However, at that point wed probably suggest considering an actual surround sound speaker setup with copper wiring. Blu-ray player, games console etc.) Sign up to receive Popular Science's emails and get the highlights. Some of them even feature a separate subwoofer for more immersive bass. Speaking of design, its angled design also means sound is projected upwards. Theyve become the worlds third-largest TV manufacturer by market share, so its unsurprising that theyve started making soundbars. This is achieved through an onboard DSP and integrated DAC which boost the common frequencies that human voices produce. Reminiscent of a burrito-sized Bluetooth party speaker, the Roku Streambar is ideal for watching television shows or streaming other dialogue-based programs, like podcasts or audiobooks. The TCL Alto 6 and 6+ are among the best-sounding under $100 soundbars weve tested. Bought yourself a new TV and want to immerse yourself in a movie? Sound-wise, you just cant beat a fully fledged 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound system for a home theater. Why it made the cut: The Bestisan soundbar is the only model on this list that retails for under $65, a budget-friendly steal that will still sound better than your TVs built-in speakers. TCL have also included all the bells and whistles wed hope to expect from a soundbarsomething thats not always a given. When connecting to your television, youll most likely want to connect to it using an optical cable. Assuming your TV also features an HDMI ARC port, this is another simple way of connecting the two. If youre willing to increase your budget, you should check out our list of the best soundbars for under $200. Some can live without it, but we recommend the upgrade; they can be a real game-changer when it comes to an entertaining viewing experience. It also features two bass reflex tubes which significantly improves bass response, to the extent these types of soundbar claim to have a built-in subwoofer. Yet it manages to pump 91 dBimpressive for such a small footprint. Some are designed as standalone units, not compatible with additional speakers; however, others (such as the Roku system) can support satellite speakers and a subwoofer created by the same company. The Bestisan soundbar provides reliable sound for a fraction of the cost of other affordable models. Perhaps our biggest criticism of the S9920 is its rather ugly, behemoth design. Some are equipped with additional HDMI output ports, allowing you to connect gaming consoles and Blu-ray players, passing the signal through to the TV. Most units available for under $100 wont be able to support more advanced connections like HDMI eARC, which is recommended for Dolby Atmos soundbars and necessary for processing Atmos audio encoded with uncompressed Dolby TrueHD audio. You end up with a mediocre soundbar and a mediocre subwoofer that is neither as clean as a standalone solution, nor pack the punch of a higher end 2.1 channel setup. You can also use AUX or USB ports to connect additional devices directly. The ZVOX AccuVoice AV100 uses patented technology to make voices clear and easy to understand. From there, you can consider how many audio channels you need and if youll want to expand in the future. They typically have several physical inputs as well as Bluetooth connectivity that lets you stream music to them wirelessly from your phone or tablet. Vizio might be better known for their television sets, but the SB3820 soundbar is an attractive soundbar that sounds significantly better than built-in TV speakers. It can still get pretty loud, but not without distortion and compression artifacts creeping in. EQ presets include Normal, Bass Reduction, Bass Off, and Bass Boost. She has been writing for Popular Science since early 2020, contributing product reviews and recommendations, with an emphasis on great sound you can take with you on the go. In order to select the best soundbars under $100, we paid particular attention to audio specs, including Dolby Digital support and number of audio channels. Soundbars were created to circumvent this problem, providing a sleek, compact speaker system that wont detract from a flatscreens streamlined aesthetic. DTS:X, a multidimensional audio codec, can be considered Dolby Atmos competitor. However, there are plenty of decent budget options that confidently project sound across the room while perfectly complementing your rooms fancy decor. The unit also comes with a wall mounting kit, so you can listen in style without taking up extra space. A sub helps produce that heart-pounding bass and anxiety-inducing rumble found in sound design and scores alike. Creative have also tuned the drivers to be mid-range drivers meaning unless its used in conjunction with the subwoofer the lower frequencies are thin. They also let you play music from a thumb drive, but who does that anymore? Yes, a cheap soundbar is a great way to start making small improvements to your home audio system before committing to something more expensive. This 2.1 channel soundbar from Wohome manages to house a total of 6 speakersfour 15W dynamic drivers and two 10W tweeters. A 3.1 system will incorporate a left, right, and center channel alongside the additional sub. Being a large 38-inch sound bar, this is definitely better paired with larger TV sets that have 42+ screens. You can learn more about various configurations in this helpful guide by Crutchfield. Hearing declines with age. A single soundbar does not mean a single speaker, as even the simplest of soundbars employ multiple drivers to produce audio. Better sound doesnt have to cost a fortune. The 6+ can also decode Dolby Digital audio, downmixing 5.1 surround sound to 2.1 stereo sound. Some utilize 2.1 channels; the .1 describes an external subwoofer to support lower bass frequencies. Chances are the built-in speakers are lacking the oomph and audio fidelity you wantwhich is perfectly understandable given how thin flat screen TVs have become. The soundbar itself is rather small (around 22-inches wide) and simply not wide enough to provide great stereo separation. Why it made the cut: The TCL Alto 6+ is one of the only models that retail for around $100 and includes a standalone subwoofer. But, for now, start with a simple soundbar that will enhance your TV-watching game. Finally, we explored available simple yet special features, prioritizing the most useful like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi compatibility, navigable remotes, etc. However, if you want to stick with your budget want a soundbar now, focus on finding one of the best soundbars under $100 from a reputable brand, so you dont spend more on replacements or repairs down the line. For lower volume listening, this TaoTronics soundbar delivers balanced and clear sound, and its wood grain finish gives it that touch of class you wouldnt expect to find in the price range. Passive soundbars are those that need to be driven by a separate amplifier or receiver. Wohome do offer smaller offerings in the Soloist range, which wed recommend if your TV is significantly smaller. They are not very common, as one of the selling points of a soundbar is their simplicity. For example, in a 5.1 surround sound home theater setup, you have center, left, right, left-rear and right-rear channels. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. Thanks to the angled speaker design, this soundbar projects sound upwards which makes it especially good for filling rooms when placed on low surfaces. They will also lack virtual surround sound technologies like DTS:Virtual X or Dolby Atmos. And you dont need a 5.1 system to deal with Dolby Digital; a 2.1-channel system can process the audio by mixing down the signal and formatting it to fit the soundbars channel configuration. our list of the best soundbars for under $200, Well-balanced sound profile with sufficient bass, Available sound enhancements arent worth bothering with, Plenty of power with six internal speakers, No option to connect with an external subwoofer, Only marginally louder than built-in TV speakers. The included subwoofer does have a power cable but connects to the main bar wirelessly, so you dont need to worry about TV proximity to get room-filling sound (though there are still things to consider when it comes to optimal subwoofer placement). Furthermore, the soundbase lacks some features wed like to have seen, like HDMI ARC and a better remote control. This gives it compelling sound without needing an external subwoofer, although Vizio also offer one bundled with a subwoofer for those seeking thumping lows on their movie nights. This is the most common way to do it, although connecting via a coaxial or analog RCA connection is also common. This 60-watt soundbar supports sound with two 3-inch full-range speakers with bass reflex tubes to help bolster the bass. They save on space and you dont have to pull your hair out over speaker placement issues and complicated wiring. While you dont need to shell out thousands of dollars for a soundbar, a few hundred dollars can go a long way regarding improved fidelity, more expansive coverage, and multichannel options.
However, as an alternative to soundbars, some people prefer tabletop soundbases on which your TV is directly placed upon. A compact, wallet-friendly soundbar is a great way to start experimenting with at-home audio; they are easy to install, easy to use, and easy to expand should you want to continue upgrading. Punchy bass without the need for an external subwoofer. You dont have to spend a lot to make a sound investment in TV-watching enjoyment. 
Soundbar options are limited within the $100 budget, let alone one which bundles a separate subwoofer, so it is impressive to see a household name like Creative bring one to market. It comes with all the bells and whistles youd expect from a soundbar, from Bluetooth connectivity to a remote control. Many soundbars say they support Dolby sound, but that doesnt mean they are talking about the Dolby Atmos surround sound or other advances in spatial audio; for that, youll need a more robust model with either physically upfiring drivers or the processing power to virtualize such a configuration. While its not going to blow the roof off your house when it comes to volume or provide luxury audio quality, it will likely sound better than your TV speakers, and thats a worthy upgrade. It features four 2.5-inch full-range drivers with bass ports to boost the low endpacked within a low-profile enclosure perfect for sitting underneath, and enhancing whats on, the TV. Models equipped with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi can connect to smartphones, laptops, etc., to stream music and podcasts wirelessly. The package is compelling, with a 40W soundbar and 40W subwoofer which can produce 160W peak power. So, if youre looking to try out immersive Dolby Atmos surround sound, youll need to spend more. You can think of each channel as a source of sound occupying a different spatial position. Good overall standalone soundbar, but now outshined by the newer Wohome S9920. It also has four EQ presets, including Movie, Music, Dialogue, and Game modes. It comes with three DSP (digital signal processing) presets: Dialogue, Movie, and Music; plus, you can make additional EQ adjustments to the bass and treble via buttons on the included remote control. The respectable 40 watt output power is on the lower side (even for a small 28-inch soundbar) but at lower volume listening the sound quality is superior to many of the other 28-inch soundbars that boast over 100 watts of power. To set up and reap the rewards of a supportive soundbar, youll need to understand the connectivity ports on both the model youre looking at and your television. While it lacks the booming bass a 2.1-channel system provides, this soundbar can get quite loud despite its small stature, delivering a tested frequency response of 93Hz-17kHz from four 1.9-inch full-range drivers. Why it made the cut: The Roku Streambar is a great way to start your soundbar system, with a built-in streamer and the option to add a subwoofer or satellite speakers down the line. Most soundbars under $200 do not support DTS:X but might employ DTS Virtual:X, which attempts to mimic multispeaker surround sound using digital signal processing, simulating directionality and creating a larger, more detailed soundstage impacting music, dialogue, and SFX alike. Though it does not support Dolby Digital audio, it can utilize DTS Virtual:X, adding virtual height and surround elements to encoded content. Poor quality built-in speakers certainly dont help, but even on better speakers the voices can get lost in all the other sounds. Other manufacturers advertise voice enhancement technologies on their soundbars like Yamahas Clear Voice and Polks Voice Adjust. They are typically included for firmware updates, although now sound bars can be updated by more up-to-date means. Carsen is a sound designer and freelance writer focusing on music and technology. Another affordable soundbar/subwoofer combo. This streamlined unit is a great option for guest rooms, secondary TV sets, or first-time soundbar users. The Alto 6+ is an affordable 2.1-channel soundbar and subwoofer thats easy to install and control. The result is the sound of a soundbar + subwoofer setup but in a single box. Its therefore best positioned on a flat surface directly beneath the TV (although wall mounting holes make it possible to be positioned in various other ways). These are true 5.1, 7.1 or 9.1-channel systems that have side-firing speakers and wireless satellite speakers. As an Amazon Associate we earn affiliate commissions from qualifying purchases. In this rundown Ill be taking you through my top picks for soundbars that cost under $100. The width of the soundbar itself can give you an idea of how good stereo separation is. The soundbar comes with all the bells and whistles youd expect from a soundbar today, including built-in Bluetooth, analog and digital inputs and DTS TruSurround and DTS Tru Volume. Simply place it in front or wall-mount it above your screen and enjoy a vastly superior sonic experience. While the overall sound is good, the bass is slightly overpowering and the mids and treble on occasion feel drowned out. Those with smaller TVs should consider the smaller 29-inch SB2920 instead. Capable of producing up to 100dB of sound, it wont have trouble filling larger rooms. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Yes, technically, you can use a soundbar without a TV, depending on the connectivity options.
While its a decent package overall, it isnt necessarily the perfect under-$100 soundbar. Onboard controls include play, pause, volume control, and power; you can also look to the main unit, which displays a different LED light color to correspond with the current input selection. In this list the Creative Stage 2.1 and Wohome S29 feature HDMI ARC. Speech Clarity can help isolate voices, and you can choose from Off, Low, and High settings depending on your needs and taste. At this point it is hard to recommend the presence of ARC as a reason for picking a particular soundbar. The further the left and right speaker are, the clearer it becomes which side the sound is coming from. And 5.1 systems will utilize one main soundbar, containing the left, right, and center channels, one subwoofer, and two additional speakers that act as surrounds, rears, or front fills for an even more immersive experience. While a good soundbar produces a decent amount of bass by itself, having a dedicated subwoofer unit gives the bass a significant boost that will make sure you really feel the thump and kick in those action-heavy scenes. TaoTronics is an aggressive Shenzhen tech company whose products have exploded onto the US consumer electronics market. At just 20-inches long, this sleek soundbar will fit neatly under most televisions and is easy to connect or adjust. Measuring 38-inches wide this is best paired with larger 40 to 60 televisions. Despite intending to simplify connecitivity, many people have ironically run into problems using HDMI ARC and find themselves preferring optical. Creative have also given the soundbar a USB port which can play your favorite MP3s off a USB thumb drive. There isnt an HDMI port but you can connect to devices with Bluetooth 5.0 or simply use the digital optical audio port.
Youll also soundbars from more familiar brands like Samsung, Sony and Bose which dont offer much in the under $100 price bracket. Active soundbars have an amplifier built-in. All of the soundbars listed in this roundup are active. While the voice assist feature is brilliant, keep in mind this is a tiny 10-inch speaker. The Signa Solo is the most affordable model offered by soundbar/speaker company Polk Audio. If youre interested in the Signa Solo but dont want to take any chances when it comes to bass support, Polk also offers an affordable 2.1-channel system. Many of the included soundbars bundle a subwoofer, as higher end sound systems really benefit from a subwoofer which can reproduce sub-bass frequencies. And if you dont have a smart TV or another streaming device, you get the added bonus of the Streambars built-in Roku streaming services and apps including Hulu, Netflix, Spotify, Youtube, Amazon Prime, and more (making it one of our favorite streaming devices). If youve heard the hubbub about improving your televisions audio but youre not ready to shell out the big bucks, fear notbudget soundbars to the rescue. They are the same 32 inch soundbar, but the Alto 6+ is the one you ideally want to go for, since it is a 2.1 channel setup which includes a wireless subwoofer. A cheap soundbar might not let you experience theater-quality Dolby surround sound, but you will undoubtedly hear crisper dialogue, more detailed music, and a balanced relationship between script and score with the help of these specifically designed speakers. As you get older, it becomes increasingly difficult to hear clearly the voices on the TV. On a tight budget like this, higher end consumer soundbars we typically see on television commercials from the likes of Sonos, Bose and Sony are out of the question. Youll want to hook it up to the TV using either the RCA or optical input at the back, but other devices can connect to it using the auxiliary input to the side or instead go wireless and pair using Bluetooth. So if you find yourself wanting to play music primarily, consider turning your attention to budget-friendly bookshelf or Bluetooth speakers instead. You can also access Volume Mode settings, including Leveling and Night Mode, to wrangle raucous commercials and keep things quiet in the evenings. The included remote allows you to adjust volume, control the bass, select VoiceAdjust settings, and lift dialogue above the music and background noise for enhanced clarity. A budget-friendly 2.1 channel system that supports low-end frequencies. This is typically where an inexpensive model will cap its channels, but other systems can incorporate up to 7.2 channels. Vizio is one of our highly recommended brands when it comes to affordable soundbars and its most inexpensive option, the S6, is no different. Since the late 90s/early 2000s, flatscreen TVs have been taking over the town and, while the overall viewing experience has vastly improved, the slim design of newer televisions means less room for suitably sized built-in speakers. However, ZVOX are clear leaders in this space, and none of those rudimentary technologies come close to being as effective. Nevertheless, if youre looking for a soundbase for under $100, this is a good option. However, a more reliable, affordable soundbar will support Dolby Digitalan audio codec that produces high-quality sound across a 5.1-channel scheme. It features multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth for wireless streaming and Aux inputs for connections to older devices. Youll have a difficult time a better sounding standalone soundbar for the price. However, soundbars are first and foremost designed with the intention of supporting film and television audio. HDMI ARC support, Bluetooth, Dolby Digital and a remote control are all part of the package. If a more expansive system sounds appealing, but youre not ready to commit just yet, choose a soundbar that you can add to. A small soundbar with extensive connectivity options that packs a punch.