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 3.1. The HP MC425 leads on value, resolution and warranty. The Nebula Capsule 3 wins on streaming. The HP MC425 costs $290.04 less ($109.95 vs $399.99).
Nebula Capsule 3
#60 in 1080p and underFull review
A very small battery projector with Google TV for travel and kids’ rooms. It is only bright enough for a dark room and a modest screen.
Amazon $399.99$399.99
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 value ($0.55 per lumen vs $2.00 per lumen), resolution (1920 x 1080 native vs 960 x 540 native, pixel shift to 1080p) and warranty (2-year warranty vs 1-year warranty).
- Choose the Nebula Capsule 3 for streaming (Google TV with licensed Netflix vs Android TV, no licensed Netflix).
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 | Nebula Capsule 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Brightness 25% | 9 200 ISO 21118 lumens | 9 200 ANSI lumens |
| Value 15% | 53 $0.55 per lumen | 0 $2.00 per lumen |
| Resolution 10% | 100 1920 x 1080 native | 70 960 x 540 native, pixel shift to 1080p |
| Streaming 15% | 50 Android TV, no licensed Netflix | 100 Google TV with licensed Netflix |
| Setup 10% | 60 Autofocus, auto keystone | 60 Autofocus, auto keystone |
| Light life 10% | 100 20,000 hour LED | 100 30,000 hour LED |
| 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 |
Specifications
| HP MC425 | Nebula Capsule 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Picture | ||
| Brightness | 200 ISO 21118 | 200 ANSI |
| Native resolution | 1920 x 1080 (1080p) | 960 x 540 |
| Picture resolution | 1080p | 1080p (pixel shift from 960 x 540) |
| Display | LCD | DLP |
| Light source | LED | LED |
| Light source life | 20,000 hours | 30,000 hours |
| Native contrast | - | 400:1 |
| Placement | ||
| Throw | Short throw (0.8:1) | Standard throw (1.2:1) |
| Largest image | 120 in | 120 in |
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Auto keystone | Yes | Yes |
| Obstacle avoidance | - | Yes |
| Auto screen fit | - | Yes |
| Optical zoom | None | None |
| Streaming and gaming | ||
| Built-in apps | Android TV, no licensed Netflix | Google TV, licensed Netflix |
| Top refresh rate | - | 60 Hz |
| HDMI ports | 1 | 1 |
| eARC | - | No |
| Speakers | - | 8 W |
| Build | ||
| Battery | None | 2.5 hours |
| Fan noise | - | 28 dB |
| Power | 55 W | - |
| Dimensions | 4.02 x 4.72 x 6.14 in | 3.07 x 3.07 x 6.3 in |
| Weight | 2.2 lb | 1.9 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 years |
| Released | 2025-09 | 2023-12 |