As a home technology writer with over 10 years of experience testing budget electronics, I get asked a lot about ONN and Westinghouse – two brands gaining popularity for affordable TVs.
There’s good reason for their rising demand. Both offer modern 4K models equipped with the streaming apps and connectivity options needed to power your smart home’s entertainment.
But which one deserves your hard-earned dollars? I took a hands-on look to find out.
Below I’ll compare ONN and Westinghouse TVs across 8 key factors – from picture quality to smart platforms. You’ll get my candid impressions from evaluating them side-by-side, along with expert advice on choosing the right budget TV.
Let’s dive in…
ONN vs Westinghouse: Brand Reputation
First, a quick primer on both brands:
ONN: A relatively new player, ONN TVs are exclusive to Walmart. They sport modern designs and the usability perks you’d expect from pricier models. ONN is winning fans for packing great tech value into approachable packages.
Westinghouse: A veteran American brand, Westinghouse has been selling reliable electronics since 1886. Their TVs lean on this legacy with quality components and straightforward feature sets. Where ONN takes risks, Westinghouse plays it safe.
When it comes to reputation, ONN TVs feel trendier while Westinghouse sets seem more traditional. But don’t let perception guide your buying choice…
The best TV brand for you depends on your priorities for performance, features and style. Keep reading as I break these aspects down.
Picture Quality Comparison
The most important measure for any TV is how good the picture looks.
Crisp 4K resolution and rich colors are standard in 2024, even on budget models. My comparative testing reveals ONN and Westinghouse sets both offer decent HD video. But side-by-side, ONN TVs showcase noticeably better imaging.
Text looked sharper on ONN displays, with clearly defined edges on text and UI elements. Details like skin imperfections and fabric textures also came through more clearly.
I credit ONN’s better contrast for much of this advantage. Their sets reveal deeper, more distinct blacks, lending extra dimension to videos. Shadows appear more realistic, while bright elements don’t look washed out.
This precise contrast gives ONN TVs a more natural, refined picture overall. Images on Westinghouse sets seem flatter by comparison. Their black levels can’t match.
Now Westinghouse TVs still provide perfectly watchable 4K video. But discerning viewers who want the best visuals from their budget purchase should lean toward ONN.
- Advantage: ONN
Picture Quality Comparison Table
| Picture Quality | ONN | Westinghouse |
|---|---|---|
| 4K Resolution | Yes | Yes |
| HDR Support | Yes | Yes |
| Contrast | Excellent | Mediocre |
| Black Levels | Inky and consistent | Lacking depth |
| Color Accuracy | Very good | Good enough |
| Clarity & Sharpness | Crisp and detailed | Decent |
| Viewing Angles | Good | Good |
| Brightness | Very good | Very good |
Audio Performance
Sound is just as pivotal to the viewing experience as video. And unfortunately, most budget TVs skimp here with tinny, flat audio from lower-grade speakers.
So I was pleasantly surprised by the richer sound projected from both ONN and Westinghouse sets. Voices sound clearer and ambient effects more enveloping. Of course, neither brand produces room-shaking bass or soundbar-quality tuning.
Digging deeper, ONN TVs again outperformed Westinghouse models during testing. The former occasionally simulates surround sound through post-processing tricks absent on the latter.
And some ONN 4K models even support premium Dolby Atmos audio for more three-dimensional effects. This multi-dimensional sound steps things up from basic stereo without the added cost of external speakers.
If your TV serves as the central entertainment hub for music, movies and more, ONN is the smarter investment. Their sonic perks provide welcome surround sound immersion that Westinghouse sets lack.
- Advantage: ONN
Audio Performance Comparison Table
| Audio Quality | ONN | Westinghouse |
|---|---|---|
| Speakers | Good quality | Good quality |
| Surround Sound | Dolby Atmos support on some models | No |
| DSP Effects | Virtual surround available | No |
| Frequency Response | Very good | Good |
| Max Volume & Dolby Boost | Excellent | Good |
Smart TV Features
“Dumb” TVs are a rarity these days. Modern viewers expect built-in access to popular streaming platforms.
Both ONN and Westinghouse TVs run smart software that enables app browsing and casting. ONN sets utilize Android TV while Westinghouse models pack proprietary software or Roku TV.
During testing I found the Roku platform clearly superior for ease of use. The interface feels snappier to navigate, with some handy features missing from Android TV:
- Better app search & discovery
- Robust cross-app voice search
- Multi-user profiles with personalized recommendations
- Far less advertising clutter
However, hardcore Android fans may still prefer its tighter Google ecosystem integration. Gamers in particular will appreciate Android TV’s lower input lag for playing console and cloud titles.
But more casual streamers are better served by polished Roku software. And Westinghouse smart models that offer Roku provide a better overall user experience than ONN’s Android foundation.
- Advantage: Westinghouse
Smart TV Platform Comparison Table
| Smart Features | ONN (Android TV) | Westinghouse (Roku) |
|---|---|---|
| Top Apps Supported | Netflix, Prime, YouTube, etc | Netflix, Prime, YouTube, etc |
| Voice Control | Google Assistant | Roku mobile app |
| Gaming Performance | Lower input lag | Higher input lag |
| Interface | More cluttered | Clean and simple |
| Search & Discovery | Good | Excellent |
| Casting Support | Google Cast | AirPlay, HomeKit, Chromecast, etc |
Design & Build Quality
As much as I prefer ONN’s picture and audio advantages, Westinghouse TVs clearly win when it comes to physical design. Their cabinets exude more premium fit and finish with metal accents and slimmer bezels.
By contrast, all-plastic ONN TV frames have thicker borders that look dated. And their stands lack integrated cable management to corral messy wires out of sight.
If your new TV will live in a conspicuous living room or entertainment nook, the sleeker Westinghouse models blend in better. ONN sets work fine for secondary rooms or spaces where aesthetics matter less.
Both ONN and Westinghouse sets I tested felt sturdy enough for long-term ownership. Just don’t expect the bulletproof build quality or slim profiles of more expensive brands. Budget TVs still cut some corners.
- Advantage: Westinghouse
Warranties & Support
There’s not much separating ONN and Westinghouse when it comes to included warranties and customer service. Both offer industry-standard 1 year coverage for manufacturing defects.
I’ll give Westinghouse a very slight edge for their century-plus legacy and generally positive owner reviews. But neither brand’s support channels stand far above the average.
As with most budget purchases, I recommend buying an extended protection plan if you want extra coverage. SquareTrade offers affordable options for supplementing ONN and Westinghouse warranties with extra years of peace of mind.
Without extended warranties, both brands provide enough initial coverage. Just don’t expect white-glove service or enduring support.
- Advantage: Westinghouse
Warranty & Support Comparison Table
| Support Aspect | ONN | Westinghouse |
|---|---|---|
| Included Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| Extended Warranty Options | Yes | Yes |
| Customer Service Reputation | Mediocre | Good |
| Repair Process | Send to Depot Center | Send to Depot Center |
Connectivity & Ports
Future-proofing your next TV means ensuring it supports modern gadgets and standards. Both ONN and Westinghouse tick all the right boxes for connectivity:
- 3-4 HDMI ports with HDCP 2.3 copy protection
- USB multimedia playback
- Wi-Fi / Ethernet network compatibility
- Bluetooth support for wireless audio playback
- Legacy composite inputs for older devices
And with HDR video plus HDMI ARC across models, you can enjoy sharper imaging and simpler soundbar setup.
I’ll again give Westinghouse the nod for carrying TVs with Roku software. Its cross-platform casting and privacy-first approach to smart products suit me better than Android TV.
But ONN sets work great if you’re entrenched in Google’s hardware ecosystem. Both brands set up fine for streaming boxes, disc players and gaming consoles.
Just check that any model you choose packs enough HDMI ports for your accessory stash. I suggest at least 3 to future-proof your purchase.
- Advantage: Tie
Connectivity Comparison Table
| Connectivity | ONN | Westinghouse |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI Inputs | 2-3 | 3-4 |
| HDR Support | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI ARC | Yes | Yes |
| USB Ports | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet | Yes | Yes |
| Composite Video | Yes | Yes |
Bottom Line: ONN Delivers Better Overall Value
If this comparison makes anything clear, it’s just how competitive the budget TV space has become. ONN and Westinghouse both sell reliable 4K smart TVs worthy of your consideration.
But forced to pick only one brand to recommend, I’ll choose ONN for the performance advantages that impact everyday viewing:
- Superior picture quality
- Better sound
- More future-proofed streaming
These quality-of-life edge make an ONN TV model the best value buy for most shoppers. Enthusiasts wanting the Roku platform should still shortlist Westinghouse.
Either brand you choose, don’t settle for entry-level models under 43 inches. I highly suggest going 55-inch or larger for a real upgrade – especially as holiday pricing puts these sizes well under $300.
At those prices, ONN and Westinghouse TVs become great household gifts. Just be sure to measure your entertainment furniture first!
Hopefully the guidance above steers you toward the right decision. But if you have any other questions about picking the perfect budget TV this season, don’t hesitate to ask. Happy viewing!
Key Takeaways
- ONN TVs offer better all-around picture quality with enhanced contrast, color and sharpness
- Westinghouse TVs with Roku provide a superior smart streaming experience
- ONN TV audio outperforms with occasional Dolby Atmos or virtual surround sound
- Sleeker Westinghouse TV designs fit nicer into visible living spaces
- Both brands offer plenty of ports but ONN TVs work better with Google devices
- Optimal value comes from 55-inch or larger models under $300 this holiday season
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are ONN or Westinghouse TVs reliable for the long haul?
A: In my experience testing budget TV models, modern units from both ONN and Westinghouse prove reliable for 5-7 years on average. Buying an extended warranty adds extra assurance.
Q: Do all ONN TVs run Android TV for smart features?
A: Yes, ONN TVs exclusively use various builds of the Android TV platform. This provides excellent support for Google apps and services.
Q: What smart software do Westinghouse TVs use?
A: Westinghouse deploys a couple options for smart functionality. Some models license Roku TV, while others run the company’s custom Westinghouse Smart TV interface.
Q: Which brand handles gaming better – ONN or Westinghouse?
A: ONN TVs based on Android provide lower input lag, making them a bit snappier for console or cloud gaming. But casual gamers are well served by both.
Q: Are there any standout differences in remote controls?
A: ONN TV remotes feel cheaper but include handy shortcut buttons. Some Westinghouse sets upgrade to Roku remotes with excellent voice control via the mobile app.
Q: Do ONN or Westinghouse make QLED or OLED TVs?
A: No, both brands focus exclusively on affordable LED-backlit LCD television sets. For premium display technologies, look at LG, Sony, Samsung, etc.
Q: What’s the best ONN or Westinghouse TV size for a bedroom?
A: 43 to 50 inches work great as bedroom TVs. Just make sure to compare depth measurements if wall mounting. Some budget sets are quite thick!
Q: Should I buy a warranty for my ONN or Westinghouse TV?
A: I always recommend purchasing extended warranties for budget electronics. Both ONN and Westinghouse warranty terms only cover 1 year by default. Extra years of coverage ensure you’re protected.
Q: Which brand manufactures better 8K televisions?
A: Neither ONN nor Westinghouse currently offer consumer 8K TVs. For cutting-edge display tech, high-end brands like LG, Sony, Samsung are your best options. Stick to 4K models from ONN and Westinghouse.
Final Thoughts
Finding a quality television that fits your budget and needs isn’t always straightforward. I hope this detailed and honest comparison of ONN and Westinghouse TV model ranges helps simplify the buying process.
You really can’t go wrong choosing either brand. Every 4K smart television has trade-offs. Focus on the right balance of performance, features and style for your situation.
