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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're seeking excellent sound quality and isolation from external noise, the Etymotic ER2SE may suit you well, but keep in mind they're less comfortable for extended use and lack a built-in microphone, making them less convenient for calls. On the other hand, the Apple Earpods are a budget-friendly choice that offer good sound quality and higher comfort for everyday use. They come with an in-line mic, which is great for calls, and are designed to work seamlessly with other Apple devices. However, they do not isolate sound as effectively as the Etymotic earbuds and are an open-back design, which might not be suitable if you're looking for privacy in your listening experience or use in noisy 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 Earpods
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
Advantages of the Etymotic ER2SE
- Very good for music
Key differences
Music
7.8
8.8
The Etymotic ER2SE is very good for music, while the Apple Earpods is good.
Gaming
8.3
6.2
The Apple Earpods is very good for gaming, while the Etymotic ER2SE is only fair.
Phone Calls
8.0
4.9
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Etymotic ER2SE is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
9.1
The Etymotic ER2SE is excellent for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Cost
$20
$100
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Etymotic ER2SE costs $100.
Build Quality
7.6
9.0
The Etymotic ER2SE has excellent build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
7.6
The Etymotic ER2SE and Apple Earpods are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
7.4
7.8
The Etymotic ER2SE and Apple Earpods are both good for TV and video.
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How the Apple Earpods and the Etymotic ER2SE compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | Etymotic ER2SE |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Etymotic | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | February 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 6.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 4.2/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple Earpods
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Dig into reviews and images
CNN Underscored
Michael Andronico | May 2023
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
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 Earpods 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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Earbuds and Headphones Expert
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