Philips SHP8500 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£45
  • Avg. price in US: ~$30
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Philips SHP8500 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

3.4

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%

3.4

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
3.4

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%

3.1

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

5.9

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

2.8

Calls & Controls

Poor
?

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

  • 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

  • 0.9
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    3.4

    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

  • 3.2
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    3.4

    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

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £45

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 SHP8500 is an open-back, over-ear hi-fi headphone featuring 40mm neodymium speaker drivers with a frequency response of 10–28,000 Hz, 32-ohm impedance, and 106 dB sensitivity. Main characteristics include a 3-meter single-sided LC-OFC cable for reduced tangling and a gold-plated 3.5mm connector with a 6.3mm adapter included. Pros include its lightweight design, comfortably adjustable headband for a close acoustic seal, and balanced sound suitable for gaming and music. However, it lacks a detachable cable and folding mechanism, and some users note that the foam ear cushions can easily attract dust or become deteriorating over long-term use.

Technical Specifications of Philips SHP8500

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

3.4
Philips SHP8500 has a technical score of 3.41 points, which is lower than that of 94.8% 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 SHP8500 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%

3.4

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

5.4
Philips SHP8500 has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.4 points, which is lower than 93.2% 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

no
Philips SHP8500 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% 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

40 mm
Philips SHP8500 uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% 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 SHP8500 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 SHP8500 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 SHP8500 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 SHP8500 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

0
Philips SHP8500 has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% 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 SHP8500 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

N/A
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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

wired
Philips SHP8500 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
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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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

no
Philips SHP8500 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

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

no
Philips SHP8500 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% 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

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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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

over-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

290 g
Philips SHP8500 weighs 290 g, heavier than 77.7% of headphones and equal to 1.2% 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

open-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 SHP8500 vs the average headphone

  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Philips SHP8500 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 SHP8500 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Philips SHP8500 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 SHP8500 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
  • 8,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Philips SHP8500 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    Philips SHP8500 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.28000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 12 mm more spacious earcup height
    Philips SHP8500 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (72 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Philips SHP8500 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (72 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.72 mm vs 60 mm
  • 4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Philips SHP8500 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Philips SHP8500 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Foldable design
    Philips SHP8500 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 SHP8500 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 12 mm more spacious earcup width
    Philips SHP8500 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (55 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
    What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Philips SHP8500 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (55 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.55 mm vs 43 mm
  • 1.8 m more useful cable length
    Philips SHP8500 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    What it is: Length of the supplied audio cable
    When it matters: When your desk, TV, or audio setup needs more or less movement range.

    Importance: LOW

    Philips SHP8500 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.3 m vs 1.2 m
  • 12 mm more spacious earcup height
    Philips SHP8500 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (72 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
  • Foldable design
    Philips SHP8500 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 12 mm more spacious earcup width
    Philips SHP8500 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (55 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
  • 1.8 m more useful cable length
    Philips SHP8500 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Philips SHP8500 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 8,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Philips SHP8500 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Philips SHP8500 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 15x higher input power handling
    Philips SHP8500 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,500 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Philips SHP8500 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 33% higher weight
    Philips SHP8500 is heavier than the average headphone (290 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Fixed cable
    Philips SHP8500 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Philips SHP8500 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Philips SHP8500 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Philips SHP8500 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Philips SHP8500 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 8 years older release date
    Philips SHP8500 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,009 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Philips SHP8500 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
    When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Philips SHP8500 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • No voice assistant support
    Philips SHP8500 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
    When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

    Importance: LOW

    Philips SHP8500 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 33% higher weight
    Philips SHP8500 is heavier than the average headphone (290 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 SHP8500 is heavier than the average headphone (290 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.290 g vs 218 g
  • Fixed cable
    Philips SHP8500 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 SHP8500 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 25.1% worse value for money
    Philips SHP8500 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.39 vs 6.736).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
    When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
    Philips SHP8500 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.39 vs 6.736).5.39 vs 6.74
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Philips SHP8500 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 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 SHP8500 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 4.65x less popular
    Philips SHP8500 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 SHP8500 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Philips SHP8500 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 SHP8500 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.

Graphic comparison of Philips SHP8500 and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Philips SHP8500?

  • Exceptional value for money with a high price-to-performance ratio
  • Comfortable fit for long sessions thanks to soft, full-size ear cushions and an adjustable headband
  • Balanced sound quality with clear mids and tight, distinct bass
  • Robust and durable build quality featuring a thick, long (3m) single-sided cable
  • Includes gold-plated 3.5mm and 6.35mm adapters for versatile connectivity
  • Lightweight design despite its bulky appearance

What customers dislike about Philips SHP8500?

  • Treble can be overly bright and piercing out of the box, requiring 'burn-in' time to settle
  • Open/semi-closed design leads to significant sound leakage, making them less suitable for public use
  • Foam ear pads tend to attract and catch dust easily
  • Lacks in-line volume controls or a microphone
  • Bass may become muddy or overpowering if 'Bass Boost' settings are applied
  • Ear pads are non-replaceable, which may limit long-term hygiene and maintenance

Expert reviews

T
techenclave.com
11/05/2010

The Philips SHP 8500/97 is an affordable, open-back acoustic headphone model featuring 40mm Neodymium magnets angled perpendicularly to the ear canal for clear sound delivery. The user review highlights a sturdy design with thick, durable 3m-long wiring that avoids common contact problems, as well as the comfortable, lightweight fit provided by upper hard rubber padding and large,...Read more

S
sequencer.de
09/12/2015

The Superlux HD662F is a closed-back headphone priced around €30, which the reviewer bought primarily for recording and vocal tracking. It features a comfortable fit with an automatic headband adjustment, good hardware durability, and strong noise isolation both in and out. While marketed as having a linear response, it actually colors the sound significantly with overemphasized...Read more

C
connect.de
16/02/2011

The review from the German tech platform connect positions the AKG K 480 NC (priced at €150) as a bass-centric model within its test group. The reviewer notes that the sound signature is pleasantly warm without leaning too dark. When active noise-cancelling (ANC) is turned on, the headphones dynamically boost low-frequency pressure, significantly outperforming competitors like the...Read more

Video reviews

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