The $30 Google TV stick may be the budget Chromecast successor we’ve been waiting for

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ZDNET's key takeaways

• A new 4K Onn streaming stick was reportedly spotted at Walmart.
• It could be an affordable replacement for Google Chromecast.
• You get 4K support, Dolby Atmos, and Google TV.

It's been about two years since Google stopped making its Chromecast streaming stick, and if you've been looking for a suitable replacement, your answer might finally be here. 

Walmart hasn't announced anything official, but a new 4K streaming stick (simply called Onn 4K Streaming Device) was apparently spotted at a Walmart store, and first reported by Android Headlines. It's not clear whether the device was supposed to be available for purchase yet or if this was an accident, but a Reddit user said they were able to purchase one and that it was mixed in with a pile of older sticks without its own price tag.

Also: Should you upgrade your Roku TV in 2026? Only if it's to these streaming stick models

According to the Reddit post, the device costs just $30, and it supports 4K and Dolby Atmos, voice control with Gemini, and Google Cast. It runs on a quad-core Cortex-A55 CPU and an ARM Mali-G57 GPU, with 2GB of RAM and 8GB of storage. 

How does it compare?

The current 4K Roku Streaming Stick, priced at just over $40, has 1GB of RAM and 16GB of storage, so 2GB should be sufficient for 4K viewing. In addition, video playback itself doesn't use much RAM, and most streaming apps like Disney+ and Netflix handle 4K just fine. 

There's no confirmation that this device is for sale at all, aside from a Reddit post, but the box details match the specs revealed by androidtv-guide.com, a trusted online database of technical specifications and certifications. 

Overall, this is a significant improvement in resolution over the current Onn streaming stick. For comparison, that device, currently priced at $20, maxes out at 1080p, and has 1.5GB of RAM and 8GB of storage. There's also a current 4K Streaming Device, but it's more of a square than a compact stick (similar to the Chromecast). 

The biggest advantage of this alleged new Onn stick is that it offers 4K viewing in a compact form, with Google TV instead of Roku, in an affordable package.

Upgrading an older TV

When Google stopped making the Chromecast, it left a gap for people wanting an affordable Google TV dongle. If the details in this Reddit post are accurate, especially the price point, the Onn 4K Streaming Device could be one of the best budget streaming options on the market. 

If you're looking to upgrade an older TV or prefer the Google ecosystem (some apps, for example, only cast to Google TV), this might be your best option available. 

Also: Why I recommend the Google TV Streamer over competing Roku and Amazon Fire models

The device might officially launch in May, which is when Walmart's new streaming devices usually drop. If you want to keep an eye out, watch for the Onn 4K Streaming Device box that says, “Google TV with Gemini.”

I've reached out to Walmart for comment, and I'll update with a response.