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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize convenience and seamless integration with Apple devices, the AirPods (2nd generation) would be a suitable choice, offering easy connectivity and a simple user interface but at a higher cost. On the other hand, if audio fidelity and sound isolation are your main concerns, consider the Etymotic ER2SE; they provide an exceptional audio experience and superior noise isolation due to their in-ear design but may lack the wireless freedom and additional features, such as touch controls and automatic pairing, provided by the AirPods. Additionally, AirPods offer the benefit of a built-in microphone for calls, which might be a deciding factor if you make a lot of voice calls or attend virtual meetings. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
- Good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Etymotic ER2SE
- Very good for music
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
5.8
8.8
The Etymotic ER2SE is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
6.2
The Etymotic ER2SE is only fair for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
6.9
4.9
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the Etymotic ER2SE is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
7.6
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Etymotic ER2SE is good.
TV and Video
5.4
7.8
The Etymotic ER2SE is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
9.1
The Etymotic ER2SE is excellent for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Etymotic ER2SE does not have a battery.
Cost
$89
$100
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the Etymotic ER2SE costs $100.
Build Quality
7.6
9.0
The Etymotic ER2SE has excellent build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Etymotic ER2SE compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Etymotic ER2SE |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Etymotic | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | February 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 6.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 4.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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Etymotic ER2SE
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Sound Guys
Lily Katz | April 2022
"Etymotic isn’t playing around: it takes audio seriously and has mastered the art of the noise-isolation earphone. Sure, the fit of the earbuds looks silly but it’s a signature Etymotic thing and could be considered charming by some. If you’re looking for best-in-class audio for a realistic price, the ER2SE is it."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Etymotic ER2SE
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About Etymotic
Etymotic Research is an American based research, development and manufacturing company founded in 1983. They invented the first insert earphones that were used for the diagnosis and research of hearing loss and other auditory disorders. They went on to pioneer the market of high fidelity, isolating, in-ear earphones.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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