Buyer's guide · Full comparison
Which Thor Active Sound should you choose? The complete guide to comparing Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4
8 configurations, 4 Levels, prices from €729 to €1969. Here's the guide you need to choose the Thor system tailored to your car, your budget and your profile (without any regret).
If you're reading this, you've probably decided to install a Thor Active Sound system on your car. Congratulations: you're already halfway there. Now comes the question every buyer hesitates on: which Level should I choose?
With 4 main Levels and 4 « + Echo » variants, the Thor range can look complex at first glance. The difference between a Level 2 and a Level 3 isn't obvious. Same goes for Level 2 + Echo (€1419) versus Level 3 (€1449): just €30 apart, identical sound level (95 dB), but very different compositions.
In this guide, we'll review every configuration, what it actually contains, who it's for, and most importantly: we'll help you make the right choice based on your vehicle, budget, and driver profile. By the end of this read, you'll know exactly what to order.
Understanding the Thor range in 30 seconds
The Thor range is built on very simple logic: the higher you go, the more sound pressure increases, the more speakers are included, and the higher the build quality climbs.
Every Level shares the same brain — the Thor module* connected to your car's CAN-Bus — and the same app. What changes is the number, type and quality of speakers installed under your vehicle.
* Note for the Level 1 configuration: the Thor module ships with a limited sound library and no updates. A Thor Pro Upgrade is required to unlock the full catalogue and access future updates.
Storm, Thunder, Echo: what actually changes?
Before comparing Levels, you need to understand the three components that make them up. Each speaker plays a specific role:
Spherical speaker in high-resistance polymer. Reproduces the engine's bass and mid-range frequencies. Compact, lightweight, easy to fit under almost any vehicle. Featured in the Level 1 and Level 3 configurations.
Spherical speaker in titanium/steel alloy. More powerful, deeper, delivers the bass and the punch. Premium build quality. Featured in Level 2, 3 and 4.
Optional module dedicated to the high frequencies. Enhances pops & bangs, cylinder crackle, and adds about +5 dB perceived. Available as an option on every Level (the « + Echo » variants).
The 4 Thor Levels in detail
We take a critical look at each Level: price, composition, sound level, and most importantly who it's really for.
Thor Level 1
The Level 1 is deliberately positioned as the most accessible entry point into the Thor range. It includes a single Storm speaker in high-resistance polymer. That's enough to give a car some character back, without turning your street into a racetrack.
Key point to know: Level 1 is the only configuration shipped with a limited sound library (10 sounds versus 28+ for the other Levels). The Thor Pro upgrade is available at €149 if you want to unlock the full catalogue.
Ideal for: city cars, compact petrol/diesel models, a first Thor experience, tight budgets, or hesitant owners who want to discover the experience before stepping up.
Thor Level 2
The Level 2 marks a real leap in build quality and power. You move from a Storm speaker (plastic) to a Thunder in titanium/steel alloy. Heavier, denser, much more powerful: 10 dB more than Level 1, and most importantly a much more present bass.
Good news: from Level 2 onwards, the full Thor Pro sound library is included by default. You get 28+ sounds straight out of the box.
Ideal for: family petrol/diesel sedans, estates, compact SUVs. This is the configuration that truly transforms the driving experience without going overboard. Excellent value for money if you're after real sound presence.
Thor Level 3
The Level 3 is a particularly compelling configuration in the range. Why? Because it's unique in blending two technologies: a metal Thunder for the power and the bass, a plastic Storm to enrich the signature with countless nuances.
The result: a wider, more balanced, more realistic sound than a Level 2. For only €250 more than a Level 2 (and €30 more than a Level 2 + Echo), you gain in tonal richness what a single speaker simply cannot deliver.
Ideal for: premium sedans, family SUVs, diesel owners looking for a generous yet balanced rendering.
Thor Level 4
The Level 4 is the no-compromise configuration. Two metal Thunder speakers, strategically installed under the vehicle, ensuring maximum sound dispersion, a deep bass and an extreme presence outside the car.
100 dB perceived — that's the acoustic equivalent of a genuine atmospheric V8 at mid-range RPM. More subtlety than the Level 2 (single Thunder), more raw power than the Level 3 (mixing metal and plastic). It's the pinnacle.
Ideal for: large SUVs, 4x4s, downsized sports cars (Mustang EcoBoost, BMW 4 Series diesel, M-Sport 3.0d, etc.), and owners who want the maximum.
The 4 Thor Levels, combinable with the optional Thor Echo (8 total configurations).
The « Thor Echo » option: why choose it?
Each Thor Level is available as a + Echo variant. In practical terms, you add a complementary speaker called Echo to your base configuration. Fair question: is it worth it?
What the Echo actually brings
The Echo is a compact speaker dedicated to the high frequencies. It complements the Storm/Thunder of your configuration. Its contribution is threefold:
Our honest recommendation
If your budget allows it and you want maximum realism: go with the Echo. It's also available for separate purchase, but ordering it at the same time as the base configuration saves you a second workshop installation.
Full comparison: the 8 Thor configurations at a glance
Here's the summary table you've been waiting for: price, sound pressure, composition and ideal profile for each of the 8 Thor configurations.
★ Level 2 + Echo is our most-installed workshop configuration — an excellent compromise between price, power and sound quality. Rose-tinted rows indicate the variants featuring the Echo module.
Which Thor Level to choose for your vehicle?
Your vehicle type directly influences the optimal choice. The heavier, longer or quieter the car, the more sound pressure and depth you need to create the illusion of an expressive engine. Here are our recommendations by vehicle category. Of course, if you own one of the vehicles listed below, you can always choose a different configuration.
These recommendations are starting points. The final choice depends on your personal taste and the space available under your vehicle. We strongly recommend checking that beforehand.
Which Thor Level to choose for your budget?
Here are our honest recommendations by budget range. Important note: the prices shown do not include workshop installation (an option to choose at checkout on our site).
Budget under €1000 — Level 1 or Level 1 + Echo
If your budget caps at around €800-1000, you stay within the Storm configurations. Level 1 alone (€729) if you just want to test the experience, Level 1 + Echo (€969) if you're already after a richer and more realistic rendering.
Budget €1000-1500 — Level 2, Level 2 + Echo or Level 3
This is the most common range. Level 2 (€1199) already gives you a metal Thunder and 90 dB. Level 2 + Echo (€1419) delivers excellent sound presence, deep and realistic. But for only €30 more than the Level 2 + Echo, Level 3 (€1449) gives you two speakers (Thunder + Storm). It's also a great choice for a richer sound.
Budget €1500-1800 — Level 3 + Echo or Level 4
In this bracket, the question becomes: do you prefer the richness of Level 3 + Echo (€1699, three speakers + Echo module) or the raw power of Level 4 (€1759, two metal Thunder). For a €60 gap, it's a choice of sound philosophy more than a question of budget.
Unlimited budget — Level 4 + Echo
The ultimate package. €1969, 105 dB, two metal Thunder + one Echo. This is the Thor experience pushed to its maximum, no compromises. Pick this one if your budget allows and you want the absolute top.
What if I want to upgrade later? Is the Thor system modular?
Good news: yes, the Thor architecture is modular. You can start with a Level 1 and upgrade later, step by step, without replacing everything.
Possible upgrade paths
The Thor module (the « brain ») remains the same across every Level. When you add a speaker, you simply connect it to the existing module and calibrate it via the app. No need to replace the module or redo the CAN-Bus wiring.
Small caveat: if you start with Level 1 (Storm only) and want to unlock the full sound library, also consider the Thor Pro upgrade at €149. For the other Levels (2, 3, 4), it's included by default.
If you're hesitating between two Levels and your budget allows it, go with the higher one from the start. You'll save on installation costs (a single workshop visit instead of two) and avoid the hassle of rescheduling appointments, leaving the car off the road and paying labour again.
A Thor Level 4 installation in our workshop in Faymonville (Belgium).
Frequently asked questions about choosing a Level
Level 2 + Echo and Level 3 have the same sound level (95 dB). Why is Level 3 more expensive?
Because identical sound pressure doesn't tell the whole story. Level 2 + Echo has a single large Thunder + an Echo. Level 3 has two speakers (Thunder + Storm), so wider dispersion and a richer signature. For €30 more, you gain in realism and depth, even if the dB count is identical.
Level 3 + Echo and Level 4 are at the same dB (100 dB). Which one to choose?
A philosophical question. Level 3 + Echo bets on tonal variety (Thunder + Storm + Echo = three distinct sources). Level 4 bets on raw power (two identical Thunders). Level 3 + Echo delivers a richer, more nuanced sound; Level 4 delivers a more direct punch. If you forced us to pick between these two, our choice would lean towards Level 4 because the sound quality of two Thunder speakers is genuinely impressive.
How much does workshop installation cost on top of the Kit?
The prices shown on the site do not include installation. You can choose an installation option at checkout. As a rule of thumb, count half a day to a full day of workshop time depending on the complexity of the vehicle and the Level chosen.
Is there enough space under the car for Level 4?
Yes, two Thunders require more space than one. We recommend checking the available space under your vehicle yourself, or having it placed on a workshop lift to confirm feasibility. Every model has its specifics and we cannot guarantee feasibility without seeing the vehicle.
Do all Levels work on an electric vehicle?
Yes, via the specially tuned Thor EV range. All Levels (1 to 4) are available as an EV variant. Our advice: on an electric vehicle, always go with the Echo option. There's no base engine sound to support the rendering, so the Echo brings a lot.
Is the Thor app the same across all Levels?
Yes, exactly the same. All Levels benefit from the same app features: engine profile switching, volume control, driving modes, Apple Watch control, etc. The only difference: on Level 1, you get 10 sounds by default instead of 28+ and the app is more limited (unless you take the Thor Pro upgrade at €149).
Is Level 4 compliant with vehicle inspection?
The Thor installation is 100% reversible and alters neither the engine, the exhaust line, nor the original electronic management. The system shuts off when the ignition is switched off or via the app. We recommend switching the Thor system off during your vehicle inspection. Please check the rules in force in your country to make sure there are no issues.
How long does a Thor workshop installation take?
Count on average half a day for a Level 1 or 2 (single speaker) and a full day for a Level 3 or 4 (two speakers + tuning). You can choose between installation at our workshop at Ruthier 1, 4950 Waimes (Belgium), installation by one of our partners across Europe, or installation by yourself / an acquaintance — provided you have the skills and the right tools for a proper installation. You will be able to select one of these options after adding your Thor Kit to your cart, at checkout.
Ready to choose your Thor Kit?
Now that you know everything, all that's left is to place your order. Shipping is free throughout Europe with a 48-72h delivery time. Payments on the site are secure and you can pay in installments with Alma.
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