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 Samsung HW-Q800A is a much better soundbar than the AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth. The Samsung comes with a dedicated subwoofer that can reproduce a more extended low-bass. Unlike the AmazonBasics, it comes with center, surround, and Atmos channels. It's better built, with more physical inputs and more sound enhancement features. Also, its default sound profile is much more neutral and balanced.
Although the Vizio SB3820-C6 is a 2.0 channel speaker, it has a better performance than the 2.1 channel AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth. The Vizio has a better-balanced sound profile and has fewer compression artifacts at max volume. It also has a phantom center channel and it can downmix surround content. While it doesn't have EQs, it has bass and treble adjustments as well as three virtual surround sound features. The AmazonBasics, on the other side, offers a dialogue enhancement feature.
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 Samsung HW-Q950A is a significantly better soundbar than the AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth. The Samsung is an 11.1.4 setup with a dedicated sub and satellites that's better-built. Unlike the AmazonBasics, it has center, surround, and Atmos channels, as well as ARC and HDMI connection ports. It has a better soundstage, and it offers more sound enhancement features. There's even built-in voice assistant support. Some listeners may also prefer its more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box.
Test Results
