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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're after an over-ear design with active noise cancellation for an immersive listening experience, the Apple Airpods Max are better, though much pricier. They also have an integrated microphone for calls. However, for a more budget-friendly option with exceptional sound isolation and precision, the Etymotic ER2SE earbuds are a great choice, especially if you prefer a compact, in-ear design. Keep in mind that the Airpods Max have more features and are built for convenience, while the ER2SE focuses on delivering high-quality audio in a no-frills package. 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 Max
- Excellent 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
7.3
8.8
The Etymotic ER2SE is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods Max is good.
Gaming
5.5
6.2
The Etymotic ER2SE is only fair for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Max is poor.
Phone Calls
6.6
4.9
The Apple Airpods Max is only fair for phone calls, while the Etymotic ER2SE is poor.
TV and Video
5.7
7.8
The Etymotic ER2SE is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Max is poor.
Noise Reduction
10.0
9.1
The Apple Airpods Max is best in class for noise reduction, while the Etymotic ER2SE is excellent.
Battery
21.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods Max has 21 hours of battery life. The Etymotic ER2SE does not have a battery.
Cost
$549
$100
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Max has a price of $549 and the Etymotic ER2SE costs $100.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.0
7.6
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods Max to be very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Etymotic ER2SE is good.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods Max and Etymotic ER2SE both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Max and the Etymotic ER2SE compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Max | Etymotic ER2SE |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$549 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Etymotic | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2020 | February 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.4/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.6/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 6.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 4.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 21 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 10/10 | 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 | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 385.5 Grams | 4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Max
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Adam Molina | July 2023
"Objectively, the AirPods Max is a spectacular pair of headphones. I appreciate the smart features like auto-pause and the transparency mode are super practical. It also sounds great, is well-built, and has solid battery life."
Etymotic ER2SE
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Dig into reviews and images
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 Max 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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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.
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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