Philips is a name your grandparents trusted, likely for a television or maybe a sturdy coffee maker. But in the TWS earbud war, they are just another general, hoping to capture the $30-$50 battlefield. Enter the Philips TAT2169: a set of true wireless earbuds that prove that Philips, knows how to manufacture a plastic object that gets the job done.
These aren’t their premium Fidelio line; these are the workhorses destined for airport convenience stores and student backpacks. The question, as always: are they worth the bare minimum cash you’re willing to part with?
1. Audio Joy Index
The packaging promises “HIFI Sound Quality” from the 13mm drivers, which is the kind of marketing copy that makes us deeply suspicious. And rightly so.
The sound is not bad, which is the highest praise you can usually give a budget earbud. It’s clean, functional, and perfectly tailored for the mediocrity of talk radio and the compressed chaos of streaming playlists. Trying to push bass through these is like trying to push a minivan on a bicycle path—it simply wasn’t designed for it. The highs are tinny and the soundstage feels cramped. This low score reflects the profound lack of emotional resonance—it delivers sound, but it strips away all the “joy.”
Score: 2/5 (Almost entirely absent)
2. Charging Negligence Score
The Philips TAT2169 keeps things grounded in reality, delivering up to 6.5 hours in the buds and about 30 hours total with the charging case.
This is a respectable score for this price bracket and means you can realistically ignore the charger for three or four days, even with heavy use. It’s not the battery life of the gods, but it’s a solid, average performance that successfully avoids causing any charging anxiety. You won’t feel pressured to check the battery percentage every 30 minutes, and that’s a win.
Score: 3/5 (Good for the forgetful)
3. Pocket Presence Factor
If you’re worried about walking around looking like you have two golf tees sticking out of your head, the TAT2169 is surprisingly agreeable. The design is ultra-light (a mere 3g per bud) and features a minimalist “short-handle” form factor.
Crucially, these are a “semi-in-ear” design, meaning they sit more comfortably in the ear’s outer cup rather than plunging aggressively into the canal. This makes them significantly more comfortable for long periods than most bulky silicone-tipped competitors. They tuck away neatly and the case is pocket-friendly, earning them a high score for not drawing unnecessary, embarrassing attention.
Score: 4/5 (Extremely discreet)
4. Control Usability Score
Like most touch-controlled budget buds, the TAT2169 treats music playback less like a controlled process and more like a game of chance.
You get a standard set of touch controls, tap to answer calls, double-tap for play/pause, etc. However, the surface area is small, the responsiveness is inconsistent, and the specific touch sequences required for volume control are frustratingly complex. Expect misfires, unintended track skips, and several moments where you yell at the small plastic item in your ear. It functions, but it forces you to slow down and concentrate, which defeats the purpose of wireless freedom.
Score: 2/5 (A tap lottery)
5. The Wireless Commitment Meter (4/5 – The new standard)
The TAT2169 is running on the latest Bluetooth 5.4, which is a fantastic indicator of stability and low latency (great for mobile gaming). The connection held firm across a crowded office floor, and re-pairing when pulled from the case was instantaneous.
Score: 4/5 (The new standard)
Should you buy it? Yes, if you prioritize comfort and discretion over earth-shattering audio. It’s a reliable, lightweight choice that quietly gets the job done without demanding a premium price or much attention. It’s Philips: predictably, reliably… fine.
