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What we think
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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 earbuds feature active noise cancelling, wireless connectivity with aptX Adaptive and Low Latency support, and a built-in microphone, making them suitable for calls, air travel, and use during exercise. They are sweat and dustproof, and offer wireless charging with a short charging time, but their overall sound quality isn't rated as highly. Meanwhile, the Philips SHP9500 headphones offer superior sound quality and comfort ideal for long listening sessions, an open-back design enhancing soundstage for more immersive music and TV/video experiences. However, they lack a built-in microphone, noise isolation, and are not wireless, which limits their use in noisy environments and during physical activities. If active noise cancelling and wireless convenience are priorities, the PI7s could be your choice, but if you're seeking the best sound quality and comfort for home use, the SHP9500s are the standout option, especially considering their significantly lower price. 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 Bowers and Wilkins PI7
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for air travel
Advantages of the Philips SHP9500
- Excellent for music
- Excellent for TV and video
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
6.8
9.2
The Philips SHP9500 is excellent for music, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is only fair.
Gaming
8.1
7.2
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is very good for gaming, while the Philips SHP9500 is good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
4.8
8.0
The Philips SHP9500 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is poor.
TV and Video
6.8
9.0
The Philips SHP9500 is excellent for TV and video, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
8.3
2.5
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is very good for noise reduction, while the Philips SHP9500 is poor.
Battery
3.0 Hours
N/A
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has 3 hours of battery life. The Philips SHP9500 does not have a battery.
Cost
$399
$48
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has a price of $399 and the Philips SHP9500 costs $48.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
5.1
4.9
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and Philips SHP9500 are both poor for phone calls.
Build Quality
8.9
8.5
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and Philips SHP9500 both have very good build quality.
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How the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and the Philips SHP9500 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bowers and Wilkins PI7 | Philips SHP9500 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$399 | $48 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bowers and Wilkins | Philips | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | April 1, 2021 | August 1, 2013 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.2/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.2/10 | 7.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 6.9/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 4.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 3 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.7 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 20 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.5/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 10/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 7 Grams | 294.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Bowers and Wilkins PI7
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Chase Bernath | April 2022
"The primary selling point of the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 is the charging case that can transmit audio from any analog source to the earbuds. If you have a very specific and clear need for that feature, then the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 is for you."
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 Bowers and Wilkins PI7 or the Philips SHP9500
About Bowers and Wilkins
Bowers and Wilkins is a British audio equipment manufacturer with a focus on innovation and product development. It was founded by a couple of real-life James Bonds, the co-founders John Bowers and Roy Wilkins, who met while working for MI6 during World War II. The company keeps being favored by enthusiasts due to their sound quality, craftsmanship and signature aesthetics.
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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