OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Soundbars Methodology v2.0
Soundbars Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Soundbars Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 1,310 independent expert reviews and 1,704 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Soundbars Methodology v2.0

Amazon Basics X12r Review | 109 Data compared

Avg. price:~£20N. of audio channels:2.0Audio output power:16 WHDMI ARC type:none

Amazon Basics X12r Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 1 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Amazon Basics X12r
5.0/10

Overall score

Score
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the soundbar's quality, based on technical analyses and grades from independent expert reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best soundbars on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
Score components

95%

4.8

Technical score

5%

7.3

Reviews score ( 0 · 1)

Reviews score 5% · 7.3 · based on 1 video
1 video counts as 0.5 of the 2 needed; the rest counts as 7/10. Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 5%, technical score 95%. A video or a short review counts less than a full test.
â–¼Worse than 82% of soundbars
6.5

Value for money

Value for money
6.5/ 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 81% of models
Score components

70%

5.0

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 81%
4.8

Technical score

Technical score
4.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the soundbar's technical performance, covering key areas such as audio quality, channel configuration, connectivity, HDMI and wireless features, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare soundbars based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
Score components

25%

4.5

Audio

18%

4.2

Formats

16%

5.8

Connectivity

14%

5.1

Controls

12%

4.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.0

Smart features

5%

8.7

Design

â–¼Worse than 82%
7.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
7.3/ 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.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Grades by review (1)
1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 84%
  • amazon-basics-x12r
amazon-basics-x12r
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.
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Technical Specifications of soundbar Amazon Basics X12r

Technical score
Technical score
4.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the soundbar's technical performance, covering key areas such as audio quality, channel configuration, connectivity, HDMI and wireless features, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare soundbars based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
Score components:

25%

4.5

Audio

18%

4.2

Formats

16%

5.8

Connectivity

14%

5.1

Controls

12%

4.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.0

Smart features

5%

8.7

Design

4.8
Reviews score
7.3
Value for money
Value for money
6.5/ 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 81% of models
Score components:

70%

5.0

Overall score

30%

10

Price

6.5
Brand name
Amazon
N. of audio channels
2
This soundbar offers 2 audio channels, fewer than 43.6% of soundbars and equal to 56.4% of soundbars.
Audio output power
16 W
Market range: <10 W – >260 W
This soundbar delivers 16 W of audio output power, less than 85.1% of soundbars and equal to 6.3% of soundbars.
Max SPL
?
Min frequency
?
Show more
Dolby Atmos
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby Atmos. 20.7% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS:X
no
This soundbar does not support DTS:X. 10.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby TrueHD
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby TrueHD. 17.6% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS-HD Master Audio
no
This soundbar does not support DTS-HD Master Audio. 10.1% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby Digital Plus
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby Digital Plus. 25% of soundbars include this feature.
Show more
N. of HDMI inputs
0
Market range: <0 – >5
This soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs, fewer than 32.5% of soundbars and equal to 67.6% of soundbars.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This soundbar does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 31.9% of soundbars include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Bluetooth connectivity. 3.7% of soundbars include this feature.
Bluetooth version
5.3
This soundbar uses Bluetooth 5.3, which is newer than that of 88.1% of soundbars and the same as that of 11.9% of soundbars.
Show more
Smartphone app
no
This soundbar does not have smartphone app. 35.1% of soundbars offer this feature.
Remote control
no
This soundbar does not have remote control. 73.9% of soundbars offer this feature.
Control panel
yes
This soundbar has control panel. 9.6% of soundbars offer this feature.
Voice assistant compatibility
no
This soundbar does not support voice assistant compatibility. 31.4% of soundbars include this feature.
Far-field microphones
no
This soundbar does not have far-field microphones. 12.2% 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 68.6% of soundbars and the same as what 31.4% offers.
HDMI-CEC support
no
This soundbar does not support HDMI-CEC. 63.1% support HDMI-CEC.
HDMI pass-through resolution
none
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to none, which is lower than that of 21.5% of soundbars and the same as that of 78.5% of soundbars.
HDMI pass-through frame rate
none fps
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to none fps, lower than 18.2% of soundbars and equal to 81.8% of soundbars.
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AirPlay
no
This soundbar does not support AirPlay. 20.2% of soundbars include this feature.
Chromecast built-in
no
This soundbar does not support Chromecast built-in. 12.3% of soundbars include this feature.
Spotify Connect
no
This soundbar does not support Spotify Connect. 23.4% of soundbars include this feature.
TIDAL Connect
no
This soundbar does not support TIDAL Connect. 9.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Amazon Music native support
no
This soundbar does not support native Amazon Music. 21.3% support native Amazon Music.
Show more
Width
383 mm
Market range: <350 mm – >1.1k mm
This soundbar is 383 mm wide, narrower than 91% of soundbars and equal to 1.1% of soundbars.
Height
71 mm
Market range: <50 mm – >100 mm
This soundbar is 71 mm high, taller than 59.9% of soundbars and equal to 3.7% of soundbars.
Thickness
64 mm
Market range: <60 mm – >135 mm
This soundbar is 64 mm thick, thinner than 85.6% of soundbars and equal to 1.1% of soundbars.
Weight
630 g
Market range: <500 g – >5.5k g
This soundbar weighs 630 g, less than 96.3% of soundbars.
Build material
plastic
This soundbar uses plastic for the build material, which is different from that of 4.8% of soundbars and the same as that of 89.4% of soundbars.
Show more

Amazon Basics X12r vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMI & GamingSmart featuresControlsDesign
  • 379 mm narrower width
    This soundbar is narrower than the average soundbar (383 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    383 mm vs 762 mm
  • AptX support
    This soundbar supports aptX, the average soundbar does not.
  • 1 more microphones
    This soundbar has more microphones than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 microphones.
    1 vs 0
  • Newer Bluetooth version
    This soundbar uses 5.3 for Bluetooth version, while the average soundbar uses 5.0.
    5.3 vs 5.0
  • Bass boost
    This soundbar supports bass boost, the average soundbar does not.
  • 1,370 g lighter weight
    This soundbar is lighter than the average soundbar (630 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    630 g vs 2,000 g
  • 22 mm thinner design
    This soundbar is thinner than the average soundbar (64 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    64 mm vs 86 mm
  • 3 years newer release
    This soundbar is newer than the average soundbar (2024 vs 2021). The average soundbar was released in 2021.
    June 7, 2024
    2,024 vs 2,021
  • 4.75x cheaper
    Amazon Basics X12r is cheaper than the average soundbar (£20 vs £95).
    £20 vs £95
  • Bass boost
    This soundbar supports bass boost, the average soundbar does not.
  • AptX support
    This soundbar supports aptX, the average soundbar does not.
  • AAC support
    This soundbar supports AAC, the average soundbar does not.
  • Broader music format support
    This soundbar supports more music formats than the average soundbar (MP3, WAV vs MP3).
    MP3, WAV vs MP3
  • Newer Bluetooth version
    This soundbar uses 5.3 for Bluetooth version, while the average soundbar uses 5.0.
    5.3 vs 5.0
  • 1 more microphones
    This soundbar has more microphones than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 microphones.
    1 vs 0
  • 379 mm narrower width
    This soundbar is narrower than the average soundbar (383 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    383 mm vs 762 mm
  • 1,370 g lighter weight
    This soundbar is lighter than the average soundbar (630 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    630 g vs 2,000 g
  • 22 mm thinner design
    This soundbar is thinner than the average soundbar (64 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    64 mm vs 86 mm
  • 3 years newer release
    This soundbar is newer than the average soundbar (2024 vs 2021). The average soundbar was released in 2021.
    June 7, 2024
    2,024 vs 2,021
  • 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 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 remote control
    This soundbar does not have remote control, the average soundbar does.
  • 2 fewer drivers
    This soundbar has fewer drivers than the average soundbar (2 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    2 vs 4
  • No dialogue enhancement
    This soundbar does not support dialogue enhancement, the average soundbar does.
  • No PCM / LPCM
    This soundbar does not support PCM / LPCM support, the average soundbar does.
  • No HDMI-CEC support
    This soundbar does not support HDMI-CEC, the average soundbar does.
  • 4.29x less popular
    Amazon Basics X12r is less popular than the average soundbar (1 vs 4.3).
    1 vs 4.29
  • 4.2% worse value for money
    Amazon Basics X12r has worse value for money than the average soundbar (6.48 vs 6.7).
    6.48 vs 6.75
  • 2 fewer drivers
    This soundbar has fewer drivers than the average soundbar (2 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    2 vs 4
  • 77.1% less audio output power
    This soundbar has a lower audio output power than the average soundbar (16 W vs 70 W). The average soundbar delivers 70 W of audio output power.
    16 W vs 70 W
  • 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.
  • No optical audio input
    This soundbar does not have optical audio input, the average soundbar does.
  • 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 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.
  • 4 mm higher height
    This soundbar is taller than the average soundbar (71 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.
    71 mm vs 67 mm

Video reviews

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

8.0
Budget Product
≈ estimated
12/07/2024
Unboxing and features · sound and mic tests
Verdict
Amazon Basics X12r offers good sound and a premium look for the price, though the mic is average and FM is missing.
Hands-on video, no verdict

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Amazon Basics X12r

  • Affordable price point, often cited as excellent value for money
  • Premium-looking matte black design with compact and lightweight build
  • Features multiple RGB light effects and a music spectrum mode
  • Easy and quick Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity
  • Delivers clear audio with dual 8W speakers and passive bass radiators
  • Includes a calling feature for hands-free use

What customers don't like about Amazon Basics X12r

  • Inconsistent battery life reports, with some users seeing only 2-3 hours at high volume
  • Total volume may be insufficient for parties or larger rooms
  • Lack of advanced connectivity options like HDMI, Wi-Fi, or FM radio
  • No remote control included, relying on device body controls
  • Some reports of build quality issues or units failing after several months
  • No dedicated smartphone app for sound customization

Verdict

The Amazon Basics X12R is a compact 16W Bluetooth 5.3 soundbar featuring dual 8W drivers and 2X bass reflex technology for enhanced low-end performance. Designed for portability and tabletop use, it includes a 2000mAh rechargeable battery providing up to 10 hours of playback, integrated RGB LED lights that sync to music, and versatile connectivity via AUX, USB, and Micro SD. Main advantages include its budget-friendly price point, lightweight 630g build, and inclusion of a built-in microphone for hands-free calling. However, some users have reported inconsistent battery life—with actual playback sometimes dropping to 2–3 hours at high volumes—and sound distortion when used at maximum output levels.

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