Soundbars represent one of the best options for an enjoyable audio experience. Suitable for all devices including smartphones, laptops or the TV, soundbars can dramatically improve sound quality. They also come with the advantage of mobility and wireless connectivity. Most importantly, sounds bars can be used for watching movies, playing games and listening to music. The immersive experience soundbars come with recommends them for home use and even out of home use for the battery-powered soundbars.

Features to Consider in Cheap Soundbars

Even if finding cheap soundbars under $100 seems unlikely, there are a few interesting products to consider. The main differences can be found in the following characteristics.

Speaker size

The physical size of the speakers’ influences volume. However, choosing the biggest speakers can sometimes defeat the purpose of a soundbar, as most should maintain their mobile and practical profile.

Functionality

With wired and wireless designs, it is advisable to choose the products most suitable for versatility. Touch controls can also be a great addition for enhanced user experience.

Design

The design of a soundbar often influences a purchase. Soundbars come in different shapes and sizes and most of them can easily fit into any modern home. The following products are a selection of the best options of the moment.

Top 10 Best Cheap Soundbars 2024 (Under $100)

1. TaoTronics SoundBar

Design features
With a modern look, the soundbar is one of the most appealing designs in its class. It manages to offer a complex solution for those seeking top-quality audio for their home. There are 4 small speakers inside the soundbar, together with 2 passive radiators.

The 34-inch soundbar even allows the speakers to offer reliable bass. This is why it can have many applications. It can be sued to enhance the audio in movies. But it can also be used to offer a more immersive experience for gamers playing the latest games on their consoles or on the PC.

Connectivity options are at a top level with the affordable soundbar. Bluetooth connectivity allows smartphones to connect to them quickly. But the soundbar can also connect with a 3.5mm input, an optical coaxial and an RCA AUX input.

Convenient features
The wireless connectivity does not subtract audio quality from the soundbar. However, for the more convenient results, it is recommended to properly place the soundbar around the room as needed. It can be placed below or above the TV. It can be fixed on the wall. Most importantly, the soundbar can be moved around the room as needed.

The good news is that based on Bluetooth connectivity, the soundbar can actually be one of the practical solutions to listen to music from any corner of a room. Even while sitting on a couch, users can still connect their smartphones to the soundbar for a comfortable relaxing listening experience.

Other convenient features include the ABS plastic case. This type of plastic is known for its durability. Practically, it is the base for a durable product which can be used for years and years.

A distinct convenient feature comes with the touch controls of the soundbar. Users can select the volume level based on this touch control. With an included remote control, using the soundbar becomes a matter of approach and preferences.

Verdict
With a great 20W performance and a solid design with touch controls, it is one of the complete soundbars on offer.

2. Vizio 29-Inch 2.0 Channel Sound Bar

Design features
As one of the simple soundbars, it is suitable for a minimalistic look. It offers impressive results for a small room. With a modern design, the soundbar is up to date with the connectivity and the functionality it needs to have for today’s user.

Made to offer a realistic sound, the soundbar features physical controls. They work to turn the soundbar on, to switch Bluetooth connectivity on/off and to raise or lower the volume. Of course, this can also be done from the TV or from the smartphone.

TVs can be connected by wire to the soundbar so even older sets will work with the high-quality audio speakers. But the soundbar can also be connected to a laptop, mainly via Bluetooth. When the Bluetooth function is not activated, it can also be switched off.

Convenient features
One of the distinct convenient features of the soundbar comes with its DTS TruSurrond technology. Made to offer surround sound, the soundbar is suitable for a complex audio experience. The actual volume of the soundbar reaches 95db which is mainly suitable for small rooms and small living rooms.

The DTS TrueVolume offers a consistent level of audio quality which gets no distortion, even on the higher volume. The soundbar prides itself of giving less than 1% sound distortion. Another convenient feature comes with the automatic shut off function. The soundbar will power off when not in use. However, this function has also been linked to the most annoying problem of the soundbar as many users simply don’t want it to power off. Luckily, the function can be deactivated. In order to do so, users need to press and hold the power and volume buttons for 5 seconds. Suitable for 32” and above TV sets, the soundbar is capable and versatile.

Verdict
With 95db, the soundbar offers quality sound with low distortion suitable for small homes.

3. AmazonBasics 31″ 2.0 Channel Bluetooth Sound Bar

Design features
The soundbar is made with a utilitarian approach. It manages to offer an efficient design hiding its controls, which are situated at the back of the speakers. In terms of speaker layout, the small speakers are positioned to offer dual full-range stereo audio.

On the back of the soundbar, users can find connectivity ports. They include options for optical cables, RCA cables, and AUX cables. The power cable also needs to be plugged in here. Since the soundbar needs power, it needs to be positioned next to a power source, as most products in this category.

Remote control is also available in the pack. The remote control from the TV will not work with the soundbar and this is why users will actually have to use two separate controllers, one for the TV another for the soundbar.

Convenient features
There are many convenient features about the soundbar. But the most important feature includes the 3 audio modes which adapt the speakers to the type of playback content. Users can choose the News Mode to have more intelligible and distinguishable voice audio quality. A Movie Mode is also available. It sets the speakers to offer the best audio quality for movie soundtracks. A Standard Mode is available as well for any other application.

With physical controls, adjusting the audio connectivity and volume is easy. Users can do so from the buttons on top of the soundbar. But the soundbar also comes with Bluetooth wireless connectivity. This is mainly suitable for situations where users are actually pairing their smartphones to listen to music. The good news is that automatic pairing is enabled. It means that once a device has been connected to the speakers via Bluetooth, the speakers remember the device and automatically pair the two in the future.

Verdict
With 90db, the soundbar is suitable for TVs and it offers clear audio which can be adapted to movies, news and other programs.

4. Vizio 28-Inch 2.1 Channel Soundbar

Design features
Similar to the 29-inch Vizio, the 28-inch soundbar comes with crystal clear sound. However, the main difference is that the 28-inch soundbar also comes with an added subwoofer. This is why it is mainly recommended to fill a room with sound, regardless of the application and types of content to be streamed.

The soundbar comes with both wired and wireless connectivity. The main advantage of wireless connectivity is reduced clutter. Practically, the soundbar is suitable for a cleaner home as wires attract dust particles as well.

There is a remote control which is shipped in the pack. It is one of the more complex remote controls seen with cheap soundbars. It allows users to activate or deactivate Bluetooth connectivity. It also allows users to select one of the dedicated modes featuring movies, music and other TV programs. Interestingly, it also allows the control of the subwoofer. Bass and treble can also be controlled together with the volume level. This is why the remote control is one of the advanced designs in its class and why the soundbar is suitable for those seeking added adjustability.

Convenient features
Some of the convenient features of the soundbar include audio technologies. These include Dolby Digital. This standard is used in cinemas and for Blu-Ray movies. It offers a new spatial dimension to an audio track and with quality files, it can dramatically improve the experience, even when listening to music at home.

As Vizio fans already expect, the soundbar also features the manufacturer’s DTS TruSurround. It is suitable to offer a more immersive surround experience. DTS TruVolume is added as well. It provides a pleasant constant comfortable volume audio quality. Without changing and distorting sound at high volume, it allows users to enjoy the best audio quality. As many of the soundbars from the manufacturer, the auto shut-off function can create some minor issues for a number of users, but the function can be deactivated.

Verdict
With an added subwoofer which can be activated and deactivated at any time, the soundbar offers improved bass performance.

5. BYL Soundbar

Design features
With a distinct design, the soundbar can look great with any TV. It can be placed below or above the TV for proper surround effects. The soundbar is suitable for small rooms and it allows users to control the audio from any location in the room.

Its remote control allows full customization. Bass and treble adjustments have separate buttons, which are rare in the cheap soundbar market. A memory function is added as well. It is suitable for resetting the soundbar to factory settings. For example, if devices are automatically paired with the soundbar, these Bluetooth memory functions can be set back to factory default.

Convenient features
The soundbar comes with 3 audio modes which offer distinct audio qualities. For example, the Movie Mode is advisable for the most distinct audio effects and crystal-clear soundtrack. The Music mode is suitable for music stations or for smartphone music playback. It comes with a clear sound range. A special Dialog mode is also available. It is mainly suitable for news programs, talk show, stand-ups, or other speed programs.

With Bluetooth technology, all of these functions can be automated and wirelessly controlled. The good news is that the soundbar also comes with wired connectivity so that it can cover old and new TVs as well as smartphone and tablet connectivity.

If the standard soundbar comes with a length of 28 inches, it is suitable for most TVs. But users can also choose BYL variations which are suitable for enhanced volume. 34-inch, 38-inch, and 40-inch alternatives are available.

Verdict
For most TVs, the soundbar comes with improved audio quality, mainly through the 3 dedicated audio profiles.

6. DBPowers 29-inch Soundbar

Design features
With a typical soundbar design, the product does not stand out on looks. However, it comes with all modern features which allow it to connect to most devices around the house. One of its uses is with older TVs. In this case, the soundbar needs to be wired. For smart TVs, the connectivity options are practically not able to match the Bluetooth wireless connectivity. It is why most users have the capacity to choose the type of connector to work with.

When it comes to the ultimate connectivity, even using a smartphone’s Bluetooth connectivity with the soundbar is advisable. There is no loss in sound quality when this is the preferred connectivity method. Users will also receive a remote control in the pack. This is where all configuration can be made from. The audio source can be selected from the remote control. This includes optical, line in, AUX and Bluetooth. There are various audio modes which can be selected on the remote control as well. Depending on the type of program they follow, users can select the presets for a more custom audio experience.

A few physical controls are also present on top of the soundbar. They include a standby button which temporarily pauses it. A play and pause button is also available. There is a physical button for increasing and decreasing volume on the soundbar which can be used as an alternative to the remote control buttons.

Convenient features
The 20W speakers offer clear audio. Of course, they cannot really replicate the strongest bass, but it should be enough for movies and playing games. In fact, bass and treble can be adjusted from the remote control.

Practically, the cinematic experience is one of the main effects of using a soundbar with a TV. However, the soundbar also comes with one limitation. Since there is delayed audio compared to the TV, the soundbar needs to be synchronized for perfect audio. Users need to set audio preferences to TCM. At the same time, volume adjustments need to be made both on the TV and on the soundbar.

Verdict
With good connectivity options and dedicated advanced functions such as the standby mode, the soundbar is suitable for daily use.

7. Vizio 38-Inch 2.0 Channel Sound Bar

Design features
Vizio makes soundbars of different strengths. But the 38-inch soundbar from the manufacturer is one of the most powerful in the rang and on the market. It is still made with the same uncomfortable design with two square caps at the ends. Using the same durable plastic materials, the soundbar is a functional choice for small and medium rooms. It has great durability and it can be used for a long period of time with no overheating.

With the same elegant design, the soundbar still comes with the subtle LED lights at the end indicating its volume level. But the sound bar also comes with elegant physical controls to take over the audio quality of a program. Enabling and disabling the Bluetooth connectivity can actually be made from the physical controls as well. Those who do not have Bluetooth technology on their TV can do so. At the same time, volume controls are added as well. But these controls are only one way in which the soundbar can be used as it comes with a remote control as well.

Convenient features
The biggest strength of the soundbar remains the audio quality. Able to play sounds on frequencies between 60hz and 19khz, the soundbar is as suitable for movie soundtracks as it is for instrumental music. At 100db, it is also not the quietest soundbar on the market. In fact, it is one of the loudest solutions to consider at home.

But noise without quality doesn’t mean too much. It is why the manufacturer added the Dolby Digital technology to the pack. With better results in terms of surround sound, the technology has already been proven in the audio space. Other specific technologies include DTS TruSurround for a 3D sound experience. It is especially useful in smaller rooms. Since the speakers are loud, maintaining audio quality at high levels of noise is important. With DTS TruVolume, the speakers are tempered so that they don’t distort sound at any volume level.

While the soundbar can be enjoyed with TV programs, it is also suitable for smartphone connectivity with its Bluetooth technology. Users can listen to their favorite Spotify tracks at the highest audio quality. With instant Bluetooth pairing, music is streamed to the speakers as soon as it played on the smartphone.

Verdict
As one of the loudest speakers on the market, the 38-inch option from Vizio is suitable for large rooms and medium living rooms.

8. TaoTronics 36-Inch 4 Speakers Sound Bar

Design features
As one of the larger TaoTronics designs, the 36-inch soundbar comes with 2 low mid-low frequency speakers and 2 full range speakers. It has the same elegant design suitable for a large number of homes and apartments. The square design of the soundbar is suitable for any home. Furthermore, it is one of the distinct options when it comes to placement. This is why the square design fits perfectly on any wall. At the same time, it complements the look of the TV, making for an elegant combination.

The design of the remote control is modern as well. In some regards, the premium remote control design would not even make it look like an affordable product. Users can select their preferred audio source from the remote control. Of course, they can also select the right volume of the speakers directly from the remote control.

Convenient features
With a total of 4 speakers, the soundbar can be connected via an optical cable, a 3.5mm jack, a coaxial cable, and an RCA aux cable apart from the wireless connectivity. This makes it one of the best options in terms of actual quality and complexity since it can connect to all types of TVs, even those made a decade ago as well as to smart TVs.

The 4 speakers can improve the volume, the bass and the audio quality which comes with standard TV built-in speakers. It also means the soundbar is suitable for a home cinema experience. But the soundbar’s bass level is also suitable for all modern console games, which are also directly connected to the TV.

Verdict
With 4 capable speakers, the soundbar can cover mid-low and full range frequencies.

9. Vizio 32″ 2.0 Channel Sound Bar

Design features
Made from the same durable plastics as the rest of the Vizio series, the 32” soundbar is the mid-range solution from the manufacturer. Still available at an affordable price, it represents one of the viable options when it comes to proper fit either below the TV or on the wall.

With its own remote control, users can take full advantage of the adjustability levels the soundbar comes with directly from the couch. Installing the soundbar is not complicated and it should be ready to use within minutes, either with wired or wireless connectivity.

Convenient features
The soundbar comes with DTS Virtual. The virtual overhead sound delivers an immersive experience and it has been developed for that surround sound feeling which is backed by the DTS TruSurround technology.

As many fans already expect, the audio quality remains high. Even if at 97db the soundbar is actually one of the loudest in its class, it still maintains clear sound at all levels due to the DTS TruVolume. But the sound quality goes even further as the soundbar is able to decode Dolby Digital audio. This can enhance the movie-watching experience as much as gaming on the TV. With great technologies and loudspeakers, the soundbar is able to offer a true experience for most users.

Verdict
With Dolby Digital, DTS Virtual:X and 97db, the sound bar might not be the largest, but it performs as the most capable options in its class.

10. FRESHeTech Television Sound Bar

Design features
This compact speaker is one of the distinct designs in its class. It offers an immersive experience which is especially heard in small and medium rooms. Designed with beautiful leather, the speakers can easily fit any space, instantly enhancing the way it looks.

But it is not all about the leather with the speaker. At 24 inches, it is one of the smallest speakers in the class and it represents a viable option which can be fitted in small spaces, under the TV or even on the wall. Without needing to much space, the soundbar can also be considered for smaller TVs.

Convenient features
The premium leather soundbar also comes with a small remote control to ensure maximum comfort while adjusting the program’s volume levels. With multiple wired connectivity options, the soundbar can fit most old and new TVs.

Bluetooth connectivity has also been added to the soundbar. From this perspective, it allows sound to travel freely without cables leading to a decluttered home. It instantly synchronizes with smartphones, making it a suitable option for better practicality.

Verdict
This powerful soundbar is mainly recommended for its leather design and compact size.