Walmart’s New Onn 4K Pro Google TV Streamer Hits Shelves Ahead of Official Launch
SAN FRANCISCO — Walmart’s latest entry into the streaming device market has quietly arrived in stores, offering budget-conscious consumers a powerful alternative to pricier options from Google, Amazon, and Roku. The new Onn 4K Pro Google TV streaming box—along with a companion 4K streaming stick—is now available for purchase at select Walmart locations and online, despite the retail giant not yet announcing an official launch. The devices, which surfaced in leaks over the past month, represent Walmart’s continued push to dominate the affordable streaming hardware space whereas integrating Google’s AI-powered features.
Priced at just $59.88, the Onn 4K Pro undercuts many competitors while packing premium specifications typically found in devices costing twice as much. With 4K HDR streaming, Dolby Vision and Atmos support, and built-in smart home hub capabilities, the device is positioning itself as a compelling option for cord-cutters and tech enthusiasts alike. Early buyers and retail listings confirm the device is already in the hands of some customers, signaling a wider rollout is imminent.
What’s Inside the Box: Specs and Features
The Onn 4K Pro is no slouch when it comes to hardware. According to Walmart’s official product listing and early hands-on reports, the device includes:
- A quad-core Cortex-A55 CPU and Mali-G31 MP3 GPU, delivering smooth performance for 4K streaming and app multitasking.
- 32GB of storage and 3GB of RAM, a significant upgrade over many budget streamers, which often max out at 16GB and 2GB, respectively.
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for faster, more reliable wireless connectivity.
- A 100Mbps Ethernet port for wired internet connections, a feature often missing in cheaper devices.
- USB-A (USB 2.0) and USB-C power ports, replacing the barrel plug found in previous generations.
One of the standout features of the Onn 4K Pro is its integration with Google’s Gemini AI, which powers hands-free voice control. The device includes far-field microphones, allowing users to activate Google Assistant or Gemini with a wake word—similar to Amazon’s Fire TV Cube. A physical mute switch on the back of the device lets users disable the microphones when privacy is a concern. While, early reviews suggest the hands-free feature may not be as reliable as dedicated smart speakers like Google Nest or Amazon Echo.
For home theater enthusiasts, the Onn 4K Pro supports Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos, ensuring vibrant colors and immersive audio for compatible content. The device also doubles as a Matter-over-Thread smart home hub, allowing users to control compatible smart lights, locks, and sensors directly from their TV without needing a separate hub like a Google Nest or Amazon Echo.
A Budget Streamer with Premium Ambitions
Walmart’s Onn brand has long been synonymous with affordability, and the 4K Pro is no exception. At $59.88, it undercuts Google’s own Chromecast with Google TV (4K), which retails for $89.99, as well as Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K Max at $59.99. Despite the lower price, the Onn 4K Pro matches or exceeds many of its competitors in raw specifications.
“Walmart’s Onn Google TV 4K Pro resets expectations for what a $50 streaming device can deliver,” wrote PCWorld in a recent review. The publication praised the device’s performance, storage capacity, and remote control, which includes a backlit keyboard and “Find My Remote” functionality. However, the review also cautioned that the hands-free voice control feature “is a poor substitute for a dedicated Google Nest or Amazon Echo speaker,” noting that it can be frustrating to leverage for tasks beyond simple voice commands.
The Onn 4K Pro is available in two color variants: black and a light gray reminiscent of Google’s early Home Mini speakers. The device ships with a remote control that includes quick-access buttons for popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube, as well as a dedicated Google Assistant button. The remote’s backlight is a welcome addition for users who prefer to navigate their TV in low-light conditions.
How It Compares to the Competition
To help consumers navigate the crowded streaming device market, here’s how the Onn 4K Pro stacks up against its closest competitors:
| Feature | Onn 4K Pro | Google Chromecast with Google TV (4K) | Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max | Roku Streaming Stick 4K |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $59.88 | $89.99 | $59.99 | $49.99 |
| Storage | 32GB | 8GB | 8GB | N/A |
| RAM | 3GB | 2GB | 2GB | 1.5GB |
| Dolby Vision | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet Port | Yes (100Mbps) | No (requires adapter) | No | No |
| Hands-Free Voice Control | Yes (Gemini AI) | No | Yes (Alexa) | No |
| Matter Smart Home Hub | Yes | No | Yes | No |
As the table illustrates, the Onn 4K Pro offers a compelling mix of features for its price point. Its 32GB of storage and 3GB of RAM are particularly notable, as they allow for smoother multitasking and more app installations compared to competitors. The inclusion of an Ethernet port is another advantage for users with spotty Wi-Fi, though it’s worth noting that the port is limited to 100Mbps speeds, which may not be ideal for future-proofing.
However, the Onn 4K Pro isn’t without its drawbacks. The device’s hands-free voice control, while innovative, has been criticized for its reliability. The USB-A port is limited to USB 2.0 speeds, which may disappoint users hoping to connect external storage for local media playback. The Chromecast with Google TV (4K), while more expensive, offers a more polished software experience and deeper integration with Google’s ecosystem, including seamless casting from Android devices.
Who Should Buy the Onn 4K Pro?
The Onn 4K Pro is an excellent choice for several types of consumers:
- Budget-conscious streamers: At $59.88, the device offers premium features like Dolby Vision and Atmos at a fraction of the cost of higher-end streamers. If you’re looking to upgrade from an older 1080p device or a basic smart TV interface, the Onn 4K Pro is a cost-effective way to enhance your viewing experience.
- Smart home enthusiasts: The built-in Matter-over-Thread support makes the Onn 4K Pro a versatile hub for controlling smart home devices. If you’re invested in the Matter ecosystem, this device could help streamline your setup by reducing the need for separate hubs.
- Power users: With 32GB of storage and 3GB of RAM, the Onn 4K Pro can handle more apps and background processes than most budget streamers. If you frequently switch between streaming services or use your device for gaming (via cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or NVIDIA GeForce Now), the extra horsepower will come in handy.
- Walmart shoppers: If you’re already a Walmart customer, the Onn 4K Pro offers a convenient way to add streaming capabilities to your TV without needing to shop elsewhere. Walmart’s price-matching policy and easy return process add an extra layer of convenience.
That said, the Onn 4K Pro may not be the best fit for everyone. If you prioritize a seamless, polished software experience, Google’s Chromecast with Google TV (4K) might be worth the extra cost. Similarly, if you’re deeply embedded in Amazon’s ecosystem, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max’s Alexa integration could be more appealing. And if you’re looking for the simplest, most user-friendly option, Roku’s Streaming Stick 4K remains a strong contender, though it lacks Dolby Vision support.
What’s Next for Walmart’s Onn Brand?
The availability of the Onn 4K Pro in stores suggests that Walmart is preparing for a full-scale launch in the coming weeks. Historically, Walmart has taken a decentralized approach to rolling out Onn devices, often making them available in physical stores before updating online listings. This strategy can lead to confusion, as some customers may stumble upon the devices in-store while others struggle to find them online.
For now, the Onn 4K Pro is accessible to customers in select locations, with Walmart’s online product page showing availability in certain regions. Shoppers can check local store inventory by entering their ZIP code on the Walmart website. The company has not yet announced an official launch date or marketing campaign, but given the device’s current availability, a broader rollout seems likely in the near future.
Walmart’s Onn brand has carved out a niche in the streaming device market by offering affordable, feature-rich alternatives to pricier options. The Onn 4K Pro continues this tradition, delivering a surprising amount of value for its price. While it may not dethrone the market leaders, it’s a strong contender for anyone looking to upgrade their streaming setup without breaking the bank.
Key Takeaways
- The Onn 4K Pro Google TV streaming box is now available at select Walmart stores and online for $59.88, ahead of an official launch.
- The device features 32GB of storage, 3GB of RAM, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and Matter-over-Thread smart home hub support, making it a standout in the budget streaming category.
- Hands-free voice control powered by Google’s Gemini AI is included, though early reviews suggest it’s not as reliable as dedicated smart speakers.
- The Onn 4K Pro undercuts competitors like Google’s Chromecast with Google TV (4K) and Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K Max while offering comparable or superior specifications.
- Walmart’s decentralized rollout strategy means availability varies by location, but a wider launch is expected soon.
FAQ
1. Is the Onn 4K Pro available everywhere?
No, the device is currently available in select Walmart stores and online for customers in certain regions. Availability can be checked by entering your ZIP code on Walmart’s product page. A wider launch is expected in the coming weeks.
2. Does the Onn 4K Pro support 4K HDR?
Yes, the device supports 4K HDR streaming with Dolby Vision, providing vibrant colors and improved contrast for compatible content. It also supports Dolby Atmos for immersive audio.
3. Can I use the Onn 4K Pro as a smart home hub?
Yes, the Onn 4K Pro includes Matter-over-Thread support, allowing it to function as a hub for compatible smart home devices. This means you can control lights, locks, and sensors directly from your TV without needing a separate hub.
4. How does the Onn 4K Pro compare to Google’s Chromecast with Google TV (4K)?
The Onn 4K Pro offers more storage (32GB vs. 8GB) and RAM (3GB vs. 2GB) than Google’s Chromecast with Google TV (4K), along with an Ethernet port and hands-free voice control. However, the Chromecast provides a more polished software experience and deeper integration with Google’s ecosystem. The Onn 4K Pro is also significantly cheaper at $59.88 compared to the Chromecast’s $89.99 price tag.
5. Is the hands-free voice control feature reliable?
Early reviews suggest that while the hands-free voice control feature is innovative, it may not be as reliable as dedicated smart speakers like Google Nest or Amazon Echo. Users have reported frustrations with voice commands beyond simple tasks, such as launching apps or searching for content.
6. What’s included in the box?
The Onn 4K Pro box includes the streaming device, a remote control with backlight and “Find My Remote” functionality, a USB-C power cable, an HDMI cable, and an Ethernet adapter (if applicable). The remote features quick-access buttons for popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube.
Final Thoughts
Walmart’s Onn 4K Pro Google TV streaming box is a compelling option for anyone looking to upgrade their streaming setup without spending a fortune. With its robust hardware, premium features like Dolby Vision and Atmos, and smart home hub capabilities, it punches well above its weight class. While the hands-free voice control feature may not be perfect, the device’s overall performance and value make it a standout in the budget streaming market.
As Walmart prepares for a wider launch, the Onn 4K Pro is poised to give established players like Google, Amazon, and Roku a run for their money. For now, early adopters can snag the device in select stores or online, with broader availability expected in the near future. Keep an eye on Walmart’s official website for updates on the device’s rollout.
What do you reckon of Walmart’s latest streaming device? Are you planning to upgrade your setup with the Onn 4K Pro, or are you waiting for a wider launch? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow World Today Journal for the latest tech news and reviews.