The OXS Thunder Duo X makes for an attractive (but expensive) audio package, offering ‘the world’s first studio-grade gaming speaker system with true Dolby Atmos.’ It’s a bold promise, but for around $550, you’d hope it was the world’s first something to warrant that price tag.
I’ve spent a little time now with the OXS Thunder Duo X, which is made up of a Thunder Duo speaker pair and the wireless satellite neck speaker, which adds the X to the name. The set might look phenomenal, but what’s the substance like? Is the Thunder Duo X worth the hefty price tag?
Let’s find out. Here’s my full OXS Thunder Duo X review.
OXS Thunder Duo X Still Can’t Convince Me
This isn’t the first neck speaker arrangement I’ve tested from OXS, as in 2024, I reviewed the OXS Thunder Pro+, a gaming soundbar that also came with a wireless speaker destined for the back of your head. Back then, I wrote:
If I have one complaint, it’s that the ‘satellite neck speaker’ doesn’t seem to be at all worth the investment. If you only want to buy the soundbar, it’ll set you back $599.99, but adding the neck speaker bumps that up to $699.99.
It felt nice and was of a premium build, complete with a cooling effect and some decent ergonomics, but the 3D surround sound promise wasn’t all that present, and the resulting sound addition was something quite tinny and off-putting.
This is the same story the second time around. If you want to purchase the OXS Thunder Duo set and walk away with just the speakers, you’ll save up to $100. Lumping on the neck speaker cranks up the price, and while it feels great, it doesn’t add much to your overall soundscape.
If you’re an honest fiend for surround sound and pushing that concept as far as possible, then sure, the neck speaker might tickle you where it matters the most, but for someone who has never had it, you probably won’t miss it.
Superb Speakers in a Stylish Structure
The Thunder Duo system is easily one of the best audio solutions I’ve had the pleasure of testing. I think OXS hit the nail on the head with this set. Whether you’re using the speakers to push your gaming to the next level, enjoy movies in a more immersive setting, or blast pounding tracks during a workout, this set has your back.
Out of the box, the Thunder Duo system is remarkably easy to get to grips with. I was plugged in and playing within a couple of minutes, max. And that included taking the packaging out to the recycling bin.
This all-round solution supports a range of input options: USB-C, HDMI 2.1, Bluetooth, and optical. I tested all of them and had no issues across the board, which means you’ll have utterly no problems using the Thunder Duo X on a television, gaming PC, console, mobile device, or whatever else you want to throw at it.
There are even optional cables provided in the box to suit whatever input you desire, so you’re equipped and ready to go without scrabbling for that rogue HDMI cable you left in a drawer somewhere.
But installation aside, the OXS Thunder Duo speaker set is awesomely capable and drastically attractive. The speakers utilize a combination of transparent and opaque durable plastic, with underlaid RGB components that really make these speakers pop wherever you put them.
Under the hood, you’ve got dual DSP processing alloy magnet drivers with premium materials used in every inch of the build, minimizing vibrations and promoting solid bass output, even when you’ve got the speakers on a thin shelf or something to that effect.
The makeup of each speaker consists of:
- 1 x 1.5-inch full-range driver
- 1 x 20mm Silkdome tweeter
- 1 x 3.5-inch composite material woofer
That makes for 110W of RMS output, keeping sound quality high and distortion very low. If you’re a bass head, you can attach the Thunder Sub as an add-on, throwing another $100 or so onto the price packet but gaining a 5.25-inch woofer with an additional 80W RMS output.
The 5.1.2ch Dolby Atmos really shines, as much as audio can shine, I guess? OXS’s traditional upward-firing drivers, characterized by the awesome vent-style openings on the top of the speakers, add another layer to the soundscape, which I always appreciate.
They might be a little large for the average desktop gaming setup or a tightly-packed entertainment unit, but if you have the space to accommodate the Thunder Duo X, then you should. This speaker system is awesome, and as a growing audiophile, I’d say they’re worth the investment.
Let us know on the Insider Gaming Discord server if you’ve ever sampled OXS’ audio solutions.
For more Insider Gaming reviews, check out our coverage of the Sihoo C300 Pro V2 gaming chair
Grant has been gaming for 30+ years and in the industry for 10+. You'll probably find him playing a post-apocalyptic game or an extraction shooter somewhere.
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