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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you value portability and the convenience of true wireless earbuds with features such as quick pairing with Apple devices, the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) are an excellent choice, despite their higher price. Meanwhile, if you prefer over-ear headphones that offer a more natural and open sound, and you don't mind a larger form factor with cables, the Philips SHP9500 will give you good sound quality for a lower cost. Keep in mind that AirPods come with active features like spatial audio and are more suitable for exercise and calls on the go, whereas the Philips are likely better for critical listening in a quiet environment. Choose AirPods if you prioritize modern features and mobility; opt for Philips if you prefer comfort and sound quality for at-home use, where portability is not an issue. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
- Good for phone calls
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
Advantages of the Philips SHP9500
- Excellent for music
- Good for gaming
- Excellent for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.1
9.2
The Philips SHP9500 is excellent for music, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good.
Gaming
5.4
7.2
The Philips SHP9500 is good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
7.6
4.9
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the Philips SHP9500 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
8.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Philips SHP9500 are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is somewhat better.
TV and Video
5.5
9.0
The Philips SHP9500 is excellent for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Philips SHP9500 does not have a battery.
Cost
$179
$48
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the Philips SHP9500 costs $48.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has excellent build quality, while the Philips SHP9500 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Philips SHP9500 are both poor for noise reduction.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Philips SHP9500 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Philips SHP9500 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $48 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Philips | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | August 1, 2013 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 7.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 4.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 10/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 294.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
Philips SHP9500
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Headphones Lab
Brian Stone | April 2020
"You can’t go wrong with the Philips SHP9500 for their price. Their audio quality is superb, and the fact that you can use them for just about anything you can think of makes them well worth your money"
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) or the Philips SHP9500
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About Philips
Philips is a Dutch conglomerate and electronics manufacturer with over 130 years of history. Philips makes the Fidelio audio line which includes several models of full-sized wired and wireless headphones, true wireless earbuds. soundbars and wireless speakers.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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