Anker has announced the Nebula X1, a liquid-cooled portable projector that has been designed without outdoor cinema in mind, while delivering cutting-edge performance.
Similar in looks to the company’s previous smart projectors, such as the Nebula Cosmos 4K SE, the X1 is a portable projector with a handy carry handle. While the new one may share some of the design traits of the current range, the X1 is designed for use outdoors and has some handy features that make set-up easy.
Optical zoom and micro gimbal
Getting a picture lined up with a screen can be difficult, and optical, rather than digital adjustments are the best, maintaining image quality and resolution. To aid this, the Nebula X1 has a built-in micro-gimbal allowing the optical engine and lens array to tilt up to a 25° angle. Combined with table or tripod mounting, the gimbal should make it easier to line-up the image with a screen.
There’s also an optical zoom, allowing the X1 to project a 200-inch screen from between 13 and 22 feet.
Auto configuration includes autofocus, keystone correction, obstacle avoidance and auto screent fit (using a combination of optical zoom and digital correction), ambient light adaptation and wall colour adaptation.
3500 ANSI Lumens
Use outdoors requires high brightness, and the Nebula X1 is rated at 3500 ANSI Lumens, making it one of the brightest portable projectors. With a six-blade iris, the triple-laser system is capable of a 5000:1 native contrast ratio and a 56,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio.
4K video resolution is supported, via an XPR-enabled DLP system. And, there’s built-in support for Dolby Vision.
Such high brightness has some challenges in terms of cooling, but the Nebula X1 is liquid cooled, allowing the physical projector to be 15% smaller than an air-cooled model.
The projector runs Google TV, so most common streaming apps, including Netflix, are available without the need for an external streaming stick.
Wireless speakers
Internally, the X1 has four side-firing internal speakers (two 15W and two 5W tweeters, plus two passive radiators). If you want to boost the audio quality, then the system can be expanded with Wi-Fi wireless speakers, offering lossless audios.
With a pair of speakers, the X1 can project 4.1.2 audio, via virtual surround sound, and the X1 acting as a subwoofer. Each speaker has up to eight hours of battery life.
Price and availability
Available to buy from 21 May 2025, the X1 will cost £2199. There’s an optional £499.99 accessory pack, which includes two wireless speakers, a carry case and two wireless microphones (for karaoke). We’ll have a review sample soon and will bring you a full review for when the projector goes on sale.
