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Philips SHQ5200 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£90
  • Avg. price in US: ~$100
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: Wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Philips SHQ5200 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.3

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

3.4

Technical Score

20.0%

7.5

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%

2.6

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

7.2

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

4.9

Battery

4.0%

1.1

Calls & Controls

Poor
7.5

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%

7.8

User reviews

30.0%

6.7

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.9
(266)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
(266)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Very good
  • 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

  • 1.7
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    8.0

    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

  • 6.6
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    8.0

    Weight

    24.0%

    10

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    9.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Philips ActionFit SHQ5200 is an ultra-lightweight 99g on-ear sports headphone featuring 40mm neodymium drivers that deliver a frequency response of 18Hz to 21,000Hz with a sensitivity of 101dB and 32-ohm impedance. Designed for high-intensity workouts, it boasts an open acoustic system for environmental awareness, a non-slip silicone-grip headband, and a durable 1.2m Kevlar-reinforced cable. Its primary advantages include moisture-wicking, detachable, and washable ear cushions that ensure hygiene and comfort, alongside a water-resistant and rain-proof build. However, its open-back design leads to significant sound leakage at higher volumes, and the lack of an integrated microphone or in-line controls limits its utility for hands-free calling.

Technical Specifications of Philips SHQ5200

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%

2.6

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

7.2

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

4.9

Battery

4.0%

1.1

Calls & Controls

3.4
Philips SHQ5200 has a technical score of 3.45 points, which is lower than that of 94.3% 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%

7.8

User reviews

30.0%

6.7

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.9
(266)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
(266)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

7.5
Philips SHQ5200 has a user score of 7.48 points, which is lower than that of 69.6% of products in this category.
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.
6.7
Philips SHQ5200 has a popularity of 6.7 points, which is higher than 61.1% 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%

4.3

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.0
Philips SHQ5200 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6 points, which is lower than 82.8% 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 SHQ5200 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 SHQ5200 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 SHQ5200 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

18 Hz
Philips SHQ5200 reaches a lowest frequency of 18 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 49.8% of headphones and equal to 3.5% of headphones.
Show more
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

no
Philips SHQ5200 is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% 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 SHQ5200 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

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
Show more
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 SHQ5200 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
Show more
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 SHQ5200 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 SHQ5200 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
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
Show more
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

102 g
Philips SHQ5200 weighs 102 g, lighter than 78.4% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

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

?
Show more

Philips SHQ5200 vs the average headphone

  • 53.2% lower weight
    Philips SHQ5200 is lighter than the average headphone (102 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 SHQ5200 is lighter than the average headphone (102 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.102 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Philips SHQ5200 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 SHQ5200 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • Open-back design
    Philips SHQ5200 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 SHQ5200 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • Water resistance
    Philips SHQ5200 is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
    What it is: Protection level against water exposure
    When it matters: When workouts, commuting, or outdoor use expose the headphones to moisture.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Philips SHQ5200 is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • 53.2% lower weight
    Philips SHQ5200 is lighter than the average headphone (102 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Open-back design
    Philips SHQ5200 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • Water resistance
    Philips SHQ5200 is water resistant, the average headphone is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Philips SHQ5200 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Total
Design
Connectivity
  • Fixed cable
    Philips SHQ5200 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Philips SHQ5200 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 1.7 % higher distortion
    Philips SHQ5200 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (2 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • 9 dB lower max SPL
    Philips SHQ5200 has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (101 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • Not headset-ready
    Philips SHQ5200 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Philips SHQ5200 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Philips SHQ5200 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 4 years older release date
    Philips SHQ5200 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    February 2013
  • No passive noise reduction
    Philips SHQ5200 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 SHQ5200 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 1.7 % higher distortion
    Philips SHQ5200 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (2 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
    When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=1%

    Philips SHQ5200 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (2 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.2 % vs 0.3 %
  • No voice assistant support
    Philips SHQ5200 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 SHQ5200 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Philips SHQ5200 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 SHQ5200 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Not headset-ready
    Philips SHQ5200 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 SHQ5200 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Philips SHQ5200 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 SHQ5200 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 12.7% worse value for money
    Philips SHQ5200 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.98 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 SHQ5200 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.98 vs 6.736).5.98 vs 6.74
  • 4 years older release date
    Philips SHQ5200 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    February 2013
    What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
    When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2020

    Philips SHQ5200 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,013 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2013 vs 2017
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of Philips SHQ5200 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
3.9
266 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
266 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Philips SHQ5200?

  • Ultra-lightweight design (99g) making them barely noticeable during use
  • Sweat-resistant and rain-proof (IPX rating), ideal for outdoor sports
  • Open-back design allows for situational awareness of surroundings while running
  • Moisture-wicking, detachable, and washable ear cushions for better hygiene
  • Snug and secure fit for most users during high-intensity exercise
  • Kevlar-reinforced cable with a two-part modular design for versatile use with armbands

What customers dislike about Philips SHQ5200?

  • Significant sound leakage due to the open-back design, making them unsuitable for quiet public spaces
  • Headband can slip forward, particularly for users with shorter hair
  • Lack of passive or active noise isolation
  • Audio quality may suffer from distortion at high volume levels
  • Non-detachable main cable can be a point of failure if damaged
  • Some users find the fit too tight for long-duration casual listening

Expert reviews

T
trustedreviews.com
20/08/2013
Philips ActionFit SHQ5200 Review - Trusted Reviews

The Trusted Reviews evaluation of the Philips ActionFit SHQ5200Go highlights an on-ear sports headphone designed for comfort during intense activity, featuring a 99-gram, secure-fit design with washable, moisture-wicking cushions. Its non-slip, polypropylene headband ensures stability, while the open-back design allows for airflow. However, the review identifies significant...Read more

P
pocket-lint.com
30/07/2013
Philips ActionFit SHQ5200 Would you like to see a summary of the pros and cons from these reviews to help you decide?

The Pocket-lint review of the Philips ActionFit SHQ5200Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. highlights them as a rare on-ear option in a sports market dominated by in-ear models, praising their lightweight, adjustable, and flexible design. The reviewer notes that the split headband features a grippy silicone coating that effectively keeps the headphones stable during initial...Read more

L
leclaireur.fnac.com
16/11/2016
Lab Test of the Philips SHQ5200 ActionFit

The Philips SHQ5200 ActionFit is a lightweight, on-ear (supra-aural) sports headphone weighing 104.8 grams that scored 4 out of 5 stars in the Labo Fnac technical evaluation. It excels in comfort, achieving a perfect score of 10, and delivers highly faithful audio reproduction with a strong frequency response score of 8.6. Its distortion score stands at 6.7, showing steady signal...Read more

(Translated)Show original
A
audiocasque.fr
16/04/2014
Philips ActionFit SHQ5200: Review | Headphones for sports

The Philips ActionFit SHQ5200 is an ultra-lightweight (99g) supra-aural wired headphone specifically engineered for sports enthusiasts, offering a rare headband-style alternative to standard workout earbuds. The design prioritises active use, featuring a flexible, adjustable headband with a silicone grip for stability, alongside an open top design to improve breathability. Key...Read more

(Translated)Show original
H
high-tech-out.net
23/11/2014
Philips ActionFit SHQ5200 Review: Lightweight and comfortable sports headphones

The Philips ActionFit SHQ5200 is a lightweight, on-ear sports headphone designed for activities like running, offering a stable and comfortable fit for users who dislike in-ear options. Weighing only 103 grams, it features a stylish black and orange dual-band design where a rigid front band supports the weight and a flexible silicone rear band helps secure it to the head. Notable...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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