Is the Onn 4K Plus a Better Firestick Alternative? Setup, Pros, and Limits

If Firestick app blocking has you frustrated, the Onn 4K Plus is one of the easiest alternatives to consider.

You get an Android TV box in the same general price range as a Firestick, roughly $39 and change at Walmart, with availability also mentioned for Amazon and other retailers. The big appeal is control: you can turn off Play Protect, enable developer options, install Downloader, and fully load the box with apps.

The Onn lineup includes the 4K edition and a stick, but the Plus is the recommended pick here because it is described as fast, responsive, and equipped with better specs. The remote also feels familiar if you are coming from Firestick, with a similar layout in white.

Why the Onn 4K Plus feels easier than Firestick

Firestick has been blocking a lot of apps, and once apps are disabled there, you may still see them installed but you cannot run them.

On the Onn 4K Plus, you have more control. You can disable Play Protect scanning, allow Downloader to install unknown apps, and override install warnings when needed.

That is the main reason this box is being positioned as real Firestick competition: it is affordable, quick, Android-based, and less restrictive for third-party app setup.

If you are still setting up a Firestick instead, use the dedicated guides for sideloading apps on Firestick, Firestick Developer Options, and how to jailbreak a Firestick rather than applying these Onn-specific menus directly.

What you need before you set it up

Before you start, have these ready:

1. Your Onn 4K Plus streaming box.
2. An internet connection.
3. Access to the built-in apps and games search.
4. Downloader, installed from the app store.
5. The Unlinked address: unlinked.link.
6. IPVanish, especially if Unlinked codes or app links return errors because of network blocks.

For more app-store options to compare, see the guide to the best Firestick app stores.

Step 1: Connect the Onn 4K Plus to the internet

1. Power on your Onn 4K Plus.
2. Connect it to your internet.
3. Wait until the home screen is ready.

You need the internet connection first because the next steps use the device settings, the app store search, Downloader, Unlinked, and IPVanish.

Step 2: Turn off Play Protect scanning

This is one of the key differences from Firestick. On the Onn 4K Plus, you can control the Play Protect setting.

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select All settings.
3. Go to Apps.
4. Open Security.
5. Find the option to scan apps with Play Protect.
6. Turn it off.

Play Protect can deny third-party app installs. Turning it off helps prevent that from stopping the setup.

Step 3: Enable Developer Options on the Onn 4K Plus

Next, enable Developer Options from the Android TV OS build menu.

1. Go back to Settings.
2. Select All settings.
3. Go to System.
4. Select About.
5. Scroll down to Android TV OS build.
6. Click it several times, usually around eight times.
7. Stop when the box tells you that you are already a developer.

This step prepares the Android TV box for loading apps outside the standard store flow.

Step 4: Install Downloader

Downloader is the app you use to grab the Unlinked APK.

1. Go to Apps.
2. Select Search for apps and games.
3. Search for Downloader.
4. Choose the Downloader app with the white D on the orange background.
5. Press Install.
6. Open Downloader when the installation finishes.
7. Press OK when prompted.

You can type with the on-screen keyboard or try the Google voice button on the remote.

Step 5: Install Unlinked with Downloader

Now use Downloader to install Unlinked.

1. In Downloader, click the yellow URL field.
2. Type unlinked.link.
3. Press the check mark to close the keyboard.
4. Press Go.
5. When the site opens, scroll until you find Download APK Android.
6. Select it and let the APK download.

If the box says unknown apps are not allowed, handle it right from the prompt:

1. Select Settings.
2. Find Downloader in the unknown apps list.
3. Change Downloader from Not allowed to allowed for installs.
4. Return to the install prompt.
5. Install Unlinked.

If Google Protect prompts you to turn protection back on, you can decline and continue the install as shown in this setup.

Step 6: Open Unlinked

After Unlinked installs, select Open.

At this point, you have Downloader installed and Unlinked installed. If Unlinked works normally, you can continue into the app and use your store code.

If you get errors, the issue may not be the Onn box. The transcript specifically points to network or internet service provider blocks that can stop Unlinked codes and app access from working.

Step 7: Install IPVanish if Unlinked codes or links fail

If Unlinked returns errors, install IPVanish from the app store.

1. Go back to Apps.
2. Select Search for apps and games.
3. Search for IPVanish.
4. Choose the app with the black background, white P, and green lettering.
5. Press Install.
6. Open IPVanish.
7. Sign in with your email and password.
8. Change your location to United States.

Once IPVanish is connected to a United States location, return to Unlinked and try again. This is the setup used to get access to Unlinked updates, links, and blocked content.

Pros of using the Onn 4K Plus instead of Firestick

1. You get a similar price range. The Onn 4K Plus is described at about $39 and change.
2. You get fast performance. The Plus model is described as fast and responsive.
3. You get more control over app blocking. You can turn off Play Protect and override install prompts.
4. You get a familiar remote feel. If you are used to Firestick, the remote layout should feel easy to pick up.
5. You can install Downloader from the app store. That makes the Unlinked setup straightforward.
6. It works like an Android TV box. The same general process is said to work on other Onn boxes and Android boxes too.

Limits to know before switching

The Onn 4K Plus is easier to work with, but there are still a few things to expect.

1. Play Protect is on by default. You need to turn it off if it blocks third-party installs.
2. Downloader needs install permission. The first APK install may trigger the unknown apps settings prompt.
3. Voice typing may not be perfect. If unlinked.link or IPVanish does not enter correctly by voice, use the keyboard.
4. Unlinked may still show errors. If codes or links fail, the transcript points to network blocks, not necessarily a device issue.
5. IPVanish requires a login. You need an account before you can connect and change location.
6. No Unlinked code is included here. This setup gets the app installed and ready for the code you plan to use.

Should you leave Firestick for the Onn 4K Plus?

If your main frustration is Firestick app blocking, the Onn 4K Plus is a strong alternative.

You get a low-cost Android TV box, quick performance, a familiar remote, and more control over third-party app installs. The biggest advantage is that when install warnings appear, you can change the setting and continue.

The main limit is that app access can still be affected by network blocks, which is why IPVanish is part of this setup.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Onn 4K Plus better than Firestick?+

It can be better for you if you want fewer restrictions around third-party app installs. The key advantage is that you can turn off Play Protect and allow Downloader to install apps.

Which Onn device should you buy?+

The Plus model is the recommended option here. It is described as fast, responsive, and better equipped than the other Onn options mentioned.

Does the Onn 4K Plus block apps like Firestick?+

The setup gives you more control than Firestick. You can disable Play Protect scanning and allow unknown app installs for Downloader.

Do you need Downloader on the Onn 4K Plus?+

Yes, for this setup. Downloader is installed from the apps and games search, then used to visit unlinked.link and download the Unlinked APK.

Why are Unlinked codes returning errors?+

The transcript points to network or internet service provider blocks. Installing IPVanish, signing in, and switching your location to United States is the suggested fix.

Can you use voice search during setup?+

Yes, you can use the Google voice button on the remote, but it may not catch every word correctly. If it makes a typo, use the on-screen keyboard.

Where can you buy the Onn 4K Plus?+

It is described as available at Walmart for roughly $39 and change, with Amazon and other retailers also starting to carry Onn boxes.