Best Bookshelf Speaker Under $100

Trying to find the best bookshelf speakers under $100 is a tough task. Are there any good cheap bookshelf speakers worth your time out there? Or does every high-quality speaker have to cost more than $500?

The truth is you can get a few cheap but top-notch bookshelf speakers that will take your audio experience to the next level. Remember, some bookshelf speakers are only expensive because they come from posh brands. So, pay closer attention to the features and performance of the speakers you buy and not the brand.

In this article, we bring you a comprehensive round-up of the top 7 best cheap speakers to put on your bookshelf.

Editor’s Choice: The Best Budget Bookshelf Speaker Under $100 Is…

The Edifier R1280T is the best cheap bookshelf speaker for any audiophile who is looking for a high-quality sound. The set of powered bookshelf speakers makes you forget about amplifiers as they have one integrated into its system. So, no impedance, no amplifiers- just insert the plug and fill the entire room with music from all corners to buzz your ears at the perfect frequency. You’ll get the exact neutral and natural sound the studio recorded. Control the music using your phone, audio mixer, or computer and turn your home into a production studio.

Best Budget Bookshelf Speakers Under $100 Summary Table

Product	Best For	Woofer	Frequency	Tweeter	Check Price on Amazon
Edifier R1280T	Best cheap bookshelf speaker for balanced sound	4″	75 Hz to 18kHz	0.5” Silk dome	Check Price
Moukey XG (MA20-1)	Best affordable bookshelf speakers for smartphones and tablets	4”, 2” and 1”	60Hz to 20kHz	1” Treble	Check Price
Pyle PBKSP22 300 W	Best HiFi desktop bookshelf speakers	5.25”	50Hz to 20kHz	1” Aluminum dome	Check Price
BESTISAN SR01	Best bookshelf speaker for smart TV	4”	75Hz to 20kHz	13mm Silk dome	Check Price
Edifier R980T	Best computer bookshelf speaker	4”	70Hz to 20kHz	13mm Silk dome	Check Price
Bestisan SR06	Best optical/RCA bookshelf speaker	3”	80Hz to 20kHz	1.25″ Silk dome	Check Price
Micca MB42X	Best passive surround bookshelf speaker for home theater	4” Carbon fiber	80 Hz to 50 kHz	1” Dome balanced	Check Price

First, What’s a Budget Bookshelf Speaker?

A bookshelf loudspeaker is a small compact consumer-grade audio equipment that forms part of shelf-stereo accessories. The small unit fits well in tight spaces of your house, such as a bookshelf, tabletop or on any other piece of furniture. Ideally, the bookshelf speaker is placed on a surface and not on the floor.

A few characteristics define a bookshelf loudspeaker, including its size, drivers, watts, power, amplification, and audio frequency. We understand that if you’re not an audio junkie, the technical audio vernacular of sound equipment can be like a foreign language to you. That’s why we shall define the relevant jargon and specifications so you can understand the lingo.

Hertz

The frequency of a sound determines whether it’s high or low pitched. Lower hertz (Hz) means you have bass sound and higher hertz is increased pitch. One catch with compact bookshelf loudspeakers under 100 dollars is a lower bass quality.

Finding a speaker that can support a good frequency response of less than 60 Hz is difficult. And because bass sound production requires a large air space, manufacturers have to be creative about the design of the subwoofer driver. 

Power handling

Another calibration you will find on bookshelf speakers is their wattage. The power that the surround sound system gives out is its wattage rating. Remember, high-wattage speakers, are powerful in sound output and consume more electricity.

However, you have to balance between the input and output power of the speakers. Find speakers with clear sound. The output is a fuzzy sound when the input power is too much for the speakers to handle. In some instances, too much power input could blow or damage the speakers. 

Drivers

A basic bookshelf loudspeaker has two drivers: the tweeter and the woofer. While the tweeter produces high-frequency sounds, the woofer is responsible for the low-frequency bass sounds. Some advanced speakers have an extra mid range driver. A combination of these three drivers brings you a full-range audio experience. 

Amplification

It’s the amplifier that will either make or break your audio experience. Amplifiers regulate the volume and quality of sound you get from your equipment. The best bookshelf speakers under 100 dollars are either active or passive. The active speaker sets have built-in amplifiers while the passive systems don’t. If you want to buy an amplifier for your passive speaker, make sure to check it’s compatible with your system in the first place.

Why You Need Budget Bookshelf Speakers

Bookshelf loudspeakers are designed to fill small and mid-sized spaces with top-quality sound.

The primary purpose is to place them on elevated surfaces. However, there are several other reasons to buy cheap bookshelf loudspeakers:

• Compact and portable for campers and travelers
• Improve your home theaters with a descent sound quality experience for families
• Students, backpackers, and people working on a budget can afford the speakers
• Interior designers love how elegantly bookshelf speakers fit in various styles

Top 7 Best Bookshelf Speakers Under 100 Review

Switching between different online stores in search of the best cheap bookshelf speaker for you can be a daunting task; so, we decided to do the search for you. After 72 hours of research, we perused more than 33 web pages and interviewed 10 bookshelf speaker users to bring you the most comprehensive bookshelf speaker review on the internet. We believe you will find the best budget loudspeaker that fits your needs below:

1. Edifier R1280T: Best Overall Budget Bookshelf Speaker

Made for performance, the Edifier R1280T serves as a set of studio monitors as well. So it’s no wonder they excel well with producing balanced and neutral audio frequencies. The active loudspeakers do not manipulate the sound and therefore you get exactly what was recorded in the studio.

Edifier R1280T Features and Benefits 

• Sleek rugged and compact MDF wood construction
• Dual RCA and AUX inputs for easy connection of multiple sources
• Come with built-in amplifier
• Packaged with remote control and audio cables
• Adjustable bass and treble with the remote or the side of the main speaker.
• It supports a 3.5mm headphone output
• 13mm silk dome tweeter
• Frequency response of 75Hz to 18kHz
• 42 Watts powered speakers

Why Buy the Edifier R1280T?

While these Edifier speakers are not the most modern in our list, it is a powerful performer for the money. It may have hi-tech Bluetooth or infrared connectivity, but the RCA and auxiliary technology make up for that. We rate this loudspeaker as the best budget bookshelf speaker for computers for easy connectivity and high performance.

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2. Moukey XG (MA20-1): Best Affordable Bookshelf Speakers for Smartphones and Tablets

If you love to play music directly from your phone or tablet, the Moukey MA20-1 will take your audio experience to the next level. The sleek, compact speakers come with three drivers that provide you with all spectrums of sound frequencies. You can decide to use Bluetooth connectivity or the RCA plugs.

The Moukey MA20-1 Features And Benefits

• High quality components including a trio of speaker drivers that gives you a balanced 3-way frequency.
• The 1” tweeter covers the high frequencies, the 2” medium, and the 4” low punchy bass. So, you cover a wide range of Frequency response between 60Hz and 20kHz. You can hear the actual natural human voice without.
• The Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity office table wireless connection to your phone tablet or other Bluetooth devices. Pair the unit with your iPhone and stream directly from your Apple Music or YouTube.
• The 3.5mm AUX and RCA inputs and outputs lets you use your 3.5 mm headphone.
• You can use the control knobs on the speaker or the remote control. Adjust volume bass and treble remotely, or on the main speaker.
• The sleek wood construction fits well in your house decor. Then, the large air space allows for bass sound quality production and restoration.

Why Buy the Moukey MA20-1

While the Moukey is not the sleekest or most potent on our review, it has a remote control and BlueTooth connectivity. You can play music live from your phone without having to touch it. Plus, its rugged look makes it sleek enough for home use.

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3. Pyle PBKSP22 300 W: Best HiFi Desktop Bookshelf Speakers

When you want a speaker with more than just a computer or phone connectivity, Pyle PBKSP22 is a good option. The portable full-range active bookshelf speakers can yield up to 300 watts. The built-in amplifier processes your bass and treble reflexes to give you a hi-fi full-range sound production.  Also, these powered loudspeakers have a studio monitor performance and you can connect them with your smartphone tablet, or desktop via BlueTooth pairing.

Pyle PBKSP22 300 W features and benefits

• These active bookshelf speakers will yield Hi-Fi Sound reproduction.
• A set of premium components such as the 5.25” driver increases your bass response and the 1” aluminum dome tweeter covers the higher frequency response. So, the unit can hit a sound frequency response of between 50Hz and 20kHZ.
• The 4-8 Ohm impedance balances your casual listening to a full-range stereo system sound 
• Bluetooth connectivity allows you to stream music or other audio files directly from your iPhone computer or tablet. This makes the unit ideal for use indoors.
• Connect the speakers with USB, RCA inputs, and AUX audio input. The USB flash drive reader allows you to play mp3 audio files from your flash disk.
• Then, the rear panel control lets you adjust the built-in amplifier for the proper levels of volume treble and bass.

Why Buy Pyle PBKSP22?

While the Pyle brand is not as famous as the others in our review, they design a powerful HiFi speaker ad a great value for money. The unit achieves a stronger bass sound than the other speakers in this review. Then, the light compact black speakers lather well with your home decor.

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4. BESTISAN SR01: Best Bookshelf Speaker for TV

Audiophiles love the BESTISAN brand for their affordable high-quality speakers. The BESTISAN SRO1 comes with an exquisite design and an affordable price range. As the best bookshelf sound system for TV on our review, this unit has a Bluetooth connection and remote audio adjustment. You can use the optical input or connect with your smart devices. The active speaker sets also come with three equalizer modes which allow you to adjust to your ideal bass, treble, and volume. 

BESTISAN SR01 features and benefits

• Built-in 13mm silk dome tweeter gives a frequency of up to 20,000Hz
• The 4 inch woofer drive has a bass frequency as low as 75 Hz
• The wooden minimalistic design makes the unit compact and fit it well with your house decor
• You can control the BESTISAN SR01 from the comfort of your couch.
• Also, you can use the Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity to pair the speakers with your iPhone, Smart TV, PC, or tablet.
• SR01 is an active loudspeaker which comes with a powerful built-in amplifier. So, you can adjust and regulate the pitch and bass of the sound without having to purchase an extra accessory.

Why Buy the BESTISAN SR01?

You deserve to hear the natural soundness of every instrument, explosion, or dialogue with pristine clarity. Although the woofer does not give the perfect bass, this bookshelf speaker brings fair sound modes for movies, music, or interviews. The Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity pairs with your devices for cordless connectivity. You can also connect via the RCA inputs and optical options.

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5. Edifier R980T: Best desktop computer bookshelf speaker

When you want a simple bookshelf speaker that resonates well with your decor, and amplifies  the audio to play on your computer, the edifier R980T is what you looking for. This unit has a 24w RMS output of power. And, the active bookshelf speaker system boasts a classic wood finish with magnetically shielded drivers.

Edifier R980T Features and benefits

• High build quality offers a durable classic black wood finish
• Has 2 AUX input ports that fit 3.5mm cables and RCA connectivity
• Powerful 24Watt RMS built-in amplifier
• Enhanced bass depth of as low as 70Hz. The 4” bass driver yields a deep derailed and dene sound
• The 13mm silk dome tweeter hits a frequency response of 20kHz and makes music enjoyable to your ears.

Why Buy the Edifier R980T

The Edifier R980T may not have the fancy BlueTooth or the modern connectivity features. But, it fits well with desktop computers as it has AUX and RCA connectivity. Plus, the bass and pitch drivers refine the sound to achieve a rich enjoyable sound. And, as the cheapest bookshelf speaker in our review, this device is worth every penny!

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6. BESTISAN SR06: Best Optical bookshelf speaker

BESTISAN is a Californian company that manufactures speakers, soundbars, and other audio equipment. The BESTISAN brand stands out for its decent power as well as its compact size, and minimalist design. Their sets of premium components give you a nearly perfect karaoke experience. And, the BESTISAN SR06 illustrates the company’s dedication to style, class, and design. The small speakers have a good sound and the right speakers.

BESTISAN SR06 features and benefits

• The 1.25” silk dome tweeter hits a frequency response of 20kHz. So, you are sure to enjoy the high frequencies of your music.
• The 3-inch front firing bass port secures a deep bass experience with a natural sound of as low as 70hz.
• Pair the bookshelf speakers with your phone or smart devices using the BlueTooth 5.0 technology.
• Use the RCA and optical connection cables if you have to. Or, go wireless with the remote pad control and buttons and adjust the music quality live from your couch.
• Style your house seamlessly with the elegant compact white speakers that fit the tightest of your spaces.
• Adjust the sound quality to movie, dialogue, or music modes with the DSP technology.
• Fill your entire room with 3D surround sound effects that make your listening experience realistic

Why Buy BESTISAN SR06?

When you want a futuristic design for your bookshelf speaker the BESTISAN SR06 has got it all covered. Apart from the DSP technology that lets you control your equalizer modes, this speaker office you a 3D surround audio experience. Then, you can pair yOur smartphone, tablet, or TV to the speakers with the BlueTooth 5.0 technology. The only challenge is that the device can’t hit the deep bass response right. But, would you really ask so much from a sleek, compact 3” woofer BESTISAN SR06?

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7. Micca MB42X: Best Passive Bookshelf Speakers

MB42X from Micca is a carbon fiber woven woofer with silk Dome tweeters. The low-priced unit gives in deep transient bass response and a high pitch. The ported enclosure has a neutral sound with reasonable power. Even at low volumes, your Micca MB42X is going to give you crisp and well-defined vocals and sounds. 

Micca MB42X features and benefits

• Blends your decor with sleek, compact, and handsome design with conductors modern artistic cues
• High build quality with the durable carbon fiber
• 0.75” 20kHz silk dome tweeter brings the highest audio pitch
• 4” inch 75Hz woofer supports low bass sounds
• 18dB crossover and a smooth dynamic treble
• Magnetic grill system for technical access of the drivers

Why Buy the Micca MB42X?

Micca MB42X is not only a low priced loudspeaker but also an exquisite unit that fills your entire room with high-quality audio. If you are looking for a speaker that’s sturdy and affordable, this unit gives you exactly that! Plus, you get admirable low and mid range frequency responses as well as powerful impressive acoustics and soundstage. But you have to fit the passive bookshelf speaker with an extra amplifier accessory.

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Best Budget Bookshelf Speakers $100 Buying Guide

Get a cheap bookshelf speaker that fits your needs by considering the following factors:

Passive speakers vs Active speakers

Passive speakers require external power amplifiers while an active speaker comes with an included amplifier. And, while the active speakers must always be connected to the power outlet and placed near the socket, the passive bookshelf speakers don’t need that.

Most traditional speakers were passive, and you were required to buy an extra power amp to feed your system. Also known as powered bookshelf speakers, active speakers are the new trend that does not require you to purchase additional equipment. 

Passive speakers have a power rating or power handling that shows the amount of power the unit can handle before blowing. So, you have to choose a proper amplifier with a power that coincides with the speaker’s rating. But with the active speakers, you don’t have to make these extra efforts.

Decent speakers sound quality

The main reason you want a bookshelf speaker set is to upgrade your music listening experience, right? The best sound quality is one with less noise and more quality sound. And, improving your listening experience means balancing the sounds from the low to high notes. That’s why you may need the top-dollar machines with powerful tweeter and front firing bass port drivers.

While traditional speakers may require additional amplifiers, modern bookshelf speakers have them built in to give you a full theatre experience. So, pick the speakers with enough power rating to produce the perfect volume and frequency response of the sound waves that you need.

Surround Speakers Vs. Front Speakers Vs. Rear Speakers

The surround stereo audio systems render sound by modifying the face. Most front and rear speakers are purchased as distinct units with the same design. Each unit comes with tweeters and subwoofers. But, the surround speaker is a system of speakers placed at different corners of your house to increase your audio experience.

Surround speakers make listeners feel like they are in a real-time movie or game atmosphere with sound effects and soundtracks. A surround sound system makes the noises and defects realistic instead of radiating directly in front of you as they surround you. In short, they immerse you into the scene of a movie, and you feel like it’s happening in real-time.

Front speakers, on the other hand, recreate a dialogue. The sound comes from one specific direction. If you match a front-firing bass port up with a back or rear speaker, one sound will come from the front and the other from the back. The front and rear speakers will make you feel like you are in a real-time dialogue or conversation.

Remote control technology

The dashboard of a bookshelf speaker comes with a control panel from where you can operate it. Some units have a direct cable connection and press buttons, while others have remote capabilities. The three main remote technologies include infrared, Bluetooth, and Radio Frequency.

The Infrared remote control is a small device you put in your hand, and when you dial the button, it sends infrared commands to the bookshelf loudspeaker. IR control works similarly to radio-frequency. The advantage of radio frequencies is that they can penetrate walls, but the catch is that it is a little pricier.

These days, BlueTooth is the most common remote control technology. The Bluetooth technology allows you to change music or lower the volume of your bookshelf speaker directly from your phone or computer.

Design

Find a bookshelf speaker with a superior exterior design. The speakers rest on your furniture together with your other recruitment. So, they have to be sturdy and look nice per your style. Be sure to check the color, finishes, and material that makes the speaker.

Frequency Response

Frequency is one of a bookshelf speaker’s technical specifications that you should consider. The frequency tells us the intensity or quality of the sound waves that the speaker can reproduce. Theoretically, the human ear can only hear sounds between 20 Hz and 20 kHz. So, although some units can exceed this frequency, any speaker you buy should be somewhere between this range.

It’s nearly impossible for one device to produce sounds within this range. Therefore, most speaker systems come with two or more drivers; the tweeter and the woofer divide the huge frequency into tiny achievable ranges. Each driver handles its frequency– while the woofer handles the low-frequency sounds, the tweeter deals with high-frequency audio generation. An additional driver could cover the mid range frequency response. 

Unfortunately, many tight budget bookshelf speakers cannot achieve the low frequency required to generate enough bass response because it involves a lot of air space. So, most of the best speakers don’t go below 70 Hz. If you want to lower a bass sound with low frequency, you’ll need to use a subwoofer.

Best Cheap Bookshelf Speakers FAQs

Are bookshelf speakers under $100 good for audiophiles?

First, appreciate that cheap speakers aren’t the perfect equipment for audiophiles. It might be a little unrealistic to expect any Hi-fi performance in this price range. If you are looking for an average audio experience, units below $100 are just fine. But, if you want better performance, you may need to spend a few more bucks.

For what purpose should I use the best bookshelf speakers?

You buy budget bookshelf speakers to place on the table, shelf, or other elevated platforms. Indeed, these speakers are not to be placed on the floor. Instead, they are designed to increase your sound experience in small and medium-sized spaces.

Which is the best frequency response for budget bookshelf speakers?

The best frequency for a bookshelf speaker is somewhere between 60Hz and 20,000 Hz. A speaker with a frequency that rises below 60Hz would be too big to fit on your shelves.

The best frequency for a bookshelf speaker is somewhere between 60Hz and 20,000 Hz. A speaker with a frequency that rises below 60Hz would be too big to fit on your shelves.

Do I need a separate subwoofer?

The best bookshelf speakers do not require subwoofers to function. While you may want to add an amp to the passive speakers, active speaker sets are just fine without it. Then, bookshelf speakers come with two drivers (a tweeter and a subwoofer) to ensure the sound fit in the ideal frequency.

Can I use my best bookshelf speakers as front speakers?

Although bookshelf speakers can be used as front speakers, they would work best in a home theater system, especially when paired with a source of bass sound or subwoofer. Remember, bookshelf speakers sound pitchier because they have two drivers, which limit their bass range. 

How should I position my bookshelf loudspeakers?

You can place it on top of an actual bookshelf, on speaker stands, media console, kitchen cabinet, or on top of any other surface. The rule of the thumb is to position them at 2 o’clock and 10 o’clock positions, angling them to face your direction. Place the twitters at your ear level to get optimum performance.