Finding the best gaming headset often depends on your gaming needs and preferences. The Philips Fidelio X2 and X2HR are a pair of excellent wired, open-back, and high-resolution headphones. In this comparison review, we shall look at their differences to determine which reigns supreme.
In the past, gamers were limited to only a few high-quality gaming accessories on the market. Luckily, there have been significant advancements in the gaming industry that have allowed numerous brands to manufacture various premium quality products to cater to a gaming enthusiast’s varied needs. Among these brands is Philips, which has produced some of the most popular gaming headphones available on the market. Here is a comparison between two of its best wired open-back headsets, Philips Fidelio X2 vs. X2HR.
What Are The Differences Between Philips Fidelio X2 And X2HR?
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Design/Look:
Both of these headsets look exactly the same as they are available in black and feature a lightweight design. They come with a sturdy and durable leather headband and mesh open-back ear cups with a generous amount of soft foam material and velour pads for optimum comfort. These headsets also have a detachable 3m cable and clip for added flexibility when in use.
Build Quality:
The Philips Fidelio X2 and X2HR feature a solid construction as they consist of a mix of metal and high-grade plastic. The headband contains steel tubes wrapped with real leather, while the ear cups are made from smooth and robust plastic, and their outside has aluminum material. The headband is easily adjustable to fit any head shape and size due to its thick and breathable mesh pad.
Furthermore, the ear pads contain plenty of soft memory foam material covered in velour pads, making them pretty thick and comfortable for use during prolonged gaming sessions. The ear pads are also removable, allowing users to change them whenever necessary.
The only significant difference between the Philips Fidelio X2 and X2HR in terms of build quality is its cable. The Fidelio X2 comes with a 3m detachable and tangle-free cable with 3.5 mm and 6.3 mm adapters, while the Fidelio X2HR has a 3m braided cable with the same adapters.
The Philips Fidelio X2 has better build quality than the Philips Fidelio X2HR due to its tangle-free cable.
Performance/ Sound Quality:
These headsets’ sound quality and performance are impeccable as they have a frequency response range of 5Hz- 40 kHz, a sensitivity rating of 100dB, and an impedance rating of 30 Ohms. They also contain an open-back design that provides plenty of space when delivering sound, making them more ideal for enjoying music rather than analyzing it.
Regardless, the audio delivery is excellent as there is plenty of clarity, detail, and separation. With 50mm angled dynamic drivers, these headsets reproduce plenty of basses, creating a fully immersive listening experience. When playing Fortnite, the gunfire, grenade, and enemies’ footsteps were very clear and accurate, allowing me to take the appropriate steps. I would find myself turning my head frequently because of how realistic the sound felt.
The Philips Fidelio X2 and X2HR deliver a similar sound quality/performance.
Microphone Sound Quality:
Both the Fidelio X2 and X2HR do not come with in-built microphones. However, they come with a detachable cable that allows users to attach a microphone of their preference. For instance, I found that the V-MODA BoomPro microphone was a fantastic option for turning these headphones into a versatile pair of gaming headsets. However, by attaching an external microphone, the sound will leak and pick some of it back up selectively.
The Fidelio X2 and X2HR do not come with a microphone.
Comfort:
In terms of comfort, these headphones are relatively light (0.84 pounds) as they spread their weight evenly across the device. They also come with a self-adjusting headband and replaceable ear pads covered with velour and plenty of soft memory foam material for maximum comfort.
Both the Fidelio X2 and X2HR are very comfortable headphones.
Philips Fidelio X2 vs. X 2 HR – A Comparison Reviews
Philips Fidelio X2 Review:
If you are looking for a pair of comfortable headsets with an eye-pleasing design and exceptional audio quality, the Philips Fidelio X2 is the ideal option. These headphones come with a durable steel headband covered with leather and large and well-padded earcups wrapped in velour. Available in black, they also feature a mesh open-back design and a detachable 3m cable and clip for added versatility when in use.
With a frequency response range of 5 Hz- 40 kHz, these headsets deliver impressive sound quality with warm sound and rich bass. The Fidelio X2 comes with 50mm angled dynamic drivers that reproduce plenty of rich and vibrant bass responses, ideal for experiencing a fully immersive gaming marathon.
- Attractive design
- Solid construction
- Outstanding audio delivery with plenty of basses
- It comes with a tangle-free cable
- It does not have a microphone.
Philips Fidelio X2HR Review:
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is an excellent pair of wired open-back headsets. Thanks to its durable build and large and well-padded ear cups, it offers users plenty of comforts while playing for long hours. Its steel headband automatically adjusts to fit average to large head shapes and sizes, proving a snug yet comfortable fit. The headphone also comes with a 3m detachable cable, which is good enough for walking around the studio or room.
The Fidelio X2HR features a wide frequency response range of 5Hz – 40 kHz, a low impedance of 30 Ohms, and a sensitivity rating of 100dB, making them high-resolution headphones ideal for critical listening. As a result, it delivers incredibly bright and detailed sound with plenty of low-frequency depth that does not overpower the high and midranges. It is also worth noting that this headset comes with 50mm angled dynamic drivers responsible for delivering a strong bass response.
- Durable and lightweight build
- Sleek design
- Well-balanced and powerful sound quality with rich bass and warm sounds
- It comes with a detachable cable
- It does not come with a tangle-free cable.
Final verdict: So, which is better, Philips Fidelio X2 or X2HR?
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is a better headset than the Philips Fidelio X2 due to its new breathable ear pad material.
Both of these headsets are very similar. Generally, there is no acoustic difference between the two as the brand was sold and bought by Gibson, who ended up rebranding the product and giving it a different name, the Fidelio X2HR, which explains why the manufacturer discontinues the Fidelio X2. However,
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Is Philips Audio Fidelio X2HR good for gaming?
Philips Audio Fidelio X2HR is excellent for gaming as it has well-built, provides great comfort, and is perfect for bass-oriented persons.
2. Is Philips Audio Fidelio X2HR good for gaming?
Unfortunately, Philips Fidelio X2HR is a wired-only headphone.
3. Does the Philips Fidelio X2 require a headphone amp?
If you want better audio quality at low and high volume levels, I would recommend using a headphone amp.
4. Does the Philips Fidelio X2HR have glued or removable ear pads?
It comes with removable ear pads.