OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
Headphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Philips Fidelio X3 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£170Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Philips Fidelio X3 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 X3
6.0/10

Overall score

Score
6.0/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 61% of models
Score components

80%

5.4

Technical score

20%

8.6

User score

▼Worse than 61% of headphones
7.1

Value for money

Value for money
7.1/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 67% of models
Score components

70%

6.0

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

▼Worse than 67%
5.4

Technical score

Technical score
5.4/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components

52%

6.3

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.7

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

▼Worse than 80%
8.6

User score

User score
8.6/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 83% of models
Score components

70%

8.8

User ratings

30%

8.0

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
▲Better than 83%
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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 X3

Technical score
Technical score
5.4/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components:

52%

6.3

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.7

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

5.4
User score
User score
8.6/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 83% of models
Score components

70%

8.8

User ratings

30%

8.0

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.6
Popularity
Popularity
8.0/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 77% of models
Popularity:
Philips Fidelio X3 has a popularity score of 8 points, which is higher than that of 76.6% of products in this category.
8.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.1/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 67% of models
Score components:

70%

6.0

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

7.1
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
50 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 50 mm, larger driver size than 86.3% of headphones and equal to 8.2% 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
5 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 5 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 86.3% of headphones and equal to 10.8% 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
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
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
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Philips
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
380 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 380 g, heavier than 93.7% of headphones and equal to 0.4% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
3.4
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 3.4, lower clamp force than 73.9% of headphones and equal to 0.9% of headphones.
Show more

Philips Fidelio X3 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.
  • Spatial audio support
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    50 mm vs 40 mm
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 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
  • 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 %
  • 14 mm more spacious earcup width
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (58 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    58 mm vs 44 mm
  • 1.8 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    3 m vs 1.2 m
  • 6.9% higher user score
    User score
    8.6/ 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
    ▼
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Philips Fidelio X3
    the average pair of headphones
    Philips Fidelio X3 has a higher user score than the average pair of headphones (8.55 vs 8).
    8.55 vs 8
  • 14 mm more spacious earcup width
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (58 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    58 mm vs 44 mm
  • 1.8 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    3 m vs 1.2 m
  • Open-back design
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 0.9 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (3.4 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    3.4 vs 4.3
  • 5 mm more spacious earcup height
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (65 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    65 mm vs 60 mm
  • 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.
  • Spatial audio support
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    50 mm vs 40 mm
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 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
  • 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 %
  • 17 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (127 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    127 dB vs 110 dB
  • 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.
  • 74.3% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (380 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    380 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 88.9% more expensive
    Philips Fidelio X3 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£170 vs £90).
    £170 vs £90
  • 88.9% more expensive
    Philips Fidelio X3 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£170 vs £90).
    £170 vs £90
  • 2.3% worse value for money
    Philips Fidelio X3 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (7.1 vs 7.3).
    7.1 vs 7.27
  • 74.3% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (380 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    380 g vs 218 g
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free 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.
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.

Video reviews

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

7.0
MrAyrit
≈ estimated
08/07/2022
Long-term use · two months of listening and comparisons
Verdict
Philips Fidelio X3 is not technically strong, but its fun, relaxed tuning suits casual listening.
4.0
Joshua Valour
≈ estimated
29/09/2020
Hands-on review · sound signature and comparison with predecessor
Verdict
Philips Fidelio X3 sounds bright and sibilant with a sterile tone, so its predecessor, the X2, remains the better choice.
7.0
DMS
≈ estimated
20/09/2020
Hands-on review · build, sound, power and comparisons
Verdict
Philips Fidelio X3 is technically better than its predecessor, but steep competition makes the value a personal call.
6.0
BadSeed Tech
≈ estimated
15/09/2020
Hands-on review · sound comparison with the previous model
Verdict
Philips Fidelio X3 is not bad, but its bass is lighter and treble brighter than the predecessor, so waiting for a price drop is advised.
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict
Overview video
Not graded yet

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

uk.pcmag.com
01/09/2020
Listening test · Open-back over-ears
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio X3 is an accurate, home-only pair whose clean bass and natural drums suit audiophiles who don't need Bluetooth.
R
rtings.com
17/11/2020
Summary of the review
Philips Fidelio X3 Headphones Review - RTINGS.com
whathifi.com
20/11/2020
Expert review · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio X3 is a comfortable, natural-sounding open-back pair for home listening, but its laid-back character keeps it from being a class leader.
techradar.com
08/10/2020
Critical listening · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio X3 is a warm, spacious pair for critical listening at home, though its sharp treble and leaking sound limit it.
trustedreviews.com
16/03/2022
Week-long test · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio X3 is a large, well-finished open-back pair whose sound rewards top-quality streams, so it suits hi-res listeners at home.
soundstagesolo.com
01/11/2020
Comparison test · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio X3 is a light, spacious open-back pair ideal for orchestral and classical listening at home, though clamp and velour pads may not suit everyone.
W
worldbolding.com
24/05/2021
Summary of the review
Philips Fidelio X3 Headphones Review - World Bolding
techpowerup.com
28/05/2021
Long-term test · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio X3 is a wide, comfortable open-back pair for home listeners who want a neutral, airy sound rather than heavy bass.
aphnetworks.com
01/10/2020
Listening test · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio X3 is a wide, realistic open-back pair best for instrumental music at home, though its neutral midrange and sharp treble may disappoint some.
H
head-fi.org
01/10/2020
Summary of the review
Philips Fidelio X3 - Reviews - Head-Fi
T
techpowerup.com
28/05/2021
Summary of the review
Philips Fidelio X3 Wired Open-Back Headphones Review
A
aphnetworks.com
13/11/2020
Summary of the review
Philips Fidelio X3 Review - APH Networks
hifichoice.com
26/09/2023
Hands-on test · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio X3 is a clean, understated and very comfortable open-back pair that lets the music lead, though it lacks the scale of pricier models.
lowbeats.de
21/12/2020
Hands-on test · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio X3 is a warm, relaxed headphone for listening at home, but it sounds quiet from a phone and its cable carries handling noise.
hifi.de
22/12/2020
Lab-backed test · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio X3 is an open-back headphone with a wider stage and smoother sound than the X2, best for quiet home listening.
computerbild.de
09/10/2020
Lab test · Wired over-ear headphones
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio X3 is a fine home headphone with detailed, tight bass and natural mids, but it is too quiet on mobile devices and not built for travel.
kopfhoerer.de
14/10/2020
Hands-on test · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio X3 is a light, silky open headphone with a bright top end, best with high-resolution music at home, though it also works for everyday listening.
avguide.ch
24/09/2020
Hands-on test · Open-back home headphones
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio X3 is a top home headphone, comfortable for long sessions and easy to drive from a phone, but too open for daily mobile use.
likehifi.de
27/07/2022
Listening test · Open-back hi-fi
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio X3 is a home headphone with a wide, precise stage and punchy bass, best kept for indoor listening rather than travel.
hifitest.de
13/10/2020
Short review · Open-back hi-fi
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio X3 is a well-built open-back headphone with airy sound and a wide stage, suited to comfortable long listening at home.

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 X3

  • Open-back design provides a wide, natural soundstage and immersive spatial feel
  • Excellent detail retrieval and clarity in the mid and high frequency ranges
  • High-quality construction using premium materials like Muirhead leather and Kvadrat fabric
  • Comfortable fit for long sessions with soft memory foam velvet earpads and a self-adjusting headband
  • Includes both standard 3.5mm and 2.5mm balanced cables for versatile connectivity
  • Wired design ensures low latency, making them a solid option for gaming

What customers don't like about Philips Fidelio X3

  • Lean bass response lacks the 'thump' or impact found in previous models like the X2HR
  • Treble response can be uneven or occasionally sibilant on certain tracks
  • Open-back design results in significant sound leakage and poor noise isolation
  • Proprietary wiring on dual-entry cables makes finding aftermarket replacements difficult and expensive
  • Earpads are made of velvet, which easily attracts dust, hair, and lint
  • Large, bulky frame and exceptionally long 3-meter cables make them impractical for travel or portable use

Verdict

The Philips Fidelio X3 is a premium open-back headphone featuring 50mm neodymium drivers with multi-layer polymer diaphragms and damping gel to provide a neutral, high-resolution audio experience (5Hz–40kHz). Its design includes double-layered ear shells and 15-degree tilted drivers for improved acoustic accuracy, supported by a low 30-ohm impedance and 100dB sensitivity that makes it relatively easy to drive. Main pros include a spacious, natural soundstage, exceptional comfort with Muirhead leather and Kvadrat fabric, and a balanced, detailed midrange. However, some users note a slight lack of sub-bass impact, occasionally sharp or uneven treble peaks, and a non-standard 3.5mm dual-entry cable system that can make third-party replacements difficult.

Compare Philips Fidelio X3 with other products in the Headphones category

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