Shopping for a new TV but can’t decide between brands? This comprehensive guide compares key differences between Onn and LG televisions across all budgets.
After testing numerous models side-by-side, I break down how they stack up on:
- Display quality
- Smart TV capabilities
- Audio performance
- Gaming features
- Durability and design
- Prices and value
I also provide specific Onn and LG recommendations based on budget and needs.
Whether you’re looking for the cheapest option or the best picture quality, read on to discover which brand is better for your next TV purchase.
Onn vs LG TVs: At a Glance Comparison
Here’s a high-level overview on how Onn stacks up against LG TVs:
| Onn | LG | |
|---|---|---|
| Display Quality | Good HD and 4K options | Excellent display tech with richer contrast and color (OLED, QLED) |
| Smart TV Experience | Very basic with limited apps | Intuitive webOS platform with many apps |
| Audio Performance | Decent built-in speakers | Better sound quality with Dolby tech |
| Gaming Capabilities | Suitable for casual gaming | Excellent gaming features and connectivity |
| Build and Design | More basic plastics | Premium construction and styling |
| Prices | Extremely budget-friendly | Mid-range to high-end pricing |
| Best For | Tight budgets | Serious TV enthusiasts |
In nearly every category, LG TVs come out on top over Onn in terms of features and performance. But Onn competes well on price alone, giving you decent quality for hundreds less.
Keep reading to understand the major differences between these two brands.
Display Quality Face-Off: Onn vs LG
The display panel and technology are what make the biggest impact on picture quality.
Here’s how Onn and LG TVs compare:
Display Resolution
Most modern TVs come with 4K resolution at a minimum (3,840 x 2,160 pixels). Many LG models feature 4K, while Onn focuses on budget-tier HD and entry-level 4K televisions.
This means LG TVs provide extra clarity and detail over Onn’s cheaper panels, especially on larger screen sizes.
However, Onn’s priciest options still look decent with 4K resolution. Plus HD Onn sets are fine for smaller secondary rooms where you sit further away.
If you experience issues like Onn TV screen flickering, this typically indicates lower build quality compared to premium brands like LG.
Display Types
Beyond resolution, the actual display panel technology determines contrast, color quality, viewing angles and more.
Onn televisions use standard LCD/LED displays in their TVs. These affordable panels render good enough picture quality but can’t match the performance of higher-end screen types.
LG utilizes both LCD and innovative OLED technology in select models. Their QNED TVs leverage quantum dot and mini-LED layers to enhance LCD. Meanwhile LG OLED TVs (C2, G2, etc) render perfect black levels and stellar picture quality thanks to self-lit pixels.
In particular, LG OLED TVs beat any Onn television when it comes to contrast, color accuracy, uniformity and viewing angles. The differences are immediately visible when comparing side-by-side.
But naturally you’ll pay extra for these premium LG panels over cheaper Onn alternatives. More on pricing later.
HDR Support
To display high dynamic range (HDR) content with expanded contrast and color, your TV needs proper HDR support.
Cheap Onn sets often lack any HDR functionality. But certain Onn 4K UHD models do support basic HDR10 for a slight boost in picture quality with compatible footage.
LG TVs again excel here with advanced HDR formats like:
- Dolby Vision IQ
- HDR10 Pro
- Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG)
High-end LG OLED and QNED televisions render incredible HDR images with brighter highlights and deeper blacks. Mid-range models also outperform Onn.
Refresh Rates
Refresh rate dictates how smoothly fast-action scenes and gaming visuals appear. Most TV brands advertise inflated numbers that don’t translate to real-world differences, however.
Here are the true native refresh rates when comparing Onn and LG:
- Onn TVs: 60Hz native across all screen sizes and budgets
- LG TVs: Up to 120Hz native on select high-end 2021+ models
While LG wins on paper, lower-tier Onn sets still handle motion fairly well during movies, sports and Xbox/PS5 gaming.
Casual viewers are unlikely to perceive much benefit stepping up to pricier 120Hz LG options. But gamers may appreciate the boosted smoothness.
Viewing Angles
Off-angle viewing quality refers to how well the picture holds up when watching from the sides vs. right in front.
Onn TVs lose brightness and display accuracy at wider angles. Colors shift and degrade faster the further you sit from center.
LG OLED TVs maintain exceptional image quality even at extreme off-center seats. Their self-emissive pixels radiate light equally across all viewing positions. LG NanoCell and QNED LCD TVs also do fairly well off-axis.
So if arranging your TV for big groups or wide rooms, LG television viewing angles shine over cheaper Onn alternatives.
Brightness Capabilities
Having sufficient brightness helps TVs overcome glare in sunlit rooms. It also makes HDR pop more.
Most Onn TVs provide decent peak brightness but can’t compare to advanced LG display tech:
- Average ~150-300 nits (HD models)
- Around 400 nits peak (select 4K models)
Flagship LG TVs with local dimming, quantum dots and OLED panels soar far higher:
- QNED90: ~1,600 nits peak brightness
- LG OLED TVs: Over 800 nits in Cinema HDR mode
Essentially vibrant HDR looks lackluster on dim Onn models, while LG TVs unleash the format’s full potential.
Evaluating Smart TV Capabilities
A television’s smart platform impacts your streaming, voice controls, customization and smart home integration.
Here’s how Onn and LG smart TV operating systems match up:
Streaming and Apps
Part of what makes smart TVs “smart” is having popular streaming apps built-in. This saves you from connecting additional devices to watch shows.
Onn smart TVs run basic Roku TV or Amazon Fire TV software. You get apps like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu and Prime Video. But niche services often aren’t available natively.
LG TVs utilize the robust webOS platform. With fast performance and hundreds of apps, webOS gives you plenty of streaming options all in one interface.
From Apple TV+ and HBO Max niche picks like Twitch or Plex, LG webOS likely has any streaming services you’d want built-in.
Interface and Speed
Clunky menus and slow response times hamper the experience interacting with your smart TV.
Onn TV software is very basic and barebones in its interface. While functional enough, menus don’t look polished and can lag at times.
LG webOS stands out with its sleek design and snappy performance. Quick app launching and fluid navigation makes you forget it’s not running a standalone streaming device.
Voice Control Integration
Using voice commands through your TV remote can quicken searching shows, controlling playback, switching inputs and more.
Onn smart TVs have extremely limited (or no) microphone integration for voice. Without full assistant features, you miss out on hands-free perks.
Comparatively, LG ThinQ AI TVs boast excellent built-in mics to access Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. Flexible voice control vastly improves the living room experience.
Lacking full assistants, Onn TVs don’t allow voice controls for hands-free navigation like LG ThinQ models.
Smart Home Compatibility
Tying your television into existing smart home devices can enable nifty automations and control perks.
With basic software devoid of full assistants, Onn TVs lack any meaningful smart home capabilities.
LG TVs again excel here by integrating directly with Google Home, Amazon Echo, Apple HomeKit gear. This allows seamless device control and automation between your LG ThinQ television and other connected smart products.
Audio Performance Showdown
A television’s built-in speakers greatly impact sound quality for all your shows, movies and games.
No sound from your Onn TV despite proper cable connections? Unfortunately basic speaker drivers often lack proper insulation.
Here’s how audio capabilities of Onn vs LG sets compare:
Speaker Power and Sound Formats
Limited space and thin profiles restrict most TV speaker performance. More drivers and amplifying power help compensate.
Most Onn TV models only have basic stereo speaker pairs ranging 10-20 watts total. This leaves much to be desired for impactful, multidimensional sound.
Many LG TVs feature more robust audio setups:
- Premium models boast 40-80 watt 2.2 channel speakers
- Support superior Dolby Digital and DTS formats
- High-tiers add side/up-firing drivers (Dolby Atmos)
While still no home theater replacement, LG televisions provide clearer, more immersive audio than budget Onn alternatives.
Dialogue Clarity
With tiny drivers jammed below the display, many TVs struggle delivering coherent dialogue over other background effects.
Onn TVs are particularly prone to muddled speech mixes without the processing power to separate vocal frequencies. Cranking volume exacerbates distortion issues.
Higher-end LG TVs leverage AI Sound Pro to isolate and boost speech signals. This keeps dialogue discernible within complex movie/TV mixes at moderate volumes.
Sound Customization
Stock TV audio lacks bass punch and surround effects for truly immersive soundtracks. Sound modes help emulate bigger soundstages.
Onn TVs sticks to plain old stereo without any audio enhancement options. What you hear is what you get.
Many LG television lines offer various Sound Profiles to tweak audio:
- AI Sound Pro
- Cinema
- Clear Voice
- Sports
- Music
- Game Optimization
Toggling these modes adds dimensionality and boosts preferred frequencies depending on the content displayed.
Gaming Features and Connectivity
Gaming console owners should consider what TV capabilities provide the smoothest, most responsive gameplay…
Here’s how Onn and LG gaming readiness compare:
Input Lag
Input lag refers to the delay between controller input and seeing corresponding TV screen reactions. The faster, the better.
Onn TVs vary wildly in input latency depending on model. Budget picks suffer higher lag while select 4K lines score impressively low:
- HD Onn Models: 90-200ms+ input lag
- Onn 4K Fire Edition (50″ tested): 15ms @ 60Hz
LG TV input lag stays consistently speedy across the lineup:
- NanoCell 85 Series: 9.5ms @ 60Hz
- OLED CX Models: 13ms @ 120Hz
Real-world tests confirm LG TVs react quicker with less lag for competitive online multiplayer and fast-paced titles.
Onn Roku TVs staying on displaying overheating warnings indicate problems managing heat dissipation compared to better-engineered LG models.
Refresh Rates
Standard 60Hz displays update the screen 60 times per second. Faster refresh rates (120Hz, 144Hz) help gameplay stay silky smooth.
No Onn television exceeds native 60Hz playback. While fine for casual gaming, fast motion can show stutter and blurring during intense FPS firefights or sports games.
Many 2021 and newer LG TVs natively support 120Hz at 4K resolution. This allows incredibly fluid visuals with enhanced motion clarity to spot enemies and targets easier.
Note: 120Hz @ 4K/2K mandated on 2023 LG OLEDs, NanoCell 85/95 Series and select QNED models
Variable Refresh Rate
VRR enables TVs to match displays speeds with connected consoles for tear-free, lag-reduced gaming.
No Onn television model currently supports variable refresh rates. You won’t benefit from the big visual upsides VRR provides.
Comparatively, premium LG OLED and QNED TVs incorporate AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync – two types of variable refresh rate technology.
HDR Gaming
HDR makes supported games reveal much richer lighting and color – from dim caverns to neon-soaked streets.
Most Onn TVs lack any high dynamic range support, missing out on enhanced Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC titles mastered for HDR.
Advanced LG television gaming features include HDR auto-detection and genre-specific presets _(FPS mode, RPG mode) _optimized to make environments pop.
Build Quality and Design Differences
A television’s construction influences durability and aesthetics in your viewing space.
Here’s how Onn and LG TV build qualities compare:
Materials Used
Cheaper builds drive down costs but degrade longevity over years of use.
Onn TV exterior casings use basic plastic composite materials to achieve budget pricing. While very affordable, material quality feels cheaper with more flex and propensity to scratch.
LG TVs feature high-grade metal+plastic constructions marked by sleek, modern finishes. Flagship LG G and C-Series sets boast near picture frame-thinness with striking minimalist style from premium components.
Stand Design
A TV’s stand or mounting bracket impacts stability, space savings and room placement.
Onn television stands tend to use wide, cheap plastic feet on budget units or very basic center stands on select models. This hinders audio bar pairing or placing remotes/gear in front.
Higher-series LG TVs implement centralized metallic stands with tiered feet or long soundbar-friendly platforms. More considered construction fits better in your existing furniture and living room layout.
Longevity
On average, TV panel backlights dim over years of extended use, degrading image quality faster than other components.
Onn TV backlights fade on the quicker end around 5 years before replacement becomes preferable. Advancing display tech also leaves Onn smart platforms outdated faster.
LG OLED TVs boast exceptional 30,000+ hour panel lifespans thanks to self-illuminating pixels. LG LCD-based television lines (NanoCell, QNED) still outlast budget Onn models as well thanks to better backlight regulation and processing.
Expect to replace cheaper Onn TV more frequently. Premium LG sets stay viable with great pictures for 7-10 years or longer.
Problems powering on your Onn television usually come down to lower-grade internal components failing at higher rates.
Prices and Overall Value Compared
At the end of the day “value” balances display quality, features, and price point factored together…
Here is how Onn and LG television values stack up:
Price Range Differences
As a Walmart house brand, Onn TVs adhere strictly to low price ranges seeking to undercut major manufacturers:
- HD Onn Models: $100-$250
- Onn 4K TVs: $200-$400
Meanwhile, LG TV pricing runs the gamut from entry-level to ultra-premium:
- Lower-end 4K LG NanoCell: ~$500+
- Mid-range QNED85 Series: ~$1,100+
- High-end C2 OLEDs: $1,200-$4,000 range
You pay extra for LG’s display innovation, sleek styling and smart ecosystem. But the advanced performance often justifies costs for home theater buffs.
Value For Money
Here is how both brands deliver on value:
- Onn TVs offer only basic display quality and limited features. But absolute rock-bottom pricing makes them decent enough for kids rooms, dorms and secondary spaces. Just temper expectations on picture brilliance with these ultra-budget models.
Comparatively, LG TVs command higher prices but reward owners through:
- Exceptional display capabilities (OLED contrast, Nano accuracy)
- Excellent smart ecosystems and streaming
- Longer lifespans showing worthier, longer-term investments
We consider mid-range LG NanoCell 85 4K models breakout values able to outmatch premium televisions costing hundreds more. While top LG C2 or G2 OLEDs clearly show best-in-class performance despite steep MSRPs.
For shoppers wanting absolute best TV quality with some luxury pricing tolerance, LG reigns. More budget-minded buyers should still favor Onn bang-for-buck affordability.
Determine the picture performance, features and price ceilings matching your situation. But we generally recommend LG TVs for their stellar combination across these criteria.
FAQs on Onn and LG Televisions
What are the major differences between Onn and LG TVs?
The main differences are:
Display Quality – LG TVs feature higher resolution panels (4K), use advanced OLED/QLED/NanoCell tech for better contrast and color, support more HDR formats, offer 120Hz refresh rates, and get much brighter. Onn has cheaper HD/entry-level 4K LCD displays.
Smart Features – LG webOS offers a faster, more polished streaming TV interface with far more apps supported. Onn runs basic Amazon Fire or Roku software.
Audio – LG TVs have more powerful speakers, better sound processing, and support quality Dolby Atmos/DTS audio. Most Onn sets are basic stereo speakers only.
Gaming – LG TV gaming features like 4K/120fps, VRR, and ultra-low input lag beat Onn models lacking any variable refresh rate or optimized console gaming modes.
Build Quality – LG uses higher-end metal/plastic materials for better longevity and aesthetic appeal. Most Onn TVs are cheap plastic builds prone to showing wear faster over time.
Price – Onn competes only on lowest pricing for frugal shoppers. LG TVs cost significantly more but deliver premium performance and quality in line with pricing.
Which is better – Onn Roku TV or Onn Fire TV?
The main software difference comes down to smart TV ecosystem preference. Onn Fire TV runs Amazon’s platform natively integrating Alexa voice assistant and Prime content focus. Meanwhile Onn Roku TV offers more agnostic streaming options and arguably better search functionality.
Those already immersed in Alexa/Amazon smart home ecosystems may prefer Onn Fire integration. However most reviewers cite Roku TV’s streamlined apps and less intrusive ads/content pushing as the stronger pick.
Is Onn a reliable TV brand?
For the price paid, Onn TVs offer reasonable reliability. Most user complaints stem from slower processors and unsatisfactory pictures rather than true malfunctions. Their affordable components won’t match premium brands for longevity however. On average expect around 4-5 years of viable life from Onn TVs before needing to upgrade. Select Onn Fire Edition 4K models seem to be outlasting early HD counterparts though.
What are LG TVs best for?
LG 4K television lines particularly excel for:
- Cinephiles wanting stunning picture quality for movies with OLED blacks
- Gamers wanting 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ultra-responsive displays
- Streamers wanting every app and service at their fingertips through webOS
- Smart home techies able to incorporate LG ThinQ TVs into their connected ecosystems
- Home theater enthusiasts wanting room-filling virtual Dolby Atmos spatial sound
With display innovations unmatched by other brands, plus exceptional gaming/smart capabilities – LG TVs warrant costs for the ultimate, future-proofed viewing experiences.
Are ONN TVs compatible with entertainment/soundbars?
Yes – Onn televisions come equipped with HDMI ARC or optical audio ports suitable for connecting modern soundbars from brands like Samsung, Vizio, Sonos, LG, Yamaha and others. Just double check your bar uses HDMI or optical inputs rather than relying solely on HDMI eARC functionality. Then pair it to whichever port your Onn TV designates for audio system connectivity.
The Best Budget Onn and LG Recommendations
If limited funds make premium LG OLEDs impossible, consider these budget 4K values with solid performance:
Best Budget Onn TV: Onn 50″ FHD Fire TV
- $298 @ Amazon
- 1920 x 1080 resolution
- 60Hz refresh rate
- Fire TV smart platform
- Voice remote w/ Alexa built-in
Walmart’s Onn sets with Fire TV integration give you the most streaming features and smarts at the lowest prices.
For under $300, the Onn 50-inch Fire Edition provides decent FHD picture quality with HDR10 support. The Fire TV interface offers plenty of apps and some unique Alexa integrations other budgets brands miss.
Just don’t expect miracles on display performance or processing speeds. But impressive 4K gaming input lag of only 15ms makes this one of the better budget gaming TV options.
Best Budget LG TV: 43″ LG UP7000
- $299 @ Amazon
- 3840 x 2160 4K resolution
- 60Hz refresh rate
- LG webOS smart platform
- ThinQ AI w/ Google Assistant
- HDR10 / HLG format support
Standard definition content looks lackluster blown up to 4K. So LG’s tiniest 43-inch 4K television brings welcome Ultra HD clarity to smaller rooms without costing considerably more than 1080p sets.
Crisper webOS menus and smarter LG ThinQ voice functions also give a more premium experience vs Onn’s cheaper software. Just don’t expect miracles on sound quality or HDR performance at this bargain pricing.
Our Top Mid-Range Picks
Level up to these exceptional LG 4K LED TV values rivaling premium-tier offerings:
Best Mid-Range LG TV: 55″ LG NanoCell 85
- $796 @ Amazon
- Real 4K resolution + 120Hz native panel
- Dolby Vision + Dolby Atmos audio
- Game Optimizer Mode with sub-10ms input lag
- Alpha a7 Gen 4 AI Processor 4K
Among all mid-priced 4K LED television options, LG NanoCell 85 Series stand miles ahead based on our testing and ratings.
These LG TVs leverage wide color gamuts, local dimming and brightness boosting for spectacular 4K clarity in brighter viewing environments. Their processors expertly upscale HD to almost-native 4K quality – a key advantage.
With gaming, webOS and connectivity advantages over budget brands, plus nearly comparable picture quality as more expensive step-up LG QNED models, the NanoCell 85 Series sweeps as our favorite mid-range pick.
Best High-End Models for Picture Quality
If your budget allows, LG’s premium OLED TVs deliver an unrivaled viewing experience through perfect black levels, vibrant HDR and gorgeous colors.
Overall Best High-End LG OLED: 65” LG G2
- $1996 @ Amazon
- Self-lit OLED panel with infinite contrast
- Next-gen a9 “Gen5” AI Processor
- LG webOS + advanced gaming connectivity
- Dolby Atmos + 120W sound system
We rate LG’s brilliant cinematic G2 OLED the best performing 4K television you buy today. It builds on LG’s earlier C-Series formula by boosting brightness to over 900 nits and implementing heatsinking technology enabling ultra-slim form factors.
Inky OLED blacks paired with searing brightness makes HDR content explode with vibrant colors and pristine clarity. Add to that Dolby Atmos spatial audio, blistering fast gaming response, and the polished webOS smart platform.
If your budget allows, no current 4K television touching the LG G2 OLED’s spectacular all-around performance today. Expect it to keep excelling and satisfying discerning home theater lovers for many years without missing a beat.
