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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Choosing the Audio Technica ATH M30X will give you a generally higher sound quality and a wider soundstage, beneficial for an immersive music listening experience, plus they are considerably more affordable. However, the Etymotic ER4XR offers superior noise isolation, a smaller, more portable form factor, and a detachable cable, which might be preferable for travel or loud environments. The ER4XR's build quality is also rated higher, meaning they could be more durable over time. If you're watching TV, gaming, or involved in calls and meetings, the ATH M30X provides a more suitable experience, whereas for music, the ER4XR has a slight edge. Choose the ATH M30X for broad usage and a tighter budget or the ER4XR for high noise isolation and portability at a higher 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 Audio Technica ATH M30X
- Good for air travel
Advantages of the Etymotic ER4XR
- Very good for music
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
TV and Video
7.9
7.4
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and Etymotic ER4XR are both good for TV and video, though the Audio Technica ATH M30X is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
6.0
9.1
The Etymotic ER4XR is excellent for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
Cost
$89
$234
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $89 and the Etymotic ER4XR costs $234.
Build Quality
7.2
9.0
The Etymotic ER4XR has excellent build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.6
8.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Etymotic ER4XR to be very good for music, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is good.
Gaming
6.6
6.2
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and Etymotic ER4XR are both only fair for gaming.
Phone Calls
4.3
4.7
The Etymotic ER4XR and Audio Technica ATH M30X are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9
7.3
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Etymotic ER4XR to be good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X is only fair.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M30X and the Etymotic ER4XR compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M30X | Etymotic ER4XR |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $234 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Etymotic | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | June 1, 2016 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.7/10 | 8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 4.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.6/10 | 6.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4.1/10 | |
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 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 Audio Technica ATH M30X or the Etymotic ER4XR
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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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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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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