Smart TVs have been big in the news lately, mainly because people are finding ways to declutter their devices and make them even better through the use of AI. One of the better options when it comes to smart TV devices is anything loaded with Google TV.
And while we'd love to say there are plenty of great devices out there with Google TV, when it comes to standalone streaming devices, you're looking at Google and Onn as the only major players. The latter has been our go-to recommendation, but that could now change because they're getting more expensive.
Not something we like to see
We never like to see products get a price bump throughout its life cycle, but that seems to be the case with Onn's products. This change was spotted by Cord Cutter news, sharing that all devices are getting a $10 increase immediately (via Android Authority).
As far as what that looks like, the Full HD Stick will now cost $40, while the 4K will come in at $50. The top-end Onn 4K Pro will now cost $70, which is a substantial amount compared to the original model that was released in 2024.
Back in 2024, the Onn 4K pro retailed for $50, and could even be found for less thanks to various deals and promotions. Naturally, price increases are to be expected, and we've actually seen this before with Onn products, and it only makes sense with the changing landscape thanks to AI.
According to Cord Cutter News, there haven't been any official announcements regarding the new price hikes, but we wouldn't expect a retailer to really announce something like this anyway. Plus, I don't think many will have their eyes on the Onn like we do.
And to be fair, the Google TV Streamer costs $150, which is still way above the Onn products. So, for now, the price is still considered a deal if you're looking to get into a Google TV product. It just isn't as cheap as it used to be.
Google TV is still the one to beat
While many brands will have their own smart TV experiences, Google TV is still the one to beat. Not only did the menu system get revamped, but it also continues to get updated with new features regularly.
Plus, if you don't like the way it looks or feels, you can always customize the experience by installing a new launcher. The risk is minimal when compared to loading custom firmware and results are fantastic.
Regardless of how you choose to use your Google TV device, it's a solid choice when it comes to streaming videos, streaming games, or downloading new apps.