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Philips Shp9600 vs Wavefun Wave Pro X: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Wavefun Wave Pro X comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 89. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Wavefun Wave Pro X - Outstanding overall at around $130.

Score breakdown

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

Wavefun Wave Pro X leads on 6 of 7 measures.

  • Philips Shp9600
  • Wavefun Wave Pro X
HearWiki score
76
89
Sound
7.8
8.5
Noise cancelling
-
8.0
Battery
-
9.5
Calls
-
7.5
Value
8.4
9.0
Price (USD)
$80
$130

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 Wavefun Wave Pro X is 6 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 Wavefun Wave Pro X adds USB-C, Wear detection and Transparency mode. For 6 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Shp96002020
  • Wave Pro X20266 yr newer
What differsShp9600Wave Pro X

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes
Wear detection
No
Yes
Transparency mode
No
Yes

Specifications

Shp9600Wave Pro X
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$80
$130
HearWiki score
76
89
Released
2020
2026
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
50 mm dynamic
2× 40 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
50 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
2
Frequency response
6 Hz - 35 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
-
Sensitivity
102 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
-
6.0
Wireless range
-
10 m
Battery life
-
100 h
Battery life (ANC on)
-
60 h
Wireless charging
-
Yes
Active noise cancelling
No
Yes
ANC type
none
-
Transparency mode
No
Yes
Companion app
No
-
Custom EQ
No
-
Wear detection
No
Yes
Controls
none
-
Weight
298 g
-
Foldable
-
Yes
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes
Connector
3.5 mm
-

What reviewers said

Philips Shp9600

The Philips SHP9600 are open-back wired headphones that prioritize accurate, detailed audio with a spacious presentation, making them a solid choice for relaxed home listening. Their lightweight frame and comfortable fit are highlights, though the construction feels distinctly budget-level and they lack any features for on-the-go use. Ultimately, they deliver strong sound for the price, but only if you value acoustics over portability and build refinement. Their value is also somewhat dependent on the pricing of the similar SHP9500 model, which may offer comparable performance for less.

  • Pro:Open-back design delivers a wide, airy soundstage
  • Pro:Accurate and detailed audio reproduction with good bass
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions
  • Con:Build quality feels cheap and budget-oriented
  • Con:No noise isolation or ANC, leaking sound in and out
  • Con:Not suitable for travel, sports, or outdoor use

Wavefun Wave Pro X

The Wavefun Wave Pro X is a versatile over-ear wireless headphone with a claimed 100-hour battery life (60 with ANC on), Bluetooth 6.0, and a foldable design for portability. It features active noise cancellation, transparency mode, wear detection, and a detachable cable for wired use, making it a strong budget-friendly option for everyday listening.

  • Pro:Exceptional 100-hour battery life (60 with ANC)
  • Pro:Includes ANC, transparency mode, and wear detection
  • Pro:Foldable design with USB-C and wireless charging
  • Con:No mention of high-resolution codec support in specs
  • Con:Frequency response range is standard, not extended
  • Con:Plastic build may feel less premium at this price

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

Compare something else

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New comparisonPhilips Shp9600Wavefun Wave Pro X