Anker Nebula Capsule II Review
Still The Best Portable Projector for Nomads in 2026?
BENJAMIN SAND - MARCH 2026
Benjamin Sand is the editor of The Mouth and has tested portable projectors, espresso makers, and travel gear across years of nomadic travel through Southeast Asia, Europe, and beyond.
THE VERDICT ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — 4 / 5
Portability ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
Picture Quality ⭐⭐⭐ 3/5
Build Quality ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
Battery Life ⭐⭐⭐ 3/5
Value for Money ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
Best For Digital nomads, campers, bedroom use in dark rooms
Price~$299 (often cheaper on sale)
Bottom Line No longer the newest model, but still the best value portable projector you can buy. Buy it on sale and you won't regret it.
Whether you're planning a backyard movie night, a camping trip, or just want a "TV in a can" for your bedroom, the Anker Nebula Capsule II has likely popped up in your search. But in 2026, with newer models like the Capsule 3 Laser and Google TV-integrated projectors hitting the shelves, does this "soda-can" legend still hold up?
I’ve scoured years of user feedback, tech specs, and long-term durability reports to give you the ultimate lowdown. Here is everything you need to know about the Anker Nebula Capsule II.
Why The Anker?
The standout feature of the Capsule II remains its form factor. Roughly the size of a 12oz soda can, it’s built like a tank. The solid aluminum body feels premium, and at just under 1.5 lbs, it slides into a backpack or even a large coat pocket without a second thought.
- Pro Tip: It features a standard
1/4-inch tripod mount on the bottom, and Anker sell a new circular stand that screws on so you can angle the projector to the ceiling if you like!
Let’s talk specs. The Capsule II offers 720p native resolution and 200 ANSI Lumens of brightness.
- The Reality Check: In broad daylight? Forget it. You’ll see a faint ghost of an image. However, in a dimly lit or pitch-black room, the DLP technology punches above its weight. Colors are surprisingly vibrant, and the 1-second autofocus is a lifesaver—you move the can, and it snaps into focus almost instantly.
- Screen Size: While Anker claims it can hit 100 inches, the "sweet spot" for clarity and brightness is actually around 60 to 70 inches.
The Capsule II runs on Android TV 9.0, which gives you native access to YouTube, Hulu, and Disney+. It also has Chromecast built-in, making it easy to cast from your Android phone or laptop.
- The Big Catch: Netflix. Due to licensing quirks, you can’t simply download Netflix from the Play Store. You have to use the "Nebula Manager" app to sideload a mobile version of Netflix.
- The Fix: Most users skip the headache entirely by plugging a
Roku Stick or Fire TV Stick into the HDMI port. It draws power from the projector's USB-A port, essentially fixing the software limitations in one go.
Battery & Sound
For a device this small, the 8W Scan-Speak driver is remarkably loud. It’s not "home theater" quality, but it easily fills a bedroom or a small tent. If you aren't watching a movie, you can toggle it into Bluetooth Speaker Mode and use it as a dedicated music player for up to 30 hours.
This is where the Capsule II shows its age. On a full charge, you’ll get roughly 2 to 2.5 hours of video playback.
- Planning Tip: If you’re watching a long epic you’re going to need a power source. Thankfully, it supports USB-C Power Delivery (PD), so a high-output power bank (like the Anker 737) can keep the movie going in the woods.
Watch 9to5Toy's experience with the Capsule 2.
The Positives
- Insane Portability: Truly "pocketable" compared to "portable" box projectors.
- Build Quality: It feels like a piece of high-end hardware, not a plastic toy.
- Connectivity: HDMI, USB-A, and USB-C make it a versatile hub for consoles (Nintendo Switch is a favorite) and sticks.
- Autofocus & Keystone: Very user-friendly for non-techies.
The Negatives
Brightness: Requires a dark environment to shine.
Netflix Workaround: Sideloading apps can be a chore.
Battery: Just barely makes it through a standard feature film.
Glitches: Often misfires when side-loading apps, and will go to a black screen instead of returning to the homescreen when you exit. This means you have to turn the projector on/off again, which takes a good 2-3 minutes to reboot and can be very, very annoying if it keeps happening consistently. Which it does.
Final Thoughts
Buy this if: You want the most portable projector available, you'll be using it in dark rooms or a tent, and you want to save money versus newer models.
Skip this if: You need daylight brightness, native Netflix without workarounds, or 1080p image quality.
The Anker Nebula Capsule II is no longer the "top-of-the-line" model, but it has transitioned into the best value-for-money portable projector. If you find it on sale (often significantly cheaper than the newer Capsule 3 or Laser versions), it is still a fantastic entry point into portable cinema.
It’s perfect for the digital nomad, the casual camper, or the bedroom binger. If you need "daylight" brightness or native 4K, look elsewhere—but if you want a reliable, stylish, and rugged "TV in your pocket," the Capsule II still earns its spot in your bag.
Pick one up here:
https://www.seenebula.com/eu
FAQ
Q: Is the Anker Nebula Capsule II still worth buying in 2026?
Yes, especially if you find it on sale. The Capsule II is no longer Anker's flagship model, but it remains the best value portable projector for digital nomads and casual users. The 720p image quality is excellent in dark rooms, the build quality is outstanding, and the soda-can form factor is still unmatched for portability.
Q: Can you watch Netflix on the Anker Nebula Capsule II?
Not directly from the Play Store due to licensing restrictions. The easiest workaround is to plug a Roku Stick or Amazon Fire TV Stick into the HDMI port — it draws power from the projector's USB-A port and eliminates the software limitation entirely. Alternatively, you can sideload a mobile version of Netflix via the Nebula Manager app.
Q: How long does the Anker Nebula Capsule II battery last?
Around 2 to 2.5 hours of video playback — just enough for most films, but tight for longer ones. For extended use, a high-output USB-C power bank such as the Anker 737 will keep it running indefinitely.
Q: What is the best screen size for the Anker Nebula Capsule II?
Anker claims up to 100 inches, but the sweet spot for brightness and clarity is 60 to 70 inches. Beyond that the 200 ANSI lumens start to struggle unless the room is completely dark.
Q: How does the Anker Nebula Capsule II compare to the Capsule 3?
The Capsule 3 offers 1080p resolution, Android TV 11, and 300 ANSI lumens — a meaningful upgrade in picture quality and brightness. However, it costs significantly more. If you find the Capsule II on sale for under $200, the value difference makes the older model the smarter buy for most nomads and casual users.
