I didn’t expect to love Amazon’s flagship soundbar this much – but it’s the real deal

Amazon showcased its Fire TV Soundbar Plus–> at CES 2025, where it was one of the highlights for me and others interested in home entertainment. I recently got a chance to go hands-on with the product, installing it in the living room of our testing lab to check its performance, and can immediately see why it made such an impression at CES.

Also: Changing these 5 soundbar settings made my living room feel like a movie theater

Amazon advertises its Fire Soundbar Plus at three price points: $249 for the 3.1-channel version, $299 for the addition of an external subwoofer, and $489 for a 5.1-channel system with the subwoofer plus two surround sound speakers (the model I tested). 

The Soundbar Plus’ predecessor — the 2023 Fire TV Soundbar (sans “Plus”) — lies at the bottom of the cost ladder as a 2.0 channel speaker for $119. 

Besides including the extra hardware, the Fire TV Soundbar Plus’s design differs notably from the low-end 2023 model. The base model is shaped like an elongated, 24-inch pill with soft, curving edges. The Plus model maintains its rounded edges but is twice as deep as it is tall (5.2″ x 2.5″) and significantly longer at 37 inches. The cubical surround speakers and subwoofer also feature rounded edges for a conservative, streamlined form factor.

The shipment box, I should mention, also included a wall mount kit with brackets for the two satellite speakers. The soundbar’s remote is a compact four inches long, and, as with all Amazon electronics, it comes equipped with batteries. 

Also: This midrange Yamaha soundbar holds its own against systems that are twice its price

Setup was fairly easy. After plugging in the power cords for all four components, the only requirement was to push the “Connect” buttons on the backs of the sub and side speakers. After quickly pairing the system with an LG TV, I watched “Daredevil: Born Again” on Disney+ because it is replete with action scenes accompanied by intense symphonic movements.

<!–>

Initially, I placed the two satellite speakers on the credenza to the left and right of the TV. As a result, the volume and bass drilled me in the face. I had unwittingly turned the volume well above 50%, and it was loud. The tsunami of sound reminded me of sitting in a large cineplex when you weren’t exactly prepared for that first blast of noise. This is to say, the collective five speakers were projecting their vibrations directly toward my earholes, which were met with hefty volume, clear dialogue, and crisp musical notes.

Also: This soundbar has some of the best audio I’ve ever heard, but there’s one thing I can’t get over

The subwoofer’s speaker is down-firing, located on the bottom of the unit. Despite the low-pile Berber carpet in our testing space, the sub delivered rumbling bass with a frequency as low as 50Hz. I doubt you’d encounter much quality loss if you placed the subwoofer on a higher-pile carpet, but it’s something to consider.

Then, I positioned the two surround speakers where their name suggests they should be placed: around the viewing area behind the couch. While some users have indicated the Soundbar Plus falls short of providing a true surround sound experience, I disagree. The surround speakers make for a memorably immersive experience.

–>

Sure, compared with premium soundbars, the Fire TV Soundbar Plus presents a weaker midrange performance and a narrower stereo image. Highs can be peaky, while lowering treble can make the sound muddy and a bit cluttered. But only the most finicky audiophile would notice these nuances.

The Soundbar Plus supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and DTS TruVolume, but it doesn’t have built-in video streaming functionality, so it’s purely a sound system without smart features. That is acceptable in light of its value-forward price tag, coupled with the fact that it sounds great.

Also: I spent hours demoing Samsung’s newest soundbar, and this one feature separates it from the bunch

While the Fire Soundbar Plus is designed to work seamlessly with Fire TV devices, you can still control both the TV and soundbar with a single remote and even fine-tune the audio settings in the TV’s menu. It’s an excellent choice if you’re seeking to enhance your audio experience without the complexity of a high-end system. 

ZDNET’s buying advice

The top-tier Fire Soundbar Plus<!–> is a comprehensive surround sound system that’s compatible with any smart TV and streaming app and delivers dynamic, room-filling sound for under $500. The lesser models (without the additional sub and surround speakers) provide quality sound at an appropriate price point, but obviously, you’ll get less sound. 

All in all, though, it’s a sound system that can significantly upgrade your audio experience while being easy to set up and use without breaking your bank. That’s a good bet, in my book.