Nebula P1 Review – Portable Projector with Detachable Speakers
The Nebula P1 by Soundcore (Anker) is a fascinating entry into the portable projector market, blending high-end audio with a flexible, modular design. After extensive testing across different lighting setups and surfaces – here is the definitive review of this first-of-its-kind “surround sound” projector.
Design & Build: The “Room-to-Room” Portable
At first glance, the Nebula P1 feels incredibly premium. It features a solid, hard-plastic matte exterior and a heavy-duty integrated strap.
One of its standout design elements is the integrated dual-arm gimbal stand. Unlike traditional projectors the P1 can tilt up to 130 degrees. This allows you to project onto any flat surface, including the ceiling, without the device feeling unstable.
While it has a Strap and a handle and its called ,’Portable’, the P1 does not have a built-in battery. It requires a constant power connection (via the included 100W USB-C power brick). I would best describe as “indoor portable” perfect for moving from the living room to a friend’s house, but you’ll need an extension cord for backyard movie nights.
The Showstopper: Detachable Surround Sound
The P1 is the world’s first projector with detachable wireless Bluetooth speakers.
The Hardware: Two 20W total powered by Soundcore audio technology and Dolby Audio.
The Experience: You can slide a lock switch to detach them and place them behind or beside you for a true 2.0 surround sound experience.
Performance: The connection is seamless with ultra-low latency (under 50ms), meaning no “lip-sync” issues. At 50% volume, they easily fill a room; at 100%, they are surprisingly loud without losing clarity.
Battery Life: The speakers last up to 20 hours on a single charge and recharge automatically via magnetic pogo pins when snapped back onto the projector.
Visual Performance: Size vs. Brightness
The Nebula P1 delivers a sharp Full HD (1080p) image. It can technically push up to a 180-inch screen in total darkness.
Brightness: It hits 650 ANSI Lumens. In a pitch-black room, the colors are vivid and the contrast is strong.
Ambient Light: At 650 Lumens, it struggles in partial daylight. You’ll need blackout curtains or a dark environment to see the best results.
Auto-Calibration: The one-tap autofocus and keystone correction are nearly instantaneous. Even if you move the projector, it re-adjusts the aspect ratio almost every time. If it fails, you can use the Nebula Connect App for manual “Vision Fit” adjustments.
Software: Google TV Integration
The P1 runs on Google TV, which is a massive upgrade over the “basic” Android versions found on many competitors.
Native Apps: Unlike many portable projectors, this supports official Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ right out of the box.
Connectivity: It includes a backlit remote with Google Assistant, HDMI input for a PS5 or Roku, USB-A, and an AUX port.
