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  1. Home
  2. Headphones
  3. Compare

Philips SHP9500 vs Superlux HD 681

Which Headphones Are Better?

    Top
    Main Differences
    Sound
      Sound ProfileFrequency Response ConsistencyRaw Frequency ResponseBass Profile: Target ComplianceMid-Range Profile: Target ComplianceTreble Profile: Target CompliancePeaks/DipsStereo MismatchCumulative Spectral DecayPRTFHarmonic DistortionElectrical AspectsTest Settings
    Design
      StyleComfortControlsPortabilityCaseBuild QualityStabilityHeadshots 1Headshots 2TopIn The Box
    Isolation
      Noise Isolation - Full RangeNoise Isolation - Common ScenariosNoise Isolation - Voice HandlingANC Wind HandlingLeakage
    Microphone
      Microphone StyleRecording QualityNoise Handling
    Active Features
      BatteryApp Support
    Connectivity
      Wired ConnectionBluetooth ConnectionWireless Connection (Dongle)PC CompatibilityPlayStation CompatibilityXbox Compatibility
    Comments

Products

Philips SHP9500
Superlux HD 681

Tested using Methodology v2.3

Updated Oct 23, 2026 03:44 PM

SEE PRICE
Walmart.com

Tested using Methodology v2.3

Updated Jun 17, 2026 07:07 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon
Philips SHP9500 Picture

Track

Superlux HD 681 Picture

Track

TypeOver-ear
Noise CancellingNo
EnclosureOpen-Back
Bass Amount
Underemphasized (-6 dB)
WirelessNo
Treble Amount
Balanced (0 dB)
MicNo
Sound Signature
Flat
TypeOver-ear
Noise CancellingNo
EnclosureSemi-Open
Bass Amount
Underemphasized (-4 dB)
WirelessNo
Treble Amount
Emphasized (2 dB)
MicNo
Sound Signature
Bright
  1. Recommended in 8 articles:
  2. Wired
  3. Music
  4. Budget And Cheap
  5. 5

Our Verdict

Philips SHP9500

Superlux HD 681

The Philips SHP9500 are somewhat better for neutral sound than the Superlux HD 681. The Philips are more comfortable, more breathable open-back headphones with a considerably better build. Sound is perceived as much more open and spacious as well. They share a similar sound profile that features balanced and articulate mids at the expense of bass extension and an overly bright treble range.

GIFT THIS COMPARISON

0 

Variants

  • SHP9500 (Black)
  • HD 681

Review

See Philips SHP9500 Review
See Superlux HD 681 Review
19 
6 

Check Price

Black
SHP9500
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Standard
HD 681
SEE PRICE
Amazon
Black
SHP9500
SEE PRICE
Amazon
Standard
HD 681
SEE PRICE
B&H
Black
SHP9500
SEARCH
B&H
Standard
HD 681
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
SHP9500
SEARCH
BestBuy.com
Standard
HD 681
SEARCH
BestBuy.com
Black
SHP9500
SEARCH
Philips
Standard
HD 681
SEARCH
Staples.com
Black
SHP9500
SEARCH
Staples.com
 

Main Differences for
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Full Comparison

Sound

Sound Profile 
 

Sound Profile  

Philips SHP9500 Sound Profile Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Superlux HD 681 Sound Profile Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Normalization Frequency 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

Bass Amount 
 

Locked
Locked

Treble Amount 
 

Locked
Locked

Sound Signature 
 

Locked
Locked

Frequency Response Consistency 
 

N/A
N/A

Consistency L  

Philips SHP9500 Consistency L Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Superlux HD 681 Consistency L Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Consistency R  

Philips SHP9500 Consistency R Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Superlux HD 681 Consistency R Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Std. Deviation 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Raw Frequency Response 
 

Raw FR L  

Philips SHP9500 Raw FR L Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Superlux HD 681 Raw FR L Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Raw FR R  

Philips SHP9500 Raw FR R Sample

SAMPLE

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Superlux HD 681 Raw FR R Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Bass Profile: Target Compliance 
 

N/A
N/A

Bass Profile: Target Compliance  

Philips SHP9500 Bass Profile: Target Compliance Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Superlux HD 681 Bass Profile: Target Compliance Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

RMS Deviation From Target 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

Low Bass 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid Bass 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

High Bass 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid-Range Profile: Target Compliance 
 

N/A
N/A

Mid-Range Profile: Target Compliance  

Philips SHP9500 Mid-Range Profile: Target Compliance Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Superlux HD 681 Mid-Range Profile: Target Compliance Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

RMS Deviation From Target 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low Mid 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid-Mid 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

High Mid 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Treble Profile: Target Compliance 
 

N/A
N/A

Treble Profile: Target Compliance  

Philips SHP9500 Treble Profile: Target Compliance Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Superlux HD 681 Treble Profile: Target Compliance Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

RMS Deviation From Target 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low Treble 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid Treble 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

High Treble 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Peaks/Dips 
 

N/A
N/A

Peaks/Dips Graph 
 

Philips SHP9500 Peaks/Dips Graph Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Superlux HD 681 Peaks/Dips Graph Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Peaks 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Dips 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Stereo Mismatch 
 

N/A
N/A

Frequency Response Mismatch  

Philips SHP9500 Frequency Response Mismatch Sample

SAMPLE

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Superlux HD 681 Frequency Response Mismatch Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Phase Response Mismatch  

Philips SHP9500 Phase Response Mismatch Sample

SAMPLE

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Superlux HD 681 Phase Response Mismatch Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Weighted Amplitude Mismatch 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Weighted Frequency Response Mismatch 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Weighted Phase Mismatch 
 

Lock°
Lock°

PRTF 
 

N/A
N/A

PRTF  

Philips SHP9500 PRTF Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Superlux HD 681 PRTF Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

PRTF Accuracy (RMS Deviation) 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

PRTF Size (Avg.) 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

PRTF Distance 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Harmonic Distortion 
 

N/A
N/A

Harmonics Levels  

Philips SHP9500 Harmonics Levels Sample

SAMPLE

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Superlux HD 681 Harmonics Levels Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

THD Ratio  

Philips SHP9500 THD Ratio Sample

SAMPLE

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Superlux HD 681 THD Ratio Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

WHD @ 94 dB SPL 
 

Lock%
Lock%

WHD @ 104 dB SPL 
 

Lock%
Lock%

Electrical Aspects 
 

Impedance  

Philips SHP9500 Impedance Sample

SAMPLE

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Superlux HD 681 Impedance Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Sensitivity @1kHz-1V 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

Bluetooth Max SPL 
 

N/A
N/A

Test Settings 
 

Firmware 
 

Locked
Locked

Power 
 

Locked
Locked

Connection 
 

Locked
Locked

Codec 
 

Locked
Locked

Test Instrument  

Locked
Locked

EQ 
 

Locked
Locked

ANC 
 

Locked
Locked

Tip/Pad 
 

Locked
Locked

Microphone 
 

Locked
Locked
Design

Style  

Design Picture 2  

Philips SHP9500 Design Picture 2 Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Superlux HD 681 Design Picture 2 Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Type  

Locked
Locked

Enclosure  

Locked
Locked

Wireless  

Locked
Locked

Transducer  

Locked
Locked

Comfort 
 

N/A
N/A

Comfort Picture  

Philips SHP9500 Comfort Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Superlux HD 681 Comfort Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Weight  

Lock lbs
Lock lbs

Clamping Force 
 

Lock lbs
Lock lbs

Controls 
 

N/A
N/A

Controls Picture  

Philips SHP9500 Controls Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Superlux HD 681 Controls Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

OS Compatibility 
 

Locked
Locked

Ease Of Use  

Locked
Locked

Feedback  

Locked
Locked

Call/Music Control  

Locked
Locked

Volume Control  

Locked
Locked

Microphone Control  

Locked
Locked

Channel Mixing 
 

Locked
Locked

Noise Cancelling Control  

Locked
Locked

Talk-Through 
 

Locked
Locked

Additional Controls  

Locked
Locked

Portability 
 

N/A
N/A

Portability Picture  

Philips SHP9500 Portability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Superlux HD 681 Portability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

L  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

W  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

H  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Volume  

Lock in³ (Lock cm³)
Lock in³ (Lock cm³)

Transmitter Required  

Locked
Locked

Case 
 

N/A
N/A

Case Picture  

Philips SHP9500 Case Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Superlux HD 681 Case Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Type  

Locked
Locked

L  

N/A
N/A

W  

N/A
N/A

H  

N/A
N/A

Volume  

N/A
N/A

Build Quality 
 

N/A
N/A

Build Quality Picture  

Philips SHP9500 Build Quality Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Superlux HD 681 Build Quality Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Stability 
 

N/A
N/A

Stability Picture  

Philips SHP9500 Stability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Superlux HD 681 Stability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Headshots 1  

Angled Picture  

Philips SHP9500 Angled Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Superlux HD 681 Angled Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Side Picture  

Philips SHP9500 Side Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Superlux HD 681 Side Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Headshots 2  

Front Picture  

Philips SHP9500 Front Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Superlux HD 681 Front Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Rear Picture  

Philips SHP9500 Rear Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Superlux HD 681 Rear Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Top  

Top Picture  

Philips SHP9500 Top Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Superlux HD 681 Top Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

In The Box  

In The Box Picture  

Philips SHP9500 In The Box Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Superlux HD 681 In The Box Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Isolation

Noise Isolation - Full Range 
 

N/A
N/A

Noise Isolation - Full Range Graph  

Philips SHP9500 Noise Isolation - Full Range Graph Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Superlux HD 681 Noise Isolation - Full Range Graph Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Noise Cancelling  

Locked
Locked

Overall Attenuation 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Bass 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Treble 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios 
 

N/A
N/A

Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios Graph  

Philips SHP9500 Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios Graph Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Superlux HD 681 Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios Graph Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Airplane Noise Attenuation 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Airplane Noise Isolation Audio 
 

Join Now
Join Now

Office Noise Attenuation 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Office Noise Isolation Audio 
 

Join Now
Join Now

Street Noise Attenuation 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Street Noise Isolation Audio 
 

Join Now
Join Now

Noise Isolation - Voice Handling 
 

Female Voice 1 
 

Join Now
Join Now

Male Voice 1 
 

Join Now
Join Now

Female Voice 2 
 

Join Now
Join Now

Male Voice 2 
 

Join Now
Join Now

ANC Wind Handling 
 

ANC Wind Handling Graph  

Philips SHP9500 ANC Wind Handling Graph Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Superlux HD 681 ANC Wind Handling Graph Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

ANC Wind Noise 
 

Join Now
Join Now

Leakage 
 

N/A
N/A

Leakage  

Philips SHP9500 Leakage Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Superlux HD 681 Leakage Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Leakage Audio 
 

Join Now
Join Now

Overall Leakage @ 1ft 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Microphone

Microphone Style 
 

Integrated 
 

Locked
Locked

In-Line 
 

Locked
Locked

Boom 
 

Locked
Locked

Detachable Boom 
 

Locked
Locked

Mic  

Locked
Locked

Recording Quality 
 

N/A
N/A

Microphone Frequency Response  

Philips SHP9500 Microphone Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Superlux HD 681 Microphone Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Recorded Speech 
 

Join Now
Join Now

LFE 
 

N/A
N/A

FR Std. Dev. 
 

N/A
N/A

HFE 
 

N/A
N/A

Weighted THD 
 

N/A
N/A

Gain 
 

N/A
N/A

Noise Handling 
 

N/A
N/A

SpNR  

Philips SHP9500 SpNR Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Superlux HD 681 SpNR Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

SpNR 
 

N/A
N/A

Noise Gate 
 

Locked
Locked

Speech + Pink Noise Handling 
 

N/A
N/A

Speech + Pink Noise Audio Sample  

Join Now
Join Now

Speech + Subway Noise Handling 
 

N/A
N/A

Speech + Subway Noise Audio Sample  

Join Now
Join Now
Active Features

Battery 
 

N/A
N/A

Battery Type 
 

Locked
Locked

Continuous Battery Life 
 

N/A
N/A

Additional Charges 
 

N/A
N/A

Total Battery Life 
 

N/A
N/A

Charge Time 
 

N/A
N/A

Power-Saving Feature 
 

Locked
Locked

Audio While Charging 
 

Locked
Locked

Passive Playback 
 

Locked
Locked

Charging Port  

Locked
Locked

App Support 
 

N/A
N/A

App Picture  

Philips SHP9500 App Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Superlux HD 681 App Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

App Name  

Locked
Locked

iOS  

Locked
Locked

Android  

Locked
Locked

macOS  

Locked
Locked

Windows  

Locked
Locked

Equalizer 
 

Locked
Locked

ANC Control 
 

Locked
Locked

Mic Control  

Locked
Locked

Playback Control 
 

Locked
Locked

Button Mapping  

Locked
Locked

Virtual Surround 
 

Locked
Locked
Connectivity

Wired Connection 
 

N/A
N/A

Cable Picture  

Philips SHP9500 Cable Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Superlux HD 681 Cable Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Analog Audio 
 

Locked
Locked

USB Audio 
 

Locked
Locked

Detachable 
 

Locked
Locked

Length 
 

Lock ft (Lock m)
Lock ft (Lock m)

Connector 
 

Locked
Locked

Latency - Analog 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

Latency - USB 
 

N/A
N/A

Recorded Latency 
 

Join Now
Join Now

Recorded Latency Connection  

Locked
Locked

Bluetooth Connection 
 

N/A
N/A

Bluetooth Version 
 

Locked
Locked

Multi-Device Pairing 
 

Locked
Locked

Quick Pair (Android) 
 

Locked
Locked

Quick Pair (iOS) 
 

Locked
Locked

Latency - SBC 
 

N/A
N/A

Latency - aptX Adaptive (High Quality) 
 

N/A
N/A

Latency - aptX Adaptive (Low Latency) 
 

N/A
N/A

Latency - LDAC 
 

N/A
N/A

Recorded Latency 
 

Join Now
Join Now

Recorded Latency Codec  

Locked
Locked

AAC Support 
 

Locked
Locked

Wireless Connection (Dongle) 
 

N/A
N/A

Line Of Sight Range 
 

N/A
N/A

Latency - Dongle 
 

N/A
N/A

Recorded Latency 
 

Join Now
Join Now

PC Compatibility 
 

Analog 
 

Locked
Locked

Wired USB 
 

Locked
Locked

Non-BT Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

PlayStation Compatibility 
 

PS5 Analog 
 

Locked
Locked

PS5 Wired USB 
 

Locked
Locked

PS5 Non-BT Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

Xbox Compatibility 
 

Xbox Series X|S Analog 
 

Locked
Locked

Xbox Series X|S Wired USB 
 

Locked
Locked

Xbox Series X|S Non-BT Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

Check Price

Black
SHP9500
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Standard
HD 681
SEE PRICE
Amazon
Black
SHP9500
SEE PRICE
Amazon
Standard
HD 681
SEE PRICE
B&H
Black
SHP9500
SEARCH
B&H
Standard
HD 681
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
SHP9500
SEARCH
BestBuy.com
Standard
HD 681
SEARCH
BestBuy.com
Black
SHP9500
SEARCH
Philips
Standard
HD 681
SEARCH
Staples.com
Black
SHP9500
SEARCH
Staples.com
 
Back to Top

Philips SHP9500

Superlux HD 681

Comments

  1. Comparison
 • Posted 2 years ago

Philips SHP9500 vs Superlux HD 681: Main Discussion

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