The landscape of Google TV devices just got a whole lot more interesting with the arrival of two new contenders: the Google TV Streamer (successor to the Chromecast with Google TV) and the Walmart-exclusive Onn 4K Pro. These devices share a lot of similarities, both running the Google TV operating system and offering a familiar, user-friendly experience. However, it’s in the details where they diverge, making choosing the right one a matter of prioritizing your needs and budget.
Price: A Clear Winner
The most obvious difference between the two is their price tags. The Google TV Streamer carries a hefty $99 price tag, while the Onn 4K Pro comes in at a much more budget-friendly $49. This price disparity begs the question: is the Google TV Streamer twice as good as the Onn 4K Pro? Not necessarily. Both devices have their own unique features, forcing you to weigh what’s most important to you.
Design: A Matter of Preference
Both the Google TV Streamer and Onn 4K Pro are traditional set-top boxes, a far cry from the sleek dongles that hide behind your television. The Google TV Streamer’s design choice is driven by its smart home capabilities, as Google suggests that placing the device out in the open improves connectivity. The Onn 4K Pro, meanwhile, boasts built-in microphones for voice commands, eliminating the need to hold down a button on the remote. This feature is particularly handy for those who don’t have other always-listening devices around the house. Both devices offer USB-C power connections, with the Onn 4K Pro also including a barrel connector.
Performance: A Close Race
While the Chromecast with Google TV was known for its less-than-stellar performance, the differences between the Onn 4K Pro and Google TV Streamer are much smaller. The Google TV Streamer boasts an extra gigabyte of RAM and currently runs Android 14, compared to the Onn 4K Pro’s Android 12. Both devices utilize quad-core processors, with the Onn 4K Pro using an Amlogic SC2 and the Google TV Streamer powered by a MediaTek 8696. While the Google TV Streamer might have a slight edge in performance, it’s not significant enough to write off the Onn 4K Pro.
Features: Where the Differences Matter Most
This is the section that will truly guide your decision. The Onn 4K Pro acts more like an Amazon Echo device, with its always-on microphones for hands-free voice control. This feature is absent in the Google TV Streamer, but if you have other devices capable of handling hands-free commands, like a Nest Hub, it may be a non-issue. However, the Google TV Streamer offers a unique feature that the Onn 4K Pro lacks: it supports Matter and Thread, the future of smart-home protocols, effectively making it a smart-home hub. This means it can connect and control your disparate smart home devices from one central location. While this feature is not immediately noticeable, it’s a valuable investment in the future of smart home technology. The Google TV Streamer also includes a new Google Home panel for viewing camera feeds, lights, and other smart home devices, as well as AI-generated ambient art. These features are slated to be available on other Google TV devices, including the Onn 4K Pro, at a later date.
Another notable feature difference lies in external storage. The Onn 4K Pro boasts a USB-A port alongside the power port, allowing for easy connection of external hard drives for additional storage. The Google TV Streamer, on the other hand, only has a USB-C port. While you can technically use an adapter for external storage, compatibility can be an issue.
In terms of video and audio, both devices support Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. The Google TV Streamer goes the extra mile with support for HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG.
Remote Control: A Tie
Both devices come equipped with very similar, somewhat plasticky remote controls. Both have the standard array of buttons, including customizable star buttons, dedicated Netflix and YouTube buttons, and the new Find My Remote feature. While the Onn 4K Pro boasts dedicated buttons for Disney+ and Paramount+, offering a slight edge, ultimately, both remotes feel comfortable to hold and function well.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, choosing between the Onn 4K Pro and the Google TV Streamer boils down to personal needs and preferences. If you prioritize hands-free voice control and are on a budget, the Onn 4K Pro is an excellent option. If you’re seeking a smart-home hub or prefer a device with Google’s branding, the Google TV Streamer is the way to go. Of course, if saving money is your top priority, then the Onn 4K Pro is the clear winner. No matter your decision, both devices offer a solid Google TV experience, making either a worthwhile addition to your home entertainment setup.
