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Anker Capsule 3 Review

Nikshep Myle Avatar
Updated Feb 21, 2024 12:52 PM

True Score

74
76
8

Experts

78
439

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Expert Rankings

The battery-operated Anker Capsule 3 Laser is excellent for frequent travelers, delivering satisfactory image quality and a moderately low input lag. Nonetheless, the brightness level is limited, and streaming Netflix requires a separate dongle connection.

$749.99

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Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

Launched in 2022, the Anker Capsule 3 Laser is a mid-range 1080p laser mini projector shaped like a soda can. It doubles up as a Bluetooth speaker, weighs 2.1lb, and, like the best projectors, boasts an eARC connection and integrated Google voice control. It has a 52Wh built-in battery, commonly found in the best outdoor projector, and plays videos for up to 2.5 hours.

Along with Chromecast compatibility and an Android TV interface, the Capsule 3 also supports HDR10 (but not HLG), and its throw ratio is 1.2. It has dual keystone correction, a maximum screen size of 120 inches, and a 30,000-hour lifespan. However, there is no 3D support.

Best For

  • Best Overall

  • Golf Simulator

  • Mini

  • Outdoor

  • Under $1000

Consensus

our Verdict

Built for watching films and sports on the go, the Anker Capsule 3 Laser is battery-powered like the best mini projector. It has a low 138:1 SDR contrast ratio, making blacks appear gray, and colors don’t seem as vivid and immersive because of its limited 74.8% DCI P3 color space coverage. While both values rank at the bottom of our certified, tested list, they prove adequate for a mini-projector. However, its brightness is exceptionally low at 175.3 lumens, making the projected image appear lackluster with some ambient light.

Its 22.45ms input lag works well for casual gaming, ranking in the top third of our list, but competitive gamers will need to look elsewhere. While it receives 4K signals, it downconverts them to 1080p, and the built-in Android TV interface lacks Netflix, so you’ll require an external streaming source.

ReasonS to Buy

  • Good image quality for size
    • With a 138:1 contrast ratio and HDR10 support, the Anker Capsule 3 Laser delivers moderately deep blacks for a mini projector. However, it’s not the best for dark-scene movie viewing. It ranks at the bottom of our certified, tested list for contrast.

    • The color gamut covers 74.8% of the DCI P3 space, though it is less realistic and vibrant than full-size projectors. It’s placed second last in our verified, tested list. For a mini-projector with a superior contrast ratio, read this Kodak Luma 350 review.

  • Reasonably low input lag
    • Its somewhat low input lag of 22.45ms is ideal for casual gaming but falls short for competitive play, securing a position in the top third of our certified, tested projectors.

Reason to Avoid

  • Poor brightness levels
    • The low 175.3 lumens SDR brightness gives your movie a washed-out appearance with ambient light. Moreover, it fails to present the perfect colors even in pitch-black environments, which is understandable since it’s a battery-powered mini projector.

    • Naturally, it ranks last in our verified, tested list for brightness. For a model with a superior 4,084-lumen brightness, check out our Epson Epiqvision Ultra LS800 review.

  • No Netflix app
    • The projector has an internal Android TV 11 interface but doesn’t stream Netflix. You’ll have to connect an external streaming stick through HDMI to watch Netflix content.

Anker Capsule 3 Specs

3D Ready3D ReadyNo
Aspect RatioAspect Ratio16:9
BrightnessBrightness300 ANSI Lumens
Contrast RatioContrast Ratio500:1
DepthDepth6.5"
Digital KeystoneDigital KeystoneYes
Display TechnologyDisplay TechnologyDLP
HDMI TypeHDMI TypeHDMI 2.1
HDRHDRYes
HeightHeight6.7"
Integrated SpeakersIntegrated SpeakersYes
Light SourceLight SourceLaser
Light Source LifeLight Source Life30,000 hrs
Max DistanceMax Distancen/a
Max Screen SizeMax Screen Size120"
Min DistanceMin Distancen/a
Min Screen SizeMin Screen Size60"
Noise LevelNoise Level32 dB
PortablePortableYes
Refresh Rate60 Hz
ResolutionResolution1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
Smart FunctionalitySmart FunctionalityAndroid TV, Bluetooth, Google Assistant, Google Cast, Remote, Wi-Fi
Sync TechnologySync Technologyn/a
TV TunerTV TunerNo
ThrowTypeThrowTypeShort Throw
Video InputsVideo InputsHDMI, USB
WeightWeight2.1 lbs
WidthWidth3.2"

All Specs

Test Results

Contrast Ratio (x:y)138
Color Gamut % (DCI P3 uv)74.8
Color Gamut % (Rec. 709)91.83
Color Gamut % (Rec. 2020)55.53
Input Lag (ms)22.45
SDR Brightness (Lumens)175.33
SDR Color Temperature (K)6,863

All Tests

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    Product Comparison

    Anker Capsule 3 Review

    Anker Nebula Apollo

    Anker Nebula Apollo

    Epson Epiqvision Ultra LS800

    Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800

    Anker Nebula Capsule 2

    Anker Nebula Capsule 2 Review

    True Score

    74
    NR
    73
    NR
    65

    Ranking

    #

    21

    /

    28

    #

    /

    #

    24

    /

    28

    #

    /

    #

    28

    /

    28

    Market Context

    Launched in 2022, the Anker Capsule 3 Laser is a mid-range 1080p laser mini projector shaped like a soda can. It doubles up as a…

    Launched in 2022, the Anker Capsule 3 Laser is a mid-range 1080p laser mini projector shaped like a soda can. It doubles up as a Bluetooth speaker, weighs 2.1lb, and, like the best projectors, boasts an eARC connection and integrated Google voice control. It has a 52Wh built-in battery, commonly found in the best outdoor projector, and plays videos for up to 2.5 hours.

    Along with Chromecast compatibility and an Android TV interface, the Capsule 3 also supports HDR10 (but not HLG), and its throw ratio is 1.2. It has dual keystone correction, a maximum screen size of 120 inches, and a 30,000-hour lifespan. However, there is no 3D support.

    While they’re both portable mini projectors, the mid-range Anker Capsule 3 Laser is more advanced than the budget Anker Nebula Apollo. It has a larger…

    While they’re both portable mini projectors, the mid-range Anker Capsule 3 Laser is more advanced than the budget Anker Nebula Apollo. It has a larger projection size and superior resolution for greater immersion, while its HDMI 2.1 support ensures smoother motion compared to the Nebula Apollo’s outdated HDMI 1.4. However, the Nebula Apollo offers more playtime than the Capsule 3 Laser.

    Although both are travel-friendly projectors, the mid-range Anker Capsule 3 Laser outshines the budget Kodak Luma 350. It has a superior resolution, a loud thumping…

    Although both are travel-friendly projectors, the mid-range Anker Capsule 3 Laser outshines the budget Kodak Luma 350. It has a superior resolution, a loud thumping sound, and a keystone correction feature. But those prioritizing a higher contrast ratio for richer blacks may want to go with the Luma 350. For a full-size projector designed for a home theater, read this Sony VPL-XW5000ES-B review.

    The mid-range Anker Capsule 3 Laser doesn’t quite measure up to the premium Epson Epiqvision Ultra LS800. The latter features significantly brighter visuals for daytime…

    The mid-range Anker Capsule 3 Laser doesn’t quite measure up to the premium Epson Epiqvision Ultra LS800. The latter features significantly brighter visuals for daytime viewing, lower input lag for more responsive gameplay, and deeper movie-night-worthy blacks. However, the battery-powered Capsule 3 Laser has superior portability for watching content while on the move.

    The Anker Capsule 3 Laser and its predecessor, the Anker Nebula Capsule 2, have the same can-like shape, but the newer model offers major enhancements….

    The Anker Capsule 3 Laser and its predecessor, the Anker Nebula Capsule 2, have the same can-like shape, but the newer model offers major enhancements. It has a superior native resolution, improved brightness, and a larger projection size. Moreover, it packs a laser light source compared to the Capsule 2’s LED source and supports the advanced HDMI 2.1, guaranteeing smoother motion.

    3D Ready

    No

    n/a

    Aspect Ratio

    16:9

    16:9

    Brightness

    300 ANSI Lumens

    350 lumens

    Contrast Ratio

    500:1

    3500:1

    Depth

    6.5"

    4.5"

    Digital Keystone

    Yes

    No

    Display Technology

    DLP

    DLP

    HDMI Type

    HDMI 2.1

    2.0

    Dig Deeper

    Kodak Luma 350 Review →

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    • $749.99

      Availability

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      Free Shipping

      Yes
    • $799.99

      Availability

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      Free Shipping

      No

    Score Card

    E

    Expert Score

    76

    *.75

    We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

    C

    Customer Score

    78

    *.25

    We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

    True Score

    74

    Expert Scores

    • Rtings
      97.4

      Category Trust Rating

      59
      The Anker Capsule 3 Laser is disappointing for watching movies, even in a pitch-black room…. Read More

      By:

      Samuel Breton
    • Projector Reviews
      73.55

      Category Trust Rating

      NR
      If you’re a military member, always on the move, a road warrior, an RVer (a… Read More

      By:

      Kam Valentine
    • PC Mag
      67.6

      Category Trust Rating

      80
      Barely larger than a soda can, the 1080p Anker Nebula Capsule Laser 3 mini projector… Read More

      By:

      M. David Stone
    • Trusted Reviews
      29.5

      Category Trust Rating

      80
      Small and easy to carry around, the Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser is a great… Read More

      By:

      David Ludlow
    • Projector Central
      61.35

      Category Trust Rating

      80
      Anker’s Nebula Capsule 3 Laser impresses with its battery-drive, laser engine and raises our expectations… Read More

      By:

      Brian Nadel
    • Notebook Check
      45.55

      Category Trust Rating

      By:

      Christian Hintze