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Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Beats EP headphones offer a good balance of quality and comfort for everyday use, though their overall sound quality is rated lower than the Etymotic ER2SE. However, the on-ear design of the Beats may appeal to those who find traditional in-ear monitors like the Etymotic uncomfortable for long periods. Neither option has a built-in microphone or controls, so consider that for calls or convenience. 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 Beats EP
- The Beats EP has no clear advantages over the Etymotic ER2SE.
Advantages of the Etymotic ER2SE
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.1
8.8
The Etymotic ER2SE and Beats EP are both very good for music, though the Etymotic ER2SE is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
4.2
4.9
The Etymotic ER2SE and Beats EP are both poor for phone calls, though the Etymotic ER2SE is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
7.6
The Etymotic ER2SE is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats EP is only fair.
Noise Reduction
5.3
9.1
The Etymotic ER2SE is excellent for noise reduction, while the Beats EP is poor.
Build Quality
8.0
9.0
The Etymotic ER2SE has excellent build quality, while the Beats EP has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
6.3
6.2
The Beats EP and Etymotic ER2SE are both only fair for gaming.
TV and Video
7.6
7.8
The Etymotic ER2SE and Beats EP are both good for TV and video.
Cost
$100
$100
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Beats EP has a price of $100 and the Etymotic ER2SE costs $100.
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How the Beats EP and the Etymotic ER2SE compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats EP | Etymotic ER2SE |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Etymotic | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2018 | 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 | 4.3/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 6.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 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 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 226.7 Grams | 4 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Beats EP
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonecheck
Ulf Kaiser | 2015
"With the EP model, Beats delivers a stylish headphone with cable connection and hands-free functionality that should please consumers seeking a balanced sound for playback on mobile devices."
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 Beats EP or the Etymotic ER2SE
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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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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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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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