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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're frequently on the move and prefer convenience, the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) would be a good choice as they offer easy connectivity with other Apple devices, a comfortable fit for many users, and hands-free "Hey Siri" voice activation. However, if you're an audiophile seeking superior sound accuracy and noise isolation, then the Etymotic ER4XR may be a better option, delivering high-fidelity audio and a deep in-ear fit that effectively blocks external noise. Keep in mind that while AirPods are more user-friendly with touch controls and a wireless charging case, the Etymotic earbuds need a secure fit to perform best, which might require some trial and error with the different ear tips provided. And while the AirPods have an open design with no noise cancellation, the Etymotic ER4XR offers a higher level of passive noise isolation due to its in-ear design. 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 (3rd generation)
- Good for phone calls
- Good for exercise
- Very 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
7.1
8.0
The Etymotic ER4XR is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good.
Gaming
5.4
6.2
The Etymotic ER4XR is only fair for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
7.6
4.7
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the Etymotic ER4XR is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
7.3
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Etymotic ER4XR is good.
TV and Video
5.5
7.4
The Etymotic ER4XR is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
9.1
The Etymotic ER4XR is excellent for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Etymotic ER4XR does not have a battery.
Cost
$178
$234
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $178 and the Etymotic ER4XR costs $234.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Etymotic ER4XR both have excellent build quality.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Etymotic ER4XR compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Etymotic ER4XR |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$178 | $234 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Etymotic | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | June 1, 2016 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 4.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 6.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 4.1/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 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 | Yes | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
Etymotic ER4XR
See more
Dig into reviews and images
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."
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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.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
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.
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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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