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The Verge
a day ago
- The Verge
Anker Nebula X1 review: a terrific home theater that goes anywhere
I seldom sleep in the same place for more than a couple of weeks at a time, so I'm a big fan of portable all-in-one projectors. They're small and set up quickly, making them ideal for vanlife, gaming parties, outdoor movie nights, or an evening in on the couch — but they usually sacrifice quality for convenience. Anker's new Nebula X1 projector promises to produce an incredibly bright and color-accurate 4K image with excellent sound while remaining portable and quiet. Typically, if portability is at the top of your wish list, then sound and picture quality will suffer. Prioritize a cinematic experience and you're looking at an expensive, hulking, noisy device that requires permanent placement inside a home theater. Over a month of testing across endless firmware updates and a variety of viewing conditions, the Nebula X1 did a superb job of striking the right balance with very few tradeoffs, delivering on Anker's promise. But with a price starting at $2,999, or $3,998 for a kit that includes the highly recommended satellite speakers, it's not exactly cheap. And at close to 25 pounds (11.3kg) for the entire bundle — the Nebula X1 is more luggable than portable. 9 Verge Score The Nebula X1 is a 3500 ANSI lumen triple-laser 4K projector with integrated four-speaker sound system. It runs Google TV so you get built-in Chromecast, Google Assistant, and an official Netflix app (unlike many all-in-one projectors) that streams media over Wi-Fi 6. It includes a pair of USB and HDMI 2.1 ports (one supporting eARC) to attach your favorite game console or media drive. A satisfying, recessed handle pops up with a push to make the 13.7 pound (6.2kg) projection unit portable. There's a long list of features that make the X1 unique for a portable projector: Note: I did my best with the photographs, but they can only approximate the brightness, color, and contrast viewed with the naked eye. I'll just say it: the X1's image quality is unmatched for a go-anywhere all-in-one projector. Its 3500 ANSI lumen output is better than many home theater projectors, allowing it to produce a vivid image across a range of challenging environments with no apparent optical distortion. It looked great at default settings when tested in a variety of lighting situations on painted walls, a traditional white-matte pulldown screen, a gray Ambient Light Rejection (ALR) screen, and a small folding Ikea tabletop. The X1 will attempt to dynamically balance the colors and contrast on whatever surface it detects. Mostly it works, but colors, especially reds, tend to be over-saturated out of the box, making Gwyneth Paltrow's face overly ruddy, especially on my ALR screen. Anker offers plenty of manual overrides to dial in the exact image you prefer with just a few minutes of work. The X1's lumen count made casual viewings possible in spaces flooded with ambient light. At times, I found the image to be too bright, especially when all that light was focused into a 32-inch diagonal on a glossy Ikea panel from just five feet (about 1.5 meters) away. Fortunately, you can manually reduce the power and iris settings to dim the image. That class-leading brightness makes the X1's HDR10 and Dolby Vision support more than just checkmarks on a sales sheet — color is mostly accurate with plenty of contrast, but it's still a DLP projector, so don't expect true blacks. The X1's lumen count should also do a decent job with 3D if you own DLP 3D glasses (I did not test this). Importantly for a portable, the Nebula X1 features all the automatic placement features you'd expect. These include automatic focus, keystone correction, and obstacle avoidance, as well as automatic color adaptation to optimize the image based on the color of the paint or material used on the projection surface. These can be triggered manually from the device, Nebula app, or remote control, or set to engage at startup and when the projector is moved. Autofocus worked 100 precent of the time, while the automatic placement features worked well when there was a clear border. I had to manually correct the edges more often than not when projected onto a blank white wall. Startup is relatively fast. You can begin navigating Google TV in about 45 seconds from a cold boot, or just a few seconds if resuming from standby. There's also an 'Extreme' game mode that disables digital keystone correction and motion smoothing to devote all that background processing to faster response times. For casual game play, the very slight lag is something you quickly get used to. The bundled mics, I can confirm, are fun for karaoke nights. Sound is the killer feature of the Nebula X1. Even without the satellites, the sound is clear and immersive and easily fills a room. Connecting the optional battery-powered satellite speakers over a direct, low-latency 5.8GHz Wi-Fi connection to the main unit takes things to another level. The satellites link automatically at startup and transform the X1's four internal speakers into a makeshift subwoofer, while the three speakers in each satellite take over responsibility for center, top, and side channels. The resulting soundscape is wide and impressive and plenty loud enough for a group to enjoy outdoors — so long as you have accommodating neighbors. There's also a 'Bluetooth Speaker Mode' that turns off the projection lamp to play music with plenty of bass when full, rich, warm audio is all the entertainment required. I used this feature several hours a day which helps to maximize value for money. With the audio turned down the projector is largely silent thanks to its liquid cooling. The fan kicked in on an especially hot day of testing, but I could barely hear it (measuring just 26dB from a distance of 1 meter) over the regular din of a living room or waves crashing beyond. As expected, the X1 did not deliver on the promise of 4.2.1 surround sound. I struggled to hear any simulated channel separation from overhead or behind. Anker lists some strict placement requirements that I couldn't meet exactly in testing — you might have better luck. Those satellites also dropped connection occasionally requiring manual intervention that sometimes resulted in an audible pop. It's a little annoying, and has improved with each firmware update. I saw 19 hours of battery life from those satellites (the projector does not have a battery) in my testing. That included two hours of film watched outdoors at a loud 50 percent volume, and the rest spent vibing to music at a relaxed 20 to 30 percent. Those IP54-rated satellite speakers even survived a small rain shower when I forgot them outside once. Overall, I don't have any real complaints. Sometimes the automatic image placement features can miss the mark, but I find them far more useful than annoying. Sometimes the satellite speakers don't pair properly, but that can be quickly fixed with a power toggle. The Google UI verges on sluggish at times, but it's faster than any other portable implementation I've tried. And I've seen far too many firmware updates, but things keep improving. Anker's Nebula X1 has left me utterly impressed. It produces incredibly immersive sound for its size, alongside a bright, vivid image comparable to home theater projectors costing closer to $5,000. The Nebula X1 with the satellite speaker bundle is expensive at $3,998, but anyone who finds themselves in need of a projector that can quickly approximate a home theater experience anywhere they go will get their money's worth. Photography by Thomas Ricker / The Verge
Miami Herald
09-07-2025
- Miami Herald
Sound Advice: New projector provides cinema-quality picture
Q. A few weeks ago you mentioned you had a review of a cost-no-object projector on the way. I am shopping for a projector and am curious about what it might be. Have you finished your review yet, how much does it cost and how does it stack up against the $1,000 4K smart projectors you have recommended in the past? -R.L., Raleigh, North Carolina projector is the new Nebula X1 Cinema Grade Projection System. I was able to try it myself recently after seeing a very impressive press demonstration at the CES expo in January, before it was announced to the public. The Nebula X1 is extremely bright at 3,500 ANSI Lumens and can project from an 80-inch to a gigantic 300-inch image. The spectacular picture quality is indeed cinema-grade, and the brightness means it works well in moderate ambient light. Another remarkable thing about the Nebula X1 is that anyone can easily get the most out of the projector. Many high-performance audio, video and photography products require a certain level of expertise to access all the performance and capabilities. With the Nebula X1 you can just put the projector on the ground or on a table, point it at the screen and the projector will do the rest. The X1 uses AI to find the screen, fill it with a test pattern, focus and correct for keystone effect to present a perfect image automatically. From there the Google TV operating system makes the X1 as easy to use as any flat-panel smart television. The X1 produces strong, satisfying sound on its own, but it can be used with dedicated wireless surround speakers that pair with the projector and automatically set up a 4.1.2-channel surround sound field. An optical/auxiliary port and HDMI eARC connection are provided for use with other external powered speakers and sound systems. The Nebula X1 definitely lives up to the hype and the promise. It currently sells for the $2,999, and that is actually very affordable when many high-end 4K home theater projectors can sell for $30,000 or more. Nebula currently is offering a free 100-inch screen or gimbal stand with purchase. There is also a $3,998 bundle that includes the $699 wireless speakers, two microphones for karaoke and presentations, and a beautifully made case with dedicated compartments for the projector and accessories. Whether the Nebula X1 is worth the difference compared to some of the very good 4K smart projectors selling around $1,000 will depend on the individual buyer. For those who want the absolute best and can afford it, the X1 significantly raises the bar in terms of image quality and what a smart projector system can do. Q. In a recent column someone mentioned how their soundbar interfered with the bottom of their LG TV for viewing. I found putting a soundbar in front of our LG TV was in our line of sight. I found a fix by purchasing a TV riser from Syracuse TV Risers. They are excellent solid wood TV stands, and you can order custom made! -J.R., East Hampstead, New Hampshire A. After receiving your email I checked out and this looks to be a great option for those looking for more TV clearance or component space. Thanks for the tip! Super-handy household gadget: Next week I will feature one of the most surprisingly useful and fun household gadgets I have ever tested. It has a multitude of uses around the home, car and outdoors, sports a really cool name and sells for about $30! Don't miss it! --- Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
CNET
08-07-2025
- CNET
Anker Nebula X1 Projector Review: Bright Enough to Bleach Mars
9.0 / 10 SCORE Anker Nebula X1 $2,999 at Amazon Pros Ridiculously bright Impressively quiet All you need for an epic movie night anywhere Cons Brutally expensive Did I mention it's expensive Who is this for, exactly? Anker Nebula X1 9.0/10 CNET Score $2,999 at Amazon I'll be honest, I have no idea how to approach reviewing the Anker Nebula X1. I've been reviewing projectors for over 20 years and this thing is bonkers in so many different ways I can't get a handle on it. I mean, other than the literal handle on it. It's $3,000 but also portable? It's the brightest projector I've ever measured but it's not specifically for in-home use. In fact, Anker expects people to use it outdoors. So the X1 is fascinating because I don't think there's anything else quite like it. Does that make it a good projector? Specs and such Resolution: 4K HDR-compatible: Yes Lumens spec: 3,500 Zoom: Yes, 0.9:1 to 1.5:1 Lens shift: Yes (sort of) Laser lifespan: 30,000 hours The X1 is, in some respects, fairly similar to most projectors we review. It's 4K, has Google TV built in and has a high brightness spec. Like some projectors, usually the more expensive ones but not always, it has a zoom lens. That lens is also on a motorized pivot, so you can tilt the image upwards 25 degrees without moving the projector itself. This isn't "lens shift" in the traditional projector sense since it will require keystone correction if you aim it too far up, but for the intended portable use of the X1 this feature works well enough. Geoffrey Morrison/CNET Rated at 3,500 lumens, I measured a remarkable 2,383 in its most accurate mode. That's a lot. I mean a lot a lot. Prior to the X1 the brightest projector I'd ever measured was the Epson CO-FH02, and the X1 is roughly 15% brighter, has more accurate color and a significantly higher contrast ratio. Incredibly that's not even the brightest the X1 can go. In the less accurate Conference mode, it's capable of 3,286 lumens. Not only is that basically right on spec, which is impressive enough, but it's also staggeringly, eye-wateringly, bright. Thankfully, and I can't believe I'm saying this, you can turn it down. You can reduce the power of the lasers, as well as crank down an iris, to make the whole image dimmer. In a dark room, and depending on your screen size and gain, you might have to do this. It's almost, and again I can't believe I'm saying this, too bright. Can a projector be "too bright?" I don't know, but this is the first time I'm asking that question, and it's giving me an existential crisis. The X1's native contrast ratio is also really good, at least graded on the curve of DLP projectors. I measured 1,544:1, which is significantly higher than most of the recent 4K projectors I've reviewed, other than the BenQ X300G and X500i. Higher-end LCD and all LCOS (Sony and JVC) projectors will be better, but 1,544:1 is definitely above average. The handle retracts into the body. Geoffrey Morrison/CNET Like many modern projectors, the X1 has an automatic setup that "finds" your screen and adjusts, crops and otherwise trims the image to fit. Like most modern products Anker refers to these adjustments as having "AI." Whatever you call it, I don't recommend most people use it. Like any projector, you should position the X1 correctly, without using features like this, as they always reduce image quality by only using a portion of the imaging chip. Lastly, there's the noise, or more specifically, the lack thereof. Using water cooling, something quite rare in home projectors, the X1 is exceptionally quiet. So quiet you can sit next to it and barely notice it's on. If you've got the brightness cranked and you're watching a movie, the fans might kick up enough that you hear them, but overall this is an exceptionally quiet projector. The BenQ GP520 I reviewed recently was similarly quiet. Here's hoping this is a trend. Connections Geoffrey Morrison/CNET HDMI inputs: 2 USB port: 1 USB-A, 1 USB-C Audio output: eARC, Optical Internet: Wi-Fi Remote: Not backlit The X1 has a fairly standard suite of connections for a projector in 2025. The remote is the same off-the-shelf one that comes with many less expensive projectors. I would have expected more for the added cost of the X1. It lacks an input button, a trend that makes me irrationally angry, but at least it's backlit. As elaborate as the X1's light output and cooling aspects are, the internal speakers are quite elaborate for a projector as well. There are two 15-watt woofers, two 5W tweeters and two passive radiators. The internal speakers are a little boomy, but they can play quite loud. So sound-wise there's enough here for impressively decent audio. Available separately, for an additional $700, are the wireless, battery-powered Nebula X1 Wireless Satellite Speakers. Each enclosure has four drivers, two in the front with a 40W amp, plus one each top and side, each powered by its own 20W amp. There's also a package, $4,000 with the projector, that includes those speakers plus two microphones for some outdoor karaoke. Perfect if you want to make new neighborhood friends or more likely, get visited by the local constabulary. Picture quality comparisons Epson LS11000 This is usually the part of the review where I compare the projector under test with some similar options to see how it stacks up. But what do I even compare this thing to? This isn't like comparing a Ferrari to a Kia, it's more like comparing the Space Shuttle to a 1992 Ford Econoline. Are they both designed to haul cargo? Yeah, sure, I guess, but I think that misses the point. No home projector can come anywhere near the brightness of the X1. No portable projector comes anywhere near the X1's price. "Class of its own" is a trite marketing phrase but it sort of fits, though to be honest I'm not sure I mean it as a superlative. You're treated to a flashy light show every time you turn the X1 on, including the red laser-like stripe seen here. Geoffrey Morrison/CNET So for lack of anything close to the X1's, well, everything, I compared it to the Epson LS11000 which at least comes close to the X1's full package price. The Epson also has lasers, overall excellent performance, though for the same money it doesn't come with speakers or microphones. I compared them side-by-side on a 1.0-gain screen. Surprise surprise, the Anker X1 is noticeably brighter than the LS11000. The Epson is quite bright, at least compared to normal projectors. In its most accurate mode I measured the Epson at 1,378 lumens, nicely above average for the projectors I've reviewed. Above average in this case still only being 58% of the X1's light output. I dialed the X1 back a bit otherwise that brightness would have skewed the rest of the comparison. The X1's detail was also better, looking far sharper. While both projectors use some form of pixel shifting to achieve their resolution, the Epson is more accurately called 1080p*2 than true 4K. Visually, it looks softer than the X1. Geoffrey Morrison/CNET In terms of color, the X1 wins out again. Its triple laser light engine is capable of richer, deeper colors with HDR content. While technically more accurate as well, the Epson's colors, generally speaking, looked a little more realistic. While on the topic of lasers, one consequence of the three laser combined is an artifact that will only be noticeable by some people with glasses. The narrow wavelengths get refracted differently and the result looks like colored halos around some objects (blue on one side, red on the other), most notably solid whites like captions/titles, streetlights, etc. Personally this is enough that I wouldn't buy a triple laser projector, but most people will never have this issue and as such it didn't affect my ratings. For what it's worth, this effect can be seen on some LED-lit projectors as well, but it's far less pronounced. The contrast ratio between the two projectors is fairly evenly matched, 1,808:1 for the Epson, 1,544:1 for the Anker. With some scenes the Epson looks better than the numbers imply, mostly because it's just dimmer overall. So yes, the X1 is brighter, more colorful, smaller and more portable than the Epson. However, the Epson has an excellent zoom range, easily accessible zoom presets (if you have a 2.35:1 screen), so for a dedicated theater it likely fits better. Feel the burn Geoffrey Morrison/CNET I'm gonna be really blunt here, I am completely baffled by the X1. It has a level of performance that is unquestionably impressive. That level sort of even justifies its price, which is unquestionably high. But to have that performance, and that price, in something intended for portability and outdoor use? Who is this for exactly? I don't want to yuck anyone's yums, but I find it hard to believe that anyone who can afford to spend $3-4,000 on something they're only going to use a few times a year will care what I say in a review. They've already had one of their lackeys buy it with the estate's AmEx Black. But hey, who am I to judge what people do with their money. I'm just here to tell you if this thing is any good. Yes, the X1 is good. Very, very good in fact. It can create an image that's TV-bright on a screens bigger than a wall. The colors are fairly accurate, the contrast ratio is decent and the whole thing is reasonably small and impressively quiet. It's a car that can go 250MPH masquerading as a toaster. It's a rocket ship with enough brightness to bleach Mars. It's a non sequitur in electronic form, full of lasers, light and, for this reviewer at least, abject confusion. Get one, or don't, I don't even know anymore.
CNET
02-06-2025
- Business
- CNET
Save $700 Off This Nebula X1 4K Projector and Speaker Bundle at Amazon
Anker's Nebula sub-brand is behind some of our favorite portable projectors, making them the go-to option for people who want to enjoy big-screen content on the go. Now, Amazon is offering a new bundle that includes a projector, stereo wireless speakers and more with a massive $700 off the price you'd normally pay. Buying this bundle separately would mean handing over almost $4,000, which is a lot of money indeed. Even at $3,298, this isn't what most people would call an impulse purchase. But if you want a portable setup for movies, TV shows and gaming, now is the time to consider placing your order before this deal ends. The cornerstone of the bundle is, of course, the Nebula X1 4K projector with its 56,000:1 contrast ratio and 3,500 ANSI lumens of brightness. It offers Dolby Vision support and can project an image of up to 300 inches which makes it great for just about anything. It's built to be used outdoors and even comes with a handle so you can carry it around more easily. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. While this projector does come with built-in speakers, they can't compare with a proper audio solution. That's why this bundle includes a pair of wireless speakers that offer an extra 160 watts of audio output for a much improved experience. Those speakers are joined by a pair of microphones so you can get your karaoke on, too. Finally. you'll get a handy carry case that can house all of your new projector gear when you're on the move, so you can be sure that it'll get to your destination in one piece. Why this deal matters Projectors have gotten smaller and more portable than ever, and this bundle gets you everything that you need for a great outdoor experience. Whether you're watching the latest blockbuster movie or keeping the kids entertained with their favorite shows, this is a deal that you won't want to miss. It can also make a great Father's Day gift.
Geeky Gadgets
30-05-2025
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
Ultimate Home Theater: The Nebula X1 300" Laser Projector
The Nebula X1 by Anker redefines the standards of home and outdoor entertainment, offering a cinema-grade experience through its advanced technology and versatile design. Combining stunning visuals, immersive audio, and intuitive usability, this projector is engineered to meet the demands of diverse entertainment scenarios. Whether you're hosting a movie night, engaging in a gaming marathon, or enjoying a karaoke session, the Nebula X1 delivers exceptional performance tailored to your preferences. The video below from Andrew Ethan Zeng gives us a detailed look at the Nebula X1. Watch this video on YouTube. Exceptional Visual Performance The Nebula X1 stands out with its ability to project a massive 300-inch screen while maintaining remarkable clarity and detail. Powered by triple laser technology, it achieves an impressive 3,500 lumens of brightness, making sure vibrant and sharp visuals even in brightly lit environments. Its AI spatial adaptation feature automatically adjusts the image to fit any surface, eliminating the need for manual calibration and making setup effortless. Additionally, the motorized optical zoom allows for precise screen size adjustments without compromising image quality. With real-time HDR tone mapping and Dolby Vision support, the projector delivers lifelike colors and deep contrasts. A 5,000:1 contrast ratio and precise color accuracy ensure that every frame is rendered with cinematic detail. Whether you're watching a blockbuster movie or playing a 4K video game, the Nebula X1 guarantees an immersive visual experience that rivals professional cinema setups. Innovative Design and Practical Features The Nebula X1 combines elegance and functionality in its design. Its sleek matte black finish, accented with subtle red details, exudes sophistication. Compact and portable, it features a retractable handle for easy transportation, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. Connectivity is seamless, with support for HDMI 2.1, eARC, USB-A/C, and optical audio ports, making sure compatibility with a wide range of devices, including gaming consoles, streaming platforms, and external speakers. To enhance performance and portability, the projector is equipped with a liquid cooling system that minimizes noise levels to just 26 decibels. This innovative cooling mechanism not only ensures quiet operation but also contributes to the device's lightweight design, making it a versatile choice for various entertainment settings. Immersive Audio for Every Occasion The Nebula X1's audio system is designed to complement its stunning visuals. Featuring a 4.1.2 surround sound system powered by Dolby Audio, it delivers a robust 200W output that fills any space with rich, immersive sound. Wireless satellite speakers further enhance the audio experience, creating a dynamic soundstage that brings every scene to life. From subtle whispers to explosive action sequences, the sound quality ensures that every detail is heard with clarity. For outdoor entertainment, the projector includes a built-in 8-hour battery, providing uninterrupted playback even in locations without access to power. This makes it an excellent choice for backyard movie nights, camping trips, or any outdoor gathering where high-quality audio and visuals are essential. Streamlined Usability and Advanced Features Ease of use is a defining feature of the Nebula X1. With Google TV integration, users can access popular streaming apps and control the projector using voice commands, simplifying navigation and enhancing convenience. The AI spatial adaptation and auto gimbal features ensure that setup is quick and hassle-free, allowing you to start your entertainment experience in just minutes. Safety is also a priority with the Nebula X1. The projector includes an eye guard feature that dims the projection when someone approaches the beam, protecting viewers from potential harm. Additionally, the inclusion of wireless microphones with reverb modes adds an interactive element to karaoke sessions, making them more engaging and enjoyable for everyone involved. Versatility and Performance Across Applications The Nebula X1 is designed to excel in a variety of entertainment scenarios. Its 4K 60Hz support and 19ms response time make it suitable for casual gaming, making sure smooth and responsive gameplay. The projector's high brightness and color accuracy enable it to perform exceptionally well in both indoor and outdoor environments. Whether you're enjoying a movie under the stars or competing in a fast-paced game, the Nebula X1 adapts seamlessly to your needs, delivering consistent and high-quality performance. Investment in Premium Entertainment Priced at approximately $3,000, the Nebula X1 reflects its premium features and innovative technology. For those seeking a comprehensive entertainment solution, an accessory bundle is available for an additional $999, which includes wireless speakers, microphones, and a carry case. While the cost may seem significant, the value offered by the Nebula X1 makes it a worthwhile investment for individuals who prioritize high-quality entertainment experiences. Discover other guides from our vast content that could be of interest on Cinema-grade projector. Source & Image Credit: Andrew Ethan Zeng Filed Under: Displays News, Reviews, Technology News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
