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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize excellent sound quality at a more affordable price and don't need wireless connectivity, the Philips SHP9500 offers superb audio and comfort for home listening. However, for varied use, including travel and exercise, the Apple AirPods Max provides active noise canceling, wireless convenience, and better portability, albeit at a premium price. The AirPods Max also has built-in controls, a microphone for calls, and is optimized for Apple devices, which may appeal to iPhone users. In contrast, Philips lacks noise isolation due to its open design, which makes them less suitable for noisy environments but offers a natural soundstage for an immersive music experience. 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 Max
- Excellent for air travel
Advantages of the Philips SHP9500
- Excellent for music
- Good for gaming
- Excellent for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.3
9.2
The Philips SHP9500 is excellent for music, while the Apple Airpods Max is good.
Gaming
5.5
7.2
The Philips SHP9500 is good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Max is poor.
Phone Calls
6.6
4.9
The Apple Airpods Max is only fair for phone calls, while the Philips SHP9500 is poor.
TV and Video
5.7
9.0
The Philips SHP9500 is excellent for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Max is poor.
Noise Reduction
10.0
2.5
The Apple Airpods Max is best in class for noise reduction, while the Philips SHP9500 is poor.
Battery
21.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods Max has 21 hours of battery life. The Philips SHP9500 does not have a battery.
Cost
$549
$48
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Apple Airpods Max has a price of $549 and the Philips SHP9500 costs $48.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Apple Airpods Max has excellent build quality, while the Philips SHP9500 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.0
8.0
The Philips SHP9500 and Apple Airpods Max are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks.
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How the Apple Airpods Max and the Philips SHP9500 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Max | Philips SHP9500 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$549 | $48 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Philips | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2020 | August 1, 2013 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.4/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.6/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 7.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 4.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 21 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 10/10 | 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 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 385.5 Grams | 294.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Max
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Adam Molina | July 2023
"Objectively, the AirPods Max is a spectacular pair of headphones. I appreciate the smart features like auto-pause and the transparency mode are super practical. It also sounds great, is well-built, and has solid battery life."
Philips SHP9500
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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 Max 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.
By the numbers
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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.
Jason Lew
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.
Luis Torres
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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