Philips TAE2146WT/00

The Philips TAE2146WT/00 is a basic wired USB-C earbud with a mic. Sound and comfort are below average, but it's cheap and gets the job done for calls. Only worth it if you find the EUR 13 listing and only need something simple.

The 32Ω drivers deliver Philips' standard sound signature, which our data places in the 29th percentile. That means clear enough for calls and podcasts, but don't expect much low-end punch or detail. The in-ear seal helps block some outside noise, though the ANC score sits at a mediocre 31st percentile, so it's passive isolation at best. The integrated mic lands at the 40th percentile, fine for quick calls but nothing you'd want for a work meeting. Connectivity is the real weak spot at the 13th percentile, which makes sense given the USB-C-only design. If your device lacks that port, you're out of luck without a dongle.

Stacked against the Nothing Buds 2, Soundcore P31i, or Anker Space A40, the Philips TAE2146WT/00 gets lapped. Those competitors offer wireless convenience, better sound, and actual ANC. The Baseus Bass BP1 Pro and TOZO Crystal Pods also beat it on comfort and build. The Philips only wins if you specifically need a wired USB-C connection and want to spend as little as possible. It's a niche play, not a contender.

Pricing is all over the place depending on where you shop. In Europe, listings range from EUR 13 to EUR 20 across DE, ES, FR, and IT. That's a EUR 7 spread for the exact same earbuds. If you're buying in Europe, hunt for the EUR 13 listing and skip the EUR 20 one. At the low end, it's a reasonable throw-in for a laptop bag. At the high end, you're paying too much for what you get.

The Philips TAE2146WT/00 is a wired USB-C earbud that keeps things simple. No app, no Bluetooth pairing, no charging case. You plug it in and it works. That's the pitch, and for the right person, it's enough.

But our database is not impressed with the fundamentals. Sound, comfort, and build all land in the bottom third of earbuds we've tracked. The 4.3-star customer rating suggests real buyers are more forgiving than our benchmarks, but the scores tell a story of a basic accessory, not a hidden gem.

Skip these if you need anything beyond basic wired audio. No 3.5mm jack, no wireless, no real noise isolation, and comfort scores in the bottom third. If you listen to music for more than an hour at a time or want earbuds that survive a gym bag, spend a bit more on the Soundcore P31i or TOZO Crystal Pods.

Buy this if you need a cheap, wired USB-C headset for calls and casual listening on a laptop or tablet. It's fine for that. If you care about music quality, comfort during long sessions, or using it with anything that lacks USB-C, keep looking. This is a utility purchase, not an upgrade.