Philips products offer genuine value across audio and personal care categories, though they work best for specific use cases rather than as premium-tier purchases. The brand excels at practical, no-nonsense design—reliable rather than cutting-edge—making their range worth considering if you prioritise function over brand prestige.
Why Philips?
Philips has manufactured consumer electronics since 1891, building a reputation for durable, accessible products rather than luxury positioning. The company specialises in three core areas: personal health (electric toothbrushes, shavers), audio (headphones, speakers), and home appliances. What sets them apart is engineering simplicity—fewer gimmicks, more straightforward specs—and consistent warranty support across their range. They're particularly strong in oral care, where Sonicare is the market-leading electric toothbrush brand by clinical adoption.
Top Picks
Philips Sonicare 3100 (HX3671/14) — £44.96
Best for everyday dental care without unnecessary extras. This is the standout pick if you want proven plaque removal without paying for premium features you won't use. The Sonicare 3100 uses 31,000 brush strokes per minute—clinical evidence shows this frequency reduces plaque more effectively than manual brushing—and delivers results in the mid-range price tier. Two-minute timer ensures you brush for dentist-recommended duration. Battery lasts three weeks between charges. Black finish is understated and travel-friendly.
Philips TAH5205 Compact Fold — £32.50
Best for commuters and casual listeners on a budget. The folding design makes these genuinely pocket-sized (smaller than most competitors in this price range), and 29 hours of battery life means you'll charge them roughly monthly for average use. 40mm drivers deliver acceptable bass boost for the price point—adequate for podcasts, audiobooks, and everyday music, though not audiophile-grade. Lightweight at under 200g, they won't fatigue your neck on long journeys.
Philips Portable Bluetooth Speaker — £19.99
Best for outdoor use where durability matters more than audio fidelity. IPX7 waterproof rating means it survives full submersion for 30 minutes—genuinely useful for garden use, poolside, or beach outings. 2.5W output is modest but sufficient for small rooms or outdoor gatherings within 10 metres. Eight-hour battery covers a full day trip. USB Type-C charging is standard-issue convenience. Mono sound (single speaker) limits stereo staging, so use this for background music, not critical listening.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------|-------|----------|------------------| | Sonicare 3100 | £44.96 | Daily dental care | 31,000 strokes/min, clinically proven plaque removal | | TAH5205 | £32.50 | Commuting, travel | 29-hour battery, folds compact | | Portable Speaker | £19.99 | Outdoor, poolside | IPX7 waterproof, 8-hour play time |
What to Look For
- Battery endurance: The TAH5205's 29 hours and speaker's 8 hours are realistic for typical daily use. Check real-world figures, not theoretical maximums—Philips publishes conservative estimates that usually hold up.
- IPX waterproofing ratings: The speaker's IPX7 rating means submersion to 1 metre for 30 minutes maximum. IPX5 (splash-resistant) isn't enough for pool use; IPX7+ is necessary if water exposure is likely.
- Brush stroke frequency: For electric toothbrushes, 31,000 strokes per minute (Sonicare 3100) is the threshold where clinical trials show measurable improvement over manual brushing. Below 20,000 and results decline noticeably.
- Foldability and portability: The TAH5205's under-200g weight and folding hinge matter if you travel weekly. Fixed headphones add 50-100g and take up backpack space; folding saves both.
The Bottom Line
The Philips Sonicare 3100 at £44.96 is the clear standout—it's the only product here backed by clinical evidence and offers genuine value against premium competitors costing twice as much. Pair it with the TAH5205 headphones (£32.50) if you need portable audio for commuting. The budget speaker is worth buying only if outdoor durability and water resistance are must-haves; otherwise, skip it for a better-sounding alternative at the same price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philips good value for money?
Yes, particularly for the Sonicare 3100 and TAH5205, which undercut competitors by 20-30% without sacrificing core functionality. Philips prioritises practical engineering over marketing spend, which translates to lower prices without hidden compromises. Their warranty coverage is also industry-standard (two years on most products), adding genuine value.
How long does the Sonicare 3100 battery last between charges?
The battery lasts approximately three weeks of twice-daily brushing (two minutes per session). Real-world longevity depends on usage frequency—once daily extends it to five weeks. A full charge takes three to four hours via the included USB cable. It won't last as long as manual brushes (which need no charging), but the consistency is reliable across multiple units.
Can you use Philips headphones for sport and gym?
The TAH5205 is not designed for active use—they're over-ear fold-compact models without ear-hook stabilisation, so they'll slip during running or high-impact exercise. If you need sport headphones, Philips makes dedicated models with ear wings and sweat resistance (check the Philips Action Fit range separately). The portable speaker, however, is fine for stationary gym sessions if you want background music.
Are Philips products compatible with all devices?
Yes. The TAH5205 and portable speaker use standard Bluetooth 5.0 (compatible with any smartphone, tablet, or laptop from the last five years). The Sonicare 3100 uses a proprietary charger but works independently—no app or smartphone pairing required. All three products function fully offline without requiring account creation or software downloads.
