OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
Headphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Philips Fidelio L3 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£110Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:38 hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):yes

Philips Fidelio L3 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Philips Fidelio L3
8.6/10

Overall score

Score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 99% of models
Score components

80%

8.6

Technical score

20%

?

User score

★Better than 99% of headphones
9.0

Value for money

Value for money
9.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 98% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

★Better than 98%
8.6

Technical score

Technical score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 98% of models
Score components

52%

9.5

Sound

20%

8.6

Features

10%

5.4

Design

8%

7.6

Connectivity

6%

7.7

Battery

4%

9.0

Calls & Controls

★Better than 98%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
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Where to buy
    N/A~ £110
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Philips Fidelio L3

Technical score
Technical score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 98% of models
Score components:

52%

9.5

Sound

20%

8.6

Features

10%

5.4

Design

8%

7.6

Connectivity

6%

7.7

Battery

4%

9.0

Calls & Controls

8.6
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Philips Fidelio L3 has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 73.4% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
9.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 98% of models
Score components:

70%

8.6

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

9.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.6% of headphones and equal to 53.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
7 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 7 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 83.2% of headphones and equal to 1.3% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
yes
This pair of headphones supports a noise-canceling microphone. 61.1% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
4
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 4 microphones, more microphones than 88% of headphones and equal to 5.1% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
?
Show more
Connectivity
wireless
This pair of headphones supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 49.2% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
5.1
This pair of headphones uses Bluetooth version 5.1, newer Bluetooth version than 84% of headphones and equal to 1.6% of headphones.
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 m
Market range: <10 m – >15 m
This pair of headphones offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m, higher Bluetooth range than 2.7% of headphones and equal to 80.6% of headphones.
Audio latency
40 ms
Market range: <40 ms – >222 ms
This pair of headphones has audio latency of 40 ms, lower audio latency than 77.2% of headphones and equal to 14.6% of headphones.
Multipoint support
yes
This pair of headphones supports multipoint. 69.4% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
yes
This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode. 75.2% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
yes
This pair of headphones supports EQ customization. 76.8% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
yes
This pair of headphones works with a companion app. 78.4% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
?
Voice assistant support
yes
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
38 hours
Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life of 38 hours, higher battery life than 61.7% of headphones and equal to 0.8% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
32 hours
Market range: <15 hours – >55 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life with ANC of 32 hours, higher battery life with ANC than 52.4% of headphones and equal to 0.8% of headphones.
Charging time
2 hours
Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
This pair of headphones needs 2 hours to charge, lower charging time than 47.8% of headphones and equal to 39% of headphones.
Quick charge
yes
This pair of headphones supports quick charge. 67% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
800 mAh
Market range: <290 mAh – >1k mAh
This pair of headphones has a battery capacity of 800 mAh, higher battery capacity than 75% of headphones and equal to 7.6% of headphones.
Show more
Brand name
Philips
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
360 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 360 g, heavier than 92.2% of headphones and equal to 0.4% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
4.9
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 4.9, higher clamp force than 59.7% of headphones and equal to 8.5% of headphones.
Show more

Philips Fidelio L3 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Active noise cancellation
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • Ambient sound mode
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • EQ customization
    This pair of headphones supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
  • Companion app support
    This pair of headphones works with a companion app, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
  • 11 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (7 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    7 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Multipoint support
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • Wear detection
    This pair of headphones supports wear detection, the average pair of headphones does not. 8.6% of headphones support in/on-ear detection.
  • 24.2% better value for money
    Philips Fidelio L3 has better value for money than the average pair of headphones (9.03 vs 7.3).
    9.03 vs 7.27
  • 5 mm more spacious earcup height
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (65 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    65 mm vs 60 mm
  • Active noise cancellation
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 11 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (7 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    7 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 20,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • Quick charge support
    This pair of headphones supports quick charge, the average pair of headphones does not. 33% of headphones support quick charge.
  • USB-C charging
    This pair of headphones uses USB-C charging, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.5% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • 37.9% higher battery capacity
    This pair of headphones has a higher battery capacity than the average pair of headphones (800 mAh vs 580 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 580 mAh.
    800 mAh vs 580 mAh
  • 8 hours longer battery life
    This pair of headphones has a higher battery life than the average pair of headphones (38 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    38 hours vs 30 hours
  • Rechargeable battery
    This pair of headphones has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • Multipoint support
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • 110 ms lower audio latency
    This pair of headphones has a lower audio latency than the average pair of headphones (40 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    40 ms vs 150 ms
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • AptX HD support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX HD, the average pair of headphones does not. 7.6% of headphones support aptX HD.
  • AptX Low Latency
    This pair of headphones supports aptX Low Latency, the average pair of headphones does not. 8% of headphones support aptX Low Latency.
  • AAC codec support
    This pair of headphones supports AAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 32.2% of headphones support AAC.
  • NFC pairing
    This pair of headphones supports NFC pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.7% of headphones support NFC pairing.
  • AptX support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX, the average pair of headphones does not. 18.4% of headphones support aptX.
  • Fast pairing support
    This pair of headphones supports fast pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 14% of headphones support fast pairing.
  • Multipoint connections
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint connections, while the average pair of headphones does not. 30.2% of headphones support multipoint connections.
    supports multipoint for up to 2 devices.
  • Clear call microphone
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 3 more microphones
    This pair of headphones has more microphones than the average pair of headphones (4 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    4 vs 1
  • Wind noise reduction
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Sidetone support
    This pair of headphones supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Quick mic mute
    This pair of headphones includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
  • Ambient sound mode
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • EQ customization
    This pair of headphones supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
  • Companion app support
    This pair of headphones works with a companion app, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
  • Wear detection
    This pair of headphones supports wear detection, the average pair of headphones does not. 8.6% of headphones support in/on-ear detection.
  • Find-my-headphones feature
    This pair of headphones supports find-my-headphones features, the average pair of headphones does not. 8.7% of headphones support Find My Headphones.
  • 65.1% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (360 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    360 g vs 218 g
  • 5.87x less popular
    Philips Fidelio L3 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 8 mm tighter earcup width
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup width than the average pair of headphones (36 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    36 mm vs 44 mm
  • 0.6 higher clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a higher clamp force than the average pair of headphones (4.9 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    4.9 vs 4.3
  • 5.87x less popular
    Philips Fidelio L3 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 65.1% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (360 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    360 g vs 218 g
  • 8 mm tighter earcup width
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup width than the average pair of headphones (36 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    36 mm vs 44 mm
  • 0.6 higher clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a higher clamp force than the average pair of headphones (4.9 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    4.9 vs 4.3

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

5.0
Vortex Reviews
≈ estimated
04/06/2021
Hands-on review · ANC, app, comfort and sound
Verdict
Philips Fidelio L3 sounds good, but the broken app and its price make it hard to recommend right now.
Shop video
Brand video
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

whathifi.com
22/10/2021
Expert review · Wireless ANC headphones
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio L3 is a very good, easy-to-use wireless headphone, though the Sony WH-1000XM4 sounds more detailed and dynamic.
trustedreviews.com
23/09/2021
Hands-on review · Noise-cancelling over-ears
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio L3 is a warm, balanced pair with excellent noise cancelling, though its awareness mode is a bit noisy.
avforums.com
06/09/2021
Detailed review · Wireless ANC headphones
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio L3 is a comfortable, well-built pair with a long 38-hour battery, though its app is less responsive than rivals' apps.
stuff.tv
07/09/2021
Hands-on review · Over-ear ANC headphones
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio L3 is a comfortable, detailed pair with balanced sound that suits listeners who value accuracy, though its noise cancelling could be stronger.
stereonet.com
22/01/2022
Listening review · Mid-price ANC headphones
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio L3 is a well-built pair with real leather and smooth, detailed sound that suits mid-price buyers, though it can feel tight at first.
soundstagesolo.com
01/11/2021
Hands-on review · Bluetooth ANC headphones
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio L3 is a punchy, bass-rich pair with comfortable earpads, suiting hip-hop and pop fans more than audiophiles seeking a natural sound.
seriousinsights.net
01/05/2022
Full review · Premium ANC headphones
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio L3 is a sturdy, well-finished pair with powerful noise cancelling and rich sound, though its cable and case feel basic and the controls take practice.
hifichoice.com
13/03/2024
Magazine review · Warm-sounding over-ears
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio L3 is a warm, smooth pair that blocks noise well and carries the music easily, though it misses some fine micro-detail.
onecutreviews.com
14/06/2023
Brief review · Dual-connection headphones
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio L3 is a sturdy wireless pair with dual connectivity and long battery life that suits travel and daily commuting.
headphonecheck.com
02/06/2022
Hands-on test · Home and travel
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio L3 is a warm-sounding, long-lasting over-ear pair for home and travel, held back by a basic app and weaker sound with noise cancelling off.
pocket-lint.com
10/08/2021
Hands-on review · Comfort and sound
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio L3 is a very comfortable over-ear headphone with articulate, detailed sound, but its noise cancelling trails the best and its app crashed in testing.
lbtechreviews.com
02/12/2021
Hands-on test · Balanced, well-built sound
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio L3 is a well-built, nicely balanced pair with strong noise cancelling, though it sounds a bit damped and lacks the extra edge of the best.
H
hifitrends.com
13/05/2022
Summary of the review
Philips Fidelio L3 Headphones Review: Premium Build & Superb ...
hifitest.de
19/08/2021
Full review · Closed-back sound
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio L3 is a comfortable closed-back headphone whose lively, detailed sound and strong noise cancelling suit long listening sessions.
lite-magazin.de
03/09/2021
Hands-on test · Comfort and ANC
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio L3 is a very comfortable wireless headphone with solid noise cancelling, multipoint pairing and a warm, balanced sound.
areadvd.de
27/10/2021
XXL test · Adaptive noise cancelling
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio L3 is a premium-feeling wireless headphone with natural treble and strong noise cancelling, though its call quality is good rather than outstanding.
computerbild.de
03/03/2022
Hands-on test · Over-ear sound
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio L3 is a detailed, lively over-ear headphone with long battery life, though it is heavy and its noise cancelling is only average.
likehifi.de
24/04/2022
Hands-on test · Wireless over-ears
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio L3 feels premium and lasts ten days between charges, but its weight and fiddly app and cable setup hold it back.
kopfhoerer.de
02/06/2022
Expert test · Bluetooth over-ears
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio L3 is a warm, spacious-sounding headphone with long battery life, best as an all-rounder for home and travel rather than analytical listening.
chip.de
26/07/2023
Lab test · Bluetooth over-ears
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio L3 has powerful bass and long battery life, but at 358 g it is heavy, does not fold, and its touch controls take getting used to.

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Philips Fidelio L3

  • Premium build quality featuring Muirhead leather and aluminum frame
  • Balanced, warm, and refined sound signature
  • Effective active noise cancellation (ANC) and passive isolation
  • Excellent battery life (up to 38 hours total; 32 with ANC)
  • Reliable and responsive touch controls
  • Supports high-quality codecs including aptX HD and AAC
  • Multipoint connectivity allows pairing with two devices simultaneously
  • Comfortable for long listening sessions with memory foam ear pads

What customers don't like about Philips Fidelio L3

  • Heavier than many competitors (approx. 360g), which may affect stability during movement
  • The earcups swivel to lay flat but do not fold, making them less compact for travel
  • The companion app is often cited as being slow, buggy, or overly basic
  • Proximity sensors for auto-pause can be inconsistent or overly sensitive
  • ANC is effective but generally not considered class-leading compared to Sony or Bose rivals
  • Microphone quality is mediocre for voice calls in loud environments
  • Lower-than-average maximum volume levels on some recordings without EQ adjustment

Verdict

The Philips Fidelio L3 is a premium over-ear wireless headphone featuring 40mm bespoke drivers, a frequency response of 7Hz–40,000Hz, and Hi-Res Audio certification for balanced, detailed sound. It utilizes Hybrid Active Noise Canceling Pro+ and supports advanced Bluetooth 5.1 codecs including aptX HD and AAC, alongside multipoint connectivity. Crafted with an aluminum frame and Muirhead leather, it offers up to 38 hours of battery life (32 hours with ANC) and convenient touch controls. Main pros include its luxurious build quality, exceptional audio clarity, and long battery life with quick charging (6 hours from 15 minutes). Notable cons include a slightly heavy 360g weight that may affect stability during movement, an occasionally inconsistent companion app, and ANC performance that falls just short of class-leading competitors.

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