Philips SHB8850nc Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£90
  • Avg. price in US: ~$120
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wireless
  • Battery life: 16 hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

Philips SHB8850nc review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

6.3

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%

6.3

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
6.3

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%

7.9

Sound

20.0%

2.4

Features

10.0%

7.1

Design

8.0%

5.3

Connectivity

6.0%

5.6

Battery

4.0%

6.0

Calls & Controls

Good
?

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%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 5.7
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    9.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    1.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    2.4

    Battery life

  • 6.0
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    2.4

    Battery life

    18.0%

    4.8

    Weight

    16.0%

    10

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    1.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 5.0
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    10

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    2.4

    Battery life

    14.0%

    1.0

    Companion app

  • 4.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.8

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    2.4

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £90

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 SHB8850NC is a lightweight, on-ear wireless headphone featuring 32mm neodymium drivers and ActiveShield™ technology designed to reduce ambient noise by up to 97%. It operates on Bluetooth 4.0 with NFC one-tap pairing and multi-point connectivity for two devices, delivering a frequency range of 10Hz to 22,000Hz and a sensitivity of 105 dB. Main pros include its highly portable compact folding design, clear midrange and treble performance, and a rechargeable battery providing up to 16 hours of wireless playback with ANC enabled. However, some users find the on-ear fit uncomfortable for long periods, and critics have noted that the bass lacks depth and the noise cancellation is less effective against high-frequency sounds like voices.

Technical Specifications of Philips SHB8850nc

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%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

6.3
Philips SHB8850nc has a technical score of 6.31 points, which is higher than that of 74.7% 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%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
Philips SHB8850nc has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% 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%

6.3

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.4
Philips SHB8850nc has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.4 points, which is higher than 72.4% 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

yes
Philips SHB8850nc supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% 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

32 mm
Philips SHB8850nc uses a driver size of 32 mm, smaller driver size than 74.5% of headphones and equal to 3% 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 SHB8850nc 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

10 Hz
Philips SHB8850nc reaches a lowest frequency of 10 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.3% of headphones and equal to 12.5% of headphones.
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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

no
Philips SHB8850nc 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 SHB8850nc 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

2
Philips SHB8850nc has 2 microphones, more microphones than 78.2% of headphones and equal to 8.8% 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 SHB8850nc 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

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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

wireless
Philips SHB8850nc supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 52.6% of headphones and equal to 47.4% of headphones.
supports both wireless and wired connectivity.
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

4.0
Philips SHB8850nc uses Bluetooth version 4.0, newer Bluetooth version than 57.4% of headphones and equal to 4.8% of headphones.
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

10 m
Philips SHB8850nc offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m, higher Bluetooth range than 2.6% of headphones and equal to 79.9% of headphones.
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

?
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

yes
Philips SHB8850nc supports multipoint. 35% of headphones support multipoint.
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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

no
Philips SHB8850nc does not offer ambient sound mode. 76.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
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 SHB8850nc 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

no
Philips SHB8850nc does not work with a companion app. 44.4% of headphones support companion apps.
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

yes
Philips SHB8850nc supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
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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

16 hours
Philips SHB8850nc offers battery life of 16 hours, lower battery life than 77.3% of headphones and equal to 2.4% of headphones.
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

16 hours
Philips SHB8850nc offers battery life with ANC of 16 hours, lower battery life with ANC than 86.1% of headphones and equal to 2.4% of headphones.
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

2 hours
Philips SHB8850nc needs 2 hours to charge, lower charging time than 48.5% of headphones and equal to 39.1% of headphones.
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

yes
Philips SHB8850nc supports quick charge. 31% of headphones support quick charge.
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

530 mAh
Philips SHB8850nc has a battery capacity of 530 mAh, lower battery capacity than 54.5% of headphones and equal to 0.3% of headphones.
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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

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

232 g
Philips SHB8850nc weighs 232 g, heavier than 55% 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

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Philips SHB8850nc vs the average headphone

  • Active noise cancellation
    Philips SHB8850nc supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
    What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
    When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

    Importance: HIGH

    Philips SHB8850nc supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Philips SHB8850nc offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    supports both wireless and wired 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

    Philips SHB8850nc offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Philips SHB8850nc has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 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 SHB8850nc has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • On-device controls
    Philips SHB8850nc includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
    What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
    When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Philips SHB8850nc includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • Foldable design
    Philips SHB8850nc has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
    What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
    When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.

    Importance: LOW

    Philips SHB8850nc has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 1 more microphones
    Philips SHB8850nc has more microphones than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 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

    Philips SHB8850nc has more microphones than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.2 vs 1
  • Sidetone support
    Philips SHB8850nc supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
    What it is: Lets users hear their own voice during calls
    When it matters: When long calls matter and you do not want to sound unnaturally loud in your own ears while speaking.

    Importance: LOW

    Philips SHB8850nc supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Quick mic mute
    Philips SHB8850nc 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 SHB8850nc includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • Foldable design
    Philips SHB8850nc has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • Active noise cancellation
    Philips SHB8850nc supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Philips SHB8850nc has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Philips SHB8850nc has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Philips SHB8850nc has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Philips SHB8850nc has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • Play while charging
    Philips SHB8850nc can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Philips SHB8850nc offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
  • On-device controls
    Philips SHB8850nc includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 1 more microphones
    Philips SHB8850nc has more microphones than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • Sidetone support
    Philips SHB8850nc supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Quick mic mute
    Philips SHB8850nc includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Philips SHB8850nc uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No travel bag
    Philips SHB8850nc does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 6.4% higher weight
    Philips SHB8850nc is heavier than the average headphone (232 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 8 mm smaller driver size
    Philips SHB8850nc has smaller driver size than the average headphone (32 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    Philips SHB8850nc has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • 14 hours shorter ANC battery life
    Philips SHB8850nc has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (16 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
  • 14 hours shorter battery life
    Philips SHB8850nc has a lower battery life than the average headphone (16 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
  • 8 mm smaller driver size
    Philips SHB8850nc has smaller driver size than the average headphone (32 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 SHB8850nc has smaller driver size than the average headphone (32 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.32 mm vs 40 mm
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    Philips SHB8850nc has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (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 SHB8850nc has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 14 hours shorter ANC battery life
    Philips SHB8850nc has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (16 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    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

    Philips SHB8850nc has a lower battery life with ANC than the average headphone (16 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.16 hours vs 30 hours
  • 14 hours shorter battery life
    Philips SHB8850nc has a lower battery life than the average headphone (16 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    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

    Philips SHB8850nc has a lower battery life than the average headphone (16 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.16 hours vs 30 hours
  • 4.65x less popular
    Philips SHB8850nc is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
    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.
    Philips SHB8850nc is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Philips SHB8850nc uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
    What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
    When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.

    Importance: LOW

    Philips SHB8850nc uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No travel bag
    Philips SHB8850nc does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
    What it is: Comes with a protective carrying case or pouch
    When it matters: When protection in transit matters right out of the box.

    Importance: LOW

    Philips SHB8850nc does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 6.4% higher weight
    Philips SHB8850nc is heavier than the average headphone (232 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 SHB8850nc is heavier than the average headphone (232 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.232 g vs 218 g

Graphic comparison of Philips SHB8850nc and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Philips SHB8850nc?

  • Excellent value for money compared to premium brands
  • Highly portable with a compact, foldable design
  • Clear sound quality, particularly in mid and treble frequencies
  • Multipoint Bluetooth allows connection to two devices simultaneously
  • Physical controls are tactile and easy to use once familiar
  • Includes a detachable cable for wired listening when battery is low
  • Lightweight build makes them easy to carry for daily commutes

What customers dislike about Philips SHB8850nc?

  • On-ear design can become uncomfortable during long listening sessions
  • Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is less effective than high-end competitors
  • Bass response is described as average or lacking for bass-heavy genres
  • Plastic construction can feel somewhat flimsy or 'cheap'
  • Uses older Micro-USB charging instead of modern USB-C
  • Lack of a dedicated carrying case in the box
  • Maximum volume levels may be too low for some users

Expert reviews

J
jetsetjill.com
30/06/2017

The Jill Starley-Grainger review highlights the Philips SHB8850NC wireless headphones as an exceptional budget-friendly alternative to premium models like the Bose QuietComfort 15, earning a solid 4/5 overall verdict. The primary standout feature is their incredible value for money, offering audio quality, active noise cancellation (ANC), and wireless Bluetooth capability at roughly...Read more

W
whathifi.com
12/03/2018

The Philips SHB8850NC wireless, noise-cancelling headphones offer exceptional value for money, combining impressive audio clarity, powerful dynamics, and active noise cancellation for under £100. Equipped with 32mm drivers, they deliver a highly organised and detailed soundstage that brings surprising depth and nuance to vocals, outperforming many budget competitors. Their highly...Read more

T
trustedreviews.com
12/08/2016

The Trusted Reviews evaluation of the Philips SHB8850NCGo highlights the headphones as an affordable, budget-friendly option with reliable hands-free call performance and effective passive noise isolation. While offering a comfortable, lightweight design for daily use, the device ultimately struggles with performance-driven tasks. However, the review outlines significant drawbacks,...Read more

Video reviews

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