Best Headphones for Music
Philips SHP9500

#9 overall · open-back wired

Philips SHP9500

First open-back headphone for someone who wants space and clarity on a tight budget.

First open-backSpaceNo ampUnder $100
Owners on record
8
Threads
5
Say they own it
4
Check price on Amazon · $80
Own these? Vote

Typical price, checked Sep 2026. Amazon showed $94.99 on the check date; it has sold for $60-80 for years, so it drifts across the $100 line.

Why people like it

  • The go-to open-back under $100 for years; wide, spacious sound
  • One AudioKarma owner says it gets close to the Sennheiser HD 58X for a third of the price
  • Comfortable and light; detachable cable

What owners complain about

  • Bass is light; several people call it weak in the low end
  • Treble can be a little sharp for some
  • Big, plain plastic build with large L/R markings

Where opinions split: Fans see it as the best cheap open-back; a few say at this price in-ear monitors give more sound per dollar.

The 7 sources

Owner = the person says they use it. Recommendation = passed on without saying so. Dates are when the thread started.

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