it seems. It may be the size of a Coke can, but there's no tin to be found here. It has a heavy feel, despite weighing just 650g, and a metal casing in a classy and durable gunmetal finish.

Other than the prominent lens (that definitely gives off HAL 9000vibes the more you look at it) from the outside it's a very simple device. There's a sensor under the lens that enables the projector to auto-adjust its aspect and keystone in two seconds flat (can't wait to try that out…). At the back, a power button is joined by a USB-C port for charging and playing media from a USB stick, plus a HDMI port.

Control options

We like the discrete onboard controls on the top which are touch sensitive and light up. But, having carefully positioned any projector, for us the remote is the way to go. We're impressed by the quality of the control that comes with this. Rather than the throwaway card-style remotes found bundled with many a portable gadget, this one is more akin to a premium TV remote control. We appreciate the simple layout and dedicated buttons for Netflix, YouTube and Prime, too – not to mention the backlit keys and an integrated mic for Google Assistant voice control. Altogether, it's a smart little thing that will effectively control all of your Google TV apps.

Another option to easily manage the Capsule Air is to install the Nebula app, which is available for iOS as well as Android. That means we can take the projector out without worrying about forgetting the infrared controller.

Setting up the Capsule Air: quick and easy home cinema

Shine on

The first room we're testing this in is a lounge with a wall opposite a mantelpiece – an ideal shelf for the Capsule Air. But, as we go on to test various movies, shows and games we move things around a bit – including hanging it on the wall and taking it outdoors. There's a clever snap on base (that's actually more of a snap-and-twist) that gives you a stable stand that can also mount onto the wall or hang from a pop-out hook. We found that this also incorporates a tilt function so that the projector can be angled as needed and it has a reassuring amount of tension too – ideal for handling the projector's weight (1.37kg).

We fired up the Capsule Air and followed the easy on-screen instructions to get the projector onto the Wi-Fi network. From there the sensor on the front of the unit can actually see the projected image and auto-adjust it for focus and, crucially, the keystone (distortion). We found both to work perfectly, taking imperfect positioning and making the wall ready for primetime. We could also make some adjustments to compensate for the colour of the wall, which allowed us to skip unpacking the projector screen – pretty important given the whole purpose of this projector is fast and easy portability.

Adjusting the screen size and brightness and saturation levels is a breeze via the remote. The projector's 150 ANSI lumen rating is apparent though. As expected, it's weak for anything other than a well blacked-out room. 150 is well below the minimum lumen rating that Nebula recommend for normal projectors, but on par for portables. So, the Capsule Air is definitely prioritising this aspect.

Smart features: is Google TV integration a game-changer?

This projector's operating system is Google TV, which we're glad to see because it has the widest range of apps out there – well over 10,000 at the time of writing. We used the intuitive interface to search for and download our favourite apps and also utilised the voice control built into the remote which made entering searches that much easier. Here, the smart home ecosystem that runs the home's lighting, security and more is Amazon's Alexa, but Google Assistant works in much the same way. So, the voice control here is going to let you control any compatible devices with a quick press of the mic button.

With the Capsule Air fully loaded with a ton of entertainment potential, we set about getting some serious viewing done.

Performance test: movies, gaming and streaming

Prime Video

As the projector's native resolution is 720p, it was going to have to handle higher resolutions by default. So, we kicked things off with Longlegs in HD. As expected, the image was downscaled. Even with its desaturated and often gloomy visuals, we we're pleasantly surprised at the colour range and contrast levels for such a small projector. Yes, with dark content you'll see some washing out of the blacks, but that's normal for this type of projection tech. We soon got wrapped up in the supernatural and almost forgot all about 4K and surround sound.

Paramount+

Strange New Worlds from Paramount+ was up next. The sound was notably good through the projector's fairly limited speakers and we found the dialogue really crisp and well balanced. The image was surprisingly vibrant with good highlights and contrast, a flyby from the USS Enterprise on a 100-inch screen was a real highlight.

Plex

For anyone running on a Plex home media server with a large library, the Plex app for Google TV is a brilliant way to share videos with friends and family. The app is just as pleasingly clear and simple to use as it is on PCs and smart TVs. There's no better way to get your home movies out of the computer monitor and onto the nearest wall for that big-screen treatment.

Other apps

As for sharing videos or apps that aren't yet available on Google TV, there's a simple screen mirroring option, or you can cast from within any Chromecast enabled app. We did have to find and install the Nebula Cast app via Google TV to enable this feature, but once done the projector would show up on the phone's list of available devices. More on that, next.

Things are looking up

We wanted to test out more casual viewing – but this time, on the ceiling. Being able to lie on the sofa and watch YouTube or switch to some mobile gaming was a real novelty – not exactly the incentive some of us need to get off the couch and exercise, but as a way to chill out it was both cool and sleep-inducing.

While looking skyward, we had to see if we could use the screen mirroring function with an iPad to beam an astronomy app onto the ceiling. At night this was a spectacular use of the Capsule Air. It only left us wishing that the image could have been expanded to reach the edges of the room.

Super-portable big-screen gaming

The keen gamers among us were keen to know whether we could grab the Capsule Air and a mini console for some of the best games on the move. This brainwave isn't going to make some of us popular on the next family 'get back to nature' camping trip. We managed to rig up a sheet (if the side of a tent won't do) and powered a SNES Classic Mini from a power bank. Hooking it up to the projector's HDMI gave us well over an hour of retro arcade action. And on the subject of camping, a nice little addition is the Bluetooth speaker mode for music or internet radio on your travels.

Picture quality and brightness: how does 720p measure up?

We found that the Capsule Air performed right up to the limits of its capabilities, so while we weren't expecting a miraculous super-bright Full-HD image from this, it still ticked the boxes for a tiny yet capable projector that delivered a vibrant and detailed Half HD image. The Nebula app allowed us to tune the brightness, contrast and saturation to our preference with lots of leeway to make things just right for the room you're in.

Focusing is accurate on automatic, but can also be tweaked manually. Although, it must be mentioned that expanding a 720p image to 60-plus inches is going to make you want more clarity. As you can see from some of our photographs, we found that moving the projector closer for a smaller image would overcome this as well as improve apparent brightness levels.

So, the only slight gripe here is that, as expected, 150 ANSI lumens of brightness is a little limiting when you're asking the Capsule Air to project a 100-inch image. To enjoy truly big screen entertainment you'll definitely need a darker room or proper blackout blinds for daytime use. If you'd like to know more, Nebula has a great guide to ANSI lumen ratings.

Sound and audio capabilities: built-in speaker vs. external options

Considering that most ordinary projectors don't incorporate speakers, we didn't prepare ourselves for earth-shattering surround sound. Unfortunately, unlike the more costly Nebula Capsule 3, there's no option to connect a Bluetooth speaker to this – so what you hear is what you'll get. But, what you do get is a decent step-up from phone or tablet speakers. The Dolby Audio is good enough not to make the viewing experience a chore. We found the maximum volume levels were fine for casual viewing, which is what this projector does best.

Battery life and portability: taking your cinema on the go

Nebula states that the Capsule Air will last around two-hours on a single charge – enough for the average movie if you're out and about. We found that to be broadly accurate if you're using eco mode. But, on max brightness settings (which is a must) it's more like 1.5 hours depending on what you're watching. We actually made it to the end of the first episode of The Penguin and well into episode two before it gave out.

But, if you're planning to watch something longer, we're happy to see that it can indeed work while plugged in. Nebula also offer an optional tripod that doubles as a power bank for an additional two-hours of operation. That should mean you'll make it through epics like Killers of the Flower Moon or The Brutalist and still have juice left over.

Comparing the Capsule Air to other mini projectors

These days, portable projectors are everywhere – but the majority of them are lacking in features, power and overall brightness. That said, if you're going for something as small and practical as the Nebula Capsule Air with similar features, you do still have a handful of great alternatives. Our first pick, based on our experience with the Capsule Air, is the Nebula Capsule 3 Laser Projector – it doubles the brightness, gives you full-HD resolution and uses a laser for more vibrancy and clarity. However, it will cost twice the price of the Capsule.

If you want a little more brightness and Full-HD but don't want smart additions like Google TV, the Yaber T2 Standard Portable Projector is a great alternative – but if you do decide you want smart TV functionality you'll need to buy an extra dongle. On a tighter budget? The OPEN Projector QH12a offers the same resolution but with a slightly dimmer 135 ANSI lumen image.

Who should buy the Anker Nebula Capsule Air?

While it won't win any awards for brightness or resolution compared to non-portable projectors costing at least twice as much, it's ideal for anyone who wants to take big screen entertainment with them. While that naturally means sacrificing on high-end performance, students, party people, backpackers and campers, and those with smaller rooms and limited wall space will love it. Essentially anyone who likes to share their entertainment on a bigger screen instead of gathering in front of a laptop or mobile.

The resolution and brightness rating means it's not for extremely particular cinephiles, and it isn't meant to replace larger, non portable projectors. But for the cinema, TV or general entertainment addict who needs a big screen experience that can be set up anywhere, it's ideal. It's also a cost-effective and portable solution for students who don't want the expense and hassle of manoeuvring a sizeable TV into their digs. Screen size flexibility and good battery life mean it's a handy and innovative way of getting your media off of a 6-inch screen and onto the nearest wall at a scale large enough to enjoy – meaning more immersion and easy sharing between friends. It also has art installation and home lighting effects possibilities.

Final verdict: is this the best portable projector for you?

The Nebula Capsule Air is seriously powerful for its size. It's also well designed and engineered so it should travel well. Even without the optional charging tripod, the battery life is impressive enough to outlast most movies. As not all portable gadgets allow themselves to operate while charging via USB-C, We're happy to report that this one does. That means that if you decide to binge-watch a series you can plug into the nearest adapter or separate power bank.

Brightness is the only real limiting factor, which is understandable given the size of the unit and battery powered portability. So, if you think of this as a night time/dark room projector for late night parties, camping trips and rooms with good blackout blinds, it offers a good balance of practicality, portability and features.

In a marketplace dominated by lumens (and price tags) that reach well into the thousands, we think that this is a mantra worth repeating: this is a truly portable budget-friendly projector capable of audio and a highly watchable 100-inch image. Not bad for something not much bigger than a can of your chosen tipple.

More mini projectors to consider

Who tested it?

Chris Duffill is a Senior Tech Writer and reviewer. Having worked in video production and graphic design, he has decades of professional experience with computers, laptops, cameras, and display technologies. He's previously owned large ceiling-mounted home cinema projectors and set up 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound systems plus screens for the full home cinema experience. He's a lifelong TV and movie fanatic with a Masters in Screenwriting from the UEA.

How the product was tested

The Anker Nebula Capsule Air projector was tested for almost two weeks both inside and out and about. It was used for movie nights, gaming sessions and for casual TV viewing and YouTube content. It was placed in a 20 x 18ft living room (on a mantel, hanging from a door handle and on a stand on a side table). The room used has walls painted in an off-white colour to see how the projector would perform for users without a perfectly white wall or projector screen. Usability was routinely tested throughout, with various placements and picture and sound adjustments made on a regular basis. The menus and system as a whole remained reliable and intuitive.

Testing happened at dusk with the curtains (non -blackout) drawn under low ambient lighting conditions, and also after dark in a room with low ambient or no artificial lighting. The projection distance was tested at its maximum range of 2.7 metres and up to 30cm at its closest for projecting smaller images like gaming while camping. Throughout testing, the performance of the projector and its software remained stable, and it was durable and reliable after being packed into a rucksack and placed outside in cold weather.

It was connected to the internet via a router's network as well as the hotspot from an iPhone connected via 4G without any issues with lag or stuttering (when used with a mobile this was ensured by adjusting stream compression in-app). For home network-based connections, it played perfectly at the highest resolution settings. HDMI was tested using a SNES mini game console. Wireless sources include movies and TV shows from Netflix, Amazon Prime, Spotify and the Plex app. Screen mirroring and casting from an iPad and iPhone was also used for content not included within Google TV, with easy, fast and stable performance.

The Nebula Capsule Air's battery life was tested throughout the review period, with the projector running from a mains USB adapter only when the battery was fully depleted (after between 85 and 120 minutes depending on brightness settings and media type). Audio performance was tested under quiet conditions with only minor background environmental noise from other household devices.

The projector was supplied by a PR agency for the purposes of testing and they had no editorial control or oversight over this review.

Chris Duffill is a Senior Tech Writer and Reviewer specialising in audio-visual devices. He's written extensively for What's The Best as well as Yours, Closer, Heat and other brands.

His background includes video production and photography. He has a wealth of experience with TVs, projectors, speakers, amps, cameras, PCs, peripherals and creative software. He also writes about retro gaming, game consoles and various electronic gadgets. If it plugs in, lights up or makes a noise, he'll write about it.