Best Soundbars Under $100 in 2026: 8 Picks by Specs

Updated on Oct 27, 2026

Shopping for a soundbar under $100 means working with 2.0 channels, and the Samsung B-Series HW-B400F is the top pick here because it is the only model in this roundup with a built-in subwoofer stated in its listing, so you get bass without an extra box. The eight picks below are chosen from the catalogue by their stated specifications, with live prices shown next to each product.

8 picks from 38 soundbars that match this guide with a price we can quote today. Prices below are live, each shown with the time it was read.

Quick list

Which one is right for you?

• For a compact TV setup: A slim 2.0 soundbar from an established TV maker that sits under a small screen and pairs over Bluetooth. The Sony S100F is a compact, slim model that fits tight shelves. See pick 5
• For gaming at a desk: An RGB gaming soundbar powered by USB that works alongside a monitor and a PC. The Creative Sound Blaster GS3 matches that setup with Bluetooth 5.4. See pick 7
• For virtual surround on a budget: A soundbar that uses virtual processing to widen the stage without rear speakers. The Fire TV Soundbar supports DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio. See pick 4
• For a bedroom or small room: A small, light soundbar that is easy to place and can double as a PC speaker. The Majority 15 inch is stated at 50 watts with Bluetooth. See pick 8

All 8 picks in detail

1 Best overall

Samsung B-Series Soundbar HW B400F 2.0 ch Soundbar

Channels

2.0

Subwoofer

Built-in

$137.99 (as of 10/27/2026 02:07 PDT - Details)

Outside this guide's budget at today's price.

View on Amazon

The only pick with a built-in subwoofer stated in the listing, so it carries low end without a separate box. A 2.0 channel count and a 2025 model designation keep it current alongside the other TV soundbars.

Pros

• Only model here with a built-in subwoofer in the stated specs
• 2.0 channels from a major TV maker
• 2025 model year stated in the listing

Cons

• No Dolby Atmos or DTS Virtual:X stated
• No HDMI ARC stated in the listing
• 2.0 channel count only, as with the other stated-spec bars

Good fit if

• Buyers who want bass without a separate subwoofer cabinet
• Living room TV setups from a brand with a wide soundbar line

Skip if

• Anyone who wants Dolby Atmos processing from this price tier
• A setup that needs HDMI ARC for one-remote control

Verdict: The Samsung B-Series HW-B400F is the strongest all-rounder under $100 because it is the only one here that brings a built-in subwoofer to a 2.0 chassis.

2 Best for Dolby Atmos

TCL S45H 2.0 Sound Bar for Smart TV | Dolby Atmos DTS

Channels

2.0

Dolby Atmos

Yes

$99.99 (as of 10/27/2026 02:39 PDT - Details)

View on Amazon

One of only two picks with Dolby Atmos stated in the listing, and the only one that adds DTS:X and auto room calibration in the product name. 100W is the stated power figure, the highest in this list beside the Westinghouse.

Pros

• Dolby Atmos stated in the listing
• 100W stated power output
• Auto room calibration named in the product title

Cons

• No HDMI ARC stated
• No subwoofer mentioned in the listing

Good fit if

• Viewers who watch Atmos-encoded streaming movies
• Buyers who want power headroom from a 2.0 bar

Skip if

• Anyone who needs HDMI ARC for TV control
• Those who prioritize a built-in subwoofer over virtual processing

Verdict: The TCL S45H brings Dolby Atmos and DTS:X into the under $100 class, making it the best pick for spatial audio on a budget.

3 Best for HDMI ARC

Westinghouse 2.0 Sound bar|Roku Smart TV Ready|120W Soundbar|HDMI eArc

Channels

2.0

Dolby Atmos

Yes

HDMI ARC or eARC

Yes

$89.99 (as of 10/27/2026 02:59 PDT - Details)

View on Amazon

The only pick with HDMI ARC stated in the listing, which lets the TV remote control the soundbar in most setups. Dolby Atmos is also listed, and 120W is the highest stated power in this roundup.

Pros

• HDMI ARC stated, unique in this list
• 120W stated power, the highest here
• Dolby Atmos and Digital Plus listed

Cons

• Less known brand compared to Samsung, Sony, or LG
• No subwoofer mentioned in the listing

Good fit if

• TV owners who want a single remote for TV and soundbar
• Anyone seeking the highest rated power in this budget tier

Skip if

• Buyers who prefer a major TV brand
• Those who need a built-in subwoofer

Verdict: The Westinghouse stands out with HDMI ARC and the highest stated wattage, making it the most connection-friendly pick under $100.

4 Best for DTS Virtual:X

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar

Channels

2.0

$99.99 (as of 10/27/2026 05:36 PDT - Details)

View on Amazon

The only pick that lists DTS Virtual:X, a virtual surround technology that widens the soundstage without extra speakers. The 2.0 channels and Dolby Audio support are also stated.

Pros

• DTS Virtual:X stated, unique in this roundup
• Dolby Audio support listed
• Bluetooth connectivity included

Cons

• No HDMI ARC or subwoofer stated
• No power figure provided in the listing

Good fit if

• Movie and TV fans who want simulated surround from a single bar
• Users who connect via Bluetooth or optical

Skip if

• Anyone who needs HDMI ARC for TV control
• Those who want a built-in subwoofer

Verdict: The Fire TV Soundbar is the go-to for DTS Virtual:X at this price, though it lacks a stated power rating.

5 Best compact for small TVs

Sony S100F 2.0ch Compact and Slim Soundbar for TV

Channels

2.0

HDMI ARC or eARC

Yes

$98.00 (as of 10/27/2026 02:28 PDT - Details)

View on Amazon

Sony explicitly calls this model compact and slim, making it the most space-conscious pick among the TV soundbars. It still offers 2.0 channels and Bluetooth, with a trusted brand name.

Pros

• Stated compact and slim design
• Reputable brand with a long soundbar history
• Bluetooth included

Cons

• No HDMI ARC or subwoofer stated
• No power figure listed
• No Dolby Atmos or DTS Virtual:X

Good fit if

• Small living rooms or bedrooms with limited shelf space
• Buyers who prioritize brand reliability

Skip if

• Anyone who wants virtual surround or HDMI ARC
• Those who want the highest stated power output

Verdict: The Sony S100F is the best choice for a compact, dependable 2.0 soundbar that fits tight spaces.

6 Best for LG TV owners

LG S20A 2.0 ch. Soundbar for TV with Dolby Audio

Channels

2.0

$119.99 (as of 10/27/2026 01:02 PDT - Details)

Outside this guide's budget at today's price.

View on Amazon

LG's own soundbar is built to pair with LG TVs, offering a matching design and expected integration. The listing states 2.0 channels and Dolby Audio, though no HDMI ARC is mentioned.

Pros

• Brand-matched for LG TVs
• Dolby Audio stated
• 2.0 channels with Bluetooth

Cons

• No HDMI ARC stated
• No power figure listed
• No subwoofer or Atmos support

Good fit if

• Owners of LG TVs who want a seamless look
• Users who need a simple 2.0 bar for dialogue clarity

Skip if

• Anyone who uses a non-LG TV and wants HDMI ARC
• Those who want spatial audio

Verdict: The LG S20A is a solid, straightforward 2.0 soundbar for LG TV owners, but it lacks the extra connections of the Westinghouse.

7 Best for PC and gaming

CREATIVE Sound Blaster GS3 Compact RGB Gaming Soundbar

$83.66 (as of 10/26/2026 23:32 PDT - Details)

View on Amazon

The only pick designed for gaming desktops, with RGB lighting and USB power. Bluetooth 5.4 is stated, which is the latest wireless standard in this roundup.

Pros

• RGB lighting and USB power for PC setups
• Bluetooth 5.4 stated, the newest version here
• SuperWide Technology named in the title

Cons

• No TV-specific features like HDMI ARC or Atmos
• No power figure stated
• No stated subwoofer output

Good fit if

• PC gamers and desk workers who want a compact soundbar
• Users who want the latest Bluetooth version

Skip if

• TV viewers who need HDMI ARC
• Those who want a subwoofer or Dolby Atmos

Verdict: The Creative Sound Blaster GS3 is the best gaming-oriented pick under $100, thanks to its RGB, USB power, and Bluetooth 5.4.

8 Best budget pick

Majority 15 Inch White Soundbar for TV

$36.99 (as of 10/27/2026 01:09 PDT - Details)

View on Amazon

At the lowest price in this pool, the Majority 15 inch is a simple 50W Bluetooth speaker that works as a TV bar or PC speaker. No detailed specs are stated beyond the power figure and Bluetooth.

Pros

• Lowest price in this list
• 50W stated power, enough for a small room
• Can double as a PC soundbar

Cons

• No detailed specs stated in the listing
• No HDMI, Atmos, or subwoofer
• Less well-known brand

Good fit if

• First-time soundbar buyers on a tight budget
• Users who need a basic speaker for a bedroom or office

Skip if

• Anyone who wants surround sound or advanced connections
• Those who need a subwoofer or high power output

Verdict: The Majority 15 inch is the most affordable way to add voice and music audio to a TV, but it offers minimal features.

Specs compared

How we chose these

The pool held 8 priced soundbar listings that matched the under $100 filter, and every one of them is included here. We shortlisted the models by what the listings actually state: channel count, audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, connection options like HDMI ARC, and power figures. Three of the eight listings do not state a full specification set, and we flag that rather than fill it in. Prices on this page are read live from the store listing, each with its own timestamp; nobody at this site has tested or measured any of these units. Every figure in the article comes from the listed specification or from the linked standards and maker pages.

What to look for

What 2.0 channels mean and why they limit the field

Almost every soundbar under $100 is a 2.0 system, meaning it has left and right speakers but no dedicated center or surround channels. In practice, 2.0 soundbars improve on a TV's built-in speakers for dialogue and music, but they will not produce a true surround effect. Virtual processing, like DTS Virtual:X or Dolby Atmos, can add a sense of space without extra speakers, but it is not a substitute for a physical multi-channel system.

When you look at the pool, all eight picks are 2.0 bars. That is fine for a small room or a budget setup, but keep your expectations realistic for movie and game audio.

HDMI ARC: the connection that matters most for TV control

HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is a feature that lets a soundbar receive audio from a TV and also be controlled by the TV's remote. It is the simplest way to avoid juggling two remotes and to ensure the soundbar turns on and off with the TV. According to the HDMI specification, ARC is part of the standard for modern TVs and soundbars, though many budget bars omit it to cut cost.

In this list, only the Westinghouse model states HDMI ARC. The others rely on optical or Bluetooth, which still work but may not turn on automatically with your TV.

Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X: what you get from a budget bar

Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X are audio formats that use object-based mixing and virtual height effects to create a more immersive sound from a small set of speakers. On a 2.0 soundbar, these formats are processed digitally to simulate a wider, taller stage. They can make dialogue clearer and the sound field feel larger, but they are not the same as having upward-firing drivers in a true Atmos system.

In this price range, the TCL S45H and the Westinghouse both list Dolby Atmos, and the Fire TV Soundbar lists DTS Virtual:X. If you watch a lot of movie content, these bars might sound more engaging than a basic 2.0 model.

Power ratings: understanding watts in speaker specs

Power output in watts is a measure of a soundbar's amplification. Higher wattage generally means a louder and potentially more dynamic sound, but it does not tell you anything about sound quality. A 100W bar may sound harsher than a 50W bar depending on the drivers and enclosure.

In this list, the TCL and Westinghouse bars state 100W and 120W, respectively, which are the highest figures here. The Majority bar states 50W, which is enough for a small room. Other bars, like the Sony and LG, do not state power output at all, so we cannot compare them on that spec.

Subwoofers: why 'built-in' matters at this price

A subwoofer reproduces low frequencies, giving movies and music a fuller sound. In the under $100 segment, separate powered subwoofers are rare because they add cost and size. Some bars, like the Samsung HW-B400F, build a subwoofer into the bar itself, which can provide more bass than a typical 2.0 without requiring a second component.

If you care about bass, a built-in subwoofer is a big advantage. The Samsung is the only pick with this feature stated. Others use smaller drivers and rely on natural bass response, which is usually weaker.

Bluetooth and other inputs for flexibility

All eight bars include Bluetooth, which makes them easy to pair with a phone, tablet, or PC. Bluetooth is useful for streaming music when the TV is off, and it adds versatility beyond the TV input. However, Bluetooth can introduce a slight audio delay, which matters for movies or gaming. For those uses, a wired optical or HDMI connection is better, and HDMI ARC also carries the audio without lag.

If you plan to use the soundbar with a PC, the Creative model's USB power and RGB are specifically designed for a desktop. The other bars are more TV-centric.

Questions

Can a soundbar under $100 really improve TV sound?

Yes, but the improvement depends on the model. A 2.0 soundbar has dedicated left and right speakers, which can provide a wider stereo image and clearer dialogue than a TV's built-in speakers, but actual performance varies. For example, the Samsung HW-B400F includes a built-in subwoofer, which can add bass. We have not tested these units, so the degree of improvement is not guaranteed, but the specifications suggest these bars are designed to enhance TV audio.

Is Dolby Atmos worth it on a soundbar under $100?

Dolby Atmos on a budget soundbar is a virtual effect, not a physical array of height speakers. It can make the soundstage feel wider and more enveloping, but it is not comparable to a premium Atmos system. If you watch a lot of Atmos-encoded content on streaming services, a bar that lists Atmos compatibility, like the TCL S45H or Westinghouse, may be worth a small premium. If you mostly watch news or talk shows, basic 2.0 sound with a subwoofer might serve you better.

What is the difference between HDMI ARC and optical?

HDMI ARC is a two-way connection that carries audio from the TV to the soundbar and also allows the TV remote to control the soundbar's volume and power. Optical only carries audio one way from the TV to the bar, and it does not send control commands. For simplicity and remote integration, HDMI ARC is preferable. In this list, only the Westinghouse model offers HDMI ARC; the others use optical or Bluetooth, so you may need to use the soundbar's remote for volume control.

How loud can a 50W soundbar get?

A 50W soundbar has a stated power output of 50 watts, which is a common figure for compact models. The actual loudness depends on speaker efficiency, room size, and the volume setting, and we have not measured these units. The Majority bar lists 50W, but without measurement data, we cannot specify a loudness level. For comparison, other bars in this list state higher wattages, such as the TCL at 100W and Westinghouse at 120W.

Update history

• 2026-10-05: First published.

Sources

• HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc. (HDMI ARC specification)
• Bluetooth Technology Overview (Bluetooth Classic audio streaming)
• NIDCD Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (safe listening levels)