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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you frequently take calls or use voice commands, prefer the convenience of wireless technology, and are looking for a more affordable option that still provides good sound quality, the Apple AirPods (2nd generation) would be a solid choice for you. They are designed for easy pairing with Apple devices, fit comfortably, and their case offers additional battery life for extended use. On the other hand, if you are an audiophile seeking the best audio fidelity and superior noise isolation, and don't mind the premium price and use of a wired connection, the Etymotic ER4XR earbuds may be more suitable. They excel in delivering detailed sound with a higher degree of passive noise isolation, which is ideal for focused listening sessions and environments where you want to block out external noise. However, keep in mind that the Etymotic earbuds may not be as portable as the AirPods due to their larger carrying size, and they lack microphone capabilities, which limits their use for calls and voice commands. 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 ER4XR
- Very good for music
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
5.8
8.0
The Etymotic ER4XR is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
6.2
The Etymotic ER4XR is only fair for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
6.9
4.7
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the Etymotic ER4XR is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
7.3
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Etymotic ER4XR is good.
TV and Video
5.4
7.4
The Etymotic ER4XR is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
9.1
The Etymotic ER4XR 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 ER4XR does not have a battery.
Cost
$89
$234
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the Etymotic ER4XR costs $234.
Build Quality
7.6
9.0
The Etymotic ER4XR 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 ER4XR compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Etymotic ER4XR |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $234 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Etymotic | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | June 1, 2016 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 4.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 6.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 4.1/10 | |
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 ER4XR
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What HiFi?
What HiFi? | May 2015
"The Etymotic ER4XRs' top qualities are the detail and definition of the midrange, rewarding the closest listening. While the soundstage is large rather than gigantic, the excellent separation and spatial precision mean you can dive deep into music just as much as when wearing a pair of full-size open-backed headphones."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Etymotic ER4XR
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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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.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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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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