Reviewing the Philips SHQ3200/28 ActionFit sports earhook headphones here. These have replaced the SHQ3000 headset that we were so fond of back in 2012. But nothing lost in this latest update.
Philips Earhook Sports Headphones Intro
These earhook phones seem to perform just as well as their SH3000/28 predecessor. But they may have more durable materials. They may use more state-of-the-art acoustics and sound design. And the earhook might be slightly more flexible and easier to adjust. Otherwise, these look and feel very much like the earlier models.
The Flexible Earhook
Indeed, Philips continued their Sports ActionFit tradition when they developed these Philips SHQ3200/28 Action Fit Sports Earhook Headphones. These in-canal earphones not only sound much better than offerings from other series, but like the SHQ3000, these also feature flexible earhooks that comfortably grip around your ears, to stubbornly hold the earbuds at the optimal position in the ear, through even the most strenuous sports-related activities and exercises. These sports action buds feature greater high fidelity sound due to these closed-back earbuds. But they left the hallmark durability and ruggedness in this sweat proof, virtually waterproof, and washable model.
The Earhook Carries the Cord
Unlike some of the other earhook earbuds \tested, these Philips SHQ3200s seem more stable. Why? Because they route the audio cable around the ear, just like the other Actionfit earbuds. It does not just hang loose fro the bottom of each speaker. E.g. They use the earhook itself as a cord router. So, the cord exits at the far end of the earhook, not at the bottom of the ear speaker. So tugs on the cord are far less likely to yank the speaker out of your ear.
The earhook here is a hollow, flexible tube, through which they route the cable from the ear speaker. It runs around the outer ear, and then leaves the hook at the bottom. This makes accidentally pulling the earbud off of your ear harder. So getting tangled up in the cord won’t stop your music while you work out. This allows the Kevlar-coated cord to leave the earbud from behind the ear, not from the front. So you have the added restraining that your ear lobe can provide. This system better secures the earbuds to your ears.
Benefits, Features, Pros, and Advantages of the Philips SHQ3200/28 Earhook Headphones
Travel Case
There’s also a black carrying pouch to put your sports earbuds in when not in use.
Nice, Long Cords
You get just over four feet of long-lasting audio cable.
These Philips Earhook Headphones Come with Improved Kevlar Cable and Connector
There’s a 3.5mm gold-plated TRRS (tip, ring, ring, sleeve) connector. Plus, you get a super flexible audio cable that resists the wearing rigors of working out.
Sweat Proof and Washable
But do not submerse these earbuds in very deep water for very long. Yes, they do fight sweat and light rain. But they likely would not hold up under water for very long.
Full Sound with Lots of Bass
Frequency response: 15 – 22,000 Hz. Sensitivity: 102 DB. Maximum power input: 20 milliwatts. Impedance: 16 ohms.
Excellent Strain Relief on these Philips Earhook Headphones
Find this at all cable exit points.
These Philips Earhook Headphones are Comfy
Stability, high fidelity sound, and great fit accurately describe the SHQ3000s. Very lightweight, at just eight grams.
Very low Cord Microphonics
Sound and vibrations do not easily get into to the earbuds from along the audio cable. So you won’t hear it as much, if you bump the cable around.
Reflective Stopper
There’s a highly visible decal where the cords from the left and right speakers merge into one (at the Y). This allows vehicle drivers and pedestrians to better see you when you’re out at night, jogging and jamming.
Included Instructions Sheet
How to change the ear tips is clearly illustrated in the included instructions.
Anti Microbial Ear Pads on Philips Earhook Headphones
Three sizes of anti-microbial ear tips included.
Stay in Ear During Exercise
Snugly fit and stability are hallmarks of this earphone set. for equipment that’s to be used during rigorous physical exercise.
Endure Most Workout Places Well
Work well in both indoor and outdoor exercising. Not affected by high humidity.
Less Cord Snagging
The earhook ensures that those cable snags will not miss-align the ear drivers so much. This way you won’t have have to so often readjust them to maintain the best sound. So, once you put these earhook headphones on, they indeed stay in place until you remove them. Why? Because in this design, the outer ear absorbs much of the pulling, via the earhook, before it reaches the bud.
Moderate Noise Isolation for Safety on the Philips Earhook Headphones
These phones block outside noises very little. So you get more safety while riding or jogging along busy streets.
Stereo Channels Marked on Each Earbud
They mark each headphone on the black part closest to the speaker near the earhook, with a red letter. This shows either left (L) or right (R) channel.
Almost Flat Frequency Response
Not overdone on the bass, and plenty of clear-sounding treble
Catchy Colors on Philips Earhook Headphones
The SHQ3200/28 we bought has a bright orange cable with black-backed driver units. They have orange strain relievers and jack body, orange anti-microbial ear tips, and black stripes on the earhooks.
Compatible with Most Apple Players, iPads, and iPhones
An effective, high-performing accessory for iPod and iPod Touch media players.
In-bed Listening
Comfortable to listen to in bed, no matter what your head position is on your pillow. But don’t wear these if you’re a restless sleeper. You might break off one of the earhooks.
These Philips Earhook Headphones are Nearly Waterproof
These earbuds might not withstand sustained deep water dunking. But you can run the earpieces under a sink water stream to wash them, and they’ll still work just fine.
Good Price
We found the SHQ32000/28 for around $25. For that cost, we’re very impressed with the decent construction and sound.
Disadvantages, Cons, Drawbacks, Limitations, and Problems with the Philips SHQ3200/28 Earhook Headphones
Earbuds Must Go Into the Correct Ear
The left and right earbuds are not interchangeable. So you can put them in backwards. E.g. Right bud into left ear, and left bud into right ear. Do that, and they neither fit as well, sound as good, nor are as comfortable.
Hard to Insert into Ear
A bit harder to put on than earbuds that do not include earhooks. The hooks often become tangled up with the ear pieces of eyeglasses.
Not Very Loud
Volume output is a bit lower than the average of other earphones we’ve tested.
Some Audio Spillage from this Philips Earhook Headphones Set
So avoid playing these too loudly on trains, planes, and busses. Don’t force other passengers to hear your music as well.
No Mic, Volume, or Pause Play Buttons
No microphone or remote control in this model. However, as these are designed for sports applications, we expect that a remote at least, would get little use. Since such remotes tend to feature very small buttons, it’d be hard to work them while exercising.
Our Rating on These Philips Earhook Headphones
We rate the SHQ3200/28 earhook sports phones at 95 out of 100. They’re durable, sound pretty good for a pair of workout earbuds, and are affordable at roughly $30 retail. Other companies should follow Philips’ example, and utilize the high-quality construction attributes in these earbuds into their own products. Even non-sports earbuds could benefit from the hearty construction techniques found herein. So we recommend these to sports enthusiasts and audiophiles alike.
Where to Buy the Philips SHQ3200/28 Action Fit Earhook Sports Headphones
We got ours at Amazon. But you can find them at CVS, eBay, and other larger online stores and outlets. Look for them in the red, white, and blue box, and the clear plastic inner packaging. A window on the front shows off the headphones and some of the accessories inside.
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