In-ear headphones Philips Fidelio T1 in the test: double sounds better
You can see at first glance that the Philips Fidelio T1 are no ordinary in-ear headphones: They measure an impressive 36 millimeters at their widest point, and 30 millimeters from the outer surface to the front tip. For comparison: The current Apple AirPods with their distinctive wings are only 30 millimeters long and almost 20 millimeters thick. At 17 grams per pair, the Fidelio are not lightweight either, most of the competitors weigh around 50 percent less. However, the stately figure is no coincidence, Philips advertises with unusual technology. The COMPUTER BILD test shows what’s inside and how good it sounds.
The best true wireless in-ear headphones
LG Electronics
Details about the test
Per
Clear and unadulterated sound
Can also be used on the headphone output
Sony
Details about the test
Per
good sound
Great noise cancellation
against
Only three sizes of eartips
KEF
Details about the test
Per
Very clear and precise sound
High resolution
against
Complicated relationship
Chunky transport box
Samsung
Details about the test
Per
First class sound
Active noise cancellation
against
Somewhat fiddly operation
Restrictions for iOS users
Samsung
Details about the test
Per
Outstanding sound quality
Useful automatic functions
JBL audio
Details about the test
Per
Clear and precise sound
Battery life of almost 8 hours
against
Touch operation reacts very sensitively
Phillips
Details about the test
Per
Very detailed and balanced sound
Good, adjustable noise cancelling
against
Comparatively large and heavy
Large charging box
jabra
Details about the test
Per
good sound
Long battery life (7.5 hours)
against
Only three pairs of essays
Angry
Details about the test
Per
good sound
Very effective noise canceling
against
Press continuously
Few replacement ear pads
Complete list: The best true wireless earphones
Philips Fidelio T1 with dual drivers
In principle, miniaturized loudspeakers are used to generate sound in every headphone, usually one for each ear. In the new Fidelio T1, Philips packs two pieces into each earplug: a conventional one for the low tones and a so-called balanced armature driver for the highs. The latter design is used in musicians’ headsets and hearing aids, among other things. Thanks to its tiny dimensions, it is particularly well suited for reproducing high tones. The arrangement in a row creates the enormous height, the in-ears protrude comparatively far out of the ears. Due to the opulent dimensions, the touchpads on the outer surfaces are correspondingly large, but Philips does not use the opportunity for a particularly comfortable control – quite the opposite. Fingertips for pausing and accepting calls must not be too short or too long, volume adjustment is not possible on the plugs.
Diverse setting options via app
The Philips Fidelio T1 have electronic damping of ambient noise (Active Noise Cancellation, ANC). It can’t be controlled with a fingertip either, but it can be controlled with the Philips headphone app – and then it’s particularly clever: the noise canceling can be switched on and off, there is also an intermediate stage with less damping and one specifically for reducing noise wind noise. Alternatively, there is the ambient mode. The in-ears allow external noise through in a targeted manner and thus isolate less. The degree of transparency is adjustable in the app. The third mode is automatic, which works with the movement data of the smartphone and switches from noise suppression to transparency when there is movement. Unfortunately, there is no search function for lost plugs in the app.
The transport and charging box of the Philips Fidelio T1 is quite a chunk, for comparison the jar of the AirPods Pro.
Philips goes big
Philips probably also uses the large housing for powerful batteries. In the test, the Fidelio T1 ran for 9:15 hours with one charge and are therefore among the condition-strong true wireless headphones. The transport and charging box allows a little more than two reloads before it has to be connected to a USB port for reloading itself. The charging box is also neither compact nor light, at 109 grams and 8.5 centimeters wide it is disqualified for the trouser pocket. Good for the wearing comfort of the in-ears: The scope of delivery includes a box with rubber seals for the in-ears in six sizes, and three different pairs of foam rubber are also included. Although they quickly look dingy, they adapt particularly well to the auditory canals. That’s good for comfort, which suffers somewhat from the weight and dimensions. Depending on the shape of the ear, the in-ears tend to migrate out of the ear canals.
Nine pairs of rubber seals are included with the Philips Fidelio T1.
That’s how good the Philips Fidelio T1 sound
In addition, an optimal fit lets the good sound quality of the Fidelio T1 come into its own. Compared to the AirPods Pro, for example, they sound clearer and more detailed. The bass has a lot of punch without being overdone or booming. If you notice a hint of hollow discoloration, this indicates a non-optimal fit in the ears. With a little readjustment, such sound discolorations disappeared in the test. The Philips Fidelio T1 are at the forefront of the best in-ear headphones.
Very detailed and balanced sound
Good, adjustable noise cancelling
Comparatively large and heavy
Large charging box
Test conclusion Philips Fidelio T1
With the Philips Fidelio T1, the overweight and the design that clearly protrudes from the ears reduce the wearing comfort, they are less suitable for sporting activities. The mighty transport box also led to deductions in the B grade in the test, most of the competitors are significantly more portable. The battery life is good, as is the noise canceling, which can be adjusted in many ways via the app. The strongest argument for the Fidelio T1 is the detailed and natural sound, which is where the complex technology pays off.
