Philips TAH8000E Review: Future-Proof Features for Under £100

A Budget Noise-Cancelling Headphone with Forward-Thinking Features

Must a good noise-cancelling headphone cost more than £150? The Philips TAH8000E poses this question directly. Currently priced at £119 (November 2025), this over-ear headphone aims to convince with excellent sound and highly effective noise cancellation. Beyond that, it brings two exciting extras that future-proof the headphone. COMPUTER BILD put the Philips TAH8000E through comprehensive testing to discover what makes it special.

Light and Loose Design

The Philips TAH8000E consists largely of plastic, with the head and ear cushions covered in leatherette. The plastic appears well-manufactured. Only the hinge between the ear cup and headband feels slightly wobbly – here one notices where the manufacturer saved costs. At 260 grammes, the over-ear headphone is pleasantly light and sits comfortably on the head.

The clamping force is quite low. Whilst this prevents pressure on the skull, the headphones shift back and forth with significant movement. The ear cushions are comfortable and don't heat up the ears. The headband padding is rather thin, though this doesn't significantly impact comfort during extended wear.

Good Control Implementation

Related Reviews

Nothing Headphone (1) Review

★★★★★ 4.6

For controls, Philips relies on physical buttons. These left a largely positive impression during testing. The playback/volume switch is somewhat too light and thus requires acclimatisation. All important functions can be controlled on the headphone itself. Nevertheless, users should download the free smartphone application "Philips Headphones" (for iOS or Android).

The app displays the TAH8000E's charge level amongst other features, but users can also adjust active noise cancellation or sound. The application is beautifully clear and a useful addition to the headphone's functionality.

Passable Quietness

In the app, noise-cancelling can either be set in levels or adjust itself automatically to the surrounding volume (adaptive). This works thanks to integrated microphones that capture and analyse sounds from the environment. At the same instant, the over-ear's transducers send a sound wave counter to the noise to the user's ears. In the ear canals, a wave superposition occurs where both audio signals cancel each other out. Thus quietness is created.

The Philips makes deep, constant sounds somewhat quieter. Against high and sudden noises, such as chattering fellow passengers on the train, it's powerless. The noise-cancelling is rather average and doesn't match similarly priced competitors like the Sennheiser Accentum Plus Wireless.

The counterpart to noise cancellation is transparency mode: the headphone lets all sounds through. This is practical, for instance, when paying attention to announcements at the airport without removing the TAH8000E.

Warm, But Muffled Sound

Related Reviews

Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro Review: Feature-Rich Earbuds

★★★★☆ 4.0

With sound, the Philips TAH8000E scores more points: it reproduces music pleasantly warm and balanced. Unfortunately, the sound character is rather muffled and the over-ear lacks brilliance. It reproduces voices slightly veiled but otherwise quite cleanly. The bass, conversely, has proper power and sufficient substance to reproduce even deep frequency ranges.

Apple users are restricted to the AAC codec, whilst owners of Android players have the option to switch to LDAC. With this codec, the Philips reproduces music as losslessly as possible. SBC and LC3 are also on board.

USB-C Audio: A Practical Extra

Practically, the TAH8000E also connects via the USB port to the phone or PC. It then simultaneously reproduces music and charges. A special extra reveals itself when music fans open the app, as the test candidate is Auracast-capable (receive only). Thus, for instance, an Auracast transmitter like the charging case of the JBL Tour Pro 3 can relay the audio signal to the Philips over-ear.

A Step Towards Sustainability

From 2027, devices like headphones must possess a replaceable battery according to EU regulation. Philips already implements this with the TAH8000E: behind the left ear cup sits an exchangeable battery. For this, users must release the left ear cup's cover using a flat plastic disc. This worked very easily in testing and doesn't require a degree in electrical engineering.

The battery block itself cracked the 40-hour mark in testing (fully charged and with noise-cancelling activated at the highest level). This is an outstanding value – in this area, the Philips TAH8000E plays right at the front. The equipment is quite decent with a compact plastic case, a USB charging cable, and a jack cable (3.5 millimetres).

Verdict: Future-Proof Features Meet Average Performance

A good noise-cancelling headphone under £100 is no longer a rarity. Nevertheless, the Philips TAH8000E manages to stand out with several aspects. These include the replaceable battery, USB playback, and receiving Auracast signals. This makes it one of the most advanced models in its price class.

It scores points with pleasant wearing comfort and simple operation. It also performs well with sound. The reproduction is pleasantly warm, though also muffled. Small weaknesses are revealed with noise-cancelling. In the end, the TAH8000E nevertheless delivers a good price-performance ratio. The competition with the same price and better sound doesn't sleep, however.

Who Should Buy the Philips TAH8000E?

Perfect for:

• Budget-conscious buyers seeking future-proof features
• Users who value battery replaceability and sustainability
• Android users who can benefit from LDAC codec support
• Those needing extremely long battery life (40+ hours)
• Commuters requiring basic noise cancellation

Consider alternatives if:

• You demand premium noise-cancelling performance
• Sound clarity and brilliance are top priorities
• You need maximum stability during active movement
• You're seeking the absolute best sound quality in this price range

The Philips TAH8000E represents a compelling choice for those who prioritise longevity, sustainability, and forward-thinking features over absolute audio perfection. Its replaceable battery alone sets it apart in an industry moving towards right-to-repair compliance.