In today’s crowded streaming device market, where Amazon’s Fire Stick and Google’s Chromecast dominate conversations, Walmart’s Onn 4K Pro Android TV Box quietly sits as one of the most intriguing underdogs I’ve tested in years. After using it daily for several weeks, I’ve come to appreciate its surprising strengths while also wrestling with some frustrating limitations – particularly for international users like myself in India.
What makes this device so interesting isn’t just its specs (though they’re impressive), but how it represents a compelling alternative for users tired of the walled gardens of Amazon and Apple ecosystems. The Onn 4K Pro offers something increasingly rare: a relatively open Android TV experience with hardware that punches above its price point. But is it right for you? Let’s dive deep into every aspect of this device to find out.
Unboxing and First Impressions: Premium Feel at a Budget Price
The moment you lift the Onn 4K Pro from its packaging, there’s an immediate sense that this isn’t your typical budget streaming device. The matte black finish and distinctive mesh top panel give it a more premium aesthetic than the plasticky feel of many competitors. The mesh isn’t just for show – it serves dual purposes of heat dissipation and housing the LED indicators that provide visual feedback during operation.
Included in the box are all the essentials:
- The streaming box itself (surprisingly compact at about 4.5 inches square)
- An HDMI cable (a nice inclusion many competitors omit)
- A US-style power adapter (more on this later)
- A surprisingly full-featured voice remote
- Even a AAA battery to get you started immediately
The attention to detail extends to thoughtful touches like the physical microphone mute switch on the side – a privacy feature that should be standard on all smart devices.
When engaged, a bright red LED provides clear visual confirmation that the mics are disabled, something I wish more manufacturers would implement.
Hardware Deep Dive: Where This Box Truly Shines
Processing Power That Surprises
At the heart of the Onn 4K Pro lies the Amlogic S905X4 processor, paired with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. These specs might not sound groundbreaking until you compare them to the competition. The current Fire TV Stick 4K Max? 2GB RAM. Chromecast with Google TV? Also 2GB. This extra headroom makes a noticeable difference in daily use.
During my testing, I never experienced the frustrating lag or app reloads that plague cheaper streaming devices when multitasking. You can comfortably run multiple streaming apps, games, and utilities without the system choking. The 32GB storage is similarly generous – after installing a dozen apps including Netflix, Disney+, and several games, I still had about 18GB remaining.
Connectivity: Future-Proofed for Next-Gen Networks
The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E support is particularly forward-thinking. While most current routers don’t utilize the 6GHz band yet, having this capability means the device won’t become obsolete as Wi-Fi technology evolves. In my testing with a Wi-Fi 6 router, I consistently achieved speeds between 90-95Mbps on a 5GHz connection – more than sufficient for multiple 4K streams.
Bluetooth 5.0 provides reliable connectivity for wireless headphones and game controllers. I particularly appreciated the stable connection when using my Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones late at night – no annoying audio drops or sync issues that sometimes plague cheaper Bluetooth implementations.
The Port Situation: Good With One Notable Omission
Around back you’ll find:
- HDMI 2.0 (supports 4K at 60fps)
- USB 3.0 port (great for expandable storage)
- Ethernet port (limited to 100Mbps)
- Power input
- Reset button
The USB 3.0 port is a welcome inclusion for connecting external storage or peripherals, but there’s a significant caveat – the lack of NTFS support means you’re limited to FAT32 or exFAT formats.
For media enthusiasts with large video files, this is frustrating since FAT32 can’t handle files larger than 4GB. It’s a puzzling omission that forces inconvenient workarounds.
Visual and Audio Performance: A Feast for the Senses
4K HDR That Impresses
The Onn 4K Pro supports an impressive array of video formats including:
- 4K resolution at 60fps
- HDR10 and HDR10+
- Dolby Vision
- HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma)
In practice, this translates to stunning picture quality when paired with a capable TV. Watching “Dune” on HBO Max showcased the device’s ability to render deep blacks and vibrant highlights simultaneously. The desert scenes of Arrakis displayed remarkable detail in both the brightest and darkest areas – a true test of HDR performance.
Audio That Does Justice to Your Sound System
Audio support is equally robust with:
- Dolby Digital Plus
- Dolby Atmos (when available)
- DTS Digital Surround
My Zebronics soundbar delivered immersive Atmos effects when watching supported content on Netflix. The spatial audio presentation in “Stranger Things” was particularly impressive, with clear separation between overhead and surround channels.
Software Experience: Android TV With Some Rough Edges
The Good: Clean Android TV Implementation
Running Android 12 TV, the Onn 4K Pro offers a relatively pure Google TV experience. The interface will be immediately familiar to anyone who’s used a Chromecast with Google TV. You get access to the full Google Play Store, meaning virtually any streaming app you’d want is available.
The integration with Google services is seamless. Your YouTube watch history syncs perfectly, Google Photos can serve as your screensaver, and Google Assistant works well for voice searches. The ability to cast content from your phone works just as well as on a Chromecast.
The Bad: Cluttered Interface and Annoying Ads
Google’s recent interface changes have made the home screen increasingly cluttered with recommendations and ads. What should be a simple app launcher often feels like a billboard for content you didn’t ask to see. This led me to install Projectivy Launcher, which provides a cleaner, more customizable interface.
The Ugly: Region Lock Headaches
Here’s where things get frustrating for international users. The device is region-locked to the U.S., requiring a VPN workaround for initial setup in other countries. The process involves:
- Installing a VPN on a Windows computer
- Creating a Wi-Fi hotspot from that computer
- Connecting the TV box to this hotspot for setup
It’s a 15-20 minute hassle that will deter less technical users. Once set up, it works normally, but this barrier to entry is significant.
The Remote: A Mixed Bag of Brilliance and Frustration
Design and Ergonomics
The included remote is both one of the best and most frustrating aspects of the package. On the positive side:
- Backlit buttons (a rarity at this price)
- Comfortable, grippy texture
- Well-spaced buttons
- Dedicated app buttons (in theory) Innovative Features
The “Find My Remote” function is genius. Press a button on the box itself, and the remote emits a loud ringing sound. You can even activate this feature via voice command – incredibly useful when the remote inevitably gets buried in couch cushions.
Annoying Limitations
The dedicated app buttons (Netflix, YouTube, etc.) don’t work outside the U.S. without modification. Using the Button Mapper app solves this, but it’s an unnecessary extra step. The remote also burns through batteries faster than expected due to the backlighting.
Voice Control: Almost Great
Hands-free Google Assistant works well for basic commands like:
- “Play The Mandalorian on Disney+”
- “What’s the weather today?”
- “Turn off the living room lights” (with smart home integration)
However, some limitations become apparent. You can’t set alarms that sync with your phone, and certain queries require looking at the screen rather than getting audio responses.
Gaming Performance: Better Than Expected
While not marketed as a gaming device, the Onn 4K Pro handles casual gaming surprisingly well. The Mali-G31 MP2 GPU paired with 3GB RAM means many Android games run smoothly. I enjoyed playing:
- Asphalt 9: Legends (smooth at medium settings)
- Stardew Valley (flawless)
- Crossy Road (perfect for quick sessions)
For cloud gaming, Xbox Game Pass and GeForce Now both worked well over my 100Mbps connection. Input lag was minimal with a Bluetooth controller connected.
Power and Compatibility Considerations
The included US-style power adapter requires an adapter for use in Indian sockets. I found a simple Type D converter (about ₹150) solved this easily. Alternatively, the device works with any 5V/2A USB power source.
Who Should Buy the Onn 4K Pro?
Ideal For:
- Tech enthusiasts who appreciate customization
- Households that need multiple user profiles
- Those wanting better specs than mainstream options
- Users invested in the Google ecosystem Not Recommended For:
- Those who want plug-and-play simplicity
- Users needing NTFS external drive support
- People uncomfortable with technical workarounds Final Verdict: A Powerful Alternative With Some Compromises
After weeks of testing, the Onn 4K Pro has earned a permanent spot under my TV. Its combination of strong hardware, clean Android implementation, and thoughtful features like the privacy-focused mic switch make it stand out in a crowded market.
While the region lock issue is frustrating and the lack of NTFS support puzzling, these are outweighed by the overall package. At its price point (around ₹6,100 imported to India), it offers better long-term value than similarly priced options from Amazon or Google.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
- Pros: Excellent hardware, clean Android experience, great remote
- Cons: Region lock hassle, no NTFS support, interface clutter
If you’re willing to put in a bit of initial setup work, the Onn 4K Pro delivers one of the best streaming experiences available at this price. For those who prefer absolute simplicity, a Fire Stick or Chromecast might be better choices – but you’ll be sacrificing power and flexibility.
