Philips SHE9105 review

These Philips in-ears are an affordable and easy listen... Tested at £30

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

A perfectly inoffensive and easy listen for the money, but the SoundMagic E10S are easily better at just £10 more

Pros

  • +

    Rhythmic sound

  • +

    Nice build

  • +

    Cheap price

Cons

  • -

    Not as detailed or dynamic as close rivals

  • -

    Lack bass depth

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

For £30, the Philips SHE9105s are a decent bargain. For starters, they’re nicely made. In-ear headphones at this cheap end of the market tend to be unimpressive, but the SHE9105s are surprisingly robust.

Build

The tiny aluminium ear buds fit comfortably (you get a choice of three tips), and the feather-light construction isn’t hard on your ears.

There’s nothing especially flashy about these in-ears, but you do get a mic and pause/play controls to use with your smartphone.

Sound

The SHE9105s sound fairly solid, but there’s little bass weight coming through. What they lack in depth and punch, they make up for with a breezy, nimble sense of rhythm.

I Monster’s Daydream in Blue sounds light and playful, although you do miss the song’s moodier aspects.

The top notes shine a little too bright, but the sound’s not particularly harsh. Detail is dished out with a light touch, but then again, we’re not expecting layers of subtlety at this price.

Dynamically, they’re limited. Instruments and voices are pushed to the front, but that upfront, immediate character makes them a straightforward listen.

MORE: Best in-ear headphones 2015

Verdict

As long as you don’t mind the prominent treble, these Philips in-ears are perfectly fine for the money.

Just a tenner more, though, will give you the multiple Award-winning SoundMagic E10Ss, which are a considerable step up in dynamics, pep and detail. Choose wisely.

See all our Philips reviews

MORE: Awards 2015: In-ear headphones

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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