Smart speaker technology has seen some major leaps in the last couple of years. And, that means now you don’t need to spend a fortune for a decent Bluetooth speaker anymore. Even though the new models are becoming smaller and lighter than ever, they still have tons of new features and the ability to blast out a room-filling sound. So, whether you want a speaker with microphones or a virtual assistant, I’m sure you will find a suitable one in our list of best smart speakers under $100 below.
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2
This is a high-quality waterproof Bluetooth speaker that is perfect for everyone. The Wonderboom 2 is a small but mighty speaker that has a 13-hour battery life and impressive sound.
The smart speaker is completely waterproof, making it the ideal companion for every pool party or boat trip. Plus, with the addition of the sand-proof feature, you don’t have to worry about your speaker getting dirty while on the beach with your friends. If it gets dirty, simply rinse it under a tap.
The Wonderboom 2 might only be 10cm tall, but it offers an impressive bass, a spacious presentation, and excellent musicality. With all of those cool features, the Wonderboom 2 is worth every penny!
Echo (3rd Gen)
Amazon has been giving us high-quality and affordable smart speakers in recent years. With the new Echo 3rd gen, you can pair multiple devices together for a stereo effect. Plus, the speaker features Dolby processing technology, allowing for crisp vocals and dynamic bass response.
The Echo 3rd gen is slightly bigger than other smart speakers on the market. However, it can boast larger, higher-quality, and 360-degree sound. And, apart from the technical specs, the Echo 3rd gen comes in 5 different fabric colors. Plus, it also has a LED ring light on the top and Alexa virtual assistant.
HomePod Mini
Introduced in the Apple October event, the new HomePod mini is like an improved version of the HomePod with cool new features. The best thing we like about this mini version is the Music Handoff, which can’t be found in any Amazon or Google smart speaker.
With this new feature, the HomePod mini can sense your device when it is near and lets you simply transfer the music on your iPhone to its speaker. All is made possible by its U1 chip, which uses Ultra-Wideband technology to detect nearby devices. So, no more turning on Bluetooth and wasting time to connect with your speaker anymore.
And, by placing 2 HomePod minis in a single room, you will also create a stereo pair that provides a wide soundstage.
With a humble price which is just 99$, the HomePod mini can deliver an incredibly rich and detailed acoustic experience anywhere you place it.
Echo Dot (3rd gen)
Speaking of mini versions, Echo Dot 3rd gen is renowned for being one of the best sound systems in its price range. Even though the Echo Dot 3rd gen is a mini version, it still can do pretty much everything other Amazon speakers do. Another cool thing about this smart speaker is that it can display your local time and temperature. However, if you don’t like this feature, there is a version that comes without it at an affordable price.
With the launch of the 4th gen on October 22, we expect the Echo Dot 3rd price will be a bit lower. So, if you are a user with basic needs, the Echo Dot is a better choice out there.
JBL Flip 5
JBL Flip 5 can handle pretty much every type of music, even with a bass-heavy rap track. At 20W, it’s loud enough for any pool party. Also, it supports up to 12 hours of constant playback. Overall, the JBL Flip 5 has a tough waterproof fabric, good sound, and decent battery life. Also, its portable size makes it a great option for those who are in the market for a smaller speaker.
The only drawback is the lack of an aux-in port or microphone. That’s not a big deal given that it only costs $89.
That’s it! Our 5 best smart speakers under $100 to choose from. If you have got a favorite, let us know in the comments below.
