Philips 2.1 Dolby Atmos Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer: specs and fit

This Philips soundbar pairs a long speaker bar with a separate wireless subwoofer to give a television fuller sound than its built-in speakers usually manage. It is a 2.1-channel system that supports Dolby Atmos content and streams music over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Here is what those terms mean in practice.

What 2.1 channels means

The "2" refers to the left and right channels in the bar, and the ".1" is the subwoofer, which handles low frequencies. Philips says the setup makes dialogue clearer and effects heavier, and that the wireless subwoofer adds weight to explosions and bass lines. Because the subwoofer connects wirelessly, it can sit on the floor wherever you have a free corner, with only a power cable to reach it.

Dolby Atmos from a two-channel bar

Dolby Atmos is a surround format that adds height to the soundstage. Philips describes this bar as Dolby Atmos-compatible, producing a virtual three-dimensional effect that flows above the listener. A 2.1 bar has no upward-firing speakers, so the height effect is created by processing. In general, that gives a wider, taller sound than plain stereo, but it is not the same as a system with dedicated ceiling or upfiring speakers.

Connections: HDMI eARC and 4K pass-through

The soundbar supports HDMI eARC, a connection that carries high-quality audio formats such as Dolby Atmos from a compatible TV to the bar. Philips also lists dual HDMI inputs and 4K HDR pass-through, which means a console or streaming box can be plugged into the bar and its picture sent on to the TV without losing resolution. To use eARC, the TV needs an HDMI port that supports it, which is usually labelled on the set.

Streaming and multi-room audio

For music, the listing describes several routes:

• Spotify Connect over Wi-Fi.
• Apple AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth from a phone or tablet.
• DTS Play-Fi, which lets you link compatible speakers around the home using the Philips Sound app or the Play-Fi app.

The listing also mentions smart-speaker compatibility, so check the brand's documentation for how voice-assistant control works.

Sound modes and setup

Philips lists a Stadium EQ mode that adds ambient crowd sound for live sports. It also describes a single remote with quick access to sound settings, and compatibility with Roku TV remotes. A shared remote typically means fewer controllers on the coffee table.

Who it suits

It suits someone with a TV in a living room or bedroom who wants clearer speech and more bass than built-in speakers give, and who likes the idea of streaming music through the same system. It is a simpler arrangement than a full surround setup with rear speakers.

What to check before you buy

• TV connection: confirm which HDMI port on your TV supports eARC, or whether you will need the optical or another input.
• Size: the listing gives dimensions of about 35 inches long (roughly 89 cm). Measure the shelf or wall space under the TV.
• Subwoofer placement: you need a power outlet near where the subwoofer will stand.
• Streaming apps: check that the services and apps you use are supported.
• Wi-Fi: Play-Fi, AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect work over your home network, so a stable signal helps.
• Wall mounting: check the manual for mounting hardware and instructions.

The short version

• A Philips 2.1-channel soundbar with a wireless subwoofer.
• Dolby Atmos-compatible with a virtual height effect.
• HDMI eARC, dual HDMI inputs and 4K pass-through.
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth streaming, with AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and DTS Play-Fi.
• Stadium EQ mode and a single-remote setup.

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