We all know that bookshelf speakers deliver an entertaining musical quality that simply can’t be matched. With quality, however, comes expense because top quality bookshelf speakers (like all other products) aren’t cheap.
So, to ensure that you get the best product at an affordable rate, we’ve reviewed the best bookshelf speakers under 100$ for your ease. And to ensure that you get the most suitable product, we’ve also prepared a buyer’s guide for your ease.
But before we start, let’s briefly look at the 3 best powered speakers under $100, based on our critical analysis.
Top Pick
It comes with multiple advanced features, high quality sound and music production, thus being the best choice for consumers.
Runner Up
With excellent studio sound quality, they’re the perfect choice for home theatres, and a very close runner-up in our list.
Also Great
This product has received positive reviews for excellent studio sound quality & Bluetooth connectivity, making for a convenient choice.
Best Bookshelf Speakers Under $100 - Top 10 Reviews
Here, we’ve reviewed the top 10 best bookshelf speakers under $100, including each product’s description, main features, pros & cons, and a final verdict.
1. Best Bookshelf Speakers in Bass Response Under $100 - Micca MB42X Bookshelf Speakers Review
Easily the best bookshelf speakers under $100, Micca MB42X benefit from their carbon fiber woofer, which delivers an enhanced, transient & impactful bass. Moreover, their excellent sound quality makes them ideal for home theatres & studios.
Best Bookshelf Speakers Under $100 - Main Features of Micca MB42X Bookshelf Speakers
High Performance Silk Dome Tweeter
With high-end tweeters, Micca MB42X gives strong high range performance & smooth treble.
Full 18dB Crossover
In our review, we concluded that the crossover helps balance the woofer and tweeter, while also giving good mid-range vocal clarity.
Ported Enclosure
If you want bookshelf speakers with an extended bass response then you will like this feature, as it does just that while also reducing sound distortion from the speakers.
- Manageable size
- Great sound quality
- Low distortion
- Dynamic
- Great low-range performance
- Small shelf-life
Micca MB42X deliver in great low range and bass while also maintaining consistent sound quality. We’d definitely recommend them for indoor entertainment.
2. Most Stylish Bookshelf Speakers Under 100$ - Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers Review
When discussing the best bookshelf speakers under $100 based on aesthetic value, Edifier R1280T easily win thanks to their rustic wooden framework. Moreover, their multiple built-in features provide you with great sound quality & user-friendly interface.
Main Features of Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
2x AUX Input
With the AUX input, you can simultaneously connect two devices to Edifier R1280T as long as they have a 35 mm headphone output or dual RCA output.
Silk Dome Tweeter & Full Range Unit
These features work in unison to produce a natural and smooth sound. So, if you are looking for the best bookshelf speakers under $100 with studio sound quality the Edifier R1280T are the right choice.
Remote Control
The remote allows you to adjust the volume without having to manually handle the speakers.
Classic Wood Finish
Last but not the least, the polished wooden exterior of Edifier R1280T gives tem a stylish and rustic look.
- Studio sound quality
- Stylish look
- User-friendly
- Remote Control
- Low bass response
After testing each feature carefully, we concluded that Edifier R1280T bookshelf speakers deliver in both style & substance. We’d highly recommend them for home entertainment purposes.
3. Most Innovative Bookshelf Speakers Under 100$ - Rockville HD5B 150w Bookshelf Speakers Review
Rockville HD5B have excellent loudness due to their silk dome tweeters & amplifier, an exceptional bass response thanks to their top-quality woofer & multiple built-in features that make them a delight to use.
Main Features of Rockville HD5B 150w Bookshelf Speakers
Bass
Rockville HD5B has a great extended bass response that you will truly appreciate, all thanks to an audiophile-grade woofer cone.
Silk Dome Tweeter & Class “D” Amplifier
Combined with a powerful amplifier, the tweeters deliver a high-range performance that no rival speaker can match.
Built-in Bluetooth (Version: 4.2+EDR)
Rockville HD5B has a 33-foot range without signal interference, making them one of the best Bluetooth bookshelf speakers you can find.
Input
Rockville HD5B has 2 AUX (1 optical & 1 coaxial) input ports. So, you can connect multiple devices to the speakers.
LED Indicator & Remote
The LED indicator displays all the functions of Rockville HD5B whereas the remote lets you adjust their volume.
- Durable
- User-friendly
- Wireless & Non-wireless Connectivity
- Strong bass
- Excellent high-range sound
- Inadequate mid-range
Based on innovation, Rockville HD5B are easily the best bookshelf speakers under $100 & we’d strongly recommend them for indoor entertainment.
4. Best Surround Sound Bookshelf Speakers Under 100$ - Polk Audio T15 Bookshelf Speakers Review
The audio quality & surround sound effect of Polk Audio T15 makes them one of the best bookshelf speakers under $100. The speakers have a high-end tweeter & dynamic balance driver, which together, deliver a fantastic surround sound experience.
Main Features of Polk Audio T15 Bookshelf Speakers
0.75″ Tweeter
We found that the standard tweeter helps to give Polk Audio T15 a considerate high-range. Although, it does not quite hold up compared to some rival products.
5.25″ Dynamic Balance Driver
Our review of the driver shows that it has two benefits. Firstly, it gives Polk Audio T15 a a strong bass. Secondly, it gives you an immersive surround sound effect.
Wall Mountable Design
You can easily attach the speakers to your wall, making for a unique home theatre experience.
Compatibility
In case you are looking for home theatre speakers, Polk Audio T15 is highly compatible with multiple home theatre AV receivers.
- Simple to use
- Good bass
- Great surround sound
- Cheap rate
- Insufficient loudness
The affordable price & good surround sound makes Polk Audio T15 a good choice for home theatres & we’d recommend them for home theatres.
5. Best Bookshelf Speakers for Gaming Under 100$ - M-Audio AV32 Bookshelf Speakers Review
Unlike most bookshelf speakers that target musical entertainment, M-Audio AV32 are designed for gaming. They have a remarkable high-range thanks to their silk cone tweeters, amplifier & OptImage IV tweeter.
Main Features of M-Audio AV32 Bookshelf Speakers
Polypropylene-coated Woofers
The strong woofers give a nice bass to the M-Audio AV32 bookshelf speakers.
Silk Cone Tweeters
This simple yet effective set up manages the high-range of the speakers, giving you powerful highs with clear audio.
10W/channel Amplifier & Optimal IV Tweeter
Further adding to their high-range sound, these built-in features give M-Audio AV32 a deeper sound & superior imaging in the high-range, which improves your gaming experience.
RCA Inputs
The RCA input lets you connect M-Audio AV32 bookshelf speaker to gaming systems & mixers.
Stereo Auxiliary Input
For musical entertainment, you can connect your laptop/PC/MP3 Player to this input port.
Headphone Output
And of course, for private enjoyment, you can easily connect your headphones to this outlet.
- Simple to use
- Good bass
- Strong Highs
- Small & Compact
- Picks up static
- Small shelf-life
M-Audio AV32 are compact, simple & produce exceptional highs, making them the best bookshelf speakers under $100 for gaming.
6. Most Durable Bookshelf Speakers Under 100$ - Edifier P12 Passive Bookshelf Speakers Review
Edifier P12 are one of the best bookshelf speakers under $100 for their durability, simplicity and rustic design. Their wooden framework gives them a stylish look & their high-end features make them easy to use.
Main Features of Edifier P12 Passive Bookshelf Speakers
Silk Dome Tweeters
As we have already covered earlier in our article, silk dome tweeters give good highs with smooth and steady treble.
4-Inch Bass Drivers
If you like a balanced natural sound with an enhanced bass then this feature will be an instant favorite of yours.
Wall-Mount Design
Edifier P12 is designed as such that you can either place them on a shelf or hang them on your wall according to your liking.
Wooden Finish
The aesthetic value and durability of Edifier P12 comes from their rustic wooden exterior. So, if you need bookshelf speakers that both look and sound good then this might be the right choice.
- Simple to use
- Good bass
- Strong highs
- Durable
- Stylish
- Require an amplifier/receiver
We found that Edifier P12 focus more on quality than quantity. They don’t have numerous features but the ones they have, deliver brilliantly in every aspect. We’d therefore highly recommend them for indoor entertainment.
7. Most Simplistic Bookshelf Speakers Under 100$ - Dayton Audio B652-AIR 6-1/2" 2-Way Bookshelf Speaker Review
Dayton Audio B652-AIR bookshelf speaker benefits a lot from being as simple as possible. While it isn’t stylish, the speaker focuses on delivering exceptional sound quality. The tweeters & woofer of the speaker provide a clear high & rich bass respectively.
Main Features of Dayton Audio B652-AIR 6-1/2" 2-Way Bookshelf Speaker
Air Motion Transformer Tweeter
We found that the tweeter delivers a crystal-clear top-end sound with minimum distortion.
6-1/2″ Woofer
As for the woofer, you get a deep and strong bass from Dayton Audio B652-AIR bookshelf speaker.
Black Vinyl Cabinet Finish
Then there is the vinyl finish which gives the speakers a clean and modern look.
Transparent Cloth Grill
The grill protects the speaker from dust & particles. It is also removable so you can easily detach, clean and re-attach the grill.
- Simple to use
- Good bass
- Clear Audio
- Strong high
- Sound quality dips at low frequencies
- Bass overtakes audio
The simple nature of Dayton Audio B652-AIR bookshelf speaker makes it a strong favourite for one of the best bookshelf speakers under $100 & we’d recommend you give them a try.
8. Best Bookshelf Speakers in Sound Quality Under 100$ - Theater Solutions B1 and C1 Bookshelf Speaker Set Review
Aside from having a luxurious design, Theater Solutions bookshelf speaker set qualifies as one of the best bookshelf speakers under $100 for its superior sound quality. The set consists of a 2-way B1 & a 3-way C1 speaker, which combine together to enhance the overall sound.
Main Features of Theater Solutions B1 and C1 Bookshelf Speaker Set
Balanced Shielded Woofers
Both speakers come with high-end woofers that deliver a smooth & deep extended bass.
Titanium Coated Tweeters
The pair also has titanium coated tweeters. By themselves, both tweeters are excellent. But when combined together, they give you a truly exceptional highs that are hard to match.
Crossover Frequency
Each speaker also supports crossovers with varying ranges. Each crossover ensures that you get a perfectly balanced audio & mid-range vocal clarity from its respective speaker.
- Durable
- Stylish
- Exceptional sound quality
- Requires a receiver/amp
The excellent sound quality, luxurious modern look & durable nature of Theater Solutions bookshelf speaker set makes them better than their competitors we’d recommend them for indoor entertainment.
9. Most Dynamic Bookshelf Speakers Under 100$ - Micca ON3 3-Inch Powered Bookshelf Speakers Review
The Micca ON3 bookshelf speakers benefit from their small & compact size, natural sound and compatibility with digital & analogue devices. They have multiple built-in features including their amplifier & driver, which deliver a powerful yet smooth & clear sound.
Main Features of Micca ON3 3-Inch Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Input Jacks
Micca ON3 have front and back input jacks, which allow you to connect analogue devices like vinyl/record player to the speakers.
Single Driver
Instead of crossover, Micca ON3 has a single driver for audio production. So, you won’t have to deal with alignment problems or acoustic lobbying. Moreover, you get a natural and steady sound.
24W Amplifier
As expected, the amplifier enhances the loudness of your digital/analogue devices audio.
DSP Processing Circuitry
This unique addition collaborates with the driver to give you a fuller & rich sound within the 50Hz-20kHz range.
- Durable
- Small & Compact
- Rich & smooth sound
- Good high-range
- Small shelf-life
- Low bass
The versatile nature & compact design of Micca ON3 makes them one of the best bookshelf speakers under $100 and we’d definitely recommend them for computers or record players.
10. Most Affordable Bookshelf Speakers Under 100$ - Sound Appeal 6.5-Inch Bookshelf Speakers Review
Based on affordability alone, Sound Appeal easily count as the best bookshelf speakers under $100. However, that’s not all they have to offer. Supporting black wood grain cabinets & audiophile grade speakers, Sound Appeal deliver in both appearance & performance.
Main Features of Sound Appeal 6.5-Inch Bookshelf Speakers
Black Wood Grain Cabinets
The cabinets give a modern texture to the speakers while also increasing their durability. So, you get tough & stylish speakers at a fair price
Silk Dome Tweeters
We also concluded that the tweeters help the Sound Appeal speakers in delivering a good high-range audio.
6.5″ Polypropylene Woofers
The large woofer ensures that you get a nice & full bass from the speakers.
Bass Reflex Port
Further enhancing the bass quality of Sound Appeal’s woofer, reflex port ensures you get a brilliant low-range sound from the speakers.
- Durable
- Cheap
- Strong & Full Bass
- Great high-range
- Low audio clarity
The multiple high-end features of Sound Appeal bookshelf speakers definitely make them worth considering. So, we’d highly recommend you check out these bookshelf speakers.
Buyers’ Guide
There are lots of things to consider when looking for the best bookshelf speakers under $100.
For one thing, such a low price generally means a dip in quality, and while this isn’t the case with every product, finding the best from the bunch can be difficult & time consuming.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve reviewed some of the most important things to consider before buying your favourite product.
Music Quality
The quality of a bookshelf speaker depends heavily on your taste in music. Some products work better for one type of genre than the other. So, it all depends on the type of music you intend to use them for.
One great way of finding the best bookshelf speakers under $100 is to play your favourite song on them to test them out. This gives you a great idea of the product & helps you choose the right speakers.
Entertainment Purpose
Bookshelf speakers are normally designed for musical entertainment. However, some speakers can also be intended for other entertainment purposes like gaming. So, it all depends on why you want them in the first place.
Therefore, always make sure that the bookshelf speaker you choose compliments your target source of entertainment.
Brand Recognition
While this may not be true all the time, it’s still a pretty common fact that a product designed by a popular company would be more reliable than one manufactured by a lesser known competitor.
So, if you’re looking for the best bookshelf speakers under $100, a safe move would be to choose a product with some brand recognition, as it’ll be more reliable than other products.
Size of Bookshelf Speaker
Bookshelf speakers vary in size, from as small as a common PC speaker to as large as a stage performance speaker. The difference in size coincides with the type of venue you’re using them for.
Consider you want to buy bookshelf speakers for your bedroom, then something small, lightweight and compact would be preferable. However, for home theatres, you’ll need something bigger with supporting grills.
Therefore, when buying the best bookshelf speakers under $100, make sure that the product’s size is suitable for its intended location.
Choosing the Proper Components
When buying the best bookshelf speakers under $100, you’ll also have to buy some additional components for the speakers. When doing so, always select the components that meet your speaker’s requirements.
For example, if your bookshelf speaker works best at 100W, you’ll have to buy a power source that meets this requirement for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do the Micca MB42X bookshelf speakers have a Stand-By mode?
No,the Micca MB42X bookshelf speakers need to be powered off via the power button located at their back.
Does the front plate of Edifier R1280T powered bookshelf speakers come off?
Yes, the Edifier R1280T powered bookshelf speakers have removable front plates & they look good with or without them.
Do Rockville HD5B 150w bookshelf speakers come with an optical cord?
No, Rockville HD5B 150w bookshelf speakers use an AUX cord, not an optical cord
Do you need a receiver for Polk Audio T15 Bookshelf Speakers?
Yes, Polk Audio T15 bookshelf speakers are passive speakers so you’ll need an external receiver.
Are the M-Audio AV32 Bookshelf Speakers active or passive speakers?
M-Audio AV32 bookshelf speakers are active speakers & thus don’t require a receiver.
Do Edifier P12 Passive bookshelf speakers have true stereo sound (with right & left separation)?
Yes, Edifier P12 passive bookshelf speakers have true stereo sound, but its quality depends on how far you position both speakers from each other.
Are the high frequencies of Edifier P12 Passive bookshelf speakers fatiguing?
No, Edifier P12 passive bookshelf speakers have clear & well-balanced highs without any strain/fatigue.
Do the Micca ON3 3-Inch powered bookshelf speakers need to be turned off separately or can you leave it ON?
You can leave them ON, as the Class-D amplifier of Micca ON3 3-Inch powered bookshelf speakers consumes very little power when left ON.
How much does one Dayton Audio B652-AIR bookshelf speaker weigh?
Each speaker Dayton Audio B652-AIR bookshelf speaker weighs around 5 pounds.
Do the Sound Appeal bookshelf speakers have room-filling surround sound?
No, Sound Appeal bookshelf speakers are too small to produce room-filling surround sound.
Wrapping Things Up
In the end, let’s briefly discuss the most popular bookshelf speakers under $100.
First up, we have the Micca MB42X bookshelf speakers, which received tremendous praise for their rich bass, dynamic nature & superior sound quality.
The second most popular are the Edifier R1280T powered bookshelf speakers for their stylish look, excellent sound & user-friendly interface.
Finally, we have the Polk Audio T15 bookshelf speaker, which benefits from its deep bass, top quality surround sound & affordable price.
And that’s the end of our article. Do let us know which bookshelf speaker under $100 you liked the most as we’d highly appreciate your opinion
