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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica ATH M40X offer an impressive sound quality and soundstage, making them ideal for music and TV where a broad and immersive experience is sought. However, they're not as practical for exercise or travel due to their size and lower portability. In comparison, the Etymotic ER2SE provide excellent noise isolation and are more suited for environments where you want to block out background noise, like during air travel or in loud places. They are less comfortable for extended periods, but their small size makes them more portable. Both lack a built-in microphone, so you should consider separate solutions for calls and meetings. If you prioritize tops in music listening and a more expansive sound, the Audio Technica headphones are the way to go, whereas for superior noise isolation and portability, the Etymotic earbuds are the better choice. 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 M40X
- Good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for air travel
Advantages of the Etymotic ER2SE
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.1
8.8
The Etymotic ER2SE and Audio Technica ATH M40X are both very good for music, though the Etymotic ER2SE is somewhat better.
Gaming
7.0
6.2
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is good for gaming, while the Etymotic ER2SE is only fair.
Phone Calls
3.3
4.9
The Etymotic ER2SE and Audio Technica ATH M40X are both poor for phone calls, though the Etymotic ER2SE is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.1
7.6
The Etymotic ER2SE is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.
TV and Video
8.7
7.8
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good for TV and video, while the Etymotic ER2SE is good.
Noise Reduction
5.3
9.1
The Etymotic ER2SE is excellent for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.
Build Quality
8.2
9.0
The Etymotic ER2SE has excellent build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Cost
$99
$100
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Audio Technica ATH M40X has a price of $99 and the Etymotic ER2SE costs $100.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M40X and the Etymotic ER2SE compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M40X | Etymotic ER2SE |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$99 | $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 | 8.1/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 3.3/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.1/10 | 6.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.8/10 | 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 | 5.3/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.2/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 245 Grams | 4 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M40X
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Dig into reviews and images
Soundguys
Lily Katz | August 2023
"If you were to pick one headset to fill all of your needs, the ATH-M40x is a great buy with its sub-$100 price tag, pleasant sound quality, and accessories. Whether you need to use it for live monitoring, a midnight editing session, or to underscore a campus walk, the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a great companion."
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 M40X 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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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
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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