Sonos Playbar vs AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth: Which Soundbar Is Better? - RTINGS.com

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Sonos Playbar

AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth

Tested using Methodology v1.0

Updated Sep 24, 2024 01:28 PM

Tested using Methodology v1.0

Updated Aug 01, 2025 01:16 PM

Sonos Playbar Picture

AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Picture

Channels Locked

Channels Locked

Our Verdict

Sonos Playbar

AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth

The 3.0 channel Sonos Playbar is a better soundbar than the AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth bar. The Sonos is a high-end soundbar with a more premium design, better-balanced sound, and more sound enhancement features, like room correction. Both soundbars lack connectivity options, though. Since the Sonos is quite a bit more expensive, if you're on a budget and aren't super picky about sound quality, the AmazonBasics is likely a better option.

Variants

Playbar

2.1 Channel Bluetooth

Review

See Sonos Playbar Review

See AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Review

Check Price

Standard

Playbar

Standard

2.1 Channel Bluetooth

Standard

Playbar

Standard

2.1 Channel Bluetooth

Standard

Playbar

Standard

2.1 Channel Bluetooth

Standard

Playbar

Standard

2.1 Channel Bluetooth

Standard

Playbar

Main Differences for

Mixed Usage

Threshold

0.10

Mixed Usage

0.0

0.0

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Full Comparison

Mixed Usage

0.0

0.0

Dialogue/TV Shows

0.0

0.0

Music

0.0

0.0

Movies

0.0

0.0

Design

Style - Bar

Style photo - bar

Sonos Playbar Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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Show Text

Style - Subwoofer

Style photo - sub

Sonos Playbar Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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Show Text

Style - Satellites

Style photo - satellites

Sonos Playbar Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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Show Text

Dimensions - Bar

Dimensions photo - bar

Sonos Playbar Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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Width

Lock" (Lock cm)

Lock" (Lock cm)

Height

Lock" (Lock cm)

Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth

Lock" (Lock cm)

Lock" (Lock cm)

Show Text

Dimensions - Subwoofer

Dimensions photo - sub

Sonos Playbar Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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Width

N/A

N/A

Height

N/A

N/A

Depth

N/A

N/A

Show Text

Dimensions - Satellites

Dimensions photo - satellites

Sonos Playbar Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Width

N/A

N/A

Height

N/A

N/A

Depth

N/A

N/A

Show Text

Back - Bar

Back photo - bar

Sonos Playbar Back photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Back photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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Bar Mounting

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Back - Subwoofer

Back photo - sub

Sonos Playbar Back photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Back photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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Enclosure

Locked

Locked

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Back - Satellites

Back photo - satellites

Sonos Playbar Back photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Back photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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Mounting

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Build Quality

N/A

N/A

Build quality photo

Sonos Playbar Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

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AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

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Show Text

In The Box

In The Box photo

Sonos Playbar In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

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AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

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HDMI Cable Length

N/A

N/A

Digital Optical Cable Length

Lock m (Lock ft)

Lock m (Lock ft)

Show Text

Sound

Stereo Frequency Response

N/A

N/A

Stereo Setup

Sonos Playbar Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Raw Frequency Response

Sonos Playbar Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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Frequency Response Small

Sonos Playbar Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

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AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Tested Preset

Locked

Locked

Slope

Lock

Lock

Std. Err.

Lock dB

Lock dB

Channels

Locked

Locked

Low-Frequency Extension

Lock Hz

Lock Hz

High-Frequency Extension

Lock kHz

Lock kHz

Show Text

Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration

N/A

N/A

Frequency Response Calibrated

Sonos Playbar Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

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AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Suggested Preset

Locked

Locked

Suggested Bass Setting

Lock

N/A

Suggested Treble Setting

Lock

N/A

Slope

Lock

Lock

Std. Err.

Lock dB

Lock dB

Low-Frequency Extension

Lock Hz

Lock Hz

High-Frequency Extension

Lock kHz

Lock kHz

Stereo Soundstage

N/A

N/A

Crosstalk

Sonos Playbar Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Crosstalk Error

Lock dB

Lock dB

Show Text

Stereo Dynamics

N/A

N/A

Dynamic Range Compression

Sonos Playbar Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

SPL @ Max Volume

Lock dB SPL

Lock dB SPL

DRC @ Max Volume

Lock dB

Lock dB

Show Text

Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion

N/A

N/A

THD

Sonos Playbar THD Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth THD Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Weighted THD @ 80dB

Lock

Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume

Lock

Lock

Show Text

Center

N/A

N/A

Center Setup

Sonos Playbar Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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Frequency Response

Sonos Playbar Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Localization

Locked

Locked

Slope

Lock

N/A

Std. Err.

Lock dB

N/A

SPL @ Max Volume

Lock dB SPL

N/A

Weighted THD @ 80dB

Lock

N/A

Weighted THD @ Max Volume

Lock

N/A

Show Text

Surround 5.1

N/A

N/A

Surround Setup

Sonos Playbar Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Frequency Response

Sonos Playbar Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Localization

Locked

Locked

Slope

Lock

N/A

Std. Err.

Lock dB

N/A

SPL @ Max Volume

Lock dB SPL

N/A

Weighted THD @ 80dB

Lock

N/A

Weighted THD @ Max Volume

Lock

N/A

7.1 Rears

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Height (Atmos)

N/A

N/A

Height Setup

Sonos Playbar Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

H Frequency Response

Sonos Playbar H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Localization

Locked

Locked

Slope

N/A

N/A

Std. Err.

N/A

N/A

SPL @ Max Volume

N/A

N/A

Weighted THD @ 80dB

N/A

N/A

Weighted THD @ Max Volume

N/A

N/A

Show Text

Sound Enhancement Features

N/A

N/A

Room Correction

Locked

Locked

Dialogue Enhancement

Locked

Locked

Auto-Volume/Night Mode

Locked

Locked

Subwoofer Level Adjustment

Locked

Locked

Bass Adjustment

Locked

Locked

Treble Adjustment

Locked

Locked

EQ

Locked

Locked

Surround Level Adjustment

Locked

Locked

Rear Level Adjustment

Locked

Locked

Height Level Adjustment

Locked

Locked

Virtual Surround

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Connectivity

Physical Inputs - Bar

Physical inputs bar photo 1

Sonos Playbar Physical inputs bar photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Physical inputs bar photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Physical inputs bar photo 2

Sonos Playbar Physical inputs bar photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Physical inputs bar photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Optical Audio In

Locked

Locked

HDMI ARC

Locked

Locked

HDMI Out

Locked

Locked

Full HDMI In

Locked

Locked

Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)

Locked

Locked

RCA In

Locked

Locked

USB for Files

Locked

Locked

Ethernet

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Audio Format Support - ARC

N/A

N/A

eARC

Locked

Locked

Dolby Atmos

Locked

Locked

Dolby Digital

Locked

Locked

Dolby Digital Plus

Locked

Locked

DTS

Locked

Locked

DTS:X (eARC only)

Locked

Locked

Dolby TrueHD (eARC only)

Locked

Locked

DTS-HD MA (eARC only)

Locked

Locked

5.1 PCM (eARC only)

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Audio Format Support - Full HDMI In

N/A

N/A

Dolby Atmos

Locked

Locked

DTS:X

Locked

Locked

Dolby Digital

Locked

Locked

Dolby Digital Plus

Locked

Locked

DTS

Locked

Locked

Dolby TrueHD

Locked

Locked

DTS-HD MA

Locked

Locked

5.1 PCM

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Audio Format Support - Optical

N/A

N/A

Dolby Digital

Locked

Locked

DTS

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Latency

N/A

N/A

Latency Video

Sonos Playbar Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see product videos

AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

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To see product videos

ARC

N/A

N/A

Optical

Lock ms

Lock ms

Full HDMI In

N/A

N/A

Wireless Playback

N/A

N/A

Bluetooth

Locked

Locked

Wi-Fi

Locked

Locked

Chromecast built-in

Locked

Locked

Apple AirPlay

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Other Input Specifications

4k @ 60 Hz Passthrough

Locked

Locked

4k @ 60 Hz @ 10 bit Passthrough

Locked

Locked

4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 Passthrough

Locked

Locked

HDR10 Passthrough

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Connectivity - Subwoofer

Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1

Sonos Playbar Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Physical controls subwoofer photo 1

Sonos Playbar Physical controls subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Physical controls subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Sub Wireless

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Connectivity - Satellites

Physical inputs satellites photo 1

Sonos Playbar Physical inputs satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Physical inputs satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Physical controls satellites photo 1

Sonos Playbar Physical controls satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Physical controls satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Sat Wireless

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Additional Features

Interface

Interface photo

Sonos Playbar Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Display

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Bar Controls

Controls photo

Sonos Playbar Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Show Text

Remote

Remote photo

Sonos Playbar Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Universal Remote

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Voice Assistants Support

Amazon Alexa

Locked

Locked

Google Assistant

Locked

Locked

Apple Siri

Locked

Locked

Show Text

App

App image

Sonos Playbar App image Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth App image Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

App Name

Locked

Locked

iOS

Locked

Locked

Android

Locked

Locked

Acts As A Remote

Locked

Locked

Controls Soundbar's Settings

Locked

Locked

Casts Device Files

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Other Features

Power Saving

Locked

Locked

HDMI CEC (TV Remote Control)

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Check Price

Standard

Playbar

Standard

2.1 Channel Bluetooth

Standard

Playbar

Standard

2.1 Channel Bluetooth

Standard

Playbar

Standard

2.1 Channel Bluetooth

Standard

Playbar

Standard

2.1 Channel Bluetooth

Standard

Playbar

Sonos Playbar

AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth

Comments

Comparison

• Posted 3 years ago

Sonos Playbar vs AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth: Main Discussion

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