Philips Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones H6506 - Folding, Lightweight, 30h Playtime, Multipoint Connection, Deep Bass - For Home/Office

These have the most solid and premium build quality of any headphone I've tested in this price range ($200-350). The leather is beautiful and supple, the metal arms seem bombproof, and the plastic used for the earcups is of the highest quality. I love that the leather is used for the earcups, which allows for a cool, very comfortable sensation against the head, as well as the headband. The Fidelio L3 logo is subtly embossed at the center of the headband. The earcups are perfect circles, giving the headphones an elegant and timeless design. In short, I love these headphones. Of course, in this category of high-end ANC headphones, the benchmark is the Sony XM4. I have been testing these Fidelios against my new (Dec 2021) Sony XM4s. In terms of build quality, these L3s *blow the Sony's out of the water.* By comparison, the Sony's feel cheap and like they'll crack at any moment - and, in fact, there are a number of reviewers who have ran into exactly that problem. (Take a look at the numerous images of cracked and useless XM4s on their Amazon page.) The Sony's seem to have a structural weakness at the pivot where the earcup connects to the headband, and too many people for me to feel comfortable with have reported the headphones snapping at that point. Sony customer service refuses to repair or replace these, even if it's within warranty, because they consider it "damage." This has practical consequences; if I want to take a nap with my headphones on, I always choose the Fidelios because the Sony's make me afraid that if I turn on my side and put pressure against the earcup, they will snap. At this price point, Sony should be doing much, much better. My opinion is that Sony has become accustomed to the fact that everyone seems to consider the XM4s the best-in-class, and, as a result, the company has become lazy, seeking to maximize their margins by using cheap plastics, fake leather, and generally neglecting the build quality. Can you imagine dropping $350 on your headphones, only to have them snap on you within a year? That's insane. So, in short, the Fidelios seem to me to offer the best build quality of any headphones in this price range. I think I'll be able to throw them into my bag when I'm rushing off to work or traveling for years to come and not worry about any damage. They are that solid. They are a pleasure to hold and look at. With all of that said, the Fidelios are not as excellent when it comes to the sound and ANC. I can tell that the XM4s have better noise cancelling than the Fidelios. Even worse, I have noticed a very subtle high pitched tone coming from the Fidelios at times, mostly when the volume is up high. I'm still testing to see whether it's a problem with my Bluetooth connection or audio player, but I think it may simply be a defect. The other issue I've noticed is that the mic on the Fidelios hasn't been super clear on my Zoom calls. (I'm on a 2018 Surface 6 Tablet, so that may have something to do with it.) That's a major drawback for me, but it's not an issue when they are plugged in. I also have about 5 or 6 Bluetooth connections going on at the same time and that's caused connectivity issues with the Sony's too, so I need to continue testing once I've reduced the number of Bluetooth connections. When I remove the other Bluetooth connections, I haven't had issues. (In case you run into the same issue, there is a reliable workaround: Get yourself a BT receiver, such as the TP-Link USB Bluetooth Receiver. The issue seems to stem from the BT connections interfering with each other.) This is the first year that the Fidelios have been out and I am confident that with the next iteration, Philips will get better at the ANC. I expect these headphones to quickly overtake the XM4s in the years to come. They just need to develop the audio quality. Philips has phenomenal sound quality on some of its other headphones, such as the open-backed Fidelio X2HRs, which I also love. (The soundstage and overall sound quality on these is noticeably better than the XM4s and Fidelio L3s.) The question is whether the headphone review industry will move on from its fixation on the XM4s, as far as public recognition goes. I highly recommend these headphones, but you will need to test them with your actual use-cases to figure out whether they match what matters most to you.

This is review for Philips Fidelio L3 (amazon somehow dumps different Philips headphones' reviews in the same page so beware...) Build The Philips Fidelio L3 is the most luxurious headphones I've ever seen - the build quality and attention to details is through the roof... Earpieces are made soft leather and just hug your ears even if you are wearing glasses. Top metal enforced frame is also wrapped into real leather and nicely cushioned at the bottom - you can feel that those will last long-long time. Comfort The headphones are a bit heavier than others but they are quite comfortable on my head. Watching a movie for couple of hours - my ears didn't get warm and I didn't feel any discomfort. Ergonomics The buttons are placed on both cups. Power button is slow - need to press it for 3+ seconds to turn them on/off or 5+ seconds to start Bluetooth pairing. Taking them off automatically pauses the music and than they start playing when you put them on - great. If I try to adjust/extend the headphones when they are on my head they stop playing the music too for a second of so which is odd - I think they are trying to switch to the awareness mode... Sound I think sound is very close ideologically to Sony XM4 - both have the very extended bass range which sounds fantastic first few minutes of listening... But then it somehow muffles the mids and highs for me... And yes this is very personal and age dependent - with the years our perception of sound changes a lot so different people do hear different things. My sons absolutely loved the sound of the L3s - they can hear super crisp everything - highs, mids, and lows. They both agreed these are one of the best headphones they ever tried (like me they listened to wide variety of Audiotechnicas, AKG, Sennheiser, Sony, Philips headphones over the years...) But for me the Philips L2 (semiopen) and Philips 9505 (Bluetooth) are by far better headphones for all kinds of music... They are both lighter on the lows and more clear on mids and highs... Bluetooth/Wired/ActiveNoiseCancelling The L3 headphones sound the best when running with the ANC-on. The ActiveNoiseCancelling is great and it doesn't feel like applies any pressure or causes any tiredness over periods of time. The wired mode is big disappointment for me - when wired there is no sound if the L3 headphones are not turned ON... I listen to my Philips 9505 most of the time in the wired mode and they sound absolutely fantastic when power OFF so why did Philips disabled the feature on the top headphones is not quite clear to me...

First of all, let me just say that I got hooked onto the Fidelio line from Philips from the X2s and they were amazing for the money I paid. Then X3 came out and I got a pair too, to compare against my Sennheiser H599. ended up selling the Sennheiser and kept the X3 due to its easy to drive nature, meaning I can listen with the X3 anywhere in the house with my phone. Still not contempt having wires and missing a mic for phone calls, I started looking up L3 when Philips announced it in 2020 but it didn't arrive until September 2021 (time of this review) Well... now being a Fidelio convert, I got the L3 too, pre-ordered and it was delayed getting to me (so sick and tired of covid impacts). So let's get into it! MUSICAL QUALITY (5/5): L3 is a big surprise, in a good way. The audio quality and signature is nothing like that of X3. L3 being closed back 40mm, self-driven. While X3 is open-back 50mm wired. X3 has great soundstage and neutral, transparent in sound quality, quite musical and not overly analytical but everything you want to hear is there without being overblown L3 is different, for the fun of it. It has more bass, while still a bit restrained compared to most wireless headphones. Nothing is overblown, no M shapes here, yet everything is more distinct than the X3. I would say these remind me a bit of the X2 and what made the X2 fun to listen to. DESIGN & BUILD QUALITY (4.5/5): Amazing design, everything is just subtle and understated. No flashy branding or colors. If you are 35+ years old and want something that looks mature and sophisticated, these fit the requirements perfectly. The design is smart, there is just enough padding and plush there without adding unnecessary bulk and weight. It does weigh more than other wireless headphones I have but then this has a TON more battery life (30+ hours w/ ANC on) than anything I've owned. The earcup ring area is made from a metallic alloy too. It adjusts well and fits my head fine. I have a large flat head that is more circular than oval in shape. I even wore this on a 13-hour flight and slept on my side with it on, didn't feel that much pressure on my ears and it stayed on for most of the flight without feeling fatigued. It is too bad that this doesn't fold inwards though, for a more compact carrying configuration. However, with it folded flat, it is fairly thin in profile that I could put the case into my backpack without adding much bulk. ANC (Active Noise Canceling) PERFORMANCE (4.5/5): I would say it blocked out more than 90% of the noise while I was on the 13-hour trans-pacific flight. It was in an Airbus A350 which is quiet already but the headphones really blocked out most of the engine noise. It has to be turned on in order to drive the drivers properly even when plugged in via a wire source (cable and adapter included). I think it is amazing how far we've come in ANC technology, I could easily watch a movie on a flight without boosting the volume up really high. In fact, I was only 1/3 of the way on volume, it felt something like 70db, enough to enjoy the movie effects. PLUSES: + Amazing sound quality for wireless headphones, has APTX HD, AAC...etc + 90 percentile noise canceling performance (rivaling Sony's and beats Bose's QC35ii) + Sophisticated look, understated design + Top-notch materials without weighing too much + Extremely comfortable + Works well with app controls + Insane amount of battery life NEGATIVES: - Weighs a bit more than plastic headphones - Placement of external mics on the earcups (especially right earcup) is prone to loud jarring sound if I accidentally touch the mic area while trying to use the gesture controls - Overall package a bit bigger and not as compact as Sony's headphones

I got these pair of headphones on Prime Day and as soon as they arrived I was skeptical of the build quality. Even though this is worth 100$, the build quality is worse than a 30$ pair. It is completely made of plastic which makes it light weight but also makes it vulnerable to break easily. You will often feel that the output volume is highly limited. The noise cancellation is also not good at all. I have used another pair of earbuds from Mpow and they definitely have better ANC than these while they cost half. The sound quality is pretty good and I was really hoping to like this pair but it broke within a week. The ear pads dislodged from the left side and the stitching came apart within a week of use. I have been careful while using these only at my work desk and only storing them inside the provided case in a padded backpack. Despite such care, if a 100$ pair of headphones can come apart within a week of use, I don't know what to expect from Philips.

This is the exact definition and example of "you get what you pay for." I purchased these 18 months ago for the discounted price point (sub $50) compared to the MSRP of $100. I jumped on here because the second headphone just snapped in half as you can see from my picture (right side already glued/taped). Otherwise, you can see the padding has held up very well for 18 months and they are extremely comfortable. I can wear them for 5-6 hours straight before needing a break. However, you would be a fool to pay $100 for these. The noise cancellation is just barely there (I actually liked this because I want to hear coworkers) but don't but them to go into your silent workspace. The sound quality is garbage. You don't notice until you get an actual quality pair but if you have any exposure to higher end sound then these will be a letdown. If you are looking for a cheap day-to-day pair that are comfortable and can use for shows rather than music - these are fine. But trust, you are NOT getting a $100 pair for $50. You are getting headphones that are barely worth $50. At $75-$100 you are going to be in an entirely new world of quality so don't be tricked.

So this is an update to the review earlier. The price finally dropped again so I purchased it before it went back up, and this time the Bluetooth connection worked. Simple manufacturers defect no biggie... Continuing where I left off from, OMG, they sound absolutely amazing. Phillips has always made beautiful audio products. They have a sound presence that I like, free from unnecessary artificial enhancements. Usually, Headphones in this price bracket typically have some type of artificially generated sound to enhance listening experience. I'm not going to say those are necessarily bad, because obviously people enjoy them which is why other brands have far higher sales figures. However, there are people like me who actually enjoy the music as written and produced by the artists, and these Philips l3 do just that. The mids the highs and the base are all nicely balanced to deliver rich quality sound and it does that in spades. Where battery life is concerned, I've been playing these things since they were delivered and I'm about halfway battery life after about 8hrs. However, it must be noted that I took these straight out the box, paired em to my phone, and started listening to music right away without charging. So, maybe after a full charge those numbers should go up and get closer to what's listed by the factory. When I read some of the reviews and see people complaining about the type of bass, and complains about the mids or the highs etc. I quickly realize they are comparing the Philips l3 to a brand they are accustomed, and not appreciating the uniqueness and the originality of the sound that the Phillips is presenting them with. If you love Bose headphones and how they sound, then stick with Bose headphones. Same goes for Sony, Beats, Sennheiser and whatever brand you're into. Stop expecting other brands to match the sound that your favorite brand makes, it's just not going to happen. 1st Review: Unfortunately, I only had these for about two days before returning. So why 4 stars you ask? Everything you've read about the build quality is true. OMG, they feel sooooo nice. AND, I'm going to buy them again when the price goes back down. I didn't keep my pair because there was an issue with the Bluetooth, and it wouldn't pair with anything in my house. Tried the phones, iPads, my computer, nothing would pair with them. Anyway. Everything you've read about the build quality and robust feel of these headphone is 100% true. They feel indestructible in your hands. The padding material is super comfortable, the head band is perfectly snug and feel so comfortable that I could potentially wear them all day. The packing quality and even the free storage container was top shelf quality. I obviously have nothing to add in the sound quality or playtime as yet, but when I purchase it again, I will update this incomplete review.

Battery life on these is more than adequate for me. I usually wear them for a few hours at a time, a couple of times per day, and I have never had them die on me. Sound quality is ok. Not so great bass response, but they do the job. Noise cancellation is pretty good, but the fit leaves something to be desired, so there’s some ambient noise that gets through. The thing that suuuuuuucks is the construction. I’m mechanically inclined, and have pretty good dexterity, and getting the padded ear cup back on is the opposite of fun. They routinely slip off, so that’s been a real blast to deal with. The plastic is brittle, and after only a few months, connections are broken on both the left and right side. Lastly, like a lot of other headphones, these have an absolutely obnoxious blue light that makes wearing them at night annoying for the user and everyone around. Why these companies insist on these god forsaken lights is beyond me. I don’t need to warn passing aircraft, or broadcast my location to the International Space Station, and my wife would rather not have a blue light piercing her eyelids when she’s sleeping next to me, so I covered it up with electrical tape. If I had it to do over, I’d skip these and pay a bit more for higher quality. Update: Both sides completely broke free just days after I initially reviewed this product. GARBAGE CONSTRUCTION. Save your money.

Like some other reviewers I own the legendary Philips X2HR headphones, which still sound amazing but are a bit awkward to wear at the gym or on an airplane. The L3s, on the other hand, are perfect. They are attractive, "sophisticated," and incredibly comfortable - rather than looking like a huge wearable antenna. I could wear these on a flight to Tokyo and forget I'm wearing them. I love the feel of the "fine Scottish Miurhead leather" and the smooth metal earphone protectors. Everything about the L3s says "quality," and I admit they give me that little thrill when I put them on, like I would slipping on a premium quality watch or shoes. I have stuck with wired headphones for years because I care about the quality of the sound. if I can't hear clean details, separation of instruments and a little bit of visceral base then I'm just not interested. I was therefore very pleased, and more than a little surprised, to hear what my Tidal Hi-Fi/ lossless tracks sounded like via Bluetooth on the L3. I immediately locked into the the refined details that i need. You can feel the bow drag across the violin strings, and guitar strings "pluck." It's also very easy to locate instruments in different spaces in the sound stage. Drum and synthesizer bass feels big but does not crowd out other elements of the song. All in all, everything comes together quite well. You can fine tune via the app if you want more or less bass. I'm getting to know the L3s other features. I can say that the Bluetooth pairing was automatic. The aux cord was thinner (and much shorter) thank the one on the X2HR. Touching the side of the ear protector will allow you to control volume, pause music, and answer phone calls. Still getting used to this. One last thing i would like to comment on is the mind-bending battery life. I charged the unit when I received it several days ago, and I have listened every day since without needing to recharge. I checked the website, and Philips says that battery life is THIRTY EIGHT HOURS (or 32 with noise canceling on), which is amazing to a person constantly charging phones and other devices. A wire on headphones can get pretty annoying when you are lying in bed, so I'm very glad I can go wire-free without sacrificing musical quality, and I can do so without a wire disrupting my bliss when I change positions. Highly recommended.