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Philips Fidelio L4 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£200
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wireless
Battery life: 50 hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

Philips Fidelio L4 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

8.3

Excellent

8.6

Excellent

7.2

Very good

9.5
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
9.0
Audio latency
25.0%
10
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
10
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
8.3
Battery life
8.2
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
10
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
8.3
Battery life
18.0%
2.5
Weight
16.0%
10
Multipoint support
14.0%
10
Ambient sound mode
9.7
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
10
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
10
Multipoint support
16.0%
8.3
Battery life
14.0%
10
Companion app
4.3
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
2.5
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
8.3
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

#2 in Best Philips Headphones
#48 in Best Over Ear Headphones
#48 in Best Wireless Headphones for TV for Seniors
#48 in Best Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
#48 in Best Noise Cancelling Over Ear Headphones
#49 in Best USB-C Headphones
#51 in Best Wireless Headphones
#51 in Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
#51 in Best Headphones with Mic

Verdict

The Philips Fidelio L4 is a premium over-ear wireless headphone featuring bespoke 40mm graphene-coated dynamic drivers designed to deliver a warm, detailed natural sound with a broad 7 – 40,000 Hz frequency response. It offers robust connectivity via Bluetooth 5.3 with support for high-resolution LDAC and LC3 codecs, alongside Hybrid Noise Cancelling Pro+ technology for adaptive environment control. Main pros include an exceptional battery life of up to 50 hours (40 hours with ANC enabled), high-quality call performance via AI-powered beamforming microphones, and a comfortable, lightweight 330g design using synthetic leather and Muirhead leather accents. Notable cons are its non-folding design, which limits portability, and occasional reported connectivity or firmware-related stability issues.

Technical Specifications of Philips Fidelio L4

Overall score

8.3

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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

9.6

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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

9.8

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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

6.9

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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

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

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

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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

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Features

7.9

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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

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

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

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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

8.5

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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

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

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

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

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

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Design

5.8

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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 Fidelio L4 vs the average headphone

Why is Philips Fidelio L4 better than the average headphone?

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Active noise cancellation
Philips Fidelio L4 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.
Importance: HIGH
Philips Fidelio L4 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Hi-Res Audio certification
Philips Fidelio L4 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.
Importance: LOW
Philips Fidelio L4 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
EQ customization
Philips Fidelio L4 supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
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
Philips Fidelio L4 supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Spatial audio support
Philips Fidelio L4 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
What it is: Supports immersive surround sound playback
When it matters: When movies, games, and immersive mixes are part of your listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Philips Fidelio L4 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
11 Hz lower bass extension
Philips Fidelio L4 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (7 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 Fidelio L4 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (7 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.7 Hz vs 18 Hz
More flexible connectivity
Philips Fidelio L4 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
supports both wireless and wired 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
Philips Fidelio L4 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
20000 Hz higher treble extension
Philips Fidelio L4 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (40000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20000 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 Fidelio L4 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (40000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20000 Hz.40000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
Clear call microphone
Philips Fidelio L4 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 Fidelio L4 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
5 mm more spacious earcup height
Philips Fidelio L4 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (65 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
Active noise cancellation
Philips Fidelio L4 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Hi-Res Audio certification
Philips Fidelio L4 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
Spatial audio support
Philips Fidelio L4 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
11 Hz lower bass extension
Philips Fidelio L4 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (7 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
20000 Hz higher treble extension
Philips Fidelio L4 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (40000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20000 Hz.
20 hours longer battery life
Philips Fidelio L4 has a higher battery life than the average headphone (50 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
USB-C charging
Philips Fidelio L4 uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
10 hours longer ANC battery life
Philips Fidelio L4 has a higher battery life with ANC than the average headphone (40 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
33.3% higher battery capacity
Philips Fidelio L4 has a higher battery capacity than the average headphone (800 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
Rechargeable battery
Philips Fidelio L4 has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
More flexible connectivity
Philips Fidelio L4 offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
Clear call microphone
Philips Fidelio L4 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
On-device controls
Philips Fidelio L4 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
In-line controls
Philips Fidelio L4 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
3 more microphones
Philips Fidelio L4 has more microphones than the average headphone (4 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
Wind noise reduction
Philips Fidelio L4 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
Sidetone support
Philips Fidelio L4 supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
Quick mic mute
Philips Fidelio L4 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
EQ customization
Philips Fidelio L4 supports EQ customization, the average headphone does not. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.

Calls & Controls

Why is Philips Fidelio L4 worse than the average headphone?

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51.4% higher weight
Philips Fidelio L4 is heavier than the average headphone (330 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Tangle-prone cable
Philips Fidelio L4 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
3 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Philips Fidelio L4 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (99 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
51.4% higher weight
Philips Fidelio L4 is heavier than the average headphone (330 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 Fidelio L4 is heavier than the average headphone (330 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.330 g vs 218 g
3 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Philips Fidelio L4 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (99 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Philips Fidelio L4 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (99 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.99 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
Tangle-prone cable
Philips Fidelio L4 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.
Importance: LOW
Philips Fidelio L4 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
2.22x more expensive
Philips Fidelio L4 is more expensive than the average headphone (£200 vs £90).
Philips Fidelio L4 is more expensive than the average headphone (£200 vs £90).£200 vs £90
10.4% lower user score
Philips Fidelio L4 has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.25 vs 8).
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.
Philips Fidelio L4 has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.25 vs 8).7.25 vs 8

Graphic comparison of Philips Fidelio L4 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Philips Fidelio L4?

Exceptional battery life of up to 40 hours with ANC and 50 hours without
Rich, vibrant sound quality with clear midrange and well-behaved treble
Outstanding fast charging providing 14 hours of playback from a 15-minute charge
High-quality build using premium materials like Muirhead leather and metal
Excellent call quality aided by AI-powered beamforming microphones
Versatile connectivity options including LDAC, USB-C audio, and 3.5mm wired use
Responsive touch controls and a reliable companion app with custom EQ

What customers dislike about Philips Fidelio L4?

Persistent reports of random Bluetooth disconnection issues
Design is not foldable, making them less portable than some rivals
ANC performance, while good, is not class-leading and can have an audible 'fizz' in silence
Transparency mode significantly thins the sound and degrades bass response
Earcups can feel warm during long listening sessions
Lacks support for aptX codecs (aptX HD/Adaptive/Lossless)
Wear detection and auto-off sensors can be over-sensitive or unreliable

Expert reviews

gadgetmatch.com

12/10/2023

Summary of the review

Philips Fidelio L4 review - GadgetMatch

The Philips Fidelio L4 is a premium, comfortable pair of noise-cancelling headphones featuring Muirhead leather components and smooth, stepless sliders that evenly distribute clamping force for long commuting or travel sessions. Priced at US$ 349, it acts as a budget-friendlier alternative to flagships from Sony and Bose, providing intuitive gesture controls on the right earcup and an impressive 40-hour battery life supported by quick charging. Its active noise cancellation uses four AI-powered microphones to immediately seal out external environments like busy streets and subways, while also delivering crystal-clear call quality to recipients. However, the headphones come with distinct limitations in performance and audio profile. While the sound signature delivers punchy bass and forward mids that make live performances, jazz, and electronic music pop, it lacks treble sparkle and suffers from a narrower sound stage than its competitors. Furthermore, the noise cancellation can stumble in high winds, and the earcups occasionally pick up internal jaw movements while eating. Bombastic genres like rock and metal feel compressed and fail to reach their full potential unless the user maximizes audio quality by turning...

t3.com

10/12/2023

Summary of the review

Philips Fidelio L4 review: over-ear indulgence - T3

The Philips Fidelio L4 over-ear ANC headphones deliver an exceptionally warm, rich, and "epic" sound profile that handles any musical genre with a tight low-end, crisp highs, and an immersive spatial audio option. Priced competitively at £349/$349, they upgrade their predecessor with deeper earcups for an improved fit, a 10% weight reduction down to 330g, and a massive 25% boost in battery performance. With active noise cancellation enabled, the upgraded lithium-ion battery provides up to 40 hours of playback, alongside an impressive quick-charge feature that delivers 12 hours of listening from just a 15-minute charge. Users will also appreciate the robust companion app featuring a six-band equaliser and highly responsive touch controls on the right earcup for seamless volume adjustments and track skipping. However, the review highlights several distinct drawbacks that prevent these headphones from achieving a perfect score. The most prominent flaw is a recurring and unpredictable Bluetooth connection issue, causing the headphones to intermittently drop out or shut down while in use. Additionally, their physical bulk makes them less than ideal for travel, as the larger earcups can...

avforums.com

20/01/2024

Summary of the review

Philips Fidelio L4 Wireless Headphone Review - AVForums

The AVForums review praises the Philips Fidelio L4 as a well-made, comfortable, and evolutionary upgrade featuring an improved app, 50-hour battery life, and excellent, consistent sound quality across wired and wireless connections. While offering a premium, user-friendly experience, the headphones are considered a solid, safe design choice. Key drawbacks noted in the review include a lack of aptX codec support, which may disappoint some users, and a conservative, unexciting design. Additionally, the ear cups can become uncomfortable or clammy during extended listening sessions.

techradar.com

23/12/2023

Summary of the review

Philips Fidelio L4 review: rich and crisp audio quality - TechRadar

The Philips Fidelio L4 over-ear headphones deliver exceptional, vibrant sound quality featuring rich bass, smooth mids, and sparkly treble that rivals market leaders like the Sony WH-1000XM5. They boast an incredibly robust battery life of up to 50 hours with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) turned off (or 40 hours with it enabled), alongside a remarkable quick-charge feature that yields 14 hours of playback from a brief 15-minute charge. Comfort is another major strength, as the lightweight build and foam earcups fully cover the ears, working in tandem with the solidly dependable ANC to successfully block out environmental distractions. However, the headphones are heavily held back by frustrating, random disconnection issues that cause them to unexpectedly shut down during playback, which the reviewer partially mitigated by disabling touch controls and wear detection. From a design perspective, the L4 looks rather dull and functional rather than stylish, and the build quality feels cheaper than its premium $349 / £300 price tag suggests. Additionally, the earcups do not fold, which limits their overall portability and makes them more awkward to pack away securely...

stuff.tv

17/12/2023

Summary of the review

Philips Fidelio L4 review: a familiar formula, refined - Stuff

The Stuff Review of the Philips Fidelio L4 awards these active noise-canceling (ANC) over-ear headphones a 4 out of 5 rating, praising them as a refined, gimmick-free option that delivers excellent sound quality at a competitive price of €239.99 / £300. The review highlights several notable pros, including an engaging and tastefully tuned audio performance that utilizes graphene-coated 40mm drivers to clean up mid-range and high frequencies while keeping sub-bass well-balanced. Additionally, the headphones feature sleek, minimalist looks crafted from high-quality materials—such as a slimmer metal frame and synthetic leather cushions—coupled with ample battery life capable of reaching up to 40 hours with ANC enabled and 50 hours with it turned off. On the downside, the review outlines specific cons, primarily that the active noise cancellation falls short of the class best offered by more expensive rivals like Sony and Bose, noting a louder noise floor and less effective dampening of low-frequency commuter rumbles. The reviewer also noted a few application shortcomings with the companion Philips Headphones app, which can be sluggish to refresh and lacks deep customization, such as...

trustedreviews.com

19/06/2024

Summary of the review

Philips Fidelio L4 Review - Trusted Reviews

The Philips Fidelio L4 headphones, reviewed by Trusted Reviews, offer a warm, detailed sound profile with excellent, reliable wireless connectivity and standout microphone quality for calls. They represent a significant upgrade over previous models, featuring a long-lasting battery that is well-suited for travel. Despite these strengths, the headphones face stiff competition and, while capable against general noise, the active noise cancellation struggles with specific high-pitched sounds like motorcycles. Ultimately, the Fidelio L4 acts as a strong, competitive option that falls just shy of being top-tier in its class.

whathifi.com

24/05/2024

Summary of the review

Philips Fidelio L4 review - Headphones - What Hi-Fi?

The Philips Fidelio L4 over-ear noise-cancelling headphones launched at £299 / $350, positioning them to directly compete with the Sony WH-1000XM5. They feature an all-black design with unique circular earcups, a lighter 330g body, and comfortable vegan leather earpads. The headphones deliver a fun, engaging, and warm sound profile that heavily emphasizes a controlled but boosted bass, making them highly suited for genres like hip-hop and pop. Their active noise cancellation (ANC) effectively blocks low-end public transport hums and office chatter. Furthermore, they offer an exceptional battery life of up to 40 hours with ANC activated (and 50 hours with it turned off), supported by a fast-charging system that yields 14 hours of playback from just a 15-minute charge. However, the headphones do come with notable drawbacks, including a loose fit and lower clamping force that makes them unstable during sudden movements and unsuitable for exercise. In terms of audio performance, critical listeners may find the boosted bass unappealing, and they lack the rhythmic drive, tight timing, and fine-detail resolution found in their Sony rivals. Additionally, the spatial audio feature...

ecoustics.com

02/09/2025

Summary of the review

Philips Fidelio L2 in-ear and T4 Over-Ear Wireless Headphones Would you like a summary of how the L4 compares to the older L3 model?

The Philips Fidelio L4 over-ear wireless headphones ($349) offer premium comfort and clear, well-articulated audio performance designed for long-term use. Built with materials like metal, ceramics, and Scottish leather, they feature graphene-coated full-range drivers and support high-quality LDAC and LC3 Bluetooth codecs. Reviewer Chris Boylan highlighted their pros, noting that the revised clamping force provides a secure yet pressure-free fit over several hours of wear, and the four-microphone hybrid active noise cancelling (ANC) is highly effective at reducing wind noise. Sonically, the L4 delivers precise, deep bass extension without bloat and crisp vocal imaging on high-resolution FLAC stereo tracks. Additionally, they boast an impressive battery life of 40 hours with ANC enabled and 50 hours with it turned off. However, the headphones do exhibit a few notable cons regarding spatial audio performance and pricing competition. When playing immersive formats like Dolby Atmos and 360 Reality Audio on TIDAL, the reviewer felt the spatial effect was somewhat limited, describing it more like a slightly wider stereo soundstage rather than a fully surrounding experience. Furthermore, entering the market at $349 puts the...

computerbild.de

15/12/2023

Summary of the review

Philips Fidelio L4 review: The new headphones rival Bose & Sony

The Philips Fidelio L4 is a premium, over-ear Bluetooth headphone praised for its exceptional, clear, and natural sound quality that outperforms competitors like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Sony WH-1000XM5 in clarity and detail reproduction. Weighing 320 grams, it features a high-quality build made of leather and painted aluminium brackets, housing large 4 cm graphene-coated drivers that deliver deep, clean bass. Key pros include its comfortable fit with well-distributed pressure, a highly versatile companion app for sound and active noise cancellation (ANC) adjustments, and reliable physical controls via button and touch-surface combinations. It supports high-quality AAC and LDAC audio codecs and provides a strong battery life lasting over two days on a single charge with ANC activated. On the downside, the review highlights a few notable cons, such as the complete lack of APT-X codec support and the requirement to enable LDAC manually through both the app and Android developer options for optimal performance. Additionally, its active noise cancellation is less powerful and drapes less environment noise than the "radical" isolation offered by Apple or Bose models. At 320 grams,...

av-magazin.de

05/12/2023

Summary of the review

Philips Fidelio L4 review: Bluetooth headphones with noise cancelling

The Philips Fidelio L4 is a high-end, over-ear Bluetooth headphone that represents a complete redesign rather than a minor update to its predecessor, the L3. It features a new rounded headband and refined 40mm drivers that deliver an exceptionally balanced, high-resolution sound with deep bass and detailed highs. The build quality is excellent, using premium materials that offer a lighter weight and improved comfort for long listening sessions. It supports modern codecs like LDAC and LC3 via Bluetooth 5.3, providing up to 50 hours of battery life without noise canceling, and 40 hours with it active. Pros and Cons Pros: The headphones excel in audio fidelity, offering a "Spitzenklasse" (top-tier) sound performance with great spatiality and detail. The adaptive noise canceling is highly effective at filtering out travel noise, and the companion app offers extensive customization for transparency modes and EQ settings. Additionally, the battery life and build quality are significant highlights. Cons: A notable drawback is the loss of aptX support, which was available in the previous model. Furthermore, activating Noise Cancelling or specific transparency modes can audibly alter...

hifi-journal.de

16/01/2024

Summary of the review

Review: Philips Fidelio L4 Headphones - HiFi-Journal

The Philips Fidelio L4 is a premium pair of closed-back over-ear wireless headphones designed to compete directly with flagship models from Sony and Bose. Retailing at a recommended price of €349.99, it boasts high-quality build materials like metal for the headband and ear cup brackets, alongside premium synthetic leather on the padding. The headphones feature newly developed 40mm graphene-coated drivers and support cutting-edge connectivity including Bluetooth 5.3, Bluetooth Multipoint, Google Fast Pair, and Auracast technology. In terms of functionality, they use an intuitive combination of physical buttons on the left ear cup for ANC controls and a seamless touch panel on the right ear cup for media playback. The package also includes a durable, water-resistant hardshell case, a 20cm USB-A to USB-C charging cable, and a 120cm audio cable for wired listening. Several major pros and cons stand out from the testing process. On the positive side, the Fidelio L4 delivers outstanding comfort and highly satisfying haptic feedback, featuring precise physical buttons and a smooth, non-stepped headband adjustment mechanism that remains securely in place. Its battery life is highly impressive,...

stereo.de

19/08/2025

Summary of the review

Philips Fidelio L4 Review: What Can These ANC Over-Ears Do?", "Philips Fidelio L4 Test: How Good Are These ANC Over-Ear Headphones?

The Philips Fidelio L4 is an over-ear Bluetooth headphone that positions itself as a versatile, well-rounded performer in a slightly elevated price range, just below the true high-end tier. In terms of audio performance, it delivers a balanced, natural, and well-rounded soundstage that avoids exaggerated frequencies, making it an appealing option for listeners who prefer an uncolored audio profile. On the functional side, it excels with an impressive battery life of up to 50 hours with active noise cancelling (ANC) turned off, seamless Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, and helpful touch controls on the ear cups. Additionally, it features useful auto-pause capabilities when removed, a robust companion app equipped with an equalizer, and clear internal left-right indicators. However, the headphones fall short when it comes to ambient noise management. The primary drawback is its weak passive noise isolation, which directly limits the effectiveness of its ANC system, leaving it unable to compete with top-tier models from Bose or Sony. Its transparency mode also feels somewhat unnatural, and the sound profile can occasionally feel a bit thin or lacking in deep, punchy bass...

modernhifi.de

26/09/2024

Summary of the review

Philips Fidelio L4 Review: Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones

The Philips Fidelio L4 is a premium Bluetooth over-ear headphone that balances a luxurious aesthetic with highly precise, natural sound quality. Built with high-end materials like aluminum and soft Muirhead leather, it features 40mm graphene-coated drivers that deliver a wide soundstage, crisp highs, and deep, distortion-free bass. Its active noise-cancelling (ANC) efficiently eliminates low-frequency ambient sounds, while high-frequency voices are filtered intelligently, and can be customized alongside EQ settings via the Philips companion app. Additionally, it boasts an impressive battery life of up to 50 hours (40 hours with ANC enabled) and supports flexible wired connections and advanced Bluetooth codecs like LDAC for Android and AAC for iOS. On the positive side, the headphone stands out for its excellent overall audio performance, exceptional build quality, long-lasting battery life, and high wearing comfort thanks to its balanced weight distribution. It also provides outstanding call quality through beamforming microphones and AI algorithms that filter background noise. However, it does carry a few notable disadvantages, including being heavier than several of its direct market competitors and lacking support for any variant of the...

audiovision.de

22/06/2024

Summary of the review

Philips Fidelio L4 (Review) - audiovision

The audiovision review of the €350 Philips Fidelio L4 wireless over-ear noise-cancelling headphones concludes with an overall rating of "Very Good" (Sehr gut). The reviewer notes that while the initial unboxing experience was marred by an unpleasant chemical smell from the test unit, it dissipated after a few days. Once operational, the headphones excel in audio performance, delivering a dynamic, gripping, and high-resolution three-dimensional soundstage across all frequencies when listening to tracks from artists like Tears for Fears and The Eagles. Usability is smooth thanks to standard touch gestures and physical buttons directly on the earcups, alongside a comprehensive accessory package that includes a sturdy carrying case, a USB charging cable, and a 3.5 mm audio jack cable.

lite-magazin.de

06/06/2024

Summary of the review

Philips Fidelio L4 – Bluetooth headphones with ANC and a modern touch of style

The Philips Fidelio L4 is a premium Bluetooth over-ear headphone that strikes an excellent balance between high-end design and an adult, balanced sound signature. Weighing 320 grams (40 grams lighter than its predecessor), it features slightly oval-shaped ear cushions covered in premium Muirhead leather and a slimmed-down aluminum frame suspension that distributes weight effectively for long-term wearing comfort. Equipped with 40mm graphene-coated dynamic drivers, the headphones deliver a remarkably wide and airy soundstage with excellent separation of mids and highs, deviating from market trends by offering a clean, controlled bass response rather than an overemphasized punch. It includes comprehensive modern features such as reliable touch-gesture controls, multi-point connectivity for two devices, an optimized low-latency mode suitable for gaming, and forward-looking Auracast support.

likehifi.de

18/02/2024

Summary of the review

Review: Philips Fidelio L4 – Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones with ANC

The Philips Fidelio L4 is an over-ear wireless headphone featuring an updated, slimmer headband design and a premium aluminum frame that ensures excellent comfort and structural stability without pressing on the user's head. It delivers an impressive 40 hours of battery life with exceptional quick-charging capabilities (14 hours of playback from a 15-minute charge) and offers outstanding connectivity. It functions as a passive headphone via a 2.5mm to 3.5mm jack without draining the battery, and it can even operate as an external DAC when connected directly to a PC or smartphone via USB-C. Sonically, the L4 excels with a highly detailed and balanced frequency response, featuring punchy, controlled bass, remarkably clear mids for excellent speech intelligibility, and smooth, refined highs. However, the headphones suffer from a notably low volume level when used in active Bluetooth mode or as a DAC, requiring users to turn up the volume by roughly 25% compared to competitors. While its Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) handles ambient noises like trains or vacuums effectively, it cannot quite match the industry-leading isolation of the Sony WH-1000XM5. Additionally, the...

lesnumeriques.com

27/11/2023

Summary of the review

Philips Fidelio L4 Review: A Premium Portable Headphone, But Not for Audiophiles

The Philips Fidelio L4 is a premium over-ear Bluetooth 5.3 headset that offers an elegant design using high-quality materials like Muirhead leather and anodised aluminium, resulting in a dense 330g build. It delivers notable improvements over its predecessor, including a slimmer headband for better comfort, Google Fast Pair, stable LDAC codec support, and multiple connection methods (including passive wired mode and USB-C audio). Performance-wise, the headset features a highly detailed midrange and crisp treble, combined with robust Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that cuts exterior sounds by around 25 dB, alongside a strong microphone setup and impressive battery life that reaches up to 49 hours without ANC. Despite these strengths, the reviewer notes several downsides that prevent it from being a true audiophile device. The overall sound signature is described as somewhat muffled and lacking precision due to inconsistent highs (with dramatic dips between 2 and 6 kHz) and slightly unrefined, muddy bass that bleeds into the lower midrange. Additionally, users will experience a noticeable background hiss when ANC is active, recurring software bugs within the companion app and onboard controls,...

frandroid.com

20/11/2023

Summary of the review

Philips Fidelio L4 Review: Competing with the Best", "Philips Fidelio L4 Review: Joining the Big Leagues of Headphones", "Philips Fidelio L4 Review: U...

The Frandroid review of the Philips Fidelio L4 highlights these over-ear Bluetooth headphones as an acoustic masterpiece that successfully enters the big leagues. The reviewer praises its near-perfect tonal balance, deep and precise bass extension, exceptional dynamic range, and a surprisingly effective, unadvertised Spatial Audio mode that widens the soundstage without distorting the music. On the hardware and usability front, the Fidelio L4 stands out with high-quality, comfortable memory foam ear cups, excellent voice call clarity, and a stellar battery life that reached 38 hours with active noise cancellation (ANC) turned on during testing. Additionally, its broad connectivity suite includes multi-source Bluetooth pairing alongside high-quality lossless playback via digital USB-C and analog 2.5 mm line inputs. Despite earning a highly impressive final score of 9 out of 10, the reviewer points out a few specific compromises. The most notable flaw is its average active noise cancellation, which effectively isolates low-frequency rumbles but falls short of market leaders like Bose and Sony in loud environments like the subway. Furthermore, a noticeable background hiss (fizzing) is audible when ANC or transparency modes...

cdn.dday.it

27/02/2023

Summary of the review

Fidelio L4 and T2: Unique and extraordinary sound by Fidelio

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a highly refined smartphone that represents a mature evolution rather than a drastic revolution compared to its predecessor, positioning itself as the premier Android alternative to the iPhone. Its biggest strength lies in the strategic transition from the niche Exynos chip to a custom-tuned Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which dramatically decreases background battery drain and eliminates the previous model's standby power consumption. For photography, the phone features a massive 200-megapixel ISOCELL HP2 sensor that delivers top-tier image quality. However, the true photography game-changer is the software-driven elimination of shutter lag, allowing users to effortlessly capture crisp, fast-moving action. It also boasts a versatile variety of focal lengths—including a standout 10x optical zoom—and features a brilliant 6.8-inch AMOLED 2X display with an updated Vision Booster system that alters low-to-mid tones for spectacular visibility under direct, blinding sunlight. On the software side, Samsung’s robust One UI 5.1 and secure Knox architecture provide a cohesive, highly customizable, and deeply integrated ecosystem experience.

techpulse.be

13/03/2024

Summary of the review

Philips Fidelio L4 review: top-tier audio", "Philips Fidelio L4 review: premium sound quality

The Philips Fidelio L4 is a high-end wireless over-ear headphone that competes directly with flagship models from Sony and Bose by delivering exceptional, balanced sound quality. Built with premium materials like a solid metal frame and a genuine leather headband, it offers a luxurious feel and avoids the creaking noises common in plastic alternatives. However, these high-quality materials increase its weight to 330 grams, making it significantly heavier than the Sony WH-1000XM5, though a clever weight distribution ensures it remains comfortable for extended wear. In terms of performance, its standout feature is an incredibly balanced and detailed audio signature without overemphasized bass, paired with an impressive real-world battery life of roughly 39 hours with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) turned on. Despite its top-tier audio quality, the Fidelio L4 falls short in its companion application and noise cancellation capabilities. The pros of the device include its powerful and well-balanced audio output, premium build quality, and superior battery life that easily outperforms top competitors from Bose and Sony. On the downside, the ANC performance is underwhelming, as it fails to fully block...

bright.nl

29/01/2024

Summary of the review

This Philips wireless headset is sleeker than Sony's", "This Philips wireless headphone is more stylish than the Sony one

The Philips Fidelio L4 is a premium wireless headphone priced at €345 that positions itself as a stylish, high-quality competitor to dominant models from Sony and Sennheiser. Its primary strengths lie in its balanced, clear audio output delivered via the signature Fidelio sound profile, which can be customised using an in-app equaliser. The build quality feels exceptionally robust despite its all-plastic construction, and it features active noise cancelling that efficiently filters out most high and low frequencies. Additional user-friendly inclusions are the built-in touch controls on the earcups and a comprehensive companion app that clearly displays battery life, noise-cancelling modes, and equalisation settings. However, the reviewer noted several drawbacks, most notably the cramped earcups that caused physical discomfort after just thirty minutes of continuous wear. Portability is also somewhat limited because the headphones cannot be folded inward; the earcups only rotate flat to fit inside a large, bulky travel case. Furthermore, the automatic ear-detection sensor is overly sensitive, occasionally restarting music unexpectedly when the device is placed on a table. While the noise cancellation is highly capable, it is still...

techfi.nl

18/01/2024

Summary of the review

Philips Fidelio L4 review: NC headphones with hidden talents

The Philips Fidelio L4 is a premium €349 noise-cancelling headphone designed primarily with an emphasis on warm, relaxing hi-fi sound quality rather than aggressive cinematic or gaming bass. Its pros include a highly comfortable and robust design utilizing premium metal parts, an elegant layout that is slimmer than its L3 predecessor, and exceptional battery endurance reaching up to 40 hours with active noise-cancelling (ANC) enabled. Additionally, it offers subtle yet effective built-in spatial audio and excellent microphone performance that preserves warm vocal clarity during voice calls, even in windy outdoor settings. However, the headphones suffer from notable cons regarding software execution and noise isolation. The active noise-cancelling is only moderately effective, leaving higher-frequency noises like wind and train rumbles audible, and it introduces a noticeable background hiss/white noise when set to its maximum level. Furthermore, critical features—such as the high-quality LDAC codec, automatic shutdown, and wind-noise reduction—are turned off by default, making the counter-intuitive companion app mandatory to unlock the device's full potential. The package also drops aptX codec support and uses non-replaceable ear cushions, which limits long-term product durability.

hardware.info

04/12/2023

Summary of the review

Philips Fidelio L4 review: Premium noise cancelling according to Philips

The Hardware Info review of the Philips Fidelio L4 highlights it as a premium, modern, and elegant over-ear active noise-cancelling flagship headphone designed for users seeking quiet and comfort during flights or office work. The reviewer notes several key pros, including its high-quality construction using sustainably sourced Muirhead leather from Scottish cattle on the earcups and headband, providing an elegant aesthetic. On the technical side, it stands out by integrating large 40mm drivers, a companion control app, active noise cancellation, and high-resolution LC3 and LDAC Bluetooth codecs. Additionally, it offers great flexibility with USB-audio support, allowing users to plug directly into a laptop for digital playback, alongside a standard analogue cable option. However, the review points out a few specific cons regarding its practical design and packaging limits. While the headphones come with a dedicated protective travel case that contains a short USB-C charging cable and an analogue audio cable, Philips fails to include a dual-prong airplane adapter. This omission is a notable drawback for a flagship model explicitly targeted at frequent flyers who want to seamlessly hook up to...

id.nl

19/09/2023

Summary of the review

Philips Fidelio L4 review: better than Sony's flagship model?", "Philips Fidelio L4 review: better than the top-tier Sony?

The Philips Fidelio L4 is a premium over-ear headphone that offers an improved design over the L3, highlighting exceptional comfort through redesigned earcups and a well-padded headband, along with a user-friendly app and high-quality audio. While delivering expansive sound and effective passive isolation, the headphone features slightly less pronounced mid-range frequencies compared to top competitors and its ANC, while capable, does not match the absolute best in the industry.

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