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 $109.95The HP MC425 is the better projector overall, rated 3.3 to 2.9. The HP MC425 leads on resolution, setup and warranty. The Magcubic HY300 Pro wins on value. The Magcubic HY300 Pro costs $59.98 less ($49.97 vs $109.95).
The cheapest way to get a picture on a bedroom wall in the dark, for kids or casual viewing. Its 720p panel and low brightness put it well behind any native 1080p projector.
Amazon $49.97Prices 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 resolution (1920 x 1080 native vs 1280 x 720 native, below 1080p), setup (Autofocus, auto keystone vs Auto keystone) and warranty (2-year warranty vs 1-year warranty).
- Choose the Magcubic HY300 Pro for value ($0.25 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 | Magcubic HY300 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 2.9/5 |
| Brightness 25% | 9 200 ISO 21118 lumens | 9 200 ANSI lumens |
| Value 15% | 53 $0.55 per lumen | 88 $0.25 per lumen |
| Resolution 10% | 100 1920 x 1080 native | 30 1280 x 720 native, below 1080p |
| Streaming 15% | 50 Android TV, no licensed Netflix | 50 Android, no licensed Netflix |
| 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 | 0 1-year warranty |
Independent measurements
HP MC425
No independent test published yet.
Magcubic HY300 Pro
| Tested by | Brightness | Input lag | Contrast | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| androidpctv | - | - | - | Fan noise 54 dBA measured close to the projector (32 dBA claimed); Netflix limited to SD under Widevine L3 |
Specifications
| HP MC425 | Magcubic HY300 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Picture | ||
| Brightness | 200 ISO 21118 | 200 ANSI |
| Native resolution | 1920 x 1080 (1080p) | 1280 x 720 (720p) |
| Picture resolution | 1080p | 720p |
| Display | LCD | LCD |
| Light source | LED | LED |
| Light source life | 20,000 hours | - |
| Dynamic contrast | - | 8,000:1 |
| Placement | ||
| Throw | Short throw (0.8:1) | Standard throw |
| Largest image | 120 in | 135 in |
| Autofocus | Yes | No |
| Auto keystone | Yes | Yes |
| Optical zoom | None | None |
| Streaming and gaming | ||
| Built-in apps | Android TV, no licensed Netflix | Android, no licensed Netflix |
| HDMI ports | 1 | - |
| Speakers | - | 5 W |
| Build | ||
| Battery | None | None |
| Power | 55 W | 24 W |
| Dimensions | 4.02 x 4.72 x 6.14 in | 3.7 in diameter x 6.2 in |
| Weight | 2.2 lb | 0.8 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 years |
| Released | 2025-09 | 2025-04 |
