Philips SHN9500 Active Noise-Canceling Headphone

I have the original Bose QuietComfort (QC1) noise canceling headphone since 2002. After five years of heavy usage, the unit is now literally falling apart. It is held together by an assortment of Scotch tape, rubber band, crazy glue, plus its willpower to live. Time to look for a replacement...

After some research, I finally decided to try the Philips SHN9500/37 Noise Canceling Headphone because:

1. It is a full-size headphone that covers the ears completely just like the Bose QC1 & QC2. This design is more comfortable to wear over extended period.
2. On paper, its noise-canceling capability (up to 85%) and frequency response (20Hz - 22KHz) are equal to that for the QC1.
3. Its price is only about one third that of the new QC2 or QC3.

In terms of construction, the Philips SHN9500 is very similar to the Bose QC2 (unlike the original QC1 which requires an external box for batteries and electronics). It is also equally comfortable to...Read more

I have been using these for a few weeks and most of all I like how comfortable they are to wear. Other headphones of this size give me headaches after a half-hour of wear, but the Philips, though they fit snugly, don't press too hard and I can wear them for hours. The headphone covering is nice and soft and doesn't hurt my ears.

The noise canceling is decent. I've never tried the Bose, so I can't compare to that, but the Philips cancels most (maybe 60-70%) of the noise I was bothered by.

As headphones for sound, as other reviewers noted, the quality isn't outstanding. Sound is very bass-heavy and, to my ears, a bit muddy. But I didn't buy them to be my primary sound-headphones, so I'm not bothered by this.

The zipper case is nice and has a removable zipper pouch inside for the cord and plug adapter. I wish the cord were a bit longer so I could use the headphones with my TV, but it's fine for using with my laptop and desktop, and will be good for...Read more

I've been looking for a pair of noise cancelling headphones. I'm a student so I can't afford the Bose. After a great deal of searching I found my perfect pair. The sound quality is very good, though admittedly not the best. The ear cushions are comfortable. The noise cancelling is very effective. And the materials are of good quality. They come with a carrying case that will help durability in my back pack.

They're an excellent buy. This is perfect for budget conscious individuals and/or students who simultaneously expect quality craftsmanship.