3 Best Budget Smart Speakers Under $100
If you’re on the hunt for budget-friendly smart speakers that punch above their weight, you’re in luck. These three models—each under $100—offer impressive sound quality and smart features like waterproofing and portable design, making them versatile for both indoor and outdoor use. Whether you need a speaker that can withstand splashes or one with all-day battery life, these options prove you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy big sound and smart convenience. Ready to find out which one suits your style?
Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker with Stereo Sound and IPX7 Waterproof
- Outdoor-Proof Speaker: Portable design with IPX7 waterproof protection to safeguard against splashes, waves, and water vapor. Get incredible sounds at home, on camping trips, or for outdoor...
- 24H Non-Stop Music: With Anker's world-renowned power management technology and a 5,200mAh Li-ion battery, the soundcore 2 speaker delivers a full day of great sound.
- Powerful Sound: The speaker features 12W power with enhanced bass from dual neodymium drivers. An advanced digital signal processor ensures pounding bass and zero distortion at any volume.
If you want a portable speaker that can handle almost anything, the Anker Soundcore 2 is a good choice. It offers powerful sound for under $100. The speaker has an IPX7 waterproof rating, so it can get wet from splashes, waves, or even a quick dunk. It’s made for outdoor fun.
The battery lasts for 24 hours, so you can listen all day without charging. It connects with Bluetooth 5, which means fast and stable pairing with your phone or tablet. The speaker has two neodymium drivers and BassUp technology. These features deliver clear sound with deep bass, even when you turn up the volume.
The lightweight design and easy controls make it simple to carry and use. You don’t have to spend a lot to get loud, high-quality sound on the go.
Best For: outdoor lovers, travelers, and anyone who wants a tough, good-sounding portable speaker.
Pros:
- Waterproof and can handle splashes, waves, or brief submersion
- Lasts 24 hours on one charge
- Loud sound with deep bass thanks to special drivers and BassUp technology
Cons:
- Only connects via Bluetooth; no wired input
- Slightly bigger than some tiny speakers, so it might be less portable for some
- Volume and bass are fixed; no way to change the sound settings
In short, the Anker Soundcore 2 offers reliable, strong sound in a durable, waterproof design. It’s a good choice for outdoor activities and everyday use.
Bluetooth Speaker, Waterproof & Dustproof, 15W Stereo Sound, 2500mAh Battery, TWS Pairing, BT5.3, Portable for Home/Party/Outdoor/Beach (Black)
- Exceptional Sound Quality: With a powerful 15W output, this bluetooth speaker delivers rich, crystal-clear sound with deep bass and crisp highs. Experience superior audio performance that makes every...
- All-Day Battery Life: Equipped with a powerful 2500mAh battery, this speaker can keep the music going all day long on a single charge. Enjoy uninterrupted playback for your longest playlists and...
- Portable and Convenient: Designed with portability in mind, this compact speaker is easy to carry around. Its small size fits perfectly in your bag, and the included lanyard makes it easy to hang...
Looking for a small speaker that sounds loud and clear? This Bluetooth speaker gives you 15W stereo sound. You will enjoy deep bass and bright highs. It can even sound better than bigger speakers. If you connect two speakers using TWS pairing, you get stereo sound with 30W total. That’s perfect for outdoor parties or big gatherings.
This speaker is IP67 waterproof and dustproof. You can drop it in water or get it dirty without worry. The 2500mAh battery lasts for 8 to 12 hours, so your music keeps going all day. It uses BT5.3 technology to connect quickly and stay stable. You can be up to 33 feet away from the speaker and still have good sound.
The speaker is small and tough, but it gets loud. It’s a great choice for outdoor trips, beach days, or parties.
Who should get this?
Outdoor lovers, party people, or travelers who want a strong, waterproof speaker that is easy to carry.
Pros:
- Clear, full sound with strong bass.
- Waterproof and dustproof for outdoor fun.
- Combine two for stereo sound with more power.
Cons:
- It doesn’t turn off automatically, so it can drain the battery when idle.
- Slightly heavy for very light travel.
- Takes about 4 hours to charge, which is shorter than some options.
This speaker gives you loud sound, durability, and long battery life. It’s easy to use and ready for any adventure.
JBL Go 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker with Waterproof and Long Battery Life
- RICH JBL ORIGINAL PRO SOUND: The legendary JBL signature sound delivers surprisingly big audio and punchy bass from Go 3's small size.
- ULTRA-PORTABLE DESIGN: JBL Go 3's ultra-portable design goes great with the latest styles, and its colorful fabrics and expressive details make it look as great as it sounds.
- 5 HOURS OF PLAYTIME: Don't sweat the small stuff like charging your battery. Go 3 gives you up to 5 hours of battery life on a single charge.
The JBL Go 3 is a small, lightweight Bluetooth speaker that works great for active people. It’s easy to carry around because it weighs only 0.46 pounds. You can clip it onto your backpack or keyring. It’s perfect for outside trips or playing music in the bathroom.
The speaker has a waterproof design with an IP67 rating. This means it can handle splashes, rain, and even being dipped in water. So, you don’t have to worry if it gets wet.
Despite its tiny size, the JBL Go 3 sounds loud and clear. It gives deep bass and nice vocals. The fabric cover comes in bright colors and street-style patterns. It looks stylish but stays strong in tough conditions.
The battery lasts about 5 hours on one charge. That’s enough for a day out, but not very long if you want all-day music. It connects to your device via Bluetooth within about 10 meters. Charging takes around 5 hours, which is a bit slow compared to some other speakers.
Best For: People who want a small, waterproof, and stylish speaker for outdoor fun, travel, or home use.
Good Points:
- Small and light—easy to clip onto bags or keys
- Waterproof IP67 rating keeps it safe from water
- Loud, rich sound with strong bass
Things to Consider:
- Battery lasts only 5 hours
- Bluetooth works best within 10 meters
- Takes 5 hours to fully charge
If you want a small, tough speaker that adds fun color to your day, the JBL Go 3 is a good choice.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Budget Smart Speakers Under $100
When choosing a budget smart speaker, you’ll want to find a good balance between sound quality and affordability—after all, no one wants muffled music at a rock concert. Connectivity options matter, too, because you’ll need reliable Wi-Fi or Bluetooth links to keep the tunes flowing without hiccups, and waterproof features can save your speaker from accidental splashes or rain. Don’t forget about battery life, design, and portability; whether you’re lounging at home or taking your speaker on the go, these details can make all the difference in enjoying your favorite sounds anytime, anywhere.
Sound Quality Balance
Getting good sound from a smart speaker under $100 is easier than you think. You don’t need to turn the volume as high as possible and hope it sounds good. You want clear vocals, deep bass, and bright treble. These should not sound distorted or blurry, no matter how loud you play them.
Look for a speaker with about 10 to 15 watts of power. This amount of power can fill a room without sounding tiny or weak. A wide range of sounds is important. That means you get deep bass, clear mids, and sharp highs. This helps you enjoy all types of music, podcasts, or calls.
Features like digital signal processing (DSP) can help make the sound better. DSP makes adjustments so the speaker sounds good in your room and for different kinds of content. Where you put the speaker also matters. A small desk or a big room may need different types of speakers for the best sound.
In short, pick a speaker with enough power, good frequency range, and helpful features. Think about where you will put it to get the best sound. This way, you can enjoy clear, rich audio without spending a lot of money.
Connectivity Options
When choosing a smart speaker under $100, it’s important to look at how it connects. Connectivity means how the speaker talks to your phone or Wi-Fi. Most cheap speakers have Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or both. Bluetooth is simple. It works within about 10 to 30 feet. You can stream music from your phone without wires. Wi-Fi lets the speaker connect to your home network. This allows you to play music in different rooms and control it with your voice. Some speakers also have a 3.5mm jack. This is a wire connection as backup if Wi-Fi or Bluetooth don’t work.
Your choice depends on what you want. If you want to use voice commands like Alexa or Google Assistant, check if the speaker can connect to these apps. The way the speaker connects helps decide what features it has and how easily you can control it.
Waterproof Features
If you want a cheap smart speaker under $100, look for one that is waterproof. Waterproof features are very helpful if you plan to use the speaker outside or in damp places like your bathroom. Many waterproof speakers have an IPX7 rating. This means they can stay underwater up to one meter deep for 30 minutes without breaking. This helps prevent damage from splashes, rain, or if you accidentally drop it in water. Waterproof speakers are also good at resisting dust, dirt, and sand because they have sealed casings and covers made of silicone or rubber. Just be sure to check the specific waterproof rating and care instructions. This will help your speaker keep working well, even after getting wet a lot.
Battery Duration
When you pick a budget smart speaker, battery life matters a lot. Most models last between 8 and 24 hours on one charge. That gives you enough time to listen to music or podcasts all day. But remember, how loud you play affects battery life. Turning the volume up uses more power. If your speaker doesn’t turn off automatically, you need to turn it off yourself to save battery. Charging usually takes 2 to 4 hours. So, if you want to listen longer, be ready to wait for it to charge. Also, check if the battery is built-in or removable. Removable batteries can last longer because you can replace them. Sealed batteries make the speaker sleeker but might need replacement sooner.
Design & Portability
Choosing a cheap smart speaker that fits into your life is about looking at its shape and how easy it is to carry. Small, light speakers are easy to move around. You can take them with you at home or put them in your bag for outdoor fun. Some speakers have loops or straps built in. You can hang them up or clip them on to your backpack if you go camping or to the beach. Tiny speakers take up less space, so they are great for small rooms or when you travel. Pick one with a style that looks good and matches your home or outdoor gear. Also, make sure the speaker is tough. Speakers with waterproof ratings like IP67 can handle splashes, rain, or drops. This means your music will keep playing no matter where you are or what happens.
FAQs
How Long Do Budget Smart Speakers Typically Last on a Single Charge?
Budget smart speakers usually last about 8 to 12 hours on a single charge, depending on usage and features. You can enjoy your music or smart functions throughout the day by charging them overnight or as needed.
Are Budget Smart Speakers Compatible With All Smart Home Devices?
Most budget smart speakers work with a wide range of smart home devices, but compatibility varies. You should check each speaker’s supported platforms and protocols to guarantee it connects seamlessly with your existing smart gadgets.
Do Budget Speakers Support Voice Assistants Like Alexa or Google Assistant?
Yes, most budget smart speakers support voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. You can easily control your smart devices, play music, or get information through voice commands, making them convenient and functional for everyday use.
Can These Speakers Be Used Both Indoors and Outdoors Effectively?
You can use these budget smart speakers outdoors, but their effectiveness depends on weather resistance. For consistent performance outside, choose models specifically designed with water resistance and durability, as regular indoor speakers may not withstand elements well.
How Do Sound Quality and Microphone Sensitivity Vary at This Price Point?
Sound quality at this price often balances decent bass and clear vocals but may lack deep richness. Microphone sensitivity can vary, sometimes picking up background noise. You should expect satisfactory performance but not studio-grade clarity or premium microphone responsiveness.
Seema is a passionate tech enthusiast and the founder of TechTester.blog, dedicated to providing honest, in-depth reviews and practical guides for the latest AI tools, gadgets, and digital innovations.
Last update on 2026-02-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
