Skip to content
HearWiki

Alienware Pro Wireless vs Philips Shp9500: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Alienware Pro Wireless comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Alienware Pro Wireless - Outstanding overall at around $125.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Alienware Pro Wireless leads on 6 of 7 measures.

  • Alienware Pro Wireless
  • Philips Shp9500
HearWiki score
86
74
Sound
8.7
7.8
Noise cancelling
8.1
-
Battery
9.1
-
Calls
8.7
-
Value
8.6
7.3
Price (USD)
$120
$100

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The Alienware Pro Wireless is 10 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Alienware Pro Wireless adds USB-C and Transparency mode. For 10 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Pro Wireless202410 yr newer
  • Shp95002014
What differsPro WirelessShp9500

Everyday features

USB-C
Yes
No
Transparency mode
Yes
No

Specifications

Pro WirelessShp9500
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$120
$100
HearWiki score
86
74
Released
2024
2014
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
50 mm driver
50 mm dynamic
Driver type
-
dynamic
Driver size
50 mm
50 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 40 kHz
-
Impedance
32 Ω
32 Ω
Bluetooth
5.3
-
Codecs
SBC
-
Multipoint pairing
No
No
Battery life
70 h
-
Battery life (ANC on)
35 h
-
Quick charge
15 min → 6 h
-
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
ANC type
-
none
Transparency mode
Yes
No
Companion app
-
No
Custom EQ
-
No
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
-
none
Weight
310 g
320 g
Water resistance
-
none
Foldable
-
No
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
Yes
No
Pad material
leatherette
-
Clamp force
365 g
-
Connector
-
3.5 mm
Microphones
2
-
Call noise reduction
Yes
-
Call NR technology
AI ENC
-

What reviewers said

Alienware Pro Wireless

Its leatherette pads and moderate 310g weight aim for comfort during long sessions, while the 2.4GHz wireless option and USB-C charging add versatility for desk and on-the-go use. Sound quality is generally strong, but the microphone performance and a single SBC codec limit keep it from being a flawless all-rounder.

  • Pro:Excellent battery life, especially with ANC off
  • Pro:Comfortable leatherette ear pads for long wear
  • Pro:Active noise cancellation and transparency mode included
  • Con:Microphone quality is underwhelming for the price
  • Con:Only SBC codec support limits high-res wireless audio
  • Con:No multipoint connection for seamless device switching

Philips Shp9500

The Philips SHP9500 is an affordable open-back headphone aimed at budget-conscious audiophiles, offering a balanced, accurate sound signature that doesn't require a dedicated amplifier. Its lightweight design and comfortable fit make it a solid choice for home listening, though it lacks modern conveniences like wireless connectivity or noise cancellation. With a 50mm dynamic driver and 32-ohm impedance, it pairs easily with most devices via its 3.5mm cable.

  • Pro:Excellent sound clarity and detail for the price
  • Pro:Open-back design provides a wide, natural soundstage
  • Pro:Lightweight and breathable for long listening sessions
  • Con:No wireless or Bluetooth support; wired only
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or isolation
  • Con:Non-detachable cable and no inline controls

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonAlienware Pro WirelessPhilips Shp9500