A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple Earpods are a budget-friendly option, offering a decent overall sound quality for everyday use, comfort for long sessions, an inline microphone for calls, and are highly portable, which is great for activities like commuting. However, they lack noise isolation and aren't the best choice for high-noise environments or during exercise. On the other hand, the Philips SHP9500 headphones provide a significantly superior audio experience, with an excellent soundstage for an immersive listening experience and great comfort. They are an ideal choice for quiet environments where you can appreciate their audio fidelity. Keep in mind, though, they are bulkier, more expensive, and not suitable for exercise or noisy places due to their open-back design and lack of noise isolation. 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 Earpods
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
Advantages of the Philips SHP9500
- Excellent for music
- Excellent for TV and video
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.8
9.2
The Philips SHP9500 is excellent for music, while the Apple Earpods is good.
Gaming
8.3
7.2
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Philips SHP9500 is good.
Phone Calls
8.0
4.9
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Philips SHP9500 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
8.0
The Philips SHP9500 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Earpods is good.
TV and Video
7.4
9.0
The Philips SHP9500 is excellent for TV and video, while the Apple Earpods is good.
Cost
$20
$48
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Philips SHP9500 costs $48.
Build Quality
7.6
8.5
The Philips SHP9500 has very good build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Apple Earpods and Philips SHP9500 are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Apple Earpods and the Philips SHP9500 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | Philips SHP9500 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $48 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Philips | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | August 1, 2013 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 7.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 4.4/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 10/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 294.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple Earpods
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Dig into reviews and images
CNN Underscored
Michael Andronico | May 2023
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
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 Earpods 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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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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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.
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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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