Is the Nebula Mars 3 worth $1,099?

It is worth it if you need the battery, speakers and streaming in one portable unit. If it stays in one room, a plug-in projector at the same price gives a better picture.

Is it bright enough for daytime?

At 1,000 lumens it works in a dim room or at dusk outdoors. In direct daylight the image washes out, so plan on shade or evening use.

How long does the battery last?

Anker rates it for roughly a full feature film per charge in battery mode, less at maximum brightness. Expect to recharge between long sessions.

It accepts and plays 4K video, but the image is projected at 1920 x 1080. You get 4K source compatibility, not 4K resolution.

The projector, a remote, AAA batteries, a power adapter and a power cord. A carry bag is not included.

It tends to drop during Black Friday and Prime Day sales. At $1,099 at Anker as of November 3 it sits near its recent high, so waiting for a sale is reasonable.

Anker Nebula Mars 3

Last price we saw

$899.99at Walmart, last seen Nov 1

Prices change often: ask the agent below to check today's price at every store.

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Ask our shopping agent

Our take on the Anker Nebula Mars 3

The Anker Nebula Mars 3 is a portable 1080p DLP projector with a built-in battery, 1,000-lumen output and a 200-inch maximum image, aimed at outdoor movie nights and rooms without a TV. It weighs 9.9 lb, has integrated speakers and Bluetooth, and runs streaming apps on its own. Its latest best price is $1,099 at Anker as of November 3, near the top of its recent range, so it is not a bargain moment.

Best forBackyard and camping movie nightsRenters or rooms without a fixed TVSports and gaming on a big screenBuyers who want one box: projector, battery, speakers

Pros

Built-in battery for cord-free use
1,000 lumens is bright for a portable projector
1080p native resolution with 4K input support
Integrated speakers and Bluetooth audio out
200-inch maximum image size
Compact 9.9 lb body with a carry-friendly shape

Cons

Anker Nebula Mars 3 prices at every store

WalmartCheck price at Walmart

Anker Nebula Mars 3 price history

Lowest price we've seen: $899.99 on Nov 1 at Walmart. Tracked across 1 store since Nov 1.

What reviewers say

Owners generally rate the Mars 3 well for its brightness and all-in-one setup, and reviewers treat it as one of the better battery projectors. Complaints center on price and on black levels that can't match a home theater projector.

Pros

Bright enough for dusk and shaded outdoor use
Battery and speakers make setup simple
Sharp 1080p image at large sizes
Easy streaming without extra devices

Cons

Expensive next to plug-in 1080p projectors
Weak blacks and contrast in dark scenes
Bulk and weight for a portable
Fan noise audible in quiet scenes

Specifications

Resolution

Questions and answers

Is the Nebula Mars 3 worth $1,099?: It is worth it if you need the battery, speakers and streaming in one portable unit. If it stays in one room, a plug-in projector at the same price gives a better picture.
Is it bright enough for daytime?: At 1,000 lumens it works in a dim room or at dusk outdoors. In direct daylight the image washes out, so plan on shade or evening use.
How long does the battery last?: Anker rates it for roughly a full feature film per charge in battery mode, less at maximum brightness. Expect to recharge between long sessions.
Does it support 4K?: It accepts and plays 4K video, but the image is projected at 1920 x 1080. You get 4K source compatibility, not 4K resolution.
What is in the box?: The projector, a remote, AAA batteries, a power adapter and a power cord. A carry bag is not included.
When is it cheapest?: It tends to drop during Black Friday and Prime Day sales. At $1,099 at Anker as of November 3 it sits near its recent high, so waiting for a sale is reasonable.