Budget 4K Streaming Guides

ONN Streaming Box: Walmart's Budget Alternative to Firestick

Walmart's ONN 4K Streaming Box runs Google TV and offers 4K support at a fraction of the price of Firestick or Roku. It's not the fastest device, but for basic streaming of Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube, it's a solid value. If you're willing to sideload and optimize, ONN becomes surprisingly powerful.

ONN vs Firestick: Which Should You Buy?

• ONN 4K Streaming Box — Cheaper ($30-50), runs Google TV, good for basic streaming and sideloading. No Alexa integration.
• Fire TV Stick 4K — More expensive ($40-50), Amazon ecosystem, more app selection, better performance. Alexa voice control.
• For most people: Get Firestick for convenience, get ONN if you're on a tight budget or want to sideload apps.

Performance: What to Expect

ONN has a quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM. It handles 4K streaming on Netflix and YouTube without lag, but apps can be slower to launch than Firestick 4K. Heavy users who sideload lots of apps might see slowdown. The device does not support HDR10 or Dolby Vision.

Sideloading on ONN

ONN runs Google TV, which makes sideloading straightforward. Enable Developer Options (Settings → About, click Build Number 5 times), then toggle "Apps from Unknown Sources." You can install Kodi, Cinema HD, Stremio, and custom launchers. Google Play Protect might warn you, but you can disable it.

Storage Considerations

ONN comes with built-in storage but it fills up quickly if you sideload multiple large apps. You can expand storage by connecting a USB drive, though app performance on external storage is slower. We recommend 32GB+ external drive for sideloaded apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ONN streaming box good?

For the price ($30-50), yes. It streams 4K content without major issues and supports sideloading. For heavy users or those who need speed, Firestick is better. ONN is a solid budget choice if you don't mind slightly slower performance.

Can I sideload apps on ONN?

Yes, it's actually easier than Firestick. Enable Developer Options (Settings → About, click Build Number 5 times), toggle "Apps from Unknown Sources," then install APKs using Downloader or USB. Popular sideloads include Kodi, Cinema HD, and Stremio.

ONN vs Firestick — which is better?

Firestick is faster and has more apps, but costs more. ONN is cheaper and more open for sideloading, but slower. If budget is tight, ONN is worth it. If you use Alexa or want the fastest performance, get Firestick.

Does ONN support 4K and HDR?

ONN supports 4K Ultra HD at 60fps, but it doesn't support HDR10 or Dolby Vision. For most streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, YouTube), 4K works great. Advanced HDR content is limited compared to more expensive devices.

How much storage does ONN have?

ONN comes with built-in storage, but it's limited. If you sideload multiple apps, use an external USB drive (32GB or larger recommended). External storage works fine for apps like Kodi and streaming apps.

Related

• Firestick Hub — Compare with Amazon's device
• Google TV Hub — Chromecast with Google TV alternative
• NVIDIA Shield Hub — Premium streaming option
• Sideloading Hub — How to sideload on ONN and other devices
• Streaming Apps Hub — Best apps for all devices