There’s a universal frustration that comes with modern, ultra-thin televisions. We marvel at the stunning 4K picture quality, the vibrant colors, and the sleek design, but then we press play. The sound that emerges is often thin, hollow, and frankly, disappointing. I’ve been there countless times, sitting in my den, rewinding a crucial scene in a movie because a line of dialogue was swallowed by a muffled soundscape. We end up cranking the volume to uncomfortable levels just to discern what characters are saying, only to be blasted out of our seats when an action sequence kicks in. Or worse, we resort to the dreaded subtitles, turning a cinematic experience into a reading exercise. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it robs us of the immersive audio that filmmakers intended. Without clear, dynamic sound, the emotional impact of a film is muted, and the thrill of a game is diminished.
- 2.1 Channel: With one built-in subwoofer deliver powerful deep bass, 2 full range speakers provide clearly voice and surround sound.
- 6 Levels Voice Enhancement: Suitable for all users, especially the elderly or people with hearing impairment; we pioneered by enhancing the sound frequency that is easy to be ignored by the human ear...
- 16-inch Ultra Slim Soundbar: This sound bar is compact, just 2.9" tall for easy placement in front of your TV or mounted to a wall, perfect for small spaces.
What to Consider Before Upgrading Your TV’s Audio
A Sound Bar is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for reclaiming the audio experience your television was meant to deliver. It’s an elegant, all-in-one remedy to the inherent limitations of tiny, downward-firing speakers built into flat-screen TVs. By providing dedicated, forward-facing speakers, and often a subwoofer for low-frequency effects, a soundbar can instantly transform your living room into a more engaging entertainment space. It elevates dialogue, adds punch to explosions, and widens the soundstage, making everything from the evening news to a blockbuster movie more enjoyable and immersive without the cost and complexity of a full multi-speaker home theater system.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the common audio woes of modern TVs in small to medium-sized spaces. This includes apartment dwellers who need powerful sound without disturbing the neighbors, anyone looking to upgrade the audio on a bedroom or office TV, or even RV owners who need a compact solution for a noisy environment. It’s especially suited for individuals who find themselves constantly asking, “What did they just say?” and prioritize dialogue clarity above all else. However, it might not be suitable for those who are dedicated audiophiles seeking pristine, high-fidelity music reproduction or home theater purists who demand the true, room-filling surround sound of a 5.1 or Dolby Atmos setup. For them, a more complex and expensive component system would be a better investment.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: The physical size of the soundbar is paramount. A bar that is too wide can look awkward with a smaller TV or may not fit on your media console. The Wohome S100 2.1ch Sound Bar with Subwoofer, at a mere 16 inches wide, is specifically designed for these scenarios, fitting comfortably under smaller TVs or even desktop monitors without blocking the screen or IR sensor. Always measure your available space before buying.
- Capacity/Performance: Look beyond just the wattage. Consider the channel configuration—a 2.1 system like the S100 includes two main channels (left and right) and a subwoofer channel (.1) for bass, offering a significant step up from a basic 2.0 system. Features like dedicated sound modes (Movie, Music, News) and specialized technologies like Voice Enhancement can drastically improve the listening experience for specific content.
- Connectivity & Compatibility: How will you connect the soundbar to your TV? Optical and AUX are standard, but the lack of HDMI ARC on some budget models means you cannot control the soundbar’s volume with your TV remote. The S100 relies on Optical for the best TV connection and also includes Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless streaming, offering versatility but requiring the use of its dedicated remote.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A good soundbar should be largely plug-and-play. Setup should be straightforward, and daily operation should be intuitive. Consider the remote control’s layout and functionality. Long-term care is typically minimal, involving little more than occasional dusting, but the reliability of the electronics and the quality of the included accessories are important for a hassle-free ownership experience.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Wohome S100 2.1ch Sound Bar with Subwoofer stands out in several areas, particularly for its compact size and focus on vocal clarity. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the Wohome S100 2.1ch Sound Bar with Subwoofer is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- 【𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭】: Elevate faint sounds to vibrant with automatic loudness boost. Experience immersive sound through 4 versatile...
- Hear your TV better: Designed with simplicity in mind, the Bose TV Speaker is a small soundbar that clarifies speech and is a simple fix for better TV sound
- All-new acoustic architecture with Sound Motion technology fills every inch of the room and precisely place sounds all around you
Unboxing the Wohome S100: Compact, Complete, and Ready to Go
Pulling the Wohome S100 2.1ch Sound Bar with Subwoofer from its packaging, my first reaction was one of slight disbelief. The box itself is compact, and the soundbar within is even more so. At just 16 inches, it looks positively tiny compared to the sprawling 40- and 50-inch soundbars that dominate the market. My initial thought, which echoed the sentiment of one user hooking it up to a 70-inch TV, was, “Can this little thing really produce a big sound?” The build is lightweight, with a “Bright Black” glossy plastic finish that looks clean and modern, though it’s quick to pick up fingerprints. It feels solid enough for its price point, designed for a life sitting on a tabletop or mounted to a wall.
Inside the box, we found everything needed to get started, which is a welcome touch in the budget category. Wohome includes the soundbar, a power adapter, a simple remote control (batteries not included), and, crucially, an optical cable. Including the optical cable is a smart move, as it’s the best connection method for most TVs and saves the buyer a separate purchase. The whole package feels thoughtfully assembled to ensure a quick and painless setup, reinforcing the idea that this is a product designed to solve a problem with minimal fuss.
Key Benefits
- Exceptional dialogue clarity with 6-level voice enhancement
- Surprisingly deep bass from a compact, built-in subwoofer design
- Ultra-compact 16-inch frame fits in tight spaces
- Simple plug-and-play setup with included optical cable
Drawbacks
- Requires dedicated remote; not compatible with universal or TV remotes
- Noticeable audio lag when using Bluetooth for video content
Putting the Wohome S100 to the Test: A Detailed Performance Analysis
A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand a product, you have to live with it. We integrated the Wohome S100 2.1ch Sound Bar with Subwoofer into our testing environment, pairing it with a 42-inch bedroom TV—a perfect real-world scenario for a device of this size. Over several days, we put it through its paces with a variety of content, from dialogue-heavy dramas and bombastic action films to streaming music and late-night news broadcasts.
Setup and Connectivity: From Box to Boom in Minutes
For most users, the setup process for the S100 will be refreshingly simple. We found this to be true in our testing, confirming the experiences of many satisfied customers. Using the included optical cable is the most direct and highest-quality route. It was a three-step process: connect the power adapter to the wall and the soundbar, plug one end of the optical cable into the TV’s “Digital Audio Out (Optical)” port, and plug the other into the corresponding port on the S100. The final step, and one that trips up some users, is diving into the TV’s audio settings menu and switching the output from “TV Speakers” to “Optical/External Speaker” and ensuring the digital audio format is set to “PCM.” Once that was done, the soundbar came to life instantly. The entire process took less than five minutes.
While we found it easy, it’s worth noting that one user review mentioned difficulty with the hookup. This almost always comes down to the TV’s settings rather than a fault of the soundbar itself. The lack of HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is a significant factor here. HDMI ARC allows a soundbar to communicate with the TV, enabling single-remote operation for power and volume. The S100’s absence of this feature is a clear cost-saving measure and its single biggest usability trade-off. You absolutely must use the included remote for all functions, a small inconvenience that several users pointed out. We also tested the Bluetooth 5.3 connection. Pairing with a smartphone was fast and stable, perfect for streaming a Spotify playlist. However, as one astute user noted, when watching video from a paired laptop, there was a noticeable audio lag where dialogue was out of sync with the actors’ lips. For this reason, we strongly recommend using Bluetooth for music only and sticking to a wired connection for any video content.
The Star of the Show: Six Levels of Voice Enhancement
This is where the Wohome S100 2.1ch Sound Bar with Subwoofer truly distinguishes itself from the budget crowd. Many soundbars have a “dialogue” or “news” mode, but Wohome’s six distinct levels of voice enhancement offer a degree of customization that is genuinely impressive and highly effective. The technology works by isolating and boosting the specific mid-to-high range frequencies where the human voice resides, cutting through the clutter of background music and sound effects. We tested this feature extensively with notoriously difficult-to-hear content, like Christopher Nolan films and dialogue-heavy British dramas.
The results were stellar. At level 0, the sound is balanced. Clicking up to level 1 or 2 provides a subtle but noticeable lift in clarity, making voices clearer without sounding artificial. This was our preferred setting for general TV watching. Pushing it to levels 4, 5, and 6 brings the dialogue dramatically to the forefront. At the highest settings, the effect can sound a bit sharp or processed, but for someone with hearing impairment or in a very noisy environment, it is a game-changer. We immediately thought of the user who bought it for their camper to hear the TV over a running air conditioner. This feature is tailor-made for that exact scenario. It’s not just a gimmick; it’s a powerful accessibility tool that makes television enjoyable again for those who struggle with muffled audio. For anyone prioritizing speech clarity, the effectiveness of this feature alone could justify the purchase of the Wohome S100 soundbar.
Audio Performance: Punching Far Above Its Weight Class
Setting aside the special features, how does the S100 actually sound? In a word: impressive. Our initial skepticism about its diminutive size quickly vanished. The 2.1 channel configuration, which combines two full-range speakers with a built-in subwoofer, creates a sound profile that is far richer and more dynamic than any TV speakers. We cycled through the three primary DSP modes—Music, Movie, and News—to evaluate its versatility.
In Movie mode, we watched the opening chase scene from Mad Max: Fury Road. The soundbar produced a wide, engaging soundstage that filled our medium-sized bedroom. While it’s not true surround sound, the 3D effect processing does a commendable job of creating a sense of space. The built-in subwoofer, which one user correctly identified as a 40-watt unit, delivered surprisingly punchy and deep bass. Roaring engines had a genuine rumble, and explosions carried weight, confirming user reports of “movie theater quality” sound and bass that is “amazing.” In Music mode, streamed via Bluetooth, the sound was balanced and energetic. It handled everything from the driving rock of The Black Keys to the crisp vocals of Adele with clarity. The bass was present without being overwhelmingly boomy, and the treble was clean. It easily outperforms any smart speaker in its price range. The News mode essentially acts as a shortcut to the voice enhancement feature, pushing dialogue to the front for maximum clarity. While one user wished it could go “a lil louder,” we found the maximum volume (level 32) to be more than sufficient for its intended use in smaller rooms, providing powerful sound without risking noise complaints.
Design, Build, and Remote Control Quirks
The physical design of the S100 is one of its core strengths. Its 16-inch width and 2.9-inch height mean it can be placed almost anywhere. It fit perfectly between the feet of our test TV, a space where a longer bar would have been impossible. This makes it an ideal choice for dorm rooms, kitchens, or computer desks. The glossy black finish looks sleek, though we recommend keeping a microfiber cloth handy to wipe away dust and fingerprints.
However, the remote control is the product’s Achilles’ heel. As we’ve established, its use is mandatory. This is where we saw the most consistent complaints in user feedback, and our experience confirmed them. The remote itself is small, lightweight, and feels a bit cheap. We didn’t experience the QC issues of the user who received a unit with missing battery contacts or mislabeled buttons, but these reports highlight potential inconsistencies. We did find the button layout slightly confusing, particularly the red power button located next to a green mute button, which is counterintuitive. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s a persistent annoyance that you have to adapt to. The inability to consolidate to a single universal remote is a modern convenience you sacrifice for the S100’s attractive price and performance.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the general sentiment from other users is one of pleasant surprise. Many, like us, were initially skeptical of the soundbar’s small size but were ultimately “thrilled” by its performance. A recurring theme is its exceptional value, with one reviewer stating that a previous $200 soundbar they owned “doesn’t even sound like this.” The most praised features are the powerful bass and the clear, crisp sound quality that makes movies and music come alive.
One of the most compelling positive stories comes from a user who installed it in a camper, noting, “if the AC is running you can’t hear a thing… I got this sound bar, it worked immediately and I could numb my brain through my eyes AND ears.” This perfectly encapsulates the S100’s problem-solving ability in noisy environments.
On the negative side, the feedback is just as consistent and focuses on two key areas. First, the remote control is a frequent source of frustration, with reports of it not working at all, having confusing layouts, or even manufacturing defects. Second, the dependency on that remote due to the lack of universal remote support is a common complaint. A few isolated reports mentioned units that stopped working after a day or produced only crackling sounds, indicating that, as with many budget electronics, there can be occasional quality control issues.
How Does the Wohome S100 Compare to the Competition?
The budget soundbar market is crowded, but the Wohome S100 2.1ch Sound Bar with Subwoofer carves out a niche with its compact size and voice-centric features. Here’s how it stacks up against some popular alternatives.
1. Puxinat 2-in-1 Separable Sound Bar
- 🍋2 IN 1 DETACHABLE TV SPEAKER: Puxinat soundbar adopts the innovative split design. You can either combine the two tower speakers and make them a single giant TV speaker that delicately decorates...
- 🍋3D STEREO SURROUND SOUND: This interesting soundbar contains two tweeters and dual sub-woofers, which is able to produce distortion-free sound quality even at maximum volume level. Stable treble...
- 🍋BLUETOOTH 5.0 AND MULTIPLE CONNECTION:This soundbar has upgraded its Bluetooth technology to 5.0. It can deliver a faster and more stable transmission speed compared to Bluetooth 4.2. Bluetooth...
The Puxinat offers a unique proposition with its separable design. You can use it as a traditional 32-inch soundbar or split it into two vertical tower speakers to place on either side of your TV. This provides greater stereo separation and placement flexibility. As a 2.2 channel system with dual built-in subwoofers, it aims for a slightly more robust bass response than the Wohome S100. Someone might prefer the Puxinat if they have a larger TV (40 inches or more) and value the aesthetic and sound-staging options that the separable design provides. However, it lacks the S100’s advanced multi-level voice enhancement.
2. Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar Bluetooth
- Straight from the theater to your home: easy set-up, built-in tweeter, 2-ch speaker with simple Bluetooth connection
- Deep sound with Bass Reflex speaker
- High power with a slim design that matches any room and is perfect for small living spaces
Coming from a powerhouse brand like Sony, the S100F is a formidable competitor. Its primary strengths are brand recognition, reliability, and Sony’s renowned audio processing. This is a 2.0 channel bar, meaning it doesn’t have a dedicated subwoofer channel, instead relying on a “Bass Reflex” speaker design. The result is clearer sound than TV speakers but with less low-end punch than the Wohome S100. A user might choose the Sony S100F if they prioritize a trusted brand name and are looking for a simple audio upgrade focused on clarity and a balanced sound, without the heavy bass that a 2.1 system provides.
3. LARKSOUND Mini TV Soundbar Bluetooth
- Room-Filling Sound: The small soundbar offers louder sound, and it can easily make an impact change to your TV sound and film-watching experience. It maximizes sound clarity and reduces voice delay,...
- Professionally Tuned EQ Modes: With Music, Movie, Voice, Normal mode. Explosions pop, dialog sounds far crisper, and you may even notice sonic details in your favorite films that you've never picked...
- Multiple Connectivity: With Bluetooth 5.0 compatibility (the transmission range up to 33 feet), you can wirelessly stream your favorite music and podcasts. It also supports USB, AUX IN, HDMI, optical...
The LARKSOUND is perhaps the most direct competitor to the Wohome S100, targeting the same “small soundbar” market for TVs and PCs. Its standout feature, and a massive advantage over the Wohome, is the inclusion of an HDMI ARC connection. This allows users to control power and volume with their existing TV remote, eliminating the biggest usability complaint leveled against the S100. A buyer would choose the LARKSOUND if single-remote convenience is their absolute top priority. The trade-off is that they would be forgoing the Wohome S100’s specialized 6-level voice enhancement technology.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Wohome S100 2.1ch Sound Bar with Subwoofer for You?
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Wohome S100 2.1ch Sound Bar with Subwoofer is a fantastic product that delivers on its promises. It is a purpose-built solution that excels in its specific niche. Its primary strength lies in its ability to produce rich, clear, and surprisingly powerful sound from an incredibly compact frame. The 6-level voice enhancement is not a gimmick; it’s a highly effective tool that dramatically improves dialogue intelligibility, making it an ideal choice for anyone who struggles to hear conversations on TV.
It is not without its flaws. The mandatory, sometimes quirky remote control and the noticeable Bluetooth audio lag are tangible compromises. However, these are acceptable trade-offs for the performance and features offered at this price point. We recommend the Wohome S100 2.1ch Sound Bar with Subwoofer wholeheartedly to anyone with a smaller TV, limited space, or a primary need for vocal clarity. It’s a perfect fit for bedrooms, offices, dorm rooms, and RVs. If you want a massive, immediate audio upgrade over your TV’s built-in speakers without breaking the bank, this compact powerhouse is one of the best values on the market.
If you’ve decided the Wohome S100 2.1ch Sound Bar with Subwoofer is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API