The NEC P525UL is a bright, 5,000-lumen installation-class projector that uses a laser light engine and features WUXGA resolution (1920 x 1200). It’s a 3LCD projector, which means better color performance than single-chip DLP models, and it’s priced competitively at $3,099.
This projector is designed for larger spaces, like lecture halls or conference rooms, but it’s also a solid choice for classrooms—especially at the college or university level. Its laser/phosphor light source is rated to last up to 20,000 hours, making it a low-maintenance option.
Although it lacks high-end features like interchangeable lenses, edge blending, and projection mapping, it still delivers great performance and value for the price. It can also display content from multiple sources at once, including from mobile devices, and has networking capabilities, making it a flexible tool for presentations and collaboration.
The NEC P525UL earned our Best in Classroom: Performance (Runner-up) award for its strong performance, great image quality, and value in the entry-level installation category.
Highlights
Brightness: 5,000 lumens
Resolution: WUXGA (1920 x 1200)
Technology: 3LCD
Laser Light Engine: Up to 20,000 hours
Price: $3,099
Low maintenance and suitable for larger classrooms, lecture halls, and conference rooms
Displays multiple sources simultaneously, including mobile devices
No interchangeable lens or advanced features, but excellent value for the price
| NEC NEC P525UL Specs | |
|---|---|
| Price | $3099 |
| Technology | 3LCD |
| Native Resolution | WUXGA (1920×1200) |
| Brightness (Manufacturer Claim) | 5000 |
| Contrast | 500,000:1 |
| Zoom Lens Ratio | 1:6:1 |
| Lens Shift | Yes |
| Lamp Life | |
| Weight | 21.3 |
| Warranty | 5 YearsOVERVIEW |
A few years ago, we gave the NEC P502WL a Special Interest award for being a strong entry-level laser projector for large conference rooms and classrooms. The newer NEC P525UL builds on that with several improvements.
The P525UL is a compact 5,000-lumen projector with WUXGA resolution and a laser/phosphor light source. It’s slightly brighter than the P502WL and uses the same 20,000-hour, maintenance-free light engine.
One of its standout features is Constant Brightness Mode, which helps maintain consistent image quality over the projector’s lifespan—making it a more reliable choice for long-term use.
The NEC P525UL uses 3LCD technology instead of the single DLP chip found in the older P502WL, which means better color reproduction. It also features Self-Color Correction that automatically adjusts for natural color shifts as the projector ages. Switching to LCD also boosts contrast—up to 500,000:1 with Light Adjust, compared to just 20,000:1 on the P502UL.
Although it’s a WUXGA (1920 x 1200) projector, the P525UL can accept 4K@30P content via HDMI or HDBaseT, giving you sharper detail and flexibility. It includes manual lens shift (horizontal & vertical), a 1.6x zoom lens, dual HDMI inputs, HDBaseT, and USB 2.0A for powering external devices. A LAN port allows for easy network control, and with the optional NP05LM1 Wireless Module and MultiPresenter software, you can connect up to 16 devices at once.
One standout feature? It’s incredibly quiet—just 22dB in ECO mode and 27dB at full power. From 3 feet away, it was nearly silent.
Highlights
5,000 lumens (color & white)
$3,099 list price
Laser light engine (up to 20,000 hours)
WUXGA resolution (1920 x 1200)
3LCD technology
500,000:1 contrast ratio
Vertical & horizontal lens shift for flexible placement
Operates at any angle, including vertically
Picture-in-Picture (PIP) capability
Digital zoom (up to 4x)
Compatible with mobile devices and apps (project up to 4 sources at once)
Advanced networking included; wireless optional
HDBaseT for long HDMI runs over CAT6
Integrated support for Crestron RoomView, AMX Beacon, PJ Link
5-year warranty with NEC InstaCare rapid replacement