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Philips SHB8850nc Review | 93 Data compared

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 this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

7.1

Very good

7.1

Very good

?

6.9
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
?
Audio latency
25.0%
4.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
4.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
?
Battery life
8.3
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
10
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
?
Battery life
18.0%
?
Weight
16.0%
10
Multipoint support
14.0%
4.0
Ambient sound mode
7.2
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
4.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
10
Multipoint support
16.0%
?
Battery life
14.0%
4.0
Companion app
7.3
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
?
Weight
24.0%
4.0
Water resistance
20.0%
?
IP rating
16.0%
?
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

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No image

Best prices in UK

N/A~ £90

Best rankings

#15 in Best Philips Headphones
#235 in Best Cheap Bluetooth Wireless Headphones
#483 in Best Wireless Headphones
#484 in Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
#509 in Best Headphones with Mic

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 pair of headphones Philips SHB8850nc

Overall score

7.1

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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

8.3

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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: HIGH

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: HIGH

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

7.3

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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: LOW

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: LOW

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

6.7

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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: LOW

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: LOW

Good value: >=5.0

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

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: MEDIUM

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: LOW

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Features

4.4

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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

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

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: HIGH

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

5.7

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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: LOW

Good value: >45 hours

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: LOW

Good value: >40 hours

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: LOW

Good value: <=2 hours

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: LOW

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: LOW

Good value: >=720 mAh

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Design

7.1

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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: LOW

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: LOW

on-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: HIGH

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: LOW

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: LOW

?

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Philips SHB8850nc vs the average pair of headphones

Why is Philips SHB8850nc better than the average pair of headphones?

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Active noise cancellation
Philips SHB8850nc supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% 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 pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Multipoint support
Philips SHB8850nc supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
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: LOW
Philips SHB8850nc supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
More flexible connectivity
Philips SHB8850nc offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support 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: LOW
Philips SHB8850nc offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.10 Hz vs 18 Hz
Quick charge support
Philips SHB8850nc supports quick charge, the average pair of headphones does not. 33% of headphones support 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: LOW
Philips SHB8850nc supports quick charge, the average pair of headphones does not. 33% of headphones support quick charge.
On-device controls
Philips SHB8850nc includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones 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: LOW
Philips SHB8850nc includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
AAC codec support
Philips SHB8850nc supports AAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 32.2% of headphones support AAC.
What it is: Supports AAC codec for iOS and compatible devices
When it matters: When you mainly use Apple devices and want stronger Bluetooth codec support.
Importance: LOW
Philips SHB8850nc supports AAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 32.2% of headphones support AAC.
Foldable design
Philips SHB8850nc has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% 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 pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
Foldable design
Philips SHB8850nc has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
Active noise cancellation
Philips SHB8850nc supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
8 Hz lower bass extension
Philips SHB8850nc has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
Quick charge support
Philips SHB8850nc supports quick charge, the average pair of headphones does not. 33% of headphones support quick charge.
Wireless charging support
Philips SHB8850nc supports wireless charging, the average pair of headphones does not. 3.9% of headphones support wireless charging.
Play while charging
Philips SHB8850nc can play while charging, the average pair of headphones cannot. 29.1% of headphones support play while charging.
Rechargeable battery
Philips SHB8850nc has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
Multipoint support
Philips SHB8850nc supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
More flexible connectivity
Philips SHB8850nc offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
AAC codec support
Philips SHB8850nc supports AAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 32.2% of headphones support AAC.
NFC pairing
Philips SHB8850nc supports NFC pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.7% of headphones support NFC pairing.
Fast pairing support
Philips SHB8850nc supports fast pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 14% of headphones support fast pairing.
Multipoint connections
Philips SHB8850nc supports multipoint connections, while the average pair of headphones does not. 30.2% of headphones support multipoint connections.
On-device controls
Philips SHB8850nc includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
1 more microphones
Philips SHB8850nc has more microphones than the average pair of headphones (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
Sidetone support
Philips SHB8850nc supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
Quick mic mute
Philips SHB8850nc includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.

Calls & Controls

Why is Philips SHB8850nc worse than the average pair of headphones?

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Tangle-prone cable
Philips SHB8850nc 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 travel bag
Philips SHB8850nc does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
6.4% higher weight
Philips SHB8850nc is heavier than the average pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (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: HIGH
Philips SHB8850nc has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (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: MEDIUM
Good value: <=1%
Philips SHB8850nc has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (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: LOW
Good value: >40 hours
Philips SHB8850nc has a lower battery life with ANC than the average pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (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: LOW
Good value: >45 hours
Philips SHB8850nc has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (16 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.16 hours vs 30 hours
5.87x less popular
Philips SHB8850nc is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1.00 vs 5.869).
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 pair of headphones (1.00 vs 5.869).1 vs 5.87
Tangle-prone cable
Philips SHB8850nc uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones 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 pair of headphones 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 pair of headphones does. 65.4% 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 pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
6.4% higher weight
Philips SHB8850nc is heavier than the average pair of headphones (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: HIGH
Good value: <150 g
Philips SHB8850nc is heavier than the average pair of headphones (232 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.232 g vs 218 g

Graphic comparison of Philips SHB8850nc and other products in the Headphones category

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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

jetsetjill.com

30/06/2017

Summary of the review

Review: Philips SHB8850NC wireless, bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones - JetsetJill

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 half the price of Bose models. Sound quality receives a perfect 5/5 score, with treble, bass, and dialogue clarity performing so well that the reviewer could barely distinguish them from the Bose during music and video tests. Additionally, they score a 4/5 for portability due to a highly compact design where the earcups fold up inside the headband, making them easily packable for travel. They also feature strong Bluetooth range and include a backup wire with an airline adapter for long flights. Despite these strengths, the reviewer notes several significant drawbacks. The headphones receive a low 2/5 score for fit because they feature an on-ear design rather than an over-ear structure, causing physical discomfort and ear pain after a few hours of use. Their active noise cancellation, while...

whathifi.com

12/03/2018

Summary of the review

Philips SHB8850NC review - What Hi-Fi?

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 portable design includes earcups that rotate and fold at the hinges, making them easy to pack into bags. Furthermore, the active noise cancellation mechanism is simple to operate via a dedicated button, effectively muting consistent ambient sounds like the hum of an office or an aeroplane engine. However, the headphones do have notable drawbacks, particularly regarding bass depth and structural comfort. While the low-end performance remains taut and responsive, it does not reach deep enough for bass-heavy musical tracks. The audio presentation can also feel somewhat closed-in, lacking the open and spacious soundstage delivered by newer rivals. From a design standpoint, the build quality feels slightly flimsy compared to newer alternatives, and the overall fit may not be comfortable for every user, making them less ideal for long-haul travel. Additionally,...

trustedreviews.com

12/08/2016

Summary of the review

Philips SHB8850NC Review - Trusted Reviews

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, noting that the active noise cancellation is underwhelming and barely noticeable during commutes. Furthermore, the audio quality is described as uninspiring and lifeless, characterized by a narrow soundstage, a lack of detail in higher frequencies, and a bass-heavy, warm sound signature.

Video reviews

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