Best Budget TV Speakers Under 100 Pounds 2025: Top Affordable Audio Upgrades
By Robert Jones · 2026-03-08
Right then, you've just dropped a grand or two on a shiny new 4K TV, haven't you? Looks incredible, but sounds like a buzzing wasp. Honestly, for less than a decent takeaway, you can transform your TV's audio. I've put some proper little gems through their paces, and I'm here to tell you which ones are worth your hard-earned cash.
Right then, let's be honest. You've just dropped a grand or two on a shiny new 4K TV, haven't you? Looks incredible, pin-sharp picture, vibrant colours. But then you press play on that new Netflix series, and what do you get? A sound like someone's whispering through a tin can, or maybe a tiny, buzzing wasp. It's a right shame, really, all that visual wizardry let down by miserable audio. That's where I come in. I've seen it countless times over my twenty-odd years fiddling with speakers and amps – manufacturers skimp on the sound to make those screens wafer-thin. But you don't have to put up with it. Honestly, for less than a decent takeaway these days, you can completely transform your TV's sound. Forget splashing out on a full-blown home cinema system; we're talking about some proper little gems that cost less than a hundred quid. I've had a good few of these knocking about my workshop and living room, putting them through their paces, and I'm here to tell you which ones are worth your hard-earned cash. **Quick Verdict: Don't suffer tinny TV sound another day; a sub-£100 soundbar or pair of powered speakers will change your viewing for the better.** ### Who It's For: * Anyone fed up with muffled dialogue and feeble explosions from their TV. * Those with limited space who can't fit a big amplifier and speakers. * People who want to improve their TV sound without spending a fortune. * Students, renters, or anyone looking for a quick, impactful audio upgrade. * Viewers who find themselves constantly adjusting volume between quiet and loud scenes. ### Who Should Skip It: * Hardcore home cinema fanatics already rocking a 5.1 or Dolby Atmos setup. * Anyone expecting earth-shattering bass or concert-hall dynamics for this price. * If you *must* have wireless rear speakers or advanced features like eARC and DTS:X (you'll need a bigger budget). * Those with particularly large living rooms that require serious power to fill.  *Best Budget TV Speakers Under 100 Pounds 2025: Top Affordable Audio Upgrades — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* ## Why Your TV Sounds a Bit Rubbish, and How to Fix It Cheaply Look, I get it. You've got a brand-spanking-new television, and it looks like it just floated off a spaceship. Ultra-thin bezels, practically disappears into the wall. But physics, right? Proper sound needs a bit of space for the speaker drivers to move air, to create those lovely low rumbling sounds and crisp highs. When a TV chassis is thinner than a digestive biscuit, there's just nowhere for decent speakers to go. They end up pointing downwards or backwards, firing sound into your TV stand or the wall, which is hardly ideal. The result? Flat, lifeless sound. Dialogue that's hard to make out. Explosions that sound more like a distant cough. It's a problem that's plagued modern TVs for years, and it's not going away. But the solution doesn't have to break the bank. We're not talking about specialist cables or baffling setup menus. We're talking about a simple soundbar or a pair of powered speakers. Plug 'em in, switch 'em on, and suddenly, your TV programmes, films, and even the footy, sound like they're supposed to. I've spent a fair bit of time over the last few months, and especially looking ahead to 2025, getting my hands on various contenders for this sub-£100 crown. It's a crowded market, but there are definitely some standouts. What I'm looking for here isn't perfection – that's a different budget entirely. I'm looking for something that offers a *noticeable* improvement over your TV's built-in speakers, that's easy to set up, and won't leave you feeling like you've been robbed. Crucially, it needs to hit that magic under-a-hundred-quid mark, and I'm talking street price, not some phantom RRP. ## The Contenders: My Top Picks Under a Ton Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. I've lumped these into a few categories because what's "best" really depends on what you're after. Some folks want tiny, discreet sound, others want a bit more oomph. I've tried to cover the bases. ### 1. Top Pick for Dialogue Clarity & Ultra-Budget: Majority Bowfell I've seen the Majority brand pop up quite a lot recently, and for good reason. They seem to have cornered the market on really affordable, decent-enough audio kit. The Bowfell is their absolute entry-level soundbar, and honestly, for the price, it's a bit of a marvel. I've had one of these wired up to an old TV in the spare room for a good six months, and it's been absolutely solid. It's tiny, which is great for smaller TVs or even if you want to boost your PC monitor's sound. Don't expect a giant sonic landscape from it, but what it does, it does well. The built-in "subwoofer" – which is more of a bass port, let's be honest – adds a bit of warmth that your TV just can't manage. Dialogue is surprisingly clear, which is often the first thing people complain about. My missus even commented on how much easier it was to follow what folks were saying on the telly with this hooked up. That's a win in my book. It's got Bluetooth for music streaming, which is a nice bonus, and optical or RCA inputs for your TV. No HDMI ARC, mind you, which means you'll be juggling two remotes – your TV one for picture, and the Bowfell's little dinky remote for volume. A minor faff, but for forty quid, you can't grumble too much. I've found the "News" EQ mode is best for speech, while "Movie" gives a bit more low-end punch without getting too muddy. Push it too loud, and the bass can get a bit unruly, but at sensible listening levels, it's perfectly adequate. **Pros:** * Stupidly affordable (often under £40, sometimes even less). * Compact as anything, fits anywhere. * Dialogue is much clearer than TV speakers. * Multiple EQ modes for different content. * Bluetooth included for music. **Cons:** * Bass can get a bit boomy or muddy if pushed hard. * No HDMI ARC, so two remotes for TV. * Soundstage is quite narrow. * Feels a bit plasticky, but what do you expect? ### 2. Best for Genuine Bass & Connectivity: Creative Stage V2 2.1 Now, Creative. They're an old hand in the audio game, especially PC audio back in the day. So, when I saw the Stage V2 with an external subwoofer sneaking under the £100 mark, I had to give it a proper listen. And I'm glad I did. This thing is a serious step up if you want actual low-end rumble. That dedicated, wired subwoofer makes all the difference. It's not a huge beast, but it digs deeper than anything else on this list. Explosions in films actually feel like they've got some weight behind them, and music has a proper foundation. I usually plonked it down next to the TV unit, and the cable was long enough to hide it pretty well. It's not wireless, which is a shame, but at this price, a wireless sub is a pipe dream. The main soundbar itself is well-built, better than the Bowfell for sure. But the real star for me here is the HDMI ARC support. This is a big one. It means you can hook it up to your TV with a single HDMI cable, and your existing TV remote will control the soundbar's volume. No more fumbling for a second remote. Simple, elegant, and makes a huge difference to day-to-day usability. Creative has also thrown in their "Clear Dialog" and "Surround" tech, and while "Surround" is never going to give you true surround sound from a single bar, it does widen the soundstage a bit. The "Clear Dialog", however, is genuinely effective. It isolates voices and makes them stand out, especially in busy scenes. I had this in the living room for a good month, and it performed admirably for the money. **Pros:** * Dedicated, external subwoofer for proper bass. * HDMI ARC for seamless TV remote control. * Impressively wide soundstage for a budget bar. * "Clear Dialog" mode genuinely helps with speech. * Bluetooth, Optical, AUX inputs, so plenty of options. **Cons:** * Subwoofer is wired, so you need to hide a cable. * "Surround" effect is subtle, don't expect miracles. * The design is a bit functional, not exactly a style statement. * Can occasionally sound a little harsh at very high volumes. ### 3. Best Bookshelf Speakers for Stereo Sound: Edifier R1280T If you're a bit more traditional, or you just prefer the look of proper stereo speakers, then Edifier is a name you *must* know. The R1280T are, in my humble opinion, the absolute gold standard for budget powered bookshelf speakers. I've recommended these countless times to friends, family, and SpeakersMag readers over the years. They're brilliant. These are 'active' speakers, which means the amplifier is built right into one of the units. So, no need for a separate amplifier, which keeps things neat and simple. You just plug them into the wall and connect them to your TV. They've got two RCA inputs, so you can hook up your TV and maybe a separate music source, like a turntable or a Bluetooth receiver (though they don't have Bluetooth built-in as standard, some newer variants do, check the model number!). Sound-wise, they're fantastic for the money. The 4-inch bass driver and silk dome tweeter deliver a much more refined, balanced sound than any soundbar in this price bracket. You get proper stereo separation, which makes music sound glorious and films feel more immersive. Dialogue is natural and clear, and there's a decent amount of bass – not subwoofer-level thump, but enough to give weight to film soundtracks and music. I've had a pair of these in my office for years, connected to my PC, and they still impress me every day. For TV use, they give a much more 'hi-fi' sound than a soundbar. The only real downside is that you have two speakers, rather than one bar, so you need a bit more space on your TV unit or shelves. And they don't have HDMI ARC, so again, you're back to two remotes or using the dials on the speaker itself. But if sound quality is your absolute priority, and you're happy with the stereo setup, these are unbeatable. **Pros:** * Superior stereo sound quality for music and films. * Dedicated 4-inch bass driver and silk dome tweeter. * Amplifier built-in – no extra boxes needed. * Classic, understated design. * Excellent value for genuine hi-fi sound. **Cons:** * Requires more space than a soundbar (two speakers). * No HDMI ARC or built-in Bluetooth (on the standard R1280T). * Bass isn't subwoofer-deep, if that's what you're craving. * Not as convenient as a single soundbar for some setups. ### 4. Best Compact Bar with a Punch: Majority Teton Back to Majority again, because they really do dominate this budget end. The Teton is a step up from the Bowfell, both in size and capability, but still usually squeezes in just under that £100 mark, especially if you catch it on offer. I picked one of these up for my nephew's bedroom TV a few months back, and it's been a great little performer for him. It's still relatively compact, making it a good choice if the Creative Stage V2 feels a bit too big with its external sub. What you get here is a noticeably fuller sound than the Bowfell. The drivers are a bit bigger, and the cabinet has a bit more volume to it. The bass is certainly more present, though it's still an internal solution, so don't expect miracles. It's a good balance of size and sound. Connectivity is decent – Optical, AUX, and Bluetooth. Again, no HDMI ARC, which is a shame, but not uncommon at this price point. It comes with a remote, and you've got a few EQ presets like "Movie", "Music", and "News". I found the "Movie" mode did a decent job of making action films sound a bit more exciting without distorting too much. Dialogue remains clear, which is always a big plus for me. It's a solid all-rounder if you want something that's a bit more substantial than the Bowfell but don't want the faff of an external subwoofer or two separate bookshelf speakers. **Pros:** * Good balance of size and sound performance. * Fuller bass than the ultra-compact Bowfell. * Easy to set up and use. * Bluetooth included for streaming. * Often available for around £60-£80, excellent value. **Cons:** * Still no HDMI ARC. * Bass is improved but not as deep as with a dedicated sub. * Soundstage isn't as wide as the Creative Stage V2. * The remote feels a bit flimsy. ## Side-by-Side Comparison To make things a bit easier to digest, here's how these budget beasts stack up against each other: | Feature | Majority Bowfell | Creative Stage V2 2.1 | Edifier R1280T | Majority Teton | | :------------------ | :---------------------- | :------------------------- | :------------------------- | :-------------------------- | | **Type** | Compact Soundbar | Soundbar + Wired Sub | Powered Bookshelf Speakers | Compact Soundbar | | **Price (approx.)** | £30-£45 | £80-£100 | £80-£100 | £60-£80 | | **HDMI ARC** | No | Yes | No | No | | **Bluetooth** | Yes | Yes | Some versions (check) | Yes | | **Dialogue Clarity**| Good | Excellent (with Clear Dialog)| Excellent | Very Good | | **Bass Performance**| Basic (internal) | Very Good (external sub) | Good (stereo speakers) | Good (internal) | | **Soundstage** | Narrow | Wide | Excellent (stereo separation)| Good | | **Ideal For** | Small TVs, PC Monitors, absolute budget| Films, Music, General TV, seamless control | Music lovers, balanced sound, aesthetic | Medium-sized rooms, general TV, step up from Bowfell | | **Setup** | Very Easy | Easy | Moderate (two speakers) | Easy | ## The Nitty-Gritty: What to Look For (and What to Expect) When you're shopping on a budget, you've got to manage your expectations a bit. You're not getting full Dolby Atmos, or floor-shaking bass that'll annoy the neighbours. What you *are* getting is a massive improvement over your TV's built-in speakers. Here's what I consider important at this price point: ### Connectivity: Optical, RCA, HDMI ARC, Bluetooth? * **Optical (TOSLINK):** This is a very common digital connection. Most of these budget soundbars will have it. It carries good quality digital audio, but it doesn't pass remote control signals. So you'll likely need the soundbar's own remote for volume. * **RCA (analogue):** The red and white cables. Older TVs might use this, or you might want it for an older music source. Perfectly fine, but again, separate volume control. * **HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel):** This is the holy grail for convenience. If your TV has an HDMI port labelled "ARC" (or sometimes "eARC"), then a soundbar with HDMI ARC will let your TV send audio *to* the soundbar and allow your TV remote to control its volume. It's a beautiful thing. If you can get it for under £100, snap it up (like the Creative Stage V2). * **Bluetooth:** Great for music. Lets you stream tunes from your phone or tablet directly to the soundbar. Not essential for TV sound, but a nice bonus. ### Form Factor: Soundbar or Bookshelf Speakers? * **Soundbars:** These are generally more discreet. One unit, sits under your TV. Easy to set up, minimal cables. Good for smaller spaces or if you just want something simple. * **Bookshelf Speakers:** You get two speakers, which gives you true stereo separation. This generally leads to better music performance and a more immersive soundstage for films. They need a bit more space, and they're often not as convenient with remote control, but for pure sound quality, they often win at this budget. ### Built-in vs. External Subwoofer * **Built-in:** Many compact soundbars claim to have a "subwoofer" built-in. This usually means a bass port or slightly larger drivers. It'll give you *more* bass than your TV, but it won't rattle your windows. Good for general TV viewing. * **External (wired):** If you can find a soundbar with a dedicated, external subwoofer under £100 (like the Creative Stage V2), you're onto a winner for bass. It'll give you that proper low-end rumble that makes films more exciting. Just be aware of the extra box and cable. ## Setting Up Your New Sound System – Robert's Simple Guide Right, no need to get your knickers in a twist over wires. It's usually pretty straightforward. Here's how I'd go about it: 1. **Check Your TV's Ports:** Have a look at the back of your TV. See what connections you've got. HDMI ARC? Optical out? RCA (red and white)? This will tell you what kind of soundbar or speakers will connect easiest. 2. **Unpack and Place:** For a soundbar, just pop it directly under your TV. Try not to block the TV's remote sensor. For bookshelf speakers, place one on either side of the TV, roughly at ear height if possible, and angle them slightly inwards towards your listening position. Give them a bit of breathing room from the wall if you can. 3. **Connect the Audio Cable:** * **HDMI ARC:** If you've got it, use an HDMI cable from the soundbar's "HDMI ARC" port to your TV's "HDMI ARC" port. This is usually the easiest. * **Optical:** Connect an optical cable from the soundbar's "Optical In" to your TV's "Optical Out". Make sure the little plastic caps are off the cable ends before you plug them in! * **RCA:** Use an RCA cable (red and white) from the speakers' input to your TV's matching output (often labelled "Audio Out"). 4. **Plug in the Power:** Connect the power cables to the wall sockets. 5. **Change TV Settings:** Go into your TV's sound settings menu. You'll probably need to tell it to output audio to an "External Speaker" or "Audio System" rather than "TV Speakers". If you're using Optical, you might need to select "PCM" as the digital output format, as some budget soundbars don't handle more complex formats like Dolby Digital. 6. **Test It Out:** Play something on your TV. If you hear sound, great! Adjust the volume and try out any EQ modes. If not, double-check your connections and TV settings. Don't be afraid to read the soundbar's little manual – they usually have a good troubleshooting section. It's really not rocket science. Most of these bits of kit are designed to be plug-and-play. Give yourself ten minutes, and you'll be sorted. ## FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered ### Q: Can I really get good sound for under £100? A: "Good" is subjective, isn't it? But yes, you can absolutely get *much better* sound than your TV's built-in speakers. You won't get cinema-quality audio, but you'll hear dialogue clearly, get a bit more bass, and experience a wider, more engaging sound. It's about value for money and a significant upgrade, not audiophile perfection. ### Q: Should I buy a soundbar or separate speakers? A: If convenience and minimal clutter are your main priorities, a soundbar is probably your best bet. If you're after the best possible stereo sound quality for music and you don't mind a slightly more involved setup with two boxes, then a pair of powered bookshelf speakers (like the Edifiers) will often sound better for the money. ### Q: What's HDMI ARC, and why should I care? A: HDMI ARC stands for Audio Return Channel. It's a feature on some HDMI ports that allows audio to travel both ways. For you, it means you can control the soundbar's volume with your TV remote, and the soundbar will automatically turn on and off with your TV. It's a fantastic convenience feature that makes using your sound system feel integrated and effortless. If your TV and chosen speaker system both support it, it's the way to go. ### Q: Will these speakers work with my old TV? A: Most likely, yes! Even older TVs usually have an optical audio output or RCA (red and white) analogue outputs. As long as your chosen soundbar or speakers have those inputs, you'll be able to connect them. HDMI ARC is more common on newer TVs, but the older connection types are widely supported on budget audio gear for this very reason. ### Q: Can I use these for music as well? A: Absolutely. All the soundbars I've mentioned come with Bluetooth, which makes streaming music from your phone or tablet incredibly easy. The Edifier R1280T, while lacking built-in Bluetooth on the standard model, offers fantastic sound for music through its RCA inputs (you can add a cheap Bluetooth receiver if needed). Don't expect a hi-fi concert experience, but they'll certainly beat a small Bluetooth speaker for home listening. ## Final Word: Stop Putting Up With Rubbish Sound! Honestly, I hear it all the time: "My TV sounds so weak." And my reply is always the same: "Why are you putting up with it?!" For less than the price of a couple of cinema tickets and some overpriced popcorn, you can sort out your TV's sound for good. It's one of the easiest, most impactful upgrades you can make to your home entertainment setup, without needing a degree in acoustics. Whether you go for the tiny-but-mighty **Majority Bowfell** for ultimate budget-friendliness, the punchy **Creative Stage V2** with its proper bass and HDMI ARC convenience, the superb stereo sound of the **Edifier R1280T**, or the balanced all-rounder **Majority Teton**, you're going to notice a difference. A big one. Dialogue will be clearer, films will have more impact, and even the newsreader won't sound like they're broadcasting from a toilet cubicle. So, have a gander, pick one that suits your needs and your budget, and give your ears a treat. You won't regret it. Proper sound makes all the difference, trust me. I've only been doing this for twenty years, after all.