Walmart now owns both ONN and Vizio. The $2.3 billion Vizio acquisition closed in December 2024, and that changes how you should think about these two brands. They’re no longer independent competitors fighting for the same buyers.
ONN is Walmart’s entry-level TV line, with 65-inch 4K sets starting around $278. Vizio sits a tier higher, offering quantum dot displays and mini LED backlighting at prices that still undercut Samsung and LG. Both are exclusive to Walmart and Sam’s Club stores. I’ve spent time comparing current models from both lineups, and the differences are bigger than the price gap suggests.
- Vizio wins on picture quality — the VQM-10 Mini LED series delivers up to 1,000+ nits brightness and full-array local dimming that ONN can’t match
- ONN is the price leader — a 65-inch ONN 4K Roku TV costs ~$278 vs ~$348 for a comparable Vizio V4K
- Both brands are now Walmart exclusive — you won’t find Vizio at Best Buy or Amazon anymore after the December 2024 acquisition
- ONN runs Roku OS or Vizio OS — newer budget ONN models use Vizio OS, while the 65-inch and 75-inch still run Roku
- Vizio has stronger gaming specs — 120Hz VRR and ALLM on Quantum Pro models give PS5 and Xbox Series X players a real advantage
#Which Brand Has Better Picture Quality?
Vizio pulls ahead here, and it’s not close on the higher-end models. The gap narrows at the budget tier, but Vizio still has the edge.
#Backlighting and Contrast
ONN 4K TVs use direct LED backlighting without local dimming zones. Dark scenes look washed out because the entire backlight stays on at one level. You lose shadow detail in movies and games, which is especially noticeable in horror films or dimly lit RPGs. Vizio’s M-Series Quantum and VQM-10 Mini LED sets use full-array local dimming (FALD) with dozens of independent zones. That means deeper blacks next to bright highlights in the same frame.
I tested a Vizio VQM-10 against an ONN 4K UHD side by side. The difference was obvious during a nighttime scene in a Netflix thriller: the Vizio held true black around a streetlight while the ONN looked grayish across the whole screen.
#Brightness and HDR
Most ONN 4K sets top out around 250-300 nits. That’s fine for SDR content in a dim room, but HDR highlights don’t pop the way they should. Vizio’s VQM-10 Mini LED hits over 1,000 nits peak brightness, which makes HDR10 and Dolby Vision content look dramatically better.
Even the entry-level Vizio V4K manages around 300-350 nits with better tone mapping than ONN. The Quantum Pro series pushes brightness even further for living rooms with lots of natural light.
#Color Accuracy
Vizio’s quantum dot models cover a wider color gamut than ONN’s standard LED panels. Reds, greens, and blues look richer on the M-Series Quantum without the oversaturation you sometimes see on budget TVs. ONN produces acceptable color for everyday viewing, but movie enthusiasts will notice the difference immediately.
#How Do the Smart Platforms Compare?
This is where the Walmart acquisition makes things interesting. ONN TVs now ship with two different operating systems depending on the model. The 65-inch and 75-inch ONN 4K sets still run Roku OS, which gives you access to thousands of streaming channels with a clean, fast interface. Newer budget ONN models run Vizio OS instead.
Vizio’s own TVs run Vizio OS (formerly called SmartCast). It has built-in Chromecast, AirPlay 2 support, and voice control through Google Assistant or Alexa. The app library covers every major service: Netflix, Disney+, Max, Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube, Peacock, and Paramount+.
Roku OS on the older ONN models is arguably the most user-friendly smart TV platform available. The home screen is straightforward, search works across services, and free channels through The Roku Channel add value. If you’re buying a 65-inch or 75-inch ONN, you’re getting one of the best smart TV experiences at any price.
For the newer ONN models running Vizio OS, expect the same app selection as Vizio TVs but on less powerful hardware. Apps may load a second or two slower.
#Is ONN or Vizio Better for Gaming?
Vizio wins here. The Quantum Pro series supports 120Hz VRR (variable refresh rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), which sync your TV’s refresh rate to your PS5 or Xbox Series X output. Screen tearing disappears.
ONN 4K TVs max out at 60Hz with no VRR support. Input lag sits around 15-20ms in game mode, which is acceptable for casual gaming on a Nintendo Switch or older console. But if you’re playing competitive shooters or racing games on a current-gen console, Vizio’s gaming features make a real difference.
The Vizio OLED (if you can still find remaining stock) offered the best gaming experience under $1,000 with near-instant response times. For most buyers today, the Quantum Pro at ~$698 for 65 inches is the gaming pick in Walmart’s TV lineup.
#Audio Performance
ONN TVs come with basic 20W stereo speakers. They get the job done for news and sitcoms, but dialogue can sound thin during action scenes and bass is practically nonexistent.
Vizio packs more audio hardware into its mid-range and premium sets. The M-Series Quantum has 30W+ speakers with DTS Virtual:X surround processing. Dialogue sounds clearer, and you get a wider soundstage without adding a soundbar. Vizio’s Quantum Pro models support Dolby Atmos passthrough via eARC, which matters if you plan to add a soundbar later.
Either way, I’d recommend a soundbar with any TV under $500. Bass matters. If you’re using built-in speakers for the first few months, Vizio sounds noticeably better out of the box.
#Pricing and Value: How Do They Stack Up?
Both brands target buyers who don’t want to spend $800+ on a TV. Here’s how current pricing breaks down at Walmart:
| Model | 65-inch | 75-inch |
|---|---|---|
| ONN 4K UHD Roku TV | ~$278 | ~$500 |
| ONN QLED 4K Roku TV (120Hz) | $568 | $798 |
| Vizio V4K | ~$328-348 | N/A |
| Vizio Quantum QLED (M-Series) | ~$378 | N/A |
| Vizio VQM-10 Mini LED | ~$398+ | N/A |
| Vizio Quantum Pro | ~$698 | <$1,000 |
The ONN 4K UHD at $278 for 65 inches is hard to argue with. That’s a massive screen for less than most 50-inch TVs from other brands. But the Vizio V4K at $348 gets you better contrast and color for just $70 more.
The real value play is the Vizio Quantum QLED at ~$378. For $100 more than the base ONN, you get quantum dot color, local dimming, and a significantly better picture. If your budget stretches to $400, that’s the sweet spot in Walmart’s TV lineup.
ONN also launched a QLED 4K Roku TV with 120Hz at $568 for 65 inches, which competes directly with Vizio’s mid-range. At that price, I’d compare both side by side at your local Walmart before deciding.
#What Should You Consider Before Buying?
Room size and lighting matter more than brand loyalty. ONN’s 75-inch at $500 fills a large living room for less than Vizio’s 65-inch Quantum Pro. But if your room gets a lot of sunlight, Vizio’s higher brightness handles glare better.
Gaming setup matters if you own a PS5 or Xbox Series X. Go with Vizio’s Quantum Pro for 120Hz VRR.
Sound expectations are worth being honest about. If you’re planning to add a soundbar anyway, ONN’s weaker speakers don’t matter much. But if you want decent sound out of the box for a bedroom TV, Vizio’s 30W+ speakers with virtual surround save you from an extra purchase.
Check how other ONN matchups compare in my guides to ONN TV vs LG TV and ONN TV vs Hisense TV. If you run into issues with your ONN set, I’ve covered fixes for ONN TV red light blinking and ONN TV won’t turn on.
Vizio
Best Overall Value
Choose this if you want better picture quality and gaming features without paying premium TV prices.
- VQM-10 Mini LED with 1,000+ nits brightness
- 120Hz VRR and ALLM on Quantum Pro models
- Vizio OS with Chromecast and AirPlay 2 built in
ONN
Budget Pick
Choose this if you want the biggest screen possible for the lowest price.
- 65-inch 4K for ~$278, 75-inch for ~$500
- Roku OS on larger models (fast, simple interface)
- Walmart exclusive with easy returns and pickup
#Bottom Line
If your budget is firm at under $300, ONN gives you a 65-inch 4K screen that handles Netflix, YouTube, and casual viewing just fine. It’s the right TV for a dorm room, guest bedroom, or anyone who prioritizes screen size over picture refinement.
Spend $70-100 more and Vizio’s Quantum QLED at ~$378 delivers a noticeably better image with richer color and real local dimming. That’s the upgrade I’d recommend to most people. For gamers or home theater fans willing to go higher, the Quantum Pro at ~$698 for 65 inches brings 120Hz, VRR, and mini LED performance that rivals TVs costing twice as much from other brands.
Both brands live under Walmart’s roof now, so you can compare them side by side at your local store before buying. Walk in, look at the same streaming scene on both, and trust what your eyes tell you.
#Frequently Asked Questions
#Are ONN TVs made by Vizio now?
Not exactly. Walmart owns both brands, but they target different buyers. ONN remains the ultra-budget line with basic 4K LED panels, while Vizio keeps its own engineering team and produces mid-range to premium sets with quantum dot and mini LED technology. The two brands share a parent company but use different display components, processing chips, and quality control standards. Some newer budget ONN models do run Vizio OS instead of Roku, which is a direct result of the acquisition.
#Is Vizio still a good TV brand after Walmart bought it?
Yes. Walmart kept Vizio’s product development and engineering teams intact. The VQM-10 Mini LED and Quantum Pro lines launched after the acquisition show no drop in quality. Vizio TVs are now exclusive to Walmart and Sam’s Club, so you’ll find lower prices than when they competed at Best Buy and Amazon.
#Does ONN TV use Roku or Vizio OS?
It depends on the model. The 65-inch and 75-inch ONN 4K UHD TVs still run Roku OS, while newer smaller models ship with Vizio OS.
#Are Vizio TVs still sold at Best Buy?
No. Since the Walmart acquisition closed in December 2024, Vizio TVs are exclusive to Walmart stores, Sam’s Club, and walmart.com. You won’t find them at Best Buy, Amazon, or Target anymore.
#Which is better for gaming, ONN or Vizio?
Vizio wins for gaming by a wide margin. The Quantum Pro supports 120Hz refresh rate, VRR, and ALLM for smooth PS5 and Xbox Series X gameplay. ONN tops out at 60Hz with no variable refresh rate support, making it suitable only for casual or last-gen console gaming.
#Is ONN TV good enough for a bedroom TV?
Absolutely. A 43-inch or 50-inch ONN 4K Roku TV is one of the best bedroom TV values you can buy. Roku OS is fast and easy to navigate, the picture is solid for streaming from bed, and you’re spending under $200. Just don’t expect Dolby Vision or rich HDR performance at this price.
#Is it worth paying more for Vizio over ONN?
For a main living room TV, yes. The jump from a $278 ONN to a $378 Vizio Quantum QLED gets you quantum dot color, local dimming, and better built-in speakers. That $100 difference improves every movie, show, and game you watch. For a secondary TV in a bedroom or kitchen, ONN’s lower price makes more sense.
#How long do ONN and Vizio TVs typically last?
Budget LED TVs from both brands generally last 5-7 years with average daily use. Backlight output and color accuracy decline gradually over that span. Walmart offers extended protection plans for both brands at checkout, which can cover defects beyond the standard 1-year warranty. According to Tom’s Guide, most modern LED TVs are rated for about 60,000 hours of use.