There is pleasure in having a high-quality home cinema in your living room, but this comes at a certain price. Especially if you are a new home owner and you’ve already invested too much in all types of appliances and you really want to save a bit of money. Saving money is a whole philosophy and takes caution, knowledge and research time because you shouldn’t just pay less, you should be interested in getting higher quality for a lower price – and this is the key to being rational about your budget. Luckily for you we’ve combined a list that will help you find the best soundbar under $100 which is both budget friendly and of high quality.
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So in order to have a nice home cinema with good audio devices you shouldn’t overpay – there is also a way to save money and yet have a high-tech living room. Here are our top picks for the best soundbar under $100 that will allow you to achieve such results:
1. VIZIO SB2920-C6 Soundbar
The Vizio SB2920-C6 soundbar is 29.0” long with a power output of 95dB and it has 2.0 channels. Amazingly for a soundbar at this price range, it has Bluetooth connectivity.
The setup is very quick and easy – all you need to do is connect the sound bar to your TV using one of the included cables. As a wall mountable unit, and includes mounting hardware and a remote control for easy operation. Still, what I noticed from the first time I laid my eyes on it was the nice, modern design. This sophisticated design makes it an attractive add-on to any TV sized 32” and above. After the easy mounting process, I wanted to check the Bluetooth and started to stream music from my smartphone and my tablet. It worked seamlessly.
Basically, this soundbar features everything you need and potentially is the best soundbar under $100, great for upgrading your home audio system to an unbelievable home theater experience, and it has never been so simple. You just connect it to your TV, sit back and enjoy the show.
In addition to all this, the soundbar features two powerful full-range stereo speakers that give a boost to your audio and add up to an overall great sound being delivered. Of course, these streamlined Vizio sound bars are made specifically for those who know the value of a good sound. This is why, they enhance your TV’s performance and add up to a nice audio experience. They use DTS auditory technologies which is how they make a superior multi-channel audio. According to your own needs, you can install the SB2920-C6 on a wall or on a table top. Either way, it looks good and it will be sophisticated.
- The design looks far more expensive and luxurious than it is
- Streaming works smoothly without any hassle
- A finely honed listening experience
- A high-quality built construction of the soundbar
- Some people might prefer a more granular volume control
2. ASIYUN Soundbar
The Asiyun soundbar although coming from a brand name that is not so reputable, offers some features that are hard to find in a soundbar under $50. It has a very stylish, unique design and it has some extremely cool features including AntiMagnetic, AntiNoise and HQchipset tech.
In addition to this, it comes with LED indicator light and spin button, making the whole unit very easy to use on a daily basis. Moreover, it has a super-cool built-in microphone. Of course, this microphone can serve you as you use it to answer calls when someone calls you.
I was also amazed by the cool Bluetooth 3.0 tech, its module adopts the modern RF technology. Basically, you can stand around 10 meters away from the unit and still control what plays on it. Connectivity-wise, the soundbar supports HSP, HPP,A2DP,AVRCP format. You can stream music from your multimedia device directly onto this speaker.
As a multi-modes speaker, it has a 2.0 CH multimedia speaker system. Its features include 3.5mm line-in jack, and it can also support external audio devices, allowing you to stream music to your other devices. It also supports TF Card mode.
Asides from this, it features a powerful, built-in subwoofer for high-quality audio. It is powered by two 5W drivers and minimizes the overall distortion, even at maximum volume levels. I really loved its cool design and I found that it can be easily carried around as it weighs around 600 grams, so it is great for parties too. This is why it makes the list for the best soundbar under $100.
- Great connectivity options
- Sleek design
- High quality sound with minimum distortion
- It can only be connected to TVs with 3.5 AUX cables or with laptops using an USB cable
- Prone to damage if carried around
3. AmazonBasics 2.1 Soundbar
The Amazon Basics 2.1 sound bar is equipped with Bluetooth v2.1 and EDR with A2DP & AVRCP which are only a few of the great features of this cool sound bar. In addition this nice soundar can handle a range of up to 10 meters which allow it to provide streaming like nothing else before.
The AmazonBasics 2.1 soundbar is great for listening to music while you are doing your own thing in the living room, but it can offer nice TV and movie watching experience, and it can even be paired via Bluetooth with a phone, tablet or a computer. The Bluetooth feature is also great for those who really despise cord clutter, as with the AmazonBasics, you’ll rarely need to use the cords. Moreover, featuring the Bluetooth v2.1’ Enhanced Data Rate tech, the soundbar is more reliable as it features a longer battery life. Also, it has a A2DP – Advanced Audio Distribution Profile tech allowing the stream of a one-way stereo signal to speakers or headphones using Bluetooth.
Quality-wise, this soundbar features a high-quality audio with its 2.1 system. Basically, it has very powerful speakers for a soundbar at this price range, and it also features a built-in subwoofer adding up to an overall realistic audio effect, so it makes it in the list of the best soundbar under $100.
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The total harmonic distortion is only 1%, which makes this sandbar a great wall-to-wall expansive, crystal-clear sound. It is also very powerful for a cheap soundbar, and it can deliver up to 100dB of power and a total power of 36W, which are great for averagely-sized living rooms.
- It has a built-in subwoofer
- Delivers 100dB of power
- There is a triple sound mode for optimal acoustic performance
- Bluetooth enabled soundbar
- The plug for the cable is larger so you should know that you need to find the space for it
4. Meidong Soundbar
The Meidong bluetooth soundbar can deliver an experience just like in cinemas, and it will be in your living room. It features a deep bass and loud sound for more spacious rooms with its 2.0 Premium Audio features.
Basically it has two powerful full-range stereo speakers that boost the overall audio. In addition, it has a built-in subwoofer which is great for multiple purposes. It gives out rich sounds or music, decent bass for movie effects and etc.
If you are one of the people who easily misplace the remotes, you’ll love the Meidong soundbar as I did. The whole unit is completely operational from the hardware. Specifically, you can use the buttons on the unit to adjust the volume, the switch mode option, the play and pause buttons. Although it isn’t compatible with universal remotes and TV remotes, the device works perfectly without any remote.
The Meidong is a modern soundbar featuring the latest technology it needs for a sophisticated family. It includes Bluetooth and wired connections for other devices, and it has 3.5mm AUX input and RCA AUX. The overall setup is also somewhat easy, as the manual is very direct and offering you detailed information about the unit. This 36 inch soundbar features 2.1 channels and a power output of maximum 95dB, which are more than enough for larger rooms.
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Last but not least, I have to mention the design, it simply adds a touch of modernism in any room, including a master bedroom or a living room. It blends in perfectly, and you get to choose from the different placement options. I tried it with a 32-inch TV, and it fits perfectly! It is super-slim and doesn’t look bad at all. This is for sure another option for your hunt for the best soundbar under $100.
- Decent power output
- Operational from the unit
- Sleek design
- Very easy to use
- It isn’t mountable on walls
5. TaoTronics Soundbar
When it comes to finding the best soundbar under $100, the Tao Tronics 36-inch unit is surely the first units to keep in mind. It supports dual wired and wireless installation and amplifies the audio to levels you won’t believe are possible at this price range.
It is somewhat of a high-end soundbar allowing Bluetooth streaming from over 33 feet and, of course, it has RCA connections and optical cables for your convenience.
The soundbar is quite handy for those who like listening to deep bass audio because it features four very powerful speakers. The speakers are found in the reasonably sized 36″ soundbar. Of these speakers, two specialize in mid-low frequencies, while the other two cover the full audio spectrum, adding up to a total of great audio coverage in different sized and shaped rooms.
Another thing that I noticed about the Tao Tronics 36 inch soundbar is that it is quite easy to operate. The remote with the bar is very handy, and it also features in-unit buttons for easier operation. In addition to this, the LED on the soundbar can be displayed in different colors which adds up to the overall look of the bar. A lot of people just set it below the screen on the furniture, but I mounted it myself and I am not the handyman around the house. I found it very easy to mount as the manual was thorough in the instructions.
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Last but not least, I really love the stylish design. It is very sleek and looks nice in my living room as it has a partially industrial design. However, I believe it can look good in modern living rooms since it isn’t very bulky. This is definitely a unit that you should consider when looking for the best soundbar under $100.
- 4 speakers ensure deep bass audio
- Great for watching movies allowing a realistic audio experience
- LED lights are matched with the functions
- Easy set-up and mount
- The 36 inches can be somewhat limiting for some larger screens
Things to Keep in Mind When Buying the Best Soundbar Under $100
Before making an actual purchase, you should always be as informed as you can be about all the types of soundbars there are. This way, you ensure that you are getting exactly what you are looking for. Also, by knowing more, you will know exactly what to expect from which features and specifications of the unit. Asides from testing a lot of soundbars (which is basically impossible to do nowadays), I suggest reading some buying guides and reviews too. You can also check our review for the 6 best soundbars by clicking on this link. Here are the most important things that you should know about:
Passive and Active Soundbars
As I said before, there are a lot of types of soundbars. They vary in size, color, design and type. What I believe is the most important difference to make for soundbar purchases is the distinction between active and passive soundbars. You should always know what type you are looking for before spending your money on it.
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An active soundbar is a unit that has everything you need to, including hardware for amplifying sounds in the single unit. On the other hand, buying a passive soundbar means that you will need to have a receiver or an amplifier. With this in mind, you should first determine what you are aiming to achieve, and then, make the choice for the best soundbar for your needs.
Specifically, if you really don’t want to make a fuss out of mounting and setting up the soundbar, you should get an active one. This way, you save yourself from having an amplifier and you save a lot of time. However, compared to passive soundbars, the active ones tend to have lower-quality audio. Still, they have decent features and they can satisfy the needs of a regular audio enthusiast.
Or, if you need to connect the soundbar to more sources and you aim to achieve the best possible sound there is, the passive soundbar is the perfect choice for you needs. By getting one, you have the chance to choose an amplifier or a receiver according to your needs, and this should be the thing to opt for. However, know that by buying a passive soundbar you might be overpaying. So if you don’t have any specific needs, an active soundbar will do the trick for you.
Placement Options
You should know which is the location you want to place soundbar at, before actually making the purchase. This way, you will not put yourself in a situation where you don’t know what to do. Simply, you know where you are going to put the soundbar, and you look for that specific type of soundbar. The reason why I’m telling you this is because some soundbars can be put on a TV stand or under it, and some can be mounted to a wall. I suggest looking at the space you have available and making the decision.
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Another thing that most people seem to forget is that the soundbar should never be in front of the TV. If it is, it will be blocking the remote control beam and you won’t have a way of operating the TV with the remote. And we don’t want that either, do we?
Last but not least, make sure that the space you have available is not too big. If it looks too bulky (and it shouldn’t) your living room won’t look modern or aesthetically pleasing. It will be a sore sight and it will keep the attention of the TV which can be quite distracting during movie time. So, make sure that your space can handle the size of the soundbar you are looking at.
Connectivity
If you want to use the soundbar with multiple other units, you must be sure that it actually is compatible with those units. This is why, the best soundbars have a wide specter of connectivity options. This is why you must make sure that the best soundbar under $100 – or any other price tag – you are considering to purchase, features different input ports for amplifying different audio signals, aside from the one on the TV.
You should also know that the best features should include coaxial digital input, RCA AUX input, 35mm audio input, and even Bluetooth connectivity for that matter. The best ones, the ones that are high-end specifically but come at a higher price also have Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi options will provide a multi-room music system and are a great thing to use with a smart TV.
