OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Soundbars Methodology v3.0
Soundbars Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Soundbars Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Soundbars Methodology v3.0

Amazon Basics SB18r review: 108 specs compared

Avg. price:~£20N. of audio channels:2.0Audio output power:18 WHDMI ARC type:none

Amazon Basics SB18r Review: Compare 108 technical specifications and 5 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Amazon Basics SB18r
6.6/10

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
Score components

35%

4.5

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

8.3

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–¼Worse than 63% of soundbars
7.6

Value for money

Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
Score components

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 55%
4.5

Technical score

Technical score
4.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components

25%

3.8

Audio

18%

4.0

Formats

16%

5.7

Connectivity

14%

4.9

Controls

12%

4.0

HDMI

10%

4.0

Streaming

5%

8.2

Design

â–¼Worse than 95%
8.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 72% of models

80%

8.4

Average grade

20%

8.0

Popularity

Grades by review (5)
5 videos, average 8.6/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 72%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • amazon-basics-sb18r
amazon-basics-sb18r
Where to buy
    N/A~ £20
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Amazon Basics SB18r

Based on 0 · 5

Reviewers like its tidy design and low price, and most find it loud enough, though one wanted more volume.
Praised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of soundbar Amazon Basics SB18r

Technical score
Technical score
4.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components:

25%

3.8

Audio

18%

4.0

Formats

16%

5.7

Connectivity

14%

4.9

Controls

12%

4.0

HDMI

10%

4.0

Streaming

5%

8.2

Design

4.5
Reviews score
8.3
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
Score components:

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.6
N. of audio channels
2
This soundbar offers 2 audio channels, fewer than 58.1% of soundbars and equal to 41.9% of soundbars.
Audio output power
18 W
Market range: <16 W – >260 W
This soundbar delivers 18 W of audio output power, less than 84.6% of soundbars.
Max SPL
?
Min frequency
?
Max frequency
19,000 Hz
Market range: <19k Hz – >20k Hz
This soundbar reaches a maximum frequency of 19,000 Hz, lower than 90.8% of soundbars and equal to 0.9% of soundbars.
Show more
What reviewers say
Dolby Atmos
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby Atmos. 30.3% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS:X
no
This soundbar does not support DTS:X. 16.7% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby TrueHD
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby TrueHD. 16.5% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS-HD Master Audio
no
This soundbar does not support DTS-HD Master Audio. 7.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby Digital Plus
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby Digital Plus. 25.3% of soundbars include this feature.
Show more
N. of HDMI inputs
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs, fewer than 41.5% of soundbars and equal to 58.5% of soundbars.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This soundbar does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 28.8% of soundbars include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Bluetooth connectivity. 4.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Bluetooth version
5.3
This soundbar uses Bluetooth 5.3, which is more up to date than 88.2% of soundbars and equal to 11.8% of soundbars.
Show more
Smartphone app
no
This soundbar does not have smartphone app. 42.6% of soundbars offer this feature.
Remote control
no
This soundbar does not have remote control. 82.8% of soundbars offer this feature.
Control panel
yes
This soundbar has control panel. 5.5% of soundbars offer this feature.
Voice assistant compatibility
no
This soundbar does not support voice assistant compatibility. 36.8% of soundbars include this feature.
Far-field microphones
no
This soundbar does not have far-field microphones. 7.1% of soundbars offer this feature.
Show more
HDMI version
N/A
HDMI ARC type
none
This soundbar has none as its HDMI TV-audio return type, which is less advanced than what 75.6% of soundbars and the same as what 24.4% offers.
HDMI-CEC support
no
This soundbar does not support HDMI-CEC. 71.2% support HDMI-CEC.
HDMI pass-through resolution
none
This soundbar passes through none, which is lower resolution than 27.2% of soundbars and equal to 72.8% of soundbars.
HDMI pass-through frame rate
none fps
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to none fps, lower than 21.4% of soundbars and equal to 78.6% of soundbars.
Show more
AirPlay
no
This soundbar does not support AirPlay. 19.9% of soundbars include this feature.
Chromecast built-in
no
This soundbar does not support Chromecast built-in. 11.4% of soundbars include this feature.
Spotify Connect
no
This soundbar does not support Spotify Connect. 20.8% of soundbars include this feature.
TIDAL Connect
no
This soundbar does not support TIDAL Connect. 9.2% of soundbars include this feature.
Amazon Music native support
no
This soundbar does not support native Amazon Music. 13% support native Amazon Music.
Show more
Width
430 mm
Market range: <384 mm – >1.1k mm
This soundbar is 430 mm wide, narrower than 79.9% of soundbars and equal to 1.1% of soundbars.
Height
72 mm
Market range: <56 mm – >89 mm
This soundbar is 72 mm high, taller than 63.8% of soundbars and equal to 5.3% of soundbars.
Thickness
95 mm
Market range: <60 mm – >131 mm
This soundbar is 95 mm thick, thicker than 59.6% of soundbars and equal to 2.7% of soundbars.
Weight
723 g
Market range: <729 g – >5.5k g
This soundbar weighs 723 g, less than 91% of soundbars.
Build material
plastic
This soundbar is built from plastic, which is more premium than 3% of soundbars and equal to 92.6% of soundbars.
Metal grille.
Show more
What reviewers say

Amazon Basics SB18r vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMIStreamingControlsDesign
  • Bluetooth multipoint
    This soundbar supports Bluetooth multipoint, the average soundbar does not.
  • More up-to-date Bluetooth version
    This soundbar has a more up-to-date Bluetooth version than the average soundbar (5.3 vs 5).
    5.3 vs 5
  • 333 mm narrower width
    This soundbar is narrower than the average soundbar (430 mm vs 763 mm). The average soundbar is 763 mm wide.
    430 mm vs 763 mm
  • 16.9% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 72% of models

    80%

    8.4

    Average grade

    20%

    8.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (5)
    5 videos, average 8.6/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.3 vs 7.1
  • Better water protection
    This soundbar has a higher IP rating than the average soundbar (IPX5 vs not rated).
    IPX5 vs not rated
  • 1,277 g lighter weight
    This soundbar is lighter than the average soundbar (723 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    723 g vs 2,000 g
  • 3 years newer release
    This soundbar is newer than the average soundbar (2024 vs 2021). The average soundbar was released in 2021.
    August 14, 2024
    2024 vs 2021
  • More firmware update options
    This soundbar offers more firmware update options than the average soundbar (over-the-air vs USB).
    over-the-air vs USB
  • 16.9% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 72% of models

    80%

    8.4

    Average grade

    20%

    8.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (5)
    5 videos, average 8.6/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.3 vs 7.1
  • 5.5x cheaper
    Amazon Basics SB18r is cheaper than the average soundbar (£20 vs £110).
    £20 vs £110
  • 3 years newer release
    This soundbar is newer than the average soundbar (2024 vs 2021). The average soundbar was released in 2021.
    August 14, 2024
    2024 vs 2021
  • Bluetooth multipoint
    This soundbar supports Bluetooth multipoint, the average soundbar does not.
  • More up-to-date Bluetooth version
    This soundbar has a more up-to-date Bluetooth version than the average soundbar (5.3 vs 5).
    5.3 vs 5
  • More firmware update options
    This soundbar offers more firmware update options than the average soundbar (over-the-air vs USB).
    over-the-air vs USB
  • 333 mm narrower width
    This soundbar is narrower than the average soundbar (430 mm vs 763 mm). The average soundbar is 763 mm wide.
    430 mm vs 763 mm
  • Better water protection
    This soundbar has a higher IP rating than the average soundbar (IPX5 vs not rated).
    IPX5 vs not rated
  • 1,277 g lighter weight
    This soundbar is lighter than the average soundbar (723 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    723 g vs 2,000 g
  • Less advanced HDMI ARC type
    This soundbar has none as its HDMI TV-audio return type, while the average soundbar has eARC.
    none vs eARC
  • 2 fewer drivers
    This soundbar has fewer drivers than the average soundbar (2 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    2 vs 4
  • Fewer audio channels
    This soundbar has fewer audio channels than the average soundbar (2 vs 2.1). The average soundbar has 2.1 audio channels.
    2 vs 2.1
  • No Dolby Digital
    This soundbar does not support Dolby Digital, the average soundbar does.
  • No optical audio input
    This soundbar does not have optical audio input, the average soundbar does.
  • No night mode
    This soundbar does not support night mode, the average soundbar does.
  • No remote control
    This soundbar does not have remote control, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    (The Amazon Basics SB18r features a USB port for charging only, not for audio input)
  • 2 fewer drivers
    This soundbar has fewer drivers than the average soundbar (2 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    2 vs 4
  • Fewer audio channels
    This soundbar has fewer audio channels than the average soundbar (2 vs 2.1). The average soundbar has 2.1 audio channels.
    2 vs 2.1
  • No bass boost
    This soundbar does not support bass boost, the average soundbar does.
  • 74.3% less audio output power
    This soundbar has a lower audio output power than the average soundbar (18 W vs 70 W). The average soundbar delivers 70 W of audio output power.
    18 W vs 70 W
  • 1 fewer sound modes
    This soundbar offers fewer sound modes than the average soundbar (3 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
    3 vs 4
  • 1,000 Hz lower max frequency
    This soundbar has a lower maximum frequency than the average soundbar (19,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average soundbar has a maximum frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    19,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • No Dolby Digital
    This soundbar does not support Dolby Digital, the average soundbar does.
  • No PCM / LPCM
    This soundbar does not support PCM / LPCM support, the average soundbar does.
  • 1 fewer supported audio formats
    This soundbar supports fewer audio formats than the average soundbar (1 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.
    1 vs 2
  • No optical audio input
    This soundbar does not have optical audio input, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    (The Amazon Basics SB18r features a USB port for charging only, not for audio input)
  • Less advanced HDMI ARC type
    This soundbar has none as its HDMI TV-audio return type, while the average soundbar has eARC.
    none vs eARC
  • No HDMI-CEC support
    This soundbar does not support HDMI-CEC, the average soundbar does.
  • No night mode
    This soundbar does not support night mode, the average soundbar does.
  • No remote control
    This soundbar does not have remote control, the average soundbar does.
  • No dialogue enhancement
    This soundbar does not support dialogue enhancement, the average soundbar does.
  • 5 mm higher height
    This soundbar is taller than the average soundbar (72 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.
    72 mm vs 67 mm
  • 9 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (95 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    95 mm vs 86 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
Gaming XT
≈ estimated
15/06/2025
Hands-on review · sound test and RGB lighting
Verdict
Amazon Basics SB18r is loud and well balanced for the money, though it distorts at full volume and its RGB is not top-tier.
9.0
TechAkki
≈ estimated
09/06/2025
Hands-on review · sound sample and features
Verdict
Amazon Basics SB18r is an excellent speaker for the money, with cost cutting visible mainly in the included accessories.
8.0
One Punch Indias
≈ estimated
12/05/2025
Hands-on review · setup, RGB lights and TV use
Verdict
Amazon Basics SB18r is a good buy for the price, loud enough for everyday use, though not especially loud and hard to judge on maximum volume.
9.0
The technoboy
≈ estimated
20/06/2025
Unboxing and first listening · bass and sound check
Verdict
Amazon Basics SB18r is a very good deal for the price, with strong bass and attractive RGB lighting.
9.0
UnboxingMania14
≈ estimated
09/09/2024
First look · unboxing and feature overview
Verdict
Amazon Basics SB18r is praised for its build, design and sound, a strong pick in its price range.
Overview video
Brand video

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Amazon Basics SB18r

  • Excellent value for money at its budget price point
  • Attractive design with customisable RGB LED lighting modes
  • Fast and easy Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity for mobile devices
  • Good build quality and modern, sleek appearance
  • Compact size suitable for smaller rooms or standard desk setups
  • Clear audio and significant bass for its size due to passive radiators

What customers don't like about Amazon Basics SB18r

  • Mixed reviews on battery life; some users report it draining quickly or lasting less than expected
  • Sound quality can be inconsistent, with reports of distortion at volumes above 80%
  • Lack of a remote control makes adjusting settings less convenient
  • No HDMI or S/PDIF (Optical) output ports for direct digital TV connections
  • Poor warranty claim process reported by some users when issues arise
  • Occasional reports of reliability issues, such as the device failing after a few months

Verdict

The Amazon Basics SB18R is a portable 18W stereo soundbar featuring dual 52mm full-range drivers and 2X bass reflex technology for enhanced low-end performance. Designed for versatility, it includes a 2000mAh rechargeable battery providing up to 8 hours of playback (with LEDs off) or 5 hours (with LEDs on), alongside integrated RGB lighting with multiple modes. Connectivity is robust with Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm AUX, USB, and Micro SD card support, all housed in a compact tabletop-mounted white chassis measuring 43 x 9.5 x 7.2 cm and weighing 723 grams. Main pros include its highly affordable price point, diverse connectivity options, and aesthetic RGB effects; however, reported cons include inconsistent battery life at higher volumes and a lack of a remote control for distant operation.

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