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Nebula X1 projector: review

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Published on: 31-05-2025 / Modified: 31-05-2025
I hadn’t come across any Nebula projectors in a few years, and suddenly, I was contacted by two marketing agencies for the launch of a new model: the Nebula X1. Since I don’t do paid reviews or sponsored articles, I figured I’d look into it myself and share my opinion with you. I tested two Nebula projectors a few years ago, both of which I bought through a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter or Indiegogo (I can't remember which one). I kept one of those projectors for almost two years and really liked it. So, is the Nebula X1 worth checking out? That’s what I aim to find out and share with you transparently.

Launch Offer

Take advantage of a launch offer with a €500 discount on Nebula's European site:
Nebula X1 / Official Website

Introduction to the Nebula X1

The Nebula X1 comes in a vertical metallic gray casing, with a retractable handle on top for easy transport. Its dimensions, approximately 24 × 19 × 28 cm, and weight of 6.2 kg make it a fairly bulky tabletop projector—much larger than battery-pow

Technical Specifications

Under the hood, the Nebula X1 is equipped with a 0.47″ DLP chip with Ultra HD 4K resolution (3840×2160), achieved through XPR wobulation based on a DMD micromirror array. Its light source is a triple RGB laser with no color wheel, delivering a claimed brightness of 3,500 ANSI lumens and a lifespan of 30,000 hours.

The projector includes a 1.0–1.5× optical zoom (throw ratio of 0.9:1 to 1.5:1), allowing you to adjust image size without moving the device: for example, a 2.54 m (~100″) wide image can be projected from just 2 m away, and up to 5 m wide (~200″) at 4 m distance.

Thanks to the micro-gimbal and motorized zoom, the X1 can be placed at various heights and adjust the image accordingly. The setup is largely automated: with the press of a button, the X1’s “Spatial Adaptation” AI scans the projection surface and automatically adjusts the image (focus, size, placement), corrects keystone distortion (±40° vertical, ±30° horizontal), performs optical zoom and alignment to avoid obstacles, while also adapting brightness to ambient light and color balance to the wall’s hue. Be careful not to overuse these corrections, as you may end up with a large gray border around the image. These adjustments don’t change the projection cone—rather, the projector just shrinks the image and sends black around it.

On the hardware side, the projector is powered by a quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 processor with a Mali-G52 GPU, paired with 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage for apps. It runs on Google TV (Android TV 11) with Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and access to over 10,000 apps via the Play Store.

Importantly, Netflix is certified and runs natively (which isn’t always the case). The Google TV interface makes the experience familiar (recommendations, built-in Google voice assistant, Chromecast, etc.), and the Nebula X1 supports OTA updates to improve software performance. Lastly, it features a liquid cooling system—the first of its kind in a consumer projector—effectively dissipating heat: it improves cooling efficiency by 15% while reducing internal space usage by 30% compared to traditional air cooling.

As a result, the X1 can maintain its full brightness while staying compact and quiet. This liquid cooling eliminates the need for potentially noisy fans.

Brightness

The standout feature of the Nebula X1 is its brightness of 3,500 ANSI lumens, made possible by the RGB laser trio. This places it far above typical LED portable projectors and allows it to project a large and clear image even in moderate ambient light.

Indoors, you can watch a movie without needing to darken the room completely. Outdoors, the X1 can serve as a garden projector usable in the evening from dusk, or even in the late afternoon in the shade—something unthinkable with an LED projector offering only a few hundred lumens. This increase in brightness also directly benefits HDR: the Nebula X1 supports HDR10 and even the dynamic Dolby Vision format, which is rare among projectors.

Thanks to its powerful laser, it can achieve brightness peaks sufficient to render HDR effectively, with intense highlights and punchy images. Manufacturer-provided brightness measurements are often exaggerated, but that’s not the case here—the 3,500 lumens are real. However, after calibration, you’ll still end up with a lower value around 2,500 lumens. So you’ll have to make a choice: if you go for maximum brightness, it will come at the cost of color accuracy.

This high brightness also ensures a large image size without quality loss. The X1 can project up to 300 inches diagonally (7.6 m, provided the room is large enough).

More reasonably, an image between 100 and 150″ will already feel like a real home cinema. And unlike lamp-based projectors, the brightness of the laser remains stable over time (no lamp replacement needed). Power consumption also adapts to zoom level and lighting conditions (eco mode in dark rooms, etc.), which optimizes real-world usage. Power consumption is slightly over 100 watts, which is very reasonable for this brightness level.

Contrast

The Nebula X1 claims a native contrast ratio of around 5,000:1, which is significantly higher than the typical native contrast found in LED DLP projectors (often around 1,000:1). This figure reflects the projector’s ability to display deeper blacks and more detailed nighttime scenes. Additionally, a 6-blade dynamic iris system (variable aperture from f/2.0 to f/4.5) allows for a maximum dynamic contrast of 56,000:1 by adjusting brightness image by image. Of course, these are theoretical values—the actual contrast is slightly lower but still excellent.

It's important to note that contrast also depends on ambient light. These high contrast values can only be achieved in total darkness. If you’re projecting outside during late-afternoon daylight, the actual contrast will be much lower.

Early tests confirm that blacks are indeed impressive for a DLP projector, and images are well contrasted with a good sense of depth. The projector features a built-in dynamic contrast algorithm called NebulaMaster 2.0, which analyzes each frame to optimize black and white levels in real time. Combined with the iris, this aims to provide a rendering close to the human eye’s capabilities, delivering deep blacks without sacrificing the readability of bright areas.

Of course, a DLP projector can’t match the inky contrast of an OLED TV or a high-end triple-panel LCOS projector, but the Nebula X1 performs admirably in its class. Very dark scenes retain detail, and explosions or bright lights in HDR films coexist on screen without washing out the rest of the image—a balance many projectors struggle to maintain. Thanks to its high contrast, the Nebula X1 delivers a dynamic and nuanced image, ideal for movie watching.

Note that enabling dynamic contrast mode may slightly alter the gamma curve or cause very slight brightness fluctuations during some transitions, but this is common with such features—and it can be disabled for purists. Overall, the Nebula X1 offers solid contrast performance for a portable projector, significantly enhancing image quality for dark-themed movies (thrillers, sci-fi, night scenes, etc.).

Sharpness

The combination of the 4K DLP chip and the Nebula X1’s new optics delivers an image with exceptional clarity. Anker equipped this projector with a 14-element all-glass lens, a rarity in this price range. Unlike plastic lenses that can deform from heat and yellow over time, this glass lens maintains excellent optical stability.

The result: sharpness is uniform across the entire image, with no blurring at the edges, and the picture remains perfectly focused even after hours of use, with no drifting due to temperature changes. The X1 features an automatic autofocus function (paired with a camera or ToF sensor) that adjusts focus on startup and after any movement, with the option for manual adjustment if needed.

In terms of resolution, the Nebula X1 accepts video signals up to 4K UHD at 60 Hz, as well as 4K at 120 Hz via its HDMI 2.1 inputs. In other words, you can connect Ultra HD sources (4K Blu-ray player, streaming box, PC, next-gen console) and enjoy a highly detailed image with the full 8.3 million pixels of 4K. The wobulated DLP chip faithfully reproduces even the finest 4K details, making UHD films appear strikingly sharp. Based on an early hands-on experience, the image is pleasantly crisp and detailed, with no excessive motion blur—though you may notice some dithering grain.

The projector also offers a frame interpolation option (MEMC) for those who prefer smoother motion, such as during sports events. However, it’s recommended to disable this feature when watching cinematic content to preserve the director’s intent. For 1080p or 720p content, the Nebula X1 performs quality upscaling to take advantage of the 4K matrix, which benefits Full HD Blu-rays and older console games. Fine text, game interfaces, and subtitles appear sharp and easily readable.

Thanks to the X1’s excellent optics, the image shows no visible chromatic aberration or vignetting. Anker highlights the use of aspherical and low-dispersion lens elements to reduce spherical and chromatic distortions. In practice, this results in a very clean image, free of halos or color fringing around high-contrast objects.

Color Accuracy

Thanks to its triple-laser light source, the Nebula X1 covers an exceptionally wide color gamut. Anker claims 110% coverage of the Rec.2020 gamut (well beyond DCI-P3), placing this projector on par with some much more expensive home cinema projectors.

In practice, this means the X1 can reproduce highly saturated colors that most LED or lamp-based projectors can’t even display. HDR content, whether Dolby Vision or HDR10, benefits from a complete color palette close to what movie studios intended. During demo sessions, reviewers noted “vivid and vibrant” colors straight out of the box. The Nebula X1 is factory-calibrated with impressive precision: the claimed average Delta E is below 0.8, although in reality it's slightly higher out of the box, and your screen will also affect perceived accuracy.

In Cinema picture mode, you’ll get very accurate colors without needing professional calibration. The projector offers several picture presets (Standard, Cinema, Vivid, Game, etc.) to match your use case. Cinema mode, for example, provides a warmer, more accurate look (Rec.709/sRGB calibrated), while Vivid mode pushes the wide color gamut for punchier colors in outdoor use.

Thanks to ISF certification, you can call in a calibrator to fine-tune dedicated Day/Night modes, but for most users, the default Cinema color settings are more than sufficient. The Nebula X1 excels particularly at reproducing challenging shades: cyan tones, turquoise hues, lush greens, and deep sunset reds are rendered richly and with nuance, without veering into artificial neon territory. Laser technology also ensures better long-term color stability (no color drift due to aging, unlike some UHP lamps). Additionally, the X1 is TÜV Rheinland certified for low blue light emission, making the image comfortable to watch for long periods without causing excessive eye fatigue.

Besides Dolby Vision, the projector supports standard HDR10 and HLG (for broadcast content), and automatically adjusts tone mapping based on the source. HDR scenes benefit from enhanced color depth while retaining detail in highlights and shadows. In Dolby Vision mode, the projector follows dynamic metadata to adjust image settings frame by frame, ensuring optimal picture quality according to its brightness and black levels. To put it simply, the Nebula X1’s color fidelity is excellent—whether you’re watching a film in Cinema mode in a dark room or playing a colorful cartoon at an outdoor barbecue. Image purists will appreciate that Anker focused on both accuracy and richness of color, making the Nebula X1 one of the best-performing projectors in its category on this front.

Audio Quality

Beyond visuals, Anker has paid close attention to the audio side of the Nebula X1 to make it a true all-in-one home theater system. The projector features four built-in speakers in a 2.1.2 stereo configuration: two 15W full-range side-facing drivers and two 5W tweeters, complemented by two passive radiators to boost bass response.

Altogether, the main unit delivers 40W of sound output. For a projector, that’s above average and sufficient to properly fill a medium-sized living room. Early feedback indicates that the X1’s sound is clear and powerful, with intelligible dialogue and satisfying bass for a device of its size. The extended stereo created by the side-facing drivers produces an already spacious soundstage. The Nebula X1 supports Dolby Audio formats (including Dolby Digital 5.1 decoding), but it does not support native Dolby Atmos (despite having upward-firing speakers). This means it can’t decode Atmos object-based audio itself, but it can pass a Dolby Atmos (or DTS:X) bitstream via HDMI eARC to an external home theater system if you have one.

To take the sound experience further, Anker offers an optional set of two wireless satellite speakers that connect to the projector. Sold as part of the “X1 Bundle,” this system adds two 4.1.2-channel speakers, each rated at 80W, creating a true 4.1.2 surround setup around the projector. Each satellite includes four drivers: two front-facing (for the rear left/right channels, powered by a 40W module), one upward-firing speaker (20W) to simulate ceiling effects, and one side driver (20W) to widen the soundstage.

With both satellites combined, you get a total of about 160W of immersive sound that can fill an entire room. These speakers run on internal batteries with 8 hours of runtime, charge via USB-C, and are IP54-rated to resist dust and light rain during outdoor use. They communicate wirelessly with the projector via Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for audio cables. When used with the optional speakers, the Nebula X1 automatically adapts its internal audio: the built-in speakers can be switched to subwoofer mode to reinforce low-end impact. The complete setup then delivers a true 360° sound field, with an immersive audio bubble simulating effects above and behind the viewer.

In real-world use, the Nebula X1’s audio quality is surprisingly impressive. Even without the satellite speakers, the projector provides balanced and relatively powerful sound compared to most competitors (which often rely on small 5W speakers). With the additional speakers, reviewers describe a cinema-like ambiance, with effects that truly surround the audience. In one demo, the flapping of a bird’s wings seemed to pass overhead, creating a remarkable sound dome.

The bass becomes deeper, and every explosion in an action movie feels impactful. On the downside, the lack of native Atmos decoding means the 3D sound is produced via Anker’s proprietary FlexWave upmixing, which converts multichannel audio into 4.1.2. Despite this, early press feedback found the height effects convincing. The main limitation is that the projector alone can’t replicate this full spatial sound experience—the built-in stereo, while good, is still just enhanced 2.1.

But Anker wisely made the satellite speakers optional, not mandatory, giving users the choice. In short, the Nebula X1 stands out in audio with a high-quality built-in system that can evolve into a true wireless surround setup. It’s a definite plus for anyone seeking a full cinema experience (picture and sound) without the hassle of amps and cables.

Video Games

With its HDMI 2.1 connectivity and 4K 120 Hz compatibility, the Nebula X1 also positions itself as an interesting projector for large-screen gaming. It’s one of the few in its class that accepts a 4K UHD signal at 120 fps—meaning next-gen consoles (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X) can take advantage of 120 Hz mode in compatible games, enjoying ultra-smooth animation. For comparison, the BenQ X3100i—a projector designed for gaming—doesn’t support 4K/120 Hz, while the Nebula X1 does.

Gamers can therefore enjoy titles at 60 fps or 120 fps with excellent responsiveness thanks to input lag under 20 ms in game mode.

The projector supports VRR up to 60 Hz via HDMI 2.1 (Freesync/GSYNC not specified), though this feature remains to be confirmed. In the absence of explicit mention, it’s likely that only fixed 120 Hz is supported, with no variable refresh rate. For most console games, this is perfectly adequate. The Nebula X1 also theoretically supports 1080p signals up to 240 Hz (based on HDMI 2.1 bandwidth), which will appeal to competitive PC gamers, though resolution will be reduced in this case. You can connect a gaming PC and use the X1 as a giant screen, for example during LAN parties or online sessions on a big wall. The rich colors and high brightness ensure vibrant game visuals—even during daytime for casual play. That said, the projector remains a DLP model: gamers sensitive to the rainbow effect likely won’t have issues here (the triple-laser setup avoids color flashes from a wheel), but the 4K XPR resolution does introduce a slight softness in fast-moving micro-details compared to a native PC monitor. That said, there’s no motion blur to fear thanks to DLP’s very low persistence, which is an advantage over LCDs.

In short, the Nebula X1 is fully capable of serving as a versatile gaming projector. It works well for solo narrative games where you want the big-screen experience, as well as for occasional competitive multiplayer on console. Split-screen titles become much more comfortable on a large projection. Finally, the HDMI eARC port allows for multichannel audio passthrough from consoles to a home theater amp, which will please gamers wanting to pair the X1’s image with an existing sound system. Note that outdoor daytime gaming is still tricky—even with 3,500 lumens, sunlight overpowers any projection—but indoors or in the evening, the Nebula X1 offers a convincing, fluid, and responsive XXL gaming experience.

Competing Products

The Nebula X1 positions itself in a high-end and rather unique segment (portable 4K triple-laser projector around €3000). Its high performance limits the number of direct competitors, but several models come close in certain aspects. The list below compares a few notable alternatives, along with their indicative prices and key differences:

• BenQ X3100i


• XGIMI Horizon Ultra (or S Max)


• Dangbei Mars Pro


• Optoma UHZ50

The Nebula is among the brightest but also offers higher contrast levels than these competitors. Among front projectors, the only one I see that might challenge it is the Valerion.

Conclusion / Opinion

To wrap up this overview, here’s a summary of the strengths and weaknesses of the Nebula X1 as identified in early reviews (specialized press, YouTube reviewers, user forums):

● Strengths:

• 
  Exceptional brightness
  – The image is very bright and remains visible even in a non-darkened environment. Reviewers were “blown away by the brilliance and vibrant picture” of the X1, setting it apart from competing portable projectors.


• 
  High-quality 4K image
  – The X1 delivers a crystal-clear image with vivid colors and excellent detail. The 4K resolution combined with the glass optics ensures sharpness, and the wide gamut produces rich color.


• 
  Easy and smart setup
  – Automatic configuration (focus, keystone, framing) and the motorized micro-gimbal make the X1 extremely easy to install and use, according to feedback. You get a perfectly adjusted image in seconds—ideal for general consumers.


• 
  Quiet operation
  – Thanks to liquid cooling, the projector is very quiet.


• 
  Very convincing audio section
  – The X1 already offers good built-in stereo sound, and with the optional speakers it becomes truly impressive. Reviewers praised Anker’s effort to integrate a true 4.1.2 immersive wireless audio solution that’s easy to set up.


• 
  Complete feature set
  – The projector runs Google TV with Netflix, supports Dolby Vision and even 4K 120 Hz, making it highly versatile (movies, sports, gaming). Few competitors offer this, especially in a portable format.

● Weaknesses:

• 
  Size and limited portability
  – At over 6 kg and without a built-in battery, the Nebula X1 is less portable than other compact projectors. Several reviewers describe it more as a living room projector that can be occasionally moved (for an outdoor evening, for example) rather than a camping-friendly pico projector. You’ll need a power outlet and a bit of space to set it up (size similar to a small speaker).


• 
  High price
  – Priced around $3000, the Nebula X1 sits firmly in the premium category. It targets demanding users willing to invest in a high-end all-in-one. Reviewers noted that it will need to prove its value against cheaper, well-established competitors. The value for money is fair given its performance, but the price may be a barrier for some buyers.


• 
  Very sharp but sometimes overly aggressive image
  – One minor criticism is that the X1 emphasizes clarity and detail over subtlety. In other words, the image can feel slightly harsh or overly contrasted in certain scenes, lacking softness in fine gradients. This is a minor and subjective issue, likely fixable via settings (e.g. lowering sharpness), but worth noting for cinema image purists.


• 
  Dependence on accessories for optimal sound
  – While the built-in sound is good, it’s still just 2.1. To fully enjoy the promised 4.1.2 audio experience, you’ll need to invest in the optional satellite speakers. These must be charged via the projector and add to the cost. Additionally, the Nebula X1 lacks native Atmos decoding (despite the up-firing speakers), which would’ve been the cherry on top. It’s not a dealbreaker, but the optimal audio experience does require an extra purchase.

Should you buy it or not? I’d say it depends on your expectations. This projector combines several major strengths: a beautiful image, strong contrast, high brightness, low power consumption, quiet operation, and higher refresh rates for gaming. The flexibility of the optical block is also quite unique. It’s a super complete package, but portability comes at a cost, placing the X1 in a relatively high price range. It remains to be seen whether Nebula will offer a launch deal that lets you get it at a more attractive price.

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