You're standing in the middle of Walmart. There's a wall of flashing screens, most of them massive 75-inch monsters that cost as much as a used car. Then you see it. Tucked away in the corner is a box for the 24 onn roku tv. It’s cheap. Like, "did they miss a digit on the price tag?" cheap.
Usually, it's under a hundred bucks.
Honestly, most tech reviewers won't touch this thing. It’s not "exciting." It doesn’t have 8K resolution or AI-upscaling that makes grass look greener than real life. But for a lot of us—people living in dorms, RV owners, or those who just want something in the kitchen to watch the news while making pasta—this little unit is a staple.
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The Reality of the 24 onn roku tv Experience
Let’s get the specs out of the way. It’s a 720p panel. In a world of 4K, that sounds like a relic from 2010. But on a 24-inch screen? The pixel density is actually fine. You aren't going to see individual pixels unless your nose is touching the glass.
It’s light. Extremely light. We’re talking under six pounds. You can practically mount this thing with heavy-duty Command strips (though please don't actually do that; use the VESA 100x100 mounts).
The real "magic" isn't the hardware. It's the Roku OS.
If you've used a Roku stick, you know the drill. It’s snappy. It doesn't have the weird lag you find on some "smart" TVs that use proprietary, clunky software. You get Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and about a million free channels through the Roku Channel.
Why the 720p Resolution Doesn't Actually Matter
People get hung up on numbers. They see "720p" and think it’s going to look like a blurry mess.
It doesn't.
On a screen this size, the difference between 720p and 1080p is negligible for casual viewing. If you’re watching The Bear while washing dishes, you aren't looking for the sweat pores on Jeremy Allen White’s forehead. You just want a clear picture. The 24 onn roku tv delivers that.
Where This TV Actually Struggles
Nothing is perfect, especially at this price point.
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The speakers are... well, they're tiny. "Tinny" is the word most people use. They point downward or backward depending on the specific model year, and they lack any sort of bass. If you’re in a quiet bedroom, it’s fine. If you’re trying to hear a movie over a sizzling frying pan in the kitchen, you might struggle.
Pro Tip: Use the Roku mobile app for "Private Listening." You can beam the TV audio to your phone and use your own headphones. It’s a lifesaver.
Then there’s the remote. It’s the standard Roku remote, but it’s infrared (IR). This means you have to actually point it at the TV. It’s not like the fancy RF remotes that work through walls.
Port Selection (The Good and the Bad)
Surprisingly, Onn didn't skimp too hard on the ports.
- 3 HDMI inputs (one is ARC)
- 1 USB port
- Composite (the yellow/red/white cables for your old Wii or VCR)
- Headphone jack
- Optical out
Having three HDMIs on a 24-inch TV is actually pretty rare. Most budget brands give you one or two and call it a day.
Is it Good for Gaming?
Kinda.
If you’re a pro Call of Duty player looking for 120Hz refresh rates and 1ms response times, keep walking. This isn't for you. But for a Nintendo Switch or an older PS4/Xbox One? It’s great. The 60Hz refresh rate is plenty for Mario Kart.
The input lag is surprisingly low because there isn't a lot of heavy "image processing" going on. It’s a raw, simple signal.
Setup: What to Expect
When you first pull the 24 onn roku tv out of the box, don't just plug it in and expect it to work instantly. You’ll need a Wi-Fi connection and a Roku account.
- The Stand: It usually comes with two little "feet." You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver. The screws can be a bit tight, so don't be afraid to give them some muscle.
- The Update: As soon as it hits your Wi-Fi, it’s going to download a massive update. Let it happen. Don't pull the plug.
- The Account: Roku will ask for an email. You do not have to pay for a Roku subscription. If a website asks for credit card info just to "activate" the TV, you’re on a scam site. The basic activation is free.
The "Vampire Power" Issue
One weird quirk with these budget Onn models is their power draw in standby mode. Some users have noted that they pull more wattage than higher-end brands even when the screen is "off." If you’re using this in an RV or off-grid setup with a battery, you might want to put it on a physical power strip and flip the switch when you aren't using it.
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How to Make This TV Actually Good
If you want to move the 24 onn roku tv from "cheap secondary screen" to "actually decent setup," do these three things:
- Adjust the Picture: Out of the box, the "Power Saver" mode makes everything look dim and grey. Go into the settings while playing a video, hit the * (star) button, and change the picture mode to "Movie" or "Vivid."
- Cheap Soundbar: Even a $30 PC soundbar plugged into the headphone jack will sound 10x better than the built-in speakers.
- Ethernet (If possible): If your Wi-Fi is spotty, use a "USB to Ethernet" adapter. The TV doesn't have a native LAN port, but some specific adapters work with the Roku OS to give you a hardwired connection.
Who Should Buy This?
Honestly, this TV is for the "utility" buyer.
It’s for the parent who wants a TV in the kid’s room that won't result in a $500 heartbreak if a toy gets thrown at it. It’s for the person who wants a dedicated monitor for their security camera feed. It’s for the garage workshop where sawdust and grease are a constant threat.
The 24 onn roku tv isn't a status symbol. It’s a tool. It does exactly what it says on the box: it plays your shows, it connects to the internet, and it stays out of the way.
Actionable Next Steps
If you just bought one or are about to, here is the best way to handle the first 24 hours:
- Check for Dead Pixels: Put on a solid white screen (search "white screen" on YouTube). If you see black dots, exchange it at Walmart immediately. Quality control on budget TVs can be hit or miss.
- Register for the Warranty: Onn products usually have a one-year warranty, but sometimes registering on their site gives you an extra cushion. Keep your receipt!
- Download the App: Get the Roku app on your phone. It makes typing passwords ten times faster than using the on-screen keyboard with the remote.
- Check Your Screws: If you’re using the included feet, double-check they are tight after a week. They tend to settle in and can get wobbly.