Best Headphones

Head to head · for music listening

Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO vs Philips SHP9500

More people recommend the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO overall (75 vs 51). None of the 10 comments that name both says outright which one to buy, so read the loves and complaints and decide by taste.

Comments naming both
10
Say they own both
2
Choose the DT 990 PRO
0
Choose the SHP9500
0

Counted across 7 review videos, harvested Sep 2026. A comment counts as a choice only when it says so in plain words (prefer X over Y, upgraded from Y to X); questions never count. Quotes are whole sentences of 12 words or fewer, linked to where they were said. How we count.

At a glance the better number on each row is highlighted
Beyerdynamic DT 990 PROPhilips SHP9500
Typical price$200$80cheaper
Overall rank#8higher#14
People who recommend it75more51
Say they own it112more58
Mentions775more491
Typeopen-back wiredopen-back wired
Known forOpen-backBass and trebleBuilt to lastFirst open-backSpaceNo amp
Best forBig, spacious sound on a budget for people who like sparkle and do not mind an amp.First open-back headphone for someone who wants space and clarity on a tight budget.
BuyAmazon · $200DirectAmazon · $80

#8 overall

Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO (250 ohm)

2 of the 10 comments naming both come from people who say they own this one.

What owners love

  • Wide, open soundstage with sharp imaging; owners who came from gaming headsets call it a revelation
  • Very comfortable velour pads; owners keep them for 5-7 years
  • Built like the DT 770 and repairable: pads, headband and cable are replaceable

The complaints

  • The treble: bright to sharp, the most repeated complaint of any Beyer; some EQ it down
  • Bass is present but not deep
  • 250 ohm version wants an amp; the Pro X or 80 ohm editions are easier to drive
  • US service and repair experiences are poor

In their words

#14 overall

Philips SHP9500

3 of the 10 comments naming both come from people who say they own this one.

What owners love

  • The go-to open-back under $100 for years; wide, spacious sound
  • One AudioKarma owner says it gets close to the Sennheiser HD 58X for a third of the price
  • Comfortable and light; detachable cable

The complaints

  • Bass is light; several people call it weak in the low end
  • Treble can be a little sharp for some
  • Big, plain plastic build with large L/R markings

In their words

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