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REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Philips Fidelio S1 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£90Form factor:in-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Philips Fidelio S1 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 S1
5.4/10

Overall score

Score
5.4/ 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–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components

80%

5.2

Technical score

20%

6.4

User score

â–¼Worse than 89% of headphones
6.8

Value for money

Value for money
6.8/ 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 84% of models
Score components

70%

5.4

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 84%
5.2

Technical score

Technical score
5.2/ 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–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components

52%

5.2

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.9

Battery

4%

6.3

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 87%
6.4

User score

User score
6.4/ 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 94% of models
Score components

70%

6.8

User ratings

30%

5.4

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 94%
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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 S1

Technical score
Technical score
5.2/ 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–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components:

52%

5.2

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.9

Battery

4%

6.3

Calls & Controls

5.2
User score
User score
6.4/ 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 94% of models
Score components

70%

6.8

User ratings

30%

5.4

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
6.4
Popularity
Popularity
5.4/ 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 55% of models
Popularity:
Philips Fidelio S1 has a popularity score of 5.4 points, which is lower than that of 54.1% of products in this category.
5.4
Value for money
Value for money
6.8/ 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 84% of models
Score components:

70%

5.4

Overall score

30%

10

Price

6.8
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
13.5 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 13.5 mm, smaller driver size than 85% of headphones and equal to 0.6% 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
yes
This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone. 86.5% 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
yes
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% 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
in-ear
Weight
14 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 14 g, lighter than 89.7% of headphones and equal to 1.3% of headphones.
Acoustic design
semi-open
Clamp force
N/A
Show more

Philips Fidelio S1 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.
  • 93.6% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (14 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    14 g vs 218 g
  • 20,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 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
  • 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 %
  • 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
  • 93.6% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (14 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    14 g vs 218 g
  • 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.
  • 20,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    40,000 Hz vs 20,000 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
  • 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 %
  • 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
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • Multipoint connections
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint connections, while the average pair of headphones does not. 30.2% of headphones support multipoint connections.
    supports multipoint for up to 2 devices.
  • 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.
  • Boom microphone included
    This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone, the average pair of headphones does not. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 26.5 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (13.5 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    13.5 mm vs 40 mm
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 25.1% lower user score
    User score
    6.4/ 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 S1
    the average pair of headphones
    Philips Fidelio S1 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (6.39 vs 8).
    6.39 vs 8
  • 6.7% worse value for money
    Philips Fidelio S1 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.81 vs 7.3).
    6.81 vs 7.27
  • 25.1% lower user score
    User score
    6.4/ 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 S1
    the average pair of headphones
    Philips Fidelio S1 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (6.39 vs 8).
    6.39 vs 8
  • 6.7% worse value for money
    Philips Fidelio S1 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.81 vs 7.3).
    6.81 vs 7.27
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 26.5 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (13.5 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    13.5 mm vs 40 mm

Video reviews

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

7.0
ReviewsOnAnything
≈ estimated
30/04/2015
Hands-on review · everyday use and build
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio S1 is decent for the money, but it is cheap-feeling in places and sits too close to Beats, so the reviewer would move on.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

theheadphonelist.com
25/07/2015
Detailed review · Shallow-fit earphones
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio S1 is a balanced, clear-sounding earphone with a comfortable shallow fit, but it needs a good seal and its isolation is only average.
whathifi.com
14/02/2014
Expert review · Half in-ear earphones
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio S1 is a clear, balanced earphone whose gentle, easygoing sound doesn't stand out against rivals.
D
darty.com
31/01/2014
Summary of the review
Philips S1: In-Ear Headphones from the Fidelio Range
(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 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 don't like 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

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.

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