Philips Unveils 2025 Soundbar Lineup: B6100, B8200, and B8500
There's been a buzz in the audiophile community lately, and it's all about Philips' upcoming lineup of soundbars for 2025. Philips has announced three new models—the B6100, B8200, and B8500—that promise to deliver exceptional audio quality, sleek design, and compatibility with their latest TVs.
The Philips B8500 is the flagship model, designed to perfectly complement the stands of the new MLED950 and OLED810 TVs. Measuring at 900mm in width, 65mm in height, and 105mm in depth, this soundbar is all about immersive surround sound without occupying too much space. It features a 5.1-channel setup with a total power output of 300W RMS. The main unit houses five drivers—each delivering 30W—for the left, right, center, and side channels. Instead of upfiring drivers, Philips has opted for side-firing drivers to enhance the soundstage. The external subwoofer, which can be positioned vertically or horizontally, packs a powerful 8-inch driver with 150W of power.
On the technical side, the B8500 supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and DTS Virtual:X. While it lacks dedicated upfiring drivers, it's designed to provide a convincing surround experience. Connectivity is solid, featuring HDMI 2.1 with eARC, allowing for 4K passthrough at 120Hz. Bluetooth 5.4 with LE Audio is onboard for wireless audio streaming, and the soundbar can be controlled via the Philips Entertainment app or the included remote.
Moving down the line, the Philips B8200 is aimed at those seeking a sleek form factor without sacrificing performance. At just 37mm in height, it's perfect for TVs with low stands. This 2.1-channel soundbar delivers 160W RMS of total power. The main unit includes four drivers with 15W each, while the twin-driver subwoofer delivers 120W. Philips has incorporated separate tweeters and full-range racetrack drivers for each channel, aiming for detailed audio reproduction.
The B8200 also supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and DTS Virtual:X, ensuring a rich audio experience. Connectivity options mirror those of the B8500, with HDMI 2.1 eARC and Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio support.
Lastly, the Philips B6100 caters to users with smaller TVs ranging from 48 to 55 inches. This soundbar, available from May 2025, measures 600mm in width, making it an ideal match for more modest setups. It's a 2.1-channel system with a total power output of 200W RMS—40W for each of the two main drivers and 120W for the subwoofer. While it doesn't boast the advanced driver configuration of its higher-end siblings, it still supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and DTS Virtual:X. Connectivity includes HDMI 2.1 eARC and Bluetooth 5.4 with LE Audio.
All three soundbars feature sustainability considerations, using recycled plastics and plastic-free packaging. The subwoofers can be placed vertically or horizontally, offering flexibility in setup.
We're definitely excited to see how these new soundbars perform once they hit the market. With their blend of design, technical specs, and compatibility with Philips' new TV lineup, they could be a compelling option for those looking to enhance their home audio experience.
