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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you're seeking the highest build quality with a premium feel and wireless convenience, the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX might be the right choice; they also support active noise cancelling, making them better suited for noisy environments and air travel but come at a premium price. They offer a wide soundstage, are comfortable, and are equipped with features like an app equalizer and aptX Adaptive codec for higher quality sound over Bluetooth. Conversely, if budget is a concern, the Etymotic ER2SE could be a better pick. While they have excellent noise isolation and sound quality, they lack wireless functionality and active noise cancellation, and some might find them less comfortable for extended periods. They're wired with a detachable cable which could appeal to audiophiles preferring a wired connection for fidelity or those concerned about battery life. 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 Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX
- Excellent for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Very good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
Advantages of the Etymotic ER2SE
- Very good for music
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.9
8.8
The Etymotic ER2SE is very good for music, while the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is good.
Gaming
9.3
6.2
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is excellent for gaming, while the Etymotic ER2SE is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.1
7.6
The Etymotic ER2SE is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is only fair.
TV and Video
8.9
7.8
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is very good for TV and video, while the Etymotic ER2SE is good.
Noise Reduction
8.3
9.1
The Etymotic ER2SE is excellent for noise reduction, while the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX is very good.
Battery
6.5 Hours
N/A
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Etymotic ER2SE does not have a battery.
Cost
$399
$100
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX has a price of $399 and the Etymotic ER2SE costs $100.
Build Quality
10.0
9.0
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX has best in class build quality, while the Etymotic ER2SE has excellent build quality.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
5.3
4.9
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX and Etymotic ER2SE are both poor for phone calls.
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How the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX and the Etymotic ER2SE compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX | Etymotic ER2SE |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$399 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bang and Olufsen | Etymotic | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | February 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.4/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 9.3/10 | 6.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 9/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 9/10 | 4.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6.5 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 22 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 10/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6 Grams | 4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX
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Dig into reviews and images
Leaf and Core
Danielle | January 2023
"If you’ve wanted truly wireless headphones, but couldn’t pick them up because they sound terrible, these will be the headphones that win you over. If you’re the kind of person who would consider spending $400 on headphones, these are the right truly wireless headphones for you."
Etymotic ER2SE
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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 Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX or the Etymotic ER2SE
About Bang and Olufsen
Bang and Olufsen is an almost century-old electronic goods manufacturer based in Denmark with a very special focus on design. Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen created the first AC radio in 1925 and went on to develop televisions, telephones and, of course, headphones and loudspeakers. Today, they are partnered with several companies, like Audi, BMW and Aston Martin, to provide very high-quality audio solutions.
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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