Philips has sparks of brilliance intermittently and they come out with some tough headphones that will last long enough to outrun the worth of their price. In a market that has Sennheiser and Sony unloading premium headphones by the dozen, the quiet charm of Philips may get overlooked. Only once you dig deep into their line-up do you realize that Philips has some gutsy cans with thrilling audio.The Fidelio line has long been a yardstick to measure the success of other headphones. Names like Fidelio X2 and L2 are thrown around a lot in the audiophile chatter. From the low-end of cost coordinate to the midrange, Philips may surprise you with their hidden gems.
How good are Philips headphones?
The answer to that question is subjective. Depends on what you are comparing them with. Philips believes in following a natural or flat audio response. Usually their phones sit well with people who like to enjoy their music but also aren’t in the savage phase where they think stock earphones sound premium. The headphones covered in our best Philips headphones list have a distinctive balanced sonic response which is hard to nail.
Which are the best Philips headphones?
The headphones we picked up for our best Philips cans list have the following things in common:
Stellar Audio: All headphones in this list have been widely accepted for producing the kind of audio output that their spec boasts of. Be it bass-resplendent DJ headphones or just headphones for a music-nut with refined taste, these cans will prove their mettle. Only with Philips do we find some midrange-friendly high-end headphones. Most brands focus on clinically clean audiophile-grade audio or warm bass-boosted sound. Philips can work magic with the vocals and guitars.
Pious prices: Philips never charges too premium. They deliver remarkable audio at low prices . Most music-lovers on a budget will find a Philips headphone that satisfies all their requirements.
Cozy comfort:Philips innovates in terms of physical design to craft headphones that feel comfortable on your head. They take a detour from the standard materials and liberally use porous materials to reduce sweating with headphones on. They don’t shy away from using metals to give the headphones a solid structure.
Perks:Many Philips headphones go the extra mile to add convenience features like braided cord or studio adapters with their headphones. All these reasons zeroed in on many cans for our best Philips headphones list.
THE BEST PHILIPS HEADPHONES - COMPLETE CHART
Picture |
Name |
Kind of Headphone |
Price |
Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Picture |
Name |
Kind of Headphone |
Price |
Rating |
 |
1. Philips X2/27 Fidelio Premium Headphones | open-back | $$$ | 4.3 |
 |
2. Philips Rich Bass Neckband Headphones SHS5200/28 | closed-back | $$ | 4.3 |
 |
3. Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo Over-ear Headphones | open-back | $$ | 4.3 |
 |
4. Philips A5Pro/27 A5PRO Professional DJ Headphones designed with Armin Van Buuren | closed-back | $$$ | 4.3 |
 |
5. Philips Fidelio L2 Audio Headphones | semi-open-back | $$ | 4.3 |
 |
6. Philips SHS3200BK/37 Flexible Earhook Headphones | earphone | $ | 3.7 |
 |
7. Philips SHB5500BK/27 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones | closed-back | $$ | 3.7 |
Philips X2/27 Fidelio headphones have a nice warm sound that is too pleasing to pass over.Although they don’t conform to the audiophile standards for neutrality, they outsmart many peers in the finer details of audio. If you plan to graduate to the high-end music and still be able to enjoy it, then Fidelio X2s, the best Philips headphones, make a great companion on that journey.
Audio Performance
The Fidelio X2 Philips headphones have a deliciously smooth sonic response. Bass has a deep and rumbling reach extending into sub-bass. With some significant hours of burn-in, any bloat in the bass also disappears, clearing out the mids. Midrange is detailed and richly textured. Highs have a fizz to them. They roll off before hitting any sibilance at high volumes. Clarity and soundstage are a revelation even at their price. After listening to these, all kinds of high-resolution headphones will sound clinical.
These Philips headphones will never cause any listening fatigue as is usual with the HD headphones. Instrument separation gives you space to visualize the players.
Design and Features
Philips Fidelio X2 headphones are open-back cans with circumaural earcups. The earpieces are swathed in soft velour earpads.Earpads have memory foam which aligns readily to your head. X2s have a self-adjusting double headband design. The structure that rests directly on your head is porous and allows your head to ‘breathe’. The other headband is made out of real leather.
Left ear piece has a 3.5mm port for detachable cable. The cable shipped with these headphones is fabric coated.
Additional Perks:
A 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter cable is provided for studio use.
Pros:
- Very comfortable architecture
- Velour pads and leather headband
- Warm enjoyable sound
- Deep bass and massive soundstage
- Good stereo imaging
- High resolution detailed sound
- Detachable cable
- Studio adapter is provided
Cons:
- Open-back structure allows external noise in
<<Latest customer reviews and prices of Philips X2/27 Fidelio Premium Headphones>>
Philips Rich Bass Neckband headphones boast of an easy-to-wear design that targets the physically active folks who hate their ears being engulfed in oven-like warmth.If you are looking for a pair of running headphones and want to avoid sweat build-up, look no further. These Philips rich bass neckband headphones have arrived to rescue.
Audio Performance
Contrary to first impressions, the Philips neckband headphones actually have an open-back blueprint. There are three vents on each earcup which give the sound an open, airy character. Richness of bass is lent from this design which allows better airflow for the meaty bass sound. Mids sound decent but highs roll off early.For a casual listener the sound is satisfying with the punch of bass which makes these Philips headphones perfect to boost your exercise motivation.
Design and Features
The unique architecture of the Philips rich bass neckband headphones is what garners it all the acclaim. It has two petite on-ear ear pieces. These mount an over-ear earhook each that joins to form a band that goes behind your head. Ear pieces have Bass-beat vents that allow good ventilation and keep the ears from sweating. Also because of the earhook, there’s no need to apply clamping pressure to secure the headband on your ears. That’s the way one of the best Philips headphones handles it. Usually the in-ear sports headphones keep slipping out due to sweat. Over-ear headphones have a clamping problem and are not suited for running.
Cable descends from the left earcup of these Philips headphones. They are coated in fabric to resist tangles.
Additional Perks
Neckband has been coated in reflective material to alert others to your presence in dark. This is useful if you go running late in the evening.
Pros:
- Sweat-preventing design
- Secure fitment, can be used as running headphones
- Allows you to hear external conversations and traffic noise
- Open, airy audio with voluminous bass
- One-sided cable reinforced with fabric coating
- Cable is tangle-free
- Can be hung around the neck when not in use.
Cons:
- Sound leaks out of the ear pieces
<<Latest customer reviews and prices of Philips Rich Bass Neckband Headphones SHS5200/28>>
Philips SHP9500 HiFi headphones are for the connoisseurs of slow music. Classical, rock and jazz lovers will revel in Debussy and Santana’s tracks and the way they melt into your conscience with these headphones. The open –back design makes for a lively sound that may make the X1s sound mellow.
Audio Performance
The SHP9500 Philips headphones favor the mids. They have tight bass which makes no move on the territory of mids.So that solves the bass bleeding. They sound full with vocals and instruments and would make an audiophile really happy. Even though the bass is powerful, it is dwarfed by the beauty of mids. Highs have a bit of dryness to them. They tend to sound harsh. Treble is not so much in line with bass making bassy tracks a little fatiguing to hear over long periods of time. But these wrinkles can be EQ’d out.
Frequency response is quite neutral in an attempt to keep the headphones hi-fidelity. They are budget-oriented audiophile cans, hence propelled to our best Philips headphones list.
Design and Features
Philips invested a lot into comfort with the SHP9500 headphones. They are less temperamental on your ears already because of the open-back design. But Philips created suspension-headband system and the plush earpads from a perforated material which allows your skin to breathe. So inspite of wearing full-sized cans you don’t feel the heat.Construction is sturdy and built to last.
The cable of these Philips headphones is replaceable. It’s a 3.5mm male-male cable that can connect to any portable playback device.
Additional Perks
The input impedance of 9500 Philips headphones is 32 ohms which can be driven by smartphones and MP3 players without an amplifier in between
Pros:
- Highly comfortable build
- Porous earpads to avoid sweating of ears
- Robust construction
- Flat, neutral sound
- Rich and full-sounding mids
- Tight bass
- Hi fidelity headphones
- Detachable cable
Cons:
- Highs and treble are slightly off
<<Latest customer reviews and prices of Philips SHP9500 HiFi Precision Stereo Over-ear Headphones>>
Designed for DJing and built with the blessing of Dutch pro Armin Van Buuren, the Philips A5 Pro headphones bring an exuberant touch to the music. Unlike the reigning DJ headphones, these are not bassy. They have a refined and solid sound that can be trusted to mix tracks and rev up the dance floor.
Audio Performance
Defying all the stereotype of DJ headphones, the A5 Pro Philips headphones do not let bass bleed over to other regions. They have a tight and punchy bass that will get you going. It’s not going to shake the fun out of you like the V-Moda M-100s. The more natural response makes you want to try out all genres. And boy do these play well! Rock, jazz, metal, everything plays dynamically, right outside your head, just as the best Philips headphones can do.
Even though these Philips headphones have a closed-back acoustic system, they have a spacious soundstage which is utilized efficiently to place instruments.
Design and Features
Philips A5 Pro headphones are quite macho-looking cans. They have the weapon-grade construction needed to deal with the abuse of DJs. The steel and Aluminum body is swaddled lavishly in cushioning. Earcups and headband have enough padding to keep the user comfortable even with the high weight of these headphones.
The A5 Pro Philips headphones come with a detachable cable. The 1.3m coiled cable can extend up to 4.7m when expanded. This gives them room to absorb the tugging and jostling. These Philips headphones also have articulating arms which fold them into a very small form.
Additional Perks
Ear padding is replaceable. 3 of these replacement cushions and studio adapter are said to be shipped with the pack.Cables can be attached to a 3.5mm port on either earcup. This gives you better movement options.
Pros:
- Solid construction
- Replaceable Earpads
- Heavy cushioning
- Detachable cable
- Flat, natural audio response
- Tight bass and balanced sound
- Wide soundstage and good instrument separation
- Lively sound
Cons:
- Heavy at 14.2 ounces
<<Latest customer reviews and prices of Philips A5Pro/27 A5PRO Professional DJ Headphones designed with Armin Van Buuren>>
Fidelio L2 headphones by Philips are known as one of the top contenders in their price-range. Rather like Audio-Technica M50s you find everybody comparing headphones to the L2s. They have a hi-fidelity balanced sound that treats bass and mids with equal vigor, so much so, that we can’t figure out which we like best of these Philips headphones. Now that’s the kind of dilemma only the best Philips headphones can bring.
Audio Performance
The sonic output of Philip Fidelio L2 headphones is a rejuvenating experience. The entire spectrum is textured with nuances that would make you want to go back into your audio stash and rediscover the hidden intricacies in all your favorite songs. Clarity is superb in these Philips headphones. Bass is taut with the tension making it react quickly to dips in the frequency. It can rumble with punch in the lower end. Mids have the voluminous feel that comes from high resolution headphones only. Treble is clean and clear of any kind of sibilance.
Soundstage projects the audio from Fidelio L2 right around your head. Although it has a modest expanse, the stereo imaging is managed very well in the space.
Design and Features
Philips Fidelio L2s are semi-open-back headphones. They have used both metal and plastic intermittently to create a hardy architecture. The headband and earcups are made of metal. Earcups have memory foam padding sheathed in leather. Headband is likewise adorned. Slight accents of red on black and red threadwork add to their appeal.
The cable of the Fidelio L2 Philips headphones is detachable. The 1.2m single-sided cable has microphone and inline remote control that works on all types of phones.
Additional Perks
The cable of these Philips headphones is fabric-coated for better safety.
Pros:
- Strong structure, made to last
- Comfortable fit
- Good noise isolation
- Tight bass and slightly forward mids
- Clean treble
- High-clarity sound
- Detachable cable
- 5mm to 6.3mm adapter is provided
Cons:
- Sound leakage due to open design
<<Latest customer reviews and prices of Philips Fidelio L2 Audio Headphones>>
Running headphones are hard to judge. A minor misstep in one factor and they end up losing value for their money. They have to balance comfort, audio and price delicately. Philips SHS3200 earphones seem to do just that. Relatively cheap, these running headphones will see you through the vigorous workout sessions, as only the best Philips headphones can.
Audio Performance
Philips SHS3200/37 earphones aim for a more balanced sound. They have a slightly lean bass which could be a deal breaker for casual listeners. People with more discerning taste in music will appreciate the role of mids and highs with respect to bass. They have a good presence and are not hindered by bass puffing itself up.
These Philips headphones also tend to play a little loud, probably due to their 16 Ohm impedance. You can fire them up through any device and need no amp when you are on the go. This adds to their portability appeal.
Design and Features
Philips SHS3200 earphones have an open design that fastens without lodging into the ears. They have hooked structures mounted on ear pieces that don’t invade the sanctum of your ear canal. Earhooks go around the ears and hold the ear pieces strongly in place. The open architecture allows the runner to hear traffic noises and conversation directed at her/him. This way they stay aware of their surroundings.
The cable of these Philips headphones is 1.2m long. There’s no inline remote or mic.
Additional Perks
The SHS3200 Philips headphones have a simple design. Their other notable feature is their low price.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Comfortable and secure fit for working out
- Earhooks for proper ear piece placement
- In-ear penetration is low
- Balanced sound, not bass-boosted
- Responds well to EQ
Cons:
- No inline remote
<<Latest customer reviews and prices of Philips SHS3200BK/37 Flexible Earhook Headphones>>
Philips SHB5500 wireless headphones are a bargain for their price. They have notes and clefs in all the right places. The freedom from wires is a boon in itself. They definitely exceed expectations for their price range and dazzle us with their unbridled ingenuity.
Audio Performance
The SHB5500 wireless headphones by Philips have a pleasing sound with a decent peppering of bass. It’s unfair to muse about the finer points of bass-midrange-treble on budget-oriented headphones. So it will suffice to say that these headphones have a clean audio with a tight bass that responds fast to the change of tone. The punchy bass can get you going in the gym too.
The songs sound lively enough to enjoy them. Vocals have a good presence over music if you intend to watch movies with these on.
Design and Features
The SHB5500 wireless Philip headphones are pretty dainty at the 4.2-ounce weight. They have the supra-aural type of blueprint. Headband has a rubber finish, meanwhile the earpads contact your ear smoothly. There’s not a lot of clamp pressure but they stay on your head through your exercise regime. Left earcup has a multifunctional button for calls/ playback. There are volume navigation buttons on the same ear piece.
Bluetooth works seamlessly on these Philips headphones easily grabbingthem a spot on the best Philips headphones list. They have a battery life of 8 hours which is moderate by the current standards.
Additional Perks
These SHB5500 Philips headphones have an internal microphone which picks up your voice clearly.
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Clamp-free
- Has internal microphone for calls
- Has good range
- Audio is pleasant
- Good bass response
- Can be used as sport headphones
Cons:
- These cannot be used in wired mode
- Average battery life
