In an era dominated by cord-cutting, smart TV devices have transitioned from luxury tech gadgets to essential home entertainment hubs. While industry giants like Amazon, Roku, and Apple have long commanded the market, a surprising contender has taken the budget streaming world by storm: the Onn stream device.
Manufactured as Walmart’s in-house electronics brand, the Onn streaming device lineup offers high-end smart features, crisp 4K resolution, and the power of Google TV—all at a fraction of the cost of its competitors. But can a streaming device that costs as little as $20 truly deliver a premium viewing experience?
In this comprehensive review and guide, we will break down everything you need to know about the Onn stream device, including its features, performance, how it compares to the competition, and whether it deserves a spot behind your television.
---
What is the Onn Stream Device?
The Onn stream device is a compact digital media player developed by Walmart that plugs directly into your TV’s HDMI port. It transforms any standard television into a feature-rich Smart TV powered by Google TV (earlier versions ran on standard Android TV).
Unlike proprietary platforms that lock you into specific ecosystems, the Onn streaming box provides full access to the Google Play Store. This means you can stream content from top platforms like Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Max, Hulu, and thousands of other applications.
The Current Onn Streaming Lineup
Walmart currently offers a few variations of the Onn stream device to cater to different budget levels and technical needs:
- Onn. Google TV Full HD Streaming Device: The entry-level option, perfect for older TVs or secondary bedrooms, delivering 1080p resolution.
- Onn. Google TV 4K Streaming Box: The flagship budget winner, offering 4K Ultra HD streaming, HDR support, and smooth performance for under $20.
- Onn. Google TV 4K Pro Streaming Device: The premium upgrade, acting as a hybrid between a streaming player and a smart speaker, featuring upgraded storage, an Ethernet port, backlit remote, and hands-free Google Assistant.
---
Key Features of the Onn Stream Device
Despite its low price point, the Onn stream device does not skimp on features. Here is what makes this small device a powerhouse:
1. Google TV Interface
The integration of Google TV is arguably the Onn device's greatest asset. Instead of a clunky, ad-heavy home screen, Google TV provides a personalized, content-first interface. It aggregates recommendations from all your subscribed streaming services onto a single home page, eliminating the need to jump from app to app to find something to watch.
2. High-Definition Visuals and Audio
The Onn 4K stream device supports 4K Ultra HD resolution at 60 frames per second, alongside HDR10 support for vibrant colors and deeper contrasts. On the audio side, it supports Dolby Audio pass-through, ensuring crisp, immersive sound when hooked up to a soundbar or home theater system. The 4K Pro version takes this further by adding Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support.
3. Built-in Chromecast and Google Assistant
Because it is built on Google's infrastructure, every Onn stream device features Chromecast Built-in. This allows you to effortlessly cast photos, videos, and music directly from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to your TV. Additionally, the included remote features a dedicated Google Assistant button for voice control—allowing you to search for movies, check the weather, or control smart home devices using your voice.
4. Ergonomic and Functional Remote
Unlike the minimalistic remotes that come with some budget devices, the Onn remote is well-thought-out. It includes volume and power controls for your TV, a directional pad, quick-launch buttons for popular apps like Netflix and YouTube, and a customizable star button (on select models) to open your favorite application instantly.
---
Onn Stream Device vs. The Competition: Roku & Fire TV
How does the Onn streaming device stack up against established rivals like the Roku Express 4K+ and the Amazon Fire TV Stick?
| Feature | Onn 4K Streaming Box | Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K | Roku Express 4K+ | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Operating System | Google TV | Fire OS | Roku OS | | Price Point | ~$20 | ~$50 | ~$40 | | Sideloading Apps | Yes (Easy) | Yes (Moderate) | No | | Interface Ads | Minimal | Heavy | Moderate | | Chromecast | Native | No | No (AirPlay supported) |
Onn vs. Amazon Firestick
While the Fire TV Stick is immensely popular, its interface is notoriously cluttered with Amazon product ads and sponsored content. The Onn stream device offers a much cleaner Google TV interface. Furthermore, because the Onn device runs on stock Google TV, sideloading third-party Android applications is significantly easier than on Amazon's restricted Fire OS.
Onn vs. Roku
Roku is famous for its simplistic, grid-based interface, which appeals to non-tech-savvy users. However, Roku lacks the deep personalization, robust voice search, and smart home integration that Google TV provides. When comparing price-to-performance, the $20 Onn 4K box offers near-identical speed and video quality to a $40 Roku device.
---
How to Set Up Your Onn Stream Device
Setting up the Onn stream device takes less than ten minutes. Follow these simple steps to get started:
- Plug It In: Connect the Onn device to an open HDMI port on your TV. Plug the included power adapter into a wall outlet and connect it to the Onn device.
- Switch Inputs: Turn on your TV and select the HDMI input corresponding to your Onn device.
- Pair the Remote: Insert the included batteries into the remote and follow the on-screen prompts to pair it via Bluetooth.
- Connect to Wi-Fi: Select your local Wi-Fi network and enter the password.
- Sign in to Google: Log in with your Google account. You can use the Google Home app on your phone for a faster setup process.
- Download Apps: Select your preferred streaming services, allow the device to perform any necessary software updates, and start watching!
---
Pros and Cons of the Onn Stream Device
To give you an honest perspective, here is a quick breakdown of where the Onn stream device excels and where it falls short.
Pros:
- Unbeatable Value: Offers 4K streaming capabilities for roughly half the price of competitors.
- Clean Software: Google TV is fast, intuitive, and highly customizable.
- Great Remote Control: Includes TV control buttons, voice search, and direct app shortcuts.
- Native Chromecast: Seamlessly stream content from mobile devices.
- No Bloatware: Comes with minimal pre-installed junk software.
Cons:
- Limited Onboard Storage: The base 4K model comes with 8GB of storage (around 4.4GB usable), which can fill up quickly if you install dozens of heavy games or apps.
- Basic Hardware Design: The plastic design is basic, though it usually stays hidden behind your TV anyway.
- Availability: As a Walmart brand, it is primarily available through Walmart stores and their official website.
---
Final Verdict: Should You Buy an Onn Stream Device?
The Onn stream device proves that you don't need to spend $50 to $100 to get a top-tier streaming experience. By leveraging Google's robust streaming platform and cutting out unnecessary hardware markup, Walmart has created one of the best value propositions in consumer technology today.
If you are looking to revitalize an older TV, replace a sluggish built-in smart TV interface, or cut the cord without breaking the bank, the Onn 4K Streaming Box is an absolute no-brainer. For power users seeking premium features like hands-free control and extra storage, the Onn 4K Pro is an equally compelling alternative.
Ultimately, for smooth performance, brilliant picture quality, and endless entertainment options at an unbeatable price, the Onn stream device easily earns a top spot in the budget streaming arena.
