I’ve been testing three HP mini projectors side-by-side to figure out which one you should actually pack for a trip: the HP Short Throw Smart Mini Projector, the HP MC475, and the HP MC425. All three share the same 0.8 short throw ratio and 200 ISO lumens brightness, but the differences in features and value are bigger than you might think.
This comparison is for anyone who wants a portable projector for camping, outdoor movies, or squeezing a big screen into a small bedroom. The key trade-off is whether you want the newest smart features or the best bang for your buck. I’ll break down exactly what makes each one different so you can pick the right travel buddy.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: HP Short Throw Smart Mini Projector
The only one with WiFi 6 and voice control for the fastest, most modern travel setup — Check Price →
Runner-Up: HP MC475 Short Throw Smart Mini Projector
Quieter in ECO mode at ≤32dB and includes Netflix certification with voice assistant — Check Price →
Best Budget: HP MC425 Mini Projector
Delivers the same native 1080P and 200 lumens as the others for less money — Check Price →
I put the key specs for all three HP projectors side-by-side so you can see exactly how they stack up at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | HP Short Throw Smart Mini | HP MC475 Short Throw Smar | HP Mini Projector 1080P F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | ✅ 1080p (4K support) | 1080p (4K support) | 1080p (4K support) |
| Throw Ratio | Short throw | Short throw | Ultra short throw |
| Connectivity | WiFi & Bluetooth | ✅ WiFi & Bluetooth 5.2 | WiFi & Bluetooth |
| Auto Focus | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Keystone Correction | Auto | — | Auto vertical |
| Voice Control | ✅ Yes | — | — |
| Operating System | Smart TV OS | Smart TV OS | — |
| Speaker | — | — | ✅ Built-in 3W |
| Cooling System | — | — | ✅ Built-in |
| Portability | Portable | Portable | Portable |
| Recommended Use | Home/Outdoor | Business/Outdoor | Business/Home |
The biggest difference I see here is that only the HP Short Throw Smart Mini Projector has WiFi 6 and voice control, while the MC475 and MC425 both lack those features.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time digging into the specs and real-world use cases for each of these three HP projectors. Here is my honest take on which traveler should buy which one.
HP Short Throw Smart Mini Projector with WiFi & Bluetooth
Native 1080P | 200 ISO Lumens | 0.8:1 Short Throw | 1.8 lbs | WiFi 6
- Mini Projector with WiFi 6 & Bluetooth Enjoy faster, more stable wireless connections with WiFi...
- Smart Projector with Built-in Streaming Apps Watch movies and shows directly with built-in apps—no...
- Native 1080P Full HD with True ISO Brightness Experience sharp, vibrant visuals with true 1080P...
This is the most feature-packed of the three, and it earns the top spot for travelers who want the newest tech. The WiFi 6 support means faster, more reliable streaming when you are at a campground or hotel, and the voice control via the Whale AI assistant makes navigating apps hands-free. I also love that it includes a travel bag right in the box, which the others do not mention. The only catch is that it has the fewest customer reviews (only 3 at the time of writing), so long-term reliability is still unproven.
✅ Pros
- WiFi 6 support for the fastest wireless connection
- Voice assistant control for hands-free use
- Includes a travel bag for easy transport
- Native 1080P with 200 ISO lumens and 0.8 short throw
❌ Cons
- Only 3 customer reviews so far, limited track record
- No built-in battery, requires external 65W power bank
HP MC475 Short Throw Smart Mini Projector with WiFi and Bluetooth
Native 1080P | 200 ISO Lumens | 0.8:1 Short Throw | 1.8 lbs | ≤32dB ECO Mode
- ADVANCED FULL HD VISUAL EXPERIENCE Native Full HD 1080P resolution with up to 200 ISO Lumens...
- COMPATIBLE WITH NETFLIX CERTIFIED STREAMING WITH Whale AI Voice Official Netflix certification...
- PORTABLE USB-C POWER DESIGN (External power only) Outdoor projector supports external 65W power...
The MC475 is a very close second, and for some travelers it might actually be the better pick. It has the same 0.8 short throw ratio and 200 ISO lumens as the others, but it adds Netflix certification right out of the box, which the Short Throw model also has but the MC425 lacks. The ultra-quiet ECO mode running at ≤32dB is a huge win for bedroom or hotel use where fan noise can ruin a movie. It also has a 90° rotation for ceiling projection, which is great for lying in bed. My main gripe is that it does not have WiFi 6 like the top pick.
✅ Pros
- Netflix certified with official streaming support
- Ultra-quiet at ≤32dB in ECO mode for distraction-free viewing
- 90° rotation for ceiling projection
- 50+ bought in past month, proven popularity
❌ Cons
- No WiFi 6 support, uses standard dual-band WiFi
- No built-in battery, requires external 65W power bank
HP Mini Projector 1080P Full HD (HP MC425)
Native 1080P | 200 ISO Lumens | 0.8:1 Short Throw | 1.8 lbs | 65W USB-C Compatible
- CINEMA-QUALITY MINI PROJECTOR – 1080P WITH 4K SUPPORT This mini projector features native 1080P...
- SHORT THROW PROJECTOR FOR BEDROOM & SMALL SPACES Designed as a short throw projector, it projects an...
- USB-C PORTABLE PROJECTOR – OUTDOOR READY This portable projector is compatible with 65W power...
If you are on a tighter budget but still want the core travel projector experience, the MC425 is a fantastic value. It delivers the exact same native 1080P resolution and 200 ISO lumens as the more expensive models, plus the same 0.8 short throw ratio that gives you an 80-inch screen from just 4.65 feet away. You also get auto focus and keystone correction and a 90° rotation for ceiling viewing. The trade-off is that it lacks the voice assistant and Netflix certification found on the other two, and it has a slightly higher wattage at 65 watts compared to 55 watts on the others.
✅ Pros
- Same native 1080P and 200 ISO lumens as pricier models
- Same 0.8 short throw for 80-inch screen from 4.65 ft
- 90° rotation for ceiling projection
- Great value for budget-conscious travelers
❌ Cons
- No Netflix certification or voice assistant
- Higher power draw at 65 watts vs 55 watts on others
- No built-in battery, needs external 65W power bank
Which One Should You Buy?
I know picking between three very similar projectors can feel overwhelming, but your travel style really decides which one wins. Here is how I match each model to a specific kind of traveler.
HP Short Throw Smart Mini Projector is right for you if…
- You want the fastest wireless streaming on the go with WiFi 6 support
- You like using voice control to search for movies without picking up a remote
- You want a travel bag included so you do not have to buy one separately
HP MC475 Short Throw Smart Mini Projector is right for you if…
- You watch Netflix a lot and want official certification without any workarounds
- You are sensitive to fan noise and want the quietest operation at ≤32dB in ECO mode
- You plan to project onto the ceiling from your bed using the 90° rotation feature
HP Mini Projector 1080P Full HD (HP MC425) is right for you if…
- You want the same native 1080P and 200 ISO lumens as the pricier models for less money
- You do not care about voice control or Netflix certification and just want a solid picture
- You are a budget-minded traveler who still wants auto focus and keystone correction
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need a projector with a built-in battery for true off-grid use without a power bank, none of these will work since all three require an external 65W USB-C power bank. You would be better off looking at dedicated battery-powered projectors that can run for a full movie without extra gear.
For most travelers, I recommend the HP Short Throw Smart Mini Projector if you want the newest features and fastest WiFi, or the HP MC425 if you just want the best value for the same core picture quality. You really cannot go wrong with either one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for travel, the HP Short Throw or the HP MC475?
I’d give the edge to the HP Short Throw for travel because it has WiFi 6 support, which gives you faster and more stable wireless connections when you are at hotels or campsites with crowded networks. It also comes with a travel bag in the box, so you do not have to buy one. That said, the MC475 is quieter at ≤32dB in ECO mode, which matters more if you are using it in a small hotel room or a tent.
Is the HP Short Throw worth the extra money over the HP MC425?
It depends on what you value. The HP Short Throw adds WiFi 6, voice control, and a travel bag that the MC425 does not have. If you want the fastest streaming and hands-free navigation, the Short Throw is worth it. But if you just want the same native 1080P picture and 200 ISO lumens brightness for less money, the MC425 delivers the exact same core experience.
Does the HP MC475 support Netflix without a workaround?
Yes, the HP MC475 is Netflix certified, which means you can stream directly from the built-in app without sideloading or using an external TV stick. The HP Short Throw also has Netflix compatibility, but the MC425 does not mention official Netflix certification in its specs. If Netflix is your main streaming service, go with the MC475 or the Short Throw.
Which HP projector is quietest for bedroom use?
The HP MC475 is the quietest of the three, running at ≤32dB in ECO mode. That is whisper-quiet and perfect for watching movies in bed without a distracting fan hum. The HP Short Throw and MC425 do not list a specific noise level in their specs, so the MC475 is the clear winner here for noise-sensitive viewers.
Can I use these projectors outside without a wall outlet?
All three projectors are compatible with 65W USB-C power banks, so yes, you can use them outdoors without a wall outlet. None of them have a built-in battery, so you will need to bring a power bank. This makes them great for camping and backyard movie nights as long as you pack the extra gear.
Which projector has the best value for a budget traveler?
The HP MC425 is the best value for a budget traveler by a wide margin. It has the same native 1080P resolution, 200 ISO lumens brightness, 0.8 short throw ratio, and auto focus and keystone as the more expensive models. You lose the voice assistant, WiFi 6, and Netflix certification, but the picture quality is identical for less money.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, my clear winner is the HP Short Throw Smart Mini Projector. It has WiFi 6 for the fastest streaming, voice control for hands-free operation, and comes with a travel bag — all in a 1.8-pound package with native 1080P and 200 ISO lumens. The HP MC475 is the runner-up and is a better pick if ultra-quiet operation at ≤32dB and Netflix certification matter more to you than WiFi 6.
If you are still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want the newest tech and fastest wireless connection, or do you just want the best value? The Short Throw wins for tech lovers, while the MC425 saves you money with the exact same picture quality.
Winner: HP Short Throw Smart Mini Projector
- Mini Projector with WiFi 6 & Bluetooth Enjoy faster, more stable wireless connections with WiFi...
- Smart Projector with Built-in Streaming Apps Watch movies and shows directly with built-in apps—no...
- Native 1080P Full HD with True ISO Brightness Experience sharp, vibrant visuals with true 1080P...
Best for travelers who want the most modern features like WiFi 6 and voice control, plus a travel bag included.
Runner-Up: HP MC475 Short Throw Smart Mini Projector
- ADVANCED FULL HD VISUAL EXPERIENCE Native Full HD 1080P resolution with up to 200 ISO Lumens...
- COMPATIBLE WITH NETFLIX CERTIFIED STREAMING WITH Whale AI Voice Official Netflix certification...
- PORTABLE USB-C POWER DESIGN (External power only) Outdoor projector supports external 65W power...
Best for quiet bedroom use with its ≤32dB ECO mode and Netflix certification for hassle-free streaming.
Best Budget: HP Mini Projector 1080P Full HD (HP MC425)
- CINEMA-QUALITY MINI PROJECTOR – 1080P WITH 4K SUPPORT This mini projector features native 1080P...
- SHORT THROW PROJECTOR FOR BEDROOM & SMALL SPACES Designed as a short throw projector, it projects an...
- USB-C PORTABLE PROJECTOR – OUTDOOR READY This portable projector is compatible with 65W power...
Best for budget-conscious travelers who want the same native 1080P and 200 ISO lumens without paying extra for bells and whistles.
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