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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you value convenience and versatility, the Apple AirPods Pro might be the better choice since they are wireless, have active noise cancelling, and are optimized for Apple devices which allows for easy pairing and use with Siri. They are sweatproof which means they're suitable for exercise, and their carry case is significantly smaller, making them highly portable. On the other hand, the Etymotic ER4XR offer a higher sound quality for music listening and better noise isolation, but lack a built-in microphone, which makes them less suitable for calls. They have a cable, which some might find limiting, and their larger earbud carry size makes them less portable. They also don't offer active noise cancelling, but their superior passive noise isolation can compensate for this in quiet environments. 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 ER4XR
- Very good for music
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
6.8
8.0
The Etymotic ER4XR is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods Pro is only fair.
Gaming
5.1
6.2
The Etymotic ER4XR is only fair for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Phone Calls
7.4
4.7
The Apple Airpods Pro is good for phone calls, while the Etymotic ER4XR is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.3
7.3
The Apple Airpods Pro is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Etymotic ER4XR is good.
TV and Video
5.7
7.4
The Etymotic ER4XR 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 ER4XR does not have a battery.
Cost
$250
$290
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Pro has a price of $250 and the Etymotic ER4XR costs $290.
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Key similarities
Noise Reduction
9.1
9.1
The Apple Airpods Pro and Etymotic ER4XR are both excellent for noise reduction.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods Pro and Etymotic ER4XR both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Pro and the Etymotic ER4XR compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Pro | Etymotic ER4XR |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$250 | $290 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Etymotic | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2019 | June 1, 2016 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.4/10 | 4.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.2/10 | 6.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.7/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.1/10 | 4.1/10 | |
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 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 Pro 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.
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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