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Philips SHL5005 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£20
Avg. price in US: ~$20
Form factor: on-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Philips SHL5005 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.2

Good

4.9

Poor

6.5

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
1.6
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
7.5
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
4.4
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
7.5
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

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Best rankings

Verdict

The Philips SHL5005 is a lightweight, wired on-ear headphone designed for portability, featuring a flat-folding design and a 1.2m cable with a gold-plated 3.5mm connector. It is equipped with 32mm neodymium speaker drivers that deliver a wide frequency response of 9 Hz to 24,000 Hz, an impedance of 32 Ohms, and a sensitivity of 104 dB for clear sound with deep bass. Main advantages include its ultra-lightweight 122g build, a flexible steel spring headband for a secure fit, soft leather ear cushions for long-term comfort, and an integrated in-line microphone for hands-free calls. However, some users have noted that the non-detachable cable can be a point of failure, and the on-ear design provides limited passive noise isolation compared to over-ear models.

Technical Specifications of Philips SHL5005

Overall score

5.2

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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

5.0

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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

4.8

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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

N/A

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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

4.1

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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

1.0

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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

7.4

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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

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 SHL5005 vs the average headphone

Why is Philips SHL5005 better than the average headphone?

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9 Hz lower bass extension
Philips SHL5005 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (9 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 SHL5005 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (9 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.9 Hz vs 18 Hz
44.5% lower weight
Philips SHL5005 is lighter than the average headphone (121 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 SHL5005 is lighter than the average headphone (121 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.121 g vs 218 g
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Philips SHL5005 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 SHL5005 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 SHL5005 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 SHL5005 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Foldable design
Philips SHL5005 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 SHL5005 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
Quick mic mute
Philips SHL5005 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 SHL5005 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
4.5x cheaper
Philips SHL5005 is cheaper than the average headphone (£20 vs £90).
Philips SHL5005 is cheaper than the average headphone (£20 vs £90).£20 vs £90
4000 Hz higher treble extension
Philips SHL5005 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20000 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 SHL5005 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20000 Hz.24000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
44.5% lower weight
Philips SHL5005 is lighter than the average headphone (121 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Foldable design
Philips SHL5005 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
9 Hz lower bass extension
Philips SHL5005 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (9 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
4000 Hz higher treble extension
Philips SHL5005 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20000 Hz.
2 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Philips SHL5005 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Philips SHL5005 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 SHL5005 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Quick mic mute
Philips SHL5005 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.

Calls & Controls

Why is Philips SHL5005 worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Philips SHL5005 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
Tangle-prone cable
Philips SHL5005 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 SHL5005 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
8 mm smaller driver size
Philips SHL5005 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (32 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
8 mm smaller driver size
Philips SHL5005 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 SHL5005 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
Fixed cable
Philips SHL5005 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 SHL5005 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
Tangle-prone cable
Philips SHL5005 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 SHL5005 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 SHL5005 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 SHL5005 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
23% lower user score
Philips SHL5005 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.5 vs 8).
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 SHL5005 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.5 vs 8).6.5 vs 8

Graphic comparison of Philips SHL5005 and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Philips SHL5005?

Excellent value for money and highly affordable in the budget segment
Surprising sound quality for the price, with strong and satisfying bass performance
Lightweight and portable design with flat-folding ear cups for easy storage
Includes a built-in microphone and in-line remote for handling calls and music
Soft ear cushions provide a comfortable initial fit for casual listening

What customers dislike about Philips SHL5005?

Long-term comfort issues; on-ear pressure can cause discomfort after a few hours
Build quality feels somewhat fragile, particularly the plastic folding mechanisms
The thin 1.2m cable is prone to tangling and lacks a tangle-free design
Headband cushion is reported to be less durable, with the foam sometimes peeling off over time
Passive noise isolation is limited, allowing significant ambient noise to leak in

Expert reviews

leclaireur.fnac.com

28/08/2017

Summary of the review

Philips SHL5005 Lab Test: Sluggish performance", "Philips SHL5005 Review: Performance falls short

The Philips SHL5005 is a wired, on-ear closed-back headphone that received a mediocre 3 out of 5 stars in the Fnac Lab test due to several performance shortcomings. On the positive side, it offers exceptional comfort (rated 10/10) and is extremely lightweight at only 116 grams. It features an integrated microphone for calls and provides decent audio fidelity in specific areas, such as a 7.2 frequency response and balanced distortion levels at 80 Hz and 100 Hz. Customers generally appreciate its value for money and sound quality, though some noted it feels a bit "coiffant" (tight) on the head. However, the headphones suffer from significant technical flaws, particularly regarding environmental interaction. Its isolation is very poor, scoring only 2.1, meaning it fails to block out ambient street or office noise effectively. Similarly, its leakage (perturbation) score of 4 suggests that your music will likely disturb those sitting near you. From a design standpoint, the SHL5005 lacks a folding mechanism for easy storage and is not compatible with iPhone Lightning ports without an adapter. While functional for casual home listening, its...

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