Philips Open Back Wired Headphones - Cushioned Over Ear Headphones with Adjustable Headband for Ultimate Comfort and Superior…
Best for
Best budget / gaming crossover
Amazon rating
Amazon aggregate — one input among many in the Verdict Score
Based on 1 trusted source
Current price
$67.99
Updated May 14, 2026 · 1 min read
The consensus
What reviewers found
Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.
Across the reviewers we read, the Philips SHP9500 (and its near-identical SHP9600 sibling) is the most frequently named budget gateway into open-back listening and a popular pick on r/headphones for gaming. RTINGS' high-trust review, homestudiobasics, and a long string of r/headphones impression threads agree that comfort is class-leading — multiple users describe the headphones as 'disappearing' on the head — and that the open-back staging is genuinely impressive at this price. It runs off 32 ohms, so no amp is required.
What reviewers liked
- RTINGS and r/headphones agree on excellent comfort and lightweight feel
- Open-back soundstage praised by multiple sources as strong for gaming
- Easy 32Ω load — runs directly off phones, PCs and consoles
- Frequently available under $80, making the value proposition hard to beat
Where it falls short
- RTINGS flags heavy sound leakage and no isolation
- Reviewers describe the bass and dynamics as soft or 'dull' compared to step-up cans
- Lower Amazon rating (4.2) than the rest of the top 5 — build/QC complaints surface
- Non-detachable headband padding and plastic build feel budget per community threads
Across the reviewers we read, the Philips SHP9500 (and its near-identical SHP9600 sibling) is the most frequently named budget gateway into open-back listening and a popular pick on r/headphones for gaming. RTINGS' high-trust review, homestudiobasics, and a long string of r/headphones impression threads agree that comfort is class-leading — multiple users describe the headphones as 'disappearing' on the head — and that the open-back staging is genuinely impressive at this price. It runs off 32 ohms, so no amp is required.
The consistent reviewer criticism is honest: RTINGS flags significant leakage and zero isolation, and r/headphones and r/bapcsalescanada threads call the sound 'thick' or 'dull' relative to step-up open-backs like the HD 560S, with bass that lacks slam. One detailed Reddit review summarized it as 'pretty good as starter audiophile headphones' rather than a true competitor to mid-tier sets. As a sub-$100 audiophile-and-gaming crossover, however, no other model in the candidate pool drew comparable cross-source praise.
- Feature 1
- Elevate Your Listening Experience - Top-tier performance, comfort, and style: Our SHP9600 wired headphones are the perfect fusion of form and function, the perfect choice for serious music lovers who crave exceptional sound quality at home.
- Feature 2
- Immersive Audio, Every Time - featuring an open-back design and perfectly tuned 50mm drivers, these headphones deliver deep, crisp bass, a balanced mid range, and pristine high frequencies to ensure you catch every detail of your favorite tracks.
- Feature 3
- Exceptional comfort for All Day Listening - Designed for long listening sessions, our headphones feature a reinforced, adjustable, padded headband and soft, breathable ear-cup cushions that are engineered to fit your ear's natural geometry.
- Feature 4
- Your Sounds, Your Way - These versatile headphones are compatible with your stereo hifi music system, smartphone, PC or TV. Whether you're at work on calls, listening to podcasts or simply chilling, they are the ultimate choice of headphone.
- Feature 5
- Stay Connected, Stay Free: Enjoy th freedom of movement with a 3m cable, and connect effortlessly to your devices with the 3.5mm gold-plated adapter. Whether it’s your smartphone, laptop, or TV, you’re sure to enjoy the best sound quality.
Lightweight, comfy, sound great, can routinely be found under $200 online. Simple as.
The sound is quieter than on a closed-back, but it's a little clearer in certain ways, and more spacious in a way that that word does not properly convey.
Trust tier reflects our editorial assessment of the source — not the individual quote. Hover for the rationale. See how we tier sources →
If the consensus convinced you
Check current price on Amazon
Pricing and availability change frequently. Tap through to confirm before buying.