OXS Storm A2 Review: Fantastic Sound, But Feels Overpriced
OXS may still be a newcomer in the audio gear scene, but it’s making some noise-literally-with its new Storm A2 gaming headset. This model is the successor to their RGB-centric Storm G2 and takes a more refined, professional approach, seemingly built for serious gamers and audiophiles alike. But does it justify the $129 price tag? Let’s find out.
The Storm A2 comes in modest packaging with a solid set of accessories: the headset itself, a detachable mic, a 2.4GHz USB-A/C dongle, a USB-C to A charging cable, a travel pouch, and a manual. The inclusion of the pouch is a nice touch for portability.
Design-wise, the A2 looks and feels premium, sporting a sturdy metal frame and a grey finish. The headband is flexible enough to fit most heads, while the memory foam on the earcups is ultra-soft. That said, the foam feels a little too spongy and cheap, and there’s not much space inside the earcups, which may lead to sweaty ears during longer sessions.
Functionality is spread between both earcups. The left one houses volume and connection controls, while the right one features the ANC button. A single press toggles between ANC Off, ANC On, and Passthrough modes, and a double press includes Standard and Surround EQ presets. Handy features, but nothing revolutionary.
One standout is the versatility in connectivity. The headset supports four methods: a 2.4GHz dongle (with Type-A and detachable Type-C), Bluetooth 5.4, and USB-C wired connection. It’s compatible with PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and mobile phones-but oddly, no Xbox support.
When it comes to sound performance, the A2 delivers. Its 40mm neodymium drivers produce crisp highs, clean mids, and solid lows. Even at max volume, there’s no distortion. ANC does a great job silencing ambient noise, while the Passthrough mode is great for staying aware of your surroundings. The Surround EQ is especially immersive, and the bass? Deep, punchy, and felt right through the earcups.
But then there’s the microphone. It’s… okay. Acceptable for voice chat, but not great. Competing headsets-some even cheaper-offer better mic clarity. The A2’s mic suffers from noise-canceling issues that flatten the voice and make it sound dull, especially for streamers or pro gamers.
At the end of the day, the Storm A2 excels in the most important area-sound. With amazing ANC, rich bass, and multi-platform support, it’s great for both gaming and music. However, its shortcomings-like the meh mic, average comfort, and steep price-hold it back from greatness. At $130, it feels a bit overpriced. Drop it under $100, and it becomes a very solid deal.
WCCFTech Score: 8.0/10
Pros:
– Excellent audio quality
– Deep, immersive bass
– Strong ANC performance
– Versatile connectivity
Cons:
– Subpar microphone
– Slightly uncomfortable earcups
– No Xbox support
– Price doesn’t match features