Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus with Subwoofer is a versatile and powerful addition to any home entertainment system. Its combination of clear dialogue, immersive sound technologies, and seamless integration with Amazon’s ecosystem makes it a strong contender in its price range.
While the lack of built-in Fire TV functionality may require additional equipment for streaming, the overall audio performance and user-friendly features make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking to enhance their home theater experience.
Design and Build
Measuring 37 inches in length, the soundbar presents a sleek and modern aesthetic that complements most television setups. Its substantial build ensures stability, while the included mounting kit provides flexibility for wall installations. The accompanying wireless subwoofer is compact yet powerful, designed to deliver deep bass without occupying excessive space.
Audio Performance
Equipped with a 3.1-channel configuration, the soundbar features three full-range speakers, three tweeters, and two built-in woofers. This setup delivers clear and immersive sound, with a dedicated center channel enhancing dialogue clarity—a notable advantage for movie enthusiasts and binge-watchers. The wireless subwoofer adds depth, producing rich bass that elevates the overall audio experience.
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Support
The inclusion of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technologies brings multidimensional audio to your living room. These formats create a 3D soundscape, enveloping listeners and adding realism to movies, games, and music. While the soundbar excels in delivering overhead and surround effects, the full impact of these technologies is best appreciated in the 5.1-channel setup, which includes additional surround speakers.
Setup and Integration
Setting up the Fire TV Soundbar Plus is straightforward. It connects to your TV via HDMI ARC, with an HDMI cable included in the package. The soundbar is designed to integrate seamlessly with Amazon’s ecosystem, particularly Fire TV devices. However, it’s important to note that the soundbar does not have built-in Fire TV functionality; a separate Fire TV Stick or a Fire TV Edition television is required for streaming services. This design choice may be a consideration for users seeking an all-in-one solution.
Remote Control and User Experience
The included remote control offers intuitive navigation, featuring dedicated buttons for volume, bass, treble, and EQ settings. Users can easily switch between preset modes such as Music, Movie, and Night, tailoring the audio output to their preferences. The Dialogue Enhancement feature is particularly noteworthy, as it amplifies speech, making it easier to follow conversations without increasing overall volume.
Pricing and Configurations
The Fire TV Soundbar Plus is available in multiple configurations:
Soundbar Only: Priced at $249.99, this setup suits users seeking an upgrade from standard TV speakers.
Soundbar with Subwoofer: At $374.99, this bundle adds the wireless subwoofer, enhancing bass response for a more dynamic sound.
Complete 5.1 System: For $489.99, this package includes the soundbar, subwoofer, and two wireless surround speakers, delivering a full surround sound experience.
These options allow users to select a configuration that best fits their audio needs and budget.
How Does the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus with Subwoofer Compare to Competitors?
The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus competes in a crowded mid-range soundbar market, where brands like Roku, Sonos, and Bose offer compelling alternatives. Let’s see how it stacks up.
1. Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus vs. Roku Streambar Pro
| Feature | Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus | Roku Streambar Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $374.99 (with subwoofer) | $179.99 |
| Audio Channels | 3.1 | 2.0 |
| Subwoofer | Included in bundle | No subwoofer included |
| Dolby Atmos Support | Yes | No |
| Streaming Features | Pairs with Fire TV Stick | Built-in Roku OS |
| Voice Assistant | Alexa | Roku Voice Remote |
| Connectivity | HDMI ARC, Optical | HDMI ARC, Optical, USB |
The Roku Streambar Pro is an all-in-one streaming soundbar with Roku OS built-in, making it a better standalone entertainment hub. However, the Fire TV Soundbar Plus offers better audio quality with Dolby Atmos and a dedicated subwoofer for enhanced bass. If you’re already invested in Amazon’s ecosystem and Fire TV Stick, the Fire TV Soundbar Plus is the better pick.
2. Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus vs. Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
| Feature | Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus | Sonos Beam (Gen 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $374.99 (with subwoofer) | $499 (no subwoofer) |
| Audio Channels | 3.1 | 5.0 |
| Subwoofer | Yes | Sold separately |
| Dolby Atmos Support | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Assistant | Alexa | Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Streaming Compatibility | Fire TV integration | Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect |
| Connectivity | HDMI ARC, Optical | HDMI eARC |
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) offers better surround sound simulation with its 5.0 configuration, making it great for home theater enthusiasts. However, it lacks a subwoofer out of the box and is more expensive. The Fire TV Soundbar Plus provides deeper bass with its bundled subwoofer and costs significantly less, making it a more budget-friendly option.
3. Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus vs. Bose Smart Soundbar 600
| Feature | Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus | Bose Smart Soundbar 600 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $374.99 (with subwoofer) | $499 |
| Audio Channels | 3.1 | 5.1 |
| Subwoofer | Yes | No (sold separately) |
| Dolby Atmos Support | Yes | Yes (with TrueSpace) |
| Smart Assistant | Alexa | Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Connectivity | HDMI ARC, Optical | HDMI eARC, Optical, Bluetooth |
The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 excels in sound clarity and features TrueSpace technology for more immersive Dolby Atmos effects. However, it doesn’t come with a subwoofer, which makes the Fire TV Soundbar Plus a better value for bass lovers. If you want deep bass without additional purchases, Amazon’s option is better.
Also Read:
- JBL Bar 1000 Review | Soundbar with Detachable Speakers
- Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Review & Price
- Sonos Arc Soundbar Review: Is It Worth the Hype?
- Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar Review & Price ($98)
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus?
The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus with Subwoofer is a strong mid-range contender, offering Dolby Atmos support, a wireless subwoofer, and seamless Fire TV integration.
- If you want a budget-friendly streaming soundbar, the Roku Streambar Pro is a better choice.
- If you want premium surround sound and multi-room audio, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is worth the investment.
- If you want a cinematic experience with better audio separation, the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 is a great pick (but requires a separate subwoofer).
- For the best value with deep bass included, the Fire TV Soundbar Plus is the most cost-effective option.
