Audacious portable projector brand Anker has announced the immediate availability of two of its most atmospheric models, including the beefy boombox-style Soundcore Nebula X1 Pro, and the dinky Nebula P1 that comes with pop-out speakers that can be placed in any location.
Both models look very different, but they’re all about sound. In the case of the Soundcore Nebula X1 Pro, it’s housed in a massive upright, rectangular wheeled chassis that looks more akin to something like R2D2 than any projector we’ve seen before. Meanwhile, the Nebula P1 has a much more classic form-factor, being a lightweight device with a built-in handle and a pair of detachable 10-watt speakers, which connect to the main projector over Bluetooth with no ugly cables in sight. So you just pop out the speakers, place them where you want, and you’re good to go.
If they sound familiar, that’s because both projectors were on show at IFA 2025 in Berlin last September, and they have been on sale in the U.S. for a few months already. But now they’re launching in the U.K. and across Europe, giving many more big-screen lovers the chance to enjoy more atmospheric audio.
Those are about the only similarities, though. To be quite honest, the Soundcore Nebula X1 Pro and the Nebula P1 couldn’t be much more different, with the former aimed at providing something akin to the ultimate home theatre experience, but with the portability of much smaller models, and the latter really being just a slightly more sophisticated portable beamer.
The Google TV-powered Soundcore Nebula X1 Pro has some impressive specifications. It features a triple laser light source that throws out spectacular 4K images at up to 300-inches wide with 3,500 ANSI lumens brightness, which means it should be plenty bright enough for daytime viewing. It has a 0.9-1.5:1 throw ratio and covers 110% of the Rec. 2020 colour space, while there are image-perfecting tools including auto keystone correction, auto-focus and auto-screen fit to ensure an extremely sharp picture. According to Anker, the images have a native contrast ratio of 5,000:1, while dynamic contrast hits 56,000:1.
But where the Soundcore Nebula X1 Pro Pro really stands out is its incredible, awe-inspiring sound system. The enormous chassis is there because it houses a pair of extremely powerful dual 80-watt 5.25-inch wireless subwoofers that fold out, and supports wireless surround sound for some seriously thunderous bass effects. According to Anker, the Soundcore Nebula X1 Pro is the first portable projector that supports both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos audio, with a pair of 40-watt wireless rear speakers that stick out of the chassis helping to create more atmospheric surround sound effects. When not being used for movies, it can instead be used as a Bluetooth speaker.
One major benefit of having wireless speakers is they can be popped out of the main chassis and placed anywhere, creating a true surround sound effect.
It's a fascinating concept and HDTVTest's chief reviewer Vincent Teoh deemed it worthy enough to create this exclusive first look video:
The sturdy rolling wheels at the base of the Soundcore Nebula X1 Pro and the rugged, retractable handle should ensure it can easily be moved around and into position, despite its 33 kilogram weight. It should stand up fairly well to the elements, with IP43-rated water and dust resistance. At the top of the unit, there's a lid that can be opened up to reveal the remote control and also a couple of microphones for karaoke sessions. Another great feature is an AI that automatically removes the vocals from any music video to enable a proper karaoke experience.
The Soundcore Nebula X1 Pro was previously exclusive to the U.S., but as of this week it’s going on sale in Germany, the Netherlands and Spain, with a recommended price tag of €4,999 (around £4,358) at the company’s online store and on Amazon. It’s also slated to become available in the U.K. and other European countries later this month, Anker said. However, Anker is sweetening the deal for early birds with a €300 discount if you buy it right now, along with a free Anker Solix C1000 Power Station that’s worth €999.
If the Soundcore Nebula X1 Pro is priced a little beyond your budget or you simply don’t think you have the strength needed to make the most of its portability, there's a second option in the shape of the much, much, much more compact Anker Nebula P1. At first glance it looks like your typical cheap and cheerful portable projector model, but it has a neat party trick with those pop-out speakers.
It solves the problem that plagues all portable projectors – namely, poor quality audio. By making its two, 10-watt speakers detachable and Bluetooth-enabled, Anker helps to solve this by creating a much more immersive soundstage. Admittedly, the audio still won’t be the loudest you’ll experience, but the ability to place the two speakers at strategic locations will surely help to enhance those surround sound effects.
The two speakers both have integrated batteries and can keep going for around 20 hours, although the actual projector needs to be plugged into the mains. However, you can overcome this limitation if you buy one of Anker’s SOLIX power stations, which is like a massive power pack that can be taken anywhere, providing around 3.5 hours of juice.
Superior sound is the standout feature of the Anker Nebula P1, with the rest of the specifications falling firmly within the range we’d expect of such a device. In terms of the image quality, you’re getting a 1,080p full HD resolution picture at up to a maximum of 180-inches, which is pretty immense, though the image brightness is only rated at 650 ANSI lumens. That suggests your viewing experience will be much more impressive at night, or if you make a superhuman effort to block out the daytime sunlight.
The unit comes with a built-in, dual-arm gimbal that swings around at up to 130-degrees, ensuring flexible placement. There’s an integrated image stabiliser, and autofocus and auto-keystone correction help with setting things up. The projector has an IP33 rating, which means it can withstand some exposure to moisture, but probably not a downpour. The speakers are IP54 water-resistant, which makes them a bit more durable, able to tolerate dust and heavy water splashes, although we should point out that this rating doesn’t mean they’re water tight, and you should probably still be cautious if it’s too wet and windy outdoors.
The Anker Nebula P1 is available now on Anker’s European website and on Amazon, listed at €799 (£696), making it a much more affordable option. Also, if you purchase one before February 24, the company will throw in a free 100-inch projector screen that normally retails for €129, plus a free Solix C300Z Power Station worth €229, so you’re getting a pretty damn good deal.
