Philips Fidelio Soundbar Review | 109 Data compared

The Tweakers.net review (productreview 122155) praises the Philips Fidelio B5/12 as a versatile, high-quality audio solution designed to eliminate wire clutter in small living spaces. Key strengths include the "Surround on Demand" detachable wireless rear speakers and a highly effective, automatic calibration program. Despite a high price point, lack of Wi-Fi streaming, and limited bass, the reviewer strongly recommends it for those prioritizing a wire-free, 4.1-channel, aesthetically pleasing setup. For more details, visit Tweakers.net.

The Philips Fidelio B8 "SkyQuake" is a 5.1.2-channel soundbar featuring 18 drivers and dedicated upward-firing units designed to deliver immersive Dolby Atmos sound, accompanied by a 220W wireless subwoofer. Its slim 52mm design is praised for dialogue clarity and effective soundstage widening via Ambisound technology, alongside convenient control over height effect intensity. However, the unit is criticized for harsh, bright high-frequency audio and a subwoofer that lacks deep, sub-bass performance. Additionally, the system lacks Wi-Fi for modern streaming and features older HDMI 1.4 ports that limit 4K support to 30fps and lack HDR capability.

The Philips Fidelio B97 is a high-end 7.1.2-channel soundbar featuring unique detachable, battery-powered rear speakers that provide genuine wireless surround sound. Boasting 740W of power, IMAX Enhanced certification, and Dolby Atmos/DTS:X support, the system offers exceptional cinematic detail and a wide soundstage, bolstered by a powerful 8-inch wireless subwoofer for deep bass. Key strengths include a premium, low-profile design and flexible connectivity options like HDMI 2.1; however, potential drawbacks include subtle height effects and complex app-based software control.

The Philips Fidelio B97 is a premium 7.1.2-channel soundbar system featuring unique detachable, battery-powered rear speakers for true wireless surround sound. It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced, delivering a wide, immersive soundstage with a powerful, best-in-class wireless subwoofer. While performance is excellent for movies and music via DTS Play-Fi or AirPlay 2, the Dolby Atmos height effects can feel less pronounced than competitors. Physically, the 131cm-wide unit is quite large, which may obstruct IR receivers on smaller TVs, and the setup requires navigating multiple apps, including DTS Play-Fi and Philips Sound. However, the build quality is top-tier, and the "Surround Sound on Demand" design provides superior flexibility for varied room layouts. Early reports of rear speaker noise have largely been addressed by firmware updates, according to user reports.

The Philips Fidelio B97 is a 7.1.2-channel soundbar featuring a modular design with detachable, battery-powered rear speakers that provide genuine wireless surround sound. It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and boasts IMAX Enhanced certification for a premium home cinema experience. Performance is characterized by an expansive soundstage and a powerful 8-inch wireless subwoofer, making it a viable alternative to traditional component systems. Pros include the flexible, versatile design, "phenomenal" sound quality for both movies and music, and a strong, seamless integration between the main bar and subwoofer. The detachable units offer convenience, while the overall audio performance is considered top-tier for its class. Cons reported in the review include underwhelming height effects from the Dolby Atmos drivers and a large physical footprint that may not fit under smaller televisions. Additionally, the app-based setup process can be inconsistent and requires specific positioning of the satellite speakers for optimal performance.

The Philips Fidelio FB1 is a 7.1.2-channel "all-in-one" soundbar featuring premium Muirhead leather, a 120 cm width, and 15 internal drivers designed for immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio. Pros include exceptionally deep, integrated bass (down to 40Hz) that often eliminates the need for a separate subwoofer, paired with high-clarity dialogue and extensive streaming options like Chromecast and AirPlay 2. Conversely,cons involve a front-heavy soundstage that lacks true rear immersion, a buggy auto-calibration process requiring resets, and a lack of support for 4K/120Hz gaming features.

The Philips Fidelio FB1 is a premium 7.1.2-channel soundbar that offers a powerful single-box home cinema solution, capable of producing deep, "weighty" bass (down to 40Hz) without a separate subwoofer. Featuring a stylish design with Muirhead leather trim and active LED rings for Atmos/DTS:X, it supports extensive connectivity, including HDMI eARC, 4K passthrough, and DTS Play-Fi. Audio performance is marked by a wide, room-filling soundstage and exceptional dialogue clarity. However, the sound is notably front-heavy with limited true surround presence, and some users may find the "sculpted" audio profile too aggressive or harsh, lacking a natural mid-range balance. What Hi-Fi? Key conveniences include an integrated auto-calibration microphone for room optimization. Conversely, the setup process can be buggy, the LED display is difficult to read, and users must manage two separate, somewhat clunky applications for control. Gamers should note the lack of 4K/120Hz or VRR passthrough.

The Philips Fidelio HTL9100 features an innovative "Surround on Demand" design, utilizing detachable, battery-powered wireless speakers that can be placed behind the user for an authentic 5.1 experience without wires. These rear units offer approximately 10 hours of battery life and recharge automatically when magnetically reattached to the main soundbar. What Hi-Fi?Performance is characterized by a warm, detailed sound profile, supported by a potent wireless subwoofer and "DoubleBASS" technology for deep, controlled low frequencies. The system boasts extensive connectivity, including dual HDMI inputs, an HDMI (ARC) output, and Bluetooth, along with an orientation sensor to optimize audio for wall or shelf mounting. Key drawbacks highlighted include the absence of an on-screen display (OSD) for setup, relying on small, bright LEDs, and a lack of individual volume controls for the rear speakers. While the sound is generally strong, the main unit lacks body without the subwoofer, and the premium price point may be high for a 2.1-based system. For more details, visit Trusted Reviews.

The Philips Fidelio B1 ("Nano Cinema Speaker") features an ultra-compact 40cm design with microbeam technology, creating a wide 180-degree soundstage, and a versatile wireless subwoofer suitable for tight spaces. It delivers impressive, punchy audio for movies and gaming, supported by HDMI ARC, Bluetooth aptX, and a high-quality, stylish build. However, the B1 is limited by lackluster musical performance, potential harshness in the midrange at high volumes, and a lack of HDCP 2.2 support, which hinders 4K video passthrough.

The Philips Fidelio B1 is a "nano cinema speaker" designed for space-conscious users, featuring a 40cm width, premium metal finish, and a highly versatile wireless subwoofer. It utilizes "microbeam" technology with angled drivers to generate a surprisingly wide, 180-degree soundstage suitable for small rooms. While offering extensive connectivity including HDMI ARC, optical, and Bluetooth, it lacks modern 4K/HDCP 2.2 passthrough support. Pros include an incredibly compact, stylish design and room-filling volume, making it effective for movie-watching. Cons involve an unrefined, occasionally boomy sound performance that struggles with musical nuance, described as "muddy" in some scenarios. Additionally, the lack of 4K support and high-resolution audio capability limits its value for modern home cinema setups.

a little longer The Philips Fidelio B8 is a slim, 5.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos soundbar utilizing 18 drivers and AmbiSound technology to create an immersive 3D audio effect. It includes a powerful, wireless 220-watt subwoofer, and its low-profile design allows it to sit beneath most TVs. The soundbar excels in movie playback, offering a wide soundstage, impressive vocal clarity via its center channel, and easy-to-use remote adjustments for dedicated "height" channels, acting as a major pro. It is well-connected, featuring HDMI inputs with 4K pass-through and Bluetooth functionality. A notable con is that the Atmos effect, while good for a single unit, is less convincing than dedicated speaker setups, requiring high settings, and the system can sound harsh at high volumes when playing music. Despite this, the Fidelio B8 offers a strong, space-saving solution for home cinema.

The Philips Fidelio B97 is a premium, versatile 7.1.2-channel soundbar featuring "Surround on Demand," which uses detachable, wireless rear speakers for a true cinematic experience. It delivers an expansive, detailed soundstage for both movies and music, supported by a powerful wireless subwoofer that provides solid, cinematic depth. The system serves as a functional, well-connected audio hub with two HDMI inputs, eARC, and DTS Play-Fi multi-room capability. Key strengths include the immersive, adaptable audio performance and the practical, rechargeable nature of the wireless rear units. However, drawbacks noted in the review include a high subwoofer crossover frequency that makes the sub's location pinpointable. Additionally, the system lacks automatic RoomEQ calibration, requiring manual adjustments, and the included remote control feels flimsy.

The Philips Fidelio B97, reviewed by Mixed Grill, is a 7.1.2-channel soundbar featuring "Surround Sound on Demand" with detachable, battery-powered rear speakers for a true wireless surround experience. It boasts premium build quality, supporting Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced, delivering a powerful soundstage with deep bass from its 8-inch subwoofer. Key pros include excellent cinematic audio performance, clear dialogue, and DTS Play-Fi integration for multi-room audio. Conversely, cons involve subtle Atmos height effects, the need to manage up to four different apps for configuration, and the maintenance of charging the detachable speakers every 8–10 hours. Overall, the system is lauded for its versatility and design, though the complex app ecosystem and battery management may pose minor inconveniences for some users.

The Philips Fidelio B97 is a high-end 7.1.2-channel soundbar featuring a modular design with detachable, battery-powered rear speakers for immersive surround sound. It supports modern formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, offering excellent sound separation, a wide soundstage, and powerful bass from its wireless subwoofer. Key strengths include versatile placement options, clear dialogue, and effective "Sport Mode" enhancement. However, the review notes drawbacks, including underwhelming height effects from the upward-firing drivers compared to premium competitors and a complex app ecosystem for control. Additional cons include a constantly lit orange status light and reported connectivity issues with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Overall, it is praised for its adaptability and performance, though some users find the software experience, specifically with DTS Play-Fi, frustrating.

The Philips Fidelio B97 is a high-end 7.1.2-channel soundbar featuring detachable, battery-powered rear speakers ("Surround Sound on Demand") that provide a true surround experience. Its modular design, paired with premium build quality and an 8-inch wireless subwoofer, delivers a powerful, wide soundstage with excellent mid-range clarity. While it supports comprehensive formats like Dolby Atmos and IMAX Enhanced, the up-firing drivers offer only subtle height effects, and the system requires managing multiple, somewhat fragmented control applications. Despite the high price and the need for regular recharging of the rear modules, the B97 offers exceptional versatility and robust HDMI 2.1 connectivity for movie enthusiasts.