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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple AirPods Pro offer convenient features like wireless charging, active noise cancellation, and are optimized for Apple devices, making them easy to use if you're already within the Apple ecosystem. They also have better built-in controls and are suitable for exercise, as they are sweatproof. The Etymotic ER2SE, on the other hand, delivers higher overall sound quality and is known for superior noise isolation, which can be beneficial for critical listening. However, the ER2SE lacks features like a built-in microphone and controls, making them less versatile for calls or controlling your music on-the-go. If your priority is top-notch sound quality and you don't mind using a wired connection, the ER2SE might be the better choice for you, especially considering the lower price. But if you value convenience, wireless functionality, and features like active noise cancellation, the AirPods Pro are likely worth the extra cost. 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 Pro
- Good for phone calls
- 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
6.8
8.8
The Etymotic ER2SE is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods Pro is only fair.
Gaming
5.1
6.2
The Etymotic ER2SE is only fair for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Phone Calls
7.4
4.9
The Apple Airpods Pro is good for phone calls, while the Etymotic ER2SE is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.3
7.6
The Apple Airpods Pro is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Etymotic ER2SE is good.
TV and Video
5.7
7.8
The Etymotic ER2SE is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Battery
5.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods Pro has 5 hours of battery life. The Etymotic ER2SE does not have a battery.
Cost
$260
$100
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Pro has a price of $260 and the Etymotic ER2SE costs $100.
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Key similarities
Noise Reduction
9.1
9.1
The Apple Airpods Pro and Etymotic ER2SE are both excellent for noise reduction.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods Pro and Etymotic ER2SE both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Pro and the Etymotic ER2SE compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Pro | Etymotic ER2SE |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$260 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Etymotic | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2019 | February 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.4/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.2/10 | 6.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.7/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.1/10 | 4.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | 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 | 8/10 | 6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.4 Grams | 4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Adam Molina | January 2023
"For just $50 USD more than the original model with the wireless charging case, this is definitely the pair of buds to get. The AirPods Pro (1st generation) sounds better than the originals and has a way better fit and active noise canceling to boot. If you have an iOS device, just get this."
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 Pro 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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Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
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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
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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