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Image © AmazonPhilips Shp9600
At a glance
- Brand
- Philips
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Fit
- open
- Connection
- Wired
- Noise cancelling
- No
- Released
- 2020
Score breakdowngreat overall
Sound7.8
Value8.4
The HearWiki takeAI-condensed
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.
What works
- Open-back design delivers a wide, airy soundstage
- Accurate and detailed audio reproduction with good bass
- Lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions
- Very affordable price point for the sound quality
- Wired 3.5mm connection offers broad compatibility
What doesn't
- Build quality feels cheap and budget-oriented
- No noise isolation or ANC, leaking sound in and out
- Not suitable for travel, sports, or outdoor use
- Lacks any controls or in-line remote on the cable
Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.
Specifications
| Driver | 50 mm dynamic |
|---|---|
| Driver type | dynamic |
| Driver size | 50 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 |
| Frequency response | 6 Hz - 35 kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB/mW |
Audio
| Driver | 50 mm dynamic |
|---|---|
| Driver type | dynamic |
| Driver size | 50 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 |
| Frequency response | 6 Hz - 35 kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB/mW |
Features
| Active noise cancelling | No |
|---|---|
| ANC type | none |
| Transparency mode | No |
| Companion app | No |
| Custom EQ | No |
| Wear detection | No |
| Controls | none |
Design
| Weight | 298 g |
|---|---|
| Detachable cable | Yes |
| USB-C | No |
| Connector | 3.5 mm |
Where to buy
Retailers we matched to this exact model. Prices are periodic snapshots - the link always opens the retailer's current listing.
What the reviews said
4 source(s) feeding this product's score.
What YouTube reviewers say
Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.
The consensus
Mixedacross 5 videosReviewers agree the Philips SHP9600 is a refined, warmer-sounding version of the SHP9500, with improved comfort and smoother treble, but they largely see it as a minor upgrade rather than a true successor.
Reviewers liked
- Improved comfort with deeper pads
- Warm, bass-rich sound with smoother treble
- Easy to drive without an amplifier
Reviewers flagged
- Not a significant upgrade over the SHP9500
- Higher price than the SHP9500 for minor changes
- Build quality and cable feel cheap or lazy
14:56Return of a Legend! Philips SHP 9600 Review
The reviewer finds the Philips SHP9600 to be a refined version of the legendary SHP9500, addressing key complaints like sibilance, shallow pads, and bass impact. However, he criticizes the near-double price for what feels like minor improvements and a lazy build, making it a tough recommendation over the cheaper 9500.
MixedWatch on YouTube
22:03Philips SHP9600 _(Z Reviews)_ ...Tears in the Rain...
The reviewer finds the Philips SHP9600 to be a distinct headphone from the SHP9500, with a warmer, bassier sound signature and improved clamp, but notes it is not an upgrade to the 9500. He appreciates the relaxed, comfortable listening experience and sees it as a viable alternative, though he criticizes the long, low-quality cable and the higher price. Overall, he does not hate it and welcomes it as a separate option.
MixedWatch on YouTube
11:47Philips SHP9600 Review - Refining a classic budget open-back headphone
The reviewer sees the SHP9600 as a refined version of the SHP9500, improving treble smoothness and comfort while keeping a similar overall sound. It's a solid budget open-back option, especially for those new to the lineup, but not a major upgrade for existing SHP9500 owners. The reviewer notes it's efficient, comfortable, and has good imaging, though the treble can still be fatiguing for sensitive listeners.
MixedWatch on YouTube
6:05SHP9600 - REVIEW
The reviewer finds the SHP9600 to be a comfortable, warm-sounding budget headphone that fixes the harshness of its predecessor, but it lacks resolution and is priced too close to better options like the HD58X. He recommends it only if it drops to $100 or below, otherwise saving up for a higher-tier headphone is better.
MixedWatch on YouTube
5:04Is the SHP9600 A Waste Of Time & Money?
The reviewer concludes that the Philips SHP9600 is not worth buying, as it offers only minor improvements over the cheaper SHP9500 and he rarely uses it. He recommends the SHP9500 instead, noting the 9600's sound is decent but not a significant upgrade.
NegativeWatch on YouTube
Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.
What owners say
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Other over-ear models at a comparable price, ordered by HearWiki score.
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Where it sits in our rankings
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