Buying Guide for the Best Sound Bar Under 100
Choosing a sound bar to improve your TV’s audio, especially on a budget, can noticeably enhance your entertainment experience. The right sound bar can bring clearer dialogue, fuller music, and more immersive effects, even if you don’t want to spend a lot. As you shop, it’s important to focus not just on price but also on the specs and features that align with your room size, listening habits, and connectivity needs. Here’s how to navigate the key specs so you buy something that feels tailored for your space and usage.Channel ConfigurationChannel configuration describes how many separate speaker outputs the sound bar uses to recreate different directions of sound. Common options are 2.0, 2.1, or even 3.1, where the first number represents the number of main channels (front left/right and sometimes center), and the second number indicates if there’s a subwoofer. More channels can provide richer, more enveloping sound and better separation for dialogue and effects. If you mainly watch TV shows or listen to music, a basic 2.0 or 2.1 may be enough, but for movies or bigger rooms, a 3.1 setup could make voices clearer and sound more cinematic.
Subwoofer PresenceA subwoofer is a speaker focused on delivering deep bass sounds, making explosions and music thumps feel fuller. Some budget sound bars include a dedicated subwoofer, while others rely solely on the main bar for bass. Detachable or wireless subwoofers give you more placement flexibility. If you value rumbling sound for movies or like bass-heavy music, prioritize options with a subwoofer. If you need something compact or plan to use it mostly for news and dialogue, a subwoofer may be less important.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity means how you physically or wirelessly link the sound bar to your TV and other devices. Inputs like HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel), optical, AUX, and Bluetooth are common at this price range. HDMI ARC provides a simple, cleaner connection for modern TVs and often allows you to control the sound bar with your TV remote. Optical and AUX are reliable but may miss out on some advanced features. Bluetooth lets you stream music from your phone. Check what outputs your TV has and what type of devices you want to connect, then pick a sound bar with matching or versatile input options.
Size and Form FactorThe size and shape of a sound bar affect how it fits with your TV or decor. Longer sound bars work well with larger screens, while compact or low-profile bars suit small TVs or cramped setups. Measure your TV stand or wall space before buying. For small rooms, a smaller bar is fine; for open or large rooms, a wider bar can spread sound better and fill the space.
Audio Enhancement FeaturesAudio enhancements can include surround sound simulation, dialogue boosters, or dedicated modes for music, movies, or news. These features process sound to make voices stand out or create the illusion of being surrounded by speakers. If you have trouble hearing dialogue, look for bars with voice enhancement modes. If you like different content types, choose one with selectable sound modes so you can switch depending on what you’re watching.