Philips open-ear sports headphones: affordable, but not a top model
28/5/2025
Translation: machine translated
Pictures: Siri Schubert
If you are looking for an inexpensive pair of open-ear sports headphones, the red and black model from Philips might be something for you. However, your expectations should not be too high.
I've been a fan ever since I tried the first open-ear headphones. Thanks to them, I can listen to music while jogging, cycling and hiking and still be aware of my surroundings.
In addition to bone-sound headphones, so-called open-ear headphones are becoming increasingly popular. They are like small speakers that hang on your ear and play the sound directly into your ear canal.
Unlike earbuds, the ear canal remains open so that you can still hear ambient noise. I particularly appreciate being able to hear approaching cars or birdsong when jogging or cycling.
Like Shokz, Bose, Sony and others, Philips has also launched sports headphones with an open-ear design. They are cheaper than many competing products.
Catchy design, connection problems and less than perfect fit
At first glance, I like the headphones with their black and red look, which for me has something of a race car vibe. Too eye-catching for everyday use, but suitable for sport. However, the charging case is quite large compared to others such as those from Bose. You can't just put them in your (running) trouser pocket.
The headphones and case look well made. The fact that the app can be accessed via QR code from the lid is another plus. However, the connection with the iPhone doesn't work straight away. I initially had to disconnect the Bluetooth connection twice because only one earphone had connected and then reconnect until I could hear something in both ears. I also lose the connection when running in the forest and have to reconnect the headphones manually.
I also have problems with the fit. The headphones don't sit securely over the ear canal. Of course, every ear is different, but a colleague also feels that the headphones are too loose and irritating over the ear.
Biggest drawback: I can clearly feel them all the time. If I wear them for a longer period of time, for example during a 90-minute run, the pressure in my ear becomes very uncomfortable.
When I want to adjust the headphones, I inevitably touch the touchpad, which allows me to adjust the volume and jump between songs. The same happens when I brush an unruly strand of hair behind my ear.
Tiresome control via the touchpad
If you've read some of my reviews, you'll have an idea of what's coming next. Exactly: the touchpads. I'm not convinced by this control method for sports headphones. I lack fine motor skills when I'm moving - for example when running. Stopping every time I want to change the volume is also annoying.
Other manufacturers such as Shokz or Bose rely on physical buttons for the newer models of their open-ear sports headphones. I would have liked to see the same with the Philips headphones.
Good battery life and mediocre sound
In terms of battery life, the Philips headphones with the bulky model name «TAA6709» can keep up well with others. You can use the headphones for up to seven hours at medium volume. If you put them in the charging case, you have a further 21 hours of listening time.
The headphones also have a quick-charging function. If you forget to charge them, five minutes in the case is enough for an hour of music, podcasts or audio books.
Compared to other open-ear headphones, I'm not convinced by the sound of the Philips headphones. They sound too thin for my taste and the bass leaves a lot to be desired.
Weak bass is a typical problem with open-ear headphones. However, the competition has improved in this area in recent months. Other - admittedly more expensive models - offer a much more powerful and balanced sound. Of course, the open-ear headphones can't compete with in-ear headphones due to their design alone, but even in the open-ear category, Philips still has room for improvement.
The sound can be customised in the app. After boosting the bass and mids and turning down the treble, I like the sound a little better. It's a matter of taste and habit to some extent, but I'm still not really impressed.
On the other hand, I can hear the ambient noise well. I can hear individual cars and bicycles approaching early on and the sound of the stream and birdsong also reach my eardrums. However, the headphones reach their limits on busy roads. This is the case with most open-ear headphones and is not a problem for me. After all, for safety reasons, it's more important to me in such situations to be aware of the traffic than to enjoy the music.
The IP55-rated headphones are protected against splash water and dust. They can easily withstand a downpour or heavy sweating.
Special features: the running light and relaxation sounds in the app
The Philips headphones offer a few features that are specially designed for sports and relaxation afterwards. One is the red light on both headphones, which you can switch on and off or set to flashing mode via the app. It is designed to give you additional safety at dusk and in the dark. If your headlamp does not have a red rear light, this can be useful.
I find the relaxation sounds in the app less useful. They seem arbitrary (birdsong, air bubbles under water and the beeping of an echo sounder) and offer nothing that the wealth of nature sounds on the internet can't provide. This makes me wonder why Philips has integrated this feature into the app.
In a nutshell
Entry-level model for moderate requirements
The Philips TAA6709 open-ear headphones are comparatively inexpensive, but you have to lower your expectations when it comes to sound. The bass is weak and the mids could also be fuller. The fit is not ideal for my ears and unfortunately the headphones can only be adjusted inadequately so that they pinch. I find touch control unsuitable for sports headphones, I miss physical buttons here. The initial difficulties with connecting and the loss of connection when jogging also have a negative impact.
I like the sporty colour scheme and the headphones also score highly in terms of battery life. However, at 8.5 x 6 x 2.5 centimetres, the charging case is too large to easily stow in your trouser pocket. The integrated running light can increase your safety and the IP55 rating shows that the headphones are protected in the rain and on dusty field paths.
If you're looking for an affordable open-ear model that covers the basics, the Philips TAA6709 headphones might be for you. If you're looking for greater comfort and a better sound experience, you're probably better off with sports headphones from Shokz or Bose.
Pro
- Long battery life and quick-charging function
- Integrated running light for greater safety
- Protected against dust and splash water
- Cheaper than other open-ear models
Contra
- Unbalanced sound without powerful bass
- Fit is not ideal for everyone
- Touchpad unsuitable for jogging
- does not connect reliably to the iPhone
Header image: Siri Schubert
Siri Schubert
Senior Editor
Siri.Schubert@digitecgalaxus.chResearch diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.
