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ALTERNATIVES
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REVIEWS
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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 M1mkii Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£180Form factor:on-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Philips Fidelio M1mkii 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 M1mkii
6.3/10

Overall score

Score
6.3/ 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
â–² Better than 55% of models
Score components

80%

6.1

Technical score

20%

6.9

User score

â–²Better than 55% of headphones
7.3

Value for money

Value for money
7.3/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

â–¼Worse than 51%
6.1

Technical score

Technical score
6.1/ 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
â–² Better than 62% of models
Score components

52%

7.1

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.6

Design

8%

4.4

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.6

Calls & Controls

â–²Better than 62%
6.9

User score

User score
6.9/ 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 88% of models
Score components

70%

7.6

User ratings

30%

5.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 88%
  • philips-fidelio-m1mkii
  • philips-fidelio-m1mkii
philips-fidelio-m1mkii
philips-fidelio-m1mkii
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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 M1mkii

Technical score
Technical score
6.1/ 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
â–² Better than 62% of models
Score components:

52%

7.1

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.6

Design

8%

4.4

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.6

Calls & Controls

6.1
User score
User score
6.9/ 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 88% of models
Score components

70%

7.6

User ratings

30%

5.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
6.9
Popularity
Popularity
5.1/ 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 59% of models
Popularity:
Philips Fidelio M1mkii has a popularity score of 5.1 points, which is lower than that of 58% of products in this category.
5.1
Value for money
Value for money
7.3/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components:

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

7.3
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% 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
6 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 6 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 84.5% of headphones and equal to 1.8% 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
?
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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
154 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 154 g, lighter than 69% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

Philips Fidelio M1mkii vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 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.
  • 12 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (6 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    6 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 29.4% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (154 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    154 g vs 218 g
  • 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.
  • 5 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (107 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    107 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 8,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    28,000 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 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.
  • 29.4% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (154 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    154 g vs 218 g
  • Water resistance
    This pair of headphones is water resistant, the average pair of headphones is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • 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.
  • 12 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (6 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    6 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 5 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (107 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    107 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 8,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    28,000 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 %
  • 18 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (128 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    128 dB vs 110 dB
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 15 mm tighter earcup width
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup width than the average pair of headphones (29 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    29 mm vs 44 mm
  • 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.
  • 16.2% lower user score
    User score
    6.9/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Philips Fidelio M1mkii
    the average pair of headphones
    Philips Fidelio M1mkii has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (6.89 vs 8).
    6.89 vs 8
  • 2x more expensive
    Philips Fidelio M1mkii is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£180 vs £90).
    £180 vs £90
  • 16.2% lower user score
    User score
    6.9/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Philips Fidelio M1mkii
    the average pair of headphones
    Philips Fidelio M1mkii has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (6.89 vs 8).
    6.89 vs 8
  • 2x more expensive
    Philips Fidelio M1mkii is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£180 vs £90).
    £180 vs £90
  • 15 mm tighter earcup width
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup width than the average pair of headphones (29 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    29 mm vs 44 mm
  • 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.

Video reviews

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

8.0
Retro Eric Reviews
≈ estimated
19/05/2018
Hands-on comparison · build, tube amp and receiver tests
Verdict
Philips Fidelio M1MKII is not recommended because it won't work with tube amps or receivers, though it is cheap and good-sounding for those wanting clean sound.
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

whathifi.com
28/11/2014
Test-room review · Portable on-ear
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio M1MKII is a comfortable portable on-ear with punchy bass and clear, detailed sound, though its soundstage is not very spacious.
T
tweakers.net
06/08/2015
Summary of the review
Philips Fidelio M1MKII Black/Orange (Orange, Red, Black) 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 M1mkii

  • High-quality, stylish design with metal and leather construction
  • Excellent comfort due to memory foam ear pads and a well-judged clamping force
  • Clear and refined sound signature with improved precision over the original M1
  • Tight, punchy bass that is well-defined without being overwhelming
  • Good passive noise isolation for a portable on-ear model
  • Tangle-resistant fabric-coated detachable cable

What customers don't like about Philips Fidelio M1mkii

  • Durability issues reported with ear pads, specifically glue failure on the seams
  • Soundstage can feel somewhat narrow or 'recessed' compared to over-ear models
  • High frequencies may sound too 'dark' or rolled-off for some listeners
  • Does not fold up completely, only swivels flat for portability
  • Replacement ear pads are difficult to source and may require third-party solutions
  • The modular cable design leaves a small dangling connector from the ear cup

Verdict

The Philips Fidelio M1MKII is a closed-back, on-ear high-definition headphone featuring hand-picked 40mm neodymium drivers and a lightweight voice coil designed for enhanced clarity and a wider soundstage. Its technical specifications include a broad frequency response of 6 Hz – 40,000 Hz, a low impedance of 16 Ohms for easy driving, 107 dB sensitivity, and a Bass Reflex System to regulate internal air pressure for dynamic bass. Main pros include a premium build of aluminum and stitched leather, ergonomic memory foam cushions for superior comfort, and a refined, balanced sound signature that earns its Hi-Res Audio certification. However, some users may find the soundstage slightly narrow for its class, and as an on-ear design, it lacks active noise cancellation and may cause ear compression during extended listening sessions.

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