In this Thomson Streaming Box Plus 270 Review, we take a deep dive into one of the most talked-about streaming devices in the UK. Marketed as the closest rival to the ONN 4K Pro, this Google TV box combines premium features, generous storage, and strong UK app support. But does it truly deliver as the best Fire Stick alternative in 2025? Let’s find out.
👉 For more streaming device reviews like this, explore our Streaming Devices hub — covering Fire TV, Google TV, NVIDIA Shield, ONN, Roku and more.
Table of Contents
Thomson Streaming Box Plus 270: Unboxing & Design
From the outset, the packaging feels professional and straightforward. Inside, you’ll find everything needed to get started: manuals, an HDMI cable, a power adapter, two AAA batteries, and the remote control. The unit itself is the Thomson Streaming Box Plus 270, and it feels solid and well-built. Measuring about 4 cm by 11.5 cm and weighing 296 grams, it strikes a balance between compactness and durability. The top carries Thomson branding with a fabric covering the built-in speaker, adding a premium touch.
The remote looks similar to the ONN box remote. In particular, the large blue “Free TV” button and a dedicated Prime Video button stand out. This simple but effective design ensures you can start streaming immediately.
Performance of the Thomson Streaming Box Plus 270
The Thomson Streaming Box Plus 270 offers almost identical hardware to the ONN 4K Pro, making it a real competitor in terms of raw performance. Inside, the quad-core Amlogic S905X4 processor, clocked at 2.0 GHz, delivers strong multitasking and media handling. The Arm Mali-G31 MP2 GPU manages the graphics at 850 MHz. As a result, playback remains smooth and responsive, even at 4K resolution with next-gen AV1 codec support.
In addition, the device comes with 3 GB of RAM for snappy multitasking and 32 GB of internal storage. After the operating system, around 23 GB is available for apps and files. Unlike Fire Sticks with only 8 GB of space, this box eliminates storage anxiety. Moreover, its generous storage makes app management effortless.
Better still, the USB 3.0 port supports the exFAT file system. Therefore, you can plug in external drives containing files larger than 4 GB, making it perfect for anyone with a big 4K movie collection.
If you’re curious how the US version stacks up, our Onn 4K Plus Review dives into Walmart’s budget-friendly counterpart. For those considering higher-end alternatives, the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro Review shows how premium Android TV hardware compares.
Benchmarking with Geekbench 5
The Thomson Streaming Box Plus 270 scored 147 on single-core and 444 on multi-core, landing just below the ONN 4K Pro with negligible difference. In practice, both boxes perform almost identically. For another Google TV competitor, check out our Google TV Streamer 4K Review, which takes a different approach at a similar mid-tier price point.
You can also browse our full Product Reviews hub for side-by-side tests of streaming devices, monitors, mini PCs, and smart-home tech.
Connectivity & Streaming on the Thomson 270
The connectivity options are another strong point. The device supports Wi-Fi 6, which delivers excellent speeds and range. In my testing, the connection stayed strong even in areas where Fire Sticks typically struggle.
If you still use a Firestick alongside this device and notice certain apps refusing to open, it may not be a Wi-Fi or performance issue — some Fire TV models now show a new alert when apps are flagged. You can see the exact Firestick warning message and the list of affected apps here: 👉 Firestick Blocks Are Now LIVE: The Exact Warning & Full List of Affected Apps.
The Ethernet port only offers 10/100 speeds. However, this limitation is not a real problem for streaming since 4K video only needs about 35 Mbps. If you want even faster speeds, you can connect a gigabit Ethernet adapter through the USB 3.0 port. As a result, you can boost wired performance well beyond 300 Mbps.
Gaming & General Performance
You can download and play a wide range of casual Android titles directly from the Google Play Store. For example, puzzle and arcade-style games run smoothly on this hardware. The device also handles Google TV navigation fluidly, with no lag when switching between apps.
Additionally, the USB 3.0 port allows you to connect external controllers such as Xbox or PlayStation pads. For classic gaming fans, emulation of older systems works reliably. In addition, pairing an external controller enhances the experience. On the other hand, this device won’t replace a dedicated console for modern, graphics-heavy games.
Visual & Audio Quality in the Thomson Streaming Box Plus 270
On the visual side, the Thomson Streaming Box Plus 270 supports 4K UHD resolution at 60 fps along with Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG. As a result, movies and shows display with vibrant colors and excellent contrast. You can read more about these technologies on Dolby’s official website.
In terms of audio, the device supports Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus for immersive surround sound on streaming platforms. The box handles the core DTS format without issue. At the same time, it misses support for high-bitrate formats such as DTS-HD MA or Dolby TrueHD. Nevertheless, this limitation only matters if you rely on a local media library with lossless audio.
Thomson Streaming Box Plus 270: UK App Support & Software
For UK viewers, app support is one of the strongest selling points. The device comes preloaded with core services like ITVX, Channel 4, and Channel 5, which work flawlessly. The live TV guide even integrates these apps directly on the home screen.
BBC iPlayer is missing from the Play Store. Fortunately, you can sideload it easily. The app functions, but UHD playback isn’t currently available. To do this safely, follow our guide: How to Sideload Apps on Fire TV & Google TV (2025).
The box runs on Android 12, with an upgrade to Android 14 planned. Learn more about the platform on the official Android site. Importantly, if you prefer a minimal interface, you can switch to “Apps Only Mode,” hiding recommendations and leaving just your chosen apps.
Smart Features & Remote in the Thomson 270
The Thomson Streaming Box Plus 270 includes hands-free Google Assistant, powered by dual microphones and a built-in 3W speaker. This means you can say “Hey Google, pause” from across the room without touching the remote. For privacy, a hardware slider lets you disable the microphones.
The remote is equally impressive. It has a customizable “star” button, a remappable Live TV button, and works as a universal controller for your TV’s power and volume. In addition, a “Find My Remote” feature on the box makes it beep and flash when lost — a thoughtful touch missing from most competitors.
Verdict – Thomson Streaming Box Plus 270 Review 2025
Overall, the Thomson Streaming Box Plus 270 is one of the strongest Fire Stick alternatives available in the UK. It combines premium build quality, excellent streaming performance, and plenty of storage into a single device. While it costs more than the ONN 4K Pro in the US, it delivers excellent value in the UK and European markets. For comparison, check the ONN 4K Pro on Walmart’s website.
Yes, it costs more than the US ONN box, but the extra features and local app support make it a compelling deal. If you’re looking for a feature-rich upgrade from a Fire Stick, this device is a fantastic choice. In conclusion, it balances price, performance, and features better than most competitors.
For more device comparisons and hands-on testing, visit our Streaming Devices hub.
Frequently Asked Questions – Thomson Streaming Box Plus 270 Review
Does the Thomson Streaming Box Plus 270 support 4K streaming?
Yes, it supports full 4K UHD playback at 60 fps. In fact, it also includes Dolby Vision and HDR10, which enhance the picture quality for supported content.
Can I use BBC iPlayer on this device?
Yes, you can install BBC iPlayer by sideloading it. However, UHD and 4K streams are not currently supported.
Does the Ethernet limitation affect streaming?
No, the 10/100 Ethernet port is more than enough for 4K streaming. Moreover, if you want faster speeds, you can connect a gigabit adapter to the USB 3.0 port.
How much internal storage does it have?
It includes 32 GB of internal storage, with about 23 GB free after system use. As a result, you have plenty of space for apps and media files compared to smaller Fire Sticks.
Can I play games on the Thomson Streaming Box Plus 270?
Yes, it handles casual Android games smoothly. For example, puzzle and arcade titles work without lag, especially when paired with an external controller.
Is the remote different from the ONN 4K Pro remote?
Yes, the remote is very similar but adds a large blue “Free TV” button and a “Find My Remote” feature. In addition, it can control your TV’s power and volume as a universal remote.
Hands-free Google Assistant works via the built-in 3W speaker and dual microphones. There’s also Apps Only Mode, a customizable Star button, a remappable Live TV button, and a Find My Remote function.
Review Overview
The Pros
Solid build quality with premium design Powerful Amlogic S905X4 processor Smooth 4K playback with AV1 decoding 32 GB storage + USB 3.0 with exFAT support Excellent Wi-Fi 6 performance Strong UK app support out of the box Hands-free Google Assistant + Find My RemoteThe Cons
Ethernet limited to 10/100 (workaround available) BBC iPlayer requires sideloading (no 4K) No DTS-HD MA or Dolby TrueHD passthrough Limited performance for demanding games- Hardware & Build9
- Streaming Performance9
- Connectivity8.5
- UK App Support8
- Smart Features & Remote9
- Gaming Performance7.5
- Value for Money8.5
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