OVERALL
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
ALTERNATIVES

Philips Fidelio M1mkii Review | 93 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£180
  • Avg. price in US: ~$200
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Philips Fidelio M1mkii review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.7

Overall score

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 components:

80.0%

5.5

Technical Score

20.0%

6.4

User score

Good
5.5

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

6.3

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

7.4

Design

8.0%

5.8

Connectivity

6.0%

4.4

Battery

4.0%

5.3

Calls & Controls

Good
6.4

User score

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 components:

70.0%

7.6

User reviews

30.0%

3.4

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.8
(46)
amazon
3.9
(10)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
(46)
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
(10)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Good
  • 2.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 1.5
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    6.7

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 2.7
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 6.3
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    6.7

    Weight

    24.0%

    10

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • philips-fidelio-m1mkii
  • philips-fidelio-m1mkii
philips-fidelio-m1mkii
philips-fidelio-m1mkii

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

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.

Technical Specifications of Philips Fidelio M1mkii

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

6.3

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

7.4

Design

8.0%

5.8

Connectivity

6.0%

4.4

Battery

4.0%

5.3

Calls & Controls

5.5
Philips Fidelio M1mkii has a technical score of 5.48 points, which is higher than that of 66.1% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

7.6

User reviews

30.0%

3.4

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.8
(46)
amazon
3.9
(10)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
(46)
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
(10)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

6.4
Philips Fidelio M1mkii has a user score of 6.37 points, which is lower than that of 88.7% of products in this category.
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.
3.4
Philips Fidelio M1mkii has a popularity of 3.4 points, which is lower than 58% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

5.7

Overall score

40.0%

9.6

Price

6.8
Philips Fidelio M1mkii has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.8 points, which is higher than 51% of products in this category.
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

no
Philips Fidelio M1mkii does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
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

40 mm
Philips Fidelio M1mkii uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% of headphones.
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

1
Philips Fidelio M1mkii uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
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

6 Hz
Philips Fidelio M1mkii 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
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

no
Philips Fidelio M1mkii does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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

yes
Philips Fidelio M1mkii is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
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

1
Philips Fidelio M1mkii has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% of headphones.
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

no
Philips Fidelio M1mkii does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
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

?
Show more
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

wired
Philips Fidelio M1mkii supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Philips Fidelio M1mkii does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

no
Philips Fidelio M1mkii does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
Show more
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

on-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

154 g
Philips Fidelio M1mkii weighs 154 g, lighter than 69% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
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

?
Show more

Philips Fidelio M1mkii vs the average headphone

  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Philips Fidelio M1mkii 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 M1mkii has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 12 Hz lower bass extension
    Philips Fidelio M1mkii has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (6 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 M1mkii has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (6 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.6 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • In-line controls
    Philips Fidelio M1mkii includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
    What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
    When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.

    Importance: LOW

    Philips Fidelio M1mkii includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 29.4% lower weight
    Philips Fidelio M1mkii is lighter than the average headphone (154 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 M1mkii is lighter than the average headphone (154 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.154 g vs 218 g
  • 5 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Philips Fidelio M1mkii has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (107 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 M1mkii has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (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
    Philips Fidelio M1mkii has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    Philips Fidelio M1mkii has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.28000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    Philips Fidelio M1mkii has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
    When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=1%

    Philips Fidelio M1mkii has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • Quick mic mute
    Philips Fidelio M1mkii includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
    What it is: Ability to mute microphone during calls
    When it matters: When you need to silence the mic quickly during meetings or multiplayer games.

    Importance: LOW

    Philips Fidelio M1mkii includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • 29.4% lower weight
    Philips Fidelio M1mkii is lighter than the average headphone (154 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Water resistance
    Philips Fidelio M1mkii is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Philips Fidelio M1mkii has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 12 Hz lower bass extension
    Philips Fidelio M1mkii has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (6 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 5 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Philips Fidelio M1mkii has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (107 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 8,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Philips Fidelio M1mkii has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    Philips Fidelio M1mkii has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • 18 dB higher max SPL
    Philips Fidelio M1mkii has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (128 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • In-line controls
    Philips Fidelio M1mkii includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Quick mic mute
    Philips Fidelio M1mkii includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.

Total
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
  • 14 mm tighter earcup width
    Philips Fidelio M1mkii has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (29 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
  • No voice assistant support
    Philips Fidelio M1mkii does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • No voice assistant support
    Philips Fidelio M1mkii does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
    When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

    Importance: LOW

    Philips Fidelio M1mkii does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 14 mm tighter earcup width
    Philips Fidelio M1mkii has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (29 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
    What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Philips Fidelio M1mkii has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (29 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.29 mm vs 43 mm
  • 25.5% lower user score
    Philips Fidelio M1mkii has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.37 vs 8.000).
    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 M1mkii has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.37 vs 8.000).6.37 vs 8
  • 2x more expensive
    Philips Fidelio M1mkii is more expensive than the average headphone (£180 vs £90).
    Philips Fidelio M1mkii is more expensive than the average headphone (£180 vs £90).£180 vs £90
Total
Overall
Design
Features

Graphic comparison of Philips Fidelio M1mkii and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
3.8
46 Reviews
amazon
3.9
10 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
46 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
10 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

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 dislike 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

Expert reviews

D
documents.philips.com
05/08/2014
High-fidelity sound, meticulously crafted - Philips M1MKII Official Leaflet

The Philips Fidelio M1MKII (M1MKIIBK/00) is a premium, closed-back, on-ear headphone set designed to deliver authentic high-resolution audio. This device relies on custom-tuned 40-mm neodymium drivers and a specialized lighter voice coil to ensure a spacious soundstage with improved high-frequency extension. Architecturally, it combines a double-layered ear shell design to eliminate...Read more

S
stuff.tv
02/02/2023
The 6 best headphones of 2014 - Stuff Gadget Awards

The Sony MDR-EX650AP was named the 2014 Headphones of the Year due to its premium brass-forged construction, spectacular comfort, and exceptional tonal performance. The review highlights its broad, expansive soundstage and beautifully balanced audio powered by high-quality 12mm drivers that deliver an immersive, weighty sound. Additionally, the ear cushions are praised for being...Read more

W
whathifi.com
28/11/2014
Philips Fidelio M1MKII review - What Hi-Fi?

Audio Performance and Design The Philips Fidelio M1MKII portable on-ear headphones deliver an impressive, rounded, and refined presentation that builds beautifully on its award-winning predecessor. They feature a lighter voice coil, extended high frequencies, and a more accurately tuned, weighty bass that is notably more taut and defined. Listeners will appreciate the smooth...Read more

D
documents.philips.com
29 de noviembre de 2023
High-fidelity sound, meticulously crafted - Philips Fidelio M1MKII

The Philips Fidelio M1MKIIGo on-ear headphones are premium, high-resolution audio companions optimized for mobile, high-fidelity music enjoyment. Built on a rigid closed-back acoustic architecture, they feature 40 mm hand-picked neodymium drivers coupled with a Bass Reflex System and a specialized ribbon-lock acoustic seal to capture intricate details while eliminating sound...Read more

(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
06/08/2015
Philips Fidelio M1MKII Black/Orange (Orange, Red, Black) review

The Tweakers user review by TKroon awards the Philips Fidelio M1MKII Black/Orange headphonesGo a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, praising them as an excellent choice within a €100-150 budget. The reviewer sought a compact on-ear model for apartment living to remain considerate of neighbours. After returning a pair of Bowers & Wilkins P3 headphones due to painful clamping, they found the...Read more

(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

Best alternatives

sony-wh-1000xm4
Sony WH 1000XM4

Headphones

9.0
jbl-tour-one-m3
JBL Tour One M3

Headphones

9.0
sony-wh-1000xm6
Sony WH 1000XM6

Headphones

9.0
qcy-h3-pro
QCY H3 Pro

Headphones

8.9
baseus-bh1
Baseus BH1

Headphones

8.9
sony-wh-ult900n
Sony WH ULT900N

Headphones

8.9
nothing-headphone-1
Nothing Headphone 1

Headphones

8.8
sony-wh-1000xm5
Sony WH 1000XM5

Headphones

8.8
jbl-tour-one
JBL Tour One

Headphones

8.7
huawei-freebuds-studio
Huawei Freebuds Studio

Headphones

8.7
sennheiser-momentum
Sennheiser Momentum

Headphones

8.7
jbl-tour-one-m2
JBL Tour One M2

Headphones

8.7

Compare Philips Fidelio M1mkii with

VS
VS

Compare