Walmart's Affordable Google TV Stick Disappears, New Model Possibly Approved by FCC

Walmart’s ultra-affordable Google TV streaming device, the “Onn HD Streaming Stick,” has been removed from the retailer’s online store. According to a report by Timi Cantisano of Android Police, this move may signal the upcoming release of a new model.

Walmart’s private label “Onn” series has long been one of the most economical options for Google TV-enabled devices. AFTVnews recently confirmed the removal of the product from Walmart’s website and pointed to the possibility of a successor model.

Background on the Disappearance of the

Affordable Stick

The Onn HD Streaming Stick, boasting Google TV functionality, was sold at an exceptionally low price point of around $20. This pricing was significantly cheaper compared to competitors like Roku, Amazon’s Fire TV Stick, and Google’s Chromecast with Google TV. As a result, the device gained popularity among entry-level users and as a secondary TV option.

However, according to the Android Police report, a rise in the cost of RAM and storage components has been observed across multiple products since the start of 2026. The Onn series has not been immune to these challenges, with some products facing shortages and others being entirely removed from the lineup.

Investigations by AFTVnews have revealed that a new model has been approved by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC certification process is a prerequisite for selling products within the United States and is often a key step before a product’s release.

Details of the New FCC-Approved Model

The newly FCC-approved device appears identical in design and model number to the previous version, according to an analysis by AFTVnews. The only notable change is the switch to a different manufacturer.

This suggests that the update may simply involve a change in manufacturing contracts and a subsequent SKU (stock-keeping unit) revision. As such, there may be no substantial changes to the device’s features or specifications, with the updates instead focusing on the manufacturing process and cost structure.

Cantisano from Android Police notes that, unlike major manufacturers like Apple, Google, or Samsung, new product launches from the Onn series typically come without official press releases. Historically, new models have appeared on store shelves unannounced, only to be discovered by consumers or media. This pattern is likely to repeat with the new device.

Is a Price Increase Inevitable?

The biggest question surrounding the potential new model is its price. The HD Streaming Stick was the most affordable product in the Onn lineup, and the pricing of its successor could set the tone for the entire low-cost streaming device market.

The rising costs of RAM and NAND flash storage have impacted the consumer electronics industry between 2025 and 2026. Entry-level devices, with their slim profit margins, are particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in component costs.

If the FCC-approved device is confirmed to have the same specifications as its predecessor, Walmart may be attempting to manage costs by switching suppliers. However, it remains uncertain whether they can maintain the previous $20 price point.

Lack of Alternatives

In the realm of Google TV devices, there are virtually no products available at the same price point as the Onn HD Streaming Stick. While Amazon’s Fire TV Stick series is sold at comparable prices, it runs on Fire OS, not Google TV. For users seeking the Google TV interface, access to the Google Play Store, or Google Assistant integration, there are few direct substitutes.

The market for affordable Google TV devices has been largely dominated by Walmart’s Onn series and a limited number of products from Chinese manufacturers. The disappearance of the Onn HD Streaming Stick leaves a void unlikely to be filled in the near future.

Editorial Opinion

In the short term, the disappearance of the Onn HD Streaming Stick reflects the ongoing reality of rising semiconductor prices in 2026. With the fixed costs associated with Google TV licensing, maintaining a $20 price point is becoming increasingly challenging. A new model priced between $25 and $30 seems plausible, signaling a recalibration of pricing in the budget streaming device market.

From a long-term perspective, there is concern about the shrinking market for entry-level streaming devices. As smart TVs continue to gain popularity, the demand for external streaming devices is decreasing, making it less feasible for manufacturers to allocate resources to low-cost segments. Roku and Fire TV are facing similar pressures, and a shift toward subscription-based business models may accelerate.

From an editorial standpoint, the sustainability of offering the Google TV experience at a $20 price point is in question. The key issue is whether Walmart will remain committed to this market segment or opt for a strategic reevaluation, possibly stepping away from it altogether.

References

• “Walmart’s ultra-cheap Google TV streaming stick just disappeared”, by Timi Cantisano — Android Police, 2026-07-10T22:24:44.000Z (ARR)
• Source URL: https://www.androidpolice.com/walmarts-cheap-google-tv-streaming-stick-disappears/