The Nebula X1 stands out with its sleek, rectangular design, measuring about 24 x 19 x 28 cm and weighing 13.7 pounds (6.2 kg). A retractable handle pops up with a satisfying click, making it easy to carry from room to room, though its heft makes it less suited for long treks. The projector’s matte gray finish and illuminated touch controls, including a tactile navigation toggle, exude premium craftsmanship. A glowing red line on top shifts with the lens’s tilt, adding a futuristic flair. Two HDMI 2.1 ports (one with eARC), a USB-A, and a USB-C port line the back, keeping cables tidy for shelf setups.
Visuals That Shine in Any Setting
The heart of the Nebula X1 is its triple-laser 4K DLP engine, delivering a staggering 3,500 ANSI lumens—among the brightest in its class. This brightness allows it to project crisp images up to 300 inches, even in well-lit environments. During testing, it powered through ambient light in a living room with large windows, maintaining vivid colors and sharp details in Movie mode. The 14-element all-glass lens ensures long-term clarity without yellowing, while a motorized 25-degree gimbal simplifies setup by automatically aligning the image. Support for Dolby Vision and HDR10 enhances contrast and color, though DLP technology limits true black levels, a minor drawback for purists.
The projector’s AI-driven Spatial Adaptation system, which includes autofocus, keystone correction, and ambient light adjustment, sets up in about 20 seconds. It reliably finds the best projection spot on screens or walls, though manual tweaks were occasionally needed on plain surfaces without clear borders. Optical zoom (0.9:1 to 1.5:1 throw ratio) offers flexibility, projecting a 200-inch image from 13 to 22 feet away. For smaller spaces, the image can be overly bright—testing on a 32-inch diagonal screen required dimming the laser and iris to avoid eye strain.
Sound That Fills the Room
Audio is where the Nebula X1 truly excels. Its built-in four-speaker system—two 15W woofers, two 5W tweeters, and passive radiators—delivers rich, room-filling sound. In a backyard test, it handled a film’s dialogue and soundtrack at 50% volume with clarity, easily overpowering ambient noise. The optional wireless satellite speakers, part of a $999 accessory pack, elevate the experience to a 4.1.2 surround sound setup. These IP54-rated speakers, with 19 hours of battery life, survived a light rain and paired seamlessly in most tests, though occasional connectivity hiccups required a quick power cycle. The projector’s liquid cooling system keeps fan noise at a whisper-quiet 26 dB, ensuring audio remains undistorted even during quiet scenes.
Smart Features for Seamless Streaming
Running Google TV, the Nebula X1 offers a smooth streaming experience with native Netflix support, a rarity among portable projectors. Apps like Disney+, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video are readily available, and Wi-Fi 6 ensures stable connections. The interface feels responsive, booting up in about 45 seconds from a cold start. Chromecast and Google Assistant add convenience, while an “Extreme” game mode minimizes latency for console gaming via HDMI. The remote’s motion-activated backlit buttons and the Nebula Connect app provide intuitive control, though the Google TV UI can feel sluggish at times compared to dedicated streaming devices.
The Price of Portability
Priced at $2,999 for the projector alone or $3,998 with the accessory pack (including satellite speakers, microphones, and a carry case), the Nebula X1 is a significant investment. Competitors like the BenQ X3100i, priced around $2,399, offer similar performance but lack the X1’s portability features. Its 13.7-pound weight and lack of a built-in battery mean it’s more “luggable” than truly portable, requiring a power outlet for operation. For those seeking a lighter option, Nebula’s own Mars 3 Air, at $600 with a battery, might suffice, though it sacrifices brightness and resolution.
Who Is the Nebula X1 For?
The Nebula X1 is ideal for tech enthusiasts and movie lovers who want a high-performance projector that moves effortlessly between indoor and outdoor settings. Its brightness and audio quality make it a standout for group gatherings, from gaming nights to backyard screenings. However, its price and weight may deter casual users or those prioritizing ultra-portability. For anyone craving a near-cinema experience without a permanent setup, the X1’s blend of power, smarts, and style is hard to beat.
