TurboVS
Amazon Basics SB25R specifications and in-depth review

Amazon Basics SB25R

Manufacturer: Amazon Basics

The Amazon Basics SB25R is a straightforward 2-channel soundbar designed for users who want a compact audio upgrade without a complex setup. Weighing just 900 g and measuring 430 mm wide, it fits neatly beneath most displays, and its on-device control panel keeps operation simple without the need for a remote or companion app.

On the connectivity side, the SB25R runs Bluetooth 5.3 and supports both aptX and aptX Adaptive codecs alongside AAC, covering a solid range of wireless audio formats. A physical AUX input is also available for wired connections. The unit does not include Wi-Fi, HDMI, S/PDIF, or any smart-home integration such as voice assistants or Chromecast, keeping its feature set focused and uncomplicated.

Pros
  • Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Adaptive and AAC codec support covers a wide range of wireless audio quality levels
  • Physical AUX input allows wired connection to audio sources
  • On-device control panel provides direct access to controls without relying on external accessories
  • Compact dimensions of 430 mm wide and 72 mm thick make it easy to place under most displays
  • Lightweight at 900 g, making it straightforward to position or relocate
Cons
  • No remote control included, requiring the user to interact directly with the unit at all times
  • No Wi-Fi support limits connectivity options to Bluetooth and wired AUX only
  • No HDMI or S/PDIF output restricts integration with TVs and AV receivers
  • No Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, or DTS:X support means surround sound formats are not decoded
  • No dedicated smartphone app means playback and settings cannot be managed remotely
  • No NFC pairing, requiring manual Bluetooth pairing each time
Who is this for?

This soundbar is a practical fit for users who want a simple, no-fuss audio upgrade in a living room or bedroom setting. Its compact dimensions and lightweight build make it easy to place under most screens without dominating the space. Those who primarily stream audio from a smartphone or other Bluetooth device will appreciate the aptX Adaptive and AAC codec support, which enables higher-quality wireless playback. The AUX input also makes it a reasonable choice for users who need a straightforward wired connection to a TV or other source.

Who is this NOT for?

Users looking for a more immersive home cinema experience will find this soundbar lacking, as it offers no support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Digital, or HDMI, all of which are standard expectations for cinematic audio setups. Those who prefer managing playback remotely will also run into limitations, since there is no remote control and no companion app. Additionally, anyone invested in a smart home ecosystem — whether built around Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit — will find no integration options here, making it a poor fit for voice-controlled or networked audio environments.

Audio:

number of channels of sound output 2
has aptX ✓
has aptX Adaptive ✓
has AAC ✓

The SB25R delivers audio through 2 channels and supports a range of Bluetooth codec options, including aptX, aptX Adaptive, and AAC, allowing it to handle various wireless audio quality levels depending on the source device.

Features:

compatible with Google Assistant ✕
works with Alexa ✕
has Spotify Connect ✕
has Dolby Atmos ✕
has DTS:X ✕
has Chromecast built-in ✕
works with Siri/Apple HomeKit ✕
has AirPlay ✕
supports Dolby Digital Plus ✕
supports Dolby Digital ✕
supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC ✕

The SB25R does not include any smart assistant integration, with no support for Google Assistant, Alexa, or Siri/Apple HomeKit. Streaming-specific features such as Spotify Connect, Chromecast built-in, and AirPlay are also absent. On the audio format side, the unit supports neither Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, nor Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X is likewise not available. Bluetooth pairing via NFC is not supported either.

Connectivity:

has an AUX input ✓
has an HDMI output ✕
Bluetooth version 5.3
Has Bluetooth ✓
supports Wi-Fi ✕
RJ45 ports 0
has a microphone input ✕
Has S/PDIF Out port ✕

The SB25R connects wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.3 and also offers a physical AUX input for wired audio sources. Wi-Fi is not supported, and there are no RJ45 ports, so network-based connectivity is not available. The unit lacks an HDMI output, an S/PDIF out port, and a microphone input as well.

General info:

volume 2941.2 cm³
has voice commands ✕
control panel placed on a device ✓
has a remote control ✕
has a rechargeable remote control ✕
Has a dedicated smartphone app ✕
number of microphones 0
thickness 72 mm
weight 900 g
width 430 mm
height 95 mm

The SB25R has a compact physical footprint, measuring 430 mm wide, 95 mm tall, and 72 mm thick, with a total volume of 2941.2 cm³ and a weight of 900 g. Controls are handled directly through an on-device control panel, as the unit comes without a remote control, a rechargeable remote, or a dedicated smartphone app. Voice commands are not supported, and the device has no microphones.

Final Verdict

The Amazon Basics SB25R is a stripped-back soundbar that delivers on simplicity — it pairs easily over Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Adaptive support, fits neatly into compact spaces, and requires no app, network, or remote to operate. Its feature set is deliberately minimal, with no smart home integration, no surround sound format support, and no HDMI connectivity, which narrows its appeal to users who need a clean, low-maintenance audio solution rather than a full home cinema component. For that specific use case — a lightweight, easy-to-place soundbar for everyday listening — the SB25R is a coherent and functional choice.