Most portable projectors make compromises somewhere—whether it’s brightness, sound, or setup. But Anker’s Nebula X1 tries to do things differently, packing in a triple-laser 4K engine, wireless speaker options, and even a liquid cooling system that keeps things quiet and cool while you watch.
The Nebula X1 goes on sale May 21, starting at $2,999 for the projector on its own, or $3,298 if you want the full bundle that includes two wireless speakers, a pair of microphones, and a carry case. Anker is also running a limited-time promo with discounted pricing for early buyers.
At the core of the X1 is a triple-laser RGB light engine, which pushes out 3,500 ANSI lumens of brightness. That’s bright enough to hold its own even if you’re watching outside during the day, which isn’t something many portable projectors can say. It supports 4K resolution and can throw a standard-throw image up to 300 inches across, but thanks to its optical zoom, you can get a crisp 200-inch display from just 13 to 22 feet away, making it surprisingly flexible for different setups.
Setting it up doesn’t require a lot of fiddling either. Thanks to a built-in gimbal that tilts up to 25 degrees, the projector can be placed on a table, floor, or stand, and it’ll adjust the picture automatically. It uses what Anker calls AI Spatial Adaptation, which handles tasks like focus, keystone correction, and even adjusting for the color of the wall you’re projecting onto.
You can trigger all of this with a single button on the remote, and if you tend to move it between rooms or locations, you can even save your preferred settings for later.
On the visual side, it’s also packing Dolby Vision, support for Rec. 2020 color, and a 5,000:1 native contrast ratio, which should help make movies pop—even in trickier lighting conditions. There’s even 3D support, as long as you’ve got the right glasses and content.
Projectors aren’t exactly known for their sound, but the X1 is trying to change that. Built into the projector are four speakers (two 15W drivers and two 5W tweeters), which should be more than enough for casual viewing. But if you’re after a full home theater feel, the optional wireless satellite speakers might be what sets this model apart.
These speakers aren’t your average Bluetooth add-ons. Each one has front, upward, and side-firing drivers, making it possible to build a 4.1.2 surround sound setup—complete with height effects and a sense of space. When these external speakers are connected, the projector’s built-in speakers actually switch into subwoofer mode, handling the low-end punch.
The wireless speakers are battery-powered, last up to 8 hours, and connect over Wi-Fi with low latency (under 25ms), which is ideal if you’re syncing video and audio outdoors. They’re also IP54 rated, meaning they can handle a bit of dust and light rain—handy for outdoor setups. The projector itself, though, doesn’t have the same level of weather protection.
Instead of relying on loud fans, Anker has introduced liquid cooling to the X1—a first for consumer projectors. This helps keep the projector compact and quiet, with noise levels staying around 26dB (about the volume of a whisper).
It weighs 13.7 pounds (6.7 kg), so it’s not exactly ultra-light, but it does include a pop-up handle to make moving it around a little easier. One thing to note: there’s no internal battery, so you’ll need to plug it in wherever you set it up.
The X1 runs Google TV, so you’ll have access to Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and other major streaming platforms right out of the box. It can also handle voice commands and comes with a remote, app control, and a few basic physical buttons on the projector itself.
In terms of ports, you’re looking at two HDMI 2.1 inputs (one with eARC), plus USB-A, USB-C, and a 3.5mm audio jack—so whether you’re plugging in a game console, Blu-ray player, or just want to stream wirelessly, you’re covered.
And yes, those wireless microphones in the bundle are exactly what they sound like—karaoke is definitely on the menu.
At nearly $3,000 for the projector alone, the Nebula X1 isn’t a casual purchase. It’s going up against similarly premium projectors like the JMGO N1S Ultra and Hisense C2 Ultra, which offer strong specs at slightly lower price points. But for people who want a projector that can do it all—super bright picture, real surround sound, flexible placement, and easy setup—the X1 makes a strong case.