Have you recently purchased a new television and want to watch a movie? Given how thin flat-screen TVs have become, it’s understandable if the built-in speakers lack the oomph and audio fidelity you desire.
In terms of sound, nothing beats a full-fledged 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound system for a home theatre. Soundbars, on the other hand, are an excellent alternative. They save space and prevent you from tearing your hair out over speaker placement issues and complicated wiring. Simply place it in front of or on the wall above your screen to enjoy a vastly improved sonic experience.
In this article, I’ll walk you through my top picks for soundbars under $100. Higher-end consumer soundbars like those seen in television commercials from Sonos, Bose, and Sony are out of the question on a tight budget like this. They will also be devoid of virtual surround sound technologies such as DTS: Virtual X and Dolby Atmos.
There are, however, a plethora of reasonable-priced options that confidently project sound across the room while perfectly complementing your room’s fancy decor. Some even have a separate subwoofer for deeper, more immersive bass. Here is a list of the soundbars we think are the best in this price range:
List of Best Soundbars under $100 (Top Rated Soundbars)
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TCL Alto 6+ 2.1 Channel Soundbar
TCL is a Chinese consumer electronics company that is slowly but steadily gaining a foothold in Western markets with its low-cost electronics. They’ve risen to become the world’s third-largest TV manufacturer in terms of market share, so it’s not surprising that they’ve begun producing soundbars.
The TCL Alto 6 and 6+ are among the best soundbars under $100 we’ve tested. They are both 32-inch soundbars, but the Alto 6+ is the better option because it has a 2.1 channel setup with a wireless subwoofer. However, if space or money is constrained, the 2.0 channel Alto 6 is still a good buy.
TCL has also included all of the bells and whistles we’d expect from a soundbar–which isn’t always a given. HDMI ARC support, Bluetooth, Dolby Digital, and remote control are all included.
There isn’t much to dislike about the TCL Alto 6+. It clearly lacks Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound, but that’s to be expected at this price. Overall, it’s our top pick for a soundbar in this price range.
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TCL Alto 6+ 2.1 Channel Dolby Audio Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer,…
- DOLBY DIGITAL: Dolby Digital decoding maximizes sound clarity and creates incredible room-filling virtual surround sound.Speakers maximum output power:240 watts.Total hdmi ports:1.Total usb ports:1
- DEEP BASS WITH WIRELESS SUBWOOFER: Experience deep, rich bass to make movies and music truly come to life.
- DOLBY DIGITAL: Dolby Digital decoding maximizes sound clarity and creates incredible room-filling virtual surround sound.Speakers maximum output power:240 watts.Total hdmi ports:1.Total usb ports:1
- DEEP BASS WITH WIRELESS SUBWOOFER: Experience deep, rich bass to make movies and music truly come to life.
- STREAM MUSIC WIRELESSLY: You can use your Bluetooth-enabled device to wirelessly stream music on your sound bar.
- SPECIALIZED SOUND MODES: Specialized sound modes bring Movies, Music, and News to life.
- QUICK AND HASSLE-FREE SETUP: With HDMI, optical, or Bluetooth connections, you can go from unboxing to listening in minutes.
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Wohome 38-Inch Soundbar with Built-in Subwoofer
Wohome’s 2.1 channel soundbar houses a total of 6 speakers–four 15W dynamic drivers and two 10W tweeters. It also has two bass reflex tubes, which improve bass response to the point where these types of soundbars claim to have a built-in subwoofer.
The Wohome Soloist S9920 lacks some nice-to-have features, such as HDMI ARC and mounting hardware, but it is a strong contender when it comes to pure audio performance. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better-sounding standalone soundbar for the price.
With a width of 38 inches, this is best paired with larger televisions ranging from 40 to 60 inches. Wohome does have smaller offerings in the Soloist range that we would recommend if your TV is significantly smaller. You’ll want to connect it to the TV via the RCA or optical inputs on the back, but other devices can connect via the auxiliary input on the side or go wireless and pair via Bluetooth.
Perhaps the S9920’s most serious flaw is its obnoxious, behemoth design. In terms of design, its angled shape means that sound is projected upwards. As a result, it’s best positioned on a flat surface directly beneath the TV (though wall mounting holes allow it to be positioned in various other ways).
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Wohome 2.1 Sound bar 38-Inch with Dual Built-in Subwoofer,Deep bass 3D Surrond…
- BUILT IN DUAL SUBWOOFER–6 speakers with Dual subwoofer can produce powerful bass and crystal-clear sound,Super volume add room-shaking bass,makes you feel like you are in a movie theater or party scene.
- BUILT IN DUAL SUBWOOFER–6 speakers with Dual subwoofer can produce powerful bass and crystal-clear sound,Super volume add room-shaking bass,makes you feel like you are in a movie theater or party scene.
- 38 INCH TV SOUNDBAR–Longer bass reflex tube can produce higher sound quality and fuller sound,This soundbar is easy setup,remote control,mount kit provided,mount it on the wall or placed on cabinet,great for 40" or above TVs.
- 4 WORKING MODES–TV & music & movie & default Mode,TV mode with DSP tecnology enhance the dialogue clarity,music mode produce deep bass,movie mode bring 3D surround sound to movies,make you enjoy home stereo audio,default mode let you adjust the bass and treble.
- MULTIPLE CONNECTION–support Optical,AUX,Coaxial,Bluetooth and USB connection,Compatible with the tablet, PCs, TVs, Projector, smartphones, PS4, DVDs and other devices that support optical,coaxial,AUX or Bluetooth.
- 100% SATISFACTION SERVICE: lifetime technical support,contact us via Amazon message or find our service mail by user manual,We absolutely give you a satisfied solution,Please believe that we treat our all customers with sincerity.
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ZVOX AccuVoice AV100 Dialogue Clarifying Sound Bar
Hearing deteriorates with age. As you get older, it becomes more difficult to hear the voices on TV clearly. Poor quality built-in speakers certainly don’t help, but even on better speakers, voices can get lost in the mix.
The ZVOX AccuVoice AV100 employs patented technology to ensure that voices are clear and understandable. This is accomplished through the use of an onboard DSP and integrated DAC, which boost the common frequencies produced by human voices. As a result, human voices can be clearly heard above the music, sound effects, and other ambient noises in the audio.
Other manufacturers, such as Yamaha’s Clear Voice and Polk’s Voice Adjust, promote voice enhancement technologies on their soundbars. ZVOX, on the other hand, are clear leaders in this space and none of the rudimentary technologies come close to being as effective.
While the voice assistant feature is fantastic, keep in mind that this is a 10-inch speaker. In the AV200, ZVOX offers a larger, more powerful 17-inch soundbar, but these are still relatively small and should only be considered if you require the hearing assistance feature.
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ZVOX Dialogue Clarifying Sound Bar with Patented Hearing Technology, Six Levels of…
- THE WORLD’S SMALLEST HOME THEATER?: Experience powerful sound in a compact design with the AccuVoice AV100 TV speaker, measuring only 10 inches wide and under a pound. Perfect for any space, this mini soundbar delivers clear audio and fits seamlessly into any room without clutter.
- THE WORLD’S SMALLEST HOME THEATER?: Experience powerful sound in a compact design with the AccuVoice AV100 TV speaker, measuring only 10 inches wide and under a pound. Perfect for any space, this mini soundbar delivers clear audio and fits seamlessly into any room without clutter.
- CLEAR DIALOGUE WITH HEARING AID TECHNOLOGY: Enjoy six levels of AccuVoice boost, crafted with hearing aid technology, ensuring crystal-clear dialogue even at low volumes. Ideal for those who struggle with background noise, making TV viewing easy and enjoyable for everyone.
- RICH, ROOM-FILLING SOUND IN A COMPACT SIZE: Equipped with dual high-output wide-range speakers and a passive radiator, the AccuVoice AV100 delivers deep, rich audio without bulky equipment. Perfect for enhancing TV sound in small spaces, delivering a powerful, immersive experience.
- POWERFUL SOUND WITH CLASS D DIGITAL AMPLIFIER: Experience enhanced audio clarity with the AV100’s Class D Digital Amplifier, delivering efficient, high-quality sound with minimal distortion. Perfect for clear, robust audio in any setting, without compromising on compact size.
- IMMERSIVE AUDIO WITH DOLBY DIGITAL DECODING: Transform your TV experience with Dolby Digital Decoding, bringing cinema-quality sound to your home. The AV100 ensures detailed audio for movies, music, and shows, making every sound crystal clear and enhancing dialogue for total enjoyment.
- ROOM-FILLING 3D SOUND WITH PHASECUE SURROUND: Enjoy an immersive audio experience with PhaseCue virtual surround, delivering expansive 3D sound that fills any room. Ideal for users seeking a home theater feel without multiple speakers, bringing depth and realism to every scene.
- USER-FRIENDLY REMOTE WITH LARGE, CLEAR BUTTONS: Control your audio effortlessly with the AV100’s redesigned remote, featuring large, easy-to-read buttons for simple navigation. Perfect for users of all ages, making volume adjustments and settings changes hassle-free.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY WITH 3.5MM MINI JACK INPUT: Enjoy easy setup with a single 3.5mm minijack input, compatible with both Optical Digital Toslink and Analog Stereo connections. Ideal for users seeking flexible options to connect various devices seamlessly to the AV100.
- DURABLE, ACOUSTICALLY INERT CABINET FOR PURE SOUND: Crafted with a high-quality injection-molded ABS cabinet, the AV100 minimizes cabinet resonances to maintain clear, distortion-free audio. Perfect for those seeking lasting durability and pristine sound quality in a compact design.
- COMPACT & LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN FOR EASY PLACEMENT: Measuring just 10” wide and weighing under 1 lb, the AV100 fits effortlessly into just about any space. Perfect for users with limited room, this mini soundbar delivers powerful audio without taking up valuable space in your setup.
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VIZIO SB3820 38-Inch Sound Bar
Vizio is better known for its televisions, but the SB3820 soundbar is a stylish soundbar that performs far better than built-in TV speakers.
The SB3820’s Deep Bass Modules allow the soundbar to produce deeper lows than most of its competitors. This provides compelling sound without the need for an external subwoofer, though Vizio does offer one bundled with one for those looking for thumping lows on their movie nights.
The soundbar includes all of the features you’d expect from a modern soundbar, such as built-in Bluetooth, analog and digital inputs, and DTS TruSurround and DTS Tru Volume.
It can produce up to 100dB of sound and will easily fill larger rooms. Because it is a large 38-inch soundbar, it is best paired with larger TV sets with 42″ or larger screens. Those with smaller televisions should consider the 29-inch SB2920 instead.
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VIZIO SB3820-C6 38-Inch 2.0 Channel Sound Bar
- 100 dB of room filling, crystal clear sound with less than 1 percent total harmonic distortion
- Deep Bass Modules provides added bass without the need for an external subwoofer
- Built in Bluetooth lets you lose the wires and listen to your music with a tap of a finger
- 100 dB of room filling, crystal clear sound with less than 1 percent total harmonic distortion
- Deep Bass Modules provides added bass without the need for an external subwoofer
- Built in Bluetooth lets you lose the wires and listen to your music with a tap of a finger
- Stylish and compact the perfect complement to any small to medium size HDTV; Installation :Table top and wall mountable
- Premium audio with Dolby Digital, DTS Studio SoundTM, DTS Tru Volume TM, DTS TruSurroundTM.Sound Bar Frequency:60 hertz, 19 kilohertz; Installation: Table top and wall mountable
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28-inch Bestisan TV Sound Bar With Dual Bass Ports
This rather generic and unremarkable budget soundbar is made by an OEM and sold under a variety of different labels, but the underlying components are actually quite good.
Because of the angled speaker design, this soundbar projects sound upwards, making it particularly effective for filling rooms when placed on low surfaces.
The two 3-inch full-range drivers deliver clear highs and mids, while the dual bass ports ensure a strong low-end presence. The respectable 40-watt output power is on the low side (even for a small 28-inch soundbar), but at lower volume listening, the sound quality is superior to many other 28-inch soundbars with more than 100 watts of power.
The latest Bluetooth 5.0 compatibility allows you to stream high-quality audio files from your phone to the soundbar and adjusting the built-in DSP’s bass and treble levels allow you to get the sound you want.
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BESTISAN Soundbar, TV Sound Bar with Dual Bass Ports Wired and Wireless…
- Room-filling sound: powerful speakers deliver a round, high-end audio experience for bed room and apartment.
- Enhanced bass: 3 inches full range drivers and dual bass ports that bring the richer and deeper bass, boost A loud sound that fills the room without distortion.
- Room-filling sound: powerful speakers deliver a round, high-end audio experience for bed room and apartment.
- Enhanced bass: 3 inches full range drivers and dual bass ports that bring the richer and deeper bass, boost A loud sound that fills the room without distortion.
- Multiple wireless and wired connections: easily connect to the sound bar via Bluetooth 5. 0 or standard audio cable Connection, AUX, HDMI(ARC) and optical input.
- 3 different equalizer modes: fine tune your sound bar with 3 distinct equalizer modes (movie, music, dialogue) via the remote control to match your favorite sound.
- Multiple Setups, multiple options: sits flat below the TV screen or securely mounts on the wall for a sleek, elegant home theater setup
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Creative Stage 2.1 Channel Soundbar
While a good soundbar produces adequate bass on its own, having a dedicated subwoofer unit increases the bass significantly, ensuring that you feel the thump and kick in those action-packed scenes.
Soundbar options under $100 are limited, let alone one that includes a separate subwoofer, so it’s impressive to see a household name like Creative bring one to market.
The package is appealing, with a 40W soundbar and a 40W subwoofer capable of producing 160W of peak power. It has all of the features you’d expect from a soundbar, including Bluetooth connectivity and remote control. Creative has also included a USB port on the soundbar, which allows you to play MP3s from a USB thumb drive.
While it’s a good overall package, it’s not the best under-$100 soundbar. The soundbar itself is rather small (approximately 22 inches wide) and simply not wide enough to provide good stereo separation. Creative has also tuned the drivers to be mid-range drivers, which means that the lower frequencies are thin unless used in conjunction with the subwoofer. As a result, you have a mediocre soundbar and a mediocre subwoofer that are neither as clean as a standalone solution nor as powerful as a higher-end 2.1 channel setup.
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Creative Stage 2.1 Channel Under-Monitor Soundbar with Subwoofer for TV, Computers, and…
- Clutter-free, under-monitor sound bar for computer and TV fits perfectly under a PC monitor and blends naturally into any room interior with its sleek, subtle design. The sound bar also comes with a wall mounting kit that allows you to install the Creative stage easily onto your wall with included instructions and hardware. The sound bar is conveniently powered by a single built-in power Plug, providing you with a clutter-free desktop and TV console – just connect it to a power source
- Clutter-free, under-monitor sound bar for computer and TV fits perfectly under a PC monitor and blends naturally into any room interior with its sleek, subtle design. The sound bar also comes with a wall mounting kit that allows you to install the Creative stage easily onto your wall with included instructions and hardware. The sound bar is conveniently powered by a single built-in power Plug, providing you with a clutter-free desktop and TV console – just connect it to a power source
- Dual-driver with subwoofer for room-filling audio This high performing 2. 1 speaker system produces 160W peak power and houses two custom-tuned, mid-range drivers for enhanced dialog clarity and stunning mid-range. Paired with a long Throw dedicated subwoofer, The Creative stage is capable of deep, thumping bass that will captivate you in the immersiveness of your movies and music in any room size
- Convenient controls with remote Controls are conveniently located at the side of the sound bar for easy reach and hassle-free control. For added convenience, there is an included remote control that allows you to access preset EQ selections like movies, music, Concert, and even gaming mode! Apart from the usual Audio and volume playback controls, the remote also allows you the ability to increase and reduce treble and bass settings
- Various connectivity options Conveniently connect your TV, PC/Mac, and mobile phones through our myriad of connectivity options such as wireless Bluetooth, 3. 5mm aux-in, optical Audio input, TV (ARC), and USB MP3. These extensive sound bar connections make it an easy choice for any audio upgrade
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Pyle PSBV600BT Sound Bar
When we think of soundbars, we usually envision long, thin bars. Some people, however, prefer tabletop “sound bases” on which your TV is directly placed as an alternative to soundbars.
Soundbases have the advantage of giving audio engineers more room to work with because they are deeper and have more internal volume. The Pyle PSBV600BT is one of the few low-cost sound bases with a built-in subwoofer. The result is the sound of a soundbar and a subwoofer setup but in a single box.
While the overall sound quality is good, the bass is slightly overpowering, and the mids and treble are sometimes drowned out. Furthermore, the sound base lacks some features that we would have liked to see, such as HDMI ARC and better remote control. However, if you’re looking for a sound base for less than $100, this is a good option.
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Pyle TV Soundbar Soundbase Bluetooth – Upgraded 2018 Wireless Surround Sound System…
- BLUETOOTH: The soundbar speaker features built-in Bluetooth allows you to wirelessly stream audio from your favorite Bluetooth devices (works with virtually all Bluetooth-enabled devices like iPhone, Android, Smartphone, iPad, Tablet, PC, etc.
- BLUETOOTH: The soundbar speaker features built-in Bluetooth allows you to wirelessly stream audio from your favorite Bluetooth devices (works with virtually all Bluetooth-enabled devices like iPhone, Android, Smartphone, iPad, Tablet, PC, etc.
- ALL-IN-ONE COMPACT SYSTEM: The TV audio system features exceptional sound reproduction technologies that effectively recreate the entire audio spectrum.
- UPGRADED SPEAKERS: The soundbar speaker features include bottom-mounted subwoofer with ported tube design that allows for extended bass performance and 4 full-range speakers that bring you crisp, full-bodied sound.
- CONNECT TO EXTERNAL DEVICES: TV Bluetooth speakers allow you to connect to additional external devices like your TV, laptop, computer or home theater thanks to the AUX (3.5mm), digital optical and RCA Stereo input connector jacks.
- FULL SYSTEM: The soundbar stand system includes full function remote control, so you can control your Bluetooth device, change inputs and adjust volume from anywhere in the room.
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TaoTronic 32-Inch Soundbar
TaoTronics is a fast-growing Shenzhen-based technology company whose products have exploded onto the US consumer electronics market. While it may be tempting to go for the largest soundbar you can afford, in reality, you want one that is best suited to your TV and room size.
Its 32-inch size makes it ideal for small living rooms or bedroom TVs. This TaoTronics soundbar delivers balanced and clear sound at low volumes, and its wood grain finish adds a touch of class you wouldn’t expect to find in this price range. It can still get quite loud, but only with distortion and compression artifacts.
If you’re tired of your TV’s tinny sound and struggling to understand important dialogue, this is a good option. Those who need to fill out larger rooms, on the other hand, will fare much better with the 38-inch Wohome soundbar or the TCL Alto 6+.
Buying Guide: Best Soundbars under $100
For this price, you can still get a good soundbar that competes with those made by higher-end brands. After all, great sound doesn’t have to cost thousands of dollars.
If you’re not an audiophile and want to save some money, a new soundbar under $100 will suffice to complete your room entertainment system. A budget soundbar is ideal for those who want to improve their sound and experience surround sound.
Even if you’re on a tight budget, you don’t want your money to go to waste. Let’s take a look at some of the features you should look for when purchasing soundbars.
- Subwoofer
A subwoofer improves sound quality, but whether or not you need one is a matter of personal preference. If you enjoy deep bass, built-in or separate subwoofers should be at the top of your shopping list.
A good subwoofer will provide you with a home theatre experience right from your couch. Some soundbars, such as the leading Dolby Atmos soundbars, even include a wireless subwoofer that can be placed in an ideal location in the room.
However, some soundbars do not include a subwoofer at all, which may reflect in the price as well. Consider whether you need a subwoofer and whether it should be wired or wireless.
Another factor to consider is the soundbar’s size, as some work best with TVs that are 55 inches or larger. As a result, the size of the television would also be a factor here.
- Channels
The channels denote the location from which sound is projected by the soundbar. As you might expect, the more channels you have, the more likely it is that you will hear good surround sound.
Aside from that, the numbers you see next to the product title (2.1, 5.1, 7.1, etc.) indicate how many channels and subwoofers the soundbar has. The first digit denotes the number of channels, and the number following the decimal denotes the number of subwoofers.
A number of the soundbars on this list only have two channels, but that’s to be expected given that we’re talking about under $100 soundbars. If you want more channels, soundbars like that are usually more expensive.
So, before purchasing a soundbar, decide how many channels you want or need.
- Sound Modes
It’s a good thing that the soundbar has sound modes, especially because it optimizes sounds for different content, such as TV shows. You’d have to use some of these at some point to hear the best audio for the type of content.
People most commonly use news, standard, movie, and music modes. The dialogue in news mode will be enhanced, whereas movie mode, the treble and bass will be amplified to the desired level so that TV shows provide a better listening experience.
These sound modes ensure that you get the best audio experience possible regardless of what you’re watching. This is one of the features that distinguish a soundbar like the ZVox Accuvoice AV157 from a TV speaker.
- Connection
Having both wired and wireless connection options indicates that your soundbar is more adaptable in terms of compatibility. They also make installation simple, as with this Vizio soundbar.
Bluetooth is the most common wireless option in today’s soundbars. Wired audio connections, on the other hand, would include aux, RCA, optical cords, USB, and HDMI. By far the simplest connection to set up is the HDMI port. Some soundbars may have two HDMI inputs, which can be useful if you want to connect two devices to your soundbar.
Having both wired and wireless options, depending on your preferences, is ideal because it gives you more flexibility with soundbar placement. The majority of connectivity options are fairly straightforward, but if you require assistance, simply consult the user manual.
- Remote
Remote control improves the convenience of a soundbar. It allows you to set and control your settings from the comfort of your living room couch.
Many manufacturers include one with the package, eliminating the need to go out and find a universal one. However, keep in mind where you put the remote after use, as some remotes are on the smaller side in terms of size.
If you lose the remote, you can control your soundbar using the onboard buttons on the bar itself. Many people, however, will agree that using a remote control is far superior.
CONCLUSION
There’s no reason to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars when you can get a decent soundbar for less than $100, right?
Although even the best soundbars at this price point do not include any fancy features like voice control, these budget soundbars may be the best option if all you want is improved audio.
Soundbars improve the sound of your TV speakers and may also provide virtual surround sound to simulate a movie theatre experience. If you don’t have any specific audio needs, any of the products listed above will boost the power and quality of your entertainment system.
That’s all for the list of best soundbars under $100. If you’re looking to pump your sound experience outdoors, then check out our list of Best Portable Outdoor Speakers and groove to the beats in outdoor trips.