Nowadays, bookshelf speakers have become popular. They offer a middle ground between monitor style speakers. Then, you can use them for casual listening. In this post, we have reviews the top five best bookshelf speakers under 100. These affordable products can be pretty high-rated. You need about $100 for decent power and clarity.
Top Five Best Bookshelf Speakers under $100 Reviews
Polk Audio T15 100 Watt Home Theater Bookshelf Speakers
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002RJLHB8
If you are going for a good option for the price, you should consider choosing the Polk Audio T15. This bookshelf speaker is made of an MDF material. Therefore, it can resist unexpected vibration noises.
This model comes with a 5.25 inches woofer along with a 0.75 inches tweeter. Besides, the bookshelf speaker offers the neodymium magnet you rarely find at this price. It also brings a mounting slot. This feature allows you to mount on the wall.
The model is worth the investment since it combines decent sound performance, affordability, and durability. Although this model is not for professional use, they are perfect for average users with a low budget.
Pros
- Bass boost at the lower frequencies
- Sturdy build quality
- Enable to be combined with other speakers
- A five years warranty
Cons
- No mounting hardware
- The frequency response is not the most balanced
- Passive speakers
Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016P9HJIA
This model offers a well-balanced audio performance. Also, it does not require an amplifier. These speakers feature EQ as well as a remote control. Therefore, it is convenient to use. There are also MDF panels.
Although these speakers are sturdy, they are not bad in terms of vibrations. These models are worth the money. They are ideal for people who are going for a bit more punch in the bass. Although they just cost under $100, they offer decent sound quality.
Pros
- Excellent performance
- Good-looking design
- Dual RCA inputs, as well as aux inputs
- Includes audio cables, as well as a remote control
- No require an amp
Cons
- The bass section lacks power
Dayton Audio B652-AIR 6-1/2″ 2-Way Bookshelf Speaker
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NOA58RS
These models are entry-level bookshelf speakers. They are sure to offer you excellent sound quality and punch. Moreover, they have a large 6.5 inches driver. This feature is for low and middle frequencies.
They come with a 1-inch square AMT tweeter. Therefore, these speakers can recreate the high frequencies. They come with a versatile and simple design.
Pros
- Durable
- The specs are close to high-end monitor ones
- Smooth and clear audio performance
- A five years warranty
Cons
- Requires an amp to make passive speakers work
Monoprice 6.5in and Ribbon Tweeter 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077Y59W8R
When it comes to the best bookshelf speakers under $100, we cannot miss out on the Monoprice MP-65RT. These units offer decent sound performance. They ensure to fill a room due to enough volume output.
Moreover, these models offer a large 6.5 inches woofer. There is also a ribbon tweeter. You can use them as surround units when using them with more speaker ones. Besides, they also help you improve on distortion that may happen with some speakers.
Pros
- Large woofer to offer power in mids and lows
- Ribbon tweeter cuts down on distortion
- Natural and clear audio performance
- 60 Hz – 20 kHz frequency response
Cons
- Not perform quietly
- Require an amp of some description
Dayton Audio MK402X 4″ 2-Way Bookshelf Speaker
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TB1P7XJ
This one is a pair of passive bookshelf speakers. The product has received some positive reviews from users. Also, they have a 4 inches woofer cone. They also come with a 0.75 inches soft tweeter.
Besides, they include the right binding spots. Therefore, you can connect these speakers to a stereo system. They come in a simple and minimal design. You can find these speakers in plain black color.
Pros
- Warm sound performance
- Excellent response at the low end
- Removable grills
Cons
- Need an amp
- May not offer enough volume output for large spaces
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Bookshelf Speakers
When looking for the best bookshelf speakers under $100, you need to consider lots of things. To help you make the right decision, we will give you some of the most important factors you should consider before buying.
Music Quality
This factor depends on your taste in music. Some bookshelf speakers operate better for one type of genre than the other. We recommend you to play your favourite song on the bookshelf speakers to test them out. Then, you can get a great idea of the product you should choose.
Entertainment Purpose
These models are not made for musical entertainment. However, some of them may be designed for other entertainment purposes, like gaming. Therefore, your decision depends on the reason you want them in the first place.
Size
Bookshelf speakers come in different sizes. Therefore, you need to consider if you want to use your speakers for the bedroom. If yes, you should look for something lightweight, small, and compact. However, if you are looking for ones for home theaters, you should go for one bigger with supporting grills.
The Right Components
It is also essential to purchase some additional components for your speakers. You should look for ones that meet the requirements of your speakers. For instance, if your products operate best at 100W, look for a power source for the best result.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an excellent frequency response for bookshelf speakers?
Human hearing is the range between 40 Hz and 20,000 Hz. However, not many speakers can offer a frequency response running as low as this. The ideal frequency response for bookshelf speakers is from 60 Hz to 20,000 Hz.
- Which should I choose between active and passive bookshelf speakers?
You can choose passive ones if you feel comforting when running a sound system with a built-in preamp. There are so many passive cheap bookshelf speakers. They do not come with the extra components of an active model. However, active speakers are suitable for those who hate to mess around with amps.
- What can I use speakers under $100 for?
These models are excellent for producing music or mixing audio. They are more suitable for listening casually to music, televisions, and game consoles.
Conclusion
Nowadays, there is a wide range of bookshelf speakers under $100 available out there. Therefore, there is a lot of options to choose from. You should consider the specifications of the speakers before making your purchase. Indeed, you need to determine if the speakers are active or they need an amp. You also need to learn about these models’ features and functionality to get the best ones for your own needs.