Philips Philips Pro Wired Earbuds with Microphone, Hi-Res Review
The Philips Pro Wired Earbuds deliver sound quality that shames products twice their price. For $20, they're an absolute steal for anyone with a headphone jack.
The 30-Second Version
For $20, these are the best-sounding wired earbuds you can buy. They make a strong case for never spending more on a basic pair of buds again.
Overview
For $20, the Philips Pro Wired Earbuds are a shockingly good deal. The one thing you need to know is that these punch way, way above their weight class in sound quality. They're not just 'good for the price'—they're legitimately great wired earbuds that happen to cost next to nothing. If you've been burned by flimsy, tinny-sounding cheap earbuds before, these are the antidote. They deliver crisp, detailed audio that makes you wonder why you'd ever spend more on a basic pair of wired buds.
Performance
The sound quality is the real surprise here. Our data puts it in the 86th percentile, which is frankly wild for a $20 product. The 8.6mm drivers deliver a balanced, clear soundstage. You get defined highs and mids that make vocals and instruments pop. The bass is present and clean, though some bass-heads might find it a bit reserved. But for the price? It's exceptional. The build quality is also a standout, landing in the 84th percentile. The aluminum housing and tangle-resistant cable feel like they belong on a product costing three times as much.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Sound quality that embarrasses earbuds twice the price. 85th
- Premium, durable aluminum build that doesn't feel cheap. 80th
- Comfortable fit with multiple ear tips for most people. 74th
- A reliable inline mic and controls that just work.
Cons
- Bass is clean but not earth-shaking; not for bass fanatics. 23th
- No active noise cancellation (just passive isolation).
- The 3.5mm jack is a pro for compatibility, but a con if your phone doesn't have one.
- The cable, while tangle-resistant, is still a cable.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | In-Ear |
| Wearing Style | Rounded tip |
| Ear Tips | s |
| Weight | 0.0 kg / 0.1 lbs |
Audio
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 8.6 |
| Impedance | 16 |
| Hi-Res Audio | Yes |
| Codecs | microphone-feature universal-phone-control, noise-isolation volume-control |
Connectivity
| Wireless | No |
| Wired Connector | USB |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
Features
| Water Resistance | Waterproof |
Value & Pricing
This is an absolute no-brainer. At $20, the value is off the charts. You're getting 90% of the core audio experience of a $50-$80 pair of wired earbuds for a fraction of the cost. If your device has a headphone jack and you need a reliable, great-sounding pair of buds, just buy these.
vs Competition
This is where it gets funny. Looking at our list of 'top competitors' like the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Technics AZ100 is almost unfair—those are $300 wireless noise-cancelling champs. A more relevant fight is against other budget wired champs. Compared to the classic Apple EarPods, the Philips Pros offer vastly better sound isolation and a more secure fit. Against other $20 wired options from brands like JBL or Skullcandy, the Philips Pros win on build quality and a more refined, less boomy sound signature. They're the grown-up choice in a category full of plastic toys.
| Spec | Philips Philips Pro Wired Earbuds with Microphone, Hi-Res | Sony Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling True Wireless | Technics Technics EAH-AZ80 Noise-Canceling True Wireless | Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra True Wireless | Apple Airpods Pro 3 Apple AirPods Pro with Wireless MagSafe Charging | Jabra Jabra Evolve2 Buds USB-A UC Earbuds with USB-A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling True Wireless In-Ear Headphones (Black) | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Wireless | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | — | true | true | true | true | true |
| Bluetooth Version | — | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Battery Life Hours | — | 6 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 8 |
| Case Battery Hours | — | 16 | 16 | 18 | 24 | 25 |
| Water Resistance | Waterproof | IPX4 | IPX4 | IPX4 | IP57 | IP57 |
| Multipoint | — | true | true | true | true | true |
Common Questions
Q: Do these have noise cancellation?
No active noise cancellation. They have passive noise isolation from the in-ear seal, which blocks a good amount of ambient sound, but it's not the same as ANC.
Q: Is the microphone good for calls?
Yes, the mic quality is solid for the price. Our data shows it scores in the 79th percentile. People will hear you clearly on calls, especially in quieter environments.
Q: Will these work with my iPhone 15?
Only if you use a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter. These have a standard 3.5mm jack, so they plug directly into older iPhones, laptops, game consoles, and planes.
Who Should Skip This
If you're a bass-head who wants your skull to vibrate, look elsewhere. Also, if you're fully committed to a wireless, ANC-filled future and hate dealing with dongles, this isn't it. Go get a pair of CMF Buds Pro 2 instead.
Verdict
We're giving these a strong recommendation. For anyone who still uses a headphone jack—on a laptop, an older phone, a Nintendo Switch, or a plane—these are arguably the best sub-$25 wired earbuds you can buy. They excel at the fundamentals: they sound great, are built well, and are comfortable. You're not paying for gimmicks or branding, just solid performance. Skip the gas station earbuds and get these instead.