Overview: A New Contender in Streaming
Walmart has officially entered the Google TV streaming arena with its new Onn lineup, and early impressions suggest the 4K streaming stick is exactly what many cord-cutters have been looking for. While the Pro model offers additional features, it’s the standard 4K stick that landed first—and it’s proving to be a worthy successor to the Chromecast with Google TV (4K).
Key Features of the Onn 4K Google TV Stick
This compact streaming device packs a surprising punch. Here are the standout specifications:
- 4K HDR support with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG for vibrant picture quality
- Google TV interface with personalized recommendations and access to 700,000+ movies and TV episodes
- Voice remote with Google Assistant for hands-free control
- Dolby Atmos passthrough for immersive audio
- Affordable price—typically under $30, undercutting the Chromecast
Design and Setup
The stick itself is sleek and unobtrusive, designed to plug directly into your TV’s HDMI port. Setup is straightforward: plug it in, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with your Google account. Within minutes, the Google TV interface greets you with a clean, customizable home screen.
How It Stacks Up Against the Chromecast with Google TV
For years, the Chromecast with Google TV has been the baseline for streaming sticks, but Walmart’s Onn 4K version addresses some key pain points:
- Performance: The Onn stick feels snappier in app launching and navigation, thanks to a slightly faster processor.
- Remote: The included remote has dedicated buttons for popular streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, etc.), a feature the Chromecast lacks.
- Price: At around $25-30, it’s significantly cheaper than the Chromecast’s $50 MSRP, making it a budget-friendly alternative without sacrificing core features.
- Storage: The Onn stick offers 8GB of internal storage, comparable to the Chromecast, but its optimized software leaves more room for apps.
Performance and User Experience
In daily use, the Onn 4K Google TV stick delivers a smooth streaming experience. 4K content loads quickly, and HDR switching is seamless. The Google TV interface provides intelligent recommendations based on your viewing habits, and the voice control is responsive. One minor drawback is the occasional ad placement in the interface, but this is standard across Google TV devices.
Pro Model vs. Standard Stick
Walmart’s Pro variant adds Ethernet support, more storage (16GB), and a slightly better processor for about $50. However, for most users, the 4K stick offers excellent value. The Pro model is ideal for those who want wired connectivity or extra app storage, but the standard stick covers the basics beautifully.
Conclusion: The Chromecast Replacement We Needed
The Onn 4K Google TV stick proves that you don’t need to spend a premium for premium streaming. With strong specs, an intuitive interface, and a wallet-friendly price, it fills the void left by the aging Chromecast. Walmart has delivered a device that not only matches but in many ways exceeds the Chromecast experience—and at half the cost. If you’re in the market for a reliable 4K streamer, this is the one to get.