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Philips Fidelio M1 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£180Form factor:on-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):yes

Philips Fidelio M1 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 M1
6.8/10

Overall score

Score
6.8/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 71% of models
Score components

80%

6.8

Technical score

20%

?

User score

▲Better than 71% of headphones
7.7

Value for money

Value for money
7.7/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 70% of models
Score components

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

▲Better than 70%
6.8

Technical score

Technical score
6.8/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 74% of models
Score components

52%

8.5

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.8

Design

8%

4.4

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.2

Calls & Controls

▲Better than 74%
?

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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ 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~ £180
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 M1

Technical score
Technical score
6.8/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 74% of models
Score components:

52%

8.5

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.8

Design

8%

4.4

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.2

Calls & Controls

6.8
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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Philips Fidelio M1 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
7.7/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 70% of models
Score components:

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

7.7
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
15 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 15 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 58.3% of headphones and equal to 5.8% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% 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
1
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 1 microphones, more microphones than 26.9% of headphones and equal to 50.9% 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
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Philips
Form factor
on-ear
Weight
166 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 166 g, lighter than 66% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

Philips Fidelio M1 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.
  • AptX Lossless support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX Lossless, the average pair of headphones does not. 4.8% of headphones support aptX Lossless.
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 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 %
  • 23.9% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (166 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    166 g vs 218 g
  • 4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • AptX support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX, the average pair of headphones does not. 18.4% of headphones support aptX.
  • 23.9% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (166 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    166 g vs 218 g
  • 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.
  • 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 %
  • 4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 3 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (15 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    15 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • AptX Lossless support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX Lossless, the average pair of headphones does not. 4.8% of headphones support aptX Lossless.
  • AptX support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX, the average pair of headphones does not. 18.4% of headphones support aptX.
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 5.87x less popular
    Philips Fidelio M1 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 2x more expensive
    Philips Fidelio M1 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£180 vs £90).
    £180 vs £90
  • 4 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2012 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    August 2012
    2012 vs 2016
  • 5.87x less popular
    Philips Fidelio M1 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 2x more expensive
    Philips Fidelio M1 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£180 vs £90).
    £180 vs £90
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 4 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2012 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    August 2012
    2012 vs 2016

Video reviews

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

9.0
Geekanoids
≈ estimated
26/11/2013
Unboxing and review · amp and iPhone sound tests
Verdict
Philips Fidelio M1 has lively, engaging sound at about the right price, though bass can turn muddy on complex tracks.
Overview video
Not graded
Not graded yet

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

techradar.com
25/09/2012
Listening test · Premium on-ears
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio M1 is a stylish, well-built pair for everyday listening, but its bass can be unruly and it lacks a few extras.
whathifi.com
01/10/2012
Listening test · Portable on-ears
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio M1 is a smooth, comfortable on-ear that never tires over long sessions, though it sounds a little restrained next to open-backed headphones.
headfonia.com
23/01/2013
Hands-on review · Casual listening
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio M1 is a casual, punchy portable with a warm, relaxed sound that suits mainstream music, but its price is hard to justify next to the bigger L1.
expertreviews.co.uk
11/02/2013
Hands-on test · Commuter on-ears
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio M1 is a sturdy, comfortable commuter pair with strong noise isolation and excellent sound, though its leather finish gets clammy.
cnet.com
13/05/2013
Hands-on review · Day-to-day on-ears
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio M1 is a very comfortable, versatile on-ear for everyday use, but its sound is a little recessed and bass lovers will be disappointed.
H
head-fi.org
27/03/2014
Summary of the review
Philips Fidelio M1 - Reviews
areadvd.de
02/10/2012
Hands-on test · Closed on-ear
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio M1 is a well-built closed on-ear with strong isolation and clean vocals, but it lacks spaciousness and sounds a little tinny when turned up.
lesnumeriques.com
14/06/2012
Lab test · Compact on-ear
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio M1 is a slim, light on-ear with neutral sound for everyday use on the move, but a basic pouch and fragile materials hold it back.
on-mag.fr
21/10/2014
Listening test · On-ear headphones
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio M1 is an elegant, comfortable on-ear with clean, detailed sound, but it sounds restrained, with bass short on depth and a cramped stereo image.
audiocasque.fr
17/12/2013
Hands-on test · On-ear headphones
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio M1 is a light, neutral on-ear with good call quality and excellent value, though its sound feels closed-in.
clubic.com
27/12/2012
Hands-on test · On-ear headphones
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio M1 is a well-finished, bass-heavy on-ear that suits rock and electronic music, though its headband pinches and its treble lacks sparkle.
macitynet.it
01/11/2013
Hands-on test · On-ear headphones
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio M1 is a minimalist, comfortable on-ear with vibrant mids and highs, but its bass lacks punch and its pouch is basic.
A
audioreview.it
2012
Summary of the review
AudioReview Index No. 335 - Philips Fidelio M1
(Translated)Show original
fwdmagazine.be
04/11/2013
Hands-on test · On-ear headphones
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio M1 is a durable, well-finished on-ear for commuting with punchy bass, though treble is tame and the price is steep.
J
jackvandijk.nl
2012
Summary of the review
B&W P3 vs Philips Fidelio M1 Review
(Translated)Show original

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 M1

  • High level of comfort for on-ear headphones, featuring memory foam ear pads
  • Sleek and stylish design with a sturdy metal and leather build quality
  • Clear, well-balanced sound with a warm and natural signature
  • Excellent noise isolation and minimal sound leakage, making them suitable for commuting
  • Lightweight and portable with ear cups that fold flat for easier storage

What customers don't like about Philips Fidelio M1

  • Narrow soundstage that can feel recessed or closed-in compared to larger models
  • Lacks in-line volume controls on the remote, featuring only a single-button for playback
  • Bass response may be insufficient for users who prefer heavy or punchy bass
  • They do not fully fold up, only the ear cups swivel to sit flat
  • Included carrying pouch is basic and offers minimal protection compared to a hard case

Verdict

The Philips Fidelio M1 is a high-fidelity on-ear headphone engineered for portable use, featuring 40mm high-power neodymium drivers with a frequency response of 15–24,000 Hz, 16 Ohm impedance, and 106 dB sensitivity. It is characterized by its Bass Reflex System for balanced bass and double-layered ear shells that reduce resonance for precise sound delivery. Main pros include its durable aluminum and leather construction, exceptional comfort provided by breathable memory foam ear pads, and effective passive noise isolation. However, some users note cons such as a slightly recessed soundstage and a non-standard detachable cable that leaves a short segment dangling from the ear cup.

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