Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus Review: Worth The Hype?

Are you tired of straining to hear dialogue during movie nights? Does your TV’s built-in speakers leave you disappointed with flat, lifeless audio? The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus might just be the affordable solution you’ve been searching for.

This latest soundbar from Amazon promises to deliver premium audio features at a fraction of the cost of premium brands.

But does it live up to the hype? Our comprehensive review dives deep into every aspect of this budget-friendly audio powerhouse to help you make an informed decision.

Key Takeaways

• Exceptional Value: At $149.99, the Fire TV Soundbar Plus offers 3.1 channel audio with built-in subwoofer, making it one of the most affordable Dolby Atmos soundbars on the market
• Easy Setup Process: The soundbar connects seamlessly to your Fire TV using your existing remote, eliminating the need for additional controllers or complex configurations
• Clear Dialogue Enhancement: The dedicated center channel ensures crystal-clear dialogue, addressing one of the most common complaints about TV audio quality
• Expandable System: You can easily upgrade to a complete 5.1 surround sound system by adding the optional wireless subwoofer and rear speakers for a more immersive experience
• Smart Integration: The soundbar works perfectly with Fire TV devices and supports Bluetooth connectivity for streaming music from your smartphone or tablet
• Compact Design: The sleek profile fits under most TVs without blocking the screen or looking bulky, maintaining your living room’s aesthetic appeal

What Makes the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus Special

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus stands out in the crowded budget soundbar market through its unique combination of features and affordability. This newest model represents Amazon’s serious attempt to compete with established audio brands while maintaining their signature value proposition.

The soundbar features a 3.1 channel configuration with a built-in subwoofer that delivers surprisingly robust bass for its size. The dedicated center channel ensures that dialogue remains clear and intelligible, even during action-packed scenes with complex soundtracks. What makes this particularly impressive is the $149.99 price point, which is significantly lower than comparable offerings from Sony, Samsung, or LG.

Amazon has engineered this soundbar specifically for Fire TV users, creating a seamless integration that eliminates many common setup frustrations. The Fire TV remote controls both your streaming device and the soundbar, reducing remote clutter and simplifying your entertainment experience. This level of integration is rarely seen at this price point and represents a significant advantage for Amazon ecosystem users.

The build quality feels solid despite the budget pricing. The soundbar measures 37 inches in length, making it suitable for TVs ranging from 43 to 65 inches. The matte black finish blends well with most entertainment centers, and the low profile design ensures it won’t obstruct your TV screen or infrared sensors.

Audio Performance and Sound Quality

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus delivers audio performance that punches well above its weight class. The six-driver configuration includes dedicated tweeters, mid-range drivers, and built-in woofers that work together to create a surprisingly full soundstage.

Bass response is one of the standout features of this soundbar. The integrated subwoofer produces deep, rumbling bass that adds weight to explosions, thunder, and musical basslines. While it may not reach the depths of a dedicated 10-inch subwoofer, it provides enough low-end extension to satisfy most users without requiring additional components.

The midrange clarity is where this soundbar truly shines. Dialogue reproduction is crisp and natural, with voices sitting prominently in the center of the soundstage. This addresses one of the most common complaints about TV audio where dialogue gets lost in the mix during complex scenes.

High-frequency performance is clean and detailed without being harsh or fatiguing. The soundbar handles the delicate details in music and movie soundtracks well, from the shimmer of cymbals to the subtle ambient sounds that add atmosphere to films.

The Dolby Atmos processing creates a convincing sense of height and space, especially considering the soundbar’s single-bar design. While it cannot match the precision of a true Atmos system with overhead speakers, the upward-firing drivers create an impressively wide and tall soundstage that enhances the viewing experience significantly.

Design and Build Quality Assessment

Amazon has clearly prioritized both aesthetics and functionality in the Fire TV Soundbar Plus design. The soundbar’s sleek profile measures just 2.5 inches in height, ensuring it fits comfortably under most modern TVs without blocking the screen or interfering with the TV’s design.

The premium matte black finish resists fingerprints and dust while complementing virtually any entertainment center setup. The subtle Amazon logo on the front grille adds a touch of branding without being ostentatious. The overall design language is clean and modern, avoiding the flashy LED displays or aggressive styling found on some competing models.

Build quality feels reassuringly solid for a soundbar in this price range. The cabinet construction uses high-quality plastics that feel dense and well-assembled. There are no obvious gaps, rattles, or cheap-feeling components that might detract from the premium experience Amazon is trying to achieve.

The front grille protects the drivers while allowing sound to pass through cleanly. The perforation pattern is fine enough to prevent dust accumulation while maintaining acoustic transparency. The grille appears to be removable for cleaning, though Amazon doesn’t specifically mention this in their documentation.

Port placement is thoughtful, with all connections located on the back of the unit for clean cable management. The power cable is permanently attached, which some users may find limiting, but it reduces the number of potential failure points and keeps the design streamlined.

Top 3 Alternatives for Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus

While the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus offers excellent value, several alternatives deserve consideration depending on your specific needs and budget:

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 represents the premium alternative to Amazon’s offering. Priced at $369, it costs significantly more but delivers superior audio processing, more refined sound quality, and extensive smart home integration. The Sonos ecosystem allows for easy expansion and multi-room audio, making it ideal for users who plan to build a comprehensive audio system over time.

Samsung’s HW-Q800D provides a middle-ground option with true 5.1.2 channel surround sound including a wireless subwoofer. At $622.99, it costs more than the Fire TV Soundbar Plus but includes rear surround speakers and more powerful processing. The Q-Symphony technology works exceptionally well with Samsung TVs, creating a more immersive audio experience.

For budget-conscious buyers, the Fire TV Soundbar 2.0 offers basic audio enhancement at just $89.99. While it lacks the built-in subwoofer and Dolby Atmos processing of the Plus model, it provides clear dialogue improvement and Bluetooth connectivity at an even more affordable price point.

Setup Process and User Experience

Setting up the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is refreshingly straightforward, especially for Fire TV users. The process typically takes less than 15 minutes from unboxing to enjoying enhanced audio.

Physical installation begins with positioning the soundbar under your TV. The included mounting brackets allow for wall installation if preferred, though most users will opt for the simple tabletop placement. The soundbar’s rubber feet provide stability and reduce vibration transmission to furniture.

Connection options include HDMI ARC/eARC, optical digital, and USB. The HDMI ARC connection is strongly recommended as it enables the highest quality audio formats and allows your Fire TV remote to control the soundbar’s volume and power functions seamlessly.

For Fire TV users, the setup wizard automatically detects the soundbar and walks you through the configuration process. The system automatically adjusts audio settings and enables features like dialogue enhancement and night mode. Non-Fire TV users can still enjoy most features, though they’ll need to use the included remote for soundbar-specific functions.

Bluetooth pairing is equally simple, allowing you to stream music directly from smartphones, tablets, or laptops. The connection remains stable up to about 30 feet, making it convenient for wireless music playback throughout your living space.

The user interface is intuitive, with clear indicators for different audio modes and settings. The LED display on the front provides feedback for volume changes, input selection, and mode switching without being distractingly bright during movie viewing.

Dolby Atmos and Audio Technologies

The Dolby Atmos implementation in the Fire TV Soundbar Plus represents one of its most impressive features, especially considering the budget price point. Amazon has included dedicated upward-firing drivers that bounce sound off your ceiling to create the illusion of overhead audio.

Object-based audio processing allows the soundbar to place specific sounds in three-dimensional space around your listening position. Helicopters fly overhead, rain falls from above, and ambient sounds surround you in a convincing bubble of audio that enhances immersion significantly.

The DTS:X compatibility ensures broad format support across different streaming services and Blu-ray discs. Whether you’re watching Netflix originals, Disney+ content, or physical media, the soundbar can decode and process the audio appropriately.

Audio processing algorithms work behind the scenes to optimize sound for different content types. The soundbar automatically adjusts its audio profile based on whether you’re watching movies, TV shows, music, or sports, ensuring optimal performance for each use case.

Night mode reduces dynamic range to prevent loud scenes from disturbing others while maintaining dialogue clarity. This feature is particularly useful for apartment dwellers or late-night viewing sessions.

The dialogue enhancement technology deserves special mention, as it addresses one of the most common complaints about modern TV audio. The dedicated center channel and processing algorithms ensure that conversations remain clear and intelligible even during complex action sequences.

Connectivity Options and Smart Features

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus offers comprehensive connectivity options that accommodate both modern and legacy devices. The HDMI ARC/eARC port serves as the primary connection method, supporting high-resolution audio formats and enabling seamless integration with your TV’s audio system.

Optical digital input provides compatibility with older TVs and devices that lack HDMI ARC functionality. The included optical cable ensures you can connect immediately regardless of your TV’s age or specifications.

USB connectivity allows for direct playback of music files stored on flash drives or external hard drives. Supported formats include MP3, FLAC, and WAV, providing flexibility for users with extensive digital music collections.

Bluetooth 5.0 enables wireless streaming from smartphones, tablets, and computers. The connection quality is excellent, with minimal latency and stable performance even at the maximum range of approximately 30 feet.

Fire TV integration represents the soundbar’s most compelling smart feature. When connected to a Fire TV device, the soundbar becomes part of the ecosystem, controlled by the same remote and appearing in the Fire TV interface for easy access to audio settings.

The soundbar supports voice control through Alexa when connected to Fire TV devices, allowing you to adjust volume, change audio modes, and control playback using voice commands. This hands-free functionality adds convenience to your entertainment experience.

Value for Money Analysis

At $149.99, the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus delivers exceptional value that’s difficult to match in the current market. Competing soundbars with similar features typically cost $200-300, making Amazon’s offering highly competitive.

Feature comparison with similarly priced alternatives reveals the Fire TV Soundbar Plus’s advantages. Most budget soundbars in this price range offer only 2.0 or 2.1 channel configurations, while Amazon provides a true 3.1 setup with dedicated center channel and built-in subwoofer.

Dolby Atmos support at this price point is remarkable, as most budget soundbars omit this premium feature to hit lower price targets. The inclusion of height processing and object-based audio significantly enhances the value proposition.

Integration benefits for Fire TV users add considerable value beyond the hardware specifications. The seamless setup, unified remote control, and ecosystem integration justify the purchase for Amazon device owners who value convenience and simplicity.

Expansion possibilities through the optional subwoofer and surround speakers mean you can start with the basic soundbar and upgrade to a full 5.1 system over time. This modular approach allows you to spread the cost while building a more comprehensive audio system.

Long-term value is enhanced by Amazon’s track record of providing software updates and ongoing support for their hardware products. Regular firmware updates typically add new features and improve performance over the product’s lifetime.

Pros and Cons Summary

Advantages of the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus include its exceptional affordability combined with premium features like Dolby Atmos processing and a built-in subwoofer. The seamless Fire TV integration eliminates setup complexity while providing unified control through a single remote.

Audio performance exceeds expectations for the price point, with clear dialogue reproduction, impressive bass response, and convincing spatial audio effects. The compact design fits well in most entertainment setups without dominating the visual space.

Connectivity options are comprehensive, supporting both modern HDMI ARC and legacy optical connections. The Bluetooth functionality adds versatility for music streaming and wireless audio playback.

Disadvantages include the limited compatibility with non-Fire TV devices, which may require additional remote controls and lack some integration features. The single-bar design cannot match the performance of true surround sound systems with discrete speakers.

Build quality, while solid for the price, doesn’t match premium brands’ materials and construction standards. The power cable is permanently attached, limiting placement flexibility compared to models with detachable power cords.

Bass extension, though impressive for a compact soundbar, may not satisfy users who prefer deep, room-shaking low frequencies without adding a separate subwoofer.

Comparison with Premium Alternatives

When compared to premium soundbar options, the Fire TV Soundbar Plus holds its ground surprisingly well in several key areas while showing its limitations in others.

Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers superior audio processing, more refined sound quality, and extensive smart home integration but costs $220 more than Amazon’s offering. The Sonos ecosystem provides better multi-room capabilities and more sophisticated room correction technology.

Samsung HW-Q800D includes a wireless subwoofer and true 5.1.2 channel processing but costs over four times as much as the Fire TV Soundbar Plus. The Samsung option provides more immersive surround sound and more powerful bass but requires a significantly larger investment.

LG S90TR offers similar Dolby Atmos processing and includes a wireless subwoofer at approximately twice the price of Amazon’s soundbar. The LG model provides more flexibility in subwoofer placement and slightly better build quality.

Bose Smart Ultra delivers exceptional audio processing and premium build quality but costs six times more than the Fire TV Soundbar Plus. The Bose option provides superior dialogue clarity and more sophisticated room adaptation technology.

The value equation clearly favors the Amazon soundbar for budget-conscious buyers who want premium features without premium pricing. However, users who prioritize absolute audio quality and don’t mind spending more will find better performance in the higher-priced alternatives.

Gaming and Sports Performance

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus performs admirably for gaming applications, with features that enhance the interactive entertainment experience. The low latency processing ensures that audio remains synchronized with on-screen action, crucial for competitive gaming where audio cues can provide strategic advantages.

Game mode optimization adjusts the audio profile to emphasize important gaming sounds like footsteps, gunshots, and environmental audio cues. This enhancement can provide a competitive edge in first-person shooters and battle royale games where spatial awareness is critical.

Bass response adds impact to explosions, crashes, and other dynamic gaming events without overwhelming dialogue or important audio cues. The balanced approach ensures that you can enjoy spectacular action sequences while maintaining awareness of crucial game audio.

Sports viewing benefits from the soundbar’s dialogue clarity and crowd noise reproduction. Commentary remains clear and intelligible while the ambient stadium atmosphere comes through convincingly, creating an engaging viewing experience for live sports events.

Surround processing helps create spatial awareness during sports broadcasts, allowing you to sense the scale and atmosphere of large venues. The height processing adds to the sense of being present in the stadium or arena.

Music performance for gaming soundtracks and background music is detailed and engaging, with good separation between different instrumental elements and clear reproduction of both orchestral scores and electronic music compositions.

Maintenance and Long-term Use

Maintenance requirements for the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus are minimal, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer low-maintenance audio equipment. The sealed design prevents dust accumulation inside the cabinet while the smooth surfaces are easy to clean with a microfiber cloth.

Software updates are delivered automatically when connected to Fire TV devices, ensuring that the soundbar continues to receive new features and performance improvements over time. Amazon’s track record with their hardware products suggests reliable long-term support.

Durability expectations are reasonable for the price point, with solid construction that should provide years of reliable service. The six-driver configuration uses components that are appropriately rated for the power levels and frequency ranges they handle.

Heat management is well-handled through passive cooling, with ventilation slots that allow adequate airflow without requiring noisy cooling fans. The soundbar remains cool during extended use, suggesting good thermal design.

Warranty coverage includes Amazon’s standard one-year limited warranty, which covers manufacturing defects and component failures. Extended warranty options are available through Amazon’s protection plans for users who want additional coverage.

Component longevity should be good based on the conservative power ratings and quality component selection. The built-in subwoofer drivers are appropriately sized for their application, reducing the risk of premature failure from overexcitation.

Final Verdict and Recommendations

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus represents an outstanding value proposition for budget-conscious consumers seeking significant audio improvement over their TV’s built-in speakers. At $149.99, it delivers features and performance typically found in soundbars costing two to three times as much.

Primary recommendation goes to Fire TV users who want seamless integration, unified control, and impressive audio enhancement without breaking the budget. The ecosystem integration alone justifies the purchase for users heavily invested in Amazon’s entertainment platform.

Secondary consideration should be given to users with other streaming devices who still want excellent value in a budget soundbar. While some integration features won’t be available, the core audio performance and connectivity options remain compelling.

Alternative consideration might be warranted for users who prioritize absolute audio quality over value, have larger rooms requiring more powerful audio, or need specific features like wireless rear speakers from the initial purchase.

Future expansion possibilities make the Fire TV Soundbar Plus an excellent starting point for users who might want to build a more comprehensive audio system over time. The optional subwoofer and surround speakers provide a clear upgrade path.

Overall assessment places the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus among the best budget soundbars available today, offering premium features, solid performance, and exceptional value that’s difficult to match in the current market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus work with non-Amazon devices?

Yes, the Fire TV Soundbar Plus works with any device that has HDMI ARC or optical audio outputs. While you’ll lose some integration features like unified remote control, the core audio performance and most features remain available when connected to Samsung, LG, Sony, or other TV brands.

Does the soundbar support wireless subwoofer connection?

The base Fire TV Soundbar Plus model includes a built-in subwoofer but doesn’t support wireless subwoofer connection. However, Amazon offers separate bundles that include wireless subwoofers and surround speakers for users who want a more powerful bass response and true surround sound experience.

How does the Fire TV Soundbar Plus compare to the regular Fire TV Soundbar?

The Plus model features a 3.1 channel configuration with built-in subwoofer and Dolby Atmos processing, while the regular Fire TV Soundbar offers 2.0 channel audio with DTS Virtual:X. The Plus model provides significantly better bass response, clearer dialogue, and more immersive spatial audio effects.

Can I use the soundbar for music streaming without a TV?

Absolutely! The Fire TV Soundbar Plus includes Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to stream music directly from smartphones, tablets, computers, or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. The sound quality for music is excellent, with clear highs, detailed midrange, and impressive bass response for a soundbar in this price range.

What is the maximum volume level and is it suitable for large rooms?

The Fire TV Soundbar Plus produces sufficient volume for most medium to large living rooms without distortion. While specific decibel ratings aren’t published, user reports suggest it can easily fill rooms up to 20×15 feet with clear, undistorted audio at comfortable listening levels.

Does the soundbar require any special setup for Dolby Atmos content?

No special setup is required for Dolby Atmos content. The soundbar automatically detects Atmos signals and processes them appropriately. When connected via HDMI ARC to compatible devices, the format switching happens seamlessly without user intervention.

Last update on 2025-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API