Honest Review: Philips SHP9600 Wired, Over-Ear, Headphones, Comfort Fit, Open-Back 50 mm Neodymium Drivers (SHP9600/00) – Black
Honest Review: Philips SHP9600 Open-Back Headphones
If you’re dipping your toes into the “audiophile” world or just looking for a seriously good pair of headphones for home listening that won’t destroy your bank account, you’ve probably heard of the Philips SHP9600. They get a lot of hype, but are they actually any good?
I’ve been using these as my main pair of headphones for about a week now, putting them through gaming, music (rock, electronic, classical), and movie-watching. Here’s my honest review of the Philips SHP9600.
Quick Verdict: Are They Worth It?
Yes, 100%. For anyone looking for a comfortable, wide-sounding pair of headphones for home use, these are arguably one of the best value-for-money options available. The soundstage is massive, making them incredible for gaming and movies. They are an open-back design, which means they leak sound (everyone around you can hear) and let sound in. This makes them terrible for commuting or office use, but it’s the entire reason they sound so good at home.
As a special offer for our readers, you can get these headphones directly from our store, GareGear, for a limited-time price. You can also check Amazon for current pricing and to read more user reviews.
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When checking the Philips SHP9600 price in the UK, Amazon’s price can fluctuate, but our store price is currently lower.
What I Liked (Pros) ✅
- Incredibly wide and open soundstage
- Fantastic comfort for long sessions
- Clear, natural-sounding audio
- Excellent build quality for the price
- Removable 3.5mm cable (easy to replace or upgrade)
What I Didn’t Like (Cons) ❌
- Sound leaks in and out (by design)
- Bass is present and clear, but not for “bass-heads”
- Bulky design; strictly for home use
Detailed Breakdown: My Experience
Sound Quality & Performance
The first thing you’ll notice is the “soundstage.” Because they’re open-back, the sound isn’t trapped in a cup against your ear. It feels like the music is happening *around* you, not just *in* your head. For gaming (like *Cyberpunk 2077* or *Elden Ring*), the immersion is fantastic. You can pinpoint where sounds are coming from with amazing accuracy.
The 50mm drivers deliver really clear mids and detailed highs. Voices in music and movies sound natural and present. The bass is the most debated part of these headphones. It’s accurate and clean, but it’s not the thumping, rumbling bass you’d get from a pair of Beats or Sony XM5s. If you listen to bass-heavy electronic music and want your head to rattle, these aren’t for you. But if you want to hear the *details* in the bass guitar, they’re perfect.
Comfort and Build Quality
This is where the SHP9600 truly shines. They are incredibly light. The headband adjusts automatically, and the earpads are a soft, breathable memory foam. I wore these for a 4-hour gaming session and completely forgot they were on my head. No hotspots, no ear sweat, just total comfort. The build is a high-quality, sturdy plastic that doesn’t feel cheap at all.
Design and Features
The design is simple and functional. The best feature is the removable 3m (that’s long!) cable. It’s a standard 3.5mm jack, so if the cable ever breaks, you can just buy any 3.5mm aux cable to replace it. It also comes with a gold-plated 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter, which is a nice touch for plugging into amps or audio interfaces.
Philips SHP9600 Specifications
| Brand | Philips |
|---|---|
| Model | SHP9600 / SHP9600/00 |
| Design | Over-Ear, Open-Back |
| Drivers | 50 mm Neodymium |
| Impedance | 32 Ohm (Easy to drive) |
| Sensitivity | 101 dB |
| Frequency Response | 12 – 35,000 Hz |
| Cable | 3m Removable 3.5mm |
| Adapter | Includes 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter |
| Noise Control | None (Open-Back) |
Who Should Buy This?
✅ Buy this if…
- You’re starting your audiophile journey.
- You want headphones for home listening, mixing, or immersive gaming.
- You value a wide soundstage and clear, natural audio.
- You wear glasses or need headphones you can wear for hours.
❌ Avoid this if…
- You need headphones for the office, commuting, or any public space.
- You are a “bass-head” and want powerful, thumping bass.
- You need wireless connectivity (these are wired only).
Conclusion: A New Benchmark for Budget Audio
After this Philips SHP9600 review, I can confidently say they live up to the hype. They are the perfect “first step” into high-quality audio and an incredible value. It’s hard to find this level of audio clarity and comfort, especially when looking at the Philips SHP9600 price in the UK, which is often well under £100.
For home use, they get my highest recommendation.
Ready to upgrade your home audio? Get the best price from our store or check Amazon reviews.
Buy from GareGear (Our Store)Just £73 Check Price & Reviews on Amazon