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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica M50x headphones offer a well-rounded sound quality and are considered versatile for various music genres, but might not be ideal for taking calls or meetings due to the lack of a microphone. They have a larger form factor and may be more comfortable for extended listening sessions. On the other hand, the Etymotic ER4XR earbuds provide superior noise isolation which makes them suitable for travel and noisy environments; however, they may be less comfortable and have a smaller soundstage compared to the M50x. The ER4XR is more portable, but the longer cable and larger carry size could be cumbersome. Both options lack wireless functionality and active noise cancelling, but the M50x's foldable design offers some extra portability. The choice depends on whether you prioritize comfort and sound quality over portability and noise isolation. 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 M50x
- Good for air travel
Advantages of the Etymotic ER4XR
- The Etymotic ER4XR has no clear advantages over the Audio Technica M50x.
Key differences
Music
8.5
8.0
The Audio Technica M50x and Etymotic ER4XR are both very good for music, though the Audio Technica M50x is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
5.3
9.1
The Etymotic ER4XR is excellent for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
Cost
$149
$234
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $149 and the Etymotic ER4XR costs $234.
Build Quality
8.5
9.0
The Etymotic ER4XR has excellent build quality, while the Audio Technica M50x has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
6.3
6.2
The Audio Technica M50x and Etymotic ER4XR are both only fair for gaming.
Phone Calls
4.4
4.7
The Etymotic ER4XR and Audio Technica M50x are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
7.3
The Etymotic ER4XR and Audio Technica M50x are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
7.8
7.4
The Audio Technica M50x and Etymotic ER4XR are both good for TV and video.
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How the Audio Technica M50x and the Etymotic ER4XR compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica M50x | Etymotic ER4XR |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $234 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Etymotic | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2007 | June 1, 2016 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 4.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 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 | 5.3/10 | 9.1/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.3/10 | 6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 294.8 Grams | 4 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audio Technica M50x
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | October 2022
"Good sound is timeless. It doesn’t matter that a number of years have passed since the ATH-M50x came out because it still works well. Since this wired headset doesn’t rely on batteries or Bluetooth technology, it’s bound to outlast its wireless counterparts. The no-nonsense performance, fit, and comfort of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x make it worth picking up."
Etymotic ER4XR
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Dig into reviews and images
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 M50x 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
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.
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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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