Philips’ handsome headphones want to bring proper Hi-Fi sound to your commute

If you’re in the market for some of the best headphones, Philips has just announced a potential new option for your shortlist.

The Fidelio L5 over-ear headphones are touted as part of the brand’s more premium audio lineup, being pitched as taking listeners a step closer to proper Hi-Fi listening – minus the wires and the need to stay at home.

At their core is a pair of custom 36mm drivers tuned for what Philips calls its “signature Fidelio sound”, with support for Hi-Res wireless audio via LDAC. There’s also a spatial audio system in play, designed to create a wider, more immersive soundstage, whether you’re commuting, travelling, or just blocking out the world for a bit

Noise cancelling is on the cards too, handled by a multi-mic setup, with four microphones dedicated to adaptive ANC that automatically adjusts depending on your surroundings. Another three AI-assisted mics take care of voice calls, aiming to keep things clear, even in busier environments.

There are a few smarter touches, too. Wear detection pauses your music when you take them off, and the ANC system is constantly tweaking itself in real time, rather than sticking to a fixed mode

On the connectivity front, you get Bluetooth 6.0 with LE and LDAC for wireless listening, along with wired options via a 3.5mm jack or USB-C, if you want a hi-res connection without relying on Bluetooth

Physically, Philips is going for a more refined look than its recent retro launches. There’s an ergonomic curved headband, deep oval ear cushions, and a premium finish with a hint of what appears to be copper accents. Overall, nothing crazy or mind-blowing, but they have a refined air to them that I rather like.

Pricing is set at €199.99, with the Fidelio L5 due to arrive in October. There’s no confirmed UK or US pricing at the time of writing

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Esat Dedezade Contributor

About

Esat has been a gadget fan ever since his tiny four-year-old brain was captivated by a sound-activated dancing sunflower. From there it was a natural progression to a Sega Mega Drive, a brief obsession with hedgehogs, and a love for all things tech. After 7 years as a writer and deputy editor for Stuff, Esat ventured out into the corporate world, spending three years as Editor of Microsoft's European News Centre. Now a freelance writer, his appetite for shiny gadgets has no bounds. Oh, and like all good human beings, he's very fond of cats.