Fire TV Stick vs Onn Streaming Box: Which is Best for Streaming?

For all streaming fanatics like me, the hunt for the next device that is able to stream in 4k is probably a never-ending one. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to get confused about which device to go with. In this comparison, I’ll be discussing the Fire TV Stick 4K Max and the Onn Google TV 4K Streaming Box, two of the most popular choices.

Both offer 4K streaming, but they come with their own unique features. Let me walk you through my experience with these devices, so you can decide which one might be a better fit for you.

Here’s the comparison in table format. I will discuss these points in detail later.

1. Design and Build

Let's start with the design. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is, as expected, a stick. It’s super compact, small enough to plug directly into your TV’s HDMI port. I love how easy it is to hide behind the TV, out of sight, yet still get full functionality. Plus, if you need a little extra room, it comes with an extension cable. For me, it’s super convenient, and honestly, you can’t beat its slim design.

Then there’s the Onn Google TV 4K Streaming Box. It’s not a stick; it’s a box, so it’s a little bulkier. But don’t let that put you off—it feels sturdy and reliable. You’ll need to plug it into your TV’s HDMI port and connect it to a power source, which comes through a USB-C cable. It’s not as sleek and subtle as the Fire TV Stick, but I actually like the solid build of the Onn box.

2. Performance and Hardware

Performance-wise, both of these devices hold up well, but there are some key differences. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max comes with a 1.8 GHz quad-core processor, 2 GB of RAM, and 16 GB of storage. This combination handles streaming 4K content without breaking a sweat. Honestly, I’ve used it for hours on end and haven’t run into any lag or buffering. The 16 GB of storage is decent enough, but you can fill it up if you’re downloading a lot of apps or games.

The Onn Google TV 4K, on the other hand, has a 4-core Cortex-A55 processor, 3 GB of RAM, and a whopping 32 GB of storage. For multitaskers like me who enjoy switching between apps or even downloading media, this extra RAM and storage really make a difference. Plus, it’s great to know you won’t run out of space any time soon, unlike the Fire TV Stick.

3. Remote Control and Additional Features

The Fire TV Stick 4K Max comes with the Alexa Voice Remote, which is great. You can control playback, search for content, and even manage smart home devices—all with your voice. It also has dedicated buttons for Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Music, which makes accessing your favorite apps even easier.

The Onn Google TV 4K remote features Google Assistant, volume control, and shortcuts for YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, and Paramount+. There is also an added bonus of a USB-A port on the Onn device which is perfect if you want to connect an external storage device or use an Ethernet connection for faster streaming.

4. Video and Audio Quality

Both devices shine when it comes to video quality, and you’ll get stunning 4K Ultra HD content from both. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG, which makes a huge difference when watching shows and movies that are meant to pop. The colors are vibrant, the contrast is sharp, and it feels like you’re getting every bit of clarity from your TV.

The Onn Google TV 4K also supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+, so you won’t miss out on any of the eye-popping visuals either. In terms of audio, both devices support Dolby Atmos, which makes for an immersive sound experience if you have a surround sound system or compatible speakers. Watching movies or playing games feels more real and cinematic with that extra depth.

5. App Compatibility and Streaming Services

When it comes to app compatibility, both devices are solid. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max gives you access to pretty much every major streaming service, including Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. What I like about it is how well it integrates with the Amazon ecosystem, so if you’re into Alexa or already have other Amazon devices, it’s a no-brainer.

The Onn Google TV 4K also supports Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and YouTube, so you’ll have all your streaming bases covered. One thing I really like about the Google TV interface is how it brings together everything I watch and offers tailored recommendations, regardless of the service. I feel like it’s much easier to discover new content, thanks to Google’s search capabilities.

6. Software and User Interface

If you’re already a fan of Amazon, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max runs on Fire OS, and it’s built around Amazon’s ecosystem. Personally, I find the interface easy to navigate, and since I use Prime Video regularly, it’s nice that it gets front-and-center attention. However, the downside is that the recommendations are Amazon-centric. But if you’re already plugged into Amazon’s world, you’ll find it familiar and easy to use.

On the other hand, the Onn Google TV 4K runs on Google TV, which I find to be one of the most polished and user-friendly interfaces out there. It pulls in recommendations from all your services, which I appreciate. It doesn’t matter if I’ve been watching Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube—Google TV gives me recommendations based on what I’ve been watching across all platforms, which makes it super convenient.

7. Pricing and Value

Price-wise, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max can be a little high at an average price of $79.99. Still, for what you get, seamless integration with Amazon services, solid performance, and Alexa voice control is worth the extra money, at least for anyone already using Amazon services.

The Onn Google TV 4K is cheaper, a little bit, at $32.99. For the additional storage alone, not to mention the upgraded RAM and features courtesy of Google Assistant, this is a great value for someone looking for a great 4K streaming device on a budget.

Conclusion

So, which one is the better option for you? If you’re already immersed in the Amazon ecosystem and value Alexa control, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is a solid choice. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable, Google-centric device with better multitasking features, more storage, and a sleek interface, then the Onn Google TV 4K is hard to beat.

For me, both devices deliver excellent streaming experiences, so it really depends on what ecosystem you’re more invested in and what features matter most to you. Either way, you’ll be streaming your favorite shows in 4K in no time!