Philips TAA5508 Wireless Earbuds: noise cancelling, battery and fit

The Philips TAA5508 (model A5508) is a pair of true wireless earbuds built for workouts and commuting. Philips pairs adaptive noise cancellation with a sweat- and rain-resistant body and a charging case that extends playback to around a day.

Noise cancellation and Awareness Mode

Active noise cancellation uses microphones to pick up outside sound and play an opposing signal, which reduces steady noise such as engines and fans. Philips says the TAA5508 adapts to the surroundings and also handles wind. Tapping an earbud switches on Awareness Mode, which lets outside sound in so you can hear traffic or announcements. Results vary with fit and environment.

Sound and calls

The earbuds use 8 mm drivers. Philips describes the tuning as energetic, with deep bass and crisp highs. An AI microphone is meant to filter background noise on calls. The Philips headphones app adds an equalizer so you can adjust the sound to your taste.

Battery life

Philips quotes up to 28 hours of playback, which it puts at more than 560 songs. It's typical for that total to include charges from the case, so check how much comes from the earbuds alone. A five-minute charge gives an extra hour of listening, according to the brand.

Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint

Bluetooth 5.3 is the connection version, and Philips says it supports a stable link. Multipoint means the earbuds connect to two devices at the same time, for example a phone and a wearable, so you can listen to music and still receive notifications from the second device. Behaviour when switching between devices depends on the devices themselves.

Fit, water resistance and controls

The silicone ear tips are textured for grip, even with sweaty hands, and the earbuds are light. IPX5 water resistance means they withstand water jets in testing, which in practice covers sweat and rain but not swimming or submersion. Touch controls answer calls, pause music and activate your voice assistant. The case measures about 5.1 x 4.3 x 2.0 inches (packed) and the product weighs about 0.2 lb.

Who it suits

It suits runners, gym-goers and commuters who want noise reduction with an option to hear their surroundings, and those who switch between a phone and another Bluetooth device.

What to check before you buy

• Fit: try the supplied tip sizes, because a good seal affects both noise cancellation and bass.
• Device support: confirm your phone supports Bluetooth 5.3 features and the app.
• Awareness: when exercising outdoors, use Awareness Mode and follow local rules about headphones near traffic.
• Water: IPX5 is not waterproof for swimming; rinse and dry as the manual advises.
• Battery: check the quoted playback with noise cancellation on and off.
• Controls: learn the touch gestures before you run.

The short version

• True wireless sport earbuds with adaptive noise cancellation and Awareness Mode.
• 8 mm drivers, AI microphone and an app equalizer.
• Up to 28 hours of playback; five minutes of charging gives an extra hour.
• Bluetooth 5.3, two-device multipoint, IPX5 resistance.

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