HP MC425
#37 in 1080p and underFull review
A cheap, compact short throw projector for small rooms, dorms and camping with a power bank. Pair it with a streaming stick and a dark room.
Amazon $109.95$109.95
The HP MC425 is the better projector overall, rated 3.3 to 2.7. The HP MC425 leads on streaming, resolution and setup. The AKIYO O1 wins on value. The AKIYO O1 costs $65.96 less ($43.99 vs $109.95).
AKIYO O1
#85 in 1080p and underFull review
A very cheap mini projector for projecting cartoons on a bedroom ceiling in the dark. Its 720p panel and unverified brightness keep it a toy next to native 1080p models.
Amazon $43.99$43.99
Prices were last checked October 29, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the HP MC425 for streaming (Android TV, no licensed Netflix vs no built-in apps; needs a streaming stick), resolution (1920 x 1080 native vs 1280 x 720 native, below 1080p) and setup (Autofocus, auto keystone vs Auto keystone).
- Choose the AKIYO O1 for value ($0.22 per lumen vs $0.55 per lumen).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 1080p and under projector; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | HP MC425 | AKIYO O1 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 2.7/5 |
| Brightness 25% | 9 200 ISO 21118 lumens | 9 200 ANSI lumens |
| Value 15% | 53 $0.55 per lumen | 92 $0.22 per lumen |
| Resolution 10% | 100 1920 x 1080 native | 30 1280 x 720 native, below 1080p |
| Streaming 15% | 50 Android TV, no licensed Netflix | 0 no built-in apps; needs a streaming stick |
| Setup 10% | 60 Autofocus, auto keystone | 30 Auto keystone |
| Light life 10% | 100 20,000 hour LED | 50 light source life not published (neutral score used) |
| Gaming 10% | 50 input lag not published (neutral score used) | 50 input lag not published (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 5% | 50 2-year warranty | 50 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| HP MC425 | AKIYO O1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Picture | ||
| Brightness | 200 ISO 21118 | 200 ANSI |
| Native resolution | 1920 x 1080 (1080p) | 1280 x 720 (720p) |
| Picture resolution | 1080p | 720p |
| Display | LCD | - |
| Light source | LED | LED |
| Light source life | 20,000 hours | - |
| Dynamic contrast | - | 2,000:1 |
| Placement | ||
| Throw | Short throw (0.8:1) | Standard throw |
| Largest image | 120 in | 180 in |
| Autofocus | Yes | No |
| Auto keystone | Yes | Yes |
| Optical zoom | None | - |
| Streaming and gaming | ||
| Built-in apps | Android TV, no licensed Netflix | None |
| HDMI ports | 1 | - |
| Speakers | - | 3 W |
| Build | ||
| Battery | None | None |
| Power | 55 W | - |
| Dimensions | 4.02 x 4.72 x 6.14 in | 4.8 x 3.7 x 3.3 in |
| Weight | 2.2 lb | 0.8 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
| Released | 2025-09 | 2023-08 |