The Anker Nebula Capsule II projector is one of the most popular portable projectors in 2023. And for good reasons – it’s a smart projector, produces decent image quality, has a unique design and a solid build, etc.
Unfortunately, this mini projector also has its downsides which could be a complete turn-off for you. We wouldn’t want you to buy it and later regret your decision. That’s why we’ve prepared this comprehensive Anker Nebula Capsule II review.
We’ve covered the most important things you’ll want to know about the projector. And as a bonus, we’ve included real users’ reviews – you’ll get to understand how good (or bad) this mini projector is firsthand.
So let’s dive right in!
Quick Takes on the Anker Nebula Capsule II Mini Projector
The Anker Nebula Capsule II portable mini projector has a 4.4/5-star rating on Amazon from 940+ reviewers. 71% of the reviewers gave this mini projector a 5-star rating indicating how well it runs on Android TV OS and how easy it is to set it up (within minutes, literally).
Unfortunately, 3% and 5% of the reviewers gave this projector a 2-star and 1-star rating indicating the following:
- Missing software, e.g., Nebula Manager for iOS
- Hardware glitches, e.g., autofocus, WiFi, etc. which just stop working when using the mini projector
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Anker Nebula Capsule II Alternatives
When taking a look at these alternatives, we’ve put into consideration the projectors’ prices and the features they offer. Check them out:
| Projector | User’s Needs | Why We Think It’s Better |
| Anker Nebula Mars II | [1] Increased ANSI lumen production | According to recent research, people shopping for projectors in general search for projector brightness the most. With that in mind, one of the most notable downsides of the Anker Nebula Capsule II portable projector is its low ANSI lumen output. The Anker Nebula Mars II is a suitable alternative if your main concern is a brighter ANSI lumen output because this projector produces 500 ANSI lumens which are significantly higher than the Nebula Capsule II. |
| Anker Nebula Solar Portable | [3] Better image resolution | The Anker Nebula Capsule II portable mini projector has a native resolution of 1280 x 720 (which also happens to be its maximum resolution). Having a projector that is clearer than the Nebula Capsule II will completely change your entertainment experience. And the Anker Nebula Solar Portable projector is a viable option in this case because it has a native resolution of 1920 x 1080. It is additionally brighter than the Anker Nebula Capsule II projector as it produces 400 ANSI lumens. Of course, it’s not as bright as you would think but it does produce more light. Learn more about the Anker Nebula Solar Portable projector by reading our full review. |
Specs and Features
Check out this comprehensive breakdown of the specs and features of the Anker Nebula Capsule II:
| Features | Specifications |
| Projection technology | DLP |
| Brightness | 200 ANSI lumens |
| Contrast ratio | 600:1 |
| Resolution | 1280 x 720 (native), 1280 x 720 (max) |
| Throw ratio | 1.3:1 (short throw distance – 100’’ @ 2.94m) |
| Lamp life | 30,000 hours |
| Built-in battery | 10,000 mAh (2.5 hours on eco-mode) |
| Built-in speaker | 8W speaker |
| I/O ports | HDMI (x1), USB-A (x1), USB-C (x1 – for charging only), AUX (x1) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, WiFi |
| Digital Keystone | Vertical ±40° |
| Operating System | Android TV 9.0 |
| Accessories | Remote control, quick start guide, USB-C cable, PD charger. (Please note that the remote control here is essential as it is required to access Google Assistant) |
| Projector weight | 26.1 oz (0.7kgs) |
Design and Build
The Anker Nebula Capsule II has one of the most unique compact designs – cylindrical, similar to a soda can. This design makes it easily portable. Beyond a compact design, the projector’s solid build and sturdiness also enhance its portability.
Here’s the best part:
The projector can survive bruises and brushes in an outdoor environment because you’ll probably use it outdoors. As such, you can fit it in any bag or store it in any drawer without worrying too much.
Unfortunately, the Anker Nebula Capsule II portable projector does not come with lens protection equipment, e.g., a sliding cover. It is one thing we would certainly like to see in future models.
Another awesome thing about this portable projector is its built-in 10,000 mAh battery. The battery lasts long enough to allow you to enjoy your favorite movie or several episodes of your favorite series.
It would have been better also if this mini projector had more I/O ports. It currently has one HDMI, USB-A, and AUX port. The USB-C port is used to charge the device only.
The Anker Nebula Capsule II projector has control buttons at the top. These buttons have been strategically positioned there to grant you quick control access which is essential when watching movies.
The buttons at the top allow you to scroll in all directions, as well as increase and decrease the projector’s volume.
That, however, does not mean you do not need to use the remote control – you’ll need it to access Google Assistant.
One notable thing about the remote control is the few buttons it has which is beneficial as it allows you to control the projector seamlessly. Unfortunately, the remote control is not backlit which is quite limiting especially because you’ll most likely use the projector in environments with limited ambient light.
Performance, Picture, and Sound Quality
The Anker Nebula Capsule II portable projector is equipped with 2GB DDR3 RAM + 8GB storage which is pretty decent. However, it would have been better if Anker would increase the storage space to at least 16GB considering how essential bigger storage spaces are today.
In addition, the projector is Bluetooth and WiFi-enabled. The Nebula Capsule II runs on Android TV 9.0 OS which allows you to download over 5000 apps on the Google Play Store. As long as you have a stable internet connection, you can quickly and easily connect the projector to your Google account.
You’ll then be able to download, watch, and listen to your favorite music, podcasts, movies, etc. Another notable feature of this projector is its ability to double as a Bluetooth speaker. You can easily connect it to your phone, tablet (or iPad), or even laptop and enjoy listening to audio.
Unfortunately, you cannot mirror copyrighted content from apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime video, etc. using Chromecast. You’ll really need to be creative to be able to mirror these apps on your projector.
While the Anker Nebula Capsule II projector produces decent image quality, its ANSI lumen production is quite low, which is one of its main downsides. 200 ANSI lumens limits you to use the projector in dark environments or rooms where ambient light can be controlled.
It would be awesome if Anker also increased this projector’s brightness to at least 500 ANSI lumens. We fell in love with its short throw ratio – it can project life-sized images at short distances (100’’ @ 2.94m).
In addition, its 8W speaker is quite powerful and produces good-quality sound. Of course, you cannot compare its sound quality to that of a dedicated external speaker or even a soundbar. Here’s how good the projector’s speaker is:
The scale and texture of the audio in Dune are simply outstanding. You can clearly hear the grit of the sand and the crackling & popping of fire in the action scenes. Unfortunately, the action scenes did not come off too well as we had anticipated.
Our Verdict on the Anker Nebula Capsule II Portable Projector
The Anker Nebula Capsule II is certainly one of the most popular portable projectors. We fell in love with its size and shape, ability to project good-quality images, and excellent sound. What we didn’t like is its low ANSI lumen production, limited hard-disk space, and the inability to project copyrighted content, e.g., Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc.
We also think that the Anker Nebula Capsule II is a little overpriced considering the features it offers. You could get better for way less than what this projector costs. Which brings us to yet another question – which other projector should you consider?
And we do understand how stressful it can be to shop for a portable projector. Consider reading our full review on the best portable projectors for 2023 which also covers the factors you should put in mind when selecting a portable projector.
