Buzz
Cutting the cord doesn’t always mean saving money. While one or two streaming subscriptions might seem reasonable, the cost quickly adds up when you need multiple services to keep up with popular shows, rivaling traditional cable bills. Beyond subscriptions, you also need a reliable device to stream on. If your smart TV falls short, choices range from the budget-friendly Chromecast to the premium Apple TV.
Finding a budget-friendly 4K streaming device can be challenging. Most low-cost options max out at 1080p, with 4K-capable devices usually starting around $50. Surprisingly, Walmart offers one of the best deals on a high-quality streaming device that supports Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ in stunning 4K.
Walmart’s Onn streaming box stands out as an unbeatable value in the market
Chris Welch from The Verge recently highlighted Walmart’s Onn streaming device, marking the company’s second venture into creating an affordable TV-watching solution. The standout feature? The Onn is priced at just $20, a bargain in the streaming market. That’s equivalent to a single month of Netflix Premium (excluding additional accounts). Plus, this $20 gadget supports 4K HDR, allowing you to enjoy Netflix Premium’s high-quality content.
The Onn is compact, almost designed to be out of sight. Walmart provides an adhesive strip to mount it behind your TV. Since the remote operates via Bluetooth, you don’t need a direct line of sight to power it on.
With only 2GB of RAM and 8GB of storage, the Onn isn’t a powerhouse, but it’s sufficient for a streaming device. It runs on Android, offering customization options for tech enthusiasts. However, it can’t match the app-handling capacity of a Roku or Chromecast, and storage is limited. Over time, performance may degrade, and it likely won’t endure as long as an Apple TV. Still, for $20, it’s a solid deal.
The Onn struggles with HDR capabilities
The Onn’s biggest limitation is its lack of Dolby Vision support, the leading HDR standard for modern streaming devices and TVs. If your TV is from the last five years, it likely supports Dolby Vision, which the Onn can’t utilize. However, it does support HDR10, offering basic HDR functionality for content with enhanced dynamic range (brighter highlights and deeper shadows).
HDR10 (not HDR10+) relies on static metadata, unlike Dolby Vision and HDR10+, which use dynamic metadata. Dynamic metadata enables your streaming device to guide your TV in displaying HDR content scene-by-scene or frame-by-frame, aligning more closely with the creators’ vision. That said, some HDR support is preferable to none, and for $20, it might suffice. Additionally, Samsung TVs don’t support Dolby Vision, so you’re not missing out. (However, they do support HDR10+, offering improved HDR quality on Samsung TVs.)
In summary, if you want an affordable way to enjoy 4K HDR content, Walmart’s Onn is worth considering. While spending an extra $30 on a Chromecast gets you Dolby Vision, that same amount could cover a few months of Max.
Top streaming devices we recommend:
Best budget option: Onn
Best midrange choices: Chromecast with Google TV (4K), Roku Streaming Stick
Best premium pick: Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen)
Best Android device for avid streamers: Nvidia Shield TV
