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Philips Citiscape Uptown Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£90
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Philips Citiscape Uptown review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.3

Good

4.6

Poor

8.2

Excellent

3.2
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
10
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
1.1
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
4.5
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
5.2
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
10
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
3.5
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
4.5
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

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Verdict

The Philips CitiScape Uptown (SHL5905) is a closed-back, over-ear headphone featuring 40mm premium neodymium drivers with a frequency response of 12 Hz – 23.5 kHz, an impedance of 32 Ohms, and a sensitivity of 103 dB. Its core characteristics include MusicSeal technology for passive noise isolation and a retro-inspired design with memory foam ear cushions and an air-quilted headband for long-term comfort. Key pros are its clear audio performance, premium build quality, and a 1.2m flat anti-tangle cable with a built-in microphone for mobile calls. However, some cons include an ineffective analog volume slider that can cause channel imbalance, a non-detachable cable, and a sound signature that can feel thin or overly bright for certain genres like classical music.

Technical Specifications of Philips Citiscape Uptown

Overall score

5.3

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

5.1

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Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

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Calls & Controls

6.7

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

?

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Connectivity

6.6

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

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Features

2.7

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

4.9

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

3.4

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Philips

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Philips Citiscape Uptown vs the average headphone

Why is Philips Citiscape Uptown better than the average headphone?

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Clear call microphone
Philips Citiscape Uptown offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.
Importance: MEDIUM
Philips Citiscape Uptown offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Philips Citiscape Uptown includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.
Importance: MEDIUM
Philips Citiscape Uptown includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
In-line controls
Philips Citiscape Uptown includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.
Importance: LOW
Philips Citiscape Uptown includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
6 Hz lower bass extension
Philips Citiscape Uptown has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Philips Citiscape Uptown has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.12 Hz vs 18 Hz
3,500 Hz higher treble extension
Philips Citiscape Uptown has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (23,500 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=24000 Hz
Philips Citiscape Uptown has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (23,500 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.23500 Hz vs 20000 Hz
2.15x more popular
Philips Citiscape Uptown is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Philips Citiscape Uptown is more popular than the average headphone (10.00 vs 4.646).10 vs 4.65
6 Hz lower bass extension
Philips Citiscape Uptown has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (12 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
3,500 Hz higher treble extension
Philips Citiscape Uptown has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (23,500 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Philips Citiscape Uptown includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
Clear call microphone
Philips Citiscape Uptown offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
In-line controls
Philips Citiscape Uptown includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Calls & Controls

Why is Philips Citiscape Uptown worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Philips Citiscape Uptown has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
Non-replaceable earpads
Philips Citiscape Uptown has non-replaceable earpads, while the average headphone has replaceable ones. 96.1% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
13.8% higher weight
Philips Citiscape Uptown is heavier than the average headphone (248 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
No travel bag
Philips Citiscape Uptown does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
0.7 higher clamp force
Philips Citiscape Uptown has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (5 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
3 mm tighter earcup height
Philips Citiscape Uptown has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (57 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
0.2 % higher distortion
Philips Citiscape Uptown has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
No voice assistant support
Philips Citiscape Uptown does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
5 years older release date
Philips Citiscape Uptown was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
June 2012
No voice assistant support
Philips Citiscape Uptown does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.
Importance: LOW
Philips Citiscape Uptown does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
Philips Citiscape Uptown has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.
Importance: MEDIUM
Philips Citiscape Uptown has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
Non-replaceable earpads
Philips Citiscape Uptown has non-replaceable earpads, while the average headphone has replaceable ones. 96.1% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
What it is: Earpads can be replaced when worn out
When it matters: When you care about long-term maintenance and extending product life.
Importance: LOW
Philips Citiscape Uptown has non-replaceable earpads, while the average headphone has replaceable ones. 96.1% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
13.8% higher weight
Philips Citiscape Uptown is heavier than the average headphone (248 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
Philips Citiscape Uptown is heavier than the average headphone (248 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.248 g vs 218 g
0.2 % higher distortion
Philips Citiscape Uptown has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <=1%
Philips Citiscape Uptown has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.5 % vs 0.3 %
No travel bag
Philips Citiscape Uptown does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
What it is: Comes with a protective carrying case or pouch
When it matters: When protection in transit matters right out of the box.
Importance: LOW
Philips Citiscape Uptown does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
0.7 higher clamp force
Philips Citiscape Uptown has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (5 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.
Importance: MEDIUM
Philips Citiscape Uptown has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (5 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.5 vs 4.3
3 mm tighter earcup height
Philips Citiscape Uptown has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (57 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Philips Citiscape Uptown has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (57 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.57 mm vs 60 mm

Graphic comparison of Philips Citiscape Uptown and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Philips Citiscape Uptown?

Excellent comfort during long listening sessions thanks to memory foam ear pads.
Stylish design featuring premium-looking materials like faux leather and aluminum.
Impressively wide soundstage for a closed-back headphone model.
Clear, well-balanced sound profile across the high-mids and treble frequencies.
Good passive noise isolation and minimal sound leakage.
Flat, linguini-style cable that actively resists tangling.

What customers dislike about Philips Citiscape Uptown?

The built-in analog sliding volume control is flimsy, short-ranged, and prone to channel imbalance or static.
Lack of portability as the large ear cups do not fold down for storage.
The audio cable is permanently attached and cannot be replaced if damaged.
Can sound overly bright, thin, or lacking in deep sub-bass on certain musical genres like classical.
Does not include a protective carrying pouch or travel case in the box.

Expert reviews

diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com

24/12/2014

SHL-5905 (CitiScape Uptown) | DIY-Audio-Heaven

The DIY-Audio-Heaven review highlights the discontinued Philips CitiScape Uptown (SHL-5905) as a highly affordable, closed-back portable headphone that punches well above its price tier, especially when modified. Structurally, it features a dynamic 40mm CCAW voice coil driver and a low-microphonic, flat silicone tangle-free cord equipped with an integrated remote control. In terms...Read more

headfonics.com

14/10/2012

Philips Citiscape Uptown Headphones - Headfonics

The Philips CitiScape Uptown is a highly capable entry-level over-ear headphone featuring excellent build quality, strong passive noise isolation, and a non-fatiguing, warm-to-neutral sound signature. While performance improves with a warmer amplifier, the headphone delivers energetic yet controlled treble that avoids harshness. HeadfonicsCons include a thin, noisy inline remote...Read more

uk.pcmag.com

27/06/2012

Philips CitiScape Uptown - Review 2012

The Philips CitiScape Uptown over-ear headphones offer a classy retro design featuring plush MemoryFoam ear cushions and a heavily padded headband that ensure exceptional comfort during extended listening sessions. Priced at $149.99, these wired headphones feature a flat, tangle-resistant linguini-style cable and an inline microphone component compatible with various smartphone...Read more

head-fi.org

01/06/2012

Review: Philips CitiScape Uptown

The Head-Fi review of the Philips CitiScape Uptown highlights exceptional comfort, clear sound, and an expansive soundstage for a closed-back design, noting memory foam pads and a "Music Seal" that effectively blocks external noise. However, the review identifies that a perfect seal can lead to muddy, boosted bass, and that the thin, integrated cable controls often produce annoying...Read more

imaedia.de

07/08/2013

Philips CitiScape Uptown Headphones Review

Design, Comfort, and Material Quality The Philips CitiScape Uptown is a budget-friendly, over-ear headphone featuring a stylish retro aesthetic designed for urban environments. Weighing approximately 260 grams, the headphones offer high wearing comfort due to a wide, heavily padded headband with quilted air cushions and thick, soft foam ear cushions. The ear cups are large enough to...Read more

stadt-bremerhaven.de

11/08/2013

Hands-on: Philips CitiScape Uptown Headphones", "Review: Philips CitiScape Uptown Headphones", "Tested: Philips CitiScape Uptown Headphones

The Philips CitiScape Uptown is an over-ear headphone positioned in the entry-level price bracket, retailing around €50 on Amazon despite its original €99.99 RRP. A standout positive feature is its cross-platform compatibility, functioning well with both iOS and Android devices via its 1.2-metre cable. Designed with large 40mm drivers, the headphones provide an aesthetically...Read more

android-user.de

11/02/2024

Philips Citiscape Uptown SHL5905FB Over-Ear-Kopfhörer mit Freisprechfunktion im Test android-user.de

The Android User review rates the Philips CitiScape Uptown SHL5905FB headphones 4 out of 5 stars, highlighting their rich, well-balanced sound and high comfort levels at a budget-friendly price point. Featuring 40mm drivers, these over-ear headphones are noted for long-term comfort and a useful inline remote for media control and voice search. android-user.deConversely, the review...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

28/06/2012

Nokia Purity HD, Philips Citiscape Uptown and Shibuya

The Philips CitiScape Uptown is a circumaural (over-ear) headphone designed for urban use and tailored for smartphone users who want an affordable alternative to high-end mobile headphones. Scoring 4 out of 5 stars by French tech publication Les Numériques, it launched at an accessible price point of €89. The primary pros of this model are its exceptional comfort for long listening...Read more

fwdmagazine.be

20/12/2013

Review: Philips Citiscape Uptown SHL5905 - FWD Magazine

Philips CitiScape Uptown SHL5905 The Philips CitiScape Uptown SHL5905 is a well-designed, over-ear headphone finished in a stylish matte black jacket with excellent attention to detail for its price point. Weighing around 250 grams, it feels sturdy and secure on the head, offering a firm fit that makes it suitable for active users. Comfort remains highly rated due to the thick, soft...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

28/06/2012

Philips Citiscape Uptown Review - Les Numériques

The Philips CitiScape Uptown is a budget-friendly alternative to high-end mobile headphones, drawing heavy design inspiration from the premium Fidelio L1 and M1 models. To lower costs, Philips swapped genuine leather for synthetic materials and aluminum for matte plastic, leaving the flat cable non-detachable. Despite these material changes, the headphones deliver outstanding...Read more

fwdmagazine.be

20/12/2013

Review: Philips Citiscape Uptown SHL5905

The Philips CitiScape Uptown SHL5905 is a well-built, matte black over-ear headphone weighing roughly 250 grams, designed with a distinct focus on aesthetic detail and premium finish for its price bracket. Its snug fit exerts pressure around the ears, making it secure enough for active users, while thick, soft ear cushions maintain good comfort levels. On the performance front, the...Read more

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