In the event you’ve been contemplating shopping for a pair of the very best energetic noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones then you definitely’ll probably already know that the market is not wanting competitors. Philips needn’t draw back from its Sony or Bose or Bowers competitors, although, as its Fidelio L4 over-ears on evaluate right here have some significantly refined options and ship indulgent sound.
I used to be a significant fan of the earlier Philips Fidelio L3 over-ears, which I used extensively (though that was earlier than my time at T3), in order that the Fidelio L4 deliver enhanced battery life, supposed enhancements to ANC, whereas dropping the general weight by 10% and tweaking the design to raised accommodate match feels like excellent news all spherical.
I have been utilizing the Philips Fidelio L4 for a lot of weeks, throughout which period I have been capable of evaluate them towards a lot of key opponents (Bose QuietComfort Extremely Headphones, Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e) – each indoors and out, on the desk versus on public transport of assorted varieties – to see how Philips’ altogether bulkier over-ears match into the present crop of finest headphones.
Philips Fidelio L4: Value & Availability
The Fidelio L4 was due on sale in direction of the top of October 2023, however inventory with retailers was clearly held again – once they do go on sale the worth is predicted to be £349/$349 (no AU$ worth out there on the time of writing).
That is means the L4 see a UK worth improve in comparison with their predecessors, however within the greater context of the ANC headphones market it is nonetheless aggressive – after all of the Sony WH-1000XM5 had been £379 at launch, whereas Bose’s QuietComfort Extremely Headphones demand a lofty £449.
Philips Fidelio L4 evaluate: What’s New?
(Picture credit score: Future / Mike Lowe)
In the event you had been to put the Philips Fidelio L4 subsequent to their older L3 equal then you definitely’d not spot huge variations in look. Nonetheless, the brand new mannequin is marginally bigger for a fair higher match, with deeper earcups because of this to accommodate extra varieties of ear styles and sizes. Materials modifications see the load drop from 360g to 330g, which is nearer to eight% than the claimed 10%.
Whereas each the Fidelio L4 and L3 each characteristic the identical battery capacities (800mAh), the change from lithium-polymer within the older cans to lithium-ion within the newer mannequin means a efficiency enhance is feasible. That is on a number of fronts: battery life with ANC energetic is up from 32 to 40 hours – a large 25% soar – whereas the brand new battery format means faster-charging too, so quarter-hour on the plug will provide you with 12 hours of ANC listening.
The energetic noise-cancelling system can also be stated to be improved within the Fidelio L4, largely all the way down to microphone placement for higher name high quality and keep away from wind tear when it is windy exterior. There is a extra sturdy Philips Headphones app to make ANC and equalisation (EQ) changes (and extra) too.
Philips Fidelio L4 evaluate: Design & Usability
(Picture credit score: Future / Mike Lowe)
The factor concerning the Fidelio L4 that is going to be motive to purchase or motive to keep away from is their bodily scale. Whereas I would not name these huge headphones, having gotten used to carrying the Bose QuietComfort Extremely Headphones means the Philips product feels a lot bigger – as a result of that is the reality of the matter. For some this deeper earcup proposition would be the higher resolution, although, it merely depends upon your choice.
For myself, I like carrying the Fidelio L4 most when at dwelling, as they’re supremely comfy. The consolation issue would not dissipate when elsewhere, after all, however I’ve discovered when on the go that important earcup positioning can slip round – these bigger openings imply it’s worthwhile to guarantee your ears sit in a related place to the 40mm drivers – and as wind tear with ANC energetic is not particularly nice at avoiding ensuing distortions, I’ve discovered these to not be my favorite out-and-about headphones.
(Picture credit score: Future / Mike Lowe)
From a management perspective the Fidelio L4 are kitted out with a trio of buttons: on/off on the left earcup; voice assistant management and ANC/Transparency controls on the fitting earcup (there is a 2.5mm jack subsequent to those for wired listening). The buttons are small and fairly shut collectively, however this avoids them getting in the way in which of an in any other case clear aesthetic.
Higher than the bodily buttons, and a private choice of mine, is the touch-based controls. You’ll be able to flip these off within the app in the event you do not want to use them, or discover unintended contact a problem, however for me they’re firmly set to on. A simple faucet on the fitting earcup can flip the amount up or down, whereas a swipe can skip by way of tracks in a playlist. I liked this in my previous Bose 700 Headphones and was unhappy the Bose QC Extremely Headphones dropped the characteristic – so hurrah to Philips.
Philips Fidelio L4 evaluate: Options & Efficiency
(Picture credit score: Future / Mike Lowe)
The Philips Fidelio L4 home loads of options, most of that are simply accessible and visual throughout the Philips Headphones app. There’s an in depth record of highlights: from LDAC enabling (for Hello-Res high quality), to auto-play/pause, these contact controls, a Spatial Audio sound enhancer, ANC ‘Noise Management Settings’ adjustment, even entry to the consumer guide and a quick-start information that can assist you when working into problem.
The efficiency of the L4 does depend upon quite a lot of components although: particularly you may wish to have ANC switched on for probably the most engaged listening expertise. It simply brings the bass up a contact and makes every little thing really feel such as you’re extra a part of the music. If issues are nonetheless too light-weight then a complete six-band equaliser means you’ll be able to modify the sound profile as you want (or choose from pre-sets as an alternative).
The ANC could be very efficient at cancelling out exterior sounds when it is energetic. Nonetheless, I discover its ‘Consciousness’ possibility thins the sound, irrelevant of the five-level Transparency slider’s place throughout the app – for me that is one to keep away from because it additionally sounds overprocessed. In whole silence the ANC can also be ‘fizzy’ and audible, so you’ll be able to hear that these headphones are keenly processing always (maybe overly eager – as I’ve had higher experiences on planes, for instance, with the Bose possibility (I took each long-haul to Los Angeles and the Philips did not win that combat in testing)).
(Picture credit score: Philips / Future)
Get every little thing setup proper – by which I imply good ear place, ANC set to ‘Customized’ and ‘Max’, Spatial Audio switched on for further enhancement to any monitor, and the EQ tweaked to your style choice – and the Fidelio L4 sound is totally epic. Heat, burbling bass, tightness but crispness all spherical, and an adeptness at dealing with any musical style it’s possible you’ll want to throw its method. I have been very impressed by the listening high quality potential, that is for certain.
Nonetheless, there’s one irksome ‘however’ that I’ve discovered again and again – intermittently and unpredictably – is with connectivity points. I’ve had Bluetooth disconnects while strolling (auto-on/off sensor taking part in up?). I’ve had others while static on planes (an excessive amount of surrounding interference?). That is from a number of sources and it is the one factor holding these cans again from a full rating.
Philips Fidelio L4 evaluate: Verdict
(Picture credit score: Future / Mike Lowe)
In the event you’re in search of a pair of energetic noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones with stacks of options and extremely achieved sound then the Philips Fidelio L4 clearly maintain their very own towards the important thing competitors.
Nonetheless, I’ve skilled some irritating disconnection points, whereas the bodily scale of those over-ears is not going to swimsuit all – I’ve discovered at-home use is by far my choice, the place the consolation and sound have confirmed indulgent.
Additionally take into account
In order for you a equally large-scale product then the earlier era Fidelio L3 mannequin will prevent triple figures. Alternatively there’s the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wi-fi at the same worth with excellent battery life and ANC as well. Or, once more nice for at-home, is the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 – now at a fantastic worth as a result of the S2e mannequin has hit the retailers.
For extra travel-adept headphones, nonetheless, I would advocate contemplating the smaller and lighter Sony WH-1000XM5 as a fantastic possibility or, higher nonetheless, the Bose QuietComfort Extremely Headphones – it is simply that the latter particularly are of big expense by comparability (however price it in the event you’re on the go so much).
