Everyone would agree that it is more than adequate to spend time on and to pay a fair amount of attention to choosing an amplifier within a rather pricy range. At the same time it would seem that doing the same when searching for an amp in a budget range is just a waste of time. Really, what difference can there be between amplifiers under $100? Just go out and buy the first that looks fairly Okay. But let yourself be surprised: even amps under a hundred bucks represent the whole variety of specifications targeted to suit different needs of listeners. We were skeptical too, but after we did some research we found quite a few amazing facts about budget amplifiers. Read on to familiarize yourself with our findings and be sure to choose the amp that’s right for your exact demands.
Table of Contents
As per the performance of Fosi Audio TB10A, the best stereo amplifier under 200, we can say that this amplifier can be used outdoor with max operating temperature of 90℃. For extra reliability TB10A is equipped with built-in power protection circuit. Few words should be added on the new version of TB10A that guys at Fosi Audio did in 2024. The older versions of the cheap audio amplifier had some issues with the sparks when plugging in PSU – this is now fixed and TB10A is now truly new and improved. We found no cons really, unless you consider basic inputs to be limitations. But this amp was made to be reliable in what it can do great – and that is to provide great audio signal.
Fosi Audio TB10A represents a perfect combination of all factors and parameters that can bring it to the winner’s position. With the focus on performance and sound quality TB10A is a perfect sound signal provider at an adequate and affordable price.
As an amplifier maker eSynic is not represented in higher price range market segment. Perhaps, this is why they did so great with their mini amp in the budget segment. Aside from claiming great markers in terms of audio signal processing, this budget audiophile integrated amp features good set of protection circuitry: Automatic Overload Cutoff, Over-voltage Cutoff, Automatic Thermal Cutoff, Short Circuit Protection. Just like the winner, eSynic Stereo Mini Amp only has simple functionality, but let’s be honest – this is as much as one can ask for such price and size.
First appeared in early 2024, eSynic Stereo Mini Amp is a great alternative option for someone looking for a cheap yet high quality sounding amp.
The best integrated amplifier under 300 is enclosed in durable brushed aluminum casing with standard RCA line-in input and banana plugs for outputs – all one is going to need to hook up a pair of speakers. The choice for speakers is actually great as Fosi Audio TDA7498E supports impedance in range 2-8 Ohms.
Fosi Audio TDA7498E is a great option if you want minimum distortion and, as a result, great sound power. It really can be used to power virtually any audio source you might use in everyday life: computer, mobile devices, TV, CD players etc.
It would be fair also to list some of the limitations of PCM20A. Obviously, this cheap audio amp is not particularly designed for greatest sound quality, and its frequency range is narrowed to 50-15kHz, but it should fit the amp’s primary purpose just fine. Also, the best budget stereo amp can only provide 40 watts per channel. This means that Pyle PCM20A amplifier is not exactly meant to be used outdoors. Another reason for that is that this best budget amplifier is meant to be powered via a regular home power outlet, so its outdoor use can probably go as far as your patio and backyard. There are more suitable options out there in terms of both the signal power and power supply, but those would not be part of today’s review as they fall far beyond the 100 dollar price range.
Pyle PCM20A is a great solution if you want to organize small and mid-sized events at your place or in small private clubs – a solution that can combine speech with some music to keep the guests entertained.
LOXJIE A10 provides great clear sound, although at only 60 watts per channel. For many this is more than enough, however. This best cheap speaker amp is also equipped with some fine features, like quick transient power response and turn-on memory function. The amp operates very quietly – no hissing noises or thumps during power-on – everything to provide clear sound. With all that a very basic functionality doesn’t seem so much of a limitation. Also, remember that LOXJIE A10 is just a first release by LOXJIE brand, ad this may be just their first careful step before they start making something even more for our curiosity.
LOXJIE A10 is perfect amplifier for those who like to make their visual experience as aesthetic as their audio experience. It is probably, the best amp for a small city apartment.
It is not so easy to make a good judgment among a great amount of different amplifiers, so this might be the reason why great amps like Micca OriGain A250 do not end up at the top of the list. This best budget integrated amplifier features great super minimalistic design and packed into aluminum-finished casing. With 50 watts per channel at 4 Ohm (30 watts at 8 Ohm) it has enough power for your home, and this is a very professional step by Micca guys as usually, the amplifiers from this price segment do not provide rating for different impedance settings. The sound quality of this cheap amplifier for home is just great. The noise threshold is so low you won’t hear any hiss or noise at any volume. One other great feature of Micca OriGain A250 is that it has the ability to add a self-powered subwoofer via its built-in volume controlled pre-out jack. Micca OriGain A250 is a great and mean-looking option for your shelf home audio system.
Nobsound Mini is an interesting example of how a decent amp can get so affordable while having something unique. One of the cheap amplifiers for speakers on the list, this unit is based on TPA3116D2, a very popular chip by Texas Instruments that can provide great sound clarity, but there are also a few additions to make you curious. First, Nobsound adds NE5532 OP Amp Pre-level, to ensure excellent dynamics. Second, the German made VIMA MKP10 input capacitor included to give richer harmonics. Surprisingly, this cheap amp for speakers is able to drive speakers at 100 watts per channel ranging from 2 to 8 Ohm impedance options, while maintaining ≥ 98dB SNR and full-range for the frequencies like many other great amps that perform up to the standards. Now add to all that how amazing it looks and the fact that it is extremely lightweight – only three quarters of a pound! Top this up with its price of the lower end and you may think it is a gem. Yes, it probably is, even while without Bass and Treble controls. But you may be surprised to find out that you would need to buy power supply separately. Still, Nobsound Mini is a great amplifier and you might consider buying it, in case making two separate purchases is not a big deal for you.
This is another version of an amplifier built with TPA3116 chip. Unlike many of the above mentioned powerful amps, this one is aiming to provide only 50 watts per channel. We think this is only honest – it is much easier to believe that the total of 100 watts is the real 100 watts. The rest of the parameters on the other hand is not cut down much – you can see the usually expected frequency range of 20-20kHz with the ability to accept speakers with impedance ranging from 2 to 8 Ohms. Enclosed in aluminum casing, one of the cheap amps for speakers in our review is very lightweight and compact, just like most of class D amps. Its price is slightly above the mean point of our 100 dollar range, so it is quite Okay. Another thing that we liked is it comes with an 18 month warranty that is greater than the usually seen 1 year. Well, this is a bonus.
Pyle PCA3 is a pretty straight forward amplifier that is easy to understand. It comes with standard RCA inputs and push type terminal speaker connectors. This type of connectors is a common trait of relatively cheap amplifiers, and Pyle PCA3 is no exception. It provides great 75 watts per channel, which is way enough for many cases. The controls are just basic Bass and Treble plus Volume knobs. It is not surprising to us to see a bunch of LEDs to display output level for both channels – something quite expected for cheaper amps. The impedance is supported in the range 4-8 Ohms. The great news is that Pyle PCA3 accepts Bluetooth connectivity with all modern devices (Smartphones, Tablets, Laptops, Computers, etc.) for wireless streaming – the range is 40 feet. You also get a remote control in the box. All in all, Pyle PCA3 is fair amplifier for home use that is worth its price.
Suca Audio A502 is yet another variant of an amp based on TPA3116D2 chip. This is the case where you get so many alternate options of similar amps that you might as well start looking at what the look like. Suca Audio A502 has its own style – it doesn’t have the metal switch, instead it has a nice round button. So this is a matter of personal preference and taste. The parameters are as follows: 50 watts per channel, frequency range of 20-20kHz, 2-8 Ohms for speaker impedance and a pretty good SNR of >98dB. There are no Bass and Treble controls, but Suca Audio A502 comes with advanced short circuit protection and lightweight aluminum casing. Note that the volume knob is also aluminum, so it has a great feel to it, something that plastic won’t. The connectors are RCA inputs with banana plug outputs.
Okay! With LEPY LP-V3 amplifier we are entering the whole new segment of budget amps. We are really making our first touch on probably the lowest possible price end where you can find amplifiers worth looking at. LEPY LP-V3 is very small and is the lightest amplifier on our list – less than 11 ounces, even though it is packed in an aluminum case. This amp takes 12v DC, which means it is portable and can be connected to your vehicle. The power output is only 25 watts per channel, but the frequency range is the same you would expect from a good amp – 20-20kHz. The input is provided with 2 RCA connectors as well as 3.5 mm jack to feed from pretty much all of your devices like smartphones, mp3 players etc. The Treble and Bass controls are provided.
The SNR of this little guy is the highest among the amps on our list – >102dB. It may sound doubtful, but it should not be surprising you as the amps total power is only two channels of 15 watts each. So, really Kinter K3118 is only cut down on power, but as far as the sound quality goes it is a fair amplifier. Its frequency range comes as high as 22kHz, which again is the highest on the review. Not too bad! Kinter K3118 comes is an aluminum housing that is only 1 pound heavy, or 1 pound light – you decide. The great thing about it is Kinter K3118 is a portable amplifier with 12v DC power supply, so it can be used as a standalone device or installed on a vehicle. In addition to standard RCA input it also accepts 3.5mm jack to connect your mobile audio sources. For more convenience it has Bass and Treble controls and its price is just amazing.
Pyle PTA4 is an amp that is packed well with many features for an average consumer. The main accent is done on the variety of inputs and Bluetooth connectivity. On the rear panel you’ll find a bunch of RCA inputs: CD, AUX1 and AUX2 along with a REC output. The speakers are connected via push terminals, which is a sign that this amp does not belong to a higher end. Also, there is a ¼ in microphone jack at the back. On the front you’ll see 3.5 mm aux-in for playing your CD/mp3 audio source plus a headphone ¼ inch jack. The source is managed with 4-way switch on the front (AUX1, AUX2, CD, Bluetooth), where you can also find bass and treble controls along with the balance knob and a mic volume knob. As you can see Pyle PTA4 is a pretty stuffed amplifier, which comes in the upper segment of the 100 dollar range. And yes, the unit is capable of giving 120 watts to each channel. So, with Pyle PTA4 you may get a lot of perks for a fair price.
Pyle PTAU45 is somewhat similar to the unit above, but the main accent here is done on the USB connectivity. Again, you’ll find the same set of input/output connectors on the rear panel: CD, AUX1 and AUX2 along with a REC output with a quarter-inch microphone jack. The front panel has similar set of controls and additional inputs: 3.5 mm aux-in, quarter-inch headphone jack, bass and treble controls, balance knob and a mic volume knob. The 4-way switch on the front is similar to the previously covered amp, instead this time it chooses between AUX1, AUX2, CD and USB input. Both amps were issued 5 years apart, so we can only see a transition from Bluetooth to USB technology. Just like the other one, Pyle PTAU45 can give 120 watts per channel and the price range is slightly more appealing.
Neoteck Mini amp is one of the many small amps that uses TPA3116D2 chip. It is a pretty decent chip for sound quality. This is why very often it is possible to find a cheaper amplifier based on this chip, which is going to be positioned close to the lowest price segment. Neoteck Mini Hi-Fi amp is an example of such an amplifier. It offers 100 watts per channel, ≥ 98dB signal-to-noise ratio, frequency range of 20-20kHz and opportunity to accept speakers with impedance from 2 to 8 Ohm. Neoteck Mini amp has speakers protection circuit and safety cut-off features for thermal, overload, voltage and short circuit protection. You get a fully functional amplifier at a decent price close to flat.
A big chunk of this review is populated by amplifiers of the Pyle brand that specializes in lower price segment devices. So far we’ve talked about shelve type amps by Pyle, but PFA300 is the one that can be moved around and used not just at home. It is a portable device with 12v DC power, suitable for use on different types of vehicles, including cars, motorbikes and even boats. Pyle PFA300 can provide 45 watts per channel and its frequency range goes from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, while the SNR is only >80dB, which is fair enough for portable amps. The unit is quite small and light – only 1.35 pounds. Like most amplifiers of this type, Pyle PFA300 has two RCA input connectors plus a mic ¼ inch input jack on the back, and a 3.5 mm jack for mp3-capable devices on the front. Pyle PFA300 comes with three controls on the fron side: bass, treble and volume, which is nicely lit with a blue LED. All of this is nicely protected with shortcut, overload and overheat protection, while the speakers are also protected with appropriate circuitry.
We already said that Pyle specializes in rather cheap amplifiers, so when it comes to shelve type of amplifiers Pyle engineers try to squeeze as much as possible into the unit to make it more appealing. Pyle PT260A is not a typical receiver, even though it looks like one. In addition to standard AM/FM tuner and audio inputs for IPOD/MP3, CD/DVD and AUX, Pyle PT260A can connect 2 microphones for entertainment purposes. That would explain why the front panel looks a little over-populated: it shows central display, a large volume knob and a bunch of other controls: balance, bass and treble plus a set of microphone effects (mic bass, mic treble and echo for karaoke). Pyle PT260A is able to push 200 watts all together, coupled with A/B speaker set-up. So, with the remote control you have your entertainment system ready with this amplifier. The price of the amp is one of the highest on this review, though. That may explain somewhat low user reviews.
Zhi Aida MN50A is a very cute mini amp that looks a bit different from similar amps in the same price niche. Instead of rectangular form-factor it is enclosed in palm-sized casing with rounded corners, which is going to add some aesthetics to its looks. Moreover, the front panel of Zhi Aida MN50A has only the sound controls, i.e. volume, bass and treble, but the power button is located at the back. Truly neat and compact, Zhi Aida MN50A is only 12.5 ounces – less than a pound. On the other hand, it can drive your speaker with 50 watts on each channel. For an amp this size total of 100 watts is quite substantial, and keep in mind that very few small and inexpensive amps can provide 95dB SNR and frequency range going form 20 Hz and up to 22 kHz. The only input is only AUX jack, but with its performance, looks and price this is more than enough to make the appearance of Zhi Aida MN50A on your shelf reasonable. Please also note that Zhi Aida MN50A first appeared on the market jut few months ago, so statistically its potential may not have been discovered in full just yet.
PFA200 is another portable amp by Pyle that can be installed both at home and on your vehicle due to its 12v power supply. It looks quite Pyle’ish in black color with blue LED around the volume knob. Additionally, the front panel has a pretty common set of controls: bass, treble plus a 3.5 mm mp3 jack. The back is also quite standard for this type of amps: RCA inputs, 4 push terminals and a quarter-inch microphone jack. Pyle PFA200 can provide 30 watts to each channel, can connect with speaker of 2-8 Ohm impedance, and has a not so unusual 80dB signal-to-noise ratio. They did, however, take care of reliability of the amp with the short cut, overload and overheat protection. So you may want to consider this amp if you plan to use it heavily in a variety of conditions.
Pyle PCAU25A is an attempt to make a budget amplifier that can make use of some of the most popular digital technologies at your home. This amp is equipped with Bluetooth streaming capability, double decoder digital media function and built-in USB and SD card readers. Pyle PCAU25A is compatible with MP3 and WMA audio formats and has a more convenient 3.5 mm jack for a more convenient and simple connection with audio sources, like smartphones and CD/DVD players. So you have the whole bunch of ways to connect your media. It also comes with an traditional RCA input, FM radio tuner and a remote control for even more convenience. Pyle PCAU25A does not have separate bass and treble control knobs. Instead, it has a tone control, that is to be used for these purposes. Obviously, so many functions cannot be easily controlled without an LED display, which Pyle guys just had to place on the front panel. To make such an amp priced in the lower end, the compromise had to be made – you may consider this amp, if you don’t mind the power of 40 watts per channel and not so impressive >78dB SNR.
If you look deeply into Pyle universe and its dwellers, you will discover how much effort Pyle makes to experiment with their amplifiers in order to come up with a variety of amps for almost every possible situation. The impression is that they try to play with different combinations of functions while trying to keep the price low. Pyle PFA400U is just one of the examples: take a portable amp with 12v DC power supply that can be installed on a vehicle and add some digital capabilities to it. Pyle PFA400U is designed to be able to play audio from mobile media sources with the help of USB and SD card readers. It is a little weird, however, that this device is missing a 3.5 mm jack – the line connection should be made via RCA connectors at the back. It is not exactly clear, why Pyle PFA400U has a microphone jack – maybe they just have a bunch of spare ones lying around. But, there are some other nice things about this amp, and these are: great total of 100 watts power in a compact casing, bass and treble controls, remote control and protection circuitry against short cut, overload and overheat.
There used to be the time when Pyle did not chase the gimmicky looks for their amplifiers, but tried to come up with something much simpler yet more performance oriented. Pyle Home PAMP1000 is a more of a classical approach to a home amplifier for an average consumer that is a great example of such practice. Its strong sides are definitely the total of 160 watts of power and a great signal-to-noise ratio of the whole 100 dB. PAMP1000 was primarily made for connections with home media, like TV, computer, mp3 players etc. It has a classical set of RCA connectors for 2 line-ins and 1 line-out. Pyle Home PAMP1000 is also ready for A/B speaker configuration. There are no bass and treble controls. All the front panel has is the volume and balance knobs with A/B speaker selector and a power switch. But interestingly enough, Pyle Home PAMP1000 comes with binding post speaker terminals instead of push terminals that Pyle uses these days. One other interesting feature is an un-switched 200 watt max ac outlet for other devices. This is a good amplifier, but is pretty minimalistic in terms of controls and its price is not exactly competitive with cheaper products that Pyle release today.
If you’re looking for something simple yet able to provide great sound and reliability we would suggest looking at the group of amps with simplest design. The more powerful ones are: the two Fosi Audio amps, eSynic Stereo Mini, Nobsound Mini Dual and Neoteck Stereo Mini Amp. Alternatively, have a look at these: Micca OriGain A250 and Suca Audio A502. The best of the portable amps under $100 can be found among Kinter K3118, LEPY LP-V3 and a group of Pyle amps PFA200, PFA300, PFA400U. For the great looks we believe the following two can be very interesting: LOXJIE A10 and Zhi Aida MN50A. If you like to have tons of functions, then definitely have a closer look at some of the Pyle products, especially Pyle PCA3, Pyle PTA4, Pyle PTAU45 and Pyle PCAU25A. For home entertainment Pyle PT260A and PCM20A can be an option. Separately, we should note that Pyle PCM20A is the only one with PA capabilities.
Product | Price | Dimensions (in) | Weight | Power | Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fosi Audio TB10A | **** | 4.2 x 3.5 x 1.4 | 1.9 pounds | 2*100 Watts 2-8 Ohm | D |
| eSynic Stereo Mini | *** | 4.64 x 3.85 x 1.3 | 1.8 pounds | 2*100 Watts 2-8 Ohm | D |
| Fosi Audio TDA7498E | **** | 4.5 x 3.5 x 1.6 | 2.15 pounds | 2*160 Watts 2-8 Ohm | D |
| Pyle PCM20A | ** | 7.87 x 5.9 x 3.15 | 5.78 pounds | 2*40 Watts COM/8 Ohm/25V/70V | |
| LOXJIE A10 | **** | 7.6 x 3.3 x 2.3 | 1.04 pounds | 2*60 Watts 4 Ohm | D |
| Micca OriGain A250 | **** | 5.6 x 3.2 x 1.3 | 2 pounds | 2*50/30 Watts 4/8 Ohm | D |
| Nobsound Mini Dual | ** | 4.25 x 3.54 x 1.4 | 0.75 pounds | 2*100 Watts 2-8 Ohm | D |
| Mini Hi-Fi Digital Amp | *** | 10.2 x 7.4 x 1.6 | 1.5 pounds | 2*50 Watts 2-8 Ohm | D |
| Pyle PCA3 | ** | 7.48 x 2.87 x 5.39 | 5.04 pounds | 2*75 Watts 4-8 Ohm | |
| Suca Audio A502 | *** | 4.65 x 3.8 x 1.18 | 1.6 pounds | 2*50 Watts 2-8 Ohm | D |
| LEPY LP-V3 | * | 9.5 x 7.6 x 2 | 0.66 pounds | 2*25 Watts 2-8 Ohm | D |
| Kinter K3118 | * | 4.72 x 5.79 x 1.65 | 1 pound | 2*15 Watts 2-8 Ohm | D |
| Pyle PTA4 | **** | 5.39 x 8.27 x 2.72 | 5.7 pounds | 2*120 Watts 4-8 Ohm | |
| Pyle PTAU45 | *** | 8.2 x 6.6 x 2.8 | 5.77 pounds | 2*120 Watts >4 Ohm | |
| Neoteck Stereo Mini Amp | ** | 8.7 x 6.4 x 3 | 1.75 pounds | 2*100 Watts 2-8 Ohm | D |
| Pyle PFA300 | * | 6.02 x 4.96 x 1.5 | 1.35 pounds | 2*45 Watts 2-8 Ohm | T |
| Pyle PT260A | ***** | 17 x 11.5 x 4.7 | 13.33 pounds | 2*100 Watts 4-16 Ohm | |
| Zhi Aida MN50A | * | 4.7 x 3.9 x 2 | 0.8 pounds | 2*50 Watts 4-8 Ohm | |
| Pyle PFA200 | * | 5.51 x 4.80 x 1.81 | 1.36 pounds | 2*30 Watts 2-8 Ohm | T |
| Pyle PCAU25A | ** | 6.30 x 4.72 x 2.72 | 3.73 pounds | 2*40 Watts 4-8 Ohm | |
| Pyle PFA400U | ** | 6.97 x 4.84 x 1.69 | 1.8 pounds | 2*50 Watts 2-8 Ohm | T |
| Pyle Home PAMP1000 | ***** | 16.5 x 8.3 x 2.4 | 9.08 pounds | 2*80 Watts 4-16 Ohm |
As we have seen, the price niche under 100 dollars does not mean that there is no choice. There are tons of aspects and functional capabilities to consider when planning a purchase of a budget amp. In fact, we saw how some products can stand out so much that they may acquire their own army of fans. We hope that our attempt to list nearly a couple of dozen amplifiers for you will help many potential buyers find what they need.
Last update on 2024-12-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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