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HP MC400 specifications and in-depth review

HP MC400

Manufacturer: HP

The HP MC400 is a compact projector designed for versatile everyday use, fitting into a relatively small footprint while still offering a respectable set of features. At 700 g and with a volume of just 1008 cm³, it is built to be portable without sacrificing connectivity. One of its more notable inclusions is built-in smart TV functionality, which allows content access directly from the unit without relying solely on external sources.

On the technical side, the HP MC400 outputs at 720p resolution with an 8-bit color depth and can project images up to 90″ from a minimum throw distance of 0.8 m. It draws 40W during operation and includes a single HDMI port, one USB port, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay, and DLNA certification. Audio is handled by a built-in mono speaker rated at 3W, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack is available for personal listening. A remote control and a dedicated smartphone app are also part of the package.

Pros
  • Compact and lightweight at 700 g with a small physical footprint, making it easy to carry and reposition
  • Wireless connectivity is well covered, with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, and DLNA all built in
  • Built-in smart TV removes the need for an external streaming device
  • Comes with a remote control for convenient operation from a distance
  • A dedicated smartphone app provides an additional way to control the projector
  • Supports a 90-inch maximum projection size from a minimum throw distance of 0.8 m
Cons
  • Resolution is limited to 720p with no support for HDR formats including HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, or Dolby Vision
  • No focus adjustment of any kind — neither motorized nor manual — which may complicate image setup
  • Built-in speaker is a single mono unit rated at only 3W, with no stereo output
  • No lens shift in either direction, limiting placement flexibility
  • No RJ45 port means wired network connectivity is not an option
  • No external memory slot, restricting direct local media playback options
Who is this for?

This projector is a solid fit for casual home entertainment setups where portability and convenience matter more than raw image performance. Its compact, lightweight build makes it easy to move between rooms or take to a friend's place, while built-in smart TV, AirPlay, Wi-Fi, and DLNA mean users can start streaming content without needing additional devices. The 90-inch maximum projection size at a short 0.8 m throw distance also makes it workable in smaller living spaces where larger projectors would struggle to fit.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who prioritize image fidelity will find this projector lacking, as the 720p resolution with no HDR support — including HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision — falls well short of what is expected in any quality-focused viewing setup. The complete absence of any focus adjustment, whether motorized or manual, makes precise image calibration difficult, which is a notable drawback for installations requiring careful setup. Additionally, the single 3W mono speaker with no Dolby Atmos support means the projector is unsuitable for anyone expecting a satisfying audio experience without external speakers.

General info:

has laser light source ✕
operating power consumption 40W
width 80 mm
height 90 mm
thickness 140 mm
weight 700 g
Has a dedicated smartphone app ✓
volume 1008 cm³

The HP MC400 has a compact physical footprint, measuring 80 mm wide, 90 mm tall, and 140 mm thick, with a total volume of 1008 cm³ and a weight of 700 g, making it relatively easy to move and reposition. It runs on a 40W operating power consumption and does not use a laser light source. A dedicated smartphone app is available, adding a convenient way to interact with the projector from a mobile device.

Projection quality:

output resolution 720p
has motorized focus ✕
displays 3D with glasses ✕
maximum projection size 90"
has motorized zoom ✕
supports HDR10+ ✕
bit depth 8-bit
has manual focus ✕
minimum throw distance 0.8 m
supports Dolby Vision ✕
supports HDR10 ✕
supports HLG ✕

The HP MC400 delivers a 720p output resolution at an 8-bit color depth, with a maximum projection size of 90″ and a minimum throw distance of 0.8 m. The projector does not include motorized focus or motorized zoom, and manual focus is also absent. It does not support any HDR formats, including HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, or Dolby Vision, and 3D content displayed with glasses is not supported either.

Connectivity:

HDMI ports 1
has AirPlay ✓
Has Bluetooth ✓
supports Wi-Fi ✓
USB ports 1
has a VGA connector ✕
is DLNA-certified ✓
has a DVI connector ✕
RJ45 ports 0
Has S/PDIF Out port ✕

The HP MC400 offers a wireless-friendly connectivity setup, with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay all built in, alongside DLNA certification for networked media streaming. For wired connections, it provides one HDMI port and one USB port, though there is no RJ45 port, so a wired network connection is not available. VGA, DVI, and S/PDIF output are also absent from this model.

Features:

has stereo speakers ✕
has lens shift (vertical) ✕
has lens shift (horizontal) ✕
has a remote control ✓
has built-in smart TV ✓
has a built-in speaker ✓
audio output power 1 x 3W
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack ✓
has Dolby Atmos ✕
has an external memory slot ✕
has voice commands ✕

The HP MC400 includes built-in smart TV functionality, a remote control, and a built-in mono speaker rated at 1 x 3W, with a 3.5 mm headphone jack available for audio output. Stereo speakers are not present, and Dolby Atmos is not supported. The projector does not offer lens shift in either vertical or horizontal directions, has no external memory slot, and does not support voice commands.

Final Verdict

The HP MC400 is a compact, portable projector that makes a reasonable case for itself in casual, convenience-driven home setups, where its built-in smart TV, wireless connectivity, and short throw capability do genuine work in simplifying the viewing experience. That said, it is a product clearly shaped by its limitations — 720p resolution, no HDR support, no focus adjustment, and a minimal mono speaker mean it is not positioned to satisfy users with higher expectations for image or audio quality. For someone who wants a lightweight, easy-to-use projector that can stream content wirelessly in a small room without a complex setup, the MC400 has tangible appeal; for anyone chasing a more immersive or technically refined experience, its specifications will fall short.