OXS S3 TV Soundbar Bluetooth Dynamic Bass Review: The Budget Audio Upgrade Your TV is Begging For

There’s a universally frustrating moment we’ve all experienced. You’re settled in for the night, ready to dive into the latest blockbuster film. The visuals are stunning, the cinematography is breathtaking, but something is profoundly… off. The epic explosions sound like popping paper bags, and the whispered, critical dialogue gets completely lost in the background score. You find yourself constantly adjusting the volume, cranking it up for conversations only to be blasted out of your seat during an action sequence. This is the unfortunate reality of relying on the built-in speakers of modern, slim-profile televisions. In the race to make screens thinner, audio quality has become the primary casualty, leaving us with a cinematic experience that’s all picture and no punch. For years, I endured this, thinking a proper home audio setup was a complex and expensive dream. The thought of tangled wires, bulky receivers, and a hefty price tag was enough to make me just accept the mediocre sound. That is, until I began searching for a simple, elegant, and affordable solution to reclaim the audio immersion that modern entertainment deserves.

What to Consider Before Buying a Soundbar

A soundbar is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for transforming your living room into a more engaging entertainment hub. It’s designed to solve the problem of weak, down-firing, and unclear audio that plagues most modern flat-screen TVs. By providing forward-facing drivers, enhanced processing, and a wider soundstage, a good soundbar delivers clearer dialogue, more impactful bass, and a sense of dimension that built-in speakers simply cannot replicate. The main benefits are immediate and obvious: improved clarity for dialogue-heavy shows, a more dynamic range for music, and a more immersive feel for movies and gaming, all from a single, streamlined unit that avoids the clutter of a traditional multi-speaker surround sound system.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the exact frustrations mentioned above—the movie lover, the series binger, or the casual gamer who wants a significant audio upgrade without breaking the bank or redesigning their living space. It’s perfect for those in apartments or medium-sized rooms where a full 5.1 system would be overkill. However, it might not be suitable for those who are dedicated audiophiles seeking lossless audio format support like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, or for those who desire the true, room-shaking bass that only a dedicated, high-powered subwoofer can provide. For those users, a more premium system with separate components might be a better, albeit more expensive, alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Measure the width of your TV and the space on your media unit. A soundbar should ideally be slightly narrower than your TV for aesthetic balance. Also, check its height to ensure it won’t block the TV’s infrared sensor if placed in front. If you plan to wall-mount, confirm that both the soundbar and your wall are compatible.
• Connectivity & Performance: The most important factor is how it will connect to your TV. An Optical (or TOSLINK) connection is a common and reliable digital standard that provides excellent quality. HDMI ARC is even better, as it often allows you to control the soundbar’s volume with your TV remote. For versatility, look for Bluetooth for streaming music from your phone and auxiliary inputs for older devices. Performance is dictated by the number and quality of speakers (drivers) and any onboard Digital Sound Processing (DSP).
• Audio Features & Sound Modes: Look for features that match your viewing habits. Dialogue enhancement or a “News” mode can be a lifesaver for clarifying speech. “Movie” modes often boost bass and create a wider surround effect, while “Music” modes aim for a more balanced, stereo sound. The presence of these EQ presets adds significant value and customisation.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A good soundbar should be a “set it and forget it” device. Look for a simple setup process, an intuitive remote control, and clear indicator lights that show the current input and sound mode. Maintenance is minimal, usually just requiring occasional dusting with a soft cloth to keep the speaker grille clean.

Keeping these factors in mind, the OXS S3 TV Soundbar Bluetooth Dynamic Bass stands out in several areas, offering a compelling blend of features for its price point. You can explore its detailed specifications here.

While the OXS S3 TV Soundbar Bluetooth Dynamic Bass is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Solid Build and Surprising Inclusions

Unboxing the OXS S3 TV Soundbar Bluetooth Dynamic Bass, the first thing we noticed was its surprising heft. In the world of budget electronics, lightness often correlates with cheap components, but at 2.63 kg, the S3 felt substantial and well-constructed. As one user aptly noted, a heavier package is often a good sign that proper components have been used. The unit itself has a minimalist, clean design—a sleek black bar that doesn’t scream for attention, destined to blend in seamlessly below most modern televisions. The metal grille covering the four full-range speakers adds a premium touch that belies its accessible price.

What truly impressed us, however, was what came inside the box. So often, manufacturers cut corners by omitting essential cables, forcing an extra purchase and a delay in setup. OXS pleasantly subverts this expectation. Not only did we find the standard power and AUX cables, but also an Optical cable—the very one we’d recommend for the best possible sound quality from a TV. This thoughtful inclusion, highlighted by several happy customers, means you can be up and running within minutes of opening the box. It’s a small detail, but it speaks volumes about the brand’s focus on user experience right from the start.

A Deep Dive into the OXS S3’s Audio Performance and Features

A soundbar can have all the features in the world, but it lives or dies by one thing: its ability to sound good. We put the OXS S3 TV Soundbar Bluetooth Dynamic Bass through its paces across a wide range of media—from explosive action films and dialogue-driven dramas to high-energy gaming sessions and a diverse music playlist—to see if it delivers on its promises.

Sound Quality: A Genuine Cinematic Upgrade

Let’s be clear: this isn’t a high-end audiophile system. But for its intended purpose—obliterating the sound quality of your TV’s built-in speakers—it is an astonishing success. The core of its audio prowess lies in the combination of four full-range speakers and integrated Digital Sound Processing (DSP). The immediate difference is night and day. Watching a tense scene in a thriller, we could finally hear the subtle atmospheric sounds and hushed dialogue that were previously a muddled mess. One user enthusiastically stated it was “100 times better than the television,” and we wholeheartedly agree. The soundstage feels significantly wider and more layered, giving a sense of space that a TV simply cannot produce.

The “Dynamic Bass,” achieved through a special port tube reflection design, is present and impactful without being overwhelming. It adds a satisfying low-end rumble to explosions and a warm punch to basslines in music. It won’t shake your floorboards like a dedicated subwoofer, but it provides a richness and depth that is sorely missing from standard TV audio. We found the Movie mode to be the most impressive, as it leverages the DSP to create a convincing 3D surround effect. While it’s a virtual surround sound, it genuinely enhances immersion, making sound effects feel like they’re happening around you, not just in front of you. With less than 1% total harmonic distortion, we were able to push the volume quite high without any noticeable hissing or cracking, a finding confirmed by users who noted its distortion-free performance even at levels loud enough to “annoy the whole house.”

Connectivity and Setup: The Definition of Plug-and-Play

In an age of complex gadgets, the simplicity of the OXS S3 TV Soundbar Bluetooth Dynamic Bass is a breath of fresh air. From unboxing to listening took us less than five minutes. Our preferred method was the included Optical cable; it was a simple case of plugging one end into our TV’s “Digital Audio Out” port and the other into the soundbar. The TV instantly recognised it, and we were in business. This seamless experience was a common theme among user feedback, with many praising how “kinderleicht” (child’s play) the installation was.

The versatility of its connections is a major selling point. Beyond the excellent Optical input, it offers Coaxial and a standard 3.5mm AUX input, covering nearly any television, old or new. One user noted they had to purchase an AUX cable to connect to their TV’s headphone jack, highlighting the value of having this option available. The Bluetooth 5.0 functionality is equally flawless. We paired our smartphone in seconds, and the connection remained stable and strong from across the room. Streaming a playlist, we were impressed by the sound quality, which was rich and full-bodied. This dual functionality transforms the soundbar from just a TV accessory into a capable home music system. The inclusion of a USB port for playing audio directly from a flash drive is another thoughtful touch that adds to its impressive versatility.

Design and Usability: A Tale of Two Choices

The overall design is sleek and understated, fitting well into most home entertainment setups. It’s robust and feels well-made. The included remote control is straightforward and gives you easy access to volume, input selection, and the three crucial EQ modes (Movie, Music, and News/Game). We found these modes to be distinct and genuinely useful. The News mode, in particular, excels at its primary function: dialogue enhancement. It subtly boosts the mid-range frequencies where human speech resides, making conversations crisp and clear without having to increase the overall volume. For anyone who struggles to hear dialogue, this feature alone is a game-changer.

However, the design is not without its quirks, and two specific choices were consistently highlighted in our testing and echoed by other users. First, the placement of the connection ports. Instead of being recessed on the back, they are located on a slanted top panel. If the soundbar is placed on a media unit, this means the power and audio cables jut out from the top, creating a less-than-tidy look. This is a perplexing design flaw in an otherwise sleek device and something to consider if you are meticulous about cable management.

The second issue is the lack of an auto-on or auto-connect feature. We tested this with a smart plug, hoping to have the soundbar turn on with the rest of our entertainment system. Unfortunately, when power is supplied, the unit enters standby mode and must be manually turned on with the remote or the physical button. One user, coming from an LG soundbar that had this feature, expressed disappointment. It’s a minor inconvenience but a notable one for those building a streamlined, automated smart home setup. Despite these quirks, the overall user experience remains positive, especially when you consider the exceptional audio value on offer.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our positive experience with the OXS S3 TV Soundbar Bluetooth Dynamic Bass is strongly reflected in the broader user feedback. The overwhelming sentiment is one of pleasant surprise, with many reviewers stating the sound quality and power far exceeded their expectations for the price. One delighted user wrote, “From my smart phone, it diffuses unbelievably powerful and good quality sounds. I’m delighted to daily use… for my smartphone’s music or smart tv’s movies.” Another, who bought it to help with hearing dialogue, called it a “game changer,” finally allowing them to enjoy their favourite shows without straining to hear.

However, the constructive criticism is just as consistent and aligns perfectly with our own findings. The most common complaint by far is the awkward, top-mounted cable inputs. A German user summarized it perfectly: “The connections are attached to the top of the soundbar and not the back, you can see the cables all the time. That is of course a bit annoying.” The second most-cited issue is the lack of an auto-power-on function, which prevents seamless integration with smart plugs. As one user explained, “…because this stays on standby it won’t auto connect without physically turning it on, unlike my LG soundbar which turned on and connected automatically from startup.” These critiques are valid and important for potential buyers to be aware of.

How Does the OXS S3 Compare to the Alternatives?

The OXS S3 TV Soundbar Bluetooth Dynamic Bass carves out a fantastic niche in the budget category, but it’s important to understand where it sits in the broader market. Here’s how it stacks up against three notable alternatives.

1. Sony HT-S40R 5.1ch 600W Soundbar with Subwoofer & Wireless Rear Speakers

The Sony HT-S40R represents a significant step up into a true home cinema system. With a powerful 600W output, a dedicated subwoofer for deep, rumbling bass, and two wireless rear speakers, it delivers an authentic 5.1 channel surround sound experience that the OXS S3’s virtual surround cannot fully replicate. This is the choice for someone with a larger room and a bigger budget who prioritizes maximum immersion for movies and gaming. If your primary goal is to feel every explosion and have sound coming from all around you, the Sony system is the superior, albeit more complex and expensive, option.

2. ULTIMEA Poseidon D60 5.1 Soundbar Dolby Atmos

The ULTIMEA Poseidon D60 sits in a compelling middle ground. Like the Sony, it includes a wireless subwoofer for enhanced bass performance. Its key differentiator, however, is its support for Dolby Atmos, an advanced audio format that adds a height dimension to the sound, creating a more immersive audio “bubble.” It also features app control for greater customisation. The Poseidon D60 is for the tech-savvy user who wants more advanced audio features and deeper bass than the OXS S3 offers, but perhaps doesn’t want or have the space for the separate rear speakers of the Sony system.

3. MAJORITY Atlas Portable Bluetooth Soundbar

The MAJORITY Atlas serves a completely different purpose. It is a compact, portable, and rechargeable soundbar designed primarily for PCs, laptops, and projectors. With its 8-hour battery life and small footprint, its strength lies in its versatility and portability. It’s not designed to be the main audio source for a large living room TV. This is the ideal choice for someone who needs a simple audio boost for their desk setup, wants to take it into another room, or needs a speaker for a projector on the go. It trades the power and cinematic scope of the OXS S3 for ultimate flexibility.

Our Final Verdict: Is the OXS S3 TV Soundbar Bluetooth Dynamic Bass Worth It?

After extensive testing, our conclusion is definitive: the OXS S3 TV Soundbar Bluetooth Dynamic Bass offers exceptional value and is a massive upgrade for anyone still relying on their TV’s native speakers. It delivers on its core promises with confidence, providing clear, powerful, and surprisingly immersive sound from a simple, all-in-one package. The setup is effortless, the connectivity is versatile, and the dedicated sound modes are genuinely effective, especially the dialogue-enhancing News mode.

It is not without its flaws. The top-mounted cable ports are a baffling design choice, and the lack of an auto-on feature will be a minor annoyance for smart home enthusiasts. However, these are liveable quirks rather than deal-breakers, especially when weighed against its stellar audio performance for the price. If you are an audiophile chasing premium features like Dolby Atmos or a home cinema purist demanding true 5.1 surround, you should look at more expensive alternatives. But if you are a movie lover, a family, or anyone simply seeking a straightforward, affordable, and dramatic improvement to your daily entertainment experience, the OXS S3 is an outstanding choice that punches well above its weight class.

If you’ve decided the OXS S3 TV Soundbar Bluetooth Dynamic Bass is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.