Consumer Electronics, Gadgets & Accessories

soundcore Nebula P1 test: Cinema to go with powerful sound?

In our test with the soundcore Nebula P1, it quickly becomes clear that this is not just a compact Anker projector with a streaming interface. Two detachable speakers, Google TV with official Netflix, 650 ANSI lumens, Full HD resolution and the integrated dual-arm gimbal result in an unusually versatile setup that stands out above all with its clever sound concept. Added to this is the flexible image adjustment, which makes the P1 particularly interesting for changing locations. As the projector does not have an integrated battery, we tested it directly where this concept is relevant: outdoors in combination with a screen, power station and detachable speakers.

Technical data

Model soundcore Nebula P1
Projector type mobile LED projector with detachable speakers
resolution 1080p Full HD
Brightness 650 ANSI lumens
Maximum image size up to 180 inch
Operating system Google TV with official Netflix
Speakers 2x detachable soundcore 10 W speakers
Speaker runtime up to 20 hours
Gimbal Integrated dual-arm gimbal with up to 130°
Automatic functions Real-time autofocus and automatic keystone correction
rechargeable battery No integrated battery in the projector
RAM / memory 2 GB / 32 GB
Connections USB-C, USB-A, HDMI 2.1 (eARC), AUX
Wireless connections Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi
weight approx. 2.3 kg
Protection class IP33
Price (RRP) 799,99 Euro

Quickly set up, quickly ready to go

The standard scope of delivery of the soundcore Nebula P1 includes

  • the soundcore Nebula P1 itself
  • a power supply unit
  • a USB-C cable
  • a remote control
  • suitable batteries for the remote control
  • a quick start guide
  • a warranty card or registration documents

What we immediately liked about the Nebula P1 in the test was the overall uncomplicated setup. This was not only due to the projector itself, but also to the screen, which is currently supplied free of charge by soundcore (as of March 2026; only while stocks last). It comes in a compact carrying bag, making it easy to transport, and we set it up in just a few steps: Open the bag, put the poles together, attach the fabric and set up – basically, it wasn’t much more than that. For an outdoor set-up, this is pleasantly uncomplicated.

The projector itself also makes it easy to get started. Set it up, remove and place the speakers, start the surface and make yourself comfortable – then you’re basically ready to go. The automatic image adjustment does a lot of the work for you. If the P1 is moved or not positioned correctly, the automatic system reacts quickly, corrects the image and adjusts the focus. This was really practical in the test because you don’t have to position the projector with millimeter precision to quickly achieve a reasonable result. And if the projection isn’t quite right afterwards, it can also be adjusted manually if necessary.

Design, workmanship and first impression of the soundcore Nebula P1

Visually, the Nebula P1 immediately makes a good impression. We particularly like the fact that it doesn’t look like a typical mini projector that only wants to function through its compactness. With the speakers docked, the whole thing looks nicely closed and tidy. When you take them off, you immediately notice that image and sound have been designed together from the outset.

soundcore Nebula P1 with speakers removed in a meadow.
Here, the two detachable speakers of the soundcore Nebula P1 are already separated from the device

We also quickly had a good feeling about the workmanship. Nothing wobbles, nothing sits askew, and the speakers don’t look like some kind of add-on. The gimbal in particular is the kind of thing that makes you think: nice, let’s see. In practice, however, it was really helpful because we were able to align the P1 in a much more relaxed way than many other compact projectors.

Instead of fiddling with books, boxes or other makeshift solutions, you just set it down, align it and get a decent picture pretty quickly.

Google TV and operation: not blazingly fast, but not a real minus point

The Nebula P1 relies on Google TV, which makes it much less complicated to stream and operate than many other portable projectors. At the same time, of course, you are very much part of the Google cosmos – you have to like that. Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video and other streaming services run natively on the device, so an external TV stick is not necessary. It is particularly convenient that official Netflix is supported directly. This makes the P1 much less complicated to use, as the projector does not have to be turned into a reasonably usable streaming setup with additional hardware.

Quick setup of the soundcore Nebula P1 via smartphone on the outdoor screen.
The initial setup of the soundcore Nebula P1 can be started directly via smartphone

We quickly got to grips with the operation during the test. You can quickly find your way around the interface, the remote control doesn’t seem overloaded and the voice search also worked reliably. The latter in particular is convenient during operation because you don’t have to laboriously search for tracks using the remote control.

The Nebula app is also practical. It can be used not only to control the P1 as a remote control, but also to adjust picture correction, sound, Wi-Fi, accessories and power management. In the test, it was particularly helpful that the VisionFit setup and fine adjustment of the picture can also be accompanied by a smartphone. This is no substitute for a perfect set-up, but makes corrections much more convenient if you don’t want to fiddle with the device every time.

However, the system does not run entirely without small pauses for thought. Opening apps, switching between menus or loading content works well overall, but not particularly quickly. However, this is hardly an issue when actually enjoying a video, but rather when you jump back and forth a lot. If you simply start the movie or series and then let it run, you will probably not be bothered by this.

Google TV interface of the soundcore Nebula P1 on the outdoor screen in the dark.
Google TV brings the most important streaming apps directly to the Nebula P1 without the need for an external stick

However, the system does not run without a few pauses for thought. Opening apps, switching between menus or loading content works well overall, but not particularly quickly. However, this is hardly an issue when actually enjoying a video, but rather when you jump back and forth a lot. If you simply start the movie or series and then let it run, you will probably not be bothered by this.

Picture quality: strong in the evening, with clear limits during the day

The Nebula P1 has to be rated fairly in terms of picture quality. 650 ANSI lumens is a decent value for a mobile projector in this class, but of course not a free pass for bright afternoons in the sunny living room. This is also noticeable in the test. Even when setting up outside before nightfall, it was clear that the image remained recognizable, but still lost a lot of its power. However, this is not a problem specific to this model, but rather the reality of compact projectors in general. The image size of up to 180 inches advertised by Nebula should therefore also be classified correctly: This only really makes sense in very dark surroundings.

As soon as the light gets worse, however, the impression clearly turns positive. This is exactly when the Nebula P1 begins to show its strengths. In the test, the picture then appeared significantly stronger, less pale and pleasantly vivid overall. Colors in particular benefit visibly from the darker surroundings, so that the projection is much more effective in the evening or in really dark surroundings. This is particularly enjoyable when watching movies or series outside.

soundcore Nebula P1 projects a YouTube video from Basic Tutorials onto an outdoor screen in the dark.
Jens is currently dismantling the Eufy HydroJet S2 on the screen – and it’s precisely in evening set-ups like this that the Nebula P1 shows what it can do

The MEMC function is also helpful here. In simple terms, this is an intermediate image calculation function that inserts additional images to make fast movements appear more fluid. This can make sports, action scenes or camera pans look visibly smoother. You shouldn’t expect miracles from this, but as an add-on, it fits well into the overall picture of the P1.

How good is the sound of the soundcore Nebula P1 in the test?

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the whole device is not even the picture, but the sound. Portable projectors often have the same problem: the projection is reasonably good, but the sound is usually a better makeshift solution. This is exactly where the Nebula P1 takes a different approach. The two detachable speakers deliver a combined output of 20 watts and, according to the manufacturer, should work as a true 2.0 surround setup. In addition, there is a 480 ml sound chamber and a bass range up to 65 Hz, which on paper is significantly more than the usual beamer chatter for this class of device.

In practice, you really notice that the Nebula P1 has a different sound quality to many portable models. The speakers can be positioned flexibly, create a clearer stereo image and don’t seem like an afterthought. The stated runtime of up to 20 hours doesn’t sound unrealistic either: after around an hour of use, the speakers had only lost around 5 percent of their battery in the test.

soundcore Nebula P1 shows the setup of the satellite speakers on the screen in the dark.
The Nebula P1 guides you through the setup of the detachable satellite speakers directly on the screen

In the test, the sound was significantly better than what we are used to from typical compact projectors. Voices are clear, the sound is more open and the biggest advantage is the separation. The fact that the speakers don’t have to stick to the device, but can be placed on the left and right, creates a much more genuine movie feeling. Of course, it’s not comparable to a full-blown home theater system, but it’s pretty cool for a mobile setup.

However, if you automatically expect huge bass from soundcore, you should temper your expectations somewhat. The speakers do a good job for movie nights, series, YouTube and casual music playback, but it doesn’t get really deep or particularly voluminous. This is simply due to the size. Nevertheless, the impression remains clearly positive because the system offers real added value compared to the usual beamer competition.

Outdoor use: the concept becomes coherent with the Powerstation

For outdoor use, we operated the Nebula P1 with the Anker SOLIX C300. In the test, the setup lasted a good 3.5 hours, which is absolutely sufficient for a movie night in the garden. This is pretty much in line with what Nebula specifies for the interaction with a suitable power station.

soundcore Nebula P1 in outdoor use together with the Anker SOLIX C300 in the dark.
With the Anker SOLIX C300 behind it, the Nebula P1 outside becomes a pretty coherent cinema setup

What’s more, Nebula gives the projector itself an IP33 rating and the detachable speakers an IP54 rating. Of course, this doesn’t make the P1 an outdoor specialist, but it shows quite clearly that the device is not only intended for a permanent place in the living room.

The Nebula P1 is also suitable for gaming

The Nebula P1 is not only suitable for movie nights, but also cuts a fine figure in gaming. We wouldn’t see it as the first choice for hectic multiplayer shooters, but for single players, indie titles or a relaxed round on a large surface, it’s a pretty good choice. In the test, the controls seemed direct enough, the picture was sufficiently fluid and a setup like this quickly develops its appeal, especially on a screen.

Connections and media playback at a glance

The Nebula P1 is not only well positioned when it comes to streaming, but is also pleasingly flexible when it comes to classic connections. The projector itself has HDMI, USB-A, AUX and the power button, as well as a separate USB-C port on the detachable speakers. This allows the setup to be used not only with streaming apps, but also with external players, audio solutions or USB media. Another practical feature is that USB drives with FAT32 and NTFS are supported. Local files can therefore be played directly without any major detours if you don’t want to start content via a streaming service first.

Alternatives to the soundcore Nebula P1

If you find the basic concept of the Nebula P1 exciting, but don’t necessarily need the detachable speakers, you should take a look at the XGIMI MoGo 3 Pro. It also works at 1080p, offers 450 ISO lumens, Google TV with licensed Netflix, a 130-degree stand and two 5-watt Harman Kardon speakers. What’s more, XGIMI has expressly designed the MoGo 3 Pro for operation with a 65-watt power bank. So if a compact all-in-one projector is more important to you than the more flexible sound concept of the P1, this is a pretty obvious alternative.

The Nebula Capsule 3 Laser is even more compact. At around 0.95 kilograms, it is significantly lighter, comes with an integrated 52 Wh battery and, according to Nebula, is capable of up to 2.5 hours of movie playback. It also features 1080p, 300 ANSI lumens, MEMC, HDMI 2.1, USB-C and AUX. If maximum mobility and an integrated battery are more important to you than the higher brightness and the more unusual audio concept of the P1, the Capsule 3 Laser is the more logical choice.

Another exciting option is the Dangbei Freedo. According to the manufacturer, it has 450 ISO lumens, 1080p, an integrated battery for up to 2.5 hours of movie playback and a 165-degree gimbal stand. It is also compatible with power banks. If you’re looking for an uncomplicated outdoor projector with a built-in battery rather than the modular speakers of the Nebula P1, it’s well worth a look.

Conclusion: Mobile projector with a clever concept

The Nebula P1 is not just another compact projector with a smart TV interface. Its greatest strength lies in the fact that image, placement and sound have been thought through together in a sensible way. The detachable speakers are not just a gimmick, but a real added value. It also has good automatic picture control, a solid Full HD display, Google TV with official Netflix and a design that is actually well suited to mobile use.

However, the concept is not without its weaknesses. 650 ANSI lumens are decent, but are naturally not enough to really compete with daylight in bright ambient light. Added to this is a system that is generally easy to use, but does not set any benchmarks in terms of speed and responsiveness. And, of course, it is important to know that the P1 does not have an integrated battery. So if you’re looking for a completely self-sufficient mini projector for spontaneous use without an external power source, you’re unlikely to find it here.

However, if you are looking for a well thought-out, mobile projector setup with a flexible sound concept, the Nebula P1 is an unusual and generally quite successful device in many respects.

PRO

  • strong picture in low light
  • detachable speakers with real stereo added value
  • very flexible setup thanks to 130° gimbal
  • Fast automatic image adjustment
  • Google TV with official Netflix
  • compact, easily transportable design
CONTRA

  • no integrated battery in the projector
  • too weak for daylight
  • System not always particularly fast
  • Good sound, but with limited bass foundation

soundcore Nebula P1

Picture quality
Sound
Operation & system
Mobility
Price-performance ratio

90/100

The soundcore Nebula P1 clearly stands out from many other portable projectors thanks to its detachable speakers. It also offers flexible positioning, good image automation and a convincing image in low light. The lack of a battery and the limited brightness in daylight remain the main limitations, but overall the package is quite strong for mobile movie nights.

Simon Lüthje

I am co-founder of this blog and am very interested in everything that has to do with technology, but I also like to play games. I was born in Hamburg, but now I live in Bad Segeberg.

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