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Philips SHP9500s Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£80
Avg. price in US: ~$70
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Philips SHP9500s review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.0

Good

3.9

Poor

9.3

Exceptional

0.2
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
0.7
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
2.5
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
0.2
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
1.8
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
2.5
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

Verdict

The Philips SHP9500s are budget-friendly, open-back, wired headphones featuring 50mm neodymium drivers, a 32-Ohm impedance, and a 12Hz–35kHz frequency response, making them easy to drive without an amplifier. Key characteristics include a spacious, neutral soundstage with light clamping force and exceptional comfort for long sessions, along with a durable steel-reinforced headband and detachable 3.5mm cable. Their main pros are an outstanding price-to-performance ratio, detailed airy sound, and high comfort. However, they lack significant sub-bass, have a bright treble that can feel hot to some, offer no sound isolation, and feature large, non-replaceable earpads that may feel loose on smaller heads.

Technical Specifications of Philips SHP9500s

Overall score

5.0

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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

4.6

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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

1.2

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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

N/A

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

N/A

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

N/A

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

2.9

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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

2.7

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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

6.1

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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: 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

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 SHP9500s vs the average headphone

Why is Philips SHP9500s better than the average headphone?

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Hi-Res Audio certification
Philips SHP9500s has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.
Importance: LOW
Philips SHP9500s has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
Spatial audio support
Philips SHP9500s supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
What it is: Supports immersive surround sound playback
When it matters: When movies, games, and immersive mixes are part of your listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Philips SHP9500s supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
10 mm larger driver size
Philips SHP9500s uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 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 SHP9500s uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.50 mm vs 40 mm
12 Hz lower bass extension
Philips SHP9500s has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (6 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 SHP9500s has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (6 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.6 Hz vs 18 Hz
15,000 Hz higher treble extension
Philips SHP9500s has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (35,000 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 SHP9500s has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (35,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.35000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
12 mm more spacious earcup height
Philips SHP9500s 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 SHP9500s 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
Open-back design
Philips SHP9500s uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones use an open-back housing that lets air and sound pass through more freely than a closed design.
When it matters: When you listen in quiet places and care more about spacious sound than blocking outside noise or preventing sound leakage.
Importance: MEDIUM
Philips SHP9500s uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
11 mm more spacious earcup width
Philips SHP9500s offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (54 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 SHP9500s offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (54 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.54 mm vs 43 mm
12 mm more spacious earcup height
Philips SHP9500s 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.
Open-back design
Philips SHP9500s uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
11 mm more spacious earcup width
Philips SHP9500s offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (54 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
Hi-Res Audio certification
Philips SHP9500s has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
Spatial audio support
Philips SHP9500s supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
10 mm larger driver size
Philips SHP9500s uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
12 Hz lower bass extension
Philips SHP9500s has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (6 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
15,000 Hz higher treble extension
Philips SHP9500s has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (35,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
0.14 % lower distortion
Philips SHP9500s has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.2 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.

Why is Philips SHP9500s worse than the average headphone?

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51.4% higher weight
Philips SHP9500s is heavier than the average headphone (330 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Tangle-prone cable
Philips SHP9500s 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 SHP9500s does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
No passive noise reduction
Philips SHP9500s does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
Not headset-ready
Philips SHP9500s is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
No voice assistant support
Philips SHP9500s does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No passive noise reduction
Philips SHP9500s 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 SHP9500s does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
51.4% higher weight
Philips SHP9500s is heavier than the average headphone (330 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 SHP9500s is heavier than the average headphone (330 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.330 g vs 218 g
No voice assistant support
Philips SHP9500s 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 SHP9500s does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Not headset-ready
Philips SHP9500s is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
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
Philips SHP9500s is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Tangle-prone cable
Philips SHP9500s 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 SHP9500s 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 SHP9500s 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 SHP9500s does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
4.1% worse value for money
Philips SHP9500s has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.47 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 SHP9500s has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.47 vs 6.736).6.47 vs 6.74

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Philips SHP9500s and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Philips SHP9500s?

Exceptional long-term comfort due to lightweight design and low clamping force
Spacious soundstage and accurate imaging, making them excellent for gaming
Balanced, 'neutral' sound signature with crisp detail and clear vocals
Standard 3.5mm detachable cable allows for easy replacement or mic upgrades
Highly efficient and easy to drive without needing a dedicated amplifier
Outstanding value for the price compared to many 'gaming' headsets

What customers dislike about Philips SHP9500s?

Noticeable lack of sub-bass and overall bass impact ('lean' bass)
Treble can occasionally sound 'grainy' or piercing (sibilant) at high volumes
Open-back design results in significant sound leakage and zero noise isolation
Earpads are not officially replaceable and have a shallow, rough fabric texture
Loose fit/low clamp force means they may slide around during head movement
The SHP9500S version typically lacks the carrying pouch included with the original model

Expert reviews

medium.com

04/05/2018

Philips SHP9500s - by Jyotsha Kumar - Medium

The Philips SHP9500s are praised for providing premium audio quality, specifically offering exceptional sound clarity and a spacious soundstage that rivals more expensive headphones. Key pros include a balanced, neutral frequency response with punchy, engaging bass that responds exceptionally well to amplification. Medium·Jyotsha KumarHowever, the review notes that the soundstage...Read more

cdn.head-fi.org

10/06/2026

Best PRO Studio Headphones: Top 30 for 2024 (Includes SHP9500S)

The Sonarworks Best PRO Studio Headphones Guide explains that traditional technical specifications, like frequency response range or 1kHz harmonic distortion, do not reliably reflect real-world performance because modern studio headphones easily cover human hearing and rarely distort at mid-frequencies. Instead, the guide focuses on performance parameters crucial for long hours of...Read more

xander51.medium.com

05/01/2017

Philips SHP9500 / SHP9500S Headphones Review - A Great Cheap Open Pair

In a Medium review, Alex Rowe highlights the Philips SHP9500Go and SHP9500SGo as high-value, budget-friendly open-back headphones, praising their bright, airy sound signature and comfortable, lightweight build. They offer a 50mm driver experience suitable for long listening sessions with a detachable 3.5mm cable, including a more manageable 5-foot cord in the "S" variant. Medium·...Read more

podcastage.com

08/09/2025

Philips SHP9500S Open Back Headphone Review

Bandrew Scott’s review of the Philips SHP9500SGo outlines a highly favorable impression of these open-back headphones, celebrating them as his favorite pair evaluated up to that point. Priced affordably between $60 and $75, they are highly recommended for budget-conscious buyers seeking an entry point into open-back audio. Physically, the headphones offer mediocre build quality...Read more

tweakers.net

24/05/2014

Philips SHP9500 Black - Spectator - Product reviews

The Philips SHP9500 Zwart is an open-back, over-ear headphone praised by the reviewer for delivering an exceptionally natural, balanced, and spacious soundstage that reproduces audio exactly as the creator intended. Equipped with a vented 50mm driver and a frequency range of 12–35,000 Hz, it offers highly accurate detail across the low, mid, and high frequencies, making it ideal for...Read more

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