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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica ATH M30X headphones are somewhat less expensive and have a better soundstage, making them suitable for a more immersive music experience with decent noise isolation. They are over-ear and wired, offering comfort and a longer cable for flexibility of movement. In contrast, the Etymotic ER2SE earbuds offer superior noise isolation and overall sound quality, especially for music, despite being somewhat more expensive. They have a stemless design and come with a detachable cable. However, they might be less comfortable for long periods due to their ear-fitting 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 Audio Technica ATH M30X
- Good for air travel
Advantages of the Etymotic ER2SE
- Very good for music
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.6
8.8
The Etymotic ER2SE is very good for music, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is good.
Phone Calls
4.3
4.9
The Etymotic ER2SE and Audio Technica ATH M30X are both poor for phone calls, though the Etymotic ER2SE is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9
7.6
The Etymotic ER2SE is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
Noise Reduction
6.0
9.1
The Etymotic ER2SE is excellent for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
Cost
$89
$100
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $89 and the Etymotic ER2SE costs $100.
Build Quality
7.2
9.0
The Etymotic ER2SE has excellent build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
6.6
6.2
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and Etymotic ER2SE are both only fair for gaming.
TV and Video
7.9
7.8
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and Etymotic ER2SE are both good for TV and video.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M30X and the Etymotic ER2SE compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M30X | Etymotic ER2SE |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Etymotic | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | February 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.7/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.6/10 | 6.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4.2/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.2/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.4/10 | 6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 220 Grams | 4 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M30X
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Dig into reviews and images
Soundguys
Jasper Lastoria | August 2023
"The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x is a great choice for anybody that needs a decent set of over-ear studio monitors. While the frequency response is not totally spot on, it works for basically every situation reasonably well. The sound quality and reasonably good comfort promote its candidacy as a great pick for $69 USD."
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 Audio Technica ATH M30X or the Etymotic ER2SE
About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
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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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
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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
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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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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