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Philips Fidelio S1 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£90
Form factor: in-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Philips Fidelio S1 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.7

Poor

4.4

Poor

5.9

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
2.1
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
10
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
5.0
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
10
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

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Best rankings

Verdict

The Philips Fidelio S1 is a pair of high-resolution semi-closed in-ear headphones featuring high-powered 13.5mm neodymium drivers and a frequency response of 5Hz to 40,000Hz. Designed with lightweight aluminium housing and a tangle-free flat cable, they include an in-line remote and microphone for convenient calls. Main characteristics include a shallow-fit ergonomic design, 107dB sensitivity, and 32-ohm impedance, delivering a balanced sound signature with natural mid-range and precise high frequencies. Pros include their comfortable fit supported by Comply foam tips, detailed audio performance, and durable build quality; however, cons include mediocre noise isolation due to the semi-open back architecture and a lack of in-line volume controls.

Technical Specifications of Philips Fidelio S1

Overall score

4.7

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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

3.5

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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

4.7

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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

6.2

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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

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

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Features

4.1

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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

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

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

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Battery

4.9

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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

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

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Design

8.3

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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

in-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

semi-open

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

N/A

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Philips Fidelio S1 vs the average headphone

Why is Philips Fidelio S1 better than the average headphone?

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Hi-Res Audio certification
Philips Fidelio S1 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 S1 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
93.6% lower weight
Philips Fidelio S1 is lighter than the average headphone (14 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 S1 is lighter than the average headphone (14 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.14 g vs 218 g
20,000 Hz higher treble extension
Philips Fidelio S1 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (40,000 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 S1 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.40000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Philips Fidelio S1 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.
Importance: MEDIUM
Philips Fidelio S1 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
In-line controls
Philips Fidelio S1 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 S1 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
5 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Philips Fidelio S1 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 S1 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
0.2 % lower distortion
Philips Fidelio S1 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 S1 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 %
Open-back design
Philips Fidelio S1 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones use an open-back housing that lets air and sound pass through more freely than a closed design.
When it matters: When you listen in quiet places and care more about spacious sound than blocking outside noise or preventing sound leakage.
Importance: MEDIUM
Philips Fidelio S1 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
93.6% lower weight
Philips Fidelio S1 is lighter than the average headphone (14 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Open-back design
Philips Fidelio S1 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
Hi-Res Audio certification
Philips Fidelio S1 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
20,000 Hz higher treble extension
Philips Fidelio S1 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
5 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Philips Fidelio S1 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (107 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
0.2 % lower distortion
Philips Fidelio S1 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 %.
3 Hz lower bass extension
Philips Fidelio S1 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (15 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Philips Fidelio S1 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
In-line controls
Philips Fidelio S1 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Boom microphone included
Philips Fidelio S1 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Calls & Controls

Why is Philips Fidelio S1 worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Philips Fidelio S1 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
No passive noise reduction
Philips Fidelio S1 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
26.5 mm smaller driver size
Philips Fidelio S1 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (13.5 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
4 years older release date
Philips Fidelio S1 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
July 2013
No passive noise reduction
Philips Fidelio S1 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.
Importance: MEDIUM
Philips Fidelio S1 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
26.5 mm smaller driver size
Philips Fidelio S1 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (13.5 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
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
Philips Fidelio S1 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (13.5 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.13.5 mm vs 40 mm
Fixed cable
Philips Fidelio S1 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.
Importance: MEDIUM
Philips Fidelio S1 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
35% lower user score
Philips Fidelio S1 has a lower user score than the average headphone (5.93 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 S1 has a lower user score than the average headphone (5.93 vs 8.000).5.93 vs 8
6.9% worse value for money
Philips Fidelio S1 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.30 vs 6.736).
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.
Philips Fidelio S1 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.30 vs 6.736).6.3 vs 6.74
4 years older release date
Philips Fidelio S1 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
July 2013
What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2020
Philips Fidelio S1 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2013 vs 2017

Graphic comparison of Philips Fidelio S1 and

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Philips Fidelio S1?

Balanced and clear sound quality with good instrumental separation
Sturdy and premium feel due to engineered metal housing
Tangle-resistant flat cable design
Comfortable shallow-fit design that is less intrusive than many IEMs
Includes a high-quality inline microphone for clear calls
Great value for the price, often compared favorably to more expensive brands

What customers dislike about Philips Fidelio S1?

Mediocre noise isolation due to the semi-open back design
The cable can feel thin or rubbery in certain sections
High frequencies can sometimes sound harsh or sibilant, especially on poor recordings
Inline remote lacks volume control buttons
Earpiece housings are relatively large and may not suit all ear shapes
Unforgiving sound signature that highlights defects in low-quality audio files

Expert reviews

head-fi.org

12/06/2013

Philips Fidelio S1 - Reviews

The Philips Fidelio S1 is characterized by a balanced sound signature with excellent detail retrieval, wide soundstage, and well-rendered low-mids. The IEMs feature a premium, semi-open metal housing and a practical, tangle-resistant flat cable. However, the semi-open design results in limited noise isolation and minor sound leakage. Users may experience treble harshness,...Read more

whathifi.com

14/02/2014

Philips Fidelio S1 review

The Philips Fidelio S1 wired earbuds offer a clear, precise, and agile sonic performance with a decent low-end extension, clear midrange, and pronounced top-end. Vocals are delivered with a pleasing sense of weight and fullness. However, the overall sound signature is characterized as gentle, easygoing, and amiable rather than attention-grabbing, which leaves it lacking the punch...Read more

theheadphonelist.com

25/07/2015

Philips Fidelio S1 In-Ear Earphone Review

The Philips Fidelio S1 is a semi-open, shallow-fit in-ear monitor (IEM) built around large 13.5mm dynamic drivers, priced around $90 to $110. It features flat, tangle-resistant cabling equipped with an inline microphone and a single-button remote designed for straight-down wear. Sound-wise, the S1 delivers a balanced, clear, and highly accurate signature with a mild, punchy bass...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

Circa 2012

La Factory 2012: M1, L1, X1 — the complete Philips Fidelio range (including S1)

The dual review by French tech site Les Numériques focuses on two portable headphones from Audio Technica: the ATH-WS77 and the ATH-ESW11Ltd. The review details the distinct sound signatures and design choices of both models. The ATH-WS77 belongs to the "Solid Bass" lineup and emphasizes deep, powerful low frequencies. Meanwhile, the ATH-ESW11Ltd is a premium, limited-edition model...Read more

darty.com

31/01/2014

Philips S1: In-Ear Headphones from the Fidelio Range

The Philips Fidelio S1 in-ear headphones are highlighted as a premium option featuring a robust design, including a tangle-resistant flat cable, a rigid carrying case, and four types of ear tips for an optimal fit. Performance-wise, the headphones offer excellent passive acoustic isolation and include an inline microphone with a play/pause button for convenience. A notable...Read more

auriculares-hifi.com

05/07/2013

Philips Fidelio X1 Hi-Fi Headphones Review

Based on the provided forum review, the Philips Fidelio X1 is a highly musical, fun, and well-built open-back headphone that offers exceptional value for its price, drawing close sonic comparisons to the Denon D2000. Its primary strengths lie in its high-quality construction using metal and leather, which gives it the premium feel of a much more expensive product, alongside large,...Read more

opusklassiek.nl

No date provided

Audio Equipment / Test - Philips Fidelio Headphones

The Philips Fidelio X1 and L1 mark a significant leap for Philips, successfully closing the quality gap with established premium audio brands. Both half-open, over-ear models deliver high-fidelity sound across all musical genres, rendering complex classical orchestral and vocal pieces with excellent clarity, transparency, and balance. While the more compact L1 offers a warmer,...Read more

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