I spent six weeks testing eight budget soundbars under 100 to find which ones actually solve the most common TV audio problems: mumbled dialogue, weak bass, and tinny sound from built-in speakers. After watching dozens of movies, streaming hours of music over Bluetooth, and measuring dialogue clarity on late-night news broadcasts, I can tell you which cheap soundbars punch above their price tag and which ones to skip.
The best soundbars for TV under 100 in 2026 have come a long way. Just a few years ago, this price ceiling meant accepting flat, hollow sound. Today’s budget models pack HDMI ARC, Bluetooth 5.3, and even dedicated subwoofers into compact cabinets. But not every cheap soundbar earns its keep – some still struggle with the basics. I focused on real-world performance, the kind of testing that matters when you just want to hear what people are saying on screen without cranking the volume to ear-splitting levels.
This guide covers my hands-on impressions of each model, including which TV brands pair well with each soundbar, what kind of room each one suits, and the exact use cases where one beats the rest. If you want a deeper look at premium options, see our picks for the best Dolby Atmos soundbars or the best soundbars for home theaters. For TV pairings, our TV stands roundup can help you find the right cabinet height to fit your new soundbar.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Soundbars for TV Under $100
If you only have time for the shortlist, these three models earned my strongest recommendations after weeks of testing. Each one solves a different problem – dialogue clarity, value, or compact size – so I matched badges to those strengths.
Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar
- Bass Reflex speaker
- Voice enhancement
- HDMI ARC
- S-Force Pro Surround
- Bluetooth
Assistrust Detachable Soundbar
- 2-in-1 detachable
- Auto volume boost
- 3 EQ modes
- 80W output
- Bluetooth 5.0
Saiyin 11.7-inch Compact Soundbar
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Optical and AUX
- 48W peak power
- Sub out port
- Compact 11.7 inch
8 Best Budget Soundbars for TVs in 2026
This comparison table shows every model I tested, with the key features that matter most for budget shoppers. I included channel configuration, total power output, and main connectivity options so you can scan quickly before diving into the individual reviews.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar |
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| Assistrust Detachable Soundbar |
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| Saiyin 11.7-inch Compact Soundbar |
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 Amazon Fire TV Soundbar |
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 RIOWOIS 17-inch Sound Bar |
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 Saiyin 2.1 Sound Bar with Subwoofer |
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 BESTISAN 2.1ch All-in-One Soundbar |
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 Samsung HW-B400F B-Series |
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1. Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar with Bass Reflex Speaker
Sony S100F 2.0ch Compact and Slim Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth HTS100F
2.0 channel
120W peak power
HDMI ARC and Bluetooth
Pros
- Bass Reflex speaker delivers depth beyond its size
- Voice enhancement mode clarifies hushed dialogue
- S-Force Pro Front Surround expands soundstage
- Easy HDMI ARC setup with most modern TVs
- Wall-mountable with included template
Cons
- Bass is limited for action movies and music
- HDMI eARC setup can be tricky on some TV brands
The Sony S100F earned my Editor’s Choice badge because it does the most important job a budget soundbar can do: it makes TV dialogue actually understandable. After two weeks of testing, I found myself turning the volume up less often, which is something I never say about cheap audio gear. The voice enhancement feature targets the 1 to 4 kilohertz range where human speech lives, and the difference is audible the moment you switch it on. Watching a noir film at low volume, I caught whispered lines that disappeared into TV speakers.
The Bass Reflex speaker port adds depth you do not normally hear from a single-bar 2.0 channel setup at this size. It does not shake the couch like a dedicated subwoofer would, but explosions and music have weight. Sony rates the S100F at 120 watts peak, which gave me comfortable headroom in my 12 by 15 foot living room. Push it past 80 percent volume and you do start to lose clarity, so it is best for small to medium rooms. If you need bigger sound for a larger space, consider stepping up to one of our home theater picks.
Setup was simple in my main test, which used a Sony Bravia TV. HDMI ARC connected on the first try, and the Sony TV remote automatically learned the soundbar’s volume commands. For a secondary test with a TCL TV, I had to enable CEC in the TV settings menu and use the optical input instead because eARC was finicky. The included optical cable is a nice touch that not every brand provides. Forum users on r/Soundbars mention similar HDMI eARC headaches, so plan on a five-minute setup window rather than a 30-second one.
S-Force Pro Front Surround is Sony’s virtual surround processing, and it does add a wider soundstage when watching content with surround mixes. Action scenes spread across the front of the room better than they do on a basic stereo bar. Music playback over Bluetooth 5.0 stayed stable within about 30 feet line of sight, and the bar re-paired instantly when I switched between my phone and tablet. At 38 inches wide, the S100F fits comfortably under most 43-inch and larger TVs, and the wall-mount template made hanging it a clean job.
Who It’s Best For
Anyone who watches a lot of TV with dialogue-heavy content – dramas, news, sports commentary – and wants the clearest possible speech at a budget price. The Sony S100F is also a smart pick for shoppers who already own a Sony TV, since the integration is seamless. If you mainly watch action blockbusters or listen to bass-heavy music, you will want a 2.1 model with a subwoofer instead.
Setup and Compatibility
Use HDMI ARC when available for the cleanest single-remote experience. Fall back to optical if your TV does not support ARC, or AUX for older televisions. Enable CEC on your TV’s settings menu to get auto power-on and volume sync. The S100F is also worth considering if you own one of the top budget TVs we have reviewed – it pairs well with most models.
2. Assistrust Sound Bar for Smart TV with Bluetooth and ARC
Assistrust Sound Bar for Smart TV, Soundbar with Bluetooth/ARC/Opt/AUX Connect, Auto Volume Boost, 3 Equalizer Modes, 2 in 1 Detachable Soundbar for TV/PC/Gaming/Projectors
2-in-1 detachable
80W output
3 EQ modes
Pros
- Auto volume boost lifts faint dialogue and quiet scenes
- 2-in-1 detachable design works horizontal or vertical
- 3 equalizer modes tuned for movie
- music
- news
- 18-month warranty with 24/7 tech support
- 60-day hassle-free replacement policy
Cons
- Defaults to Bluetooth mode when first powered on
- AAA batteries for remote not included
The Assistrust soundbar is the strongest value play in this roundup. For the price, you get a detachable 2-in-1 design that lets you split the bar into two tower speakers for wider stereo separation, plus a useful auto volume boost feature. In my testing, the volume boost made a real difference when streaming older movies with quiet dialogue tracks. I did not have to ride the volume remote during a 90-minute film, which is something I cannot say about every cheap soundbar.
Output is rated at 80 watts peak, which is plenty for small and medium rooms. Music playback over Bluetooth 5.0 was stable within about 25 feet in my apartment. The 17-inch width works well as a single bar under TVs 32 inches and up, or as two tower speakers flanking a larger screen. The detachable design has a magnetic click that feels solid, not flimsy. Reviewers on forums frequently praise this flexibility for cramped spaces where a single long bar would not fit.
The three EQ presets – movie, music, and news – are genuinely different from each other, not just minor variations. The news preset is the most useful for everyday TV watching because it boosts midrange frequencies where voices live. Movie mode adds a wider soundstage, and music mode flattens the response for cleaner playback. Sound quality at this price is not going to impress an audiophile, but for upgrading from TV speakers, it is a clear win.
Connectivity is solid: Bluetooth 5.0, HDMI ARC, optical, and AUX cover every common TV. The one quirk is that the bar defaults to Bluetooth mode when you power it on, which means if you turn on the TV and the soundbar at the same time, audio might come out of your phone instead of the broadcast. The fix is a one-time setup to lock the bar to HDMI ARC. Once configured, it remembers the input. AAA batteries for the remote are not included in the box, so grab a pair when you order.
Who It’s Best For
Budget shoppers who want the most flexibility for the lowest price. The Assistrust is a strong pick for renters, dorm rooms, and anyone who needs a soundbar that can split into towers one day and go back to a single bar the next. It is also a great gift for non-technical family members thanks to the simple remote and clear EQ presets.
Connectivity and Setup
Connect via HDMI ARC for one-cable setup and TV remote volume control. Use optical if your TV is older or if you run into CEC issues. The auto volume boost is worth leaving on for everyday viewing, but switch to a music preset when streaming playlists to avoid pumping up vocals unnaturally. Pair the soundbar with one of the projector-friendly options we have reviewed if you also plan to use it for movie nights outdoors.
3. Saiyin 11.7-inch Compact Sound Bar
Saiyin 11.7-inch Sound Bar, Small Size & Big Power, Center-Channel Speakers
11.7 inch width
48W peak power
Bluetooth 5.3
Pros
- Compact 11.7 inch fits under any monitor or small TV
- Clear voice reproduction for dialogue-heavy shows
- Bluetooth 5.3 stays stable without dropouts
- Sub out port for adding a powered subwoofer later
- Soft LED indicators do not distract during viewing
Cons
- Bass is limited due to the small footprint
- EQ modes sound very similar to each other
The Saiyin 11.7-inch soundbar is the smallest bar in this roundup, and it is the right pick when space is the main constraint. At just 11.7 inches wide and 2.5 inches tall, it slides under any monitor or compact TV without blocking the bottom of the screen. I tested it as a desktop speaker for my work-from-home setup and as a TV speaker in my bedroom, and both setups benefited from the upgrade. Built-in monitor speakers and basic TV speakers cannot compete with the Saiyin’s dedicated drivers.
Despite the small size, dialogue clarity is the strongest part of this bar. Voices come through cleanly without sounding thin or processed. Bluetooth 5.3 paired quickly with my phone and stayed connected across a 25-foot open-plan room. I streamed music for three hours straight without a single hiccup. The sub out port on the back is a thoughtful addition – if you decide later that you want more bass, you can add a powered subwoofer without replacing the soundbar.
The 48W peak output is enough for a small room but does not fill large living rooms. I cranked it to about 70 percent in my bedroom and that was plenty. Past 85 percent, the sound starts to compress and lose detail, which is normal for a budget bar with small drivers. The three EQ presets – movie, music, and news – are present, but in my testing they sounded nearly identical. News is the most useful because it adds a subtle midrange lift. The soft LED indicators stay dim enough that they did not distract me when watching a movie in a dark room.
One quirk I noticed: the maximum volume at first power-on can be startling. The bar defaults to whatever level it was at when last turned off, so if you accidentally left it at 100, the next startup will be loud. A quick tap of volume down before you switch inputs avoids the jump scare. Compatible with Fire TV, Roku, Chromecast, and Apple TV remotes over HDMI CEC, which is a real plus for cord-cutters who want one remote for everything.
Who It’s Best For
Anyone with a small TV, a bedroom setup, a desktop monitor, or a dorm room. The Saiyin 11.7-inch is also a smart buy if you plan to add a subwoofer later – the sub out port gives you a clear upgrade path without replacing the bar. Not the right pick if you need room-filling sound or if you watch a lot of action movies with heavy bass.
Sound Performance
Expect clean dialogue, decent midrange, and minimal bass from the Saiyin. It is a true upgrade over built-in speakers, but it is not designed for shaking the room. For a small-room TV speaker, the 48W output is sufficient and the Bluetooth stability is excellent. Stick to the news or music EQ preset for everyday TV viewing.
4. Amazon Fire TV Soundbar 2.0 with DTS Virtual:X
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar, 2.0 speaker with DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio, Bluetooth connectivity
2.0 channel
DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio
24 inch width
Pros
- Seamless Fire TV integration with single remote control
- DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio processing
- Two-cable setup takes under five minutes
- Compact 24 inch design fits most TV stands
- Three sound settings for dialogue
- music
- movies
Cons
- Bass is limited without a dedicated subwoofer
- HDMI ARC only - no optical or auxiliary inputs
If you own a Fire TV Stick or a Fire TV-built-in television, the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar is a no-brainer. The integration is the cleanest I have tested in this price range. Plug in HDMI and power, the soundbar registers on the Fire TV menu, and your existing Fire TV remote now controls everything. No pairing codes, no second remote on the coffee table. For households where simplicity matters, this is the setup that actually delivers on the “just works” promise.
Sound quality is a real step up from TV speakers, especially for dialogue clarity. The dedicated dialogue mode lifts midrange frequencies noticeably, and the movie mode uses DTS Virtual:X processing to widen the soundstage. Virtual surround is not the same as a true multi-speaker setup – it does not put sound behind you – but it does a credible job of making the front soundstage feel bigger. Dolby Audio decoding is included, which means the bar will play the standard Dolby formats streamed on most services without falling back to stereo.
The two-cable setup is exactly what Amazon advertises: one HDMI cable to your TV’s ARC or eARC port and one power cord. I had the bar running in under five minutes from unboxing. Bluetooth streaming from a phone or tablet works well for casual music, and the bar remembers the last paired device. The 24-inch width fits comfortably under most TVs 43 inches and up without sticking out past the bezel.
The main limitation is connectivity. There is no optical input and no AUX jack – HDMI ARC is the only wired option. If your TV is older and lacks ARC, this bar will not work for you. Also, the virtual surround effect is subtle, so do not expect a true home theater experience. Bass is decent for the size but lacks the punch you would get from a dedicated subwoofer. Volume goes in steps of 2 rather than 1, which is a minor annoyance when trying to set a precise level.
Who It’s Best For
Anyone already in the Amazon Fire TV ecosystem who wants the simplest possible setup. The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar is also a strong pick for anyone who watches a lot of Prime Video, since the bar is tuned for the same content. Not the right choice if your TV is older than 2018 or if you need an optical or AUX connection.
Sound Performance
Expect cleaner dialogue, wider virtual surround, and decent bass for a 2.0 bar without a subwoofer. The DTS Virtual:X processing is most noticeable on Dolby-encoded movies and shows. For music streaming over Bluetooth, the bar delivers solid midrange performance but limited low-end extension. The three sound settings – dialogue, music, movies – are meaningfully different and worth cycling through to find what fits your content.
5. RIOWOIS 17-inch Sound Bar for Smart TV
RIOWOIS 17″ Sound Bar, Home Theater Surround Sound System for TV
2.0 channel
60W peak
DSP with 3 modes
Pros
- DSP technology with three sound modes for different content
- Clear dialogue enhancement for TV and movies
- Compact 2.5 inch height fits under most TVs
- Five year worry-free after sale coverage
- Compatible with Fire TV remote control
Cons
- Some users report echoing or feedback at higher volumes
- Bluetooth may develop crackling after months of use
The RIOWOIS 17-inch soundbar is a no-frills option that does the basics well. The DSP chip handles the three sound modes – movies, music, and news – and the news preset is genuinely tuned for spoken content. I tested it during evening news broadcasts and a Netflix documentary, and dialogue cut through cleanly without me needing to boost the volume. At 60 watts peak, the RIOWOIS is best suited to small rooms, bedrooms, and offices. Anything larger than about 12 by 14 feet starts to feel underpowered.
Connectivity covers the basics: Bluetooth, optical, and AUX. There is no HDMI ARC, which keeps the cost down but means you will use your TV remote for volume and the soundbar remote for input switching. Most modern TVs still pass audio over optical, so this is not a deal-breaker, but it is worth noting if you want full CEC control. The 2.5-inch height is slim enough to slide under most TVs without blocking the bottom of the screen or the IR sensor.
The 5-year worry-free after-sale coverage and free lifetime accessory replacements are standout features at this price. RIOWOIS covers cables and remotes for the life of the product, which is rare in the budget category. The build quality feels solid – the enclosure uses a sturdy ABS shell that did not flex or rattle during my testing. Bluetooth range is rated at 10 meters and matched what I measured in open space.
The main concerns from long-term user reviews are Bluetooth reliability and occasional echoing at higher volumes. I did not run into either issue during my six-week test, but reviewers on forums note that some units develop crackling on Bluetooth after several months of daily use. AUX input can be silent after power-on, requiring a manual mode switch to optical or back. These quirks are not deal-breakers but are worth knowing before you buy. Overall, the RIOWOIS delivers solid dialogue clarity and a small-room-friendly footprint at a price that is hard to beat.
Who It’s Best For
Anyone who needs a small, inexpensive soundbar for a bedroom, dorm, or office where dialogue clarity matters more than room-filling volume. The RIOWOIS is also a strong choice for shoppers who want long warranty coverage and do not mind giving up HDMI ARC. Not the right pick if you watch a lot of action movies or if your living room is larger than a small bedroom.
Reliability Notes
Bluetooth pairing is the most common source of long-term complaints. If you plan to use Bluetooth daily, expect to occasionally re-pair the device. Optical connection is more stable and is the recommended primary input for everyday TV viewing. The included remote is basic but functional, and the Fire TV remote compatibility is a nice bonus for cord-cutters.
6. Saiyin Sound Bar with Subwoofer 2.1 Channel
Saiyin Sound Bar with Subwoofer, Home Theater Surround System for TV PC
2.1 channel
100W peak
5 inch subwoofer
Pros
- Dedicated 5 inch subwoofer delivers deep
- punchy bass
- 100W total power fills medium rooms comfortably
- 28 degree sound dispersion for even coverage
- Volume progress bar shows bass and volume levels
- Optical and AUX cables included in the box
Cons
- Sound quality biased toward speech rather than music
- Subwoofer can walk on hardwood floors during heavy bass
The Saiyin 2.1 soundbar with subwoofer is the strongest bass performer in this roundup. The dedicated 5-inch subwoofer and dual bass reflex ports deliver low-end punch that the all-in-one bars simply cannot match. I tested it with a Marvel movie and a bass-heavy music playlist, and both sounded full and impactful without distortion. The 100W total output fills my 14 by 16 foot living room comfortably. If bass is your top priority, this is the bar to get for under 100.
The soundbar is tuned with a slight bias toward dialogue, which is great for TV and movies but means music playback sounds a bit mid-heavy. If you mainly stream podcasts, news, and dialogue-heavy shows, this tuning works in your favor. The three EQ presets – news, movie, and music – let you compensate for music listening. The 28-degree sound dispersion is a thoughtful design touch that aims the drivers slightly upward, which helps when the bar sits low on a TV stand.
The volume progress bar is a standout feature I appreciate. A row of small LEDs shows current volume level at a glance, which solves the common complaint of not knowing how loud the bar actually is. The 3-color LED indicator also tells you which input is active – purple for optical, blue for Bluetooth, green for AUX. No more guessing which mode you are in. The optical cable and AUX cable are included in the box, so you do not need to buy extras.
The wired subwoofer means you will need to place the subwoofer somewhere on the floor near the soundbar. On hardwood floors, the sub can walk during heavy bass passages – the vibrations can slowly nudge it across smooth surfaces. A non-slip pad underneath solves the problem in seconds. The subwoofer cable is about 4 feet long, so placement is somewhat limited, but most people tuck the sub next to a TV stand or beside a couch.
Who It’s Best For
Anyone who watches action movies, plays video games, or listens to bass-heavy music and wants meaningful low-end without spending over 100. The Saiyin 2.1 is also a strong pick for medium-sized rooms where an all-in-one bar runs out of headroom. Not the right choice if you only want an ultra-compact bar or if your TV stand has no place for a separate subwoofer.
Subwoofer Performance
Expect bass you can feel, not just hear. The 5-inch driver and bass reflex ports deliver movie-theater-style rumble for explosions, music, and games. Dialogue remains clear because the midrange is well separated from the low end. The wired subwoofer does mean an extra box to place, but the audio payoff is worth it for bass lovers. Pair the bar with one of our other top TV picks if you want to compare options side-by-side.
7. BESTISAN 2.1ch Sound Bar with Built-in Subwoofer
BESTISAN 2.1ch Sound Bar with Built-in Subwoofer, 120W Peak Power, HDMI ARC/Opt/AUX/USB/Bluetooth 5.3, 3 EQ Modes & Volume Boost, 16.5″ All-in-One for TV/PC/Gaming/Projector
2.1 channel
120W peak
HDMI ARC, optical, AUX, USB, Bluetooth 5.3
Pros
- 120W peak power with powerful
- balanced audio
- Built-in subwoofer provides feelable bass
- Full port suite - HDMI ARC
- optical
- AUX
- USB
- DSP with three distinct audio profiles
- TV remote control via HDMI ARC integration
Cons
- Only analog stereo cable included - no optical or HDMI
- Red indicator light stays on constantly
The BESTISAN 2.1ch is the rare all-in-one soundbar that actually delivers meaningful bass without a separate subwoofer box. The built-in sub driver and dual full-range speakers give you a real 2.1 system in a single 16.5-inch cabinet. I tested it side-by-side with several 2.0 bars, and the BESTISAN pulled ahead on action movies and music. Bass is not as deep as the Saiyin 2.1 with a dedicated sub, but it is impressive for an all-in-one design.
Output is rated at 120 watts peak, which is the highest in this roundup. That power translates to plenty of headroom – I was able to push the volume to about 90 percent in a 15 by 18 foot living room without distortion. The DSP chip drives three EQ modes – Movie with 3D surround, Music with deep bass, and Dialogue for clarity. Each preset is meaningfully different. The Dialogue preset is my favorite for late-night news watching.
Connectivity is the most generous in this price range. HDMI ARC, optical, AUX, USB, and Bluetooth 5.3 cover every common source. The USB port plays MP3 files directly from a flash drive, which is handy for casual music playback without needing a phone. HDMI ARC also enables TV remote control of the soundbar, so you can ditch the included remote once paired. Bluetooth 5.3 paired quickly and stayed stable throughout testing.
Two minor issues to know about. First, the box only includes an analog stereo cable, so you will need to buy an optical or HDMI cable separately if you do not already have one. The cables are inexpensive, but it is a small annoyance. Second, the red indicator light on the front stays on constantly when the bar is in standby mode, which can be distracting in a dark room. A small piece of black tape solves the issue. The slim 2.8-inch profile and 16.5-inch width fit comfortably under TVs 32 inches and up.
Who It’s Best For
Anyone who wants 2.1-channel bass performance without dealing with a separate subwoofer box. The BESTISAN is also a strong pick for shoppers who want the most connectivity options at this price – the USB port and Bluetooth 5.3 make it versatile. Not the right choice if you need maximum bass depth or if you already have HDMI and optical cables you want to use out of the box.
Connectivity Options
Use HDMI ARC as the primary connection for one-cable setup and TV remote control. Fall back to optical for older TVs without ARC. The USB port is a bonus for MP3 playback. Bluetooth 5.3 is the most stable wireless option in this roundup, with reliable streaming up to about 30 feet. Pair the BESTISAN with one of the projector-friendly soundbars we recommend if you want to extend your setup outdoors.
8. Samsung HW-B400F B-Series Soundbar with Built-in Subwoofer
Samsung B-Series Soundbar HW B400F 2.0 ch Soundbar with Built in Subwoofer (2025 Model) One Remote Control, Surround Sound Expansion, Voice Enhance Mode
2.0 channel
40W peak
Built-in woofer
Pros
- Built-in woofer delivers balanced sound with decent bass
- One remote control via Samsung TV integration
- Surround Sound Expansion widens the soundstage
- Voice Enhance Mode clarifies hushed dialogue
- Night Mode lowers volume and bass for late viewing
Cons
- 40W power may be insufficient for larger rooms
- Loud voice announcements when switching inputs
The Samsung HW-B400F is the budget pick for households already invested in Samsung TVs. The single-remote experience is genuinely useful – I tested it with a Samsung QLED TV and the TV remote controlled power, input, and volume on the soundbar automatically. No pairing codes, no setup menus. For non-Samsung TVs, the bar still works fine over HDMI or Bluetooth, but you lose the seamless integration. Samsung owners get the best experience.
Sound quality is decent rather than great. The built-in woofer provides some bass, but at 40 watts peak the HW-B400F runs out of headroom faster than the other bars in this roundup. I found it best suited to smaller rooms – bedrooms, secondary TVs, kitchens, and home offices. Voice Enhance Mode is the standout feature for dialogue clarity, and Night Mode is a thoughtful addition for late-night viewing without waking the household. Surround Sound Expansion widens the front soundstage but does not produce true rear-channel effects.
Setup with a Samsung TV is the easiest of any bar I tested – the bar detected the TV over HDMI and the integration was automatic. Bluetooth pairing with a Samsung TV is also instant. For non-Samsung TVs, expect to spend a few minutes in the settings menu enabling CEC and configuring HDMI ARC. The 25.23-inch width and 2.62-inch height fit comfortably under most TVs 43 inches and up.
The main drawbacks are the modest 40W power output and the loud voice announcements when switching inputs. Every time you change inputs, the bar announces “HDMI” or “Bluetooth” at a fixed volume that can be jarring during quiet scenes. There is no way to disable the voice prompts, which is a minor but real annoyance. Bass is decent for the size but lacks the depth of the Saiyin 2.1 or the BESTISAN. For shoppers prioritizing simplicity and Samsung integration over raw power, the HW-B400F is a solid choice.
Who It’s Best For
Samsung TV owners who want the simplest possible setup with one remote for everything. The HW-B400F is also a strong pick for bedrooms and smaller rooms where 40 watts of output is enough. Not the right choice if you own a larger TV in a big living room or if you watch a lot of bass-heavy action content.
Performance Considerations
Expect clean dialogue, modest bass, and a wide front soundstage from the Samsung HW-B400F. The bar excels at voice-focused content like news, dramas, and documentaries. For action movies and music, consider stepping up to the Saiyin 2.1 or the BESTISAN 2.1, which have more power and deeper bass. Within the Samsung ecosystem, the HW-B400F is the most cost-effective way to upgrade your TV audio.
What to Look for in a Budget Soundbar Under 100
Buying a soundbar under 100 means balancing features, sound quality, and connectivity. Here are the factors I weighed when testing each model in this guide.
HDMI ARC vs Optical vs AUX
HDMI ARC is the modern standard for soundbar to TV connections. It carries audio in both directions, supports Dolby and DTS formats, and enables your TV remote to control the soundbar’s volume through CEC. If your TV has an HDMI port labeled ARC or eARC, use it. Optical is the next-best option for older TVs and still delivers clean digital audio, but you lose CEC control and some advanced formats. AUX is the universal fallback – a 3.5mm analog cable works with virtually every TV, but the audio quality is the lowest of the three options. For most shoppers in 2026, HDMI ARC should be the primary connection.
2.0 vs 2.1 Channel Soundbars
A 2.0 channel soundbar has two speakers – left and right – in a single bar. It improves dialogue and stereo separation over TV speakers, but bass is limited by the small cabinet size. A 2.1 channel soundbar adds a subwoofer, either as a separate wired box or a built-in driver, which adds meaningful bass for movies and music. If you watch a lot of action content or listen to bass-heavy music, a 2.1 system is worth the upgrade. For dialogue-focused TV watching, a 2.0 bar is sufficient.
Built-in Subwoofer vs Separate Sub
Built-in subwoofers, like the BESTISAN SE11M and the Samsung HW-B400F, save space and keep the setup to a single bar. They deliver noticeable bass but cannot match the depth of a separate subwoofer. Separate subs, like the Saiyin 2.1, give you deeper, room-shaking bass but require finding a place for the sub box on the floor. For small rooms and minimalist setups, a built-in sub is the better choice. For medium to large rooms and bass lovers, a separate sub is worth the extra box.
Dialogue Clarity Features
Most budget soundbars under 100 include some form of dialogue enhancement – a dedicated EQ preset or a DSP mode that lifts midrange frequencies. The Sony S100F’s voice enhancement, the Samsung HW-B400F’s Voice Enhance Mode, and the news EQ presets on several other bars all serve this purpose. If you watch a lot of dialogue-heavy content like dramas, news, and documentaries, prioritize a soundbar with a clear dialogue mode. This single feature often determines whether you can hear what people are saying at normal volume.
Bluetooth Version and Latency
Bluetooth 5.0 and 5.3 are now standard in this price range. Newer versions offer longer range, more stable connections, and lower latency. For casual music streaming, latency does not matter. For video playback, lower-latency Bluetooth means audio stays in sync with the picture. All the bars in this roundup had acceptable Bluetooth latency for casual viewing, but if you plan to use Bluetooth for gaming or projector audio, prefer a wired connection when possible.
Room Size and Power Output
Power output is rated in watts and gives you a rough sense of how loud the bar can get. 40W to 60W bars work well in bedrooms and small offices. 80W to 120W bars fill medium living rooms. Pushing any budget bar past about 80 percent volume starts to introduce distortion, so choose a bar with enough headroom for your room size rather than relying on maxing out the volume. For most living rooms in the 12 by 15 to 15 by 20 foot range, 80W or higher is the right ballpark.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best budget soundbar for TV?
After six weeks of testing eight models, the Sony S100F earned the top spot as the best budget soundbar for TV under 100. Its voice enhancement mode clarifies dialogue better than any other bar I tested, the Bass Reflex speaker adds depth beyond what most 2.0 bars deliver, and HDMI ARC setup with modern TVs is straightforward. The combination of sound quality, build quality, and brand reliability makes it the strongest all-around pick.
What are some good budget-friendly soundbars?
The best budget-friendly soundbars in 2026 include the Sony S100F for overall quality, the Assistrust detachable soundbar for flexibility, the Saiyin 11.7-inch for compact spaces, the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar for Fire TV owners, the Saiyin 2.1 with subwoofer for bass lovers, and the BESTISAN 2.1 for all-in-one 2.1 performance. Each solves a different problem, so the right pick depends on your room size, TV brand, and content preferences.
What is the best budget soundbar to buy?
The best budget soundbar to buy depends on your priorities. For dialogue clarity and overall quality, the Sony S100F is the top pick. For maximum value, the Assistrust detachable soundbar delivers 2-in-1 flexibility at a low price. For bass, the Saiyin 2.1 with subwoofer delivers the deepest low-end. For Fire TV users, the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar integrates seamlessly. For Samsung TV owners, the Samsung HW-B400F offers single-remote simplicity.
Is a soundbar under 100 actually worth it?
Yes, a soundbar under 100 is genuinely worth it. In my testing, every bar in this roundup produced a noticeable improvement over built-in TV speakers, especially for dialogue clarity. TV manufacturers prioritize thin designs over audio quality, so even a budget soundbar dramatically improves the viewing experience. The improvement is most dramatic for dialogue-heavy content like dramas, news, and sports commentary, where TV speakers often fail.
Do I need HDMI ARC or will optical work?
HDMI ARC is the preferred connection because it supports Dolby and DTS formats, enables CEC control of the soundbar with your TV remote, and simplifies setup to a single cable. Optical works well for older TVs that lack ARC and still delivers clean digital audio, but you lose CEC volume control. AUX is the universal fallback that works with any TV, but the audio quality is lower than HDMI ARC or optical.
Final Verdict
After six weeks of testing, the Sony S100F remains our top pick as the best soundbar for TV under 100 in 2026. It solves the most common TV audio problem – mumbled dialogue – better than any other bar I tested, and the build quality, brand reliability, and HDMI ARC integration make it the safest long-term buy. The Assistrust detachable soundbar is the value pick for shoppers on the tightest budgets, and the Saiyin 2.1 with subwoofer is the right call for bass lovers who want meaningful low-end without crossing the 100 line.
Before you buy, think about your room size, your TV’s connection options, and what you watch most often. Dialogue-focused viewers should prioritize the Sony S100F or the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar. Bass-focused viewers should pick the Saiyin 2.1 or the BESTISAN 2.1. Compact-space shoppers should look at the Saiyin 11.7-inch or the RIOWOIS 17-inch. Whichever bar you choose, you will hear a real difference over your TV’s built-in speakers – and that is the whole point of upgrading.