10 Best Speakers Under $100 in 2023

Top of our list is this affordable, high-quality smart speaker from Amazon. The Amazon Echo Dot is a functional little product that delivers surprisingly good sound, while also being loaded with lots of useful extras.

The key reason why this speaker is so highly rated is that it can be used to control the Alexa voice assistant. The Echo Dot is always listening, so you can simply ask it to switch on a certain radio station, play your favorite song, or ask it to call one of your friends or family. It can also be hooked up to Sengled bulbs, which means that you can ask the Echo Dot to turn on or off your lights.

This is a small, compact speaker that can be easily concealed in your home if you don’t want it in view.

Pros:
+ Compatible with Alexa
+ Good Sound Quality
+ Can Use for Smart Lighting
+ Compact
+ No Need for a Hub

Why We Liked It - If you’re looking for a cheap, smart speaker that offers good sound quality and lots of functions, then this little product is for you.

Bose is in a league of its own when it comes to sound quality. It’s a company that consistently produces top-quality audio equipment that sounds incredible. Usually, that means you have to pay a pretty penny to get a Bose, but in this case, you can pick up a Bose speaker for less than a hundred bucks.

This is a wireless speaker that delivers eight hours of battery life from a single charge. It’s got IPX4 water resistance, which means that you can take it to the pool or beach without fearing for its life. There’s an in-built mic that allows you to operate your voice assistant, and you can also use it for voice calls.

The most impressive feature of this product is its sound quality. Typically for Bose, you get a lot of warmth at the low end, with the mids and highs also well-articulated. Unlike many products of comparable size, this one performs well at high volumes without distortion.

Pros:
+ Affordable
+ Excellent Sound
+ Made by Bose
+ Water Resistant
+ 8 Hours Playtime

Why We Liked It - It delivers exceptional, Bose-style audio quality, all for a very reasonable price.

JBL is one of the most popular brands in the world when it comes to Bluetooth speakers. This manufacturer constantly provides consumers with a solid combination of quality and affordability. This product exemplifies what JBL does best.

It’s a compact, lightweight speaker that includes two bass radiators. These components contribute to room-filling bass that’s ideal for a party or just for chilling at home with some music. This product features an IPX7 water resistance rating, which means that you can even submerge it in water.

Connectivity is a breeze, thanks to Bluetooth technology. It also offers you 12 hours of playtime from a single charge.

JBL is well-known for offering its speakers in eye-catching colors. That’s the same with this product, which you can get in black, red, blue, teal, gray, and even in a camouflage color scheme.

It’s also got an in-built mic. That allows you to use it for calls or for operating Siri or other voice assistants.

Pros:
+ Waterproof
+ Big Bass
+ Variety of Colors
+ 12 Hours Playtime
+ In-Built Mic

Why We Liked It - It’s a little speaker that packs a huge punch due to the dual-bass radiators that provide booming low end.

This is a cylindrical design, the compact portable Bluetooth speaker is a fantastic upgraded model from JBL Harmans acclaimed next generation series. JBL is a fabricator at the forefront of modern speakers who pride themselves on keeping up to date with all the latest modern conveniences.

It delivers a surprisingly powerful stereo sound. Its built-in JBL Bass radiator lowers distortion risk to a nominal level, so it handles low-frequency sounds with ease. You can wirelessly connect 2 devices at a time and effortlessly switch between the two with ease. It can also be linked to multiple JBL speakers for additional volume and larger presence.

It is constructed from certified waterproof components so is a great choice for audio outdoors and on the go. It provides around 12 hours of continuous use powered by a rechargeable 3000mAh lithium-ion battery.

Pros:
+ Waterproof.
+ Omni-directional.
+ Bass radiators incorporated.
+ Compact, lightweight and portable.

Why We Liked It - The JBL Flip 4 speakers' waterproof nature widens its range of uses and its sync up feature is great.

This stereo edition of the Angle 3 is far more sought after than their mono version. It houses 2 impressive precision driver and is miles better comparable. It provides impressive distortion-free bass, dealing with low frequencies remarkably well for its low-end price.

Its rounded triangle design features no corners, which protects better against knocks and damage.

It also gives it a little versatility it can be used lying horizontally or stood on its end vertically. It was pretty compact dimensions (5.25” long, 2.6 high and 2.8 wide).

It features hands-free for use with mobile phones and has an auxiliary in to play audio from other devices. It benefits from Bluetooth version 3.0 that connects from 30ft away if unobstructed and is Alexa compatible.

The battery life on this one is also fairly impressive, running for 10-12 hours at approximately 2/3 volume.

Pros:
+ Dual drivers stereo sound.
+ Long battery life.
+ Low price.
+ Versatile design.

Why We Liked It - IIt is another more affordable option if you want something Alexa compatible and in stereo without purchasing twice the speakers.

The Doss touch is a stylish wireless speaker with top mounted user-friendly controls. It is another heavy duty brick-shaped design with smoothed curves. The touch controls edges are lit and defined in the dark with its blue LED rims. Users can play pause or skip with a simple touch of a button and even answer their calls hands-free. The volume adjusts with the laser carving finished top ring (dialing clockwise and counterclockwise).

It is competitively priced in the same low region as the Angle 3 and Anker Soundcore. It is a 12-watt model and plays in 3 different modes, Bluetooth, Micro-SD and auxiliary in. This allows it to connect to a range of audio devices.

It produces 360-degree stereo sound through its high-performance drivers and enhanced bass. The distortion is nominal on this one at the greatest of volumes. It is ultra-compact and slips into your backpack or handbag.

Pros:
+ Low price.
+ High performance drivers.
+ 360 degree stereo sound.
+ Micro-SD reader.

Why We Liked It - It has a quality build the hands on top mounted buttons are easy to use and stylish with their laser carved finish. The high performance drivers are enhanced to provide distortion free full-range sound.

This entry made our list as a great example of a low cost bookshelf speaker option. They are well constructed and have an understated classic black look. They fetch the higher end of our budget but that is to be expected with an MDF cabinet option. Woods provide a notably better tone and resonance than a plastic set of speakers as they are more acoustically inert. This makes them far less prone to the buzzing we are often subjected to from a stock monitor speaker at larger volumes.

This pair handles bass remarkably well and are modeled on their classic loudspeakers. They incorporate a 0.75” silk dome tweeter a 5.25” composite driver and a front-firing bass port all engineered with their proprietary dynamic balance technology. Audio is widely dispersed, rich and detailed without muffling or distortion. The grille is removable should you wish. They connect to most home theater devices and stereos and they are easy to set up.

Pros:
+ Affordably priced.
+ MDF acoustic cabinet.
+ Ported bass enclosure.
+ Fantastic handling from the composite drivers.

Why We Liked It - This pair make a fantastic addition or upgrade to any home theater set up for surround sound. The bass is great, the price is reasonable and it supports Dolby and DTS.

Another good speaker set option this time powered is the Edifier R1280T they are a best selling pair of powered speakers. Priced in the same region as the bookshelf speakers from Polk, Edifier have managed to pack in some premium level design features and individually could be the top bookshelf speakers under 100. Got a bigger budget? Try some bookshelf speakers below 500.

They have an eye-catching classic wood finish set with the layout of the combination of drivers on the 1 active versus the passive. They feature 13mm silk dome tweeters to cope with high-frequency sounds and produce studio quality sound which has less of a superficial quality. The enclosure is of a bass reflexive port design and has been calibrated its optimal dimensions for preventing bass distortion. The bass driver is 4 inch and very impressive, it has great presence. Overall the audio is deep, dynamic and natural sounding.

It also features built-in tone control to shape your sound to your preference. Another notable feature which may interest jockeys out there is that this pair has a dual RCA input to connect to multiple devices.

Pros:
+ Bass reflex enclosure.
+ Wood construction.
+ Multiple hook-ups.
+ Low price.
+ Best powered speakers for turntable.

Why We Liked It - Wood composition is always preferable to plastic, which we don't usually see in this price range. They are an impressive set and are the best turntable speakers under 100, which is good news for budding DJs.

We have reviewed some of the SoundLink series before and they are some of the best compact Bluetooth options on the market. This SoundLink Micro is a palm-sized travel speaker. It benefits from Bluetooth and NFC connectivity and has a built in speakerphone, for hands-free calls or speaking directly to Siri or Google Assistant. The battery holds up-to 8 hours charge and has stereo and party mode which work via voice prompt activation.

It is ruggedly constructed from non-slip silicone and all of its components are waterproofed to an IPX7 rating. It has a handy tear resistant strap for portability and can be strapped to almost anything.
The grille is almost the size of the product producing a wider dispersion and ultimately an impressive sound given its tiny size.

Pros:
+ Palm-sized.
+ IPX7 waterproofed.
+ Large Grille.
+ Bluetooth and NFC compatible.

Why We Liked It - It is a pretty heavy duty Bluetooth option, waterproofed enough to sing in the shower with. This one is also the ultimate audio travel companion.

If you were keen on the Edifier R1280T but can't really stretch to the upper end of our $100 cap, then this might be the set for you. Th R980T model from the Edifier powered bookshelf speaker series is a lower priced option, which offer everything similar Edifier speakers have- just in a smaller package.

They are well made with decent circuitry and constructed from good quality components. They resonate great presence and depth because of their wood composition, which accentuates the sound quality, again surprising for the retail price. They have been calibrated in the same manner as the upgrade model we reviewed, with a flared bass reflex port to counter their compact nature and get optimal bass quality.

It has dual inputs and tone control as well as volume level control for users to shape their listening preferences. They pack a 12 watt RMS power punch per speaker and each one features a 4-inch bass driver and a 13mm tweeter.

Pros:
+ Affordably priced.
+ Small active speakers.
+ Wooden acoustic enclosures.
+ Optimal reflex port design.

Why We Liked It - They are an ideal low cost set of powered speakers, they are stylish and wooden which is always better in terms of audio resonance.

Low-Cost Speakers Buyers Guide

What to look for in Speakers Under $100?

There is much to consider when you buy a lower end product. A smaller price-tag can be achieved by companies in a number of ways, some with more compromise over quality than others.

Typically cheaper speakers will be of a smaller size, this reduction in stature and miniature components can reduce costs sufficiently for a lower overall retail price. Smaller speakers mean that the enclosure style is a more important factor. Speakers work by sitting a cone inside of a coil which is inside of a magnetic field. The audio is converted into electrical signals, which affect the field around the parts and cause the cone to move in and out, as it does it displaces air. Loud volumes and low frequencies displace a lot more air and so bass-ier audio can sound muffled or distort and within a small enclosure this can cause buzzing.

The best way to combat this is to have a bass reflex or ported design this incorporates a small opening and sometimes tubing to keep an influx of air.

Sometimes companies compensate heavily opting for cheaper manufacture in the electrical components and this is something you want to avoid. It is sometimes advisable if you are buying a cheap product to go with a brand you recognize, as usually, the more notorious they are the more careful they are not to put their name on something so low quality it will damage their reputation. This way you can avoid the off-brand doppelgangers lurking out there.

Can you get good speakers under $100?

As we hinted in our introduction expectation should be kept reasonable, You aren't likely to run into a set of speakers at this price level that will satisfy the most dedicated audiophile. The products available below the hundred dollar mark are more than capable for the majority of the average day to day use.

Most of the sets we have reviewed will make for a great upgrade to stock speakers. Many of the smaller, travel speaker types are better than internal device speakers. If you want to amplify the volume of your mobile or tablet without audio quality loss they provide a fantastic solution.

So to answer the question simply, yes there are some decent models on the market in this modern era and some with the link up options that make starting a block party entirely feasible.

What is the best Bluetooth speaker for $100?

There are a whole host of audio speakers which boast Bluetooth connectivity options as well as a variety of dedicated devices designed exclusively for Bluetooth use. Of those we have reviewed in this article, we would probably have to give the title to the Echo 2nd Gen. It has Advanced Audio Distribution Profile support meaning streaming from devices and echo-to-echo is seamless and flawless. You also can't help but admire the futuristic promise with these modern innovative devices, you can literally have Alexa secure your entire home, shut out the lights, and wake you with your favorite song and a cup of java in the morning. It is however at the upper limit of our budget for a cheaper option we say go with the Anker Soundcore it has Bluetooth 4.0 onboard a staggering 24 hr battery life and is Alexa compatible anyway.

If budget is a key factor, or you are solely shopping for Bluetooth speaker you might find our 10 best Bluetooth speakers under $100 article extremely useful.

What is the best waterproof speaker under $100?

The on the go nature of our modern lives stipulates the need for more durable design details. Many smaller speakers aimed at being suited to travel will encompass waterproofing of some form. Some are more water resistant than others Some of the waterproof items are IPX5 classified and others feature IPX7 certified designs so these are arguably more waterproofed than the rest. If you re looking for the best-waterproofed components look for something classified as IPX5 or higher. To put it into perspective newer models which feature IPX7 certified designs will actually survive full accidental submersion so are arguably more waterproof.

From today contenders the clear winner is the Bose SoundLink Micro as it has the highest certification.

Again if you want a closer look at waterproof options our article on Bluetooth speakers linked in the previous buyers guide segment has a few more options you might be interested in.

Best computer speaker under 100?

For computer speakers depending on the space you have around your desktop and budget we would suggest one of the Edifier sets. For a quick comparison one is larger more powerful and sits priced just below the hundred dollar mark, the other set has a smaller footprint, less wattage and have a mid-range price tag. Each is an excellent example of wood composite active powered speakers with effectively designed enclosures, that provide optimal resonance and prevent muffling or distortion. If low cost is a key factor for you and you are shopping for your PC then you will probably find our article 10 Best Computer Speakers Under $50 a good read.

Conclusion

What to look for in a good speaker at this price range is tied intrinsically to the intended use, today we have looked a broader selection of types of speakers. With the market so awash with lower-priced products, you will find there is no shortage of speaker choices. If you can narrow down what it is you need your speakers for (monitoring, home cinema, traveling mobile amplification, indoor/outdoor use, etc) then you are halfway there. Fortunately, we have a lot of articles on the subject and have linked those relative. We hope our informative buyer's guide will have proved useful in aiding you to make your decision.

As long as you shop armed with the all the relative info, know your intended use and accept that sometimes lower priced options have limitations you will find a suitably priced speaker for you.

Expert Tip

If you are here looking for powered speakers and need more choice than the Edifier series products we included head on over to our 10 Best Powered Speakers article.

Did You Know?

Over the years the design of a speaker hasn't really evolved very much, it functions in a very simple manner, the math for calculating optimal enclosure sizes, however, is a little more complex.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDHhCsNoSpc

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