A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
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 overall sound quality and are notably less expensive, suitable for a tight budget. They are on-ear and may not be as comfortable for long periods compared to in-ear models, but they score well in usability for music. However, they don't isolate noise as well as the Etymotic ER4XR, which excels in noise isolation and provides an above-average soundstage, offering a more immersive experience for critical listening. The ER4XR earbuds also have a detachable cable that can be more durable over time. If you travel often or are in noisy environments, the ER4XR's superior noise isolation may be a significant advantage. 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 ER4XR.
Advantages of the Etymotic ER4XR
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Noise Reduction
5.3
9.1
The Etymotic ER4XR is excellent for noise reduction, while the Beats EP is poor.
Cost
$100
$234
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Beats EP has a price of $100 and the Etymotic ER4XR costs $234.
Build Quality
8.0
9.0
The Etymotic ER4XR has excellent build quality, while the Beats EP has very good build quality.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Headphones
Find your new headphones
Key similarities
Music
8.1
8.0
The Beats EP and Etymotic ER4XR are both very good for music.
Gaming
6.3
6.2
The Beats EP and Etymotic ER4XR are both only fair for gaming.
Phone Calls
4.2
4.7
The Etymotic ER4XR and Beats EP are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
7.3
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Etymotic ER4XR to be good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats EP is only fair.
TV and Video
7.6
7.4
The Beats EP and Etymotic ER4XR are both good for TV and video.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Beats EP and the Etymotic ER4XR compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats EP | Etymotic ER4XR |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $234 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Etymotic | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2018 | June 1, 2016 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.3/10 | 4.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 6.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 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 | 8/10 | 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
See more
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 ER4XR
See more
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 Beats EP or the Etymotic ER4XR
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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
FAQs
FAQs about earbuds and headphones
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.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
128,600
Recommendations made
19,290
Consumer hours saved
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.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
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.
Luis Torres
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.
Featured in
