If you’re hunting for a smart TV that doesn’t cost a fortune, you’ve likely come across Onn TVs — Walmart’s private-label electronics brand. But the real question is: is Onn a good TV for your home entertainment setup? With their extremely attractive pricing, it’s only fair to wonder what you’re actually getting for that low cost.
In this detailed 2024 review, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Onn TVs, especially the 50-inch 4K Roku Smart TV model. From picture and sound quality to design, smart features, and value for money, this guide is designed to help you figure out if Onn is worth the buy — or better left on the shelf
What is Onn TV and When Did It Hit the Market?
Before diving into the nitty-gritty, let’s understand the brand. Onn is Walmart’s in-house electronics label, launched in 2019 with the aim of providing ultra-budget tech to mainstream consumers. The line includes TVs, soundbars, headphones, and other accessories.
Onn’s TV offerings are varied in size and resolution, ranging from 32-inch HD TVs to massive 75-inch 4K screens. The biggest selling point is affordability. For example, you can buy a 50-inch 4K Onn Roku TV for around $200 — a price that undercuts even budget rivals like TCL, Hisense, and Vizio.
So, is Onn a good TV if you’re seeking size and streaming without breaking the bank? Let’s explore further.
Why Are Onn TVs So Inexpensive?
Many people wonder how these TVs can be so affordable. The answer lies in Walmart’s direct-to-consumer model. By cutting out third-party distributors, Walmart reduces the markup, and those savings are passed on to customers.
TVs also avoid expensive materials and high-end technologies. Most models are built with lightweight plastic housings and utilize standard LED panels rather than advanced OLED or QLED tech. Features like local dimming, Dolby Vision, or premium HDR formats are typically missing or minimal. These choices contribute to their remarkably low cost.
Thus, is Onn a good TV just because it’s cheap? Not exactly — value is about more than just price.
Pros and Cons of Onn TVs
Let’s look at the key advantages and disadvantages to give a more balanced answer to the question: is Onn a good TV?
Pros of Onn TVs
- Affordability: Possibly the most affordable smart TV lineup in retail.
- Roku Integration: All Onn smart TVs run on the Roku TV platform, known for its user-friendly interface and wide app selection.
- Multiple Sizes: Available from 32-inch for dorm rooms to 75-inch models for larger spaces.
- Sleek Design: Despite being budget, Onn TVs offer slim profiles that look good in modern homes.
- Quick Setup: The initial setup process is seamless and beginner-friendly.
Cons of Onn TVs
- Inconsistent Performance: Picture and sound quality often vary and rarely wow.
- Limited HDR Impact: Even with HDR support, Onn TVs don’t provide the vivid highlights and deep contrasts HDR promises.
- Weak Audio: Built-in speakers are underwhelming — a soundbar is almost essential.
- Narrow Viewing Angles: The picture looks best only when viewed directly from the front.
- No Premium Features: Lacks technologies like local dimming, advanced upscaling, and wide color gamut.
So, is Onn a good TV for all users? It depends. For basic streaming or casual viewing, yes. For serious movie lovers or gamers, probably not.
Onn 50-Inch 4K Roku Smart TV Review: My Experience
To better answer is Onn a good TV, I purchased and tested the 50-inch 4K Roku Smart TV model. Here’s how it stacked up.
Picture Quality
The 3840 x 2160 resolution provides true 4K clarity. On brightly lit scenes, shows and movies display reasonably sharp details. However, darker scenes — like those in The Dark Knight (2008) — expose the TV’s limitations. Blacks often look more gray, and shadows lack depth due to the absence of advanced backlighting.
HDR is supported, but don’t expect vivid highlights or rich contrast. In side-by-side tests, TCL and Hisense models delivered significantly better visuals at only a slightly higher price.
Still, for casual viewers or those upgrading from an older 1080p TV, the jump to 4K with Onn can be satisfying.
Sound Quality
This is where Onn TVs struggle the most. The internal speakers sound tinny and lack depth or surround simulation. You’ll notice flat dialogues and weak bass response. If you want even halfway decent sound, investing in a budget soundbar is a must.
So, is Onn a good TV if you care about audio? Definitely not without external speakers.
Smart TV Features & Interface
Here’s where Onn shines. The built-in Roku OS provides instant access to major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, YouTube, and more. Roku is well known for being simple to navigate and having one of the best app libraries in the smart TV ecosystem.
The remote is compact and easy to use, complete with shortcut buttons to popular services.
If your main goal is streaming content quickly and affordably, is Onn a good TV? In this context, yes — it delivers on that front.
Design and Build Quality
You won’t find any premium materials here. The build is plastic-heavy, but the design is surprisingly sleek. Bezels are minimal, and the TV looks modern, even if it doesn’t feel particularly sturdy.
For wall mounting or small apartments, this lightweight build could be a plus. Just don’t expect it to last for a decade with heavy use.
Durability and Warranty Support
Is Onn a good TV for long-term use? That’s a tricky question. Most users report solid performance for the first 1-2 years, but longevity is questionable. The TVs are assembled by Element Electronics, and Onn offers a 1-year limited warranty covering basic manufacturer defects.
Beyond that, you’ll likely need to rely on Walmart’s return policy or extended protection plans if anything goes wrong.
Who Should Buy an Onn TV?
If you’re asking is Onn a good TV for your needs, here’s a simple breakdown:
Good For:
- College students
- Budget shoppers
- Secondary rooms (bedrooms, kitchens, guest rooms)
- Cord-cutters and streaming-only users
- Occasional TV watchers
Not Ideal For:
- Avid movie lovers
- Gamers wanting high refresh rates and fast response times
- Audiophiles
- Users expecting premium features like Dolby Vision, HDMI 2.1, or 120Hz panels
Final Verdict:
So, is Onn a good TV? In summary, yes — if you’re looking for a low-cost, functional smart TV and your expectations are modest. You’re getting decent streaming access via Roku, a slim design, and various sizes to choose from.
However, if picture precision, high-quality sound, advanced gaming features, or future-proof technology is important to you, you’re better off spending a little more on brands like TCL, Hisense, or Vizio.
Onn is great for basic use — not for premium performance.
FAQs:
1. Is Onn a good TV for streaming?
Yes, thanks to its Roku integration, Onn TVs are excellent for affordable streaming with access to thousands of apps and services.
2. How reliable are Onn TVs?
They’re generally reliable for basic tasks like watching shows or movies, but don’t expect long-term durability or high-end performance.
3. Do Onn TVs have good sound?
Not really. Most Onn TVs have underwhelming speakers. For better sound, use a soundbar.
4. Can Onn TVs connect to Wi-Fi?
Yes, all smart Onn TVs can connect to Wi-Fi, allowing full access to streaming platforms and smart features.
5. Is Onn a good TV for gaming?
Only for casual gaming. Serious gamers should look for TVs with low input lag, HDMI 2.1, or faster refresh rates, which Onn doesn’t offer.
6. Do Onn TVs have Bluetooth?
Some models do, like the 50″ 4K UHD (Model 100012585), but not all. Check the specific model’s specs.
7. How does Onn compare to Hisense or TCL?
Onn is usually cheaper but falls behind in picture and sound quality compared to TCL and Hisense.
8. What warranty comes with Onn TVs?
A 1-year limited warranty managed by Element Electronics, covering manufacturing defects.
9. Where are Onn TVs manufactured?
They are typically assembled by Element Electronics and manufactured in China.
10. Is Onn a good TV for seniors or tech novices?
Yes, the Roku interface is simple and user-friendly, making Onn a solid choice for anyone new to smart TVs.
Calyx 
Lucas