Shop
  • Deals
  • Deal checker
  • Black Friday
  • Buying guides
  • Brands
  • Stores
Travel
  • Flight deals
  • Hotel deals
Company
  • Research
  • Press
  • deal.ai apps
Black Friday 2026
  • Walmart
  • Best Buy
  • Target
  • TVs
  • Laptops
  • Headphones
  • Apple
  • Gaming
  • Vacuums
  • Kitchen
  • Toys
  • Smartwatches
  • Tablets
  • Furniture
  • Mattresses
© Deal.ai Inc.
TermsPrivacy
Deal.ai › Compare

Anker Nebula Capsule Air vs Optoma ML1080

The Optoma ML1080 is the better projector for most people: true 1080p, a laser light source rated at 685 ANSI lumens, and a 3.5mm audio output. The Anker Nebula Capsule Air is a 720p, 150-lumen battery-style portable that fits in a bag but struggles in any lit room. The ML1080's best new price is $547.90 at Newegg as of November 7, 2026, and no price is given for the Capsule Air here, so compare its current store prices before deciding.

Ask our shopping agent

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Enter to send, Shift+Enter for a new line

Anker
Anker Nebula Capsule Air

Anker Nebula Capsule Air

See all prices and details

Choose the Anker Nebula Capsule Air if you need a 650g cylindrical projector you can carry anywhere and mostly watch in a dark room.

Pros
  • Very light at 650g and cylindrical, so it packs easily
  • USB-C input suits laptops and phones
  • Autofocus and Google Assistant built in
  • HDMI 2.1 and eARC for a soundbar
Cons
  • 720p native resolution
  • 150 ANSI lumens is dim for anything but a dark room
  • No 3.5mm headphone or audio jack
  • 381:1 contrast ratio is low
Optoma
Optoma ML1080

Optoma ML1080

$547.90at NeweggObserved at 5:03 AM
See all prices and details
Visit Newegg

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Choose the Optoma ML1080 if you want a sharp 1080p image, a brighter laser picture, and a headphone jack for late-night viewing.

Pros
  • Native 1080p with a sharp 1920x1080 image
  • Laser light source at 685 ANSI lumens
  • 3,000,000:1 contrast ratio and 24-240Hz refresh
  • 3.5mm audio line-out and four-corner keystone correction
Cons
  • About 1 kg, heavier than the Capsule Air
  • No zoom; fixed lens
  • Only one HDMI input
  • Best price of $547.90 at Newegg as of November 7, 2026 is a real outlay

What separates them

Anker Nebula Capsule AirOptoma ML1080
Native resolution720p1080p (1920x1080)
Light sourceLED, 150 ANSI lumensLaser, 685 ANSI lumens in Bright mode
Contrast ratio381:13,000,000:1
Weight650g, cylindrical2.20 lb (about 1 kg)
Audio outputNo 3.5mm jack; HDMI eARC only3.5mm audio line-out
Refresh rate60Hz24-240Hz vertical scan range
Keystone correctionYesFour-corner correction
InputsUSB-C, HDMI, HDMI 2.1HDMI, USB, Bluetooth

Price history

$579.00$306.58
Nov 2Nov 7
  • Anker Nebula Capsule Air: lowest $306.58 on Nov 2 at Microless.com.
  • Optoma ML1080: lowest $547.90 on Nov 7 at eBay.

Prices at every store

Anker Nebula Capsule Air

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • Microless.comCheck price at Microless.com

Store links may earn us a commission.

Prices and history →

Optoma ML1080

  • NeweggNew

    In stock

    $547.90Free shippingObserved at 5:03 AM
    Visit Newegg
  • eBayNew

    In stockSold by dealonline18

    $547.90Observed at 5:03 AM
    Visit eBay
  • Macy'sNew

    In stock

    $619.95Observed at 5:03 AM
    Visit Macy's
  • AvendorNew

    Availability unknown

    $989.00Observed at 5:03 AM
    Visit Avendor

Also available at

  • audiogeneral.comCheck price at audiogeneral.com
  • Buy Direct & SaveCheck price at Buy Direct & Save
  • Electronic ExpressCheck price at Electronic Express

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 4 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecAnker Nebula Capsule AirOptoma ML1080
Native Resolution720p1080p
Supported Resolutions1080p input1080p
Aspect Ratio16:916:9
Projected Image Size10-100 inches (Diagonal)100 (maximum diagonal image size)
Display TypeDLPDLP Projector
Refresh Rate60Hz24 Hz - 240 Hz (vertical scan range)
Light Source TypeLEDLaser
Light Source Brightness150 ANSI lumens685 ANSI Lumens (BRIGHT mode)
Light Source Life30,000 hours30,000 hours
Contrast Ratio381:13,000,000:1
ZoomNoNo zoom
FocusAutofocusAuto focus, Automatic, Manual adjustment (via t…
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecAnker Nebula Capsule AirOptoma ML1080
Weight650g2.20 lb
DimensionsCylindrical shape6.2 (width)
Throw Ratio1.2 (Firing Rate)1.2:1
Keystone CorrectionYesFour-corner correction
Lens HighlightsStandard throwShort Throw (ML1080ST version)
Lens ShiftSome upwards throw, No100% (offset)
InputsUSB-C, HDMI, HDMI 2.1HDMI
OutputsNo 3.5mm headphone/audio output, NO HEADPHONE1 x audio line-out - 3.5mm audio jack
Audio OutputeARC, HDMI (for soundbar)3.5mm headphone jack

Questions and answers

Which is better for a dark bedroom?
Both work in the dark, but the ML1080 wins on image quality: native 1080p and far higher contrast. The Capsule Air is fine for casual viewing but caps out at 720p.
Which is brighter?
The Optoma ML1080 at 685 ANSI lumens in Bright mode, versus 150 ANSI lumens for the Capsule Air. The ML1080 handles some ambient light; the Capsule Air really needs a dark room.
Which is easier to carry around?
The Capsule Air at 650g in a cylindrical body. The ML1080 is about 2.20 lb (roughly 1 kg), so it is a stay-put or occasional-travel projector.
Can I use headphones with either?
Only the ML1080 has a 3.5mm audio line-out. The Capsule Air has no headphone jack; its audio path is the built-in speaker or HDMI eARC to a soundbar.
Is the ML1080 worth the extra over the Capsule Air?
If you watch in a room with any light or care about sharpness, yes. Its $547.90 Newegg price as of November 7, 2026 buys 1080p, a laser source and much higher contrast. If portability is the whole point, the Capsule Air is the lighter pick.
Do both last as long?
Both light sources are rated at 30,000 hours, so lifespan is a tie on paper. The ML1080's laser should hold brightness longer in practice.

More comparisons

  • Nebula Capsule 3 (New) vs Anker Nebula Capsule Air
Built-In SpeakerYesYes
Wireless ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-Fi—
Assistant SupportGoogle Assistant—
Optical Zoom—No zoom, Fixed Lens
Mounting Type—Front (projection method)
Connectivity—Bluetooth, HDMI, USB
Short Throw—Yes
Brightness—1,200 lumen
Screen Resolution—1920x1080 (Full HD)
Color—White
Type of Projector—Mini
Image Settings—Zoom
Light Source—Laser
3D—Yes
Supported Picture Formats—480 p, 720 p, 1080i, 1080 p, 480i
Technology—DLP, Laser
HDR—No
3.5mm (AUX) Out—1
HDMI—Yes