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 EPOS PC38X offers superior overall sound quality and excellent microphone quality, making it an excellent choice for gaming and calls or meetings; however, they're pricier. On the flip side, the Philips SHP9500 provides good sound quality and comfort at a lower cost, but without a microphone, they may not be ideal for gaming or online meetings where voice communication is necessary. Both headphones have an open-back design, meaning they won't isolate noise well which makes them less suitable for noisy environments but enhances their soundstage for a more immersive listening experience when in quiet places. If you prioritize mic quality and are willing to invest more, go for the EPOS PC38X. If you'd prefer to save money and don't need a built-in mic, the Philips SHP9500 will serve you well for general listening purposes. 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 EPOS PC38X
- Best in class for music
- Best in class for phone calls
- Best in class for gaming
Advantages of the Philips SHP9500
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
10.0
7.2
The EPOS PC38X is best in class for gaming, while the Philips SHP9500 is good.
Phone Calls
10.0
4.9
The EPOS PC38X is best in class for phone calls, while the Philips SHP9500 is poor.
Cost
$139
$48
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The EPOS PC38X has a price of $139 and the Philips SHP9500 costs $48.
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Key similarities
Music
9.5
9.2
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers EPOS PC38X to be best in class for music, while the Philips SHP9500 is excellent.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.9
8.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Philips SHP9500 to be very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the EPOS PC38X is good.
TV and Video
9.0
9.0
The EPOS PC38X and Philips SHP9500 are both excellent for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The EPOS PC38X and Philips SHP9500 are both poor for noise reduction.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The EPOS PC38X and Philips SHP9500 both have very good build quality.
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How the EPOS PC38X and the Philips SHP9500 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| EPOS PC38X | Philips SHP9500 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$139 | $48 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | EPOS | Philips | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2020 | August 1, 2013 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 9.6/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 10/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 10/10 | 7.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 9.1/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.5/10 | 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 | 10/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 10/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 249.4 Grams | 294.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Boom | N/A | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
EPOS PC38X
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Dig into reviews and images
Everyday Listening
Ryan Soo | November 2021
"Lightweight and comfortable design, Mic arm with mute, Excellent tuning, Highly natural midrange voicing, Clean and separated bass, Solid soundstage dimensions. Combining all day comfort and integrated coms with a balanced and spacious sound from essentially any source, it is hard to deny the versatility and value provided by the PC38X."
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 EPOS PC38X or the Philips SHP9500
About EPOS
EPOS is a relatively new company with a very long heritage. Previously known as Sennheiser Communications, EPOS is the result of the joint venture between the German headphone manufacturer Sennheiser and the Danish Demant that sought to develop premium audio communication solutions. They specialize in two main product groups, enterprise communications and gaming communication headsets and processing devices.
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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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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.
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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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