No longer can you have a HiFi sound system at home. People these days often choose the best cheap speakers over a complicated and expensive sound system. We live in a time when it’s easy to find and doesn’t cost too much to buy devices that make good sound. Even though some audiophiles might disagree, you can find great speakers for less than $100.
Also, you don’t have to deal with expensive record players, DACs, or amplifiers. We’ll talk about some of the best cheap speakers that cost between $100 and $200 in this article. Everyone has a different idea of what a “cheap” product is, so we chose this price range to please as many people as possible. We’ll talk about some of the best cheap speakers below.
What Makes a Speaker “Cheap”?
A speaker is considered “cheap” if it isn’t very good or doesn’t have some features that are usually found on more expensive and higher-end speakers. When used in this way, the word “cheap” usually refers to a combination of things, such as:
Quality of construction: Cheap speakers are usually made with lower-quality materials, like cheap plastics or light parts that may not last as long as those used in higher-quality speakers. Because of this, they may be more likely to get broken or worn down over time.
Sound quality: Cheap speakers usually don’t sound as good as their more expensive counterparts. They might have distorted sound, weak bass response, or bad clarity and detail. Overall, the sound may not be very good because it lacks the richness and depth of better speakers.
Fewer features: Less expensive speakers may not have some features that are common in more expensive ones. For example, they might not have Bluetooth, wireless, or voice assistants built right in. These missing features can make the speaker less useful and versatile.
Power and volume: Cheap speakers often have lower power ratings and may not be able to reach high volumes without a lot of distortion. They might not be good for larger rooms or gatherings outside.
Design and looks: Less expensive speakers might not be as well made in terms of design and looks as more expensive ones. They might look plain or not very attractive.
Benefits of Affordable Speaker Options
There are many benefits to affordable speaker options, which makes them a good choice for a wide range of users. Here are a few of the main pros:
Cost-effectiveness: As the name suggests, affordable speakers are easy on the wallet and can be used by more people. They are a cheap way to improve sound quality without spending a lot of money.
If you’re new to audio equipment or don’t have a lot of experience with high-end audio systems, inexpensive speakers can be a great place to start. They sound better than the speakers built into your device and are a great way to start getting better sound.
Widely available: There are a lot of inexpensive speaker options on the market, both in stores and online. Because there are so many of them, users can easily find options that meet their needs and tastes.
Versatility: There are many different kinds of inexpensive speakers, from simple desktop speakers to portable Bluetooth speakers and more. This means that users can find speakers that are perfect for their needs, such as gaming, listening to music, or setting up a home theater.
Best Cheap Speakers Comparison Table
In the table below, you can see a comparison of the best affordable speakers on the market. These Best Cheap Speakers were carefully chosen for their great features, great sound quality, and affordable prices. The most important features of each speaker, like wattage, frequency response, connectivity options, and size, are listed so that users can make an informed choice. Also, the table shows unique selling points like wireless capabilities, being waterproof, and having a voice assistant built in. Whether you’re an audiophile on a tight budget or just want a portable and flexible way to listen to music, this comparison table will help you find the best cheap speaker for your needs and preferences.
| Speaker Model | Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 | Sony SRS-XB100 | Google Nest Mini | Anker Soundcore Flare 2 | Anker Soundcore | Creative Stage Air | Elac Debut B5.2 | DOSS SoundBox Plus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Ultimate Ears | Sony | Anker | Anker | Creative | Elac | DOSS | |
| Speaker Type | Portable Bluetooth | Portable Bluetooth | Smart Speaker | Portable Bluetooth | Portable Bluetooth | Soundbar | Bookshelf | Portable Bluetooth |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to 13 hours | Up to 12 hours | N/A | Up to 12 hours | Up to 24 hours | Up to 6 hours | N/A | Up to 20 hours |
| Voice Assistant | No | No | Google Assistant | No | No | No | No | No |
| Sound Output | 360-degree sound | Extra Bass | N/A | 360-degree sound | Powerful Bass | Stereo | Stereo | Enhanced Bass |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.2 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.2 | N/A | 4.0 |
| Speakerphone Function | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Connectivity Options | Bluetooth, AUX-in | Bluetooth, AUX-in | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Bluetooth, AUX-in | Bluetooth | Bluetooth, AUX-in | Speaker Wire | Bluetooth, AUX-in |
| Weight | 0.93 lbs (423 g) | 1.32 lbs (600 g) | 0.4 lbs (181 g) | 1.63 lbs (739 g) | 1.19 lbs (540 g) | 2.2 lbs (998 g) | 14.3 lbs (6.49 kg) | 2.25 lbs (1.02 kg) |
| Price | $79.99 | $99.99 | $49.00 | $69.99 | $29.99 | $59.99 | $229.98 | $39.99 |
Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3
Best Cheap Bluetooth Speaker
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 |
| Weight | 0.93 pounds (425g) |
| Battery Life | Up to 13 hours |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Water Resistance | IP67 rating (waterproof & dustproof) |
| Sound Output Power | 2 x 2.8W drivers |
| Additional Features | Floats on water, Drop-proof |
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 is the best cheap Bluetooth speaker we’ve tried. This portable Bluetooth speaker is a great choice if you want to take your favorite music with you wherever you go. It has an IP67 rating for resistance to dust and water, which means it can handle some exposure to the elements and can even float in water. Bring it to your next pool party or picnic, and for the price, you’ll get great sound. With more than 22 hours of play time, the party can go on all day without stopping.
Pros
- Compact and portable design
- Excellent sound quality with 360-degree sound
- Long-lasting battery life
- Unique floating feature adds to the fun
- Resistant to accidental drops
Cons
- No Wi-Fi capability for smart features
- Limited customization options in sound settings
Sony SRS-XB100
Best Customizable Cheap Speaker
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Sony SRS-XB100 |
| Weight | 0.57 pounds (260g) |
| Battery Life | Up to 16 hours |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, AUX-in |
| Water Resistance | IPX5 rating (water-resistant) |
| Sound Output Power | 5W driver |
| Additional Features | EXTRA BASS technology |
Enjoy listening to your favorite songs while you’re on the go? Want a speaker that takes up little space in your backpack? The Sony SRS-XB100 is worth a look. This little Bluetooth speaker is made to be portable, and it’s light enough that you can carry it in one hand. This speaker comes in many different colors and has a strap built in so you can attach it to your bag when you go hiking or camping. Since it has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, it can handle a little bit of exposure to the elements.
Pros
- Sleek and modern design
- Enhanced bass for a powerful audio experience
- Long-lasting battery life for extended use
- Water-resistant, suitable for outdoor activities
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy pairing with Bluetooth devices
Cons
- Limited audio customization options
- Lacks built-in microphone for hands-free calling
Google Nest Mini
Best Small Cheap Speaker
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Google Nest Mini |
| Weight | 0.41 pounds (181g) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant |
| Supported Audio Formats | HE-AAC, LC-AAC+, MP3, Vorbis, WAV, FLAC |
| Additional Features | 360-degree sound, Voice Match |
Smart speakers are a great choice for people who like to control their devices with their voices. If you ask the device, it’s easy to find out what the weather is like or how busy the roads are before you leave. The Google Nest Mini is a great choice for a reasonable price, and its Google Assistant features are just as good as those of even more expensive models from the same company. Yes, Google Assistant can easily hear you even when you’re not close to the device. Its sleek and stylish design is great for shoppers who care about their home decor, and you can even choose from different color options to meet your needs.
Pros
- Compact and unobtrusive design
- Powerful Google Assistant integration for voice control
- 360-degree sound for immersive audio
Cons
- Audio quality may not match dedicated speakers
- Requires a stable Wi-Fi connection for full functionality
Anker Soundcore Flare 2
Best Cheap Smart Speaker
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Anker Soundcore Flare 2 |
| Weight | 1.37 pounds (621g) |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Water Resistance | IPX7 rating (waterproof) |
| Sound Output Power | 20W driver |
| Additional Features | BassUp technology, LED lights |
The Anker Soundcore Flare 2. It’s a best cheap speakers with rings of different colors around the top and bottom. The app lets you change the colors to fit your mood. The app also gives you access to a lot of tools that let you change how it sounds, like a full graphic EQ, presets, and an extra bass feature.
But maybe you don’t even need these things. Right out of the box, this speaker has a balanced sound, so voices and lead instruments sound just the way they should.
Pros
- Amazing soundstage.
- Graphic EQ and presets.
- Well-built, portable design.
Cons
- Lacks low-bass.
- Not loud enough to fill larger spaces.
- Not loud enough to fill larger spaces.
Anker Soundcore
Best Loud Cheap Speaker
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Anker Soundcore |
| Weight | 0.79 pounds (358g) |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 hours |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Sound Output Power | 2 x 6W drivers |
| Additional Features | Built-in microphone, AUX-in |
Sony’s Bluetooth speakers are the best when it comes to bass. The Japanese company’s Extra Bass technology was patented decades ago, and it works every time you press the play button. There are a lot of options in the SRS line of speakers, but to keep things “budget,” we’ll focus on the SRS-XB33. It’s a good speaker with some cool features, like full-range speakers and two passive radiators that work together to make the powerful bass I talked about above. This is one of the best inexpensive speakers.
This cheap Bluetooth speaker, like the others on our list, is waterproof, but it has an IP67 rating, which means it can be submerged in fresh water. It gets its power from a USB-C port, and on the back, there are a lot of physical buttons. With the Party Connect, you can link up to 100 speakers to make a great party.
Pros
- Stereo sound
- LED lighting modes
- IPX7 waterproof
Cons
- No 3.5mm aux jack
Creative Stage Air
This best value cheap Bluetooth speaker packs a surprising punch
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Creative Stage Air |
| Weight | 2.87 pounds (1.3kg) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, AUX-in, USB |
| Sound Output Power | 2 x 5W drivers, 1 x 10W subwoofer |
| Additional Features | Horizontal/Vertical orientation, IR remote |
Even though this best cheap speakers isn’t as big as some of the others we have tried, you still get a lot of speaker for a low price. It’s not the best choice for building your dream home theatre system, but it’s a great under-monitor speaker that makes listening to music, watching videos, or playing games even more fun.
Like most speakers in this price range, the Creative Stage Air doesn’t have a lot of features, so don’t expect to be able to plug your gaming console’s HDMI and optical cables into it. Check out our list of the best soundbars for more information. The Creative Stage Air keeps things simple by supporting Bluetooth 4.2 with the SBC codec and a 3.5mm input. Even though it’s a bit older, it’s still a good choice for the price. It has a few annoying quirks, like turning off automatically after 15 minutes of not being used.
Pros
- Compact
- Price
- Easy setup
- Bass response
Cons
- Micro-USB charging
- Short aux cable
- Auto-off after 15 minutes even if monitor on
Elac Debut B5.2
Best value Bluetooth speaker with all-day playback
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Elac Debut B5.2 |
| Weight | 10.3 pounds (4.7kg) |
| Connectivity | Speaker wire terminals |
| Speaker Type | Bookshelf speaker |
| Woofer Size | 5.25 inches |
| Tweeter Size | 1-inch cloth dome |
| Frequency Response | 46Hz – 35kHz |
There are a lot of best cheap speakers out there, so it takes something really special to make it to the top of our list. There’s no need to say that these Elacs sound great for the price. They are 34cm tall and have a single wire running through them. They have a 5.25cm aramid fibre mid/bass driver and a 2.5cm cloth dome tweeter. The only bad thing is that you can only choose one vinyl finish. But we’re pretty sure that’s something you can deal with.
The Elacs aren’t picky about where they play, but if we wanted to show off their rhythmic skills, we’d pair them with good entry-level separates. If you don’t give them the best, you’re hurting them. They are dynamic and expressive musicians who can handle any genre. Dense instrumentation and complicated rhythms don’t bother these Elacs.
Pros
- Cohesive, insightful sound
- Unfussy about placement
- Solid build
Cons
- Tough competition
DOSS SoundBox Plus
The best cheap Bluetooth speaker for travel
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | DOSS SoundBox Plus |
| Weight | 1.39 pounds (630g) |
| Battery Life | Up to 20 hours |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 4.2, AUX-in |
| Sound Output Power | 2 x 8W high-performance drivers |
| Additional Features | Built-in microphone, Micro SD card slot |
You should look into the DOSS SoundBox Plus. This choice is easy on the wallet, and it’s loud enough to fill a room with sound. Best of all, even when you turn up the volume, the speaker’s sound stays clean and clear. There are no pumping or compression artefacts to mess up the sound.
This speaker looks like a boombox and comes in different colours. It has RGB lights around each driver, and you can change their colours and patterns to suit your mood. This speaker is a good choice for music and podcasts because it plays voices and other instruments clearly and accurately right out of the box. It doesn’t have as much bass rumble as higher-end models, but it does a good job for the price. This is the best cheap speakers.
Pros
- Not a lot of compression at max volume.
- IPX4 rating for water resistance.
Cons
- Doesn’t get very loud.
- Lacks low-bass.
- Poor directivity.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Cheap Speakers
When looking for cheap speakers, it’s important to find a good balance between price and sound quality. Here are some things to think about as you make your choice:
Audio Quality: Even if you’re looking for cheap options, it’s important to make sure the speakers have good sound. Look for speakers with clear sound, good bass, and a balanced range of frequencies. Read reviews and, if you can, try them out in person to figure out how good the sound is.
Types of Speakers: There are many different types of speakers, such as bookshelf speakers, floor-standing speakers, computer speakers, and portable speakers. Think about where you’ll be using the speakers and pick a type that fits your needs and the space.
Size and portability: If you need speakers for a small room or to take with you, you might want to get ones that are small and easy to move. On the other hand, speakers that are bigger tend to have better sound quality and volume for rooms that are bigger.
Check the power rating of the speaker, which is usually given in watts. Most of the time, a higher wattage means more volume and better sound quality, but it’s not the only thing to think about. How loud a speaker can get is also based on how well it works and how sensitive it is.
Connectivity Options: Make sure the speakers have all the options you need to connect them to your devices. Bluetooth, AUX input, USB, and Wi-Fi are all common options. Bluetooth speakers make it easy to connect smartphones and tablets to them wirelessly.
FAQs
Speakers are one of the most common ways to get sound out of a computer. They are connected to the computer to make sound. Some speakers can be hooked up to any sound system, while others can only be used with computers. The computer’s sound card sends a signal to the computer speaker that is used to make sound. The main purpose of speakers is to send sound to the person listening. Since speakers are transducers, they change the electromagnetic waves into sound waves. The devices, like an audio receiver or computer, send analogue or digital audio signals to the speakers. The analogue speaker’s only job is to turn the analogue electromagnetic waves into sound waves by making them bigger.
Speakers are made with a housing, a cone, a magnet, and iron. They turn electrical energy into mechanical energy so they can work. The mechanical energy works to compress air and turn the motion into sound pressure level or sound energy. When an electrical device sends power to the speakers, an electric current flows through a coil of wire, creating an electric field. It also interacts with the magnetic field around the speakers. When a device sends electricity to the speaker, it causes the voice coil to move back and forth. The movement back and forth makes the outer cone vibrate, which we hear as sound.
