Without the mess of wiring an entire home theater system, the best cheap soundbars can upgrade your TV's audio without taking up a lot of room. A good soundbar will deliver better audio clarity and higher volumes than a true home theater. Whether it's built-in or a separate unit, if you want the most power, you need a soundbar with a sub. There are many options under $100 to start.

TCL Alto 6+ soundbar

(Image credit: TCL)

The Alto 6+ is the most impressive package on this list, packing in all of the tech you would expect on a soundbar twice its price, while still delivering a massive amount of power. Two stereo drivers kick out 120W of power, and a wireless sub adds another 120W. It is hard to argue that the sheer power you get at this price is not worth it.

Just about any TV can be connected to the internet in a matter of seconds. There is a button on the back of the amplifier to pair it. If you want to get the benefits of a sub, you can place it in the corner of the room or next to your couch, it doesn't need to be in front of you. If you feel like you aren't getting enough bass or it's too much, you can relocate the sub. If the sound modes don't work for you.

Hisense HS205 stereo soundbar

(Image credit: Hisense)

The Hisense S 205 has a decent amount of power and both wired and wireless input. The speaker layout of the soundbar isn't set up to deliver home theater audio, but will be an upgrade from the speakers built into your TV. This is a good soundbar that can be used in a bedroom or a small room. It has good stereo separation which will shine with music.

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There is an optical and analog auxiliary port on the back if you have an older set that doesn't support it. You don't need a separate speaker to use this one. You can adjust the volume with a single remote with the certification of this soundbar.

You get a mounting kit in the box, which will allow you to hang the soundbar above your TV. If you want to extend the life of an older TV or just want a little extra volume without distortion, this is a great choice.

Hisense Hs214 2.1 soundbar

(Image credit: Hisense)

Hisense has a built-in that you can use if you need more power, but don't want to run more wires for a sub. While it is not crazy, the 54W sub can give you more depth and bass response without sacrificing the quality of your stereo speakers. That means you don't distort the sound of the bass.

No matter how old your TV is, there is a good chance you can connect. You can play music on your phone without the need for a power source. You can get everything done with a single remote with it. Clear audio should be possible in a living room with the HS214.

Sony S100F 2.0 soundbar

(Image credit: Sony)

Some soundbars look too large or stick out like a sore thumb, and they usually sport a sleek design. That isn't the case with the Sony HT-S 100F. A sleek and slim design is sure to fit with the layout of most rooms in the house.

The speaker has touch controls on top to turn it on and off. You can pair up your device with your soundbar with the built-in built-in. You will be able to cut down on the number of cables needed for your living room setup, and use a single remote to control everything.

The inability to pair the HT-S 100F with other wireless speakers is the biggest pitfall. While Sony packed a bunch of features to help improve the audio quality without sacrificing size, the company stopped short of providing a sub to go along with the HT-S 100F.

Vizio SB3620n-H6 2.0ch soundbar

(Image credit: Vizio)

It's simple with a 2.0 channel speaker layout and a few inputs. A digital optical port, as well as an analog auxiliary port, are included in the package. The sound stage is strong and should match a large TV. A simple remote is included to control your sound system.

The inclusion of a subwoofer out port is one of the reasons why this soundbar is different. The Vizio SB3620n-H6 can be used with any off-the-shelf powered sub. It's possible to upgrade this kit with more bass or even use a sub you already own. It is great to know that you can upgrade when the time is right.

LG SK1 2.0ch soundbar

(Image credit: LG)

You want a TV to be simple and small. The total width of the soundbar is just 28.6 inches. 20W per speaker equates to 40W of power. It isn't going to shake your couch, but it will give your TV enough of a boost to clearly hear dialog. Many flat panel TVs don't have room for a lot of power, so this soundbar can take up a lot of space without taking up a lot of space.

Just about any TV should be able to get connected with ease because of the optical audio and auxiliary inputs. The audio is adjusted by a remote. The front of the soundbar has a grill that should blend in with your TV, even a small one.

Find a soundbar that fits your room

There are ways to use soundbars that you might not have thought of before. If you want to improve your home stereo system, you don't need to spend a lot of money with picks under $100. There's plenty of power to give movies an extra kick and there's a powerful sub.

There are a lot of corners to be cut in the budget market, and it's evident by issues like lack of an external subwoofer. The lack of smart home integration is one of the omissions. Better surround sound is one of the features offered by the best soundbars. You can find a soundbar that's tailored to your needs, such as the Creative Sound blaster.