The 5 Best Soundbars under 100
A cheap soundbar is usually bought to solve one plain problem: the TV's dialogue is hard to follow. Start at the back of your television, not at the bar's wattage claim. HDMI ARC can make volume control easier when both devices support it; optical is a useful fallback, but you may need a separate remote routine.
The TCL S45H is my all-round pick below $100. The tiny Saiyin suits a small desk or TV, MEGACRA is worth a look for HDMI ARC at a lower price, the Saiyin subwoofer set trades space for more bass, and LARKSOUND is another compact optical option. I have not measured speech clarity or output level; check the exact input and cable bundle before buying.
Our top 5 soundbars under 100
Swipe to compare price, rating and best use →
| Product | Price | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
01 TCL S45HDetails ↓ | $79.99 | 4.2/5Amazon | Best balanced TV upgrade |
02 Saiyin 11.7-inch barDetails ↓ | $29.99 | 4.2/5Amazon | Best tiny-space bar |
03 MEGACRA 16-inch barDetails ↓ | $39.99 | 4.2/5Amazon | Best low-cost HDMI ARC |
04 Saiyin bar with subwooferDetails ↓ | $59.99 | 4.4/5Amazon | Best separate bass box |
05 LARKSOUND small barDetails ↓ | $35.99 | 3.9/5Amazon | Best alternate compact optical |
01 — TCL
Best balanced TV upgradeTCL S45H
The TCL S45H is the bar I would investigate first for a main-room television when the built-in speakers make voices hard to follow. Its two-channel format keeps the setup relatively compact, and the listed optical connection covers many older TVs.
It leads the group because it is the clearest mainstream-TV starting point within the price ceiling. I would still confirm the exact HDMI and optical ports, included cables and space below the screen. A two-channel bar will not deliver the low bass of a separate subwoofer.
Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗
View on Amazon ↗A simple main-TV audio upgrade.
You specifically want a separate bass box.
What I like
+Straightforward two-channel TV format.
What to weigh
−Bass and exact inputs need checking.
02 — Saiyin
Best tiny-space barSaiyin 11.7-inch bar
At a stated 11.7 inches wide, this Saiyin is the one to measure for a small monitor desk, bedroom TV or stand with almost no room. Its optical input makes more practical difference than its headline wattage.
I rank it second for space efficiency, not because a tiny cabinet can fill a large room. Check whether the TV has a suitable output and how you will control volume. If you have a full-size living-room setup, the TCL or subwoofer package is the more sensible comparison.
Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗
View on Amazon ↗A narrow desk or small bedroom TV.
You need room-filling bass.
What I like
+Very short footprint and optical input.
What to weigh
−Small cabinet limits scale.
03 — MEGACRA
Best low-cost HDMI ARCMEGACRA 16-inch bar
The MEGACRA bar's listed HDMI ARC connection gives it a reason to exist in this five: it may let a compatible TV remote handle everyday volume without another fiddly control routine. Its 16-inch width is still fairly easy to place.
I put it third because port convenience needs verification on the exact offer and does not establish sound quality. Measure the stand and check whether an HDMI cable is included. If the TV lacks ARC, an optical-capable alternative may serve just as well.
Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗
View on Amazon ↗A compatible TV where one-remote volume matters.
Your television has no ARC port.
What I like
+HDMI ARC at a low current price.
What to weigh
−Exact cable and sound performance need checking.
04 — Saiyin
Best separate bass boxSaiyin bar with subwoofer
This Saiyin package is for someone who watches action films or plays games and would rather make space for a separate subwoofer than keep the setup minimal. The extra box changes the physical arrangement more than a wattage number does.
I rank it fourth because floor space, power placement and neighbor tolerance are real costs even when the offer is inexpensive. Confirm the subwoofer connection and the TV input in the exact kit; Bluetooth music playback is not the same thing as an easy TV hookup.
Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗
View on Amazon ↗A small-room buyer wanting a separate bass unit.
You have no room or outlet for another box.
What I like
+Subwoofer included at a low price.
What to weigh
−More space and connection setup.
05 — LARKSOUND
Best alternate compact opticalLARKSOUND small bar
The 16-inch LARKSOUND is a fallback when the tiny Saiyin is too short for your stand but a full-size soundbar still feels intrusive. Its listed optical input and Bluetooth playback cover a basic TV-and-music routine.
I keep it fifth because it overlaps the compact rivals without an obvious advantage at these offers. Check the exact remote, cable and power-supply contents. If you care most about TV volume control, compare the MEGACRA's ARC listing instead.
Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗
View on Amazon ↗Basic TV audio on a modest stand.
You need ARC control or a subwoofer.
What I like
+Compact optical and Bluetooth arrangement.
What to weigh
−Less distinctive value than the other roles.
Price information
Amazon price and availability checked Oct 17, 2026, 10:32 PM Lisbon time. Prices and availability are subject to change; the information shown on Amazon.com at purchase applies.
Our process
How we picked.
We compare five relevant products for different needs, using documented specifications, clear use cases and practical trade-offs. Our goal is to make the differences clear and help you choose with confidence.
- 01Relevance
Each product must fit the guide’s intended use, audience and requirements.
- 02Specifications
We compare the key product details that meaningfully affect the buying decision.
- 03Use case and fit
We compare the intended use, configuration and practical fit of every selected product.
- 04Strengths and limitations
We explain where each option performs best and the compromises to consider.
Good questions
FAQ — Soundbars under 100
01Is HDMI ARC essential on a budget soundbar?+
No. Optical can carry TV audio, but HDMI ARC may simplify volume control and switching if both TV and bar support it. Check the ports on the exact model.
02Does a stated wattage tell me how clear dialogue will be?+
No. Room size, speaker tuning, placement and input settings all matter; output wattage alone does not establish dialogue clarity.
The short answer
Start with the TCL S45H.
I recommend it for a simple main-tv audio upgrade. Choose something else if you specifically want a separate bass box.
View on Amazon ↗Keep looking
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