Thomson is bringing its Streaming Box 240G into the living room, a Google TV streaming solution designed to breathe new life into older or non-smart TVs. Equipped with a wide range of connectivity options, including an optical output, Wi-Fi 6, and an Ethernet port, this box promises to transform any television into a modern multimedia hub. An attractive product on paper, but one that hides a few compromises. Here's our full review.
The streaming box market has seen a surge in popularity since television manufacturers began equipping their entry-level and mid-range models with underpowered operating systems. Facing giants like Apple TV and Chromecast, Thomson is banking on an aggressive pricing strategy with its Streaming Box 240GB, sold for around €70. Unlike its smaller sibling, the 145GB stick, designed for portability, this box-style model is intended for fixed installation, offering enhanced connectivity and improved performance. We spent several weeks exploring its capabilities to determine if it deserves a place under your television.
Table of Contents
Design and construction: functional simplicity
Thomson has opted for a minimalist design that will blend seamlessly into any TV cabinet. The rectangular casing features clean lines vaguely reminiscent of Xiaomi products, without slavishly copying Asian aesthetics. Its compact dimensions allow for discreet integration, even in small spaces.
The top surface features a simple matte finish with the Thomson logo embossed on it, while the sides are clad in glossy black plastic. This aesthetic choice unfortunately constitutes the product's main visual weakness: this lacquered surface inevitably attracts fingerprints and dust. A uniform matte finish would have given the device a more refined look. When handled, this glossy finish quickly gives an impression of carelessness if one isn't careful.
A discreet white LED indicator illuminates behind the front panel when the device is powered on, providing a visual cue without disrupting the viewing experience. The underside cleverly incorporates four anti-slip pads that securely hold the device in place, even on smooth surfaces. A reset button accessible through a small hole allows you to restore factory settings if needed.
The included remote control is functional but not particularly remarkable. It features a classic design with all the essential buttons: directional navigation, select, back, home, as well as dedicated buttons for YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. The materials used suggest decent quality, though they don't quite reach the tactile excellence of high-end remotes. The buttons respond satisfactorily with appropriate travel, even if the overall feel is only average. For users wishing to personalize the experience, third-party apps allow these shortcuts to be remapped to other services.
One useful feature: the Google Assistant button requires you to hold it down for the entire duration of the voice request. This design choice prevents accidental activations during viewing, unlike systems with constant detection that can trigger during movie dialogue.
Connectivity and technical specifications
The Thomson Streaming Box 240G stands out from many competitors with its extensive connectivity, which partly justifies its box-like form factor rather than a dongle. On the back, there's an HDMI 2.1 output compatible with 4K, an RJ45 Ethernet port, an optical output, and the power connector. On the front edge, two USB 2.0 ports accommodate USB flash drives, external hard drives, or Bluetooth devices.
This optical input is a major advantage often lacking in competing solutions in this price range. It allows you to directly connect a soundbar or home theater amplifier without going through the television, which is invaluable for older models that don't have this output. Dolby Atmos compatibility via this connection guarantees an immersive audio experience for compatible content.
The HDMI 2.1 port ensures optimal compatibility with recent televisions, while remaining functional on older models equipped with HDMI 1.4. Thomson has made the pragmatic choice of full backward compatibility, allowing the device to be used on virtually any television with an HDMI input. The maximum resolution reaches 4K UHD, with HDR support for compatible content.
In terms of wireless connectivity, the box features dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) and Bluetooth 5.0. Wi-Fi 6 represents a significant improvement over previous generations, offering increased stability and better bandwidth management, which is particularly noticeable in 4K. Bluetooth 5.0 allows for pairing headphones, headsets, or audio devices without any perceptible latency during our tests.
The inclusion of an Ethernet port is a significant advantage for permanent installations. Physically connecting the device to the local network eliminates any risk of Wi-Fi fluctuations and guarantees the best possible speed for high-definition streaming. This feature remains rare on devices in this price range.
Under the hood, Thomson has included 2GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage. These specifications may seem modest on paper, but they are perfectly adequate for a Google TV system. The storage space accommodates the operating system, the main applications, and some cached data. For users planning to install numerous resource-intensive applications, the 8GB might prove limiting, but it more than covers the typical use of a streaming box.
Interface and installation: Google TV simplicity
The Thomson Streaming Box 240G is remarkably easy to set up, reflecting the high standards Google offers across its entire Android ecosystem. Two methods are available: the standard setup using the remote control, or an accelerated configuration via Android smartphone. This second, particularly ingenious option allows you to scan a QR code with your mobile device to automatically transfer your Wi-Fi credentials and Google accounts. Only the final confirmation and password entry are required, significantly reducing setup time.
For those opting for the traditional method, the process remains intuitive, with a series of screens guiding you step by step: connecting to the network, authenticating your Google account, and selecting the streaming services to install. The system immediately suggests the most popular applications such as Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and YouTube, allowing you to start watching content just minutes after plugging it in.
Google TV is at the heart of the user experience. This interface stands out with its content-centric approach, rather than an app-centric one. The home screen aggregates personalized recommendations, popular content, and recently watched videos, regardless of their original platform. This unified view greatly simplifies navigation and eliminates the need to switch between different services to find a movie or series.
The library of apps available through the Play Store is extremely vast. Beyond standard streaming services, you can install web browsers, social media clients, media players, retro game emulators, or even productivity apps. This versatility transforms the box into a true living room computer capable of much more than just video playback. The addition of a Bluetooth keyboard, which we tested during our review, makes web browsing perfectly comfortable.
The multi-profile system, now standard on Google TV, allows each household member to have their own recommendations and viewing history. Parents will particularly appreciate the child profile with integrated parental controls, limiting access to appropriate content and offering a simplified interface suitable for younger users.
Google Assistant is activated via the dedicated button on the remote. Voice commands work reliably for searching for content, launching apps, controlling playback, or getting contextual information. Voice recognition is accurate even in slightly noisy environments. Remember that holding the button down throughout the voice command prevents accidental activation, a smart choice for everyday use.
Performance and fluidity: a pleasant surprise
It's probably in the area of performance that the Thomson Streaming Box 240G is most pleasantly surprising. Despite technical specifications that might seem adequate with 2GB of RAM, the overall smoothness of the system is impressive. Navigating the menus is seamless, transitions between screens are quick, and launching applications occurs without frustrating lag.
This responsiveness stands in stark contrast to the experience offered by many entry-level and mid-range smart TVs. Even on relatively recent models from 2020, the integrated systems can suffer from frustrating slowdowns, turning every action into an ordeal. The Thomson box eliminates these annoyances by offering consistent responsiveness that makes daily use truly enjoyable.
Our stress tests, involving intensive app switching, sustained multitasking, and repeated launches, revealed no major weaknesses. The system maintains its speed even after several hours of continuous use. Occasionally, a slight lag is noticeable when first launching very demanding applications, but nothing that significantly disrupts the user experience.
Image quality is another major strength. On a 4K TV via HDMI 2.1 cable, the picture quality reaches an excellent level. High-definition content displays remarkable sharpness, with precise details and a complete absence of visible compression in complex scenes. Testers who experienced image quality issues with their TV's native apps noted a dramatic improvement when using the Thomson box.
YouTube deserves special mention. The service automatically selects the maximum available resolution for most compatible videos. In the rare cases where the optimal resolution isn't automatically applied, a simple adjustment in the video settings allows for manual correction. The interface consistently displays the active resolution and audio quality for a few seconds when each piece of content starts playing, providing welcome transparency regarding the characteristics of the current stream.
Streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video deliver their full potential with stable bitrates and imperceptible adaptive quality changes. Dolby Atmos works seamlessly with compatible content, delivering immersive spatial audio when connected to a suitable audio system.
One pleasant technical detail: during our test sessions, when connecting Bluetooth headphones, we experienced no audio-video dropouts or desynchronization. Bluetooth 5.0 performs perfectly for personal listening in the evening without disturbing others.
Network performance: WiFi and Ethernet
The Thomson 240G's network connectivity is one of its most compelling features, particularly thanks to the inclusion of an Ethernet port, which remains surprisingly rare on streaming boxes in this price range. This dual Wi-Fi/wired option offers valuable installation flexibility to suit each home's setup.
The dual-band WiFi 6 module represents a significant evolution compared to previous generations still found in many competing products. Capable of automatically switching between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands depending on conditions, the system naturally optimizes the connection to maintain maximum stability. In practice, during our 5 GHz WiFi tests with the router placed in close proximity to the modem (approximately 2-3 meters), the speed reached levels well above those required for 4K streaming without any buffering. High-resolution videos started instantly, and the adaptive quality adjustments remained imperceptible even during peak usage of the home network.
While slower, using the 2.4 GHz band proves beneficial for setups where the modem is far from the router or separated by several obstacles. This band offers greater range and penetrates walls more effectively, ensuring a stable connection even in less-than-ideal conditions. During our testing, the modem demonstrated its ability to maintain smooth Full HD streaming on the 2.4 GHz band, even with two load-bearing walls between the router and the device.
Real-world tests with intermediate walls show decent stability on the 5 GHz band, although performance logically drops with increasing distance from the source or the accumulation of physical obstacles. We observed a gradual but controlled degradation beyond 8-10 meters with obstacles, the system intelligently switching to slightly lower resolutions to maintain playback continuity rather than causing frustrating interruptions. This adaptive management works remarkably well, preserving the user experience even in less-than-optimal Wi-Fi conditions.
Switching to a wired Ethernet connection definitively eliminates any variables related to wireless and represents the optimal configuration for a permanent installation. This is, in fact, one of the major arguments in favor of the Thomson 240G's box format compared to competing sticks, which systematically lack this feature. This wired connection remains surprisingly rare in the €70-80 price range, allowing Thomson to intelligently differentiate itself from the competition. The manufacturer has clearly understood that users seeking a long-term solution for their living room prioritize the absolute reliability of a wired connection.
This configuration offers maximum reliability for heavy 4K content consumers, fans of high-definition movies with large Dolby Atmos soundtracks, or simply for homes where Wi-Fi suffers from chronic interference (presence of numerous neighboring networks, multiple Bluetooth devices, microwaves, baby monitors). With Ethernet, the box delivers its full potential without compromise, eliminating network latency and guaranteeing consistent bandwidth.
During several weeks of testing using only a wired connection, no service interruptions were observed, and no suspicious slowdowns were detected, confirming the impeccable quality of the network implementation. Marathon viewing sessions run smoothly, even the most demanding 4K HDR files play effortlessly, and the system remains reassuringly consistent regardless of the home network load. For users whose internet box is located in the living room near the television, simply connecting a short Ethernet cable guarantees complete peace of mind and fully leverages the €70 investment.
A word also about Bluetooth 5.0, which, although not strictly a network connectivity feature, deserves highlighting for its reliability. During our extended tests with wireless headphones connected for nighttime viewing sessions, we experienced no dropouts, no audio-video desynchronization, and no sound artifacts. The range comfortably extends over several meters, allowing for considerable freedom of movement while maintaining impeccable audio quality. This Bluetooth stability perfectly complements the device's overall connectivity capabilities.
Ultimately, Thomson has made some smart choices regarding connectivity. Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 ensures modern compatibility with recent routers while maintaining backward compatibility, and the Ethernet port gives the box a significant advantage over more expensive competitors that paradoxically lack it. This dual wireless/wired approach guarantees that every user will find the configuration best suited to their specific setup, eliminating the network frustrations that can spoil the streaming experience on a daily basis.
Using USB ports
The presence of two USB 2.0 ports is a tangible advantage that clearly differentiates the Thomson 240G from stick-format solutions, which systematically lack this external connectivity. Positioned on the front of the device for easy access, these ports open up possibilities for expansion and customization, transforming the box into a truly versatile multimedia center.
Our comprehensive testing has confirmed compatibility with a wide range of devices. USB drives connect instantly and are recognized within seconds, enabling playback of locally stored multimedia content. Portable hard drives, even high-capacity ones (we tested up to 2TB), integrate seamlessly, providing a personal library of movies, TV series, or family content accessible directly from the comfort of your couch. This feature is particularly appealing to users with digital collections built up over the years who want to access them without turning on a computer.
Playing local media files via third-party file managers works remarkably well for common formats. MP4, MKV, and AVI files, which make up the bulk of personal content, start playing instantly and scroll smoothly. External SRT subtitles integrate correctly when using players like VLC for Android TV. Multiple audio tracks remain accessible, allowing users to switch between languages or use audio commentary for content that supports it.
The experience is particularly compelling with a wireless keyboard, whether Bluetooth or connected via a USB dongle. During our test sessions, we connected a standard Bluetooth keyboard, and the experience proved remarkably user-friendly. Browsing the web suddenly becomes natural and efficient, eliminating the frustration of having to type URLs or perform searches using the remote control and its cumbersome virtual keyboard. This setup literally transforms the box into a lightweight living room computer, capable of handling simple tasks such as consulting recipes, checking real-time information while watching a program, or even accessing web services not available as Android TV apps.
USB mice also work without any special configuration, adding an extra level of comfort for web browsing or using applications requiring precise pointing. This keyboard-mouse combination positions the Thomson 240G as a credible alternative to a dedicated multimedia PC for light use, while still retaining its primary role as a streaming hub.
For retro gamers, the USB ports seamlessly accept standard USB gamepads or Bluetooth adapters for wireless controllers. Emulators available on the Play Store fully utilize these peripherals, allowing you to relive classic console games directly on your TV. This unexpected versatility significantly expands the device's uses beyond simple video streaming.
However, it's important to honestly acknowledge the inherent limitations of USB 2.0. The maximum theoretical data rates of this standard, capped at around 480 Mbps (60 MB/s in practice), can be a bottleneck for very large 4K video files with high bitrates, particularly 4K Blu-ray remuxes that sometimes reach or exceed 100 Mbps. In these extreme cases, occasional stuttering may occur during particularly complex scenes with fast motion. Nevertheless, the vast majority of consumer 4K content, reasonably compressed in H.264 or H.265, remains well within the capabilities of USB 2.0 and plays flawlessly.
For typical use—viewing vacation photos, playing personal movies encoded in standard definition, accessing a music library, or connecting control devices—USB 2.0 performs its function perfectly. Thomson made the pragmatic choice of a proven, universally compatible standard, rather than upgrading to USB 3.0, which would have increased the final cost without any tangible benefit for 95% of users.
The power supplied by the USB ports also allows for occasional charging of a smartphone or tablet as a backup, although this is obviously not its primary use. This discreet versatility adds a welcome touch of everyday practicality.
These two USB ports transform the Thomson 240G from a simple streaming player into a scalable multimedia platform. This openness to the ecosystem of external devices is a compelling argument against closed or minimalist solutions that rely solely on the cloud and online services. For users who value ownership of their content and flexibility of use, these ports represent a real advantage that fully justifies choosing a box format rather than a stick.
Positioning and value for money
Thomson sells this Streaming Box 240G for between €69.99 and €79.99, depending on the retailer. This price places it in the mid-range segment, neither a bargain nor a premium product. For this price, the user gets a complete solution including the box, a remote control with batteries, and a power adapter.
Direct competition comes primarily from Xiaomi's Mi Box, the various Chromecast iterations with Google TV, and Amazon's Fire TV alternatives. Against these established players, Thomson's offering holds its own. The inclusion of an optical output, an Ethernet port, and two USB ports provides tangible differentiators compared to some more expensive competitors.
For those on a tight budget, solutions exist starting at €50-60, but they generally sacrifice features (no optical output, older Wi-Fi, lower performance). Conversely, premium boxes like the Apple TV 4K or the Nvidia Shield TV offer superior performance but at prices two to three times higher, justified only for very specific uses (gaming, advanced image processing, Apple ecosystem).
The Thomson 240G is clearly aimed at the general public looking for a functional solution without excessive frills. It perfectly fulfills this requirement by offering the essentials with meticulous execution. Whether for reviving a 2015-2020 television whose integrated system is showing signs of weakness, or for equipping a non-smart TV, its value for money is excellent.
Comparison with the 145g stick
Thomson also offers a stick format with the 145G model, sold at a lower price but with reduced specifications. Both devices share the same Google TV system and an identical remote control, but the 240G box offers several advantages that justify the extra cost:
- Increased performance thanks to slightly superior components
- Optical output not present on the stick
- Ethernet port for wired connection
- Two USB ports versus none on the stick
- Improved heat dissipation thanks to the case format
The 145GB stick remains a suitable option for mobile use or for equipping a secondary room where advanced connectivity isn't required. For a primary living room setup, the 240GB box represents the most sensible investment.
Use cases and target audience
The Thomson Streaming Box 240G is primarily aimed at several types of users:
Owners of older televisions : Models from 2015 to 2021, even those labeled Smart TV, often suffer from underpowered systems. The Thomson box breathes new life into these devices by providing them with a modern and responsive interface.
Users of non-smart TVs : Many households still have excellent HD or 4K TVs lacking smart features. This box transforms any screen into a complete multimedia hub for under €80, avoiding a costly replacement.
For lovers of quality audio : The optical output with Dolby Atmos appeals to owners of soundbars or dedicated home cinema systems, guaranteeing an optimal sound experience.
Multi-user households : The Google TV profile system allows each family member to personalize their experience, with effective parental controls for children.
Conversely, users who already own a recent TV (2023-2025) with native Google TV and solid performance won't find any significant advantage. Similarly, members of the Apple ecosystem will naturally prefer an Apple TV for optimal integration with their other devices.
Limitations and areas for improvement
Despite its many qualities, the Thomson 240G has some limitations that should be taken into account:
Side panel finish : The glossy black plastic on the sides ages poorly and shows fingerprints. A matte finish would have provided greater visual consistency and a more durable appearance.
Limited storage : The 8GB of internal storage fills up quickly if you install many large applications. For typical use focused on streaming, this isn't a problem, but users wanting to transform the box into a complete multimedia station might find it limiting.
Average remote control : Functional but not exceptional, the remote control could have benefited from higher-quality materials. It performs its function adequately but doesn't offer the tactile satisfaction of high-end models.
A single HDMI port : Some users would have appreciated a second HDMI port to daisy-chain multiple devices, although this configuration remains relatively rare in standard home use.
Putting things into perspective: the evolution of the market
The streaming box market has evolved considerably in recent years. Television manufacturers have progressively integrated connected systems into their products, theoretically reducing the need for external devices. Yet, demand for these third-party solutions remains strong, revealing persistent dissatisfaction with native implementations.
The problem lies in the planned obsolescence of the systems integrated into televisions. Even a model purchased three years ago can now exhibit frustrating slowdowns, application incompatibilities, or a lack of updates. Manufacturers seem to be deliberately undersizing system components to keep costs down, creating frustration among consumers.
Given this reality, investing €70 in an external box guarantees several years of smooth operation, with regular software updates provided by Google. This modular approach also allows you to keep your television longer, reducing the environmental impact of premature replacement.
Thomson has positioned itself intelligently in this segment by offering an honest product, free from marketing hype, that meets users' real needs. The French brand, now owned by the Chinese company Streamview, benefits from a long-standing reputation in Europe while leveraging an Asian production chain that allows for competitive pricing.
Alternatives on the market
To contextualize the positioning of the Thomson 240G, here are the main alternatives:
Chromecast with Google TV (4K) : Similar price (around €69), more compact HDMI dongle format, but no optical output or Ethernet port. Slightly better performance in some areas, but limited connectivity.
Xiaomi Mi Box S (4K) : Direct Chinese competitor at the same price, comparable performance, but sometimes irregular distribution in Europe and sometimes less French-language interface.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max : Amazon solution at a competitive price (around €60), but a more closed ecosystem pushing towards Amazon services, less universal than Google TV.
Apple TV 4K : Premium reference (from €149), exceptional performance and Apple integration, but double the price without justification for basic streaming use.
Nvidia Shield TV Pro : High-end (around €200) for demanding users (gaming, Plex server), overpowered and unnecessarily expensive for watching Netflix.
The Thomson 240G strikes the right balance, offering a relevant equilibrium between features, performance and price for the general public.
✔ Remarkable fluidity of the Google TV interface.
✔ Excellent image quality in 4K.
✔ Optical output with Dolby Atmos (rare in this range).
✔ Ethernet port for stable wired connection.
✔ Two USB 2.0 ports for peripherals.
✔ WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
✔ Complete connectivity for the segment.
✔ Competitive price (€69-79).
✔ Remote control with all essential buttons.
✔ Large library of Google Play apps.
✔ Profile system with parental control.
✔ Quick and easy installation.
✖ Glossy finish on the sides that marks easily.
✖ Limited 8GB storage for heavy app users.
✖ The remote control is functional but the build quality is average..
✖ Only 2GB of RAM (sufficient but just enough).
✖ Only one HDMI port.
✖ No expandable storage.
✖ Fairly generic design.
Final verdict
The Thomson Streaming Box 240G fulfills its mission with surprisingly pleasant efficiency . Far from the gimmicky products that promise the moon and the stars only to disappoint in everyday use, this box modestly embraces its status as a practical and affordable solution . It won't invent anything new, nor will it revolutionize your television experience, but it will effectively transform your old TV into a modern streaming platform .
The system's remarkable fluidity is undoubtedly the best surprise of the test. For €70 , Thomson offers an alternative that eliminates frustration and restores the pleasure to the simple act of choosing a movie.
The extensive connectivity , including the Dolby Atmos optical output , gives the product a significant advantage over its stick-format competitors. The Ethernet port and two USB ports intelligently round out the offering for users seeking a stable and scalable setup .
A few compromises temper the enthusiasm: the glossy finish, the 8GB of storage (just enough for heavy app users), and a functional but unremarkable remote control. But these limitations are minor compared to the benefits, especially at this price point.
This box is designed for owners of televisions from 2015 to 2021 whose native system is showing signs of weakness , or for those with excellent non-smart that they don't wish to replace. Audiophiles will appreciate the optical output , while families will benefit from the profile system and parental controls .
Ultimately, the Thomson Streaming Box 240G complete, reliable, and affordable streaming solution . It proves that you don't need to spend €150 or more to comfortably enjoy Netflix, Disney+, and similar services on your television.
Rating: 8/10. An honest, well-made product that perfectly fulfills its purpose without claiming to revolutionize the market. Its main selling point is its value for money, reinforced by its impressive everyday performance.
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