Finding the right soundbar for your television or computer can be a bit tricky, especially when you are on a tight budget. Moreover, there is a common misconception that the more expensive an item, the better it is. However, that statement is not always true.
With the best soundbar under 100, you can enjoy excellent sound quality in your home. Additionally, affordable soundbars prove that you do not have to spend your life’s savings to enjoy quality sound in your home. Nevertheless, there are dozens of cheap soundbars on the market today, and not all of them are created equal.
The numerous options make it somewhat challenging to find the best product that will provide high-quality sound and serve you for a long time. Fortunately, we are here to help you make the right choice. We have tested dozens of soundbars under 100 to compile a list of the best soundbar under 100 for you. Therefore, read on to see our expert picks.
Table of Contents
How We Chose the Best Soundbars Under 100
We carried out extensive research to create our list of the best soundbar under 100. Furthermore, we tested many products and looked beyond the price of the products. Here are some of the vital things we considered:
Pricing:
The first thing we considered was the price of the products. Thus, we created a list and eliminated all the products over $100. We discovered that most of the products over that price range have very little difference in value.
Maximum Output Power:
Many manufacturers advertise false information when marketing their products. Therefore, we tested the selected products to ensure the maximum output power is true to ensure you do not fall victim to that. Our list comprises only soundbars with impressive maximum output power. Moreover, some soundbars under 100 have better maximum output power than some expensive versions.
Connectivity:
We also checked the connectivity of the soundbars. The basic connection channel is Bluetooth. However, some people like to connect via an auxiliary cable or SPDIF. Hence, we chose products with versatile connectivity options.
Volume and Audio Quality:
We also paid close attention to the volume and sound quality of the soundbars. We ensured they were very audible. However, loudness is not enough, as quality matters too. Our list consists of only soundbars with high-quality sound and volume. Moreover, we looked at specific things such as the low, mid, and high frequencies to ensure balance. In addition to having a great sound, most of them have a dedicated subwoofer.
The Best Soundbar Under 100: Our 6 Top Picks
1. TCL Alto 6+ 2.1 Channel Dolby Audio Sound Bar – Overall Best Soundbar
TCL is increasingly gaining dominance in the electronic market with its affordable range of electronics. Interestingly, this company makes not only cheap products but also high-quality electronics. TCL does not sacrifice quality for price in its electronics, which is the case with this soundbar from TCL.
The TCL Alto 6+ is one of the best soundbars you can get for under $100 on the market today. This soundbar has many great features that separate it even from the expensive models. We were impressed with the performance of this soundbar when we tested it.
The soundbar’s length is 32 inches, which is pretty much the standard length, and it weighs only 14.7 pounds. This unit produces a dynamic sound that immerses you in your favorite shows with a clearer, bigger sound. It comes with all the essential features you would expect from a soundbar.
The TCL Alto 6+ features a 2.1 channel setup, which some expensive soundbars come with. It comes with a wireless subwoofer that allows you to enjoy rich, deep bass to make your music and movies come to life. This soundbar has different sound modes for different events such as movies, music, and more.
We love how easy it is to set up. You can also connect it via Bluetooth, optical, or HDMI inputs, making it a highly versatile soundbar. It also features Dolby Digital decoding, which significantly enhances the device’s sound quality. In addition, the soundbar is Roku RV-ready, and it works with the TCL Roku TV remote.
Rating
- Power Range: 7
- Speaker Maximum Output Power: 8
- Material Construction: 8
- Cost: 8
Product Specs
| Sound Formats: | Dolby Digital |
| Connectivity: | Bluetooth, 1 x HDMI, 1x Optical Digital |
| Voice Control: | N/A |
| Remote Control: | Yes |
| Channel Configuration: | 2.4 |
| Claimed Audio Power: | N/A |
| Dimension: | 31.5 x 2.4 x 4.2 inches (W x H x D) |
Pros
- High-quality sound
- Roku TV integration
- HDMI Arc
- Clean and simple design
- Different connectivity options
Cons
- The sound enhancements are not very effective.
Why We Like It: Despite being cheap, this soundbar produces clear and high-quality sound. In addition, it features quality construction and will serve you for years.
2. Sony S100F 2.0 Channel Sound Bar – Best Standalone Soundbar
The next item on our list is the Sony S100F 2.0 Channel Soundbar. It is one of the most powerful soundbars under 100. Moreover, this soundbar is excellent for those who prefer standalone soundbars. This budget soundbar provides crystal clear sound. It also has a built-in subwoofer that delivers deep bass for a better experience.
The soundbar is not very loud, but it sounds better than a built-in TV speaker. Additionally, it features well-configured full-range speakers with impressive bass responses. It has a slim design, making it ideal for small spaces.
This unit also allows for easy setup with HDMI ARC. The integrated tweeter and voice enhancement feature provides an immersive movie experience. We also love the high power of this unit, as it offers impressive surround sound. The soundbar is 35.5 inches long and weighs only 6 pounds.
Rating
- Power Range: 6
- Speaker Maximum Output Power: 6
- Material Construction: 8
- Cost: 9
Product Specs
| Sound Formats: | Dolby Digital |
| Connectivity: | Bluetooth, 1 x HDMI, 1x Optical Digital |
| Voice Control: | N/A |
| Remote Control: | Yes |
| Channel Configuration: | 2.0 |
| Claimed Audio Power: | N/A |
| Dimension: | 35.5 x 2.5 x 3.5 inches (W x H x D) |
Pros
- Perfectly designed for entertainment
- Delivers clear, detailed, and punchy bass
- Wall mountable
- Compact and portable design
Cons
- It lacks a dedicated subwoofer
Why We Like It: The Sony S100F is very cheap, and it comes with many great features at such an affordable rate. We also like the compact design and clear sound it produces.
Related: How to Sync Sony Sound Bar With TV Remote
3. BESTISAN Soundbar with Dual Bass Ports – Best Value for Money
If you are looking for the best soundbar under 100 that offers excellent value for money, you should opt for the BESTISAN Soundbar. With less than $100, you can have this fantastic speaker that offers great quality sound.
Audio engineers design this soundbar to enhance your listening experience. Furthermore, it comes with wall brackets and a mounting template, making it easy to mount on the wall. You can also place it on a flat surface if you do not want to mount it on the wall.
It has three different equalizer modes to give you the best sound experience ever (dialogue, music, and movie mode). It also supports both wireless and wired connections. Bluetooth compatibility lets you connect this device to mobile devices, TVs, computers, and more. Hence, you can use this device to stream music on different platforms from your phone.
In addition to having a quality build, this unit delivers a high-quality, round audio experience. It also has dual bass ports to provide you with richer and deeper bass.
Rating
- Power Range: 7
- Speaker Maximum Output Power: 7
- Material Construction: 7
- Cost: 9
Product Specs
| Sound Formats: | PCM |
| Connectivity: | Bluetooth, 1 x HDMI, 1x Optical Digital, RCA |
| Voice Control: | N/A |
| Remote Control: | Yes |
| Channel Configuration: | 2.0 |
| Claimed Audio Power: | N/A |
| Dimension: | 24.4 x 4 x 4.1 inches (W x H x D) |
Pros
- Compatible with multiple devices
- Dual patented curved bass ports for deeper and richer bass
- DSP technology
- Advanced audio processor for clearer sound
- Easy to install
Cons
- Not as loud as other devices
Why We Like It: We like this soundbar because of its three different equalizer modes. In addition, the soundbar is easy to mount and sounds awesome as well.
4. Wohome S89 Soundbar – Best Soundbar with Built-In Subwoofer
If you are looking for a good soundbar with a built-in subwoofer, Wohome is one of the best options to consider. It has a great movie and sound mode to provide you with a wide range of experiences. Moreover, the built-in subwoofer ensures that you will not miss out on the bass effect of your favorite music or movie.
With a 2.1 channel, this 28-inch soundbar provides super-clear sounds. It also features a DSP technology that allows you to choose the sound mode you want. Thanks to its design and connectivity options, installing this device is also a breeze. Additionally, it offers wireless connectivity (Bluetooth) and wired connection (AUX and optical cable).
It fits seamlessly into any home design or décor, making it ideal for big and small TVs. Furthermore, this soundbar has four different equalizer modes to fine-tune it to suit your listening needs. You can also mount it on the wall or keep it on a flat surface thanks to its design.
However, the volume of this device is a bit lower than other devices with a higher price tag. But that does not mean its sound is poor; it produces excellent quality sound. It also comes with many features that the high-end soundbars come with.
Rating
- Power Range: 7
- Speaker Maximum Output Power: 7
- Material Construction: 7
- Cost: 8
Product Specs
| Sound Formats: | N/A |
| Connectivity: | Bluetooth, 1 x HDMI, 1x Optical Digital, USB, AUX, RCA |
| Voice Control: | N/A |
| Remote Control: | Yes |
| Channel Configuration: | 2.1 |
| Claimed Audio Power: | N/A |
| Dimension: | 28 x 2.9 x 4 inches (W x H x D) |
Pros
- Compact design and easy to install
- Excellent sound quality
- Four different equalizer modes
- Offers great value for money
Cons
- No Dolby Atmos or DTS
Why We Like It: We love this soundbar because of its robust built-in subwoofer. It has four speakers to give you the massive sound experience you desire.
5. Creative Stage 2.1 Channel Soundbar with Subwoofer – Best Portable Soundbar
If you are looking for the best soundbar under 100 that will not take up a lot of space, you should consider this option. The Creative Stage soundbar measures only 21 inches in length, making it an excellent choice for those with tight spaces.
One of the most amazing things about this soundbar is its dedicated subwoofer. The dedicated subwoofer will give you massive, deep, and super-rich bass. In addition, it is designed to change your movie and music experience. Moreover, the subwoofer and the soundbar are 40W, producing a peak power of 160W.
This unit also has a remote control, so you do not always have to walk up to it to adjust the volume or change the mode. It also has different connectivity options, including Bluetooth connectivity, AUX, optical audio input, ARC, and USB. Thus, you can connect the device to your TV, Mac, PC, and smartphone. You can also plug a flash drive into the USB port to play music directly.
It also has a subtle and sleek design that blends into any interior décor. The remote also offers preset EQ selection such as music, movies, gaming, and concert mode. It comes with a single built-in power plug for a clutter-free connection.
Rating
- Power Range: 8
- Speaker Maximum Output Power: 7
- Material Construction: 9
- Cost: 7
Product Specs
| Sound Formats: | PCM |
| Connectivity: | Bluetooth, 1x Optical Audio Input, USB, AUX, HDMI ARC |
| Voice Control: | N/A |
| Remote Control: | Yes |
| Channel Configuration: | 2.1 |
| Claimed Audio Power: | N/A |
| Dimension: | 21.6 x 3 x 2.75 inches (W x H x D) |
Pros
- Super lightweight and portable
- Dedicated subwoofer
- Play audio from USB drives
Cons
- It might be too small for some setups
Why We Like It: This soundbar has a dedicated subwoofer that produces a super amazing bass effect. Moreover, it can fit in any tight space and provide you with a fantastic experience when listening to your favorite song or seeing a movie.
6. Roku Streambar Streaming Media Player – Best Multifunctional Soundbar
The last on our list is the Roku Streambar Streaming Media Player. The Roku Streambar is one of the most feature-rich soundbars on the market. It comes with many great features to satisfy your listening pleasure. Roku designed this soundbar to upgrade the sound quality of your TV set. You can also enjoy 4K audio streaming with this unit.
It has a very simple and compact design, making it ideal for any space. Despite being compact, this soundbar provides excellent sound quality. You can also enjoy premium music with this budget soundbar, thanks to the 100+ free audio channels it offers.
Connecting this device to other devices is also easy, and you can do that via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Another stunning feature of this soundbar is its voice remote control. The voice control makes the device easy and exciting to use.
This soundbar would make you feel like you are in the center of a home theater. It is loud and provides a clear, sharp sound. In addition to being portable, the soundbar features a lightweight design. It features Dolby audio and four internal speakers to fill your room with pure, clean sound. This device will make you love the new sound of your TV.
Rating
- Power Range: 8
- Speaker Maximum Output Power: 9
- Material Construction: 8
- Cost: 7
Product Specs
| Sound Formats: | Dolby Digital |
| Connectivity: | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, USB, Optical input |
| Voice Control: | Yes |
| Remote Control: | Yes |
| Channel Configuration: | 2.1 |
| Claimed Audio Power: | N/A |
| Dimension: | 14 x 4.2 x 2.4 inches (W x H x D) |
Pros
- Provides rich and clear sound
- Easy to setup
- Voice control
- 4K streaming
Cons
- Limited wired connectivity
Why We Like It: We like the Roku soundbar for its extensive functionality. It comes with the features of a high-end soundbar, including voice control and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Things You Should Consider When Looking for the Best Soundbar under 100
Getting a soundbar is no longer a daunting task, as many options are on the market. However, what is more difficult is getting a good soundbar, especially when your budget is below $100.
You need to look out for some vital things when buying a soundbar, regardless of how cheap it is. To help you make the right choice, here are the key things you should consider when buying a soundbar under 100.
● Channels
The channel of a soundbar is the point through which the sound is projected. The higher the channels of a soundbar, the more surround sound experience it would provide. The best you can get at this price range is a 2.0 or 2.1 soundbar.
A soundbar with 2.0 channels means it has two channels, whereas a soundbar with 2.1 means two channels and one subwoofer. Our list comprises soundbars with 2.0 and 2.1 channels. The expensive models come with 5.1 channels, 7.1 channels, and more.
Fortunately, a 2.0 or 2.1 channel soundbar is enough to upgrade your built-in TV speakers. We have selected the best options to provide you with high-quality and clear sound.
● Connectivity
The connectivity of a soundbar is another vital thing you need to consider. You do not want to spend your hard-earned money to buy a soundbar that is not compatible with your TV. Hence, you should check the device’s connectivity to ensure you can connect it to your TV and other devices you want to connect it with.
Opt for a soundbar with both wireless and wired connectivity options. Having a wide range of connection possibilities will make your device more flexible. The first wireless connection option to consider is Bluetooth.
The other wired options include HDMI, optical cord, RCA, USB, and AUX. You want to make sure the device you choose has all or most of those wired connection options. HDMI is necessary to enjoy a super clear sound and easy connection.
Some soundbars also come with two HDMI ports, which allows you to connect two devices simultaneously. However, you will hardly find such a feature on budget soundbars. Hence, before making your final buy decision, ensure the soundbar has a connectivity option compatible with your TV or device.
● Voice or Remote Control
Gone are when people have to walk to the TV set to adjust the volume or change the channel. Since you no longer have such experience with your TV, you do not want to experience it with your soundbar.
Hence, you should avoid soundbars without any remote or voice control. The remote control makes the soundbar easy and convenient to use. It allows you to control your device from the comfort of your couch without having to stand up. You do not need to get close to the device to adjust the volume or mode.
Some devices also come with voice control, which reduces the stress of pressing buttons. Hence, you should opt for a soundbar with remote control and onboard buttons.
The onboard buttons also come in handy when you misplace the remote control. However, if you want convenience and ease of use, the soundbar must have a remote control.
● Subwoofer
Buying a cheap soundbar does not mean you have to settle for less. A subwoofer plays a vital role in sound systems. It adds quality to the sound and enhances your listening pleasure. Many cheap soundbars do not come with subwoofers, while a few do.
Interestingly, some of the options on our list come with dedicated subwoofers. If you cannot find a cheap soundbar with a separate subwoofer, you should opt for one with a built-in subwoofer. We also listed products with wireless subwoofers, which gives you the freedom to place them wherever you want.
If you are opting for a soundbar with a dedicated subwoofer, you should consider the size of the subwoofer. Make sure the device can fit into the space you have. Your TV’s size would also play a role in the size of the subwoofer you choose. Some subwoofers are best suited for 55-inch TVs and above.
● Size
The size of the soundbar is another thing you need to pay close attention to. When buying a soundbar, you need to consider the sound bar placement and space you want to keep it. The available space you have would determine the size of the soundbar to buy.
Soundbars have different placement positions. You can place some on a flat surface or hang them on the wall. Whatever option it is, you want to make sure you have enough room for it. Soundbars come in different sizes and lengths.
If you want to position the soundbar directly under the TV, you should opt for one that is not longer than the TV. You should consider the height and width of the soundbar, ensuring it does not obstruct your view.
● Equalizer or Sound Modes
The more equalizer modes the soundbar has, the better. Equalizer modes allow you to customize your sound to enhance your experience. It would enable you to use different EQ settings, such as movies mode, music mode, and more.
These different modes have different sound effects. They are optimized to give you a better sound experience when seeing a movie, listening to music, and more. Some devices also come with modes for dialogue and news, providing soft voices for your hearing pleasure.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the $100 Soundbar worth it?
A $100 soundbar is worth it when you invest in the right product. There are many soundbars under 100 in the market, but not all are of the same quality. However, many of them provide excellent value for money.
2. What is the best soundbar money can buy?
There are many soundbars, and the best one money can buy depends on your personal preferences and budget.
3. What to look for in home theater soundbars under $100?
There are many things to look for when buying a home theater soundbar under $100. Nevertheless, the most important things you need to consider are the channels, subwoofer, connectivity options, control, equalization modes, and soundbar size. You need to make sure all these factors meet your personal needs and preferences.
4. What are soundbar channels?
A soundbar’s channel is the position through which the sound is projected from the device. Examples of soundbar channels include 2.0, 2.1, 5.1, 7.1, and more. The first digit determines the number of channels, while the second digit after the decimal determines the number of subwoofers.
5. Will a soundbar enhance my TV sound?
The best soundbar would definitely enhance your TV sound. It would enhance your movie experience significantly. It sounds clearer and provides a better base than your TV’s built-in speakers.
Related: Are Soundbars Good for Karaoke?
Conclusion
There you go! Those are some of the best soundbars under $100 on the market. We conducted extensive research and tested our top recommendations to create this list. You can rely on any of the products reviewed above for an enhanced sound experience. We have tested a series of products so that you do not have to do so.
Soundbars improve the sound quality of a TV, providing a virtual surround sound experience. They offer a cinematic experience more cheaply and conveniently.
Expert Tip
When using a soundbar, avoid taking the volume to the maximum. If you want to enjoy clear and sharp sounds and vocals, you should not exceed 90% volume.
Do You Know?
Do you know that a soundbar can block your TV remote sensor if you do not place it properly? Placing it directly under your TV might prevent the remote from working. Hence, you should create a room for the TV remote sensor when mounting your soundbar.
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John Fleming is the senior editor for Audiophilez.com, covering everything from headphones to smart speakers. He is a graduate of Music Production and Technology. Before Audiophilez, John began his career as a staff writer for two different magazines, where he became a skilled storyteller across different mediums. When he isn’t writing, he can be found biking, reading books, and playing the piano.