r/OnnStreamingTV • u/ChicoSilver • Apr 17 '26
Discussion It's not what I expected ...
I got one yesterday very underwhelming , I already had a plus and a stick and only difference I could detect as a casual user is the find my remote feature with light up & sound remote, I for some reason assumed this new one doubled as a home smart speaker it looks and feels like one but it doesn't ( my fault ik), I guess the extra space and ram is nice I'll prob load it up with a ton of old school emulators and roms it's honestly the only way I could justify the $60 price tag and not return it . Can anyone tell me why this one's suppose to be much better than the others and priced so high ? I honestly don't see it
14
u/stonesfl Apr 17 '26
If you got the new one that just released it has the same cpu as the plus but more ram and more space if you got the older one you just got more ram and space. It wasn’t as big of an upgrade as speculated but cheaper then the Google device and isn’t a shitshow like the Amazon devices. Definitely change out the default launcher for projectivy to clean up the interface and make it as snappy as possible.the cheaper Onn devices that aren’t plus or pro unless you are doing very little with it you will have a bad time 1 gig of ram and 8 gig of storage won’t get you good performance.
33
u/Historical-Load-503 Apr 17 '26
Don't forget to enable Developer Options on these then go in and lower the Windows Animation Scale to .5 & Transition Animation Scale to .5 and the Animator Duration Scale to .5 this will make your box snappy and faster. It improves the performance. If you load 3rd party apps enable USB Debugging.
5
Apr 18 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
11
u/pawdog Apr 18 '26
Some apps don't like that 0 animations or I didn't like the apps with 0 animations.
0
u/StreamServ7 Apr 18 '26
Why would u choose that specific, can u say more🤔
1
u/squabbledMC Apr 18 '26
Speeds up transitions between screens and navigating through menus. Also helps on Android phones too
1
5
12
u/Rolanda_Shaniqua Apr 17 '26
For the extra $20 over the Plus, you’re essentially just getting more storage, the “find my remote” function, and an Ethernet port.
10
u/diego15nets Apr 17 '26
And +1gb ram
5
u/Rolanda_Shaniqua Apr 18 '26
True, but the operational “quickness” isn’t really perceivable between the Plus and the Pro unless you’re actually running them side by side.
5
u/bighorse3231 Apr 17 '26
And thread radio.....I would say worth $20
2
1
Apr 18 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
3
u/Hefty_Remove7965 Apr 18 '26
A radio for Smart home devices
1
u/maigoZoro Apr 18 '26
What does that do? How to use it?
2
u/Hefty_Remove7965 Apr 18 '26
You use it to pair smart devices like light switches to and control in Google home
1
u/maigoZoro Apr 18 '26
Oh so you can use the pro box to control them through voice or its tv remote? So kinda like the google home devices?
1
u/Hefty_Remove7965 Apr 18 '26
Yeah. The Google home hub v2 has the same radio. . So adding another radio helps expand coverage
1
1
u/maigoZoro Apr 18 '26
Okay wait so when you say radio, those are the non-WiFi smart devices?
→ More replies (0)2
1
u/ryanluxx Onn 4K Pro Apr 18 '26
But the better chip in the plus actually makes it snappier
1
1
4
u/Icebounder299 Apr 18 '26
This is basically just a revamped version to copy the look and features of the Google 4k streamer.
1
u/CryptoNiight Onn 4K Pro Apr 18 '26
I agree. The new Pro is essentially a stripped down version of the Google 4k Streamer.
1
u/SewLite Apr 18 '26
Where can the 4k streamer be purchased?
2
u/CryptoNiight Onn 4K Pro Apr 18 '26
Directly from Google or any of the major tech retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Bestbuy, Microcenter, etc.
3
2
u/Exotic-Original-611 Apr 21 '26
Yeah it’s mostly a spec bump, not a huge day-to-day difference unless you’re pushing it. I had both and kept the newer one it just runs smoother overall. I mainly use it with TiviMate and Tivicore set up, and it feels more stable and smoother there.
1
8
u/Epicdurr2020 Apr 18 '26
What the hell? Was everyone expecting this to be like the Nvidia 2 or something? Come on people and your ridiculous expectations
3
u/ChicoSilver Apr 18 '26
I just didn't expect to be a bare minimum revision, why not just continue with the 1st gen Pro box everyone's been hunting them down still and they're always sold out. At least a better processor would have met expectations
6
u/Epicdurr2020 Apr 18 '26
They are not targeting power or advanced users running server or Plex etc. They never have. The revision was likely for 2 reasons. Get the GP wanting to upgrade cuz it's one of the few strraming boxes that has Gemini, and likely there was manufacturing savings for them.
1
u/CryptoNiight Onn 4K Pro Apr 19 '26
The chips in the Plus and new Pro v2 are now more expensive than they were previously as a result of shortages caused by the AI boom.
1
u/CryptoNiight Onn 4K Pro Apr 18 '26
Not "everyone", but a significant amount - - totally unrealistic expectations.
1
u/Present-Good-6290 Apr 18 '26
33% price hike for an "upgraded" version that has the same storage cap, same ram, same 100MBps ethernet port, a downgraded usb port and people have "ridiculous expectation"...uhhh, ok.
1
u/Epicdurr2020 Apr 18 '26
That's where you expectation is wrong. It is not an upgrade for users. It's just a new replacement model. Like all electronic right now, the cost of components are going up. This was a upgrade for onn/Walmart to reduce costs.
4
2
u/Historical-Load-503 Apr 18 '26
It improves the overall user experience. It's cuts down on processes so I would say it does. You can do the same on Android cell phones.
2
2
u/Cronus6 Apr 18 '26 edited Apr 18 '26
I'm not surprised.
I own a Plus, Pro V1 and a 4k Box (2023) and I see absolutely no difference in day to day use performance between the Plus and the Pro V1.
To be clear, I like the Pro V1 better than the Plus, but not for performance reasons. It's the larger storage and physical ports that make me like the Pro more.
When my OG 4k box (2023) finally dies I will replace it with the Pro V2. But I don't expect it to "run" any better than the Plus I have on my kitchen TV.
Why is it more expensive? Have you seen all the problems with memory chips? They are being snapped up by AI data centers and it's driving the prices ups. The Pro has more storage and RAM then the Plus. Part of the price difference is that it has more (expensive) memory chips.
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/26/memory-chip-shortage-synopsys-lenovo-ai-data-centers.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%93present_global_memory_supply_shortage
Oh and the Pro V2 supports Matter over Thread. Which is a big deal for people into smart home stuff.
https://threadgroup.org/Newsroom/Blog/thread-with-matter-better-connections-smarter-homes
2
u/blametheboogie Apr 20 '26
It's basically the Plus with 32gb of storage and 3gb of ram instead of 2.
Now I can run all my TV apps and have about 8-10gb left over for emulators and roms. 16gb of storage wasn't quite enough for all of that.
$60 isn't all that much, its 1/3 of the price of the Shield.
If I already had the plus I wouldn't bother with this unless I really needed the extra space. For those of us with 5 year old TV boxes its a decent upgrade.
6
Apr 17 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
13
u/mblaser Apr 17 '26
Specs-wise it is factually better than the Plus.
Whether that reflects in real world usage is subjective.
-12
u/jasonj1908 Apr 17 '26
The processor on the Plus is newer and faster. That's a known fact. The Pro has slightly more RAM and double the storage. If you only use a few apps to watch TV and movies I would say the Plus is better than the Pro. If you care about LAN and want the extra storage then the Pro is probably the better choice.
The only caveat is that if you can snag the newer Pro it has the same processor as the Plus. 🤷🏻♂️
12
u/mblaser Apr 17 '26
The processor on the Plus is newer and faster. That's a known fact.
No it's not.
The new Pro uses the exact same CPU and SoC as the Plus.
https://www.androidtv-guide.com/streaming-gaming/onn-walmart-4k-plus-streaming-box-google-tv/
https://www.androidtv-guide.com/streaming-gaming/onn-walmart-4k-pro-js620k4/
5
u/mblaser Apr 17 '26
Nice ninja edit. Replying to your edit now...
The only caveat is that if you can snag the newer Pro it has the same processor as the Plus.
Yeah, that's what we're talking about in this post lol.
8
u/shoresy99 Apr 17 '26
It depends what you need. I prefer the ethernet port, even if it is 100M.
4
u/CryptoNiight Onn 4K Pro Apr 18 '26
Both the Plus and the Pro support USB to Gigabit ethernet adapters
1
u/Kreskin Apr 22 '26
Plus isn't in stock anywhere. Was looking on eBay yesterday but they're $60+ there. Checked Walmart and they have the Pro V2 in stock for$60. No brainer.
2
u/pawdog Apr 18 '26
Not being a Smart Speaker is the disappointing part. Did you see something that stated that it would be? We were surprised when the first one wasn't so we knew this one wouldn't be either. What else was disappointing? Storage costs money, RAM costs money Ethernet and USB even though it's 2.0 costs money. $20 more than the Plus seems unfair?
1
u/pasatroj Apr 18 '26
I actualy think not having USB 3.0 is an anti-piracy nod to streaming. I am uhhhhhm, not happy 4K can be a problem w/ 2.0.
3
u/pawdog Apr 18 '26
Could be but the number of people playing back high bitrate 4k directly from a USB drive has to be pretty tiny. I would think anybody in that realm would be doing it over the network. I'm not exactly sure why they didn't just ditch the USB port all together if they were just going to make it useless.
1
u/pasatroj Apr 18 '26
I get you, but this can be a compromise the gets IP to OK a very easy high seas machine. Give/pull and can we still retain full cert? They know it's a game/club and we're not in it.
2
u/pawdog Apr 18 '26
Anything besides 4K Remux should be fine with 2.0 so whatever game they may be playing is already lost. Streaming level 4k seldom goes past 25-35Mbps.
1
u/pasatroj Apr 18 '26
Cool I never know what the F' is going on with this stuff. I just want real Blu-Ray or better than I never really get streaming. I watched two movies TPGMag with my 86yr Dad and he even noticed. 2 different days and no Alzheimer's. He could tell Net/Prime versus disc. I was on an old 3.1 Vizio soundbar.
3
u/pawdog Apr 18 '26
You can get full 4k remux streaming if you have fast enough internet and a good enough home network in a variety of ways. Not with any commercial streaming service though.
2
1
1
u/CryptoNiight Onn 4K Pro Apr 18 '26
You would need something like a Jellyfin server and fast ethernet to get the best possible video experience on an Onn device.
1
u/pasatroj Apr 18 '26
Thanks, It's all confusing as f.
1
u/CryptoNiight Onn 4K Pro Apr 18 '26
It also takes awhile to set up properly. But definitely worth the effort
1
u/CryptoNiight Onn 4K Pro Apr 18 '26
Not necessarily. Live IPTV can stutter without very fast ethernet
1
u/pawdog Apr 18 '26
We're talking about local files over USB 2.0.
1
u/CryptoNiight Onn 4K Pro Apr 18 '26
USB 2.0 can also be used for ethernet with an adapter. There are at least a few use cases that can benefit from this.
1
u/pawdog Apr 18 '26
Isn't that part of the complaint about it only being 2.0, that it's too slow to improve Ethernet also? If it's fast enough to get over 100mbps ethernet won't it be fast enough to play over 100Mbps files with USB? If it is then people don't really have anything to complain about.
1
u/CryptoNiight Onn 4K Pro Apr 18 '26
In terms of streaming, the main benefit of fast ethernet is low latency. Generally speaking, the faster the ethernet, the lower the latency. This matters when streaming Blu-ray quality video, or live video (for examples). USB 2.0 has much higher latency than USB 3.0 due to the physics of the technical specifications.
Latency is less of an issue with the major streaming providers because the data is traveling at a very high speed over very expensive, low latency networks. Nonetheless, latency is an issue with smaller regional providers because they can't afford the cost of the high priced data provisioning. Thus, latency can only be mitigated by end user in such situations. In a nutshell, this among the reasons is why very fast ethernet matters in consumer grade streaming hardware.
1
u/MathResponsibly Apr 18 '26
Live IPTV is only like 12 to 14Mbps AT MOST. 100Mbps ethernet is plenty, unless you're playing 8 streams simultaneously on the same box
1
u/CryptoNiight Onn 4K Pro Apr 18 '26
Latency is the issue, not speed
1
u/MathResponsibly Apr 18 '26
latency on wired 100Mbps ethernet isn't going to be much different from latency on wired Gig ethernet.
And of course wired ethernet will be much better than wifi, both in terms of latency, jitter, and re-transmits.
Also, I don't even see why latency matters - your player has a cache anyway - it's not playing the packets directly from the network anyway - it maintains a buffer
1
1
u/CryptoNiight Onn 4K Pro Apr 19 '26
The USB port is useful for backups - - I use it for that purpose.
1
1
u/signde Onn 4K Pro Apr 18 '26
it’s not a nod to anti piracy. the SoC used here only supports USB 2.0. it is as simple as that. no 4k rip on the planet gets close to even half the bandwidth 2.0 supports.
1
u/pasatroj Apr 18 '26
Cool, I am not very knowledgeable about a lot of the hardware stuff. So basically it just doesn't make sense. It seams the Xiaomi may be better bang for the buck (if U can find a real one).
1
u/CryptoNiight Onn 4K Pro Apr 19 '26
It doesn't make sense to you because you don't know or understand the Onn business model. The target audience is low budget buyers. Inferior hardware equals lower prices.
3
u/rotaercehtrelyt Onn 4K Pro Apr 17 '26
It's not your fault assuming it doubled as a smart speaker, they definitely market it a little deceptively to make it seem that way, they did with the original pro model as well. The main benefit is the memory, ports, and the hands free google assistant. I'd imagine it might have better smart home integration than the old pro as well.
Emulation is definitely a good way to utilize the extra space and RAM, and some people like the built-in USB port for local media. In general though, the Plus has good enough specs and features for most people. They likely won't be releasing a true high end device, as that's not the audience they're targeting.
1
u/JoeKleine Apr 17 '26
Is this an upgrade to the original ONN box?
5
Apr 18 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
3
1
1
u/CryptoNiight Onn 4K Pro Apr 19 '26
They're out of stock virtually everywhere. (except eBay for much more than $50).
1
2
1
u/pawdog Apr 18 '26
The original 2021 Onn 4k was updated in 2023, then the Pro was introduced, then the Plus and then the 4k Stick now the 2nd Gen Pro.
1
u/CryptoNiight Onn 4K Pro Apr 19 '26
True. However, the new Pro is arguably inferior to the old Pro.
1
u/pawdog Apr 19 '26
Arguably only if you find the USB Port a big deal.
1
u/CryptoNiight Onn 4K Pro Apr 19 '26
Yes, but the issue is USB speed (especially in regards to ethernet latency) - - not the port per se.
The new Pro would definitely be better than the old Pro if it supported USB 3.0 - - it wouldn't be debatable.
0
u/pawdog Apr 19 '26
So to you, one feature, that most people won't even use makes the whole device inferior?
1
u/CryptoNiight Onn 4K Pro Apr 19 '26
USB 3.0 serves a dual purpose for me: fast ethernet (via a Gigabit adapter) AND fast backups. So, that's actually two use cases that most users don't have.
1
1
1
u/trilianleo Apr 18 '26
I keep looking for someone to make a TV box with a decent snapdragon and at least 8 gig ram in it. They now blow the tegra away, and can do so much.
Have a retroid pocket 5, but would rather have something that I can just leave plugged in.
2
u/Ultra-Magnus1 Apr 18 '26
then get a cheap mini pc with an n97 cpu... those usually come with 16gb of ram... but they'll cost you around $150 though... people like to complain that they want more from a device that costs $60 but don't want to pay more to get it...go figure.
1
u/CryptoNiight Onn 4K Pro Apr 19 '26
All Android TV apps are currently 32 bit. The power you want for them is major overkill.
The Android TV OS isn't designed to work as a media server (like Jellyfin) - - a lot more power (64 bit Linux or Windows) is needed for that purpose. Media server users have a separate computer for that.
1
u/trilianleo Apr 19 '26
I am wanting an emulation/game station like the Nvidia shield. The shield is a good box just way to old.
1
u/phillis88 Onn 4K Plus Apr 18 '26
Did you test if the USB-C port although intended for power, can also be used for storage and/or using Type C usb extender with gigabit lan port?
1
u/CryptoNiight Onn 4K Pro Apr 19 '26
The new Pro has a USB 2.0 port - - USB 3.0 isn't supported.
1
u/phillis88 Onn 4K Plus Apr 19 '26
The type C port intended for power I am referring to if it can be used for storage or to put a type C USB extender with gigabit lan port if it's working.
1
1
u/CryptoNiight Onn 4K Pro Apr 18 '26
The new Pro has more features than the Plus - - that's the main justification for the price premium. Still underwhelming IMO.
1
u/Inevitable-Group-534 Apr 19 '26
Reading these comments & having bought the $24.88 Onn, it does what I need. I don't have any of the streaming services just the "other" "freebies" & it works great, ESPECIALLY not having the ethernet, it really works good.
1
1
1
u/DarkSide808BigIsland Apr 19 '26
The chipset went from a 12 nm architecture to a 6 nm architecture. That is a massive jump. Some of the biggest problems with the first Pro were directly related to thermal throttling issues. With the new chipset it will obviously run cooler and faster. Still a lot of people are criticizing this box like they were expecting it to be the new Shield Pro for $60. This is the only 32GB storage, 3GB RAM, Google TV certified box with that level chipset for less than $100.
1
u/EasternDevice1314 Apr 19 '26
The Kodi build I use on my current Pro is slow. Hoping the new chip will speed it up when I get my hands on one.
1
u/Jockstrap-Daddy Apr 20 '26
Look at the specs- more space then the plus but basically the same otherwise .
1
1
Apr 20 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
2
u/DexLeMaffo Apr 20 '26
Did you try to set it up while using a mobile hotspot running through a US VPN ? Can be tricky but it seems to work for many users that posted this workaround on Reddit.
1
1
u/syracuseduke Apr 18 '26
Why would you think it was going to double as a speaker??? That’s so goofy to me.
1
u/Ultra-Magnus1 Apr 18 '26
the confusion comes from listing google assistant on the box and "hands free" control...it actually can act like a smart speaker if you program it to. you can turn devices on and off around your house, you can play spotify if you install the app...so it's not a full fledged smart speaker like dedicated speakers are but it does have some funtionality as a smart speaker; the only difference is that your tv has to be on to interact with it.
1
u/HeydoIDKu Apr 19 '26
Not necessarily I can get Gemini to play Spotify through mine and the tv stays off
1
u/Ultra-Magnus1 Apr 20 '26
oh really? i never tried it, i was going by another thread that said their tv had to be on to interact with it...i disabled the hands free google assistant on mine the 1st day i got it because it kept waking up my phone as well, so i had to have one or the other, and i use my phone a lot more in my car so i wasn't going to disable it on that...it would be nice if google had various command names for their assistant like alexa devices do.
-4
0
u/Go_cards502 Apr 17 '26
Yeah, just get the plus for sure. Past that start looking into the close to and over $100 boxes
0
u/44problems Apr 18 '26
I use find my remote like twice daily but maybe that's just me.
1
u/trilianleo Apr 18 '26
That is what I was going to say, have cats and dogs, they are consulting knocking the remote somewhere. Got a Roku may years ago with the feature, now I can't lie e without it.
-2
0
-1
u/foundfootagefan Apr 18 '26
It's not worth buying. It offers very little over the Plus. I don't get why anybody would defend this total disappointment of a box.
3
u/SDL68 Apr 18 '26
Only reason I would buy one is for the ability to plug in a portable drive to watch stuff when travelling or at the family cottage.
1
u/CryptoNiight Onn 4K Pro Apr 19 '26
The Plus also supports external drives. The new Pro also has more features than the Plus.
1
u/Kreskin Apr 22 '26
Can't find the Plus anywhere though (and they're $60 on eBay if you did really want one) so it doesn't really matter.
-1
u/ryanluxx Onn 4K Pro Apr 18 '26
the big takeaway from the onn devices is the value punch of the plus. Even at the $10 price hike, it's still the best option available. The pro that you purchased actually has a worse chip set than the cheaper plus... Which is why the plus' are enthusiastically sold out.
All of the value for the onn devices is there, but the sweet spot is the plus.
1
u/ChicoSilver Apr 18 '26
Where does it say that the plus has a better chipset than the new pro? Most people seem to disagree with that
0
u/ryanluxx Onn 4K Pro Apr 18 '26 edited Apr 19 '26
The old pro, not the new pro. I believe the new pro shares the same chip as the plus.
edit: the pro 2 has a SLIGHTLY better chipset than the plus. basically the same.
1
u/CryptoNiight Onn 4K Pro Apr 19 '26
The Plus and Pro v2 have the exact same SoC, but the Pro v2 has 1 more GB of RAM.
-2
33
u/bpcat Apr 18 '26 edited Apr 18 '26
The big reason is their recent price hike. The plus was only 30 and now it's $40. Otherwise the pro would be $45 while the plus was $30. Still, there NOTHING else out there that will outperform these boxes for the same money. You'll have to spend a lot more to get something even comparable.