Best Bookshelf Speakers Under $100
Are you interested in buying the best bookshelf speakers around and have a decent budget to place the order? Then you’ll be happy with the options we have sourced in this best bookshelf speakers under $100 guide. With technology advancing every year there is a case to be made to avoid the premium offerings and stick with the budget options if you don’t have steep demands.
Moreover, we have created a buyer’s guide section that will help you if you’ve never bought a set of bookshelf speakers before. There you can read about the different features you should look for in a bookshelf speaker and make an informed decision on which speaker to buy.
By the time you finish reading this buyer’s guide we guarantee that you will have the right knowledge to make a purchase. Plus, if you don’t buy from our list of 7 then you will have the right information when buying elsewhere.
Budget |
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JBL Arena B15 |
4.7/5.0 |
Weight: 17.42 Pounds |
Mountable: Yes |
Has a wide frequency response and easy to mount. |
Check Amazon |
Best Value |
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Dayton Audio Bookshelf Speaker |
4.8/5.0 |
Weight: 8.4 Pounds |
Mountable: Yes |
Comes with built-in subwoofer and easily mountable. |
Check Amazon |
Top Pick |
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Edifier R1280T |
4.9/5.0 |
Weight: 10.8 Pounds |
Mountable: Yes |
Has multiple RCA input slots and excellent audio. |
Check Amazon |
Buyer considerations
Audio quality
Connectivity
Design
Convenience
Brand
Bookshelf Speakers Under $100 Comparison Table
Make and Model | Weight | Mountable | Price |
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Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers | 10.8 Pounds | Yes | Check Price |
Dayton Audio Bookshelf Speaker | 8.4 Pounds | Yes | Check Price |
Sound Appeal 6.5-Inch Bookshelf Speakers | 6 Pounds | Yes | Check Price |
Mackie CR3 CR Series 3 Inch Speakers | 9.4 Pounds | Yes | Check Price |
JBL Arena B15 Black Bookshelf & Surround Speaker with Special Edition Grilles | 17.42 Pounds | Yes | Check Price |
Micca MB42X Bookshelf Speakers With 4-Inch Carbon Fiber Woofer and Silk Dome Tweeter | 9.3 Pounds | Yes | Check Price |
Polk Audio T15 Bookshelf Speakers | 8.25 Pounds | Yes | Check Price |
1. Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5
The Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speaker is convenient to use and easy to setup. It features 2 AUX inputs and a 3.5 mm headphone output, which means they are compatible with most devices. Also, the speakers come with a 2 year warranty that is hassle free and comes with excellent customer service.
In addition, the speakers come with a remote control that allows you to adjust the volume, control the music, and mute when needed. There are bass and treble controls located on the side of the speaker, which is great as you can opt for bass boosted beats or more vocal soundtracks.
Moreover, the stylish design is a classic wooded finish, which goes well with many house decors. The speakers are made to be durable and long lasting, because it uses high quality premium materials. What’s more impressive with the Edifier R1280T is that you can connect multiple speakers to the RCA inputs creating an ultra sound system.
However, the Edifier R1280T isn’t the cheapest choice and will take up your whole budget, but if this isn’t a problem then these speakers are worth purchasing. Also, they’re quite bulky in size and prepare to have space for them when they arrive.
In summary, the Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers are great for all sorts of sound systems, whether that be for PC’s or TV sets. The audio sounds great and you can even take the front off to reveal the drivers. Also, you can connect multiple speakers to the RCA inputs to create an ultra sound system.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 10.8 Pounds |
Frequency Response: 60 Hz – 24k Hz |
Mountable: Yes |
Warranty: N/A |
The Pros |
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Has multiple RCA input slots |
Excellent audio |
Comes with control pad |
The Cons |
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Must know how to tune the speaker to use the side bass and treble regulator |
Will use up the whole $100 budget |
2. Dayton Audio Bookshelf Speaker
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
The Dayton Audio Bookshelf Speaker comes with a compact wall mountable design that is easy to setup. Also, the audio sounds amazing and is ideal for home theaters as the polypropylene cone woofer produces amazing bass and the 4 layer voice coil achieves excellent balance.
Moreover, most speakers use plastic enclosure parts to cut costs, however the Dayton Audio Bookshelf Speaker uses a sturdy wood composite cabinet that minimizes resonance and enhances warmth without sacrificing clarity. Also, the wooden design goes well with many decors so don’t worry about them looking out of place.
The frequency range of these speakers is 85 Hz – 20k Hz, which is great for listening to music and watching films. Also, the sensitivity is 84 dB, which means you can play music at ultra-loud settings and the quality of the audio won’t get worse.
The frequency range is great for watching films, however if you enjoy bass intensive music then the limit of 85 Hz isn’t going to cut it. Also, the weight of the speakers is 8.4 pounds, which means if you mount them incorrectly they can fall and break easily due to the big weight.
To summarize, the Dayton Audio Bookshelf Speaker is an excellent choice as it delivers great audio thanks to the 4 layer voice coil and cone woofer. The frequency range is 85 Hz to 20k Hz, which makes them ideal to watch videos and movies. Also, they are easily mountable on the wall and come with instructions.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 8.4 Pounds |
Frequency Response: 85 Hz – 20k Hz |
Mountable: Yes |
Warranty: N/A |
The Pros |
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Comes with built-in subwoofer |
Dense stable wood design |
Easily mountable |
The Cons |
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Frequency range could be wider |
Feels like a budget option when holding |
3. Sound Appeal 6.5-Inch Bookshelf Speakers
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
These high grade bookshelf speakers are made to not break the bank, but simultaneously compete with some of the best brands in the market. The audio produced by the Sound Appeal 6.5-Inch Bookshelf Speakers is nothing short of excellent, because it uses 6.5 inch polypropylene woofers and a custom tuned bass reflex port.
“Moreover, the appeal of these speakers is that they are good looking and are made from high quality materials with black wood grain cabinets. Upon purchasing these speakers you get a three year warranty that covers defects from the manufacturer.
Also, the speaker can withstand all sorts of music as it uses a wide frequency response of 45 Hz – 20k Hz. The 90 dB sensitivity means you can play music at a high volume and experience no drop in quality.
The Sound Appeal 6.5-Inch Bookshelf Speaker is a solid offering, however if you are looking for something bigger then consider some of the other mountable options on this list. Also, the frequency spectrum could be a little wider to get more bass intensive beats.
In conclusion, the Sound Appeal 6.5-Inch Bookshelf Speakers are an excellent choice for people who want to use them for their PC’s or TV sound system. Also, you get a 3 year manufacturer’s warranty upon buying these speakers.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 6 Pounds |
Frequency Response: 45 Hz – 20k Hz |
Mountable: Yes |
Warranty: 3 Years |
The Pros |
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Comes with long warranty |
Stylish design |
90 dB sensitivity |
The Cons |
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Small design |
Dropping them can easily break the drivers inside |
4. Mackie CR3 CR Series 3 Inch Speakers
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5
The Mackie CR3 CR Series is a studio quality speaker that performs well under any circumstance -whether you’re watching TV, playing computer games, or listening to music. The professional grade components produce amazing vibrant beats and the audio comes to life with the help of the wide frequency response (80 Hz to 20k Hz).
In addition, the speakers are easy to use thanks to the conveniently placed control panel that allows you to adjust the volume and switch the speaker on and off. The speakers are compatible with smartphones and tablets, so if you don’t have a PC then there are other alternatives.
Furthermore, there’s nothing worse than buying brand new speakers and not having the right cables to set it up. However, Mackie tackles this problem by providing you with an array of cables and isolation pads to get you started right away.
The only negative we can find with these speakers is the price point of almost a $100, which is your whole budget. Other than that these budget speakers come with multiple features and the audio sounds great.
So summarize, the Mackie CR3 CR Series 3 Inch Speakers is a brilliant choice, because of all the features that come with it. Firstly, you can connect a smartphone to the device via AUX cable or Bluetooth connection. Also, the speakers are easy to setup and come with their own cables. Lastly, the audio sounds great and performs well – even at max volume.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 9.4 Pounds |
Frequency Response: 80 Hz – 20k Hz |
Mountable: Yes |
Warranty: N/A |
The Pros |
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Bluetooth connectivity |
Comes with its own cables |
Easy to setup |
The Cons |
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Most expensive option on this list |
Green design may not be for everyone |
5. JBL Arena B15 Black Bookshelf & Surround Speaker with Special Edition Grilles
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5
Using a 1 inch soft dome tweeter the JBL Arena B15 Black Bookshelf & Surround Speaker produces excellent highs with powerful mids. In addition, the speakers are installed with a 5.5 inch polycellulose woofer that livens up the beat with its roaring bass.
The stylish design is all black and even comes with grills for better looks. The integrated wall mount is flexible and easy to install, which is great for TV and PC sets. Also, the JBL Arena B15 is intended for use in conjunction with an entire series of JBL speakers that include 2 floor standing speakers, 2 bookshelf speakers, 1 central speaker, and a subwoofer.
The frequency spectrum is ultra-wide at 100 Hz – 40k Hz, which means the highs and mids will sound a lot better than regular speakers. Also, the recommended amplifier power is around 20 to 100 watts.
The highs sound pin-point with excellent accuracy, but the some doesn’t go for the bass as the frequency response isn’t made for the lower frequency. So if bass is a must have for you then consider buying the whole JBL set, or look at some of our other top pics.
In conclusion, the JBL Arena B15 Black Bookshelf & Surround Speaker is a great pickup, because the speaker is one part of a whole set. This mean you can keep saving and add a new piece to your home theatre every time you save enough money. In addition, you can mount them onto a wall making them convenient to place.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 17.42 Pounds |
Frequency Response: 100 Hz – 40k Hz |
Mountable: Yes |
Warranty: N/A |
The Pros |
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Easy to mount |
Part of a whole JBL set |
Wide frequency response |
The Cons |
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Heavyweight |
Bass is not as great as other speakers |
6. Micca MB42X Bookshelf Speakers With 4-Inch Carbon Fiber Woofer and Silk Dome Tweeter
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5
Using high balanced Woven carbon fibre woofer the bass sounds enhanced and tremendously good quality. The frequency range is 60 Hz – 20k Hz, which allows highs and mids to be super accurate, and the music sounds the way it was intended to by the artist.
The ported enclosure delivers extended bass response with low distortions, which means you can listen to music without fear of interruptions or low quality audio. Also, you can take off the magnetic front grill to see the drivers working, however this isn’t recommend and more of a gimmick.
These speakers are best suited for TV sets or home theaters, because of the loud audio it can produce at a smooth level. Also, they’re great for PC setups as the speakers have a wide frequency response that they can take advantage of.
The main drawback of these speakers is the design – there are better options out there if you need something to go with your previous setup. However, you can take the front off to reveal the drivers, which increases the visuals of the speaker.
To summarize, the Micca MB42X Bookshelf Speakers With 4-Inch Carbon Fiber Woofer and Silk Dome Tweeter is an excellent choice as the audio quality is excellent. The audio sounds smooth and no distortions can be heard, because it uses a ported enclosure that delivers an extended bass response and reduces distortion.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 9.3 Pounds |
Frequency Response: 60 Hz – 20k Hz |
Mountable: Yes |
Warranty: N/A |
The Pros |
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No distortion whatsoever |
Great for any TV set |
Bass sounds great |
The Cons |
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Ugly design |
Heavy to transport |
7. Polk Audio T15 Bookshelf Speakers
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
The Polk Audio T15 Bookshelf Speakers are made for superior home theatre and music performance. They output vibrant beats with pinpoint highs and thunderous lows. The dynamic drivers have been balanced by professionals to deliver superb sounds no matter the activity. Also, using magnetically shielded enclosures the audio is distortion free.
The best part about the Polk Audio T15 Bookshelf Speakers is that it is easy to setup and connect to most home receivers, stereos, or home theatre processors. Also, they are easily mountable on any screws, because of the built-in keyhole design.
Moreover, you can take off the grill to reveal the one 0.75 inch tweeter, 5.25 inch driver, and front firing bass port. However, keeping the speaker this way can be dangerous as accidental spills or drops will damage the drivers directly.
The Polk Audio T15 Bookshelf Speakers doesn’t have many negatives other than the frequency response. If you’re a bass fan then 60 Hz isn’t going to cut it as you won’t be able to hear really deep lows. However, you can buy an additional subwoofer to your setup to account for the missing bass.
To summarize, the Polk Audio T15 Bookshelf Speaker is an excellent option, since it can produce vibrant beats no matter the occasion. The bass sounds great, but can be extended if you attach a separate subwoofer to the setup. Moreover, the speaker is easy to mount on to any wall as it uses a keyhole design.
Tech Specs |
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Weight: 8.25 Pounds |
Frequency Response: 60 Hz – 24k Hz |
Mountable: Yes |
Warranty: N/A |
The Pros |
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Excellent mids and highs |
Great for any occasion gaming, movies, and music. |
Fast to setup |
The Cons |
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Speaker is not bass driven |
Must have a stereo or something similar to connect to |
Contents
- Buyer considerations
- Audio quality
- Connectivity
- Design
- Convenience
- Brand
- Bookshelf Speakers Under $100 Comparison Table
- 1. Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
- 2. Dayton Audio Bookshelf Speaker
- 3. Sound Appeal 6.5-Inch Bookshelf Speakers
- 4. Mackie CR3 CR Series 3 Inch Speakers
- 5. JBL Arena B15 Black Bookshelf & Surround Speaker with Special Edition Grilles
- 6. Micca MB42X Bookshelf Speakers With 4-Inch Carbon Fiber Woofer and Silk Dome Tweeter
- 7. Polk Audio T15 Bookshelf Speakers