Soundwave is the latest Transformer to be brought to life by Robosen, joining the ranks with Megatron, Optimus Prime, Grimlock, and Bumblebee. Standing at just over 14 inches in robot form, Soundwave commands your attention, ready to deliver intel—or kick your tail—depending on his mood.
Frank Welker returned to the studio to bring him to life with over 200 lines of dialogue and over 48 voice commands.
Soundwave is very similar to his Decepticon leader, Megatron, in terms of how he works, walks, and what you can do in the app and with voice commands. Soundwave has some standout features that the others in the Transformer line do not have and that is where my main focus will be in this early-preview review.
Who is Soundwave?
Soundwave is the Communications Officer for the Decepticons and is considered to be in the upper ranks. Traditionally, he has always turned into a cassette player with cassettes that transform into various animals that go out into the field to get intel, which he can play back for Megatron.
I’m not one to root for the bad guys, but Soundwave is the exception. There is something about him that makes me pay attention when he’s on screen.
Frank Welker is the original voice of Soundwave and has been the main voice actor behind the character since the 80s, so it’s not a surprise they would bring him back to bring Soundwave to life.
Design & Build Quality: Decepticon Presence on Display
Soundwave is a bit smaller in build compared to some of the other Transformers by Robosen, but he has the same premium feel and weight as Megatron.
One standout capability sets Soundwave apart from the rest of the line: his Bluetooth speaker mode.
Not only does Soundwave turn into a cassette player, but he can also act as a Bluetooth speaker and recorder. With a push of a button on his top right shoulder, you can hook him up to a Bluetooth device and stream your music, movies, podcasts, or books to his speakers in crystal clear sound. He can also record and play back messages, just like his animated counterpart.
His voice is commanding and the volume can be adjusted in the app or via your device if you are streaming to his Bluetooth feature.
He’s modeled after the G1 Soundwave and they matched his colors perfectly. His eyes glow red like they are scanning your soul for intel. Even his arm cannon lights up and moves with precision.
The front part of Soundwave’s chest opens up to reveal a cavity that would fit his cassettes. I’m hoping that Robosen releases his cassette tape minions in the near future as accessories. I was genuinely disappointed that at least one cassette wasn’t included—it feels like a missed opportunity.
Auto-Transformation & Movement
Transforming is as easy as pushing a button in the app or issuing the vocal “transform” command. Soundwave moves seamlessly from one to the other. His stability and motions are solid and don’t have me wanting to hold a pillow behind him while he moves. My recommendation is that you use him on a solid surface, like tile, wood, or laminate. Keep him off the carpet or rug for best stability.
My only comment is that when he goes from robot to cassette player, he does shift a lot in his position on the floor/table he’s on. Megatron goes from one to the other in a mostly straight line. Soundwave almost makes a 90-degree turn from one to the other.
With that said, even though he is smaller than Megatron, he will need a bit more space for the transformation command.
App Experience & Software Control
*Disclaimer: I am using a beta version of the app that is not available to the public yet. What I see and what you will see after purchase may differ.
The setup was straightforward. Out of the box, he works with voice commands and when you connect with the app, you get more options to play with. Once connected, voice commands pause while software control is active. Closing it restores full voice functionality automatically.
He comes with his shockwave blaster and the app will tell you which commands you can use it with. Do not try to do a command that doesn’t use his blaster with his blaster in his hand. It could throw off his servos and you will have to do a reboot (ask me how I know this one…). The reboot is quick and painless, so if he throws an error, don’t panic. Just power him down (support his body if he’s in robot mode because he will kind of “pass out”) and then after a few seconds, power him back up.
He responds quickly to each command and I didn’t notice any lag between the command and the action.
Within the app, you will find the programming mode. This can be intimidating and may take some learning to get the hang of, but it gives you an infinite amount of options to make Soundwave your own. I love how Robosen makes it an option to program him this way because it makes the replay value skyrocket compared to just having built-in commands to entertain you.
Interaction With Megatron
As of this review (Februrary 2026), Soundwave has not been released to the public, so this review is based on the options and commands available in the beta version of the app. According to Robosen’s website, Soundwave will interact with Megatron using the mini-theater section in the app.
For this review, that option is not available, so I’m unable to test it. Have no fear. This section will be updated with that information as soon as it is released (estimated to be in April when he starts shipping to customers).
Play Value vs Collector Display
Soundwave is a collector’s piece with extensive programming and entertainment possibilities. The fact that he can be used as a Bluetooth speaker makes him a great desk accessory (albeit an expensive one) and conversation piece for anyone who stops by.
Just like his fellow Transformers in the line, he is not a toy and I would recommend him for serious collectors, robotics enthusiasts, and tech-forward geeks.
I do not recommend him for anyone under the age of 12. While he can take a beating from Optimus Prime, he is not strong enough to battle little hands and should be supervised when they are around for Soundwave’s sake.
Price, Value & Final Verdict
Coming on to the market with a retail price of $1,399, Soundwave is a high-ticket item that, in my opinion, is worth every dime. The technology behind him blows me away every time I open the app and see all that he can do. And to throw in the Bluetooth feature, considering his character’s role in the Transformers universe, chef’s kiss. No notes.
Casual or hardcore fans alike, I think, will enjoy Soundwave and all he offers. The Bluetooth speaker is a major selling point for me because it’s just that cool. I love it when something is fun to play with, looks cool, and has a practical use.
The only limitation I’ve run into is that he only has the one weapon. I really feel like Robosen missed the mark by not including a cassette tape in there, if nothing else, for fun. Ravage would have been my choice (hint…hint…).
Is Soundwave A Worthy Addition to Your Decepticon Army?
Soundwave is a standout in Robosen’s growing Transformer lineup. The combination of premium build quality, smooth auto-transformation, deeply customizable programming, iconic Frank Welker voice work, and that surprisingly excellent Bluetooth speaker feature makes him feel like something that’s both unique and special.
He’s just as fun to command as he is to admire, standing silently on your shelf waiting for orders.
Is he expensive? Yes, but once you see him in action and hear him speak, it becomes very clear why.
Soundwave will go from exceptional to downright unstoppable if Robosen decides to release any of his cassettes as accessories. Until then, he still earns his place as one of the most unique and entertaining collector-grade Transformers ever produced. Soundwave superior. Autobots… nervous.
Soundwave is available on Robosen’s website for $1,399 and will ship sometime in April.
Special Valentine’s Day Transmission!
Robosen is currently running a Valentine’s Day special on their website! Soundwave and the other Transformers are included in the sale, with tiered savings. Head over to Robosen’s website for more information. The sale ends on February 14th, 2026.
Disclaimer: GeekDad received a review sample.
