OXS Thunder Pro + Soundbar Review

Something different than a gaming headset arrived at my doorstep recently – a full desktop gaming sound system from manufacturer OXS. Established in 2021, OXS is dedicated to providing gamers with a comprehensive gaming audio experience, and delivers, alongside home cinema products, audio solutions for gaming. Products include the Storm G2 wireless headset, the Thunder Lite compact gaming soundbar, and the Thunder Pro soundbar. I was given the opportunity the test the latter, complete with the unique satellite neck speaker.

Inside the box

• 1x Main Soundbar
• 1x Neck Speaker (USB-A Dongle and USB-C Charging Cable included)
• 1x Dongle
• Adapter
• User Manual
• Remote Control (2 AAA batteries included)
• HDMI Cable
• USB cable

Specifications

• Material: ABS & Metal
• Audio Channel: Dolby Atmos 7.1.2CH
• Speaker Driver: 2* 0.75” Tweeter, 2* 2.5” Full-range Driver, 4* 1.5” Full-range Driver, 2* 1.75” Full-Range Driver
• RMS: 90 watts
• Total Peak Output Power: 180 watts
• Bass Output Power: 40 watts (80 watts @ peak power)
• Frequency: 75Hz-20kHz
• Distortion: <1%
• Sound Level: 96dB
• Dimensions soundbar: 608 x 122 x 78mm (23.9″ x 4.8″ x 3″)
• Dimensions neck Speaker: 112 x 294 x 171mm (4.41” x 11.57” x 6.73”)

The audience

The OXS Thunder Pro + Gaming Soundbar is designed with gamers in mind, offering Dolby Atmos-certified sound in a more compact form than many other soundbars. It supports multiple audio input options, but for the best performance, connecting via HDMI to a PC, PlayStation 5, or Xbox Series X will deliver the full Dolby digital audio experience. Additionally, an optional “neck pillow” accessory can be attached to a chair, providing two rear speaker channels for an enhanced audio setup. PC users can also download OXS Audio, a free app that captures screen images to synchronize the soundbar’s dynamic in-game RGB lighting effects and also allows users to customize channel volume and equalization settings.

Design and features

While the Thunder Pro + offers a modern design with a slim profile and matte finish, it doesn’t quite fit the typical TV room aesthetic. The soundbar’s design feels more suited to a desktop or PC setup, with its compact size and angled form factor that’s better positioned in front of a computer monitor rather than beneath a television. This gives it a somewhat out-of-place appearance when paired with a larger TV, especially in living rooms where a more traditional, wide-surfaced soundbar would be preferable.

The Thunder Pro’s plastic construction and front perforated grille give it a more “techy” feel, but it lacks the premium build expected from soundbars designed to seamlessly integrate into a TV setup. As a result, it might feel out of place for console users seeking a more polished, TV-friendly look that blends well with their home entertainment systems.

OXS’s offering has excellent connectivity, supporting USB-A, USB-C, Aux, Bluetooth, and HDMI. However, it doesn’t come with the necessary cables, so you’ll need to supply your own. The variety of connections is impressive, and being able to switch between them using the remote means you can keep several devices connected simultaneously. In addition, players can also plug in their headset and mic for chatting during gameplay. The only drawback in terms of connectivity is the lack of a separate sub-output.

Performance

The OXS Thunder Pro + soundbar delivers clear and crisp audio, especially when it comes to dialogue and vocals. It’s well-suited for watching TV shows, listening to podcasts, and general audio use.

That said, the bass performance falls short of expectations. Despite claims of a deep, punchy low-end, the bass lacks the impact and depth one might anticipate from a high-end sound system. For action-packed games, media, or music with heavy bass, the soundbar doesn’t quite deliver the rumble and power that you might expect from a $699.99 gaming sound system.

At its high price, the OXS Thunder Pro + may not satisfy those seeking a full, balanced sound. While it does shine in terms of clarity and mid-range performance, the weak bass can make it difficult to justify the premium cost—particularly for those who prioritize a rich, immersive audio experience.

Neck speaker

The OXS Satellite Neck Speaker accessory stands out for its impressive comfort. Its soft, ergonomic design provides excellent neck support, making it ideal for long gaming sessions. Gamers will appreciate the comfort it adds to their setup, especially for extended playtime.

However, performance-wise, the neck pillow doesn’t quite deliver. Though it’s meant to add extra rear channels to enhance the audio experience with the Thunder Pro soundbar, the sound output is surprisingly weak. The added channels don’t provide the powerful, immersive audio expected, leaving the experience feeling underwhelming.

Additionally, the pillow’s battery life is a major downside. Despite its innovative features, it drains power quickly, requiring frequent recharges during longer sessions. This high battery consumption can be a hassle, especially for those hoping for a more efficient accessory.

In conclusion, while the OXS Satellite Neck Speaker excels in comfort, its low sound output and high battery usage diminish its overall appeal. It’s a great option for those in need of neck support, but it may not be the best choice for audiophiles or users looking for a more powerful, efficient audio solution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the OXS Thunder Pro + Gaming Soundbar offers solid performance with clear dialogue and crisp audio, making it a good choice for casual listening and general media consumption. However, its bass performance falls short, lacking the deep, impactful low-end expected from a high-end sound system, especially for gaming or music with heavy bass. Its design is more suited to a PC setup, and the absence of a separate subwoofer further contributes to the lack of a full, balanced sound.

At its premium price, the Thunder Pro + may not fully justify its cost for users seeking a richer, more immersive audio experience. By the way, if you are still interested after reading this review, there’s a $100 coupon discount on Amazon valid through December 23.

Review unit provided by the manufacturer.

7

WCCFTECH RATING