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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.
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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.
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 Ready
No
Aspect Ratio
16:9
Brightness
300 ANSI Lumens
Contrast Ratio
500:1
Depth
6.5"
Digital Keystone
Yes
Display Technology
DLP
HDMI Type
HDMI 2.1
HDR
Yes
Height
6.7"
Integrated Speakers
Yes
Light Source
Laser
Light Source Life
30,000 hrs
Max Distance
n/a
Max Screen Size
120"
Min Distance
n/a
Min Screen Size
60"
Noise Level
32 dB
Portable
Yes
Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Resolution
1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
Smart Functionality
Android TV, Bluetooth, Google Assistant, Google Cast, Remote, Wi-Fi
Sync Technology
n/a
TV Tuner
No
ThrowType
Short Throw
Video Inputs
HDMI, USB
Weight
2.1 lbs
Width
3.2"
All Specs
Test Results
These are the most important criteria to test for Projectors based on our comprehensive Testing Methodology.
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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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.
