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Philips Fidelio S2 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£130
Avg. price in US: ~$150
Form factor: in-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Philips Fidelio S2 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.7

Poor

4.2

Poor

6.7

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

£?

Best rankings

Verdict

The Philips Fidelio S2 is a high-resolution, semi-closed back in-ear headphone featuring large 13.5 mm neodymium drivers with a multi-layered polymer diaphragm and lightweight copper alloy housing designed to reduce resonance. It boasts a broad frequency response of 5–40,000 Hz, an impedance of 22 ohms, and a sensitivity of 107 dB, delivering a neutral, balanced sound signature with refined mid-range and tight, fast bass. Main pros include its durable scratch-resistant coating, ergonomic fit with an extensive kit of silicone and Comply foam tips, and a tangle-resistant flat cable with an integrated remote and mic. However, notable cons include its larger-than-average housing size, mediocre noise isolation due to the semi-open architecture, and the fact that the cable is non-removable.

Technical Specifications of Philips Fidelio S2

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

4.5

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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

2.7

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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 S2 vs the average headphone

Why is Philips Fidelio S2 better than the average headphone?

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Hi-Res Audio certification
Philips Fidelio S2 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 S2 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 S2 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 S2 is lighter than the average headphone (14 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.14 g vs 218 g
13 Hz lower bass extension
Philips Fidelio S2 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 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 S2 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.5 Hz vs 18 Hz
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Philips Fidelio S2 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 S2 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 S2 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 S2 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
5 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Philips Fidelio S2 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 S2 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
Open-back design
Philips Fidelio S2 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 S2 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
4,000 Hz higher treble extension
Philips Fidelio S2 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 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 S2 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.24000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
93.6% lower weight
Philips Fidelio S2 is lighter than the average headphone (14 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Open-back design
Philips Fidelio S2 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 S2 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
13 Hz lower bass extension
Philips Fidelio S2 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
5 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Philips Fidelio S2 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (107 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
4,000 Hz higher treble extension
Philips Fidelio S2 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Philips Fidelio S2 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 S2 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Calls & Controls

Why is Philips Fidelio S2 worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Philips Fidelio S2 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 S2 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 S2 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (13.5 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
No voice assistant support
Philips Fidelio S2 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
4 years older release date
Philips Fidelio S2 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
September 2013
No passive noise reduction
Philips Fidelio S2 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 S2 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 S2 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 S2 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
No voice assistant support
Philips Fidelio S2 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 S2 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
Philips Fidelio S2 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 S2 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
19% lower user score
Philips Fidelio S2 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.73 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 S2 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.73 vs 8.000).6.73 vs 8
8.1% worse value for money
Philips Fidelio S2 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.23 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 S2 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.23 vs 6.736).6.23 vs 6.74
4 years older release date
Philips Fidelio S2 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
September 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 S2 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 S2 and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Philips Fidelio S2?

Balanced and neutral sound profile with a touch of musical warmth
Excellent build quality featuring solid copper alloy housings and a premium finish
Comfortable for long listening sessions due to lightweight design and angled nozzles
Generous selection of accessories including five pairs of silicone tips and two pairs of Comply foam tips
Tangle-resistant flat ribbon cable with an integrated microphone and remote
Wide and natural soundstage for an in-ear monitor, aided by its semi-open design

What customers dislike about Philips Fidelio S2?

Isolation is poor due to the semi-open back design, allowing ambient noise in and sound to leak out
Highly dependent on achieving a perfect seal; sound quality—especially bass—suffers significantly without it
Non-removable cable makes the entire unit unusable if the cord or jack is damaged
Sub-bass extension is somewhat limited and rolls off early
Treble can occasionally exhibit slight sibilance or peaks on certain tracks
Requires more power to drive properly compared to many other standard in-ear monitors

Expert reviews

head-fi.org

11/09/2013

Philips Fidelio S2 - Reviews - Head-Fi

The Philips Fidelio S2Go is praised for its durable, lightweight aluminum housing, tangle-resistant flat cable, and a rich accessory pack that includes Comply foam tips. Audio performance is generally described as balanced and punchy, featuring clear mids, crisp highs, and an expansive soundstage. YouTube· Conversely, users frequently criticize the included cable for being too short...Read more

expertreviews.co.uk

09/04/2014

Philips Fidelio S2 review | Expert Reviews

The Philips Fidelio S2 is a premium pair of 14g wired in-ear headphones constructed from a solid copper alloy. A major strength highlighted in the Expert Reviews review is its exceptionally balanced audio profile, driven by 13.5mm neodymium drivers and a semi-closed back design that optimizes bass without leaking sound. The low end delivers a distinct presence in electronic and rock...Read more

theheadphonelist.com

06/08/2015

Philips Fidelio S2 In-Ear Earphone Review - The Headphone List

The Philips Fidelio S2 is an accurate-sounding, dynamic-driver in-ear headphone featuring a balanced, neutral sound signature with a slight bass boost. Built around a large 13.5mm driver, it utilizes a half-in-ear form factor and a shallow-fit design to deliver excellent comfort for most users. Key pros highlighted in the review include its high-quality all-metal construction with a...Read more

avforums.com

05/11/2013

Philips Fidelio S2 Earphone Review - AVForums

The Philips Fidelio S2 earphones are praised for their robust copper construction, user-friendly design, and smooth, engaging sound driven by 13.5mm drivers that excel with large-scale music. Key pros include high-quality build materials, clear microphone call quality, and, with proper tip selection, excellent long-term comfort. Conversely, the review notes the S2's performance is...Read more

trustedreviews.com

31/10/2013

Philips Fidelio S2 Review - Trusted Reviews

The Trusted Reviews evaluation of the Philips Fidelio S2 praises the earphones for their strong build quality, utilizing premium materials and 13.5mm neodymium drivers, along with an expertly balanced, warm sound signature that lacks harshness. Key strengths include excellent, comfortable performance for long listening sessions, though the design requires careful fitting. However,...Read more

whathifi.com

18/06/2014

Philips Fidelio S2 review | What Hi-Fi?

The What Hi-Fi? Philips Fidelio S2 review highlights the brand's first in-ear headphones as a model featuring a thoughtful, tangle-reducing flat-cable design equipped with a single-button remote, microphone, and extensive accessories including Comply foam tips. Sonically, the headphones excel at producing clear, forward-focused vocals and strong rhythmic precision, ensuring an...Read more

saldo.ch

23/10/2013

In-Ear Headphones: Great Models for Little Money", "In-Ear Earphones: Good Budget-Friendly Models

This review from the Swiss consumer magazine saldo highlights a 2013 test originally conducted by Computerbild evaluating 20 different in-ear headphone models based on sound quality, wearing comfort, and noise isolation. The test reveals that high prices do not necessarily guarantee top performance, as the most expensive model evaluated, the Sony XBA-3 (priced at Fr. 239.–),...Read more

welt.de

12/02/2014

Review: These are the best headphones", "Test: These are the best headphones

This headphone roundup evaluates twenty distinct models categorized into four specific types: In-Ear, Over-Ear/On-Ear (Bügelkopfhörer), Bluetooth, and Noise-Cancelling headphones. In the in-ear segment, the Logitech Ultimate Ears 400vi takes the top spot due to its highly natural, clear, and balanced sound spectrum, paired with secure memory-foam ear tips and an integrated headset...Read more

computerbild.de

11/08/2013

Review of the In-Ear Headphones

The Philips Fidelio S2 is a premium-looking in-ear headphone featuring an elaborate, elegant design paired with a flat cable layout, though it carries a slightly heavier weight of 23 grams and a larger build that may not comfortably fit every user. Priced at 150 Euros, it functions well as a smartphone headset, sporting a 121-centimetre cable with integrated remote controls for...Read more

audiocasque.fr

20/04/2014

Philips Fidelio S2 Review | In-Ear Headphones

The AudioCasque review awards the Philips Fidelio S2 in-ear headphones a score of 7.5 out of 10, highlighting them as a premium, well-crafted addition to the Fidelio lineup. On the positive side, the review praises their powerful, warm, and well-balanced audio performance, driven by finely tuned 13.5mm neodymium drivers. The earbuds boast an elegant, sober design in black and gold...Read more

tweakers.net

13/02/2014

Philips Fidelio S2 Gold, Black - Wilfried83 - Product reviews

The reviewer, Wilfried83, is highly satisfied with the Philips Fidelio S2 (Gold/Black) in-ear headphones, noting that they offer an excellent price-to-quality ratio and a noticeable upgrade in sound and comfort compared to cheaper models. The audio quality is praised as clear and complete across multiple music genres, delivering well-balanced bass, crisp vocals, and matching...Read more

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