The AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth is an affordable yet simple 2.1 soundbar with an integrated subwoofer. While it may be affordable for those working within a tight budget, its low price is reflected in its build quality, sound reproduction, and features. Its bass-tilted and uneven sound signature produce a dark sound. Unfortunately, if you play bass-heavy audio at max volume, you might hear a lot of distortion. Overall, this is a budget soundbar that doesn't deliver anything other than a poor audio experience.
Our Verdict
Poor for mixed usage. The AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth has an uneven sound signature that tilts towards the bass. Unusually, the thump and rumble in the bass range is also lacking, which isn't great for action movies. For a 2.1 soundbar, it has a mediocre soundstage, which won't really immerse you into your audio either. There are compression artifacts at max volume too, making it less than suitable for house parties. On the positive side, this soundbar has three modes to better enhance your listening experience.
- Auto-off power saving feature.
- Plasticky build with loose fabric cover.
- Very uneven sound signature.
- Lacks most common sound enhancement features.
Poor for dialogue and TV shows. The AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth's bass-tilted sound signature might impact your listening experience, but while we tested this soundbar on standard mode, it also has a dialogue enhancement feature called "news mode" which can help to bring out speech. On the downside, however, it lacks an auto-volume/night mode to correct differences in volume.
Disappointing for music. The AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth's bass-tilted sound signature is uneven and dark. Bass lacks thump and rumble while the treble is dull and dark. There's also some thumping and compression artifacts when you crank the volume up to the max. On the upside, you can stream audio from your phone or tablet via Bluetooth to wirelessly listen from your soundbar.
Bad for movies. The AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth has a dedicated movie mode. However, as it doesn't have a center or surround speakers, you get a narrow soundstage that won't be very immersive. It also doesn't have height channels or Atmos support. However, while we tested this soundbar with its standard mode, you might get better results using movie mode.
Changelog
- Updated Apr 02, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
- Updated Sep 21, 2020: The Dynamics tests have been reconducted due to a value input bug.
- Updated Mar 23, 2020: Review published.
- Updated Mar 18, 2020: Early access published.
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Popular Soundbar Comparisons
The AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth soundbar is a poor soundbar compared to speakers within the budget or entry-level range. Although it's probably the most affordable soundbar we've tested so far, its design and features reflect its low price point. Especially when compared to other budget models, its bass-tilted sound signature and overall poor performance make it forgettable among other similarly priced soundbars.
If you're looking for more affordable or better performing soundbars, check out the best budget soundbars, the best soundbars under $200, and the best small soundbars.
The Sony HT-S100F is an overall better-performing soundbar than the AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth. The Sony's sound profile is more neutral and balanced compared to the AmazonBasics', and it performs better at max volume. The Sony is also well-suited for dialogue-centric audio content. If you're power-conscious, the AmazonBasics has an auto-off compared to the Sony's standby mode.
The standalone Sonos Arc is better than the AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth. The Sonos is better built with a better soundstage performance. It comes with dedicated center, surround, and Atmos channels, and it has more sound enhancement features. Some listeners may prefer its more neutral sound profile out of the box. Also, it has built-in voice assistant support and an ARC port.
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a much better soundbar than the AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth. The Sonos is a premium, well-built 5.0 setup with a small, compact design. Unlike the AmazonBasics soundbar, it has a discrete center channel and supports surround and Atmos content. Its soundstage is better, too, and it offers more sound enhancement features.
The 3.0 channel Sonos Beam is a much better soundbar than the AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth. The Sonos is more compact, and it has a significantly better-balanced sound profile, a wider soundstage, and more sound enhancement features, including room correction. Neither soundbar has Full HDMI In ports, though, and both only support Dolby Digital surround content.
Test Results
The 2.1 Channel Bluetooth is a small soundbar. While mostly made of plastic, the bar is covered in a loose fabric that feels cheap and easily rippable. Beneath the bar is the integrated subwoofer, protected by a metal plate. It has a set of silver button controls on the right-hand side. This bar also has feet with small rubber dots instead of a flat surface.
Unlike the Vizio SB3820-C6 36", this bar is fairly small and should fit between the legs of most 55-inch TV stands. It also shouldn't block the screen, unless your TV sits directly on the table.
The AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth doesn't have a separate subwoofer in this setup.
There are no satellites in this setup as it's a 2.1 channel soundbar.
The back of this bar is slightly curved, so it won't sit completely flush to your wall. It has one opening for the input ports.
Update 05/08/2020: We've reduced the build quality score of this soundbar to better reflect how it compares to other products.
The AmazonBasics 2.1's build quality is mediocre. It has a black plastic build covered in a loose, cheap-feeling fabric that could be prone to ripping. A metal plate protects the integrated subwoofer hidden under the bar. Feet texturized with rubber dots raise this soundbar slightly off the table. As a whole, it doesn't feel as well-built as the BOMAKER Odine II, which uses a thin metal grille.
- Manuals
- Wall-mount template
- Remote control with two AAA batteries
- Power adapter and cord
- RCA audio cable
- Optical audio cable
- AUX 3.5mm audio cable
- 2x wall brackets with screws
The AmazonBasics 2.1 has a bad stereo frequency response. Tested on standard mode, it has a noticeable tilt in its tonal balance, producing a more bass-heavy sound. However, while you'll get more bass, your audio won't be able to produce deep rumbles and thumps. If you like to watch action movies with a lot of explosions, it'll sound shallow or lacking. Notes from the treble range such as from flutes or violins will also sound dull, giving this soundbar an uneven but dark sound. For a more balanced-sounding budget soundbar, consider the Vizio SB3220n-F6.
The stereo soundstage performance of the 2.1 Channel Bluetooth is mediocre. The width of the soundstage is fairly limited to the size of the bar while the focus is uneven, performing better on some songs than others. Its soundstage can be boxy on some tracks, too.
Update 09/21/2020: We've discovered a value input bug that would cause the Dynamics box results to be slightly off. All soundbars reviewed since January 30th, 2020 have been updated.
This soundbar has alright stereo dynamics. This soundbar can get loud enough to fill a large or crowded room. However, at max volume, it produces a lot of pumping and compression artifacts. If you're looking for a 2.1 channel soundbar that can similarly loud but with less compression, take a peek at the TaoTronics TT-SK026.
The THD performance of this soundbar is okay. At normal volume, you'll get a clean and pure sound. However, at max volume, the THD jumps across the range and is especially elevated in the mid-range. However, this shouldn't be audible to most.
The AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth doesn't have a physical center speaker. It can't even decode or downmix surround sound content on the center channel.
This soundbar doesn't support surround channels and can't downmix into stereo.
The AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth system doesn't have height channels and it doesn't support Atmos.
The sound enhancement features of the 2.1 Channel Bluetooth are terrible. It lacks most other features including an auto-volume mode. Fine-tuning your sound is also really limited to the preset EQs. However, if you watch a lot of dialogue-heavy content such as telenovelas or dramas, the news preset can enhance it as it acts as dialogue enhancement.
This soundbar has limited connectivity options. While it does come with an RCA In and AUX cable input, it lacks an HDMI In input. It also doesn't have an HDMI ARC and Out input, either. You won't be able to use it as a hub for all of your devices but if you're just looking to play music from just one source like a record player or TV, these inputs should be adequate.
This soundbar doesn't have an HDMI connection and can't play content via ARC. If you're looking for a 2.1 setup with an ARC port, consider the Vmai 2.1 Channel Sound Bar.
The AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth doesn't have a full HDMI In port which would allow it to connect to external devices that support the reproduction of advanced sound formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X.
The 2.1 Channel Bluetooth can only reproduce sound in the Dolby Digital format. Unfortunately, it doesn't support DTS, unlike most other soundbars.
This soundbar can connect to any device that supports Bluetooth such as your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to play your favorite jams through this speaker.
The AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth lacks an HDMI port and can't serve as a hub between your devices and your TV.
The 2.1 Channel Bluetooth's subwoofer is integrated into the bar.
The interface of the AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth is fairly simple. It doesn't have a display but it instead uses lights on the top of the soundbar to indicate which input and preset you're on. Unfortunately, there isn't a light or audio cue to indicate whether you've successfully connected via Bluetooth or not. While there is a light on the front of the bar that turns on when you've pressed the Bluetooth button, it always stays on whether or not you're connected via Bluetooth.
The bar controls of this soundbar are relatively simple. Its physical buttons allow you to toggle between three sound modes: standard, movie, and news. There's also a handy Bluetooth button that allows you to turn on and off the connection, although it doesn't have a light or audio cue to let you know if it is or isn't connected. You can even toggle between the wired connections with its dedicated button. Just like the sound modes, you'll know which setting you're on thanks to the light located to this button's left side. Finally, you have dedicated up and down volume control.
The 2.1 Channel Bluetooth's remote has basic controls, allowing you to toggle between inputs and modes. It also has a large Bluetooth button. However, the play/pause and skip tracks button will only work with your Bluetooth connection.