Trust Gaming GXT 1619 Rhox RGB Soundbar Review: The Budget Sound Upgrade Your Desk Deserves?

For years, my home office setup was a functional but chaotic mess. At the heart of the clutter was a pair of decade-old, beige desktop speakers. They were bulky, required their own power brick that took up two slots on my extension lead, and were connected by a nest of wires that seemed to attract dust and defy all attempts at cable management. Worse, the sound they produced was muddy and uninspired. Every video call felt distant, every background music track sounded flat, and every in-game explosion was a disappointing pop rather than a satisfying boom. I knew I needed an upgrade, but the thought of more bulk and more wires was a major deterrent. I wanted something sleek, simple, and modern that could deliver clear audio without dominating my precious desk space. This search for a minimalist yet powerful audio solution is what ultimately led me to the world of PC soundbars.

What to Consider Before Buying a PC Soundbar

A PC soundbar is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for decluttering your workspace and enhancing your daily audio experience. Traditional 2.0 or 2.1 speaker systems can take up significant real estate on either side of your monitor, creating a cluttered look and leaving less room for, well, everything else. A soundbar elegantly solves this by consolidating stereo speakers into a single, slim unit that sits neatly beneath your monitor. This not only frees up space but also creates a more focused, minimalist aesthetic. The primary benefit is achieving a significant audio upgrade over the notoriously poor quality of built-in monitor or laptop speakers, making everything from Zoom calls to gaming sessions more immersive and clear, all without the hassle of complex setups.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the classic desk space dilemma: students in dorm rooms, remote workers in compact home offices, and gamers who prioritise a clean, RGB-lit battlestation. They want a simple, plug-and-play device that offers a tangible improvement in sound quality for daily use, including watching videos, listening to casual music, and gaming. However, a compact, USB-powered soundbar might not be suitable for those who are serious audiophiles or music producers who demand pristine audio fidelity and a wide frequency response. Likewise, if you’re looking to create a room-filling home cinema experience, a small desktop soundbar will lack the power and deep bass required. For those users, a more robust 2.1 system with a dedicated subwoofer or a set of high-quality bookshelf speakers would be a more appropriate investment.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Measure the space underneath your monitor stand. A soundbar should fit comfortably without obstructing the screen or looking out of place. The Trust Gaming GXT 1619 Rhox RGB Soundbar, at 40cm wide, is designed to pair perfectly with most 24-inch and 27-inch monitors, offering a low-profile solution that integrates seamlessly.
• Power & Performance: Pay attention to the power output, specified in RMS (continuous power) and Peak (maximum short-term power). The Rhox’s 6W RMS and 12W Peak power are typical for a USB-powered device. This is ample for clear, loud audio at a desk but won’t be powerful enough to host a party. Also, consider the lack of a dedicated subwoofer, which means bass will be present but not profoundly deep.
• Materials & Durability: The build quality often reflects the price. Many budget soundbars use an all-plastic construction. The Rhox elevates this slightly with a stylish textile mesh grille over the speakers, which gives it a more premium look and feel than some competitors, even if the main body is still plastic. This combination offers a good balance of durability and aesthetic appeal for a desk environment.
• Ease of Use & Connectivity: The ultimate convenience is a “plug-and-play” setup. The Rhox exemplifies this by using a standard USB-A connection for power and a 3.5mm jack for audio. This avoids the need for drivers, software, or separate power adapters, making it incredibly simple to set up and use across any compatible desktop or laptop. The inclusion of a large, physical volume knob is also a huge ergonomic plus over fiddly buttons.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Trust Gaming GXT 1619 Rhox RGB Soundbar stands out in several areas, particularly for those prioritising simplicity and style on a budget. You can explore its detailed specifications and features here.

While the Trust Gaming GXT 1619 Rhox RGB Soundbar is an excellent choice for its category, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, including more powerful options, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Sleek, Simple, and Ready to Glow

Unboxing the Trust Gaming GXT 1619 Rhox RGB Soundbar was a refreshingly straightforward affair. The packaging is minimal and effective, and inside, the soundbar is securely nestled, accompanied only by its integrated cable and a small user manual. My first impression of the unit itself was positive. At 700g, it feels light but not flimsy, and the 40cm length was the perfect size to slide right into the space beneath my 27-inch monitor. The design is a tale of two textures: the main body is a matte black and grey plastic, which is standard for this price point, but the front is covered in a dark textile mesh grille that lends it a touch of sophistication you don’t always see on budget gaming peripherals. The standout feature, even before plugging it in, is the massive, illuminated volume knob on the right. It promised tactile, immediate control, a welcome change from the tiny, hard-to-find buttons on my old speakers.

A Deep Dive into the Rhox’s Performance

A product can look great on a desk, but its true value is in its performance. We put the Trust Gaming GXT 1619 Rhox RGB Soundbar through its paces in a variety of real-world scenarios, from intense gaming sessions and movie marathons to daily music listening and video conferences. We wanted to understand not just what it could do, but who it was truly built for. The results were consistent and clear: this is a device that knows its audience and serves them well, provided expectations are set correctly.

Audio Quality in the Real World: Clear Voice, Tamed Bass

Let’s address the most critical aspect first: the sound. Powered by 6W RMS, the Trust Gaming GXT 1619 Rhox RGB Soundbar is not designed to shake the walls. Instead, its strength lies in clarity, especially in the mid and high ranges. When testing with dialogue-heavy games like *Baldur’s Gate 3* and watching YouTube tutorials, voices came through with surprising crispness and presence. This was a night-and-day improvement over my monitor’s built-in speakers, eliminating the muffled, distant quality I had grown accustomed to. This finding was echoed by users who purchased it specifically for voice-based audio and found it “fulfills reasonably well in terms of sharpness and lack of distortion with the volume at full.”

When we moved to more action-oriented gaming in *Apex Legends*, the stereo separation was decent. We could clearly distinguish the direction of footsteps and gunfire, providing a functional competitive edge. However, this is where the bass limitations become apparent. Explosions and the thumping basslines of the game’s soundtrack lacked the visceral impact you’d get from a system with a subwoofer. As one user aptly put it, it “lacks in ultimate punch and bass for obvious reasons.” For music, the experience was similar. Genres like acoustic, classical, and pop sounded pleasant and clear. But for electronic music or hip-hop, the low-end frequencies felt recessed and weak. The soundbar provides a perfectly enjoyable listening experience for background music while working or casual listening, but it won’t satisfy anyone looking for a deep, thumping beat. It is, as another owner described, “fine for casual use, but don’t expect strong bass or premium audio quality.”

Design and Ergonomics: Master of the Under-Monitor Domain

The physical design of the Trust Gaming GXT 1619 Rhox RGB Soundbar is arguably its greatest triumph. It’s a product born from the understanding that desk space is a premium commodity. By replacing two separate speakers with one sleek bar, we immediately reclaimed valuable surface area. The low-profile build ensures it doesn’t obstruct the view of the screen, and its understated black/grey finish allows it to blend into most setups when the lights are off.

The hero of the design is undoubtedly the large rotary volume knob. It’s an ergonomic masterstroke. The knob is illuminated, making it easy to find in a darkened room during a late-night gaming session. It has a smooth, satisfying resistance as you turn it, allowing for precise volume adjustments. Crucially, it also functions as the power switch—a full turn counter-clockwise clicks the unit off completely. This simple, tactile interface is vastly superior to searching for small buttons or relying on software sliders. One user specifically praised this feature, noting the “large volume control knob on the right hand side” as a key reason for their satisfaction. The build quality, while predominantly plastic, feels sturdy enough for its stationary life on a desk. The fabric grille adds a premium touch that elevates the overall aesthetic beyond its modest price tag.

RGB Illumination: Adding Atmosphere to Your Setup

For many, a gaming peripheral isn’t complete without a splash of RGB, and the Trust Gaming GXT 1619 Rhox RGB Soundbar delivers this in a tasteful and customisable way. The lighting is integrated into the base of the unit, casting a gentle, ambient glow onto your desk rather than shining distractingly in your eyes. This creates a fantastic atmosphere that can complement the rest of your RGB-enabled setup. The soundbar features six selectable light modes, including a smooth rainbow cycle and several solid colour options. While some user reviews were mixed on how to control the lights, we found a discreet touch-sensitive button on the top surface of the soundbar. A simple tap cycles through the different modes, and a long press turns the illumination off entirely. This is a crucial feature for those who find RGB lighting distracting or simply want a more professional look during the workday. The lights are powered directly through the USB cable, adding no extra wiring. We found the effect to be elegant and immersive, enhancing the visual appeal of our gaming station without being garish. For those who value aesthetics as much as audio, the well-implemented RGB is a major selling point. If you’re looking to add that final touch of gamer flair to your desk, this soundbar’s lighting system is a brilliant addition.

The Simplicity of Plug-and-Play: From Box to Beats in 60 Seconds

In an era of complex software suites and driver installations, the absolute simplicity of the Trust Gaming GXT 1619 Rhox RGB Soundbar is a breath of fresh air. This is a true plug-and-play device. The setup process is as simple as it gets: you take it out of the box, place it under your monitor, plug the USB-A cable into a spare port on your computer or a powered hub, and connect the 3.5mm audio jack to your headphone port. That’s it. Your computer instantly recognises it as an audio output device, and you’re ready to go. There are no drivers to download, no control panels to configure, and no software to install. This hassle-free experience was a recurring theme in user feedback, with multiple people highlighting that the item is “Totalmente plug & play.” This makes it an ideal choice for users who aren’t particularly tech-savvy or for anyone who simply wants a reliable audio solution that works immediately without any fuss. It’s important to ensure you have both a USB-A port and a 3.5mm audio output available, but for virtually any desktop or modern laptop, this is standard. This straightforward, no-nonsense approach is a core part of its appeal and a huge advantage for users who value convenience above all else.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, user feedback for the Trust Gaming GXT 1619 Rhox RGB Soundbar paints a picture of a product that delivers exactly what it promises. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive among those who purchased it with the right expectations. A common thread is praise for its form factor and value. One user summed it up perfectly: “Good unit, fits perfectly in the space I require.” Another confirmed its excellent value, stating it was “excellent value for money” after needing a new gaming speaker. The plug-and-play setup is frequently mentioned as a major highlight, with many appreciating the immediate, hassle-free functionality.

On the critical side, the feedback is just as consistent and aligns perfectly with our own findings. The primary drawback mentioned is the audio profile. One user noted it’s a “great little speaker, does the job,” but “lacks in ultimate punch and bass for obvious reasons.” This sentiment is shared by another who cautions, “if you are looking for deep bass & loud, then this unit probably not for you.” This isn’t so much a complaint as an observation of the physical limitations of a small, USB-powered device. These reviews are not warnings against buying the product, but rather helpful guides for potential buyers, confirming that it excels as a clear, convenient desktop speaker for everyday use, not a high-fidelity sound system.

How Does the Trust Rhox Compare to the Alternatives?

While the Trust Gaming GXT 1619 Rhox RGB Soundbar carves out a strong niche in the budget category, it’s important to see how it stacks up against other popular options, especially for those with different needs or slightly larger budgets.

1. CREATIVE Stage SE Under-monitor Soundbar

The CREATIVE Stage SE is a logical step up from the Trust Rhox for users who crave better audio fidelity and more connectivity options. Its key advantages are the inclusion of Bluetooth 5.3 and USB digital audio. Bluetooth allows you to wirelessly stream music from your phone or tablet, adding a layer of versatility the wired-only Rhox lacks. More importantly, USB digital audio can provide a cleaner, more direct signal from your PC than a traditional 3.5mm analog connection. It also features Creative’s Sound Blaster technology for dialogue enhancement and virtual surround sound. This makes it a superior choice for those who watch a lot of movies or play story-driven games and are willing to pay a premium for those enhanced features and the trusted Creative branding.

2. ULTIMEA Poseidon D50 5.1 Surround Soundbar System

The ULTIMEA Poseidon D50 is in a completely different league and serves a different purpose. This isn’t a desk speaker; it’s a full-fledged home theatre system in a compact package. With a dedicated wireless subwoofer for thunderous bass and two rear satellite speakers for true 5.1 surround sound, it’s designed for maximum immersion. This system is the ideal choice for someone looking to transform their living room or dedicated gaming room into a cinematic experience. It blows the Trust Rhox out of the water in terms of power, bass, and spatial audio, but it comes with a significantly higher price tag, a larger footprint, and a more involved setup. It’s an alternative only for those who prioritise room-filling, surround sound above all else.

3. CREATIVE Stage 2.1 Under-monitor Soundbar with Subwoofer

The CREATIVE Stage 2.1 is perhaps the most direct and compelling alternative for someone considering the Trust Rhox but worried about the lack of bass. It maintains the sleek, under-monitor soundbar form factor but pairs it with a dedicated, slimline subwoofer that can be tucked away under the desk. This 2.1 configuration provides the best of both worlds: a clean desktop and the deep, impactful bass that the Rhox is missing. It’s the perfect middle ground, offering a massive audio upgrade for gaming and music without the complexity of a full surround system. If your budget can stretch a bit further and you have space for the sub, the CREATIVE Stage 2.1 is arguably the better choice for a more dynamic and powerful audio experience.

Final Verdict: The Right Choice for the Right Desk

After extensive testing, it’s clear that the Trust Gaming GXT 1619 Rhox RGB Soundbar is a fantastic product when viewed through the correct lens. It is not trying to be an audiophile-grade speaker system, nor is it designed to power a home cinema. Instead, it succeeds brilliantly at its intended purpose: to be a simple, stylish, and affordable audio upgrade for the modern computer desk. Its greatest strengths are its space-saving design, its dead-simple plug-and-play setup, and its attractive RGB lighting. The audio is clear and loud enough for any personal desktop use, representing a massive leap in quality from any built-in monitor or laptop speakers.

We would wholeheartedly recommend the Trust Gaming GXT 1619 Rhox RGB Soundbar to students, home office workers, and casual gamers who are looking to declutter their setup and add a touch of personality without spending a fortune. It delivers on all its promises and offers exceptional value. However, if deep, rumbling bass is a must-have for your music or gaming, you would be better served by an alternative with a dedicated subwoofer. For its target audience, this is a five-star product that solves a common problem with elegance and simplicity.

If you’ve decided the Trust Gaming GXT 1619 Rhox RGB Soundbar is the right fit for your setup, you can check its current price and purchase it here.