Anker Nebula Capsule II Review: The Soda Can Projector Still Got Juice? (2025 Update)

Okay, picture this: movie night, but anywhere. Backyard camping, a kid's sleepover fort, maybe even projected onto the ceiling above your bed. That's the dream the Anker Nebula Capsule II sold us when it first landed – a genuinely smart, decent-quality projector crammed into something the size of a soda can. It felt revolutionary! This little soda can projector really changed the game for portable entertainment.

But let's be real, the mini projector world moves fast. We've seen tons of new contenders pop up, often boasting brighter pictures or higher resolutions (like the VOPLLS 4K with its impressive 550 ANSI lumens or budget options like the TMY Mini Projector that even includes a screen). For more creative uses beyond just movies, check out our guide on creative ways to use your mini projector. So, the big question is: does this little pioneer, the Anker Nebula Capsule II (often called the Nebula Capsule 2), still hold its own? Is it still worth considering in 2025?

As fellow fans of portable tech, we decided it was time for an updated Anker Nebula Capsule II review to see if the magic is still there.

Featured Projector: Anker Nebula Capsule II

Anker Nebula Capsule II Smart Mini Projector

(1,500 reviews)

The iconic soda-can sized portable projector with built-in Android TV, 720p resolution, 200 ANSI lumens, and integrated battery. A true Android TV projector experience.

$400-$500

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Product ID: PLACEHOLDER_ASIN

Why This Little Can Caused Such a Stir

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of our review, let's remember why the Capsule II was such a big deal. It wasn't just small; it was smart.

• True Portability: Previous "portable" projectors often still needed separate streaming sticks and power bricks. The Capsule II packed Android TV 9.0 and a built-in battery (~2.5 hours) into that tiny frame. Grab it, go, watch. Simple. This made it a leading mini projector with battery.
• Effortless Setup: Features like quick auto-focus and vertical keystone correction meant you weren't fiddling with settings forever. Point, focus, play.
• All-in-One: With a decent 8W speaker built-in, you didn't need anything else for a casual viewing session.

It basically created the blueprint for the modern, smart portable projector.

Putting the Anker Nebula Capsule II Through Its Paces (Our 2025 Review)

Okay, nostalgia aside, how does it actually perform today?

Design & Feel: Still Impressively Tiny

Yep, it still feels great in the hand. Solidly built, weighing just over 1.5 lbs, it genuinely fits in a backpack side pocket or even a large coat pocket. It doesn't feel like a toy; it feels like a premium gadget. This is peak portability for a mini projector.

Setup & Smarts: Android TV Shines (Mostly)

Turning it on, you're greeted by the familiar Android TV interface. Connecting to Wi-Fi is easy, and downloading apps like Hulu, Plex, YouTube, or Disney+ from the Google Play Store is straightforward. It feels responsive enough, thanks to its decent processor for the time. Auto-focus usually nails it quickly, and keystone correction helps square up the image if you're projecting at an angle. Having a true Android TV projector in this size is still a major plus.

Image Quality: Good, But Know Its Limits (720p / 200 Lumens)

Here's where expectations need managing. The native 720p HD resolution is surprisingly crisp and clear for its size, especially on screens up to about 80 inches. Colors look good, and this 720p projector provides a genuinely enjoyable picture.

However, the 200 ANSI lumens brightness is its Achilles' heel. This mini projector absolutely needs a dark room. Forget watching with the curtains open or during twilight camping trips – you'll barely see anything. In a properly darkened space? It's perfectly watchable and pleasant. But compared to newer projectors boasting 500+ ANSI lumens, this 200 ANSI lumen projector is noticeably dimmer.

Sound Check: Better Than Expected

For a speaker crammed into a soda can, it's pretty impressive! The 8W speaker gets reasonably loud and delivers clear dialogue. It's perfectly fine for casual viewing or for kids. For a more cinematic experience, you'll definitely want to connect a Bluetooth speaker (which is easy to do).

Battery Life: Enough for a Movie (Just)

Anker claims 2.5 hours of video playback. In our tests, that's about right, maybe slightly less if you crank the brightness and volume. It's enough for most movies, but maybe not an epic director's cut. Thankfully, you can power and charge it via the USB-C port (using a Power Delivery charger), so you can keep watching if you have a power bank or outlet nearby. Having a mini projector with battery is great, even if 2.5 hours feels a bit short sometimes. If you're specifically looking for outdoor entertainment options, you might also be interested in our comparison of mini projectors vs portable TVs for outdoor entertainment.

Pros & Cons: The Quick Rundown

Who is the Anker Nebula Capsule II REALLY For in 2025?

After revisiting it for this Anker Nebula Capsule II review, here's who we think this Anker Nebula Capsule projector still makes sense for:

• The Ultimate Portability Seeker: If size and integrated smarts/battery are your absolute top priorities, nothing beats the Capsule II's form factor. Campers, travelers, people who want movie nights in any room – this portable projector is for you.
• Casual Viewers & Kids' Rooms: For occasional movie nights, cartoons in a kid's room (where darkness is easier to achieve), or projecting onto a ceiling, it's fantastic.
• Tech Enthusiasts Who Appreciate Design: It's just a well-designed, cool gadget.

Who should probably look elsewhere?

• Brightness Demander: If you need something for rooms with ambient light, look elsewhere. A 200 ANSI lumen projector won't cut it.
• Resolution Snobs: If you demand Full HD (1080p) or 4K, this 720p projector isn't for you (though its picture is good for what it is).
• Netflix Power Users: That workaround might get annoying if it's your primary streaming service.
• Budget Hunters Prioritizing Specs: You can find brighter, higher-resolution projectors for less money if you're willing to sacrifice the built-in battery and Android TV smarts.

The Verdict: Still a Unique Gem, But With Caveats

So, is the Anker Nebula Capsule II still worth it? Yes, if you fit the right profile. It remains a uniquely compelling portable projector because of its unmatched blend of tiny size, built-in battery, and integrated Android TV projector capabilities. For grab-and-go convenience, it's hard to beat.

However, you must understand its limitations, primarily the 200 ANSI lumen brightness requiring dark viewing conditions. If you need brightness or the absolute sharpest picture, newer (often less portable or less smart) options might be better value.