Short answer: the TCL S45H. It ranks #23 of 27 all-in-one soundbars by sound quality, rated 3.0/5, at $79.99; the Sony HT-S100F ranks #26, rated 2.9/5, and costs $98, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
Why pick the TCL S45H: In The Hook Up’s 2026 budget shootout the S45H was the pick for buyers who want a single bar with no subwoofer, with clear voices and bright, energetic detail. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Sony HT-S100F lacks. Watch for: Bass rolls off early, so explosions and music lack depth, and budget systems with a subwoofer like the Infitbo D40CS sounded fuller.
What the Sony HT-S100F does well: The HT-S100F is a simple, slim bar that makes speech easier to follow than most flat TV speakers, and its Voice mode lifts dialogue further for late night news or talk shows. Watch for: Bass is thin and rolls off early, so action movies lack weight and there is no way to add a subwoofer.
Buy the TCL S45H. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Sony HT-S100F and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Want more options? Browse the full TV Soundbars rankings.
In The Hook Up’s 2026 budget shootout the S45H was the pick for buyers who want a single bar with no subwoofer, with clear voices and bright, energetic detail.
The HT-S100F is a simple, slim bar that makes speech easier to follow than most flat TV speakers, and its Voice mode lifts dialogue further for late night news or talk shows.
Prices on this page were last checked November 2, 2026 at 11:36 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| TCL S45H | Sony HT-S100F | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.99 | $98.00 |
| Ranked | #23 of 27 in All-in-One Soundbars | #26 of 27 in All-in-One Soundbars |
| Amplifier Power | 100W total | 120W total |
| App | Yes (TCL Home) | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 4.2 |
| Channels | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| DTS:X | Virtual:X | No |
| Dimensions | 2.4”H x 31.9”W x 3.9”D (60 x 810 x 98 mm) | 2.5”H x 35.4”W x 3.5”D (64 x 900 x 88 mm) |
| Dolby Atmos | Virtual (decodes Atmos, no height drivers) | No |
| Drivers | Bar: 2 racetrack full-range drivers, bass reflex port | Bar: 4 drivers (2 tweeters, 2 racetrack mid/bass drivers), rear bass reflex port |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| HDMI eARC | Yes | ARC only |
| Included Subwoofer | Built-in | Built-in |
| Optical Input | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Speakers | No | No |
| Room Correction | Yes (AI Sonic) | No |
| Voice Assistants | No | No |
| Weight | 4.5 lbs (2.05 kg) | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | No | No |
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